A Christian's Journal

About Ecclesiastes!

2006-04-08T13:46:00.000-04:00

Knowledge or Wisdom

So I said in my heart, "As it happens to the fool, it also happens to me, and why was I then more wise?" Then I said in my heart, "This also is vanity." For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool! Ecclesiastes. 2:15,16.

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23,24

Pleasure

"All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied" Ecclesiastes. 6:7.

Many people will say, "You only live once, so grab all the pleasure you can get." Solomon tried it. He grabbed for all the pleasures of life; but he realized that all were less fulfilling and didn't taste so great.

Whatever the pleasurable pursuit, the end result is the same--it doesn't give lasting fulfillment.

Work

For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? For all his days are sorrowful and his work grievous; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity Ecclesiastes. 2:22,23.

There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God."For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment without Him? Ecclesiastes. 2:24, 25

Loving

The lesson we can learn in Ecclesiastes is that sharing your love for other is noble, but your love should be primarily be given God to have everlasting significance.

Loving others, as good as it is, falls short of giving the foundation on which to build our lives. We need a reason to love that goes beyond this life, a love that is rooted in the love of God 1 John 4:7--5:3.

As the Scriptures tell us, the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength; and the second great commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. God is primary; others, secondary.

God's Permanent Home!

2006-03-27T10:25:00.000-05:00

Adam and Eve's Folly

Adam was created by God in His image; and God walked with him and Eve in Paradise. Adam's was God's first home.

They were given dominion over all things. But to their folly, they rebelled against God, so God walked out of Adam. Generations upon generations of man are now reaping the consequences of Adam and Eve's sin of rebelion.

A Believer is God's Permanent Home

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;...1 Corinthians 6:19

Now, God is trying redeeming men, so He can have a permanent home again in them.

He lost them through sin, so He devised a plan to restore them as they were. He sent Jesus, His only begotten Son, to be carry sin for all of us. He died and lived, so shall we.

Shall all men be God's permanent home? No, only those who believe in Christ Jesus.

Really Believing Christ!

2006-03-23T12:31:00.000-05:00

Our Text: John 4:46-53

Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.

"Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe."

The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies."

Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live."
[The man took Jesus at his word and departed.] While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour."

Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and all his household believed.

You Must Will and Act to Believe

"The man took Jesus at his word and departed." A verse in our text said. The man, after seeking Jesus attention and having his word of healing for his child, turned toward home. He rested on the word of Christ and was rewarded.

Are you willing to do that? I have almost four years ago and I am being rewarded!

God's Plan for Man Includes Sin

2006-03-20T12:08:00.000-05:00

Predestined to be Holy

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. [For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.] In love he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:3-6 NIV

For God's Glory

There's no mistake what these verses say - that before man was created, God has known that we would sin and suffer its dark consequences. In others words sin has a part in our lives. For what purpose would you ask?

The reason can be gleaned from our text [Ephesians 1:3-6]. The ultimate purpose is "to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."

It's God will that at the Day of our Lord, we, who believe in Christ Jesus, be presented to God the Father as pure and blameless. It is to His pleasure that we be conformed to the image of His Son.

To be sure, the pain, sorrow and suffering that we feel during trials and troubles here on our temporary abode, which is Earth, can only mean that He is shaping and molding us for this ultimate purpose.

Anchors In My Life

2006-03-19T15:30:00.000-05:00

I am on the last leg of reconciling the family to its whole self, and most important to God. This is a tall order nowadays. It entails big character traits, not a small amount of money, as well as, time; and a narrow focus of the goal.

Anchors to Cling to

It's fortunate that almost four years ago, I got to know Christ, the Son of God. He is the source of the three anchors I want to tell you about.

First, God is with me! I had come to believe in Christ; and have committed my whole life [and of the family] to Him. Through Him I was made a son and co-heir of God Almighty. Indeed, my whole life has changed radically with this knowledge and belief.

Freed from guilt of past wrongs, I am empowered [by Christ's Spirit, who lives within me] to live within the limits of God's sovereign and moral will. This is the hardest task a man can do, what with the pull of his fallen nature, evil opposition, and the great and numerous temptation offered by the world we live in.

Second, I am serving God. I believe I am in God's protection because of this fact. Also, I am being equipped [by Him] to handle whatever activity I am tasked with at the moment. The greatest help is that He works all things, good or bad, for my own good. What greater assurance I can get hold of to accomplish the good things I am called to do.

Third, I am God's property. So, I am in His safekeeping. He would not forsake me, not for any cause. I am certain that He has set other Christians and me apart from the unbelieving part of humandkind, for He has a specific purpose for me to do, for His praise and glory.

I Am Certain of Eternal Life

With these three anchors, I am certain I will be perfected and preserved by God till I have accomplished the task of reconciling the family.

Musings: Serving the Lord

2006-03-16T20:31:00.000-05:00

Chances to Witness

At this time, I have a concern that I don't have the chances - to witness to people - that I had hoped or as called for by my present level of spiritual maturity. There are a couple of reasons.

First, we are new migrants in Canada; and being a part of the Asian minority has its inherent disadvantages. The Canadians [and all other Caucasians, for that matter] normally would take almost all you say with a grain of salt.

Second, the utter lack of money completely prevents me from going around, or even entertain at home, even for a small home bible study. You can read in the previous piece, in this journal, I had written that we are in transition; and that we are scraping almost the bottom of our financial resources. In other words we have not really settled in this foreign soil to undertake any witnessing in a grand scale.

Serving the Lord

Excerpt: Hopefully the American players will discover that humility is a virtue and not try and simply cover up these loses with excuses. And this is a good lesson for us all. Whatever we think we have accomplished, we can never sit back on our laurels. Even spiritual highs need to be tempered with reality. The disciples were always arguing over who would be greatest in the kingdom of God and who would get to sit next to Jesus in heaven. Jesus responded by reminding them that they were all servants, and it is always for servants to take the lower place. If God wants to usher us to a higher place, that's up to Him. Our place is last place. That's what we should choose, and in so doing, lift up all those who are ahead of us. (1)

This excerpt, which talked about serving the Lord, encourages me a lot. Indeed, Nora, my wife, and I are serving at the moment my daughter and husband. They are working to make a living while Nora and I stay home to take care, first and foremost, their months old son, and, secondarily, the daily household chores.

It's good that I have time to do my devotion to our Lord; also, get the time, alone, talk with Him and get intimate. Therefore, my spiritual growth is assured and can only bring good things.

Sources: (1) John Fischer at Purpose Driven Life | Published March 15, 2006

Great Blessings Amidst Some Trials!

2006-03-11T09:20:00.000-05:00

I just learned that I am an ambassador of Christ on earth. That's here and there, as I have more glorious blessings to tell. In fact, my whole life seems to have evolved from events, circumstances, and from a mix of good and bad things that were under the workings of God.

Getting the Family Together in a Foreign Land

Since conversion into being a Christ follower almost four years ago, I have had great blessings from Our Lord Jesus, these amidst great or big trials. First, He has started to bring my family back together, which is not the norm for almost all family, which breaks apart as a new generation comes into ascendancy. My married daughter, 32, who is now residing in Canada and working as a nurse has taken my wife and I under her care. It was very timely for Nora, my wife. She has been working abroad for years on end, mainly in the Middle East, also as a nurse; and she has been telling me that age is creeping up on her that she may need to retire.

I, on the other hand, was stuck in a losing business, which I put up upon separation form the company I have last worked. It was forced on me that time - I mean putting up a business - for I was too old to get another job. The family had this business for two and a half years before we were hustled of to Canada. I was just too happy for this new opportunity in a faraway land, escaping the burden of worries of an unsecure financial future, due mainly to lack of work and diminished capacity due to old age.

Back to the family reconciliation. I have another adult child, a boy who is 28 years old, who had not gotten a job since graduating from college. He is presently at our old home country as we left him to mind the business when we left for Canada.

In a way, the family business was advantageous - my boy had a instant job. Although not to his preference, he had the good sense to help me operate it, while looking out for a job to his liking.

Just last week, we had on our hands on the last set of documents needed for him to migrate to Canada, to complete the family reconciliation. All these activities related to our migration is causing us a big sum of money, needless to say. We really had to scrape the bottom of our resources, not to mention embarrassment when we borrowed money from relatives.

Uncertain Future?

Now that we also have sold the business, we are left with whatever my daughter and her husband can provide. And that's for the rest of our lives. Normally, this could be a cause for concern; but I have none whatsoever as I have committed all things to God.

That's the good thing about my conversion to Christ. Without Him in my life, the uncertain future would have really broken my spirit and resolve to move on and live. For example, could I be writing this piece? Without the strength I am getting from Our Lord, I doubt it.

In fact, instead of being defeated by all the negative circumstances, I have more hope, now, than when I had a self-sufficient life before I got called by Christ.

Praised and Glory be to God!

Time Management as a Tool

2006-03-09T11:42:00.000-05:00

Excerpt: What Ben Franklin can teach execs (1)

Let others take the credit, set goals for the workday, and don't drink rum all day. And when your time-management fails, you're still better off for the attempt.

"THE MORNING," it began. "Question: What good shall I do this day?" Then he was to spend 5 through 7 a.m. rising, washing, and eating. More importantly, he was to "Contrive day's business, and take the resolution of the day..." In the evening, after his day's work, he was, among other things, to ask himself, "What good have I done today?"

This emphasis on setting goals for the day ahead and taking stock afterward remains a staple of time-management advice. (At least, so I'm told.) There's clearly something to it: I know that I'm far more likely to accomplish something when I have a well-defined to-do list for the day. But in a work world where conflicting, competing priorities are the norm, it's really hard to stick to such a list. Which is why most of us seldom get around to devising one.

Ben Franklin certainly didn't. As a small-businessman he had to jump at the whims of his customers. Also, his interests were so many that he struggled to keep track them all. "I found myself incorrigible with respect to Order," he admitted in the Autobiography. "But on the whole, tho' I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of attaining, but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavour, a better and happier man ..."

Christians Can Take Lessons

I can take lessons from Ben Franklin.

First, letting others taking credit for something good you have done. I can see the value where you can gain friends, who can help you later with future activities. And the ultimate benefit is to be able to let go of celebrating victory to feed the ego, that one can be able to move on doing other good things.

Second, these are dangerous and precarious times for mankind. Christians need every hour of the day to spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God. So, the time management that Ben Franklin is advocating comes handy.

Third and last, what good attitude to have the feeling of accomplishment - doing several good things as you list them and be happy with some success, although short of perfection.

Source: (1) What Ben Franklin...By Justin Fox, FORTUNE editor-at-large | Published: March 9, 2006:

Coming Home to Roost

2006-02-24T13:35:00.000-05:00

Reaping What You Sow [Excerpt]1

If the administration is in trouble with Congress, it's long overdue. For years now, the White House has stonewalled Congressional committees attempting to carry out their oversight duties. Administration officials appearing before Senate and House committees have given testimony that was, to put it generously, knowingly misleading. Requests for information have been simply waved away with an invocation of national security. Just recently, the Senate Intelligence Committee attempted to get information on the administration's extralegal wiretapping, but was told that it would compromise national security to tell the senators how the program works, how it is reviewed, how much information is collected and how that information is used.

The chickens are coming home to roost. A White House that routinely brands anyone who disagrees with its positions as soft on terrorism is now complaining that election-bound lawmakers are callously using the ports deal to frighten voters. A White House that invaded Iraq as a substitute for defeating Al Qaeda is frustrated because Congress is using the company, Dubai Ports World, as a stand-in for all the intractable perils of the Middle East.

By the Manner You Judge...

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2 NIV

President Bush and his administration officials must take lesson from this passage.

At the least it should make them act fair, and at the most, be fearful of negative and disastrous consequences.

Secrecy seems to be the norm being followed by the President and company, which is not serving them right, and ultimately the nation as a whole.

Source: 1 Reaping... Editorial, The New York Times|Published: February 24, 2006

A Difficult Compromise

2006-02-21T13:17:00.000-05:00

Supreme Court to Consider Law Banning 'Late-Term' Abortions [Excerpts]

The Supreme Court, stocked with two new conservative justices, agreed today to consider the constitutionality of the federal law banning "late-term" abortions.

The "partial-birth abortion" ban, enacted in 2003, has been invalidated by three different federal appeals courts on the grounds that the ban did not include an exception for cases when the health of the mother might be at stake and constituted an undue burden on the right to abortion.

"Every court that has examined the federal abortion ban has struck it down because, among other things, the ban does not protect women's health," read a statement from Planned Parenthood of America, a participant in the case.

"Just six years ago, the Supreme Court itself struck down an abortion ban passed by the state of Nebraska because it did not have a health exception...

Source: Supreme Court...By Fred Barbash The Washington Post | Published: Feb 21, 2006

A Difficult Compromise

I would say outright that God is sovereign in all things, indeed, very much so particularly in regards to human life.

For any man to decide who and when to die is very wrong in His eyes. So I say that this courts are passing judgement on something that only God has the authority.

Men of authority, although derived secularly, has to settle for a compromise, which is not pleasing to God.

A Time to Start

2006-02-20T08:01:00.000-05:00

Conservatives should support Kyoto accord [Excerpt]1

The scenarios are frightening, from coastal communities flooded because of melting ice caps to widespread droughts and forest fires and millions more people around the globe facing famine.

Far from being the stuff of science fiction, those stunning images are becoming realities.

For decades, researchers have been sounding alarm bells on climate change. The response, if any, by various levels of government greeting the growing body of science demanding action has been abysmal.

Author's Comment: A few governments, e.g., USA, China, India are finding it hard to commit to the Kyoto Protocol. It seems their present and immediate need for fossil fuels [oil] to energize their growing economies outweigh their concern for global warming.

These three nations are to be consuming the biggest part of oil fuels, where America alone at levels 1/4 of world's needs.

They opted to be pragmatic and not be inconvenienced at this time; looking out for their self-interest over that of the global concern.

Changing Position is Difficult

Changing position is most difficult for man, even Christians.

Most find obedience to Christ's teachings and commands, although promising great dividends, a difficult task.

In my case, I found it as difficult as other men. But God loved me so much that He engineered difficult circumstances to break my resistance.

I was brought to my end of the rope, so to speak, that I had no recourse but to come to God's help. And Grace!

1 Source: Conservatives [ruling government of Canada] Should Support Kyoto Accord, Toronto Star. Published February 19, 2006.

Commissioned by God

2006-01-27T08:13:00.000-05:00

God Chooses People

God said to Paul, the Gentiles’ Apostle, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go . . ." ( John 15:16 ).

Christ chose Paul to continue His mission here on earth – to evangelize people other than the Israelites.

Who is Paul to be chosen in this regard? He was a Jew, employed by the Romans. He persecuted and caused some Christians to be put to prison, even killed. What a turn around for Paul!

God Chose Me

By the same principle that God chooses someone regardless of character or social stature for a particular purpose, He has chosen me.

My first commission was to reconcile my family of four to God; close relatives are next.

Also, I was told to prophesy [proclaim the truth and righteousness of God] to foreigners. For this purpose, God brought me to Canada.

How was I told of these things? God gave me dreams!

Free Will or Predestined?

2006-01-27T06:48:00.000-05:00

Choose to be Good or Bad

God neither predestines anyone to Heaven nor to Hell. Indeed, this is true in spite of the belief on the contrary of some. Each one can choose to do bad or good.

Beforehand, God has written His laws in everyone’s heart and mind, so all must be warned to fear God, for we will not have any excuse of a bad choice.

Those who have chosen to believe Christ Jesus are predestined to inherit Heaven.

In him [Christ] we were also chosen, [ Or were made heirs] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will…Ephesians 1:11 NIV

On the hand, those who do not believe are damned.

…but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16

Now is the time to make a choice for one cannot have a better time. Make no mistake, each one is in the crossroad, regardless if one knows or not.

The good and the bad have separate destinations.

The good, saved from their sinful nature by the blood of Christ are back to their perfect image before the fall. They’ll have a full life on earth and eternal life in Heaven.

The bad, at first, are having pangs of guilt while sinning; ignoring subsequent rebukes of their conscience (instead of engaging Christ, who would have saved them), they have themselves barreling into the slippery slope of damnation.

On earth while living, they’ll have a foretaste of Hell with their troubles, fears, failures, miseries, inner conflicts, vulnerabilities, etc. In Hell, they will have their second death and eternal suffering.

There’s a tipping point when salvation is lost or death may overrun someone while sinning unrepentantly; and both times are unforeseen. This can only mean bad news for those living in darkness.

Heaven or Hell? Have your pick.

Seize the Opportunity!

2006-01-24T18:57:00.000-05:00

Introduction

The promise of divine power has been given to men almost 2000 years ago. It was an invitation made by Christ Jesus on earth on the premise of His sufferings, death on the cross and from it rising to life.

Man must accept the invitation, commit totally to a life fully devoted to Christ that he may acquire the promise.

Power to Escape Corruption

Let’s us look at what the Apostle Peter has to say about this power: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 NIV

The power is derived from knowing God – His attributes and His commands.

God is love and truth; He’s holy and righteous. He showed his love by creating heaven and earth for men; in turn He created men for Himself – for his fellowship and pleasure.

God is just and sovereign, to whom we will be accountable of our deeds while living one earth.

His commands are well known, e.g. The Ten Commandments. And by last account He has written His laws in the hearts and minds of everyone. Our conscience and spirit are witnesses to this spiritual condition – wired to be aware of our Creator and Sovereign God.

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:4 NIV

Since the fall of man that started with Adam and Eve’s disobedience, man’s continuous rebellion has separated him from God. Man needs to be saved from himself for he is powerless to overcome his sinful nature.

God, in His Mercy and Love, sent His Son to redeem and ultimately bring back man to his previous state of being – the image of God.

To be saved, man must completely put his trust on Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. This is essential so he can be transformed, from a corrupted, worldly being to a pure and righteous one.

In this transformed state, he acquires the Holy Spirit that provides the divine power to remain blameless in the eyes of God.

Conclusion

In dying on the Cross, Jesus Christ saved man from sin that has caused his corruption and separation from God.

It’s a story of God saving man from himself – from sin that enslave!

That was just the start of a transformed life. It continues with man living a righteous and highly moral life which would bring him into the Kingdom of God in the end of the times.

Four Lies that Ruined the World

2006-01-22T12:57:00.000-05:00

Introduction

Satan, the Father of Lies, is a master deceiver, using lies that are subtle that seems almost truthful to men. He must necessarily create lies about God’s character in order to convert men to his “truth”.

The Fall of Man

First, God is not loving.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" Genesis 3:1

On the contrary, He is. God created man, gave him life and made him all-sufficient. He made everything subject to man; giving the right to make use of things, living and non-living, that he can have meaning, joy and fulfillment in life.

Second, God is not truthful.

The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' " Genesis 3:2-3

Satan lies are behind our rationalizations, self-righteousness, relativisms, and pragmatisms. We are caught and thereafter got enmeshed in his evil trap; enslaved to his power.

The opposite is true for God is truth. His absolute truths are beyond reason and man’s logic; they transcend natural occurrences.

By His truth we are equipped to enjoy relationships; we have beliefs and attitudes to behave and act righteously; and we have the pure heart to love Him and our fellowmen.

Third, God is not righteous.

"You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. Genesis 3:4

Surely, God will judge everyone according to what one has done in one’s lifetime; giving rewards to the righteous and condemnation to the unrighteous. That’s the reason for the Ten Commandments and other God’s laws. Justice will be served through judgment on the Day of the Lord.

Fourth and last, God is not gracious.

"For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3:5

In fact, God wants us to be transformed into His Son’s image, not by our own effort, but through Christ Jesus. We can’t be God, but we can be like God by his Grace through faith.

Author’s Note: This article is a paraphrase of the sermon preached by the late Dr. Adrian Rogers January 22, 2006 over cable TV on his Love Worth Finding program.

Words Are Weapons

2006-01-21T12:08:00.000-05:00

Mideastisms [An Excerpt]

In wartime, words are weapons; we have seen how Israelis and Palestinians are highly sensitive to connotations in their conflict. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon preferred to refer to land in dispute west of the Jordan River by biblical names: Judea and Samaria, evoking Hebrew origins; Israeli diplomats long tried "administered territories." Palestinians call it the West Bank and have won that terminological battle.

On another word-war front, the construction within the West Bank to protect Israelis from rocket attacks and penetration by suicide bombers is called "the wall" by Palestinians intending to evoke memories of the cold war's hated Berlin Wall. Israelis counter by calling it "the fence," a less onerous and more familiar description of a line of separation, recalling to Americans the Robert Frost poetic line "Good fences make good neighbors." (In fact, it is both fence and wall, depending on the place.) After perusal of thesauri, the Bush administration adopted the undeniably accurate word barrier, which has been accepted as neutral by much of the news media and stirs no objection by Israel. [End of Extract] (1)

Words Reveal God

Words reveal God to men and from the beginning He intended it that way. It’s His will and purpose that all men are reconciled with Him, therefore, words – mainly those written in the Bible – are used to communicate to us everything about Him.

I can recall the first passages that impressed on me who God is:

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31-34 NIV (2)

I saw these words written on the façade of my first church; did read them from the Book and put it to practice.

This truth as revealed by God made a big difference in my life, for it’s really true. You can truly give your cares to Him!

Sources: Mideastisms - By WILLIAM SAFIRE New York Times | Published: January 15, 2006; (2) The Bible, NIV.

A Biblical Perspective

2006-01-17T13:16:00.000-05:00

Man's Sinful Nature

It’s so often said people are basically born good at heart; this said when people talk of someone known to have done something wrong, whether little or terribly wrong. Crimes like family and public murders, public scandals, immorality, schemes to defraud, sexual crimes and pornography, widespread promotions of falsehoods, corruption in government, rampant child abuse, etc - occur so often these so-called modern days.

These are symptoms of men’s very sick mind and heart full of pride, greed, envy, deception, evil schemes, lust and covetousness, propensity to lie, etc.

Therefore, would it be more true to say that men are inherently wired to go wrong? Starting from Adam and Eve, men have been corrupted more so readily.

Let’s look at what the Scriptures say of people in the ages of old:

" 'For I will take you [Israelites] out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine. Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices. I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign LORD. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, O house of Israel! Ezekiel 36:24-32

If it’s true in the past, it’s more so true today. But the Lord will not be going about to remain angry at His chosen people, who have been rebelling more so often. He will forgive them of their sins, and more!

" 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. They will say, "This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited." Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.' Ezekiel 36:33-36

I can see here the purpose for God’s mercy - people will get to be reminded that there’s a God who created all things, even people for his purpose, will and pleasure.

"This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Once again I will yield to the plea of the house of Israel and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep, as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed feasts. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the LORD." Ezekiel 36:37-38

There’s a myth that I have believed to be true – that men are basically good. Now, I believe the opposite to be true – that men, after the fall – are basically unrighteous.

Fortunately we have a merciful and loving God, who in spite of these unrighteous acts coming from our rebellious nature, sent His Beloved Son to redeem us! His Kingdom that He has been preparing for the ages awaits the culmination of this divine plan in the appointed time He himself only knows.

Very fortunate those to whom He chose to reveal this plan and who in turn believe; for they obtain the power of God to cleanse their impure hearts!

From Palace to the Pit

2006-01-16T10:49:00.000-05:00

This is the story of Satan, the old dragon we know in the Bible. Once he walked with God until he was thrown into earth; grabbed power from Adam and Eve and has been having his wicked ways on earth ever since. Then, Jesus came that through His death and resurrection, pay ransom to many that they might regain their good standing with God.

At the same time, Satan was defeated by Jesus; his power over men, who later on followed Jesus Christ, was destroyed. But still, Satan rules over non-believers until today.

At the outset, Satan was created in perfection, as Lucifer, the High among the highest of angels, the Cherubim; and he walked with God as a servant in the heavens.

The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre [symbolic of Satan] and say to him: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: " 'You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared.
You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. Ezekiel 28:11-14

Then pride overcame Satan; he fell from God’s Grace. Disgraced, he was cast out into earth, where until today he deceives men into submission to his wicked purpose and will.

" 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: " 'Because you think you are wise, as wise as a god…Ezekiel 28:6

You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, Ezekiel 28:15-18

The final end for Satan will be horrible and has been settled; sadly, many will be deceived by him and will share his eternal suffering.

I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom and pierce your shining splendor.
They will bring you down to the pit, and you will die a violent death in the heart of the seas. Ezekiel 28:7-8

All the nations who knew you are appalled at you; you have come to a horrible end
and will be no more.' " Ezekiel 28:19

Make no mistake, Satan will not rule Hell. He will go there to suffer and forever shamed, even to people he used to command and from whom he received admiration.

Author’s Note: (1) The article is a paraphrase of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers’ sermon broadcast Sunday, January 15, 2006 over his cable TV program, Love Worth Finding;
(2) All Scriptures taken from The Bible, NIV.

All for One, One for All!

2006-01-16T00:23:00.000-05:00

A Mix of Three

Mirepoix, the aromatic mix of onions, carrots and celery, is much more than a foundation of flavor.

WHAT could be more pedestrian — and less glamorous — than onions, carrots and celery? Yet mirepoix, the simple trinity of ordinary vegetables cut into even dice, forms the foundation of a tremendous number of dishes. Knowing how to make and use mirepoix is one of the essentials of classical French cooking. But it's so important in all cooking that you've probably made it a thousand times without necessarily knowing it.

Sweat mirepoix in butter or olive oil, and it forms the basis of sauces, soups, risottos and braises. Cut into bigger cubes, the vegetables begin stocks or stews. Cut more finely, they start sauces or add flavor to roasts or soups. Diced and added at the end, they brighten braises or form their own garnish — some cooks even add them twice, as a foundation and later, to refresh the flavors. [End of Excerpt] (1)

The Trinity

God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – the Trinity as all Christians came to know. Each one is a person by himself; also with purpose and will.

But that purpose and will are one – to reconcile man to God [them]; the Father sending the Son to earth with all the authority in His hands.

For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John 3:34-36

In ascending to heaven, the living God, even Jesus Christ asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit down to earth to those who have believed Him that they may have the power over sin.

Freed from the enslavement of sin, Christians are sealed for righteous acts and do good works, giving glory to God.

Therefore, Christians become living models for others to see, proclaiming God’s Kingdom that whosoever believes may gain eternal life.

Sources: (1) All for one… By Amy Scattergood, Los Angeles Times January 11, 2006
(2) The Bible, NIV

Mean What You Say

2006-01-13T15:54:00.000-05:00

Garçon! Un Coca-Cola, S'il Vous Plaît
[Boy! A Coke, If it's You Like]

Europeans hate America these days. So, why are they still buying our stuff

To put the hypothesis to the test, Katzenstein and Keohane examined 2000-2004 European sales figures of three major U.S.-based consumer products firms (Coca-Cola, McDonald's, and Nike) and three major European-based consumer products firms competing in similar fields (Cadbury Schweppes, Nestlé, and adidas-Salomon). In the GMI report I wrote about last year, Coca-Cola and McDonald's were squarely nestled in the problem quadrant—identified in the survey as companies that were seen as highly American and that European and Canadian consumers said they'd be likely to avoid. Nike barely avoided the problem quadrant.

In the time period studied, the European sales of all six firms rose. But the sales of the U.S. firms grew more rapidly. From 2002-2004, Coke's sales in Europe rose 37 percent, McDonald's rose 31 percent, and Nike's rose 40 percent. By contrast, Adidas-Salomon's Europeans sales rose about 8 percent, Cadbury Schweppes' rose 28 percent, and Nestlé's rose about 2 percent—albeit off a gigantic base. What's more, "all three American firms increased the share of their [overall] revenues deriving from Europe."

In other words, as they were demonstrating against U.S. policy and telling market researchers they'd boycott Coca-Cola and McDonald's, Euros were increasingly lacing up their Nikes to walk down to McDonald's, where they'd wash down the junk food with a super-sized Diet Coke.

The conclusion: "Reports of consumer anti-Americanism damaging sales of U.S.-based firms in Europe are highly exaggerated." [End of Abstract]

Source: Boy! A Coke, If it You Likes - By Daniel Gross – Slate Magazine Posted Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006

Not Meaning What You Say

Most men can be very guilty of this behavior; like playing for the audience; lacking the will to do what’s right, therefore doing the opposite; fast and loose with the lips; and venting off steam.

Over and over again these are played out in numerous lives; men not learning from the trouble – minor or major - that comes thereafter. Trouble comes in the form of misunderstandings, guilt feelings or vengeful attitudes. Usually, these in turn lead to broken relationships.

Years ago in my first church, I was involved in this kind of situation, and until now the parties involved – including me – have not been communicating with each other. Worst, I have been attending different churches since that misunderstanding.

It was a case of venting off steam on my part that - although I felt being very aggrieved then – now, I came to realize I should have kept my mouth shut and have let it go.

Humans seem not to be able to forgive or forget so easily when hurt; but it’s a good thing God has shown the opposite. He is very generous with compassion and love!

Man's Fallen Nature

2006-01-11T13:56:00.000-05:00

Lobbygate Déjà vu [An Abstract]

Scandal followed scandal. Gaffe piled on gaffe. The ruling party, utterly invincible in the last election, overnight became the symbol of incompetence and corruption. Carefully launched plans and programs fell flat. Legislators were caught taking bribes in brown envelopes. Meanwhile, the party leader hunkered down in his office, controlling all contacts with the media.

No, I am not talking about the Republicans in 2005 and 2006. I am talking about the British Tory party in 1996 and 1997. True, the rules of politics are different here and there. Also, the Tories had been in charge of Britain for 17 years, longer than the Republicans have controlled Congress, and their crackup was more spectacular. But -- having been a member of the British press corps throughout the prime ministership of John Major, the last Conservative leader of Britain -- I can tell you that the dynamics of these two great political collapses nevertheless feel strangely similar. [End of Abstract] (1)

Looking Deeper

If we look deeper into the reason for these scandals, bribery, wheeling and dealing for power, evil schemes, corruption, etc. in the public domain, we see the earthly nature of men exerting influence on their conduct and behavior.

Truly, men are slaves to their sinful nature; and godlessness makes for the continuance of such undesirable, unrewarding, destructive, and unrighteous acts. Men have a hard time turning around from these to do well for a change.

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, He gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Romans 1:28-31 (2)

This situation or condition of men may not be so permanent, for God has sent His Son, even Jesus Christ to die and live again for us. His death on the Cross wipes out clean all sins of men, that anyone who receives this gift of mercy - even salvation - might attain freedom from sin’s power.

Sources: (1) Lobbygate Déjà vu - By Anne Applebaum – Washington Post - Wednesday, January 11, 2006; (2) The Bible, NIV

A Disconnect!

2006-01-10T22:31:00.000-05:00

Wrong on Human Rights [An Abstract]

For months, we have been arguing that the Bush administration has generally the right substantive agenda for badly needed changes at the United Nations, but that Ambassador John Bolton's scorched-earth alternative to diplomacy is undermining the prospects for successfully achieving these reforms. Now it turns out that our criticism has been only half-right in at least one crucial area - in restoring the United Nations' moral authority on human rights by excluding egregious violators from a new human rights monitoring council. Mr. Bolton's latest proposal on this gets the substance wrong as well.

The problem with the current discredited Human Rights Commission is that its members are chosen by a system of regional rotation that fails to take into account the actual human rights performance of prospective members. The reform was originally intended to change that, by requiring the approval of at least two-thirds of the 191 member countries to win a seat on the new council.

Mr. Bolton wants to defeat the whole purpose of that reform by automatically assuring seats for all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - regardless of their own human rights records. [End of Abstract]

Source: Wrong on Human Rights – Editorial/The New York Times. Published January 10, 2006

A Disconnect

In the Christian world, just professing one’s faith is known to be widespread, and true regeneration is absent.

A disconnect between a person and God is what’s happening in this situation. It’s an anomaly that can have serious and not-so-good consequences, both for the professor and people around.

Therefore, a person in this situation is called upon to examine his relationship with God, be brutally honest and make correction in order to correct this anomaly. The biggest evidence of disconnect is the absence of renewal in one’s person - in character, in beliefs and conduct [both in words and deeds].

True regeneration produces fruit, e.g. peace, joy, strong sense of right and wrong, highly ethical and moral conduct, etc. in the life of a Christian. That’s the reason they are called “salt and light” of this world.

Matthew 5:13 NIV
[Salt of the Earth] "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

Luke 8:16 NIV
[ A Lamp on a Stand ] "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

Therefore, Christians are made living models [Salt and Light] of Christ, who are to draw non-believers towards reconciliation with God.

No Agenda?

2006-01-10T20:10:00.000-05:00

No Agenda [An Abstract]

Samuel A. Alito Jr. sought to reassure senators yesterday that divisive policies he once advocated as a government lawyer do not necessarily signal how he would rule if confirmed to the Supreme Court, saying a judge "can't have any preferred outcome in any particular case."

In his first public statement since President Bush tapped him for the high court on Oct. 31, Alito indirectly responded to critics who say his writings from his years in the Reagan administration Justice Department show he is predisposed to outlaw abortion, restrict affirmative action and expand presidential authority, if given the chance.

"Good judges are always open to the possibility of changing their minds based on the next brief that they read, or the next argument that's made by an attorney who's appearing before them, or a comment that is made by a colleague during the conference on the case," Alito said during an 11-minute opening statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will begin questioning him today. [End of Abstract]

Source: Alito on Day 1: 'A Judge Can't Have Any Agenda' By Charles Babington and Amy Goldstein - Washington Post Staff Writers - Tuesday, January 10, 2006

It Can Never Be

It can never be that anyone can’t have an agenda. Doing nothing – by itself – is already an agenda. And if we go by the story written above, doing one thing in the past won’t preclude doing differently in the future. This is true if we talk about men.

Not so with God. From the beginning, the redemption of the whole humankind was His foremost agenda. It’s His will and purpose that His Son, Christ Jesus be sent to earth for that mission, that man and Him might be reconciled.

Christ has gone up to heaven two thousand years ago, but has left a little body of disciples, at first, to carry on with that mission; this body has grown big and still growing. Not that the hard part was left unfinished, or the disciples left to their own power. On the contrary, the greater part of the job is still being done by Christ, through the Holy Spirit, who lives within individual followers.

In turn, Christ’s followers like me are motivated, empowered and equipped to convert others into Christ! That’s the main reason that I am writing this blog.

Unmatched Peace

2006-01-07T09:24:00.000-05:00

Introduction

As the leading architect, PM Ariel Sharon, of the Palestine-Israel peace process undergoes a saving-surgery for stroke and brain hemorrhage, peace in the Middle East hangs in the balance and hopes for the future look uncertain.

Would the peace process he started dies with Sharon's passing if ever?

A News Abstract

JERUSALEM (AP) - Ariel Sharon underwent five hours of emergency brain surgery Friday that doctors said successfully stopped a hemorrhage and relieved swelling inside his skull. Officials said his condition showed ``significant improvement'' but experts said the prognosis remained dire.

Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert took calls Friday from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, a sign that the Israeli government was moving ahead without its hard-charging leader. Sharon's Kadima Party said it would rally around Olmert, and a new poll showed Kadima emerging victorious in March 28 elections under his leadership.

Palestinian leaders, holding a parliamentary election of their own Jan. 25, said they were in touch with Israeli officials about Sharon's condition. ``We are closely monitoring the situation,'' Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said.

A Model for Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

For everyman and for the whole world, Christ promised peace that is unmatched. It’s the kind of peace that permeates man’s soul, heart, and mind. Nothing would trouble a man in Christ.

From the ordinary to the most extreme misery, Christ-given peace comfort. And best of all, it’s the beginning of other positive things to lift up any troubled man from despair or fear to hope.

Source: Sharon Improves…by RAVI NESSMAN, AP ONLINE. AOL News January 7, 2006

A Three-Week Encounter with God

2006-01-05T17:54:00.000-05:00

Introduction

It has been three weeks running that I have not been sharing my faith. It was because my manners as well as intention were questioned. As a Christian it’s a sign that my pride was taking over my emotion when it shouldn’t be. I am not supposed to be taking some cues from my old self. These God made me realized.

For the last two weeks, God is upon me, prodding me to resume sharing counsel, testimony, and instructions. God seems fed up with me, three weeks being too long without my service. It’s ironic that the holidays – a period of sharing gifts or giving blessings to other people – became a convenient excuse.

Through Written Words

He spoke to me through written words, either scriptures or devotionals.

He made me recall the story of the reluctant Jonah, the prophet who reneges on his obligation to preach repentance. This is a big message.

The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."
But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. Jonah 1:1-3 NIV

Then, a couple of days ago He led me to read the devotional “Our Daily Bread”. That day it wrote about the 3 conversions that a Christian would undergo in his lifetime. It’s conversions to: … "First to Christ, then to the church, and then back to the world."

But Mainly Through Dreams

God as always talked to me primarily through dreams. After quite a spell of quiet, I had four or five dreams; I dreamt of people that need counseling and instruction, both believers and non-believers; of activities that need my advice.

But before these God sent a dream that I should resume giving testimony and counsel as He’s done teaching me and that I am mature in my spiritual growth and condition; that it’s childish for me to take offense from any comment.

Let’s talk about a couple of dreams that carry the primary message. First, it’s about my son, who is starting a new job. He had a hard time looking for one, so prior to this blessing, you would be not be wrong if you guessed that I prayed the Father for this favor.

In this dream, my boy was doing something wrong in his job, which I noticed. Worst it’s keeping others from doing theirs. So, I was forced to teach and give instruction to my boy.

Second, in another dream, again with my son as the recipient, I was admonishing him for spending finances with not so necessary things; aggravated by instances where he lost some valuable items.

The dreams were quite direct and straightforward that there’s no mistake what God wants me to do.

An Assurance

God assured me that I am completely mature to handle my sharing and prophesying.
He led me to read a very instructive as well as informative article entitled “How do you Live the Christian Life”. So, you gain a perspective, let’s read an abstract:

We need to be realistic. In light of what we have said so far, brotherly love will be the rule only where there are godly persons. And they became godly, only because they were willing to endure less than ideal relationships and circumstances in order to walk with God. Brotherly kindness will occur only where there are men and women of self-control, where there are those who are knowledgeable in the Word of God, where there are those who desire to do what is right in order to demonstrate their faith in God.

On top of these six essential characters is love, the kind that the Bible calls for. It is the kind of love that Christ asked of His disciples when He said,

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John. 13:34-35). [End of abstracts]

In my self-evaluation, I think I have reached that level of maturity to handle less ideal relationships. To add to my confidence is that God is on my side all the time.

An Affirmation

God affirmed my good standing with Him – in spite of my transgression – by blessing my family with answered prayers. There was that healing of my mother-in-law after a stroke; my son getting a new job after a long, hard search; and God’s good works – putting to order their lives - on four or more of my close relatives.

Conclusion

Wow! What a three-week affair! If you ask me, God drives a hard bargain. But make no mistake, it’s no burden that God wants me to do, for He does the bigger part. I only have to follow His cue, which is the easiest part!

Pushing for Changes

2006-01-04T14:35:00.000-05:00

To Battle, Armed With Shares

Two months ago, a little-known investor demanded that the publisher of The Miami Herald and The Philadelphia Inquirer be put up for sale. Just 14 days later, after several other investors also emerged with the same demand, the board of the publisher, Knight Ridder, gave in and put the company on the block.

It is happening at big and small companies everywhere. At Time Warner, the media giant, the billionaire financier Carl C. Icahn has pressed the company to buy back billions of dollars more of its shares - and Time Warner has done so to some extent, although without crediting Mr. Icahn. At Six Flags, the amusement park company, Daniel Snyder, the owner of the Washington Redskins football team, pushed the company to put itself up for sale and he then took over the board.

Activist investors, who were labeled greenmailers in the 1980's, are being listened to by boards that once would not even acknowledge them. That shift toward shareholders' interests has been a long time coming, as outside directors have become more questioning and demanding of top executives and as defenses like poison pills that once entrenched management has been eroded by the courts.

Pushing for a Change

As the small investors in our business story in above article push for changes in the business they have put their stake, a Christian has only the obligation to push one in his locale. Scriptures put it metaphorically:

He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount [ Greek three satas (probably about 1/2 bushel or 22 liters)] of flour until it worked all through the dough." Matthew 13:33 NIV Read this Chapter

To be clear, unlike the self-serving motive of the businessmen to gain greater profit, a Christian is doing it to share life’s blessings.

And to be sure, the businessmen may gain or lose, but the Christian who shares can only gain more of God’s favor.

Sources: (1) To Battle... by ANDREW ROSS SORKIN New York Times. Published: January 4, 2006

Power, Anyone?

2006-01-02T09:21:00.000-05:00

Wi-Fi Mania: When Whole Cities Are Public Hot Spots

Is wireless Internet, like water and power, an essential city service?

What is a city obligated to provide for its citizens? Well-maintained streets, traffic lights, sewer and water, police and fire—okay, sure. As for taverns, gas stations, and peep shows, most folks seem to agree that the government should have a more limited role, even though one could argue that some of them are economic necessities (and I won't say which ones). [End of Abstract] (1)

The article goes on to inform that the city of Philadelphia has just inked an agreement to provide for a citywide Wi-Fi service, which were objected to, understandably by two telcos. However, the enablement of people to people interaction, which is the main rationale the service, will benefit the greater part of the populace. It will bring power to every activity.

Christians are Empowered

Christians have the unique situation of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, thus are empowered in their daily activities, they be mundane or life churning.

This sets them apart from the ordinary, being driven by divine power, which can only be enormous, nonstop, and inexhaustible.

Christians come well-equipped for the purpose God gave their lives for their service. What God commands, He gives.

It’s a neat arrangement if you ask me!

Non-followers of Christ are empowered too, in a different way. I have been in this situation before - empowered by natural desires - and I am not longing to return!

(1) Wi-Fi Mania… by Andy Serwer - Fortune Magazine

A Contentious Issue

2006-01-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

Gay Marriage – Both a Secular and Spiritual Issue

BOSTON -- Somewhere along the way, the dividing line over gay issues picked up and moved. It's no longer between red and blue states, or left and right wings, but between nature and nurture. Or to be more precise, between those who believe that homosexuality is a choice and those who believe that homosexuality is innate.

Remember the moment in the 2004 debate when CBS' Bob Schieffer asked Bush and Kerry whether they thought homosexuality was a choice? The president answered, ``I don't know,'' and the senator replied, ``We're all God's children.''

Well, it turns out that the more you believe homosexuality is innate, the more accepting you are of gay rights. A full 79 percent of people who think human beings are born with a sexual orientation support gay rights, including civil unions or marriage equality. But only 22 percent of those who believe homosexuality as a choice agree. [End of Abstract] (1)

Homosexuality Influenced by Genes?

Catherine Dulac of Harvard has found that the male mouse depends on pheromones, or air-borne hormones, to decide how to behave toward other mice. It detects the pheromones with the vomeronasal organ, an extra scent-detecting tissue in the nose. The male mouse's rule for dealing with strangers is simple - if it's male, attack it; if female, mate with it. But male mice that are genetically engineered to block the scent-detecting vomeronasal cells try to mate rather than attack invading males.

The mice have other means - sound and sight - of recognizing male and female. But curiously, nature has placed the sex discrimination required for mating behavior under a separate neural circuit aroused through the vomeronasal organ. "It was very surprising for us," Dr. Dulac said.

Lightly at First

The most striking behavioral gene discovered so far is a very high level gene in the Drosophila fruit fly. The gene is called fruitless because when it is disrupted in males they lose interest in females and instead form mating chains with other males. The male's usual courtship behavior is pretty fancy for a little fly. He approaches the female, taps her with his forelegs, sings a song by vibrating his wing, licks her and curls his abdomen for mating. If she is impressed she slows down and accepts his proposal. If not, she buzzes her wings at him, a gesture that needs no translation. (2)

Seriously Now

Title and subtitles of the article are mine. I am asking my readers to answer the question for themselves after reading the abstracts (or full articles).

If you are sympathetic to our third sex friends, it would reinforce your feeling, just like mine. If you are not, I hope you’ll have a change in attitude.

I am not saying I am in favor of the gay marriage now being made “right” by legislation in some countries. I just wish that our gay friends sought other means; or not be very active to claim their new-found “right”. I see it in the light of a command by God like thou shall not covet. As humans we fall for this sin and feel good savoring the fruits, but deep inside we know it’s wrong. So we end up rationalizing our action; or get overpowered by our “natural” desires and let one be damned regardless.

If I were in their shoes I would look to God for the answer, for nothing is impossible with Him.

Sources: (1) The Dividing Line by Ellen Goodman – The Washington Post Writer’s Group. Published December 1, 2005; (2) Article by Nicolas Wade, written for New York Times: Science Section, July 19, 2005

A New Year Brings Hope

2006-01-01T13:21:00.000-05:00

Introduction

The New Year have started and each one either have high hopes or not-so-good hopes.

Wall Street Hunts for Escape from Doldrums (1)

NEW YORK - Ever have a day when you wondered why you bothered going to work? Imagine how you'd feel if the whole year went that way. Ask a Wall Street trader — stocks' 2005 activity can be described by a nearly flat line. How can stocks escape from Nowheresville? The Street's big thinkers are eyeing each road out with a mix of hope and greed.

• Hope No. 1: The Federal Reserve stops raising rates.

Almost as good as the end of rate hikes would be a signal from the Fed that it is thinking of ending rate hikes, since uncertainty about the Fed's next move is on most days the Street's biggest worry.

• Hope No. 2: Everyone will share the Street's epiphany that large-cap stocks are undervalued.
In a Russell survey of 110 investment managers, 80 percent said they are bullish on the prospects for U.S. large-cap growth stocks over the next year.
Merrill Lynch's Richard Bernstein said, in a recent note, "One of our themes for 2006 is the possible return of deeply out-of-favor larger capitalization companies."

• Hope No. 3: Energy costs and inflation really do decrease.
With lower energy costs and lower inflation, companies could pump more money into capital spending and consumers could stop worrying about filling the gas tank and focus on shopping.
• Hope No. 4: The housing market slowly deflates.

We're not talking about a dramatic burst, but rather a slow air leak. The housing market started zooming up as the turn-of-the-century stock bubble burst, which sent investors who were looking for double- digit returns away from the NASDAQ and toward Las Vegas condos. Day traders became real estate flippers.

Hope No. 5: U.S. investors pull a little money out of foreign markets.
Americans have been building their investment in foreign markets since 2002. It's been a smart bet — many foreign markets have had more impressive returns than U.S. stocks. But every dollar that's outside the U.S. stock market is a dollar that isn't helping U.S. stocks.

• Hope No. 6: This one is the biggest. Everyone on the Street would much rather things stay boring rather than get worse.

Christians Live Extraordinary Lives

For a Christian there’s an only one Hope – that’s the Blessed Hope of entering the God’s Kingdom officially on Christ return.

Nevertheless, now that they are still on earth working out God’s will on their lives, they already have a few certainties as children of God.

First, as they abide in Christ, God’s Spirit presence within themselves seals them to that eternal hope.

Second, as they build on their faith and obedience to Christ with good works, they are assured of eternal rewards beyond they can imagine.

Third, as they persevere and remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ, trials that test them will only be rare. God provides them the divine protection from temptations from old self and the devil.

Fourth, joy, peace, wisdom, strength and enthusiasm, fulfillment, and an inspired service to God crown their already extraordinary life.

Source: Wall Street Hunts for Escape from Doldrums by ELLEN SIMON, AP Business Writer. Yahoo News. Sat Dec 31, 2005

--

Two Cases: Misplaced Loyalties

2005-12-29T18:32:00.000-05:00

Case No. 1

Rose Mary Woods’ loyalty to the late President Richard M. Nixon was intense and beyond doubt. She placed it to a person; which gives her the possible risk to go down with that person in dishonor – in fact, it happened. We read an abstract below:

Adversity seemed only to intensify [Rose Mary] Woods' loyalty. While others scrambled off the listing deck of Watergate, Woods moved to the center to lend ballast, claiming an office adjacent to the president's after Haldeman quit the scene. What she gave of herself, she also demanded of others. When a peevish Henry Kissinger threatened to resign, Woods set up a roadblock on the national security adviser's march to the Oval Office. According to Jonathan Aitken's "Nixon: A Life," Kissinger was detoured to Woods, where she reminded him that he had been an obscure academic before Nixon elevated him to international statesman. "For once in your life, Henry," she said, "just behave like a man." Kissinger stayed. (1)

Case No. 2

The 2nd abstract is about Jack Abramoff, a powerful lobbyist, now under investigation.

Abramoff, now 47, had mammoth ambitions. He sought to build the biggest lobbying portfolio in town. He opened two restaurants close to the Capitol. He bought a fleet of casino boats. He produced two Hollywood movies. He leased four arena and stadium skyboxes and dreamed of owning a pro sports team. He was a generous patron in his Orthodox Jewish community, starting a boys' religious school in Maryland.

Abramoff offered jobs and other favors to well-placed congressional staffers and executive branch officials. He pushed his own associates for government positions, from which they, too, could help him.

"Everybody lost their minds," recalled a former congressional staffer who lobbied with Abramoff at Preston Gates. "Jack was cutting deals all over town. Staffers lost their loyalty to members -- they were loyal to money." (2)

Devotion to Christ can’t be Misplaced

Unlike devotion to a person, one placed in Christ can be anything but misplaced.
Christ is all good things – altogether Lord, Savior, eldest brother, friend, good shepherd, and advocate!

At the same time, you’re on the side of truth, righteousness, transparency and honor!

Source: (1) Nixon's Real Enforcer by FRANCIS WILKINSON New York Times Magazine
Published: December 25, 2005
(2)The Fast Rise and Steep Fall of Jack Abramoff by Susan Schmidt and James V. Grimaldi - Washington Post Staff Writers Thursday, December 29, 2005; Page A01

Getting the Most of the Bible!

2005-12-28T07:42:00.000-05:00

Reading the Bible has profited me most. Let’s read the December 28, 2005 edition of Our Daily Bread for guidelines. Extract starts below:

Profitable Bible study involves more than just opening to a chapter and reading what's there. Here are seven guidelines to help you make the most of your study of the Bible.
1. Set aside a regular time. Unless you schedule it, you'll neglect it.
2. Before you start reading, ask God for help and understanding.
3. Carefully think about what you are reading. Not all of the Bible's treasures lie like pebbles on the surface. To mine the gold, you have to dig.
4. Seek to understand what the author was saying to the first people who read the book or letter before you decide how to apply it today.
5. Write down at least one truth or principle you can put into practice.
6. Try different translations of the Bible. If you find yourself skimming over familiar words, a new translation may focus your mind on the passage in a new way.
7. Don't get discouraged. Some parts of the Bible are more interesting than others, and some you may not understand at all. But there's enough that you can understand, which will revolutionize your life if applied.

Now read today's verses again with these principles in mind (Read: Prov. 2:1-9). Then try it again tomorrow. You will begin to discover the treasures in the Bible. —Haddon Robinson

When reading God's Word, take special care To find the rich treasures hidden there;
Give thought to each line, each precept clear, Then practice it well with godly fear. —Anon.

The Bible's treasures are found by those who dig for them.

From Desperate to Extraordinary Times!

2005-12-27T18:10:00.000-05:00

I will be telling my story in retrospect. It’s better this way so I can truly tell things the way they happened, and why. I want to be honest that sharing may bring only good things to my readers.

In one of my earlier articles, I told of the first time I met Christ, Our Lord. It was one elder of a Christian congregation, a woman that introduced Him to me. I stayed with them for quite a long time, three years in fact.

All that time I was still not totally devoted to following Christ. The reason could be the fact that my eyes, ears and heart were still divided between the old world and spiritual world. It couldn’t be avoided for it’s the natural course of life – relying on the old, comfortable life and tiptoeing into the new, untested life.

The turning point was when my small business went sour, where the whole of the family’s savings and part of my inheritance got spent. Worst I owed the banks a large amount of money.

Adding to my miseries was the brewing trouble in my thirty-year marriage.

Before these two bad circumstances I was separated from my high-paying job (a few years later, my wife lost hers too). Then I lost both my parents too in succession.

You can see that my troubles got compounded; they got me to where I was – near bottom - a year ago.

My wife and I can’t get a job after the last ones. The main reason is that age has caught up with us. Suddenly, the future looms dark and foreboding.

Now I have only have God to turn to. To my recollection God virtually wrenched us out from these desperate situations and times. We came to Canada where my married daughter was staying and living and got a sudden reprieve from fear and miseries.

God worked out the whole thing for us, from start to the present, a span of a whole year.

Looking back at the past, I see my wife and I have traveled from desperate and ominous times into extraordinary good and hopeful times. I believe God made that possible and I am not surprised for in between I got to read, meditate and understand His will and plan for my family.

Now, trusting Him is just like breathing – done naturally! And nothing beats a deep, intimate relationship with Him in giving my family the peace, joy, and hope sought by everyone.

A Passion To Win

2005-12-27T07:45:00.000-05:00

Interested in news about businesses involved in entertainment e.g. film production, cable TV? Let’s read the abstracts below:

Mr. Redstone will never sell the new Viacom, where he has been deeply involved for a decade.

Indeed, his autobiography, "A Passion to Win" begins with the quote "Viacom is me. I have a love affair with this business and this company." But clearly, he has a lot at risk. "The company has been undervalued for some time, and the split will shed some new light on Viacom and surface the value that is there," said Mr. Marangi of Gabelli.

The 82-year-old entrepreneur (Mr. Redstone) has always been focused on the company's stock price and has been vocal in his concerns about its decline.

A Passion for Christ

Unlike passion for a business, passion for Christ has all the positives, and not even any risk; you can only win, to my experience that is.

I have been passionately devoted to Christ for almost four years. I am going to tell you of the numerous benefits in general terms.

First, Christ - for what He truly is, My Lord and Savior - has molded my character to the best that I could be as a follower. This bodes well for the future – in my intimate relationships, other people, as well as relationships with strangers. I can only expect fulfilling and very satisfying interactions from now on.

I noticed that I almost have complete power over sin that my relationship with family and close relatives have turned for the better; fellowship and sharing with other Christians has not be as good as I want it but on my part I’ve learned to be patient, more caring, and always accepting the abuse more than arguing to vindicate myself to gain the upper hand. And that’s good!

To me power over sin means getting rid of self-importance, envy, malice, anger, aggresiveness, jealousy, impatience, worry, idleness, unreasonable time for leisure and pleasure, excessive attachment to worldly things, etc. Indeed, I seem to have gotten rid of these negative motivations that before plague my life.

Second, the Hope that Christ brings seems to be, not only being replenished daily, but also going brighter and clearer to my consciousness. This is aside the promise of Hope being eternal.

Being down is not in the cards for my daily living. I have experienced God’s hand in the past and present; so tomorrow can’t be different; indeed, it can even be better.

Third, Christ - for what He truly is, My Lord and Savior - has totally changed my family and personal life for the better. Unlike my past life for five decades, troubles, wrong choices with bad consequences, worries, fears, sufferings, inordinate wants, and unmet needs are rare.

So peace, joy, and a fulfilled-feeling are my daily fare.

Now, I live on a day to day basis unconsciously. If I remember the past, I only see how God blessed me. It’s rare that I look into the future; if ever I do, I can only see good things. To say that I have hope would be an understatement.

I am living an extraordinary life because of Christ. To be sure, you can live it too!

Source: Viacom Comes to the Great Divide, and Calls It a Path to Growth by GERALDINE FABRIKANT – New York Times Published: December 26, 2005

You are of God!

2005-12-26T12:12:00.000-05:00

“When our Lord rose from the dead, He rose to an absolutely new life— a life He had never lived before He was God Incarnate. He rose to a life that had never been before. And what His resurrection means for us is that we are raised to His risen life, not to our old life.” Oswald Chambers (1)

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17 (2)

Commentary: We can’t fulfill the law, so Jesus Christ did it for us, that sin may be dead in us. We give up our sins in faith and He’ll give us His righteousness. In abiding in Christ, a believer obtains the power over sin.

…It is finished… John 19:30. (3) After uttering these words, Jesus expired on the Cross.

All these three quotes imply the same thing—that once you have committed yourself totally to Jesus Christ—we call this faith—you have a new life where obedience to God is a matter of course. It is the Holy Spirit, indwelling in you that seals your eternal salvation. He convicts you of sin (future), intercedes in your behalf, guides and instructs, and tells you are right with God.

Be joyful of this, that in being born again in the Spirit, you’ll undergo sanctification preparatory to perfection and glorification, all necessary for entering the Kingdom of God.

It started with your faith in Jesus Christ and he’ll finish it for you. The resurrection of Jesus Christ brought you this gift—he the first born-- and elevates you to the status of a child of God.

Commentary: The principle behind these truths – What God gives, He commands. Your part is to be diligent in knowing God, obeying Him, and remaining steadfast in your fellowship with Him.

Make no mistake that eternal life starts now, here on earth, but set apart by God from the rest of the world for His purposes.

Jesus prayed for believers: My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their (apostles’) message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23 (4)

Sources: (1)My Utmost for the Highest, Oswald's Chambers' devotional. (2), (3), & (4) The Bible, New International Version.

Accepting Christ’s Lordship

2005-12-26T10:27:00.000-05:00

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. Luke 2:11

For anyone, the birth of Jesus means a Savior and a Lord to be accepted or rejected.
We’ll just look into that part of acceptance of Him as Lord, as being a Savior comes with His Lordship.

Accepting Christ as one’s Lord means:

First, accepting Him as Lord secures one’s salvation. He is truly to be Lord in every aspect of your life to assure one of salvation. He is Lord of one’s time, conduct, testimony, material possession, words of confession, and personal self. He is first and foremost in everything; He is all in all.

The principle behind this truth: One can’t receive what Jesus gives {e.g. salvation} and reject what He is – Lord.

Second, the confession of His Lordship simplifies service. The principle: One can’t cannot confess Him Lord and serve another master.

To put it in very clear words, let’s borrow the late Dr Adrian Roger’s, “If I please Jesus, it doesn’t matter who I displease; if I displease Jesus, it doesn’t matter who I please.

Third, the confession of Jesus Christ as Lord subdues Satan. The principle: We need not fear Satan if we know who Jesus is. With Him as Our Lord, Satan cowers in fear in our presence.

Dr Rogers said it succinctly, “The fear of God removes all fears (that includes Satan).

If it’s only now that one has realized that Christ is Lord, it’s late for before the foundation of the earth and the heavens, he was already one. He has been Lord, He is Lord, and will be Lord! But it has its meaning and importance in its inevitability.

It is written: " 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.' "[b] So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:11-12

Therefore, if one has to account oneself at the end, accepting Him as Lord even this late has its enormous benefits.

Footnotes:
a. Luke 2:11 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One"; also in verse 26.
b. Romans 14:11 Isaiah 45:23
c. Author’s Note: This article is a paraphrase of Dr Adrian Rogers’ sermon spoken last December 25 in the cable TV program Love Worth Finding.

God’s Immeasurable Love!

2005-12-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

Regardless of what’s said in the title, let’s try the exercise.

First, what’s the width? God’s love is as wide as the world and all of mankind.

Let’s read it from the Bible. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Second, what about the length? It’s as long as the distance from heaven to the manger in Bethlehem. He came down to earth from heaven; born in the flesh to be with us, and reveals God the Father and His divine plan for man.

Again the Bible states: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:1-3

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12

Third, what about the depth? God’s love is as deep as the worst of sinners. Anyone can be saved regardless of who one is!

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24

Fourth and last, we talk about the height. It’s as high as the gift He gives us as children of God, through Christ: eternal life in the new earth and heaven.

I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. John 6:47

By doing the exercise we have gained some measure of God’s immeasurable love – the completeness of which we can only begin to imagine now while we are living.

But when we arrive at the gates of heaven and start living the everlasting life that’s due a child of God, we have gained the chance, not only to measure, but to actually live God’s love.

Author's Note: This is a paraphrase of Dr. Ed Young's sermon spoken December 25, 2005 in his cable TV program - The Winning Walk.

Rashomon, The Movie

2005-12-25T06:40:00.000-05:00

Rashomon (the Academy Award winning movie) takes place in Japan during the A.D. 1100's. At the beginning of the movie, three men are huddled during a rainstorm under the ruined Rashomon gate that leads to the destroyed city of Kyoto. One of the men, a woodcutter, tells how he went into the forest one day to collect firewood. He found the body of a samurai (professional warrior) and reported the discovery to the police. The police found the wife of the samurai and the bandit who killed him.

The bandit and the wife give conflicting accounts of how and why the samurai was killed. Then the ghost of the samurai, speaking through a medium, provides a third version of the events. Finally, the woodcutter gives his version. Each of the four narrators tells a story that places him or her in the most positive light. At the end of the film, the truth of what really happened remains unknown. Rashomon seems to imply that reality is in the eye of the beholder and objective truth does not exist. (1)

In God’s Kingdom

The truth about all things – specifically about deeds of every man – will be known at the Day of Judgment. Indeed, there is truth, and is known through Christ.

The Truth, who is Christ, acknowledges the presence of falsehood – which comes from the Father of lies, who is the devil.

Therefore, every man must come to judgment before the Lord; for it is written. Must one live in glory eternally in God’s Kingdom or die the second time and as eternally, suffer torment in the lake of fire?

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15 (2)

As for me, I chose to believe Jesus Christ; that His death and resurrection I will be forgiven of my sins. His righteousness is mine to claim, that I might inherit the gift of eternal life.

Sources: (1) Zeff, Dan. "Rashomon." World Book Online Reference Center. 2005. World Book, Inc. 24 Dec. 2005 (2) The Bible, New International Version

False Choices Divide Americans

2005-12-24T07:18:00.000-05:00

We read abstracts of Ellen Goodman's Op-Ed column in Boston Globe below:

SO IT COMES DOWN to September 11, 2001. Again. The president has drawn a great dividing line through the country, separating his supporters from his critics. Again.
This time, those who see a presidency run amok are not just labeled ''defeatists." They are considered amnesiacs.

This time, those who oppose torture are diagnosed with short-term memory loss. Those who are outraged at domestic snooping are people who have forgotten to be afraid.
But gradually, 9/11 became the all-purpose excuse for . . . whatever it takes. The war in Iraq was conflated with the war on terror, and preemptive strikes were launched against weapons of mass destruction that didn't exist. In ''The Assassin's Gate," George Packer, a liberal hawk, tries to assess why the United States really did invade Iraq. ''It still isn't possible to be sure -- and this remains the most remarkable thing about the Iraq War," he writes. ''Iraq is the Rashomon of wars" and all he can conclude is that it ''has something to do with September 11."

Who owns September 11? The White House has built its own memorial and raised a stiff price of admission. It only allows in those who agree with the president. But the memory and meaning of 9/11 do not belong to any partisan. It's common ground waiting to be recaptured. Whatever it takes.

Source : Bush's false choices Boston Globe By Ellen Goodman | December 23, 2005

In God’s Kingdom

Unlike in the world, where men takes counsel from other men, a disciple of Christ, in making small or big decisions, has God for his counsel.

Making wise decisions is a given for a disciple, for the foundation of any decision is based on one unchanging source: God and who He is.

We can be certain that only good things proceed from any of these decisions, for God is righteous:

First, it can only be just, for God is Just!

Second, it can only bring peace, for God is Peace!

Third, it can only bring love, for God is Love!

I am no president, but I make decisions like any man. In all these decisions I take counsel not from men, but from Christ; and that's the wisest decision I've ever made.

Canada Doing Worst that USA

2005-12-23T18:04:00.000-05:00

Canada, a predominantly Catholic nation, just recently passed okay to gay-marriage, which is a blatant disregard of biblical admonition of same-sex marriage. Now, come this Supreme Court ruling legalizing sex clubs.

We read the abstract below:

Confusion, rather than clarity, seems the main result of a landmark Supreme Court of Canada ruling legalizing sex clubs.

Indecency has been re-evaluated, shifting the foundation of existing rules and making it difficult to see where society will go from here.

In its ruling, the court abandoned difficult-to-define community tolerance for taking the measure of indecency. A moral compass alone is no longer a sufficient guide in banning flagrant displays of intercourse, including group sex in clubs.

The new measure for tolerance is whether or not an activity causes harm. In theory, that will ease the subjectivity associated with judgments based on morals and taste.

In the Day of Judgment

Let’s see what happens to unrighteous, unrepentant, and godless men during the Day of Judgment, when Our Lord comes to judge all men:

Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?" Revelation 6:15-17

There will be no excuse on that day for everyone knows about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He sent that by Christ any man may be saved from condemnation to suffer God’s anger.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. Romans 1:18-19

Source: (1) Editorial: Decency versus harm - The Toronto Star Dec. 23, 2005.
(2) & (3) The Bible, New International Version

God's Kingdom Proclaimed

2005-12-23T05:53:00.000-05:00

Let's read an abstract from the editorial of Dec 7, 2005 of New York Times titled: Secretary Rice's Rendition. Is she representing a bad cause? You be the judge.

It was a sad enough measure of how badly the Bush administration has damaged its moral standing that the secretary of state had to deny that the president condones torture before she could visit some of the most reliable American allies in Europe. It was even worse that she had a hard time sounding credible when she did it.

Pesky facts keep getting in the way of Ms. Condoleezza Rice's message. Yesterday, the new German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said that Ms. Rice had acknowledged privately that the United States should not have abducted a German citizen, Khaled el-Masri, who says he was sent to Afghanistan and mistreated for five months before the Americans realized that they had the wrong man and let him go. End of abstract (1)

In God’s Kingdom

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3 (2)

Undoubtedly, Jesus Christ is claiming that He was sent here on earth by God, Our Father in Heaven. He did come – as recorded in His Word, the Bible – was born by virgin birth, proclaimed the heavenly Kingdom, did his short but miracle-filled ministry, died being crucified and rose again on the third day.

In going up to Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit as He promised to anyone who believed. Foremost of those who received were the Apostles, e.g. Paul, Peter, John that they may continue to perform the same ministry that Jesus did.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4 (3)

To this day, a believer receives the same Holy Spirit to enable him as a child of God, doing the same good work – proclaiming God’s Kingdom.

Being so blessed to represent Him, I testify about Christ as being alive in me. He’s real, and that’s very good for me, and for anyone who believes! Glory to God!

Sources: (1) Secretary Rice's Rendition - New York Times – Editorial Dec 7, 2005
(2) & (3) The Bible, New International Version

Another US Environmental Misstep

2005-12-22T16:48:00.000-05:00

We read an essay excerpts from New York Times Magazine below:

More than 35 years ago, an offshore drilling rig spilled approximately three million gallons of oil into the waters near Santa Barbara. A massive slick covered hundreds of square miles and killed thousands of birds, seals and dolphins; the white beaches of California turned black with crude. Night after night, the TV networks showed oil-covered birds flopping in their death throes on fouled beaches. Popular outrage was heightened by the attitude of Fred Hartley, president of Union Oil, which operated the offending rig. In Senate testimony, he chided environmentalists and journalists for over-reacting to the loss of bird life. (1)

The gymnastics of people like Schwarzenegger - probably the most famous Hummer owner in the world - are emblematic of the cognitive dissonance that runs in our national bloodstream. We demand clean beaches and untouched wildernesses at home but live in an energy-intensive fashion that leads other countries to sacrifice their waters and forests… (2)

If the protection of our environment comes at the expense of others, might it be an expression of selfishness rather than virtue? The more we focus on defending our environment, the less we may focus on environments outside our borders; activism can become anesthesia. Domestic restrictions on drilling have had the unintended effect of insulating our tender consciences from the worst impacts of oil extraction. Out of sight, out of mind. For that reason, could it be that drilling rigs within sight of Key West or in a part of Alaska that is an Alamo of conservationism would be a useful thing? Perhaps a few more drilling platforms in our most precious lands and waters would make us understand that the true cost of oil is not posted at the gas pump. (3)

In the Kingdom of God

…an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?...Romans 2:20-21 (4)

Commentary: US as the source of most knowledge and means in these modern times has the primary responsibility to act according to what that knowledge should be played out for common good. Indeed, the superpower nation should initiate and then lead in this particular concern of global warming due to high levels of gas emissions.

It’s a sad fact that the opposite is true. In fact they opted out in the commitment to cut gas emissions in the recently concluded climate change talks held in Montreal, Canada; just as they did in Tokyo, Japan during the previous talks.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (5)

Commentary: It is reported that the reason they can’t commit is that they have a program of their own to pursue. This is the official stand and pronouncement. Hidden is the actual reason, a selfish one - American oil-refinery, auto, and all other energy consuming businesses’ lobby - exerts a very strong influence on government policy, action, and behavior.

To say the least, President Bush and the ruling elite lack the political will to do the right thing for the benefit of most of the American people, and ultimately for the world.

Sources:(1),( 2)& (3) The Price of Oil - By PETER MAASS Published: December 18, 2005
(4) & (5) The Bible (NIV)

One God for One World

2005-12-21T07:47:00.000-05:00

Fast Food’s Founding Father

“One World: One Taste”. This McDonald’s slogan emerges from an ambitious corporate vision of dominating the global fast food market.

The golden arches of the red and yellow restaurants now bestride the globe, or “McWorld”, and excite both enmity and admiration from the foes and friends of capitalism. (1)

One God, One Lord, One Spirit, One Church!

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6 (2)

Make no mistake; there’s only one God that we are held accountable. And there’s only One Lord that we should submit to – Jesus Christ; that by His death and resurrection we will gain eternal life. And there's only One Spirit for all men who believe, that they might be encouraged, inspired, guided, comforted, instructed, or convicted as needed.

If there’s One God, there’s One Church that we are called into unity, peace, fellowship and worship.

(1) Source: Fast Food Factory BBC World Service (2) Source: BibleGateway.com

Two Companies Doing the Right Things!

2005-12-21T06:47:00.000-05:00

Shell

But their exploitation (of a vast new oil field in the Athabasca region of western Canada) itself requires the burning of fossil fuels, and that will lead to an increase of almost 50% in Shell Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. To help boost its green credentials, Shell Canada has offered to slash its emissions in the future, as the company's President Tim Faithful told us.

‘We have set a goal of reducing those emissions by half’, Faithful says. ‘The significance of that number is that at that level we will emit less greenhouse gases on a full cycle basis, from the oil well to the other side of the refinery - going into the customer's tank if you like - we'll emit less greenhouse gas with a barrel of our synthetic crude oil than from the average barrel of crude that has been imported into North America.’

Levi’s

Finding the balance between efficiency and social responsibility is a challenge to most companies’, Neyts says, ‘and a challenge that we gladly undertake…..If we didn't do that [operate on an ethical basis] and had a significant allegation against the company that was true, how much would we spend to rectify that allegation, to defend ourselves? So you could look at it from that cost perspective, and then it becomes quite cost-offsetting. But basically it's just the right thing to do.’

There's no doubt that Levi's corporate responsibility programme is about "doing the right thing". It is also, in a world where consumers are increasingly conscious of corporate malpractice, a canny business decision.

Source: Inside the Global Giants
BBC World Service

In The Kingdom of the World

Doing the right thing is a command.

Righteous are you O LORD, and your laws are right. Psalm 119:137

Dong the right things have great benefit for any man. He can move freely in any place he wishes to go.

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. Romans 13:3

Living righteously is the best sacrifice any man can do before the Lord. In so doing he is trusting the Lord to do right with him.

Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. Psalm 4:5

U. S. A. Going Separate Ways on Climate Change

2005-12-20T13:35:00.000-05:00

We read a news excerpt below:

MONTREAL, Dec. 9 - Two weeks of treaty talks on global warming neared an end today with the world's current and projected leaders in emissions of greenhouse gases, the United States and China, still refusing to take any mandatory steps to avoid dangerous climate change.

The walkout was widely seen here as the capstone of two weeks of American efforts to prevent any fresh initiatives from being discussed.
"This shows just how willing the U.S. administration is to walk away from a healthy planet and its responsibilities to its own people," said Jennifer Morgan of the World Wildlife Fund.

The talks have left the world's major sources of the emissions - the United States, big developing countries, and a bloc led by Europe and Japan - divided over how to proceed under both a 1992 treaty with no binding gas restrictions and the Kyoto Protocol, an addendum that took effect this year.

The Kyoto pact sets binding restrictions on gases, but they apply only to about three dozen industrialized countries. The United States and Australia have rejected it.

Source: U.S. Delegation Walks Out of Climate Talks – By Andrew Revkin, Dec 9, 2005 New York Times

In the Kingdom of God

It’s different with God. He didn’t walk out on us, left to our own devices to battle our biggest problem – sin. In fact He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save the whole of mankind from sin.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

As we celebrate Christmas, the birth anniversary of Christ, we should not forget His death and resurrection because they are as important. Indeed, the life of Christ here on earth must be taken as a whole to gain meaning to our lives.

His was a mission to reconcile us – being separated from God by sin – with God! By dying He gave us the chance to have eternal life in the Kingdom.

Indeed, One can be Free!

2005-12-20T07:34:00.000-05:00

“What shines forth and reveals God in your life is not your relative consistency to an idea of what a saint should be, but genuine, living relationship with Jesus Christ, and your unrestrained devotion to Him whether you are well or sick.” – Oswald Chambers

I realized from above statement that in all circumstances God makes use of me, not that I make use of God. God is sovereign for He created me.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? Romans 9:20-22

Then, I rebelled and got separated from Him because of sin. I forgot my Creator for quite a stretch of time.

Now, I am reconciled with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Believing in Christ got me to partake of many rewards for obedient children. On earth while I am still here, being free from the power of sin is just the start. From my experience, that's already enormous!

Man’s Greed Goes Ugly

2005-12-19T06:04:00.000-05:00

Education is vital for anyone to survive in this very competitive culture, and that’s more so in North America, where it is the equated to success. Without it you’re left to work for the leftovers.

So the young men and women, who have dreams and visions of making it big in their working age, have to invest their time, efforts, and resources to get educated. Many have to borrow money to cope with existing lack and exude the confidence that they are investing to earn to cover the capital put in and much more over and above.

But there are other kinds of men, those who thrive on the needs of other men. They have not-so-good motives, one engendered by greed.

Please read the excerpt below:

To produce those sorts of numbers, a company usually has to be obsessed with the bottom line, and Sallie is certainly that (a big chunk of its executives' bonuses is based on Sallie's profits). As good as that may be for shareholders, a growing number of critics contend that those profits are coming at the expense of Sallie's other constituents: students and taxpayers. "Sallie advocates policies we believe are frequently contrary to the interest of students," says Luke Swarthout, a higher-education advisor to the U.S. Public Interest Research Groups. He charges that Sallie used its political clout to shape new legislation that will increase the cost of student loans. Ira Rheingold, executive director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, decries Sallie's growing presence in the ugly business of collecting on defaulted debt. Pennsylvania state representative Doug Reichley alleges that Sallie is engaging in "predatory lending." Indeed, Sallie uses high interest rates and fees to charge students as much as 28% annual interest on loans. As a result, some have seen their school-loan debt balloon into six-figure delinquencies that they can't hope to pay when the collection agency (which nowadays may be owned by Sallie) comes calling.

Source: When Sallie Met Wall Street By Bethany McLean
Fortune Magazine - December 12, 2005

In the Kingdom of God

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6

How one wish that what’s obtaining in God’s kingdom can happen in this world! The verse above says that God is a rich source of wisdom and knowledge, thus a very good foundation by which you can very well build your future.

I am not advocating foregoing a school education, because everyone needs to do that to advance. I am urging the fact that everyone get educated not at the expense of what God can provide.

In my experience, though just got it belatedly, getting more of God at the first instance means getting more of education from other sources.

The best part of it is the guidance and instruction of the Holy Spirit of what is necessary and useful! For what is education but to benefit a living soul, both in spiritual and material matters! You’ll get the right balance, and the Holy Spirit sees that it becomes real in your daily life. This is hard stuff so we need the best help.

If you are a student, a career man or woman, a family man – everyone in fact – this reminder could be timely. It will make a big difference in your life!

God is that big difference! My life up to this moment testifies to what I have said so far.

God’s Words are Still with Us

2005-12-17T22:31:00.000-05:00

With His Words, in the beginning, God created all there are in heaven and earth including man.

Today, His words are still creating life, but in a different way. He transforms existing life into a new creation, which is far superior!

I am one of the many recipients of His words, thus I am living a new life. It’s a rare, undeserved gift from God. It's a second and last chance, that I am impressed with, so I will value it in a way that brings glory to him.

These words are found in Book of Books we call the Bible. They were written that anyone who believes may have eternal life!

His Words are still with us. Help yourself!

A Dire Prophesy

2005-12-17T15:51:00.000-05:00

In the World Today

As we start the third millennium we see outstanding progress in numerous frontiers in varied fields that man has put his mind into conquering. Today we are still in a time continuum of great achievements that began and ended in the industrial age and just beginning in this exponentially progressing age of technology. We can only imagine where it will lead.

We welcome, in fact, we should be proud of these achievements for the enormous benefits they gave to mankind as a whole. But sad to say the problems they brought are as enormous.

We can read the following excerpt to gain some perspective of what I am writing about.

The excerpt starts, “Rainwater is something of a behind-the-scenes type—at least as far as alpha-male billionaires go. He counts President Bush as a personal friend but dislikes politics, and frankly, when he gets worked up, he says some pretty far-out things that could easily be taken out of context. Such as: An economic tsunami is about to hit the global economy as the world runs out of oil. Or a coalition of communist and Islamic states may decide to stop selling their precious crude to Americans any day now. Or food shortages may soon hit the U.S. Or he read on a blog last night that there's this one gargantuan chunk of ice sitting on a precipice in Antarctica that, if it falls off, will raise sea levels worldwide by two feet—and it's getting closer to the edge.... And then he'll interrupt himself: "Look, I'm not predicting anything," he'll say. "That's when you get a little kooky-sounding."

To read the article in full, please click the link:
Source: The Rainwater Prophesy - By Oliver Ryan
Fortune Magazine December 17, 2005

In the Kingdom of God

God is watching with utter dismay on what some men’s greed is leading. To be sure he has meant oil to be shared by men; that power and authority of leaders be used to lead men to do glory for God; that men be united that they should be looking out for each other, which is the right thing to do to make this world self-sustaining.

But men have gone the other way, apart from God’s instruction, guidance, direction, and purpose. It is a good thing Our God is merciful, loving and long-suffering; but He too is just and righteous.

So, He will come again as He promised, to render judgment and justice. He will give each man, both to the righteous and the unrighteous, his due recompense.

Lately, this Day of Judgment is on my mind more than ever as I come to read not a few – four times in fact - warning signs as the article written above.

Surely, the Day of the Lord will not come in a year or in a few years or even a decade. But beyond that I am not so sure!

My Joy as a Christian

2005-12-17T05:09:00.000-05:00

If you commit completely all things to God, personal and family circumstances or events are worked out through these message of God to us:

Romans 8:28-31: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

First, He works out only good desires in your heart. These are so much different from your old desires.

Second, He brings about those things or events you desire by equipping you with all the resources - spiritual as well as material - you’ll ever need to bring about to fruition these desires.

Third, He directs all influences – people, things, and angels from above - towards the attainment of these good desires. You’ll be amazed of things happening as if they have just dropped from heaven. This should be the time that you’ll be awed by what God can do.

In short, He’ll move heaven and earth to bring you all you have desired until today - for in the first place - He has given you these desires to achieve His purpose in you.

Your purpose is the same as His purpose. You can be sure of this truth.

In abiding in Him, you'll be in his care while doing your purpose here on earth. You'll have joy, peace, and safety and an abundant life to live.

My life as a Christian – for almost four years now – testifies to this truth. God has been so very real in my life. He has brought joy to my family and to me personally!

Salt and Light

2005-12-16T14:45:00.000-05:00

Salt Gives Flavor to Grapefruit

There have been times in my adulthood when grapefruit was the only thing that tasted good to me. But not in my early childhood. My parents loved grapefruit. My father put salt on it, which struck me as exactly the wrong way to go. He salted watermelon too. Cantaloupe he salted and peppered. Today I can recommend those seasonings, without finding them at all necessary, but back then they heightened my suspicion that grown-ups were often pretending or being perverse. My mother would put sugar on my grapefruit to get me to eat it, but nope. She gave up on getting me to eat grapefruit - or anything else, for that matter.
Source: The Ideology of Taste By ROY BLOUNT JR.
New York Times Magazine- Published: November 27, 2005

In the Kingdom of the God

Salt and Light

God is pleased with true believers for they exhibit evidence of their faith in Him. They bring honor and glory to His name. They are salt and light on earth; the salt ready to give flavor to other men that they may believe Our Lord; the light shining brightly that they may draw men to God.

On the other hand a professed disciple is a worthless disciple, worthy to be thrown away and be trampled on by men. Let’s see what the Scriptures say:

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. Matthew 5:13

"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 its stand, and it gives 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 5:14-16

True disciples work for God in His good works, which is to bring men to the Kingdom of God.

Now Is the Time

2005-12-16T07:08:00.000-05:00

"Talking points are a core set of messages an executive or politician utilizes in communicating with stakeholders," says Richard Edelman, a public relations executive. "It's a term of art for having an outline of your remarks." George Lakoff, professor of cognitive science and linguistics at U.C. Berkeley, goes further: "The talking points frame assumes that there are many spokespeople, that there will be 'message discipline' and that they will remain 'on message' (that is, sticking to the talking points)..."

We have no trouble with other pointed phrases. Turning point has not changed from its 1817 coinage meaning "a moment at which change occurs," though the synonym "watershed" had its recent vogue; breaking point, with an 1828 origin describing iron architectural trusses, has evolved to "the moment that a person gives way under stress," and bullet point is an unnecessary extension of the typographers' word "bullet"; as in a Champion Paper Company house organ's 1947 usage, "Sheer monotony is unrelieved even by the bullets."

PowerPoint, one word, is business-presentation software named in 1987 for the Apple Macintosh platform that Microsoft Office adopted in 1990 and claims is now used around the world millions of times a day.

(Its stupefying misuse by presenters who merely read words off a screen is called "death by PowerPoint.")

But all those other points are beside the point. The strange double life of talking point is exemplified in an innocently irreverent cartoon by Mike Peters. It shows a giant hand reaching through the clouds to extend the tablets containing the Ten Commandments to the outstretched hands of Moses, with the voice of God saying, "Here, these are your talking points."

Source: Talking Points By WILLIAM SAFIRE
In New York Times Magazine - Published: November 27, 2005

For God: Now is the Time

To most of us we have reached the point to decide once and for all what Jesus Christ really means to us. Christmas after Christmas we have only done superficial acknowledgment of the Son of God, who claims He came for us; that we be saved and have a full life.

He is very emphatic when He said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Have you studied the Scriptures to gain more knowledge of these truths? Or have you reached for self-help books instead - to go on your own; reading or just living to search for alternative truths?

If you ask me, I have fixed my life's compass to what I believe to be the true point - Jesus Christ. I have decided on this since I was preached to by the Word!

So Favored by God

2005-12-15T06:38:00.000-05:00

"Come to Me . . ." ( Matthew 11:28 ). His word come means "to act." Yet the last thing we want to do is come. But everyone who does come knows that, at that very moment, the supernatural power of the life of God invades him. The dominating power of the world, the flesh, and the devil is now paralyzed; not by your act, but because your act has joined you to God and tapped you in to His redemptive power. (Source: Authority of Truth by Oswald Chambers)

Just a few hours ago I wrote my latest article, the one previous to this. I titled it “God’s Perspective and Mine are Joined.” The quote from Oswald Chambers indicated above speaks of the same.

Encircled by God I have undergone a tremendous change, notably the power over sin. All other changes proceed from this fact. Now, I think, I act, and I behave that of God. I can’t do otherwise for I am totally drawn to God by His will as well as mine.

As a result, God is on my side as I am on His side. The benefits are enormous needless to say! Imagine God doing all your work – big or small - providing all the means and working out all things, time, and people even, for every activity.

Is this hard to believe? Can anyone really be so favored? Let’s recall what Jesus asked of the Father for His disciples before His death:

I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. – John 17:11

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." - John 17:22-26

I am so favored by God. So can you; all you have to do is to believe in Christ Jesus!

God’s Perspective and Mine are Joined

2005-12-14T18:52:00.000-05:00

Lately I noticed my viewpoints to have changed. It’s as if I have acquired greater knowledge and gained wisdom beyond what a man like me can possibly get in a lifetime. I mean I am just an ordinary citizen, and a follower of Christ at that. I am not spoiling for a debate to be controversial.

In any case, a few pieces of evidence can be appreciated.

Lately, I have been writing of things about the world; and of big issues like death penalty, global warming, murky American politics, Hurricane Katrina, etc. I wrote not a few articles about present and soon-to-be-troubles in America. Let’s have some glimpses of these articles:

First, everyone, either the Stanley “Tookie” Williams’ supporters or detractors, must know that God has a purpose for his death now. Therefore, no one should be blamed; his supporters must accept it, and detractors must stop rubbing salt to the pain that anyone has for his death.

Second, it’s one thing to aim for power; it’s another to think you’ll have it for so long. Political history in America is replete with stories of powerful men who fell flat on their faces or on their bottoms.

Third, God is surely looking dismayed at the doings of men, and particularly at their leaders. They are creating places to worship idols as often as they eat, drink, and being merry.

Fourth, no one is seriously looking out for the world’s poor, the helpless refugees of war and natural disasters, and the black people of Africa as a whole.

Fifth and last, another spin of the news (about global warming) talks of dire consequences. BBC Television, today, reports that at the current levels of carbon dioxide the “hole” in the ozone layer would be beyond repair in 10 years. And that just 1 degree increase in world’s atmosphere temperature will result in more of the bad consequences, like the forest fires currently being experienced in Portugal, just recently in France and frequently in California; hurricanes are now more frequent and stronger also because of significant yearly increment of sea temperature.

There’s a sea change in my perspective over things around me. This is just recently acquired and it coincided with my ever deepening personal relationship with God.

It’s as if God’s perspective and mine are joined or similar. Not that I can have the vast concern of God.

Am I concerned? None the least; in fact God’s will is for us to be conformed to the image and character of His Son, Jesus Christ. And if you have Christ in your heart, mind and soul, are wisdom, compassion, and love not far behind?

President Bush's Mea Culpa

2005-12-14T06:23:00.000-05:00

In the World's Kingdoms

An important press conference was not held in Washington last week. The leaders of the Democratic Party did not say, "We'd like to thank President Bush for his new, realistic tone about the war in Iraq. In his recent speeches, the President has acknowledged that U.S. military strategy has been defective, especially in the Sunni triangle. He has made clear the difficulty we have had in training Iraqi security forces. He has expressed concern about the power that ethnic militias have overthose forces. He has expressed dismay about the corruption rampant in the new democratic Iraq. He has admitted that large reconstruction contracts given to U.S. corporations like Halliburton have been a failure. He has repeatedly asserted that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, that the intelligence that caused him to attack Iraq was wrong. We applaud the President for finally acknowledging those mistakes. Given the Administration's sad record of incompetence in planning and executing this war, we do have concerns about the President's ability to bring it to a successful conclusion. In the meantime, we hope he will continue to be candid about the difficulties we are facing in Iraq."

For the full article please click the link.

Source: Joe Klein’s Why Washington is Playing with Fire
December 10, 2005 Time Online Edition

In the Kingdom of God

Godly sorrow brings repentance; and repentance brings Christ into one’s life!

Christ can only be a harbinger of good things. He brings new perspectives in living. I can’t talk about these now.

I only need to tell you that Christ speaks of freedom, power, peace, joy, and eternal hope!

My blog speaks of these as a personal testimony of Christ!

Misguided Notions

2005-12-14T05:53:00.000-05:00

In the World's Kingdoms

THERE'S BEEN talk of President Bush's lame-duck status, and much of it's been premature. But the recent global negotiations on climate change in Montreal left the Bush team quacking on the sidelines. The administration started out opposing the whole idea of the meeting, but the rest of the world went ahead anyway, inviting former president Bill Clinton to speak in Montreal as a sort of ersatz head of state. While the Bush representatives refused to agree to anything but vague discussions about voluntary measures, local government officials and business representatives made it clear that the Bush administration does not speak for them. "Even though the U.S. at the moment isn't being very constructive in the negotiations, this might change over time," Denmark's negotiator observed.

For the full editorial please click the link.

Source: Editorial - Quacking About Climate
Washington Post, Wednesday, December 14, 2005

In the Kingdom of God

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom!

Apart from God’s wisdom - from which flows vision, righteous motivations, good plans and strategies and prudent administration of activities - man can only fail, and fail miserably!

In contrast, a man who fear God can do a magnificent feat. One good example that comes to mind is Abraham Lincoln.

I Don't Sweat It!

2005-12-14T04:29:00.000-05:00

Oh, How God Works!

Since almost a year ago I have seen how God works in my life. My thoughts or plans were not His. Of course God's prevailed.

He continues to do so to this day!

He has a purpose, so it seems, for my life. So, I have learned to let God and let go. I don’t sweat it. You can’t win, for He is sovereign.

He is working out everything for me. I just watch! I remember one man of God who described how this works:

"To hope, to keep silent, and to work alone--that is what we must learn to do if we really want to labor in the true spirit. But what exactly does it involve, this plowing? The plowman does not pull the plow. He does not push it. He only directs it. That is just how events move in our lives. We can do nothing but guide them straight is the direction which leads to our Lord Jesus Christ, striving toward him in all we do and experience. Strive toward him, and the furrow will plow itself." -Albert Schweitzer

In retrospect, I like what He has done for the year past. And there's no question about the present.

Prospectively, I'll let Him have His way in my life, now and in the future!

For you see, I got to know He loves me and my family. He got to, for I committed our lives to Him. He can only be responsible for us.

How great God is! Hallelujah!

Source: Reverence For Life by Albert Schweitzer

A Person Dies

2005-12-13T07:05:00.000-05:00

Stanley Williams went to his death, and debate will surely follow as to whether he deserves to die then or later.

SAN QUENTIN, Calif., Dec. 13 -- Stanley "Tookie" Williams, a gang leader-turned-peace advocate whose cause drew worldwide attention, was executed in San Quentin's death chamber Tuesday morning after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger denied his last-ditch plea for clemency and the Supreme Court refused to block the execution.

To read the full article, please click the link.

Source: Gang Found Is Executed in Calif. By Evelyn Nieves
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 13, 2005; 6:24 AM

In the Kingdom of God

Everyone, either the Williams’ supporters or detractors, must know that God has a purpose for his death now. Therefore, no one should be blamed; his supporters must accept it, and detractors must stop rubbing salt to the pain that anyone has for his death.

At the Day of Judgment, Stanley Williams will stand to await God’s mercy, as every one of us will. Our God is just, loving and merciful.

He is all that, that He can give the repentant sinner, as we all can be, the key to the Kingdom.

Election Strategy, Power Trip

2005-12-12T21:03:00.000-05:00

Excerpt: Washington Post (Page A25)

Chinks in the Republican Armor
By Fred Hiatt - Monday, December 12, 2005

Not so long ago the talk was all about the self-perpetuating machine the Republicans were constructing in Washington.

The image was of links in a chain of power that the Democrats could never break. The GOP, having captured both houses of Congress and the White House, could press lobbyists to hire only Republicans and give money only to Republicans. The money would guarantee dominance in state legislatures. The legislatures would redraw congressional districts so that Democrats could never win. And if anyone objected, too bad; Republican-appointed judges could be counted on to slap down any complainers.

In the Kingdom of God

Hubris or greed can really make men do very unethical activities. Who once said: Power corrupts; it corrupts absolutely?

It’s one thing to aim for power; it’s another to think you’ll have it for so long. Political history in America is replete with stories of powerful men who fell flat on their faces or on their bottoms.

Power belongs to God and it’s good to know He is just in His judgment. The wicked shall fall; the righteous shall be lifted up!

Renovating a Place of Idol Worship

2005-12-12T09:22:00.000-05:00

In the World’s Kingdoms

Excerpts from Washington Post

A MEETING THIS week at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, hosted by the National Coalition to Save Our Mall, elicited ideas for redesigning and expanding the Mall that stretch the imagination. That was the purpose of the gathering: to begin thinking seriously about future demands and limitations on the Mall and the possibility of expanding this premium national treasure through the acquisition of more space.

The National Capital Planning Commission and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts are rightly concerned with the requirement to find space for congressionally approved memorials and museums.

That, in our view, is the benefit of the forum that took place this week. The ideas put forward -- soaring waterfront museums; marinas; water taxis; inland canals; conversion of East Potomac Park with recreation, plazas and beaches -- certainly would put a new face on the seat of national government and the District of Columbia. Would they also add to the beautification and renewal of the nation's capital and complement the architecture and landscape already there? These are not questions to shy away from. They should be embraced and explored.

Source: Editorial: Rethinking the Mall
Washington Post - Saturday, December 10, 2005

In the Kingdom of God
God is Watching

God is surely looking dismayed at the doings of men, and particularly at their leaders. They are creating places to worship idols as often as they eat, drink, and being merry.

Adding more reason for God's great disappoinment with people is the outright removal of things and renovation-to-vanish faces of God in many places where people used to worship and meditate on the glory of Him, Our Creator.

What’s true in America could be very well true in all the world’s kingdoms.

Mankind is being sucked up, or rather, down into the World of Darkness!

However, it is comforting and it makes for a peaceful living, to know that God will re-order things the way it was like before man’s fall.

This is a renovation that I would welcome with open arms!

An Invitation to a Seeker

2005-12-09T18:06:00.000-05:00

Are you seeking God to give meaning or purpose to your life? Then, this is an invitation to you to step into the Light, who is Jesus. Faith in Him is the first essential step to knowing Him. It’s the key to understanding God’s Word, that in time will negate doubts that linger preventing you from knowing your purpose in living.

Let me elaborate. Jesus says, “…seek first His (God’s) kingdom, and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV).

He is saying that if you follow Him and become his devoted disciple, He will take care of you.

You might say, “This is hard to accept. I doubt if it’s workable.” I am asking you to take a chance and believe Jesus as He says.

…"When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me (God the Father). When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:44-46 (NIV).

In the light—trusting Christ--one can be truly enlightened. Once enlightened you become pliant as a blade of grass that moves toward where the force moves. If Jesus is the force, you’re in for a very pleasant surprise. For the moment you become obedient to His word of instruction, guidance and, if need be, rebuke, you are already living the eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NIV

In abiding in Him you have acquired power over sin. Liberated from it you become fruitful in your personal, family and community life.

In the process you become a servant to Christ which you will welcome with an open heart; and God the Father will be pleased.

Matthew 6:33 was the first verse I took to heart and God has been faithful to His promises since.

I did take my chance before and oh!... How I boast of what Christ has done to my life. I came seeking for a life and ended up living the Life. For as I yielded to Him, He tore out my old filthy life and breathed His Life into me.

And more, I was made co-heir with His Son to the Father’s heavenly riches and glory!

How can anything beat that! And you only have to believe!

Our Lord, Our Shepherd

2005-12-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

In the World’s Kingdoms

No one is looking out for the poor and the helpless!

…this is the year when the big industrialized countries promised to finally do something about making poverty history. Helping poor countries is not just about debt relief and aid. It also means ending the trade-distorting giveaways that rich countries have sustained for years to coddle special interests, particularly farmers.

The developed world funnels nearly $1 billion a day in subsidies to its farmers, encouraging overproduction. That drives down prices and leaves farmers in poor nations unable to compete with subsidized products, even within their own countries. In recent years, farmers from America, Europe and Japan have dumped products on world markets at prices that do not begin to cover their cost of production. Europe's system is particularly odious; the United States' farm subsidies are only a third of Europe's. What's more, tariffs in agricultural products are obscenely high, in another attempt to keep the farm products of poor countries out of the supermarkets of Paris, Frankfurt and Chicago.

It's past time to fix this broken system, and make trade rules work for the world's poor.

Source: Protecting the French Farmer Editorial
New York Times December 8, 2005

In the Kingdom of God

The poor and the helpless people have been loved always by our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him they have a Savior who provides during extreme wants and helplessness. He heals them of disease, mitigates their sufferings from oppression by the proud, and not only indifferent but haughty rich. He protects them from devious plans of greedy and covetous people.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:35-37

Presently, to do this while reigning in heaven, He is sending the Holy Spirit to those who cries for Him for help, comfort, and guidance; better, He is continually asking Our Lord for sustenance, both in physical and spiritual food.

In Him there is hope even amidst hunger, widespread disease, and oppression, wanton greed of the rich and powerful.

To be sure, He brings trouble and destruction to the proud and unrighteous people who have brought the same to His people.

And surely He blesses those who feed and take care of His flock.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse… Genesis 12:3

What one sows, one reaps. Our Lord is fair in judgment!

An Invitation that America Must Heed

2005-12-07T13:16:00.000-05:00

Talk on the Kyoto Treaty is underway in Montreal, Canada. Leaders of Canada and the biggest of the industrialized nations are inviting and watching moves of USA to commit to the treaty, being the biggest contributor – almost ¼ of the carbon dioxide emissions.

It is an invitation that American leaders must heed, for the sake of their people. If in ten years, the climate percolates, Americans will surely take the most of the impact of could be unbearable heat.

A BBC News report writes, “It could take far longer than expected for the ozone "hole" over Antarctica to repair itself, scientists have said.
New research from the US and Canada indicates ozone-eating chemicals are still being released into the atmosphere in large quantities.
The latest modeling predicts the protective gas layer found in the stratosphere will not now recover its health until about the year 2065.
This is a more than a decade later than previous forecasts.
"The reservoirs of ozone-depleting chemicals found in old fridges and air-conditioning systems may be greater than anticipated, and if this continues into the future then the projection of ozone hole recovery in 2050 may have to be extended," said Dale Hurst, from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa).

Source: Delay expected in ozone recovery By Jonathan Amos
BBC News science reporter, San Francisco

Current levels of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere are higher now than at any time in the past 650,000 years. By Richard Black - Environment Correspondent, BBC News website

Another excerpt from BBC News: The US has so far blocked moves towards limits on carbon emissions after Kyoto expires in 2012, despite a call by one in four US senators for it to join in.

The US is not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, fearing its implementation could harm development and economic growth.

Source: UN climate talks enter key phase – Montreal Dec. 7, 2005 BBC News

Another spin of the news talks of dire consequences. BBC Television, today, reports that at the current levels of carbon dioxide the “hole” in the ozone layer would be beyond repair in 10 years. And that just 1 degree increase in world’s atmosphere temperature will result in more of the bad consequences, like the forest fires currently being experienced in Portugal, just recently in France and frequently in California. Also, the more frequent and stronger hurricanes experienced this year are said to be connected to increased ocean temperature.

In The Kingdom of God

A Wake up Call for His People in America

Click the Link:

American Christians

Righteous or Unrighteous Life

2005-12-06T17:26:00.000-05:00

In the World's Kingdoms
A Deliberate Lie

Clearly, in this life some men live unrighteous; misled by their leaders who have unworthy causes. They could have been good people at the start, but working in jobs that requires compromise on righteous beliefs could have made them do different things at the present.

We can read of such men in a report written in The Washington Post.

MILAN -- In March 2003, the Italian national anti-terrorism police received an urgent message from the CIA about a radical Islamic cleric who had mysteriously vanished from Milan a few weeks before.

In fact, according to Italian court documents and interviews with investigators, the CIA's tip was a deliberate lie, part of a ruse designed to stymie efforts by the Italian anti-terrorism police to track down the cleric, Hassan Mustafa Osama Nasr, an Egyptian refugee known as Abu Omar.

The strategy worked for more than a year until Italian investigators learned that Nasr had not gone to the Balkans after all. Instead, prosecutors here have charged, he was abducted off a street in Milan by a team of CIA operatives who took him to two U.S. military bases in succession and then flew him to Egypt, where he was interrogated and allegedly tortured by Egyptian security agents before being released to house arrest.

Source: CIA Ruse Is Said to Have Damaged Probe in Milan
By Craig Whitlock , Washington Post Foreign Service, Tuesday, December 6, 2005

In the Kingdom of God
Christ is Truth

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

In my experience, living by Christ’s command orders my life very well. This is an essential Truth that I have discovered.

Christ's Way leads you to be a responsible family man, to be a leader and follower at the same time which lend well to a successful, peaceful and unhurried living, though continually challenged. It can be very healthful too.

Being born again of the Spirit, which Christ has challenged each man to do, is an experience that transcends every experience I have had.

The experience is life-changing. To my life it was an inside-out and right-side up change; a radical transformation from bad to very good. What’s good about it is it’s so effortless.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:29-30

And best of all is that I feel I am a “rich” man, not lacking in the most important things needed for a good life. And it can be fruitful too.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and me in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

I have learned not to contradict or argue with my wife on unimportant things; doing so only on the important ones. But I learned since that there’s no important thing to argue about. I have thrown these things to Christ instead. It’s the best decision I have ever had.

If I may repeat: I live life in less effort, even though the activities have not diminished. In fact, they have increased and became more challenging.

There are still other fruits I wish to tell you, but those will come later in another article.

So I only have pity on people who confess that they have unsatisfying jobs or activities that they can’t be proud of, or a marriage that has seen good times. They are being convicted, and so are feeling guilty and worst they seem resigned being failures. Many are continuously searching for a working solution to their problems and inadequacies to cope with the burden that both the family and job throws their way.

I pity them because they are “poor”. The reason could be that, unlike me, they don’t have Christ in their lives.

Troubles in America Because of Iraq, Part III

2005-12-06T17:23:00.000-05:00

In the World's Kingdoms
A Compromise of Moral Values

Dec. 12, 2005 issue - This summer, the Reserve Officers Association presented Sen. Hillary Clinton with its President's Award for her work on behalf of soldiers. On the morning of the ceremony, the event's organizers were a little nervous. While they were in the White House, the Clintons were never regarded warmly within the ranks or among the brass, and the First Lady was seen as especially hostile to the military.

Senator Clinton immediately began a methodical campaign to undo her image as a dovish liberal with no interest in military affairs. Post 9/11, she was quick to recognize that Democrats—and especially one all but openly running for president—were vulnerable on defense issues. It was a trap she has seemed determined to avoid. She supported the Iraq invasion and has resisted the call for a quick withdrawal championed by Democratic Rep. Jack Murtha. "In the wake of 9/11, America will not vote for anyone they do not trust to protect them," says national-security analyst Lawrence Korb. "She grasps that."

In New York, Clinton's pro-military posture helped broaden her appeal beyond liberal-leaning Manhattan. (She's up for re-election next year, and her Republican opponent is foundering.) Yet it has also touched off grumbling among Democratic Party activists, who have turned strongly against the war in Iraq.

Source: Hillary's Military Offensive, By Susannah Meadows - Newsweek

In the Kingdom of God
It is Either Right or Wrong

If the invasion of Iraq by America is wrong, any middle ground stand is wrong. For God it is absolutely wrong for it’s causing the shedding of too much blood, including those of the innocent.

The cause to remove Saddam Hussein from power, good as it is on the surface, has resulted in an activity condemned by God.

Therefore, any man or woman, has to make a stand against any form of war; more so for public officials who were elected to take care of their own people.

Taking care of people can only mean to lead them in a cause or activity based on what God Almighty approves or commends men to do!

Troubles in America Because of Iraq, Part II

2005-12-06T17:20:00.000-05:00

In the World's Kingdoms
A Cause for More Trouble Up Ahead

When playing chess, experts tell you that if the first move is a blunder, every move thereafter is a blunder too. The decision to invade Iraq, as I told in the article before this, is the first move which is a blunder that causes all these troubles now plaguing America.

The biggest problem that was not mentioned in that article - which could later on a cause to halt the occupation of Iraq by America – is money problem. The American government is operating on borrowed money. In fact the government has a budget deficit so big that many are clamoring for a stop to borrowing. What is causing this are trade deficits with China, Japan, Canada, and the European Community.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Breaking News: U.S. Trade Deficit Hits New Record of $68.9 Billion
New York Times
By JENNIFER BAYOT
Published: December 14, 2005

The nation's trade deficits with China, Europe, Mexico, Canada and members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries all reached new highs based on record levels of imports. Imports from South American and Central America rose to a record as well.
Over all, the trade deficit rose 4 percent, or $2.9 billion, in October, from a record $66 billion in September. Combined with another large increase in September, the deficit has grown by $10 billion in the past two months alone.
___________________________________________________________________________________

Now we read of a move to do PR in Iraq and the rest of the World. A blunder it is for sure, which may cause more trouble for America up ahead.

Jonathan Alter of Newsweek writes: “Now the PR pork scandal is moving to a different level. This year, the Pentagon granted three contractors $300 million over five years to offer "creative ideas" for psychological operations aimed at what the PR experts call "international perception management." That $300 million will buy a lot of Arabic press releases, but it's unavailable for, say, body armor.”

The article continues, “The contractor implicated in the planted Iraqi press story is the Lincoln Group, formerly Iraqex, which boasts to prospective clients that it provides services ranging from "political campaign intelligence" (dirt on your opponents in American elections) to "commercial real estate in Iraq" (so you can buy the choicest properties and tick off the Iraqis even more).”

On the latter part of the article Alter states ironically, “Other reporters were told that everything about the firm's operations was "classified." Bailey has put a bunch of Bush campaign hacks on the gravy train, finagled security clearances, and then assigned them to corrupt the Iraqi media. Democracy in action!”

The core of the problem could be what he writes, “My problem with all of this is less ethical than practical. If it helped build Iraqi democracy or blunted anti-American propaganda, it might even be worth it (though certainly not at those prices). But exporting a bunch of budding Jayson Blairs simply feeds the perception of Americans as inept and hypocritical puppet-masters.”

Source: The Real Price of Propaganda - By Jonathan Alter
Newsweek Dec. 12, 2005 issue

In the Kingdom of God
Slander, lies, and Half-truths are the Work of the Devil!

The Bible warns about men’s unrighteousness as work of the Devil. It will only lead to condemnation.

And if these evil men think they will get away with their wicked ways, they surely got it wrong.

Munich, a Film by Steven Spielberg

2005-12-05T09:52:00.000-05:00

For the World: Excerpts from Time (Canada)

Munich begins and ends with, and frequently reverts to, an account of an especially heinous historical act: the capture and eventual murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympic Games by a Palestinian terrorist group calling itself Black September.

…the movie is not primarily about that Munich. It is about the aftermath, in which the Israeli government, with Prime Minister Golda Meir’s full endorsement, mounted a secret war of revenge against the murderers. In one of the movie’s most crucial lines, she says, “Every civilization finds it necessary to negotiate compromises with its own values.” That negotiation—also carried out in the increasingly troubled mind of Avner Kauffman, leader of the Israeli hit squad on which the movie concentrates (there were several)—raises Spielberg’s film above the thriller level, granting it real, often poignant, distinction.

“You are assigned a mission, and you do it because you believe in the mission, but there is something about killing people at close range that is excruciating,” says Spielberg. “Perhaps [your victims] are leading double lives. But they were many of them reasonable and civilized too.” Killing them, he says, has unintended consequences. “It’s bound to try a man’s soul, so it was very important to me to show Avner struggling to keep his soul intact.” (The moviemakers would not reveal the identity of the real Avner, whom they talked to at length during their research. In Spielberg’s opinion, though, his soul was tried too much. “I don’t think he will ever find peace.”)

More significantly, Spielberg wonders if the Israelis and the Palestinians will ever find peace. “I’m always in favor of Israel responding strongly when it’s threatened. At the same time, a response to a response doesn’t really solve anything. It just creates a perpetual-motion machine,” he says. “There’s been a quagmire of blood for blood for many decades in that region. Where does it end? How can it end?”
Source: Cover Story, December 05, 2005 By Richard Schickel (www.timecanada.com)

For God: For Each Man, it will End One Way or the Other

Judgment Will Come

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11-16

And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, "Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great." Revelation 19:17-18

Wrath of God for the Unrighteous

Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh. Revelation 19:17-21

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them,because God has made it plain to them.Romans 1:18-19

The Kingdom for the Righteous

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:9-10

Man's Wake Up Call

2005-12-04T22:07:00.000-05:00

Is the Day of Judgment imminent? Yesterday, I got to hear the late Dr. Adrian Rogers preached on the prevailing wickedness and unrighteousness of men on the last days before Jesus Christ’s 2nd coming. To have watched him preach was under unusual circumstances. We were changing cable providers and I got nothing to watch or hear until the new installation job was finished in time for Dr. Rogers’ ministry program.

Then I woke up 2 AM the following day and read about the news that Germany has recently overtaken America as the largest exporting nation and not China as I surmised since.

Pollster George Barna commented on America's Christianity: "I am quite confident you will agree that Americans are religious people. Personally, I am less persuaded that we are truly a Christian people, regardless of our self-perceptions" (George Barna, The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators, 1996, p. xvi).

Confirmation of the superficiality of faith is to be found in the fact that, although 90 percent of Americans say they pray, many are unsure that their prayers make any difference (National & International Religion Report, May 17, 1993). "What we have witnessed in the latter part of the twentieth century is the growing secularization of a self-described religious people," the pollster commented (pp. 2-3). (1)

We look at what the Scripture says:

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

We have all these now!

Consider also that Germany is now the largest exporting nation in the world overtaking USA, and the biggest contributor to the ever-growing clout of the European Community, who by themselves now controls 50% of trade worldwide.

Add the fact that USA is drowning in debt, so it is reported, that if left uncontrolled will lead to her collapse, just like what happened to the previous world empire, Great Britain and The Commonwealth of Nations.

Recall Daniel’s prophesy of 10 horns and from it arises 1 small horn.

I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully. As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. Daniel 7:20-22

The European nations, and the Vatican, are supposed to represent these 10 big horns, plus 1 small horn coming out from them.

Most foreboding is our Lord’s revelation that is confirming Daniel’s prophesy:

When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. Then the angel said to me: "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns. Revelation 17:7

One other huge problem besetting the nations of the world is the intractable phenomenon that we know as global warming, of which the ever-growing hole in the ozone layer, is the focus of its destructive power. Just recently, USA withdrew its support to the Kyoto Protocol, the big program to arrest global warming just dead on its track. The strategy was to stop it from getting bigger than what it is today. And USA is the biggest contributor to the problem that is global warming, mainly because of its huge appetite for oil, what with millions of motor vehicles and many huge energy-consuming infrastructures.

The Bible reveals a similar scenario.

I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Revelation 6:12-14

Wake Up Call from Paul

And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:11-14

Paul is saying we must wake up that we be saved from this inevitable end (and a new beginning at the same time). There is a near future danger but believers have the protection, a known Savior, Our Lord Jesus Christ. For the saints, then, they have no cause to worry. Rather, they have all the reason to rejoice.

This wake-up call, by Paul before and now by the late Dr. Rogers must make us prepare rather well. It is never too soon. Besides, one can never know if he has one more tomorrow to live. It may be too late, not that one will realize it when one is dead. It would be a tragic end if one can’t have the gift of eternal life that Our Lord Jesus Christ has been offering mankind since His ministry on earth.

(1) Excerpt from Good News Magazine (http://www.gnmagazine.org)

Troubles For America Because of Iraq

2005-12-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

For the World: Troubles in Iraq Are Compounding

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 - With Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice setting off for Europe amid a storm of concern over reports of secret C.I.A. interrogation centers there, the Bush administration appeared to stake out an unyielding position on the matter today.

Europeans have expressed anger and consternation over a series of reports on the existence of the camps, the movement of terror suspects, and other covert American counterterrorism missions in Europe, and have demanded a full accounting from American officials. (By BRIAN KNOWLTON INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE
Published: December 4, 2005)

At the moment these reports about the presence of secret interrogation centers is troubling the Bush administration, causing the players, for sure, sleepless nights. Before this there was the CIA leak, which also was preceded by reports in the media of botched and manufactured intelligence; one bigger, insurgents waging war incessantly against American soldiers inside Iraq . To be sure, antecedents are many, all of them causing troubles for President Bush and company, and ultimately to the American people. The first antecedent is the invasion of Iraq, which should have not happened if planners thought it through. Hubris begot compounded trouble that many people would not be able to forget, some even to their dying hours.

Would the will of the American people be broken for the second time (remember the Vietnam war)?

In the Kingdom of God
Christ is Peace

In the Kingdom of God that Jesus Christ announced when He was man, sent by God the Father, the primary concern was peace, for He is Peace. It is against His character to want to hurt any man. If fact the opposite is true – He was to save mankind from death and destruction, and brought them the promise of eternal life, here and thereafter.

Conclusion

What if President Bush studied the Gospel i.e. Book of Matthew, or Mark, or Luke or John, days before he decided to invade Iraq?

Or the President had leafed through Proverbs and read:

There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: …hands that shed innocent blood… Proverbs 6:16-17

To be hasty in beginning strife, will bring into difficulties. War must at length end, and might better be prevented...Proverbs 25:11

I am sure the Holy Spirit would have impressed him of Our Lord’s concern of the danger and consequences of invasion.

If that’s the case all these past and present troubles would have not happened, and the whole world can come out better of it.

Worst we foresee bigger troubles ahead, and the whole world, certainly, is coming out worst!

But there is hope in Jesus Christ – but only for those of His devoted followers. The unbelievers, who are as many as the grain of sand on all our shores (to borrow words of the Bible) could be both mindful and unmindful of the lurking danger, but in either case they are in for dark times ahead!

A Christian's Journal: Let’s Get Light and Serious, Set III

2005-12-04T14:32:00.000-05:00

A Christian's Journal: Let’s Get Light and Serious, Set III

A Christian's Journal: Let’s Get Light and Serious, Set IV

2005-12-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

A Christian's Journal: Let’s Get Light and Serious, Set IV

Man’s Choice, His Burden

2005-11-19T13:51:00.000-05:00

In someone who has been born again, the source of the will is Almighty God. ". . . for it is God who works in him both to will and to do for His good pleasure." With focused attention and great care, you have to "work out" what God "works in" you— not work to accomplish or earn "your own salvation," but work it out so you will exhibit the evidence of a life based with determined, unshakable faith on the complete and perfect redemption of the Lord. By Oswald Chambers

To work out one’s faith is surely the hardest thing to do. It boils down to love God and all men with your heart, soul and mind. Loving them both is already hard, and yet you must put God first. Man has to act, not walk in faith; so man reasons. At the outset, one can see the very obvious conflict engendered by a difficult choice to serve the very near and tangible, who are the family and fellowmen, or the unseen and unknown, who is God.

Our Lord demands the utmost from a man. “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26

He wants our absolute devotion. He wants us to entrust our whole being to Him and in return He will give us eternal life and be made heir of the riches of God’s glory. God dangles a big promise, and so tempting, yet so ethereal and seemingly beyond our grasp.

One might be tempted to take Our Lord for His Word. However, would the other family members be as receptive? It’s a big dilemma. Our Lord promises peace, yet trouble is sure to occur as humans compete for the other’s attention and love; one or the other are bound to feel neglected. To be sure, fellowship with God, as He requires, up the ante notches above that point a man can embrace, or even to act out.

Why had not God made all in the family have the same faith, as they have been brought together as one unit, and for a good purpose? Is dissension in the family inevitable, and so it will be between families or communities?

Why so hard a choice, and task, given to man? Looking the other way, is it really hard to accept Christ’s teaching? But He says, “…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30

Again, God said if one “…seeks first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34).

God is saying I’ll take care of man and his family, today and all tomorrows as well. Man has a hard time with these truths and the usual respond is to take the middle ground, half-hearted devotion to God. It’s no secret that by taking this road, men failed miserably. Family troubles abound, marriage failures are no longer a surprise. These troubles in the family brought sin to the young. Sins of sexual immorality, murder, theft, slander and gossip, covetousness, idleness, unabashed pursuit of fun or leisure—the list is endless, all trace their roots to a dysfunctional family.

God interjects to despondent men: Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:29). Did men take this to heart? Apparently only a few did.

The trend is precariously going towards the dangerous path to damnation in hell for most of us. Are we to be foolish going blind over our fate and stay the course into which we have hitched ourselves? Or, are we to get wise and take the unbeaten, although promising path that God provides for each man who believes?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." John 14:6-7

Man failed man, more so himself for being foolish. History repeating itself generation to generation. Man is falling into a free fall. This is a fact. On the other hand, have God failed man? Many cry so. But if you take a harder, more serious look, have man really took God for His word? As hard and demanding as they come, most would pass the chance. Only a few would take the challenge, and so it is only when they have no other way but take the reaching grace of God.

But wait a minute. The Word of God predicted all these. It also says there will be men who are saved, although considerably less numerous than the unsaved who are as many as the grain of sand on our shores.

"For many are invited, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14

But, men have a chance. He has only to believe Jesus Christ:

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born neither of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12-13

Oh yes, the Bible also says many are foolish, as others are wise! The foolish is taking care of himself, and the wise taking hold of God! A tragedy of one, and a joyful story for the other—one proven so many times to be true since Adam’s time; the other fulfilled since Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

The choice is there, since the beginning until today. Which way do you go, oh man?

Evidence of True Faith

2005-11-18T08:22:00.000-05:00

It’s not enough for someone, that by mouth, he professes belief of God or to His Son Jesus, that he be saved. One must work out the gift of God within him. It’s already a good thing to have God call his attention, so attending to it would be thanking Him. His love and mercy must have love in return.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
Philippians 2:12-13

Note what the passage says about salvation: work it out, not work for it. Link this with last part, “God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
Working out one’s faith means remaining true to Him, and persevering in times of trouble. In all circumstances one must show good behavior as an expression of the nature of what’s in you, who is God.

This is what the completed work of Christ means. It starts with faith, continues with obedience, which in turn purifies. God, who is within you, does the entire work. Stumbling is rare for the Holy Spirit guides and instructs, too. However, when you do stumble, the Holy Spirit convicts, you confess and God forgives. That’s why some preachers, for example Dr. Charles Stanley, preach that the death and resurrection of Our Lord saves you from past, present and future sins.

The word they give this experience is regeneration. Do we get it here while living? Yes. That’s what Jesus said about the good or abundant life in the following passages:

"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
Luke 18:29-30

The verses mean our Lord demands our devotion, first and utmost. Then all your plans and activities are worked out for your own good.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Going back to the first passages we studied, some point their attention to – fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) – to suggest you have to work for, really hard for your salvation. This understanding does not sit well with so many verses that say faith alone saves. And it may be that one should fear the Lord, and so, being fearful, one obeys. One way or the other the will of God for man is accomplished.

In summary, faith saves, and obedience and the unending cleansing of one’s heart, mind and soul are evidence of its being true, not professed.

Christ Jesus and Men of God

2005-11-17T15:22:00.000-05:00

For almost four years of being a Christian, I noticed pastors or ministers that preach on the word, especially the gospel, deepened my faith more than others. I especially mention Drs. Adrian Rogers, Charles Price (Toronto, CA), Charles Stanley, and Ed Young.

These people got me started to concentrate on the words of Our Lord, straight from the Source of all sufficiency. I give some examples below:

"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.
John 3:3.

Commentary: Be born from above that you may partake of the completed work of our Lord.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.John 15:1-4

Commentary: Remain devoted to Our Lord, in any circumstance; He’ll deliver you from bad ones. You’ll bear fruit in terms of love of God and fellowmen; by so doing you have obeyed what God commanded everyone to do to gain eternal life.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:29-30

Commentary: His commands are easy for He does the entire load; just believe Him and remain faithful until the end.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

Commentary: If you trust His word, you’ll find joy and peace; He is all you need!

"Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. John 16:5-11

Commentary: Upon His ascension, He sent the Holy Spirit to seal all His promises. You have now God's power within you!

Also, of all the devotionals I have a chance to read, the one of Oswald Chambers captures so closely the spirit of the Word. It will not be an overstatement if I say it is helping me a lot to understand scriptures. I feel he was truly a man of God. And the story that his works were finished by his wife , who worked very hard and long to spread it around after Chambers' death, gives you the sense that the spouses are one, as they are one with the Father and The Son!

The Root of Many Sins and God's Gift

2005-11-15T23:10:00.000-05:00

Pride is hidden, therefore, deceptive and hard to put your hand into that you might cast it out from your psyche. For mostly it propels man to think or behave badly. Man has this from Satan.

As fuel runs an engine, pride drives man’s will. It’s has a power that has to be controlled, even suppressed in man.

As powerful as pride is, it can be controlled, not by man, but by God. Yielding totally to God all your will--a cliché to many today--might as well describe the power of regeneration to change man; a new creature coming out of the old, who is free from sin's bondage.

The new man may not be totally perfect, but from him expect good fruit. Like yeast to bread, the new creature is to community that most of mankind be reconciled with God, through Christ Jesus. This has been the divine plan from the very beginning. It’s unfortunate man is so blind, even so full of pride that the very obvious—lost moral compass, from the fall until today—is still hidden.

To man, the gift of faith offered by God and its transforming power is either so easy a way out or ethereal, that only a few fully grasp its meaning, even its availability, in day-to-day reality. He has been so full of himself since the beginning that the things he created became gods for him. It’s no surprise that he serves other gods, not the one true God.

Are you one of the regenerated, and so faithful, obedient and hopeful; or are you one of the unbelieving, and so full of himself that you are oblivious of the coming wrath of the one true God?

The Curse, the Remedy, and the Prognosis

2005-11-14T14:18:00.000-05:00

Man has the Curse, which is his sinful nature that started with the fall of Adam and Eve. Man's natural desires cause envy, covetousness, sexual immorality, jealousy, selfishness, lust, anger, hatred, pride, lies, vanity, laziness, obscene pleasures, idolatry—it’s a long list of unrighteous behavior. These in turn cause troubles in relationships, family problems, dark circumstances, miseries and grief due to loss of possessions or loved ones. Man can be broken by all these and may turn to drugs or alcohol, may become abusive, selfish and critical of people, or become ill physically or emotionally or both, and in the extreme might commit suicide. Or they may be driven to murder, theft, or unhealthy dependency to people, which multiplies misery, pain and suffering. In breaking the moral laws of God, man destroys himself and others in the process. What he sows, he reaps.

The only Remedy is the power of the death and resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. This is the message of the Gospel which means Good News. It brought salvation to man and still does. Man can have it now while he still not totally broken in health, or in spirit; the better is the chance of bouncing back to a good life, when his sin's consequences are still at their minimum. It’s available now through Faith in God.

Man’s Prognosis, upon being saved and given freedom by Our Lord’s death on the cross, on his behalf, is a two-stage recovery, and in continuous time. First, he can regain his good life now while living on earth. His sin forgotten by God, man is free from the consequences of the curse. There is joy in his family as he uses his freedom to love, provide, protect and support the members. His happy family is a blessing to other relatives, to friends, and to society. The community benefits and comes out better than one could hope for during these troubled times. As the curse destroys lives in ripples, so the good life builds lives.

To be sure, he is a new creature with the heart, mind and spirit of Christ. It is as if he was born for the second time, free of sin. Therefore, he will not suffer the bad consequences of future sins, if still he stumble.

This new Man is at peace with his fellowmen; he is humble, meek and walks the straight path. He works his job righteously in good or bad circumstances; dedicated and loyal, for he does everything for the Lord. He helps the needy and gives encouragement and comfort to those with broken spirits. Being energized by the Holy Spirit, he encourages and inspires the helpless, the desperate and the poor. He has enough love to share for everyone. The brotherhood of men is fostered and sustained through him who is strengthened by the Lord.

Second, after spending a good and satisfying life on earth, he gains eternal life. God will destroy man’s present earth and heaven; and gathers the unsaved to eternal fire. He creates a new earth and a new heaven (a.k.a. the atmosphere where the sky, clouds, planets, and the stars are placed). The saved will be provided with an immortal body, which can’t be destroyed by disease, death or any other reason and inhabits the new earth and enjoy the new heaven. He will not go hungry nor feel pain nor suffering. He will have unimaginable treasures to have and behold, not the least his family. And more!

Picture Adam and Eve before the fall, and their joyful and radiant life together, a surplus of provisions and treasures in Paradise minus the Devil, who would have been defeated, that time, by the armies of angels, who are led by Jesus Christ Himself. Together with God the Father and God the Son the saved man will reign over angels. Yes, the perfect man is greater than the angels, the servants of God.

The Source: This knowledge is found in the Bible, which is the Word of God. The Word gives you faith in God, which is to believe God as Loving, Merciful, Long-suffering (slow to anger), and Sovereign over men and all things. Believing God also brings you faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father to save all of humankind, which is the Divine Plan since the beginning. Being saved, you become obedient to God, who in turn purifies you (not prone to sin), and finally transform you to a holy and godly man. While on earth you’ll still be imperfect but assured of your salvation; you’ll be made perfect in Heaven. Being made pure and blameless, even by God Himself, you’ll approach the throne of God to share His Glory!

You can get the key to your salvation, which is Faith in God, now. You’ll never know if you have more time to waste. The Word of God is just a click away: (http://www.bible.com)

God's Perspective and Man's Faith

2005-11-12T14:09:00.000-05:00

"This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10

God is sovereign. His will prevails over our desires. What we ask Him for ourselves must pass through His filter of righteousness.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

We enter his Kingdom through faith, totally committing everything to Him. We trust Him to enforce His will and plan for our lives. In doing so we acquire Christ within us—our self-will is subdued by the Spirit of God.

I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. John 17:11-12

It’s the will of God that we be one with Him and His Son. This is the plan of redemption—the message of the Gospel. Jesus worked to bring men, pure and blameless before God. That work is complete--…It’s finished… (John 19:30).

Man must only step into that completed work of Christ to gain favor with God.

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. John 15:19

We are in this world, set apart by God. We have needs but all so different from the rest; they differ in what they are like; the manner we ask for them and the time we have need for them. All these are in God’s perspective. We are not our own, we’re God’s.

For example, a believer can ask God to draw family, relatives and friends to Him and redeem them as well. This is also true for strangers he meets or gets to know, for God might as well would have led anyone to him. God will grant a believer's prayer for these souls, for after all that’s His will and plan for any man. If they are in darkness now, God will bring them into the light, but not without great trial. God will make the intercessor be aware of the things that will come to pass, these the fruits of his being witness to God.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-27

We pray differently, too; we have the Spirit to intercede for us. In this light are we assured of our prayers for we pray according to the will of God.

Incidentally, in this manner too—the Holy Spirit interceding--is a devoted follower gets to obey God’s command.

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:3-5

God searched a man's heart and saw his faith. God spoke of His joy, "Welcome back, my son!"

Finding a Good Church

2005-10-31T16:10:00.000-05:00

For a believer, looking for a good Church is important as it is a huge decision to make. First of all, it’s God’s will that one who believes in Him, must grow in knowledge, be instructed and guided in His Word, so that a follower can reach that pinnacle of success, which is to be conformed to His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let’s just talk about a believer’s particular need. Let’s start with a few questions we should ask ourselves. You’ll do the answering for your benefit.

First, can I have faith with a church that has a sound doctrine (triune God, Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, Bible-based), kingdom of God vision and zealous missionary spirit that you can believe and support?

Second, if the three criteria mentioned in the 1st question are present in a church, would I be confident, more or less, that a competent and effective leadership is in place?

Third, if the 1st and 2nd questions are true, can I believe God will be responsible for the success of the Church?

Fourth, if the 1st, 2nd and 3rd questions are true, can I believe there will still be individual needs that can’t be met? Can these concerns be remedied, given that those with unmet needs, or I, speak up to the leadership?

Fifth, can I spot a false church or a false pastor?

Next, let’s list down what you need the church for--for doctrine, Bible instruction, discipleship, comfort and support during distress due to death of a loved one or severe sickness; prayer and counseling. A good church should do all these. If you can think of a special need, you can check with the church.

If you answered yes to all the five questions, you can find a good church. Start looking for one now, worship on Sundays, attend Bible school, mid-week group and prayer meetings and be active as a lay leader if asked to. Borrow books from the library if they have one. Give the Church a chance to prove they are true to their calling. Give yourself a better chance by adding your own way of growing and nourishing your faith, i.e., home Bible Study, watching and hearing sermons of Pastors (refer back to 5th question) on Sunday TV, reading devotionals and books with biblical relevance.

God is Sovereign

2005-10-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

“Then Moses said, ‘Now, show me your glory.’ And the LORD said, ‘I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion’. But, “he said, ‘you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." Exodus 33:18-20

“At that time I pleaded with the Lord. ‘O Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth, who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?” Deuteronomy 3:23-24

God’s power over our lives is ominous in these verses, especially to evil men.

But this truth is in equilibrium with His Love (John 3:16. For God so love the world, that whoever believes in him shall not preish but shall have eternal life.) and Mercy for us all who believe.

There lies the righteousness of God for he makes notice of destruction of evil and unrepentant men, in opposition to bringing to His embrace those who believe.

God is sovereign in His righteousness and wisdom. And in His justice too.

Sins, Confession and God’s Mercy

2005-10-29T16:18:00.000-04:00

A Desperate Call by a Sinner

There is one sinner who admitted of so many personal sins over the Internet. He was so convicted that his confession seems so desperate. He admits of lust, sloth, and envy, and hurting in his finances, job and relationships because of these sins.

I was one of the many, I presume, to have read the confession. I waited overnight though to answer his call for help. I was not ready. I was waiting for the Holy Spirit to put words in my advice.

The following morning, the words came as I expected, just after my early daily readings of devotionals. No one of the many souls in that forum dared to answer the sinner’s call. But with the Spirit inspiring me what to write I acted fast, encouraged by the voice of God to save this hurting soul. Let me write my advice below.

Advice: Look No Farther

Look no farther than your room as a house of refuge. When you’re ready to confess your sins to God, go there, lock it and confess them all. When I say you are ready, you must be committed to turn away from all these sins so that you can draw God’s mercy. If He sees some hesitation you can’t be forgiven.

Confess by your mouth that you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Ask God the Father, in Jesus name, for the Holy Spirit to live within you, whom you will need to strengthen your resolve to resist temptations down the road.

"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man." Ephesians 3:16

After a heartfelt confession, guilt is washed away and you’ll feel exhilaration. May the grace of God descend upon you. “Go and sin no more,” I could just hear Jesus now saying to you; and you saying, “I totally surrender my all to you Lord. Amen.”

Affirmed by God

Later as I read my Bible, God affirmed my action by leading me to the book of Joshua, which reads:

Be strong and courageous, because you will lead this people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them…(Joshua 1:6)…Have I not commanded you. Be strong…do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

By the Spirit I was courageous to bring this sinner to claim his gift of salvation from God. I am sure God drew the soul to His embrace of grace; God showing his mercy and love for a repentant soul, as always. Glory to God.

Christ Has Conquered Sorrow, Pain and Suffering

2005-10-25T14:36:00.000-04:00

A desperate soul cried out, "When I die, I want to ask God why he allowed my son to be killed during his productive life; then, I am ready to go to hell. My wife and I can’t bear the pain.”

Let’s reason out with each other. There are some truths that we should be reminded often. First, God is sovereign and rules over all things and creatures, including and especially man. Second, God is immortal and unchanging; but man dies. Third, God revealed himself, i.e. his character (loving, all-provider, all-knowing, all-good) through Christ Jesus, and today through His Word. Fourth, Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection has conquered the world, which includes man’s sorrow, pain and suffering.

Knowing these truths should help us understand why tragic events happen, just like the death of a son. His death has come to pass because he is a mortal being. Does God have a reason? Yes He has, and it’s nothing but good. One may not know it near the time of the tragedy, but in time God will reveal the reason.

I am reminded of my father and mother’s death. It’s only years later that I came to know the good that God has in store for my family and me. My inheritance has since kept my family through six years of drought and limited resources till today, while He was storing the best blessing He has to give for last.

The best benefit was that God was looking after my family’s wellbeing all along. He gave me His Son Jesus to save me. I came to know Christ in the middle of this miserable period and knowing Him counted so much during this journey in the valley of dark unknown and uncertainty.

Suffering, worry, despondency, and fear of the future could have broken me during the few years that I have lost my job and losing money, which is part of the valued inheritance, in business. But knowing Him as all-good, all-knowing, loving, and all-provider gave me motivation to put my faith and trust in Him. Besides, I was at the end of my rope. I could not lose anything more, besides my life or soul if I ever choose to give them up as well. But I have chosen to believe God and to let the one He sent, who is Jesus Christ, to battle the suffering, troubles and fears in my life. Totally committing my life to Him, I waited for a miracle. And miracle of miracles God answered my questions, anxieties, doubts and needs. After all Jesus Christ has told us He has conquered the world and that He came to earth to show us the way to a good life.

I am now at peace; life’s miseries are things of the past; I am more than contented with what God gives my family and me; and I am very hopeful of the future. My hope of all hopes is to be restored to what I was before, just like Job. I have all these because I had put my faith and trust in the Lord.

Just like me you have a choice: to trust God or to reject His truths. You may have miseries, troubles and seemingly meaningless life now, but Jesus Christ has revealed the mystery that is God, His Father. And the Father and the Son are one in wanting to answer all that you need to know. You only have to step in faith and give your trust to Christ Jesus. It’s a neat deal, if you ask me.

Just now I realize I am preaching you the Gospel—the good news that is living within me, and in so many others before me, and could live within you-—if you only step in faith.

Working for God or Money?

2005-10-25T08:30:00.000-04:00

In the World

…Barrack launches into a parable. "I feel totally safe playing polo on a field full of pros," says the bronzed 58-year-old. "But when amateurs are all over the field, someone can get killed. They have more guts than brains. They charge after every ball and don't know when to hold back." It's the same with the U.S. real estate market right now: "There's too much money chasing too few good deals, with too much debt and too few brains." The amateurs are going to get trampled, he explains, taking seasoned horsemen, who should get off the turf, down with them. Says Barrack: "That's why I'm getting out." Investors, take heed. Barrack may be an amateur in polo, but when it comes to judging markets, he's the ultimate pro. (Excerpt of an article titled: King of Real Estate, by Shawn Tully. Fortune Magazine (online)

Tom Barrack at the moment is the world’s best real estate who made billions in the U. S. market, this according to Fortune Magazine. His judgment calls in real estate deals are on target most of the time. Thus, he is making many investors happy with 17% net return.

In God’s Vineyard

Pro or amateur, God doesn’t discriminate as to his workers here on earth. A worker only has to have deep faith in Him and the worker can work wonders. The Bible has a long list of these great workers—Moses, who murdered an Egyptian; the shepherd David; Joseph, a King’s working minister; Daniel, also a King’s worker; Matthew, the tax collector; Rahab. a prostitute — who have varied stations in life, from the lowly to the mighty.

All of them eventually worked for the God they loved, not for profitable endeavors but for providing food, shelter and safety, meanwhile nurturing the spirit of God’s chosen people.

Conclusion

It’s a hard choice for most of us, to be another Barrack or a man of God.

I have worked for money before and had more than my share of fame and fortune. The fame, as well as the fortune are gone. I went to a free fall, rock bottomed; God brought me to my knees. Now, I work for God. It’s not only about thanking Him for having blessed my family so lavishly, but mainly because He called me for a purpose. I am in His tight embrace of grace. Nothing beats that for a motivation.

I Was In The Spirit

2005-10-22T16:24:00.000-04:00

I was in the Spirit when I gave counsel to three souls. I was not surprise because I prayed for it. Let me narrate them below:

The first soul cried, “Do you ever feel like screaming at the devil? GET BEHIND ME Satan, GET OUT OF MY WAY. JESUS COMES FIRST.”
He continued, “Enough is enough. Do you feel like telling the devil where to go? Worldly things can sure get to our nerves. The evil one just loves to harp on negative things and badger us with them. How do you handle Satan and his nagging demons?”

My advice can be summarized by its title: It May Help but not Totally

Screaming at the devil may help to scare him away, but not totally. It’s just like treating for a headache, which is a symptom of a more serious disease. The headache has gone but the real disease remains, although hidden.

A believer, almost always unintentionally, attracts the devil because of preoccupation with worldly things.

Let God search your heart for these natural desires and let him replace them with spiritual ones. The devil will flee in no time at all.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The second soul was asking if he could break a vow made to God.

Obedience Will Clear Doubts. This was my advice and I elaborated a little bit.

Don’t you think that what you vowed to give God was not put by Him in your mind or heart? I would think He did. So you better not break that vow.

And besides it is suppose to make you know Him more. You have doubts? In case of doubt, obedience to God will simplify things for you. If you commit to Him, He will be responsible for you all the way.

______________________________________________________________________________________

The last soul got a job she prayed for but was feeling not inspired to do her work. She was looking for a meaning in the things she does.

This was my advice: You have the job you have prayed for. Now pray to God to show your purpose in the marketplace. Knowing your purpose will drive you to be fruitful. Being fruitful, you’ll enjoy going to work and working to the full.

Your purpose, being fruitful and the joy of satisfaction in your work come from God through Christ Jesus. Our Lord has done what we are supposed to do here on earth. A believer only has to step into faith, commit himself totally to God’s will and continue to abide in Him, and that believer will claim the reward of a full life here on earth. No sweat at all if I have to borrow today’s lingo.

This good news I told you about can be read in the Bible. Take time to read it.

God Wants You!

2005-10-21T03:06:00.000-04:00

Oswald Chambers wrote on one of his daily devotionals, “Therefore, having these promises (1). . . ." I claim God’s promises for my life and look to their fulfillment, and rightly so, but that shows only the human perspective on them. God’s perspective is that through His promises I will come to recognize His claim of ownership on me.”

(1) God’s promises are numerous, but we’ll state some: He is saying, first, “I created you unique from everyone, I love you and want your attention. Second, I give you life here on earth and in heaven, free from troubles and worry, through my Son, Christ Jesus. Third, ask me anything, and if it’s for your own good, I’ll give it to you. On the other hand, if it’s bad, I’ll bring it not to pass.”

The Scriptures bear all other promises of God; read them. How to claim those promises, the Scriptures also wrote the way, specifically, the Gospel points the path towards God’s venerable generosity and love.

The devotional continues, “For example, do I realize that my "body is the temple of the Holy Spirit," or am I condoning some habit in my body which clearly could not withstand the light of God on it? ( 1 Corinthians 6:19 ). God formed His Son in me through sanctification, setting me apart from sin and making me holy in His sight (see Galatians 4:19 ). But I must begin to transform my natural life into spiritual life by obedience to Him. God instructs us even in the smallest details of life. And when He brings you conviction of sin, do not "confer with flesh and blood," but cleanse yourself from it at once ( Galatians 1:16 ).”

Are you ready to kick that habit, to stay away from immoral acts; to stop lying; to stop rebelling against your dad and mom; to stop gossip and useless chattering; to stop hating your fellowman; and to stop other unrighteous acts?

Do God’s commands hard to accept? Take it from me, it’s easy as breathing. It only requires, at first, faith and trust on Christ Jesus, His Son that He sent just for you. Yes, He knows you! He is more than sufficient to take you from this fleeting earthly life to an eternal life in Heaven. He’ll finish it for you. The Gospel says so.

I am living that life now. You can join me and countless others if you like.

Of Good Conscience and Humility

2005-10-19T08:03:00.000-04:00

I start with an excerpt from Thomas a Kempis’ book: The Imitation of Christ, published by Image. Read it below.

“Do not regard much who is with you or who is against you, take to heart though that God may be with you in everything that you do. Have a good conscience, and He will depend you well, and no evil will hinder or grieve the man God will help and depend. If you can be quiet and suffer for a while, you will, without doubt see the help of God come in your need.”

The book continues, “He knows the time and place to deliver you, thus you must resign yourself wholly to Him. It’s God’s concern to help and deliver from all confusion.”

A couple of things come to mind:

First, we can’t avoid arguing for or against one another. One may feel hurt by another’s words but a good conscience is a good medicine to relieve us of the pain. A good conscience for a believer is God’s voice of approval-this I truly believe.

Second, nevertheless, if we are to be kept humble, we should be admonished by the words of others too. It takes courage to examine ourselves if we have failed others.

If we are to continue helping, encouraging, comforting, inspiring, empowering, or even rebuking each other in every relationship we have, we should keep these two perspectives in mind all the time.

Not To Confess

2005-10-17T09:47:00.000-04:00

Betty Miller of Bible.com wrote, “Christians are to speak the things that the Word of God declares as truth.” On the other hand, lies are of the devil, so we should avoid putting them into words.

Like:

First, we must not confess lack, as the Heavenly Father has given us everything we need. Jesus said that He had come into the world that we might have a full life. He lives within us so we are sufficient in everything.

Second, we must not confess defeat, as God has made us more than conquerors. Jesus said he has defeated the prince of darkness. We are free from sin so we have to look forward with hope. The day we became children of God through Jesus Christ, peace was with us and will remain as long as we abide in Him.

Third, we must not confess doubt, as God has given us His faith. We believe God: in His righteousness, His justice, and His love. The Spirit within us testifies to that trust. We believe God who is all-good, all-powerful, all-wanting of our love for Him. He is our God: past, present, and eternal.

Man’s Blindness, Christians’ Service and God’s Mercy

2005-10-14T22:33:00.000-04:00

"After the revelation of God’s love in Jesus Christ, it’s no longer a problem of God’s hiddenness but of men’s blindness when faced with him who is light and the truth. And man’s blindness is the problem, especially in the confidence that he sees what ought to be and what the criteria are for being human.” (F. Herzog).

There are a few things that come to mind:

First, this truth could be very useful to a Christian during times that people reject or ridicule our faith. It could help us understand if we view man’s blindness as the reason that they reject our importuning. It should not deter us then to open their eyes to the truth that we have embraced. Love commands us to do so. I would even suggest that we strive to improve our ways of sharing the Gospel. Practice makes perfect so the saying goes.

Second, our love for our fellowmen should weigh more heavily to our self-worth than being diminished by the rejection. A determined effort, investment in time, and a hopeful outlook are required. To be sure, Christians should have these things in abundance.

Third, perseverance is asked of us—Christians---in our dealing with relationships. It’s God’s work in us through the Holy Spirit to have a very healthy, spiritually nourishing, and inspiring fellowship with everyone within our area of influence.

Fourth, focus in Christ finished work empowers us to spread the Gospel. This truth expands our view towards acting as instrument of someone’s conversion. As it’s God's act to transform someone who has become receptive to our presentation of the truth, we should be very confident that He will finished the work.

Conclusion

God’s love for all is manifest from the start and is most evident in the finished work of redemption of Christ Jesus. It continues even to this day in the lives of the saints, who for their love for God are serving Him by living a holy and godly life.

Sharing to others through words and example, the saints who are in Christ bring praises and glory to God.

God Has Spoken of His Mercy

2005-10-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

God Has Spoken of His Mercy
By World Bible School
(www.wbschool.org)

"And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, 'The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin...'" (Exodus 34:6-7). God showed a part of His glory to Moses on the mountain of Sinai. While doing so, God spoke these words of love to describe Himself. According to Exodus 34:7 God then went on to speak about His just punishment for all who remained guilty. He was not denying the fact that He is angry with sin. But it is important for us to see what God, in revealing Himself, chose to speak of first. God spoke of His "love" BEFORE He spoke of His anger. Is this love only for very good people? No. This love is "forgiving" toward those who have rebelled against Him. Here is hope for all of us who have fallen into sin. The God who has spoken has spoken _first_ of how much His mercy and compassion reach out to us even in our sin!

Love From the Beginning

It was not only in words that God spoke first of love. He has done so in actions from the very beginning. The creation itself was an act of pure love! When God saw all that He had made, He knew that it was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). God's making of the world reminds us of a man building a home in preparation for the coming of his beloved family. Instead of leaving it in darkness, He gave it light. He gave it the firmness of dry land, and the lively freshness of water. Instead of emptiness, He filled it with all kinds of living things -- each with its own beauty and wonder. Instead of want and hunger, He provided all that life needed, including enjoyable food. When all was ready, God created people to live in this beautiful home (Genesis 1:26-28). He gave to man breath and a fleshly body, as He had given the animals, but man received a gift that went far beyond animal life. The Creator made man in His own "image" or "likeness" (Genesis 1:26-17). Man's heart can respond to God and to others in a far higher way than animals can. In keeping with this high position, God appointed man ruler over all the earth and its creatures (Genesis 1:26). God was not forced to do any of this. It was because of His own loving nature that He created people and "blessed them" (Genesis 1:27-28).

Love's Gifts of Family and Friendship

In all the creation of the world there was only one thing said to be "not good." At first the man was alone (Genesis 2:18). Yet there was a loving reason even in letting the man know loneliness. For the man would then treasure his wife and family to come. In answer to the man's need, God used a part from the side of the man to make a woman. She became his wife, his friend and his helper (Genesis 2:18-25). God made each as a living gift to the other! Added to that, God gave to the couple a share in giving NEW LIFE. From the joy of their unity would come the gift of children. Say a special prayer of thanks to God the next time your heart is moved by a lovely wed- ding. When you next hold a newborn baby in your arms, remember who gave the priceless gift of LIFE! Adding blessing upon blessing, God gave to the human family His own personal friendship. He spoke with them. He came to their garden in the cool of the day to be with them (Genesis 3:8). The universe and earth are much larger than these tiny creatures, the humans. Yet God chose to give His special attention to them. Like king David, we can only wonder at such love for humans. "What is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:4-5

Anger Could Not Hide Love

Some might think that God's love ended when the man and woman sinned. It is true that sin has turned this world into a place of hardship and suffering. It is NOT true that these things ended God's love. Think about each time when God showed His just anger against sin. You will find in each case that God made sure His continuing care for people was known. In Genesis 3 God was about to punish Adam and Eve for their sin. FIRST, though, He gave the promise of hope. He assured them that the woman's offspring would crush their enemy (3:15). BEFORE the couple were driven out of their garden home, God Himself made clothes for them (3:21). Later God helped Eve to give birth to her child (4:1). When that child had grown God spoke to him to help him overcome sin (4:6). The next great example of judgment was the flood (Genesis 6). Wickedness had almost completely taken over the earth. Only one God-fearing family was left! It became necessary to actually wash the earth clean. Yet even this was an act of love. It was a fresh start, so that good could again be known on earth. God removed that evil generation to warn future generations (2 Peter 3). God even used Noah as a "preacher of righteousness" to warn the wicked people of that time (2 Peter 2:5). They refused to listen. So, in the words of Jesus Christ, "the flood came and took them all away" (Matthew 24:39). The rainbow that God set in the clouds immediately after this reminded the world of His mercy. It assured the earth that no such flood would happen again. The seasons would remain steady (Genesis 8:22; 9:8-17). Many centuries later the apostle Paul pointed at the dependable seasons and regular crops. He said that these were God's "testimony" proving that "He has shown kindness" (Acts 14:17).

Why Do We Suffer in This World?

There are, of course, times when crops do fail for a while. Jobs become hard to find. Families lack what they need. How are we to understand these in the light of God's love? First, let us remember that the world God made was _not_ a world of want, disease and death. He made it a place of plenty, health and life. Man's SIN and SATAN'S RULE through that sin, brought into the world the suffering we see. Even for God's own people, this is a place of "groaning" (Romans 8:22-23). The question this world should really be asking is this: "Why should we expect anything _except_ pain and death?" For this world is full of rebellion against its Creator. To reject the Giver of all life should mean the loss of all life. Yet the God of great mercy keeps on letting people live on His earth. He gives them many blessings. "He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:45). He gives us time to learn and to turn to Him, before it is too late. Yet many are so thoughtless and so thankless that they use this time to continue sinning. They "show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience." They fail to see that "God's kindness leads you toward repentance" (Romans 2:4).

God Uses Good Times and Bad Times

When many blessings do not turn people back to God, He may try another way. He may use even the curses and sorrows that are already at work in the earth because of sin. An example of this was given by the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah's people enjoyed seasons of plenty. Yet these good times did not turn their hearts to God (Jeremiah 5:24). Later came their times of great trouble, war and famine. God tried through these to show His people the result of their sin. "Your sins have deprived you of good" (Jeremiah 5:25). Still they would not listen. Finally their capital city, Jerusalem, was destroyed. Many of them were killed or made slaves. In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah tells of his tears as he watched his people starve and die in Jerusalem. Yet he knew how much God had tried to win them back. God had tried by means of both good times and bad times. So, even in great sorrow, Jeremiah could still say, "The LORD'S compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves

According to Matthew 5:22, 29-30 and Luke 12:4-5, the suffering in our early bodies is small compared to the "fire of hell." Therefore God's feelings of mercy ("compassions") may at times move Him to even use earthly pain to try to keep us from far greater eternal pain. God does not have to make up special pain just for us. In this world, which has left God, pain is already with us! But God can sometimes use that pain to help us. When a doctor cuts into the body to remove a diseased part, does this mean that the doctor is uncaring and unwise? Just the opposite is true. He cuts because he cares and wishes to heal. He knows that the pain of this cut is far better than the suffering and death of the spreading disease. In the same way, God sends "judgments" even before the final judgment. Is this because He is uncaring? It is BECAUSE HE CARES so much! As the prophet Isaiah said, "When Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:9). In fact, it can be said that the more God cares, the more He corrects us. "The Lord disciplines those He loves....Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness" (Hebrews 12:6,10). Life's trials tend to make unbelievers more bitter. But believers keep trusting in the great truth that "His love endures forever" (Psalm 136). Therefore they let themselves be "trained" by the pain of correction. In this way they reap the "harvest of righteousness and peace" (Hebrews 12:11).

Is Hell Part of God's Plan of Love?

Hell is clearly described in the Bible. If we reject the teaching about hell, we must reject the teaching about heaven. For we learn of both from the same place -- God's word. However we must also believe God's word when it reveals that hell was not actually made for man. Matthew 25:41 calls it "the eternal fire PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS." It was made for the terrible and powerful enemies of God (Revelation 20:10). The same passages show that condemned people will go there. But they will go there against God's wish. God has spoken very clearly on this matter: "I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!" (Ezekiel 18:3) "God our Savior...wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:3-4). "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). So in a sense we may answer, "No, hell is not part of God's plan of love for man." God's love desires that all be saved from hell. Yes, God's mercy has even planned for all to be able to come back to Him. The cost of that plan is greater than we can measure! But those who reject God's plan have chosen God's enemy. They must then go to the place God prepared for that enemy. So in another sense we may say that even hell comes from the loving God. Love for justice, love for truth, love for His own people -- this is the love which causes God to finally remove all His enemies. If these enemies continue to have their way creation will forever remain a place of disorder, suffering and death. It is the God of love who has set hell as the END to all active rebellion. Ending all rebellion will allow the return of complete order, peace and goodness for saved humans. THIS is what God had planned from before the creation -- that people should live with Him in the joy-filled, perfect, eternal Home (Ephesians 1; Revelation 21,22).

God's Greatest Gift of Love

The most famous passage in the Bible is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." JESUS CHRIST is not only God's best way of speaking to us, He is also God's greatest gift of love! We have mentioned God's plan of love for man. What is that plan? The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ is, Himself, the way to come back to God. Shortly before His death for all people, Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father excepts through Me" (John 14:6). In His prayer to the Father He said, "This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent" (John 17:2).

I Serve the Lord by Sharing, Part III

2005-10-11T19:14:00.000-04:00

It Doesn’t Work That Way

To a seeker of God, I wrote:

“In that day you will ask me nothing,” our Lord Jesus Christ said to his disciples.

Asking questions about our true God is not the way to clear our doubts. And asking questions about the Pope, the Church, Apostles, etc. would surely bring you nowhere near the truth. Go straight to the source of Truth.

Jesus Christ is asking you in faith to believe Him. It’s like asking you to turn on the switch to bring light to a dark room. In the light--with hearing ears, seeing eyes, and determined will to act what He tells you to-- you can continue to unveil the mystery of Him (God) that Jesus Christ has revealed to us.

Christ Jesus told us about God the Father, whose existence an individual can prove on his own. You can’t prove him wrong until you have taken the challenge. Asking another person about God would surely not tell you that Jesus Christ was telling falsehood.

Take Jesus Christ for His word and see what happens. You find them in the Bible. If in faith you step into the light, then continue to abide in His word, there will come a time you will be living His resurrected life within you. In that day you will be left with no question at all.

Take it from me for I did what I've just written. Now I don't have any question at all. God does what he promised.

The Joy of Intimacy with God

2005-10-11T11:56:00.000-04:00

“At first, we want the awareness of being guided by God. But then as we grow spiritually, we live so fully aware of God that we do not even need to ask what His will is, because the thought of choosing another way will never occur to us. If we are saved and sanctified, God guides us by our everyday choices. And if we are about to choose what He does not want, He will give us a sense of doubt or restraint, which we must heed. Whenever there is doubt, stop at once. Never try to reason it out, saying, "I wonder why I shouldn’t do this?" God instructs us in what we choose; that is, He actually guides our common sense. And when we yield to His teachings and guidance, we no longer hinder His Spirit by continually asking, "Now, Lord, what is Your will?" (The Secrets of the Lord, By Oswald Chambers: My Utmost for the Highest Devotional)

I think this is how I am intimate with God. Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang...I have vivid recollection of the numerous instances that he has instructed me through common sense. These will be told in later articles. This is one of the joys I have in being near God’s presence—an intimate word of guidance of a loving Father.

The Will of God For Me

2005-10-11T11:27:00.000-04:00

“The counterfeit of obedience is a state of mind in which you create your own opportunities to sacrifice yourself, and your zeal and enthusiasm are mistaken for discernment. It is easier to sacrifice yourself than to fulfill your spiritual destiny, which is stated in Romans 12:1-2 . It is much better to fulfill the purpose of God in your life by discerning His will than it is to perform great acts of self-sacrifice. "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice . . ." ( 1 Samuel 15:22 ). Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been. "If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know . . ." ( John 7:17 ).” (God’s Will or Mine? By Oswald Chambers: My Utmost for the Highest Devotional)

These words ring true to my situation. I can recall two great opportunities presented by God to serve Him. I had excuses those times that to my understanding were compelling reasons not to do the projects. As always these reasons are foolishness to God.

“When you know that you should do something and you do it, immediately you know more. Examine where you have become sluggish, where you began losing interest spiritually, and you will find that it goes back to a point where you did not do something you knew you should do.” How true in my case." (God’s Will or Mine? By Oswald Chambers: My Utmost for the Highest Devotional)

Salvaging the project is now my priority. Obstacles are floating on the surface but I’ll push them aside and let my determined effort to do God’s will prevail.

A Powerful Advice

2005-10-09T06:47:00.000-04:00

“Parents and grandparents have a profound impact on children's lives. Very few people have ever heard of George Washington Stanley, but my grandfather left me a few simple truths, such as this: Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. I am so grateful for his advice concerning obedience, which continues to be the basis for my decisions. Far more important than any financial inheritance is the wisdom he left me, which continues to guide my life. - Charles Stanley, In Touch Magazine, Oct 2005 (www.intouch.org)

Commit yourself and every interest you have to God and let Him be responsible for them. Depend on Him on everything--plans, activities, decisions, provisions, and most especially relationships with family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, authorities and strangers. Imagine how good and wise it is to have Him be responsible for everything.

The Holy Spirit is most active during this time of total surrender to God’s guidance or instruction. The Spirit will bring your thoughts to God the Father, and because God is responsible He will see to it that you’ll have your wish.

On the other hand, if your thoughts are veering towards unrighteousness, the Spirit convicts. You’ll be able to fight temptation most easily.

In both cases God was responsible for you, as He will be in all circumstances you will be. So total surrender and obedience to God is the key to wholesome, joyful, and fulfilling life.

Take it from me for I am living such a life.

I Serve God by Sharing, Part II

2005-10-07T09:17:00.000-04:00

Charles Spurgeon writes about trials, “When tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope," the Lord is honoured by these growing virtues. We should never know the music of the harp if the strings were left untouched; nor enjoy the juice of the grape if it were not trodden in the winepress; nor discover the sweet perfume of cinnamon if it were not pressed and beaten; nor feel the warmth of fire if the coals were not utterly consumed. The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which his vessels of mercy are permitted to pass." (Spurgeon, C., Morning and Evening Devotional)

Problems in the family or in the workplace, unmet needs, problem child, poverty, loss of a loved one, broken friendship, ailment without a cure, or other problems that plague us are trials we must deal with courageously. Everyone has a share of these trying and difficult circumstances and being comforted by someone can make a difference between having hope and being hopeless and fearful of the days to come.

My writings have that purpose--one among a few reasons--to bring words of comfort. As a Christian I share my testimony of God’s love and compassion that it may strengthen, give comfort, and hope to the lost, hopeless and desperate souls. I am serving God through sharing. I wrote a couple more below:

Third, to an eldest son with a broken family, fearful of the future for his dad, who is beaten down by the divorce, and of the immoral path that her mom has taken, I wrote:

Don’t feel embarrassed about this. We are here to help. There is a spiritual breakdown in the family so that we have to bear down on this. Stand up as the temporary leader. Work on your Dad. Pray that the Lord will draw him back (using you, who is in Christ). Once your father regains his spiritual strength and can stand on his own, give back the leadership to him. But stay close to him still. If you have to live with him if necessary, do it. How can you help your mom? I give you this hope, off the Bible page: A believer husband will sanctify the wife and the children. So it’s important that you help and guide your Dad towards God.

Try to see if your brothers can help you in the early stage. Call them to a meeting. I know what I am speaking of. God has done this on my own family. He is bigger than any problem. To appreciate what I am talking about take time to visit http://www.gogoshare.blogspot.com/.

Fourth, to a Christian who feels he is drifting away from God because of anger or bitterness in his heart, I gave this advice:

An inspiration came to me just now as to how you can possibly turn around your sagging spiritual fervor. It’s this. Why not devote an hour of your time to give counsel to Christians in this forum. Pick out those desperate, seemingly helpless, frustrated, misguided, or those simply lost in this fallen world?

You bless them with your advice; God will bless you in return.

Please read my last four posts in this forum. They may be relevant to your present concern.

I’ll pray for you.

I Serve God by Sharing, Part I

2005-10-06T18:25:00.000-04:00

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we may comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Cor 1:3-5

I serve God by sharing my testimony with troubled souls. I list some of them below:

First, to someone who is jobless and whose family is impoverished I wrote:

“Everything you will ever need is already yours in Jesus Christ. Giving yourself to Him does not mean you will come out with less. You’ll get the best from Him.” I borrowed these words from Dr. Charles Stanley. God led me to these words that I may tell you of the good news that help is coming.

Help may not come now or in the immediate future, but later on a time He chooses. Be confident that it will come sooner or later. Keep faith on the promise of God the Father that he will not forsake or leave any believer on his own.

You have pain, heartaches, and unmet needs at the moment, but God has a purpose for these. Therefore ask Him why. Surrender yourself totally to Him. Take time to be alone with Him, ask Him what He wants you to do for yourself and the family. Talking to Him will give you the strength to carry on and the hope that the best is in store in the future.

We may not have the same situation, but like you I have nothing in the bank, I can’t get a job for I am already old. I am just relying on God’s promise to give me everything that I need to have a good life. With faith, hope and trust in God I carry on. It’s a blessing that I have peace, joy, and contentment with the little money I can get for food and clothing. God gave me my daughter to pay for our (my wife and I) keep.

Meanwhile, go to a Christian Church. People there will gladly help through your struggles. Have faith that God will send you someone any time now to give you courage through these tough times, another to help you with a job.

All this time, God will work on each of your family members. This works because you have fervently prayed for them.

Second, to a soul suffering countless troubles in her life that she thinks it is cursed. I gave this testimony:

I prayed for you and our Lord God led me to this passage in the Scripture:

“Get up, prepare the road! Remove the temptations out of the way of my people.” For this is what God says, “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is repentant and helpless or desperate, to revive the spirit of the desperate or helpless and to revive the heart of the repentant. I will not accuse forever, nor will I always be angry, for then the spirit of man would grow weak before me…I was enraged by his trespasses; I punished him, and hid my face in anger, yet he kept on his willful ways, I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him. Isaiah 57:14-18

Be comforted with this promise of our unchanging God; He is compassionate, loving, and has long-suffering for us despite our unrighteousness. To be sure, I have undergone more desperate times than you have, but he guided and restored me to a life that is quiet, comfortable, and peaceful. Free from guilt that came with God’s forgiveness of my past sins, I am a new man. I may never have what I used to have in terms of earthly treasures (which I am not longing for anyway), but this life that he gave sweet savor with is very much more nourishing and fulfilling.

Conquering Ourselves Brings God to Us

2005-10-06T11:02:00.000-04:00

“Spiritual transformation is our deepest and most profound human need: to be turned inside out (from being absorbed with ourselves to absorbing love for God and our neighbor) and right side up (from worshiping the creation to worshiping the Creator). This transformation is the most difficult thing in the world for why would it require the death of God's only begotten Son? It is the most costly change. Spiritual transformation requires death in order that there be life.” (Mark Labberton, Our Daunting Hope Can Preaching Really Change Anyone?: Christianity Leadership Journal)

Thomas a Kempis, the German religious brother describes well our sinful nature in these words: “Often we do evil, and in depending it do so much worse, and sometimes, when we are moved by passion we think it zeal for God. We can quickly reprove small faults in our neighbors, but we do not see our faults, which are much greater.” (The Imitation of Christ, Doubleday & Company: 1955)

All too well we know the ways of this world. The Scripture says it very well, “ There is no one righteous; there is no one who understands; no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless, and there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open grave; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they don’t know. There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:10-18 NIV

Can anyone be transformed in his ways?

Yes, to be sure. Anyone can accept Christ Jesus’ invitation to acknowledge Him his Lord and Savior. This begins the process and the Holy Spirit takes over the burden of guiding and instructing us through the righteous and holy path. Standing firm on this path will bring completion through cleansing; eternal hope of perfection and glorification would be the pinnacle of victory. We have God’s word that anyone who believes and abides till the end will be victorious.

Apostle Paul has called on all believers to be renewed in the mind that they may get empowered to do well, to be righteous, and to be holy. He is telling us that we have the mind of Christ to tap for anything that we need to do. Christ is offering us the gift of salvation to free us from enslavement to sin. Paul in his letter to the Galatians said, “…live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.” Galatians 5:16-17 NIV

Our sinful nature is a real enemy. Worst it’s in us ever ready to pounce on our weaknesses. Lowering our guard would be disastrous. Troubles in our relationships are all too common to ignore. Murder, robberies, sexual immorality, slander, oppression, abuse, etc. are rampant in the place where we live, work, and in every place. Are we beyond help?

Certainly not. Jesus Christ before his death told his disciples not to be afraid for He has conquered the world. And he added that in going away, He will ask His Father to send another Helper or Counselor to each believer, the Holy Spirit. To conquer ourselves, we must deny what the world has to offer. Doing this will prepare a home within our hearts, minds and souls for the Spirit. This is what Jesus Christ wants to tell us. We can be invincible from wicked deceptions of the devil and of our fallen nature with the Holy Spirit within us.

Can we benefit from this changed life here on earth, now that we are struggling over almost everything? Yes. Let’s hear what Jack Graham has to tell us:

“God has promised a wonderful, abundant and victorious life for every Christian. The answer for this kind of life is not education, activity, emotionalism, legalism or rituals. Instead, it is walking in the Spirit of God. Understand it. This isn’t just for the preachers, missionaries or full-time Christian workers. It is your right and privilege as a child of God… Is it God’s will that we be Spirit-filled? Absolutely! When we pray, we are assured that He will hear us and will grant our petitions. The Spirit-filled life will empower us to be the kind of parent, neighbor, friend and witness for Jesus that we want to be. Isn’t it about time we stopped trying to live the Christian life on our own and started trusting and walking in the flow of the Spirit of God?
(Jack Graham, First Person: Baptist Press)

No Trouble At All

2005-09-14T17:16:00.000-04:00

Pain and suffering could be the life of a Christian, but he bears it for the Lord. He knows there is a reason for such things, and God, one way or the other will make it known. The opposite can be true too---a believer living a peaceful and contented life, free from troubles and cares. For has not Jesus said, “I have conquered the world…I am going away that the Father will send you the Comforter…It is finished (is one of His last words)…. Abide in me that you might be fruitful…I have come that you may have abundant life.” These are not my words, John’s.

I was in a conversation with John, my Christian friend, and spouses Fred and Sarah, Christians too and neighbor. You met John in one of the previous articles. He continued, “I have the feeling that if one has the perfect faith, maintain fellowship with God, and abides or endures till the end, he will not suffer hardship, deprivation, sadness or sorrow or the painful anguish of guilt due to sin. He may have few troubles but it will not cause anxiety; ailment, but carries no pain; barely enough of basic needs, but can’t feel envy; be alone, but will not be sad; face danger, but be not fearful; criticized, but will be confident of his good standing before God, etc. He will be victorious over all temptations, free of wants and lustful desires, and be at peace either at home, at work, or at social gatherings.”

He added to his reflection, “All along these few temptations, God will continually protect, encourage, and strengthen him. He will be like a house built on a solid foundation (to borrow the metaphor of the Scripture) and when the typhoon comes, blows its mighty winds and drops its heavy rainfall, he will not fall or carried away to ruin. The Lord will strengthen and sustain him; his faith will bring forth invigorating courage.”

I saw Fred and his wife, Sarah, who were with us sitting and conversing in the patio in front of John’s house that early evening, looking animated. They were Christians too like John and I. All are of the same neighborhood but go to different churches. John and I are Pentecostals; Fred and Sarah are Baptist.

Fred, who works as supervisor in a retailer shop downtown, got to talk after keeping silent for most of the time we were conversing, “John, I can’t easily relate to what you said just now. I don’t know what to do to grow my faith. I don’t recall any Sunday church worship that Sarah and I have missed. We attend Sunday Bible school regularly. The family has small and big problems all the time that seem to keep us worried almost repeatedly. The biggest concern is money. Both of us have good jobs, but we can’t seem to make both ends meet.”

I saw John grown quiet, shutting his eyes for a short time. Just as his eyes opened, he said in a very soft tone, “Don’t get impatient. It will not help you any. Just like a tree, which started from a seed and took years to grow into what it’s now, mature and bearing fruit, your faith and Sarah’s will grow, mature and grow blessings that you will gladly harvest. What you are doing, attending church and studying the Word, will be the nourishment of your faith at the level where it is now. They will be the guiding light towards a meaningful and fulfilling life. There’s no way this will go but for it to mature. I can only add one thing, because you failed to mention it, develop the habit of prayer. It was very helpful with me when worries over problems start to pester. That was before. Now I seem not to worry about anything. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have concerns, because I do.” Hearing these words from John I surmised that when John shut his eyes just before he answered Fred, he prayed for guidance.

I was getting animated too, but I remembered I had to fetch my wife at home to do grocery. I begged permission to leave, which I did regretfully. On the car I was reflecting on John’s words. I felt good knowing I had the same feelings and courageous outlook as John’s. I need to talk to John more often, but what about Fred and Sarah? I prayed a small prayer: Father, you know our needs. I rely on you to fulfill them in the manner you see fit.

Man's Wisdom and Katrina

2005-09-11T23:29:00.000-04:00

Wisdom: Lesson, Fast Action, and Vision

Mark Twain wrote in Following the Equator by Harper, “We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it---stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on the hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove-lid again---and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one any more.” Man, unlike the cat, has God’s wisdom for the asking, which shall be granted, and has been granted to men of his choosing. We have numerous men of this kind in New Orleans, in America as a whole, in humanity as a greater whole; this is for sure.

Man’s wisdom comes with experience, which is in turn acquired either from contrived, forced or naturally occurring circumstances, controlled or unforeseen events, activities one indulge in, bad or good relationships. It’s not all; experience is the whole living we do. Now, all along God is present or estranged in anyone’s life; one has a choice. So like the people directly or indirectly affected by Katrina, one can experience anger, helplessness, desperation, frustration, anguish about the future, or the whole gamut of negative emotions. But we can be sure that a large part of the populace of New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama have been badly affected but still have mustered positive emotions. In defiance of the worst circumstances they experienced they have retained faith in God, strength, peace or calm, hope for the best, and kind understanding of all people caught in the unfortunate event.

God’s presence or non-presence in each person in the hurricane’s reach can either impart wisdom or foolishness. Wisdom makes them rise up in no time at all, with no scars to carry; foolishness makes them hating people, despondent, continually helpless, hopeless or sorry for themselves; their scars eternally reminding them of the worst. What’s due to a person God dispenses in good measure.

American authorities, undergoing the very horrible experience in New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina, will learn valuable lessons and wisdom, if ever they didn’t have it before. What should be learned here? Knowing and noting down what actually happened, particularly the cataclysmic effects and ensuing problems encountered after the hurricane did its destructive effects, will be a big help. There is no better time to put it into formal writing, a record or report if you must, than now.

Worst Scenario Planning

One thing that one can suggest is worst scenario planning. With Katrina, the authorities got one thing right, partly. After knowing the deadly forecast, they planned to evacuate the people from harm’s way. However, they didn’t plan for those who will resist. It seems they planned for the evacuation and stopped there, not thinking it could get worst. If this is what actually happened we had either an ignorant, lazy or irresponsible planner. Also, they didn’t appoint one responsible and capable man to lead the job to be done before and after, one vested with absolute authority. Next to be formed of course is the administrative group, rescue, relief and medical and support team, rehabilitation team, military support team, and engineering and transport team. All these would have come up in a brainstorming session planning for the worst circumstances one could think of to happen to city residents, established authorities, food, medicines, and consumer supplies depot or outlets, private homes, business and service facilities.

Worst scenario planning calls for tough or hard questions to be asked. What possibly will be destroyed? They could have written down houses, buildings, infrastructure, utilities, levees, and refinery facilities. Will the forecasted extra heavy rainfall destroy the dam and flood the city? Of course it will (knowing that the city is well below the sea level.) How long will the flood be? What could be done in this worst case? What happens when the utilities’ (phones, electricity, water and sewage) infrastructures are knocked down? An alternative communication system could have been devised.

Next we go to emergency supplies, medicines, food and equipment. What will be needed, in what amounts? Do we have the budget? Do we activate our contact with the Federal authorities, Governor Office, National Guards, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Church Charity Groups.

What diseases or hygienic problems can occur? How do we handle the patients that are already in the hospitals? Can we ask the medical and their support groups to stay? What are their needs that we could prepare in advance? Do we need psychologists, social workers, or faith groups to take care of the emotional and psychological needs of victims?

This is not an exhaustive list. One or other knowledgeable persons could have come out with helpful suggestions. One could say it’s so easy now to ask these questions and offer recommendations after we have known the worst. Well, a group of experts in different disciplines concerned with this kind of disaster, led by a leader with God’s wisdom, could have anticipated all these things too. We are not wanting of examples in the past. What have experts learned in the tsunami disaster in South Asia, numerous hurricanes in Florida? Plenty of relevant data are on record; they just weren’t tapped. Weather forecasting nowadays are nearly so accurate, so are the effects predictable. People behavior and almost unlimited capabilities are known. Man can conquer any natural disasters if challenged; this has been proven time and time again.

Now, part of experience is accepting the truth, blame if we truly are to be blamed, get to memory lessons learned, and muster the will, master the mission, and grow the vision that our learned wisdom has given us through experience. Let our vision be, now and in the future, that natural forces well known to be very destructive be controlled by man who has the wisdom: learned lesson, fast action, and vision. Let it be known that man’s wisdom comes from God, and that the supernatural transcends the natural.

God let this hard lesson comes our way, but he gave us knowledge, resources, and wisdom to deal with it; just as we have a choice to do good or bad, but he devised the plan for redemption in case we choose to do bad.

Christians Have Christ in Them

2005-09-11T20:56:00.000-04:00

Uncertain Future for a Family

Last night John, a friend, had two bad dreams, which foretell of hardships for his family and troubled relationships with friends and acquaintances down the road. Anxious thoughts run through his mind. Events that happened in the immediate past add fuel to his negative imaginings. The family has run out of options in ordering their permanent stay here in a foreign land with his daughter and husband. Their finances are so diminished to limit the things they can do. His daughter’s diminished pay, incident to her maternity leave, aggravates the situation in the short term.

His son, in their old home country and place, still can’t get a job. With the son having a job to pay for his living, John’s own financial concerns could be lightened. It is not to be so now. They could borrow again from his sisters or from his wife’s relatives so he got to be thinking. But lately a few have problems too, financially or with others he has exhausted into nothing his goodwill with them, so he thought. Negatives thoughts rear their ugly heads.

His expectations months ago were simply too high to be met. For a moment he is fearful of the future.

Faith Activates the Power of God

It was a blessing that the day following these bad dreams was a Sunday. Usually, during this holy day, John is up and about early, ready to catch Charles Stanley preaching at exactly 7 AM over cable TV. Then it’s a parade of preachers until 12:30 PM. However, this Sunday was different. The night before and until the first five hours of Sunday, he and his wife stayed awake caring for their daughter’s almost a month old baby. He was late for the 7 AM sermon on TV, but was up at about 9 AM on time to catch Dr. Charles Price broadcast. It was a disappointment though. It was a documentary that they were broadcasting. So he had the remote quickly do its searching and found the schedule of Joel Osteen’s Ministry broadcast, which he has known previously to overlap with Dr. Charles Price’s.

Osteen was preaching about faith and fear. His words are still ringing in John’s ear, “Faith activates the power of God; fear, that of the devil.” Osteen expounded that the battleground of opposing spiritual forces is in our minds. God, he added, has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. A disciplined mind is enabled by God to think of the best for oneself, the family and others.

In You is Everything You Need

“If Christ is in you, you have all in you that you need,” Dr. Adrian Rogers was preaching these words this Sunday too. He is one of four preachers that John wouldn’t like to miss hearing. Dr. Rogers was talking about claiming of God’s promises, aggressively, by us who believe in Him. An example Rogers gave was Caleb’s faith and courage in God’s protection, just one of two (Caleb, a soldier under Moses) who were not afraid as many Israelites were afraid of enemy’s strength and opposition, in claiming Canaan for home and place. They were at the end of their journey of freedom, out from slavery in Egypt, and were coming short of strength, endurance and hope. John saw himself in the shoes of the Israelites. But Caleb’s faith and courage as pointed to by Dr. Rogers, brought him back to his own perfect faith and courage. Christ is in him, so John was thinking, so that strength, peace, and hope suddenly pervaded his thoughts. (Author’s Note: Read Chap. 13 of Numbers)

God brought to John these timely words through two men of God this blessed day, in unusual circumstances by John’s sense, that he may be not fearful of the future, but instead be encouraged and hopeful that God will be always be near. John just has to call on Him, as he has done in the past for provision, instruction, and wisdom.

God Protects Me

2005-09-10T13:42:00.000-04:00

God protects me from myself: from worldly desires, wants, and pride. This is what I wrote in the previous article to this one, “Since the time that I committed myself to the path that Jesus Christ has started in my life, I have learned to want nothing of what I used to have or craved. These were things that pamper the body, eyes, heart and mind of a man in this modern world. It helped then that I had a good job with an American and British company with global operations. I had the money to spend. I had loads of clothes, mostly signature ones. I had cars, loaded with extras, that got me near (town or city) far, and everywhere (weekend, vacation or holiday get-away trips). Now, I take a walk to the park, take a ride with my daughter in her car when necessary to do groceries or post the mail. I prefer to stay home now, mostly writing. I don’t miss the drive ever. Before, the family had cable, but still we went to movies (I am addicted to them). Now, all I do is hear and watch pastors or ministers preach; have no cravings for movies anymore. I avoid them like a plague, as they are usually sources of temptation.”

God protects me from accidents. I recall a few years ago, that he sent an angel to save me from a would-be fatal, head-on collision with a truck. It was at the last minutes of a long and tiring ten-hour drive, darkness of the night has just set in. I was driving fast at 90 kilometers per hour, then suddenly a buffalo cart appeared in front and in split second I veered in reflex to the left, opposite lane. But a truck with bright lights was barreling towards my vehicle; in a second I saw the truck gone past me. Later I realized the other driver took the road shoulder that he might avoid a collision.

God protects me from wicked people. It was troubled times in my old home and country that time. Politics reared its ugly head. People’s protest on the streets was a daily occurrence. Undercover policemen were active, doing covert operations. I recall that my family and some friends were to attend a wake of a dead relative. The van was full; at the break of dawn we were already on the road and I was driving. We went through an avenue where the biggest part of the public protest was staged that day. I didn’t notice that at two intersections the police have already marked us for search and ID. In fact at one intersection, I was supposed to have been flagged down or asked to stop, so said my companions, but I didn’t notice. Half of kilometer farther two policemen, wearing civilian clothes rode by on either side of the van. Something stirred in me to suggest that I open the windows, which I did. I looked on the man on my right, held his gaze; did the same to the rider on the left. The last man waved us through in no time at all. All of us sighed in relief.

God protects me from disease. I had two small, non-fatal heart attacks in succession a decade ago. Pressure from my highly competitive job triggered them. I used to have maintenance medicine after those attacks, but I got rid of them unwittingly. I started not to take them when I lost my job, and got retired working. The medicines were costly and I can’t afford to buy them. Meanwhile, I was converted into Christ. Now traces of my illness are nowhere to be found. Serving the Lord has its rewards it seems.

God protects me from the Old Devil. The Holy Spirit convicts me even before I sin. All the time I am asking God for guidance and instructions in all things that I do, big or small. I already said this in my previous article, but it helps repeating. It helps that I wear the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of faith, the sandals of peace, the armor of love, and the spear of hope. The Holy Spirit seals me to eternal bliss of freedom and responsibility. From the looks of it, I think I’ve got the right path to a peaceful, joyous, and abundant life.

Sitting on the Bench for Jesus

2005-09-10T10:52:00.000-04:00

By Irvin L. Rozier
Guest Writer
http://mywalkwiththelord.blogspot.com

Many of God's servants are waiting on the bench for the Coach to put them in the game. They have prepared for the day, time, and hour when the LORD nods His head, points His finger, and says "Okay, it is time for you to take the position you have prepared and practiced so hard and so long for. It is your time."

In the Bible are many examples. Joseph, the dreamer, was preparing, waiting for the appointed time when God gives the okay, promoting him to the position that God had ordained for him. Moses, David, Paul, and many others were the same way. Even Jesus, who knew more about the Father, and had so much to share, sat on the bench until God's time was right.

The LORD has taught me the great value of waiting on His timing many times over the past 18+ years. I would like to give two examples.

The Holy Spirit had spoken a word that I would be preaching on the radio. Days, weeks, months, and a year passed. During this time, I was studying God's word, praying, preaching at some other places, and the Holy Spirit continually spoke to me on this. Fourteen months after I received the word to preach on the radio, I was sitting on my back porch, meditating on God's word. Suddenly, the LORD spoke to me and said, "Tonight, at 6:45, I want you to start preaching on the radio." It was Wednesday afternoon, about 1:30. I said, "Okay, Lord. I'll go over to the radio station, and inquire about having a 15 minute program." I drove eight miles to the station, went inside and asked the manager about a program. He said, "Normally, we don't have preaching on Wednesday evening, but I can give you a fifteen minute slot starting at 6:45 P.M. You can begin tonight. It will be $25." So, I paid the man, and preached that night. Many who were going to a Wednesday night service heard me. This mission the LORD gave me lasted for 18 months. No one supported me (financially) yet the LORD made a way. The Holy Spirit had spoken a word to me, yet I had to "sit on the bench" until the time of the word came. PSALM 105 verse 19 ''UNTIL THE TIME THAT HIS WORD CAME: THE WORD OF THE LORD TRIED HIM."

I was praying for the LORD to open a door for me to preach. He spoke to me and said, "You will be preaching a sermon at your old home church, in the new building they built." I replied, "Lord, they are not going to invite me to preach. I don't go there anymore (the Lord had moved me because I was not being utilized there) and besides, the leadership has not recognized the call on my life is from you." He replied, "Have faith." A few months later, I was sitting at the coffee shop reading the paper. I turned to the obituaries, and read one with a notice that a friend of mine had died. At the bottom of the obit, these words jumped out at me: "And preaching on her funeral will be the pastor of the church (my home church), and Irvin Rozier." Well, I am Irvin Rozier; and the funeral was the next day. I obliged the call, arriving at the place the pastor met me, and said "You go first. Do as the LORD leads." This was God's plan. I did preach at my old home church just as the LORD had said.

I recognize that the LORD will place you where He wants you, and nothing shall oppose His will.

I hope this is an encouragement. Wait on the leading of the Holy Spirit and on God's timing.

Acts 16 verse 7 says, "After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not."

_____________________________

"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." Gen 5.24

God Has it in Control

2005-09-10T10:09:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Katrina came, touched land and wrought havoc on everything along its path with vengeance. Many people around the world told of how deep they were affected by scenes of destruction of homes, buildings and infrastructures; video photos of helpless and desperate people, looters that one can sympathize or hate, dead bodies bloated and I imagine smell awful even now. Only the heartless can be indifferent.

“Has this awful event changed your life? How?” someone asked. Surely, numerous lives will be changed profoundly, carrying their scars for a long time; not only those directly affected, but also people who saw, through media broadcast and print, the utter destruction wrought by the hurricane.

I asked myself the question, but in a different way: Why am I not deeply affected by it as some people I saw on TV? Am I less of a Christian, as I know myself? I am not sure I have the answer until I read Jill Carattini’s article titled: Too Deep to Scan (www.rizm.org). An excerpt follows.

Carattini writes on Slice of Infinity, September 07, 2005, “As Jesus stood with a girl at his feet in the middle of a group armed with rocks and hatred, he crouched down in the sand and with his finger wrote something that caused a fuming crowd to drop their stones and a devastated girl to try again. No one knows what he wrote on the ground that day with the Pharisees and the woman caught in adultery, but even in the awkward silence of this story, as Jesus scribbles and we can't see, we are somehow convicted. Sometimes standing with stones, other times crumpled in a heap of sin and shame, we recognize the depth of our own degeneracy.”

Carattini adds, “We may mock the idea of the depravity of man or say that it demeans humanity in some way, but the truth is it resurfaces every day, in every life, and in every culture. We may not like the word sin, but have we not seen its expressions in our own lives as well as in others? When we begin to look below the surface of our good days or friendly moments, when we begin to look to who we really are at the heart of things—on bad days or even average days, when things aren't going our way or when temptations overwhelm us—the depravity of our nature is inescapable. Until we recognize this, we will never understand how deeply we are in need of the very thing God offers.”

After a week, hearing and reading of other people’s cries of anguish, loathing and anger, I am sure I know my feelings and I can tell you about it. It’s out and out pity for people in New Orleans and Mississippi and my anger towards authorities who didn’t get their priorities straight arising from lack of passion to help the poor, the soon-to-be homeless and jobless, the helpless, and the desperate. But these were hidden beneath a peaceful disposition and non-committal bearing. Nearness to God and knowing Him well brought about such attitude. God was stilling my heart and spirit all this time, whispering to my ear, “I have purposes for everything. Know that I have it under control, each one will have their due.”

I have mistaken my calm attitude for indifference, got alarmed in the meantime, but God affirmed by standing in Him, as He always does.