tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63883546250479076612024-02-19T12:20:57.664+03:00i am a christianJust a seeker, learning to love and follow HimAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-47400927838171946192012-03-12T06:23:00.000+03:002012-03-12T06:25:57.903+03:00Living by FAITH<b>........everything that does not come from faith is sin <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Romans 14:23)</span>.</b><br />
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<i>What is Faith?</i><br />
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I take FAITH to be a full practical conviction about the WILLINGNESS and the ABILITY of God to DO what He promises in His WORD.<br />
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<b>Practical Conviction</b>: It informs and guides all that we do,we live convinced that WE ARE who He says we are, and that WE HAVE what He says we have, that WE CAN DO what he says we can do.<br />
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<b>Beyond the tangible</b>: Even when we cannot see it, we are still convinced, because we know He is not a LIAR <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Numbers 23:19)</span>, we take His word to be TRUE, and though we can see it, we BELIEVE, that why FAITH is <i>assurance</i> of things hoped for, the <i>conviction</i> of things not seen <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Hebrews 11:1)</span>.<br />
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<i>First Steps</i><br />
Just believe......<br />
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<i>God is not human that He should lie,</i></div>
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<i>not a human being that he should change His mind.</i></div>
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<i>Does He speak and not act?</i></div>
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<i>Does He promise and not fulfill? </i></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Numbers 23:19, NIV)</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-59966744361904071802012-02-29T18:04:00.000+03:002012-02-29T18:13:52.478+03:00He is Willing..In the first chapter of the book of mark, we find a story that is quite famous, the story of the man with leprosy. This is how NIV renders the story:<br />
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<i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24256" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">40</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A man with leprosy</span><sup class="footnote" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24256a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A40-42&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24256a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> came to him and begged him on his knees, “<b>If you are willing</b>, you can make me clean.”</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24257" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">41</sup><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Jesus was indignant.</span><sup class="footnote" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24257b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1%3A40-42&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24257b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> He reached out his hand and touched the man. </span><span class="woj" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>“I am willing,”</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> he said. </span><span class="woj" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Be clean!”</span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-24258" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top;">42</sup><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. (mark 1:40-42, emphasis mine)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many times, we ask like this guy, is God willing to help us, heal us, provide for us? Most times are certain that He is able to do all that, after all He created all there is, but.................Is He WILLING?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Yes....He is Willing.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Just Trust Him.</b></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-38570193005227408082012-01-24T18:04:00.000+03:002012-01-24T18:04:31.820+03:00Disappointments aren't....So we all have had an disappointing moment in our lives, at least most of us have -:) . We at times wonder why God who loves us and is all knowing would allows us to suffer pain of which He could have helped us avoid. There had been times i would why didn't He just intervened?<br />
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One of my closest friends once told me not to view set backs and disappointing as such but to view then as stepping stones to greater heights, sort of seeing them as "<i>stepping stones not as stumbling blocks</i>". While this statement may seem purely philosophical, it has a great deal of spiritual truth. I have always said and believed that as a child of God whatever happens to me is for good and happens because God loves so much. "Romans 8:28<i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 5px;"><b> </b></span></span>have been called according to his purpose</span></span></i> ".<br />
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While we are still undergoing sets backs is difficult for us to understand or even think that God will use those situations make us better than we are, This week i was just looking back to some disappointing moments that i have had in the recent past, it is only now i can see clearly why what happened is important to me now, even though it pained for that short while, the effects of some of those moments are making my life more full at this point in time. At times God allows such things to shape our character, to protect us from harm, to take us to opportunities and connect us to people who will help us in achieving our purpose. The best mind to have i come to learn is : <i>God loves me, and will only let what is <b>ultimately good</b> for me and His kingdom happen to me</i>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Cor 10:13"</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f9fdff;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">This should be encouragement to us whenever are going through a tempting moment, we will manage through God's help to come out </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">triumphantly, only lets hold on what He wants us to, otherwise will have lost the battle. Just thinking of the disappointments of Jacob at his uncles, and how they turned out to be a blessing, every single of them. </span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-51751482913608324622012-01-23T18:36:00.001+03:002012-01-23T18:36:27.575+03:00His Joy and SatisfactionToday is Monday, to many, Mondays are not the best of the days, most are sluggish and still hooked to the less formal and relaxed weekend activities. Well that applies if you are not like me, i always desire that i will hit Monday running and the best Mondays to me, are those following a Sunday night spent in front of my laptop, being an inspiring geek, it quite a high for me.<br />
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Well today am happy and at peace, it is surprising, and i am so grateful to God for giving me this peace in my heart. There is a reassuring joy that fills ones heart when they have spent time with God, when there is nothing hindering your communion. There is those words in Psalms 103: 5 <i>"who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's"</i>, i held on the them during new year's eve, i still hold on them today as i await on Him, for He has blessed me, and Has prospered me, He has taken disgrace and sin from me, clothing me with His grace and glory. Isn't He great and awesome?<br />
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Lets all acknowledge Him and His power and His deeds, I worship you great and awesome God, who sits on the throne, administering justice to all. I echo the words of Hagar: Genesis 16:13 <i>"The One who sees me"</i>. Indeed He is the one who sees me, in joy, in pain, He never lets go. When i am rebellious He stills calls me to Him, when my heart burns with love for Him, still He is there for me.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-84723629673639503762012-01-22T17:36:00.001+03:002012-03-12T08:18:49.811+03:00When Bad News is GOOD NewsThe ending week was somewhat disappointing, "somewhat" is quite an understatement because the week's events were if anything depressing.<br />
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But those bad pieces of news seems to be good news, that <b>God has something better than that for me</b>. ( This just reminds me of the story of Abraham and Abimelech, God prevented Abimelech from sinning by making sure he did not touch Sarah. God has various ways of keeping us from places we should not be or companies we should not keep).<br />
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<u>Genesis 28 & 29</u>, The story of Jacob and his wives, how Jacob had to run away from his home, spend the night in the open with a stone for a pillow and later been tricked by Laban. Bad news that some what resulted into blessings for him, the most significant (according to me) been the time had a dream and God affirmed His promises to him, and Jacob made a promise to that God will be his God if He will be with Him. It may have been a cold night, but it significance resounds to this day.<br />
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This reminds me of post election violence in Kenya, this deadly incident has served to make Kenyans more respectful, more tolerant and more patriotic (Kenyans for Kenyans project as an example of a more united Kenya, the new constitution and the evident determination not to go that route again). Bad events that will make us reap good rewards now and for generations to come.<br />
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<u>Matthew 9:18-38</u>, this particular passage records several miracles that Jesus performed; Raising of the ruler's dead girl, healing of the woman with the issue of blood, healing of the two blind men and the casting out of the dumb demon from a man. The events that had happened to this particular persons were bad news to them and their family, death and disability are very paining and saddening experiences. But <b>by allowing Jesus into their situations, the bad news was transformed to good news</b>, to them and for the kingdom of God.<br />
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We desire a better Kenya, better life, we need to allow Jesus to take charge of our lives, and we shall rejoice in His deliverance.<br />
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<u>Psalm 11</u>, no matter what happens, or threatens to happen, we can always take refuge in our Lord. As elections comes this year, our country is safe in Him, our economy is safe, even if all went wrong, our lives are safe and secure in Him.<br />
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Proverbs 3:11-12, even when we pain because of God's discipline, it is still good news "because the LORD disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in".<br />
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Today the focus is on praying for the country:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">DAY 7 January 15, 2012<br />Genesis 28:1 - 29:35, Matthew 9:18-38, Psalm 11:1-7, Proverbs 3:11-12<br />Kenya<br />•Pray for the people of Kenya,<br />•A change of culture of impunity from families to institutions<br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">•Pray for the knowledge of God to be upon the people of Kenya<br />•Pray that Christians will be salt and light of the world<br />•Pray that God will turn people from wickedness<br />•Pray against the strongholds and altars of Satan and that God will build His altars.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-42708465934233868902012-01-22T16:32:00.001+03:002012-03-12T08:19:18.216+03:00On the go: Thoughts of devotionTowards the end of last year (2011), one of my favorite TV station had what they called "movie marathon" which was an extended time of back to back movie shows, that started at 10.00 pm until dawn. Being a movie lover, it was quite a treat and i planned to stay up for most part to watch the movies. Today i have some sort of a marathon, i need to try and recover time lost in my devotion time, the frequent power and internet interruptions have had quite a toll in my devotion time.<br />
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I am hoping to write on fragments of wisdom that i will get as i go through the bible, they could be perhaps, just a series of wandering thoughts...<br />
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Matthew 9: 8, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23388" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">8</sup> When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to man</i>. What do people say about my life? Do they find cause to praise God? Do i bring praise or shame to our LORD?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Loving God vs duty, </span>Matthew 9: 12-13, what is important to me, pleasing God or pleasing traditions?<br />
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Transformation for change Matthew 9: 16-17: i am transformed? in mind, in perception, in will ? or my christian life and experience is a patch over my human ideals? human thinking, or shd i say carnal thinking?<br />
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So many times like the pharisees we critic those who do things diffidently from us, or from tradition, thinking our way is better. This have lead to a lot of conflict in the church while we do not look at what we are sent to do but concentrate on the methods. Jesus ate with sinners in order to win them over but pharisees took issue with Him coz they treasured their ways at the expense of God's purpose, Jesus sought to correct this by quoting Hosea 6:6 "I desire mercy not sacrifice". May God enable us to understand when He uses people in different ways to achieve His purposes for this world.<br />
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I will stop this post at this point, but i will include an extract from the prayer bulletin meant for praying the church in Kenya.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">DAY 6 January 14, 2012<br />Genesis 26:17 - 27:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 3:9-10<br />The church in Kenya<br />• Pray for the church in Kenya, and its leadership<br />• Pray for election that it will be peaceful<br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">• Pray for healing and reconciliation in the church<br />• Repent on behalf of the church for the sins committed both of omission and commission<br />• Seek for the unity of the church despite the denominational boundaries<br />• Pray for boldness to condemn evil and stand for justice<br />• Pray for a godly leadership in our country<br />• Pray that justice and righteousness will be the foundation of this nation</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-10389675429077569492012-01-22T14:31:00.004+03:002012-03-12T08:19:43.467+03:00On Stewardship: Lessons from feeding the 5000 men<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today is Sunday, yet again i was privileged to part of a fellowship, been in a community of believers at life-spring chapel at Embakasi. Today we continued with our series on LIFE Stewardship. This is 3 part of the church's life cycle that aims at equipping the believers to achieve full LIFE in Christ. The other parts of the Life Cycle are LIFE Foundations and LIFE Relationships. More on this can be found on the <a href="http://www.life.or.ke/home" target="_blank">church's website</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The scripture readings : <b>John 6:1-15</b>, it is the story of the feeding of the 5,000 men by Jesus. It is quite a well known portion of scripture , i have heard and thought about it in various interpretation, but never in the sense of stewardship. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewardship" target="_blank">Wikipedia </a><i>defines stewardship as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">an ethic that embodies responsible planning and management of resources, it also refers to the r</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">esponsibility to take care of something belonging to someone else. To be a steward, and or act in steward to something, is known as stewardship.</span></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><b><u>The Big Question</u></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">The sermon focused on the responses of Jesus' disciples to His question: <b>"</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b>Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This question can be expanded to cover the various <u>questions we ask in our life</u>,<b> "where will i get rent, food, clothing, ...?" The questions we ask about our well being, our country's, our families.</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>The Human Response</u></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The responses of the disciples are typical of how most of us will and do respond to this and such questions: </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26265" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">7</sup> Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” ---<i><u>Pessimism, it is impossible, we simply cannot manage</u></i>, we see what cannot be done, not what can be done. Sort of half full / half empty scenario. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26266" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">8</sup> Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26267" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">9</sup> “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” - <i><u>Disregard of what we have, poor mentality of who we are, of what God has given us.</u></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><u>Jesus Response</u></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26268" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">10</sup> Jesus said, <span class="woj">“Have the people sit down.”</span> There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26269" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">11</sup> Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><u>In faith took with gratitude what was available and solved the need</u></i>, i shall be looking more at His response and how all this relates to stewardship in a later post.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Scripture taken from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%206&version=NIV" target="_blank">bible gateway,</a> this blog is my personal understanding of the sermons and is not necessarily exact sermon preached, </i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-62874472146782938562012-01-15T22:32:00.000+03:002012-03-12T08:20:03.218+03:00StewardsToday is Sunday and we had a sermon on stewardship, it was more or less an introduction to the theme of the year which is growing in Life Stewardship. The key scripture for the theme is drawn form Psalm 24:1<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,<br /> the world, and all who live in it (NIV)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the sermon, the pastor referred to key events where God gave stewardship to man, The first to Adam and the second to Noah after the flood.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genesis 1:28 </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><b><u>God blessed</u></b> them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (NIV ,emphasis mine)</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Genesis 9:1-2 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>Then <b><u>God blessed</u></b> Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-208" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">2</sup>The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands(NIV</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>,emphasis mine</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>)</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lessons from the two events is that God always blessed, before he gave them the role of taking care of His creation. Both of this two men had pleased and had God's favor prior to their blessings. Adam from the fact of been created in God's image and Noah due to his obedience.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of Psalm 24, kind lay out the preconditions to be blessed of God and been His stewards:</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14245" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">3</sup> Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?<br /> Who may stand in his holy place?<br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14246" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup> The one <u><b>who has clean hands and a pure heart</b></u>,<br /> <b><u>who does not trust in an idol </u></b></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><u> or swear by a false god</u></b>.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14246a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2024&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14246a" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>(NIV ,emphasis mine)</i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What will happen to them?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14247" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup> They <u><b>will receive blessing from the LORD </b></u><br /> <b><u>and vindication from God their Savior</u></b>.<br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-14248" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">6</sup> Such is the generation of those who seek him,<br /> who seek your face, God of Jacob.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14248b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2024&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14248b" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup><sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14248c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2024&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14248c" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote c">c</a>] </sup></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>(NIV ,emphasis mine)</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-51559756676147314872012-01-12T22:59:00.000+03:002012-03-12T08:20:54.315+03:00The Work PlaceDay 3<br />
Oops, i have missed a day...<br />
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Today's Scripture readings: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Genesis 2 0:1 - 22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><b><u>Genesis 20:1-22:24</u></b>, is the story of Abraham living in the land of the philistines where God fulfilled the promise of giving him a soon. i think the most famous sections of this passage are when Abimelech took </span></span>Sarah, when Issac was born, when God provided water for Ishmael, when Abraham obeyed God and choose to sacrifice his son.God will always watch over us and all that He has given us when we are faithful to Him, regardless of who or what opposes us, we can always have that assurance that at the end we shall triumph. Abraham prospered in a foreign land, was respected and feared because God was favoring him in all He does, walking with God will enable us triumph in our work places and business regardless of what opposition we may face.<br />
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We should not sacrifice our relationship with God, as we seek progress in business or career, we should always be ready to give all for Him, many loose their faith to keep their jobs, Abraham choose to give up his only son, so he could obey His God, he received him back from God so to speak with even more confirmation of what great things God intended for him, we today are beneficiaries of this act of faith. Lets not neglect our walk with God for anything.<br />
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A key phrase of this passage should be "<i>In the mountain of the LORD it will be provided</i>", most true, most accurate statement of all times, what we want, it will be provided at the mountain of God. There is that psalm that talk of them who can stay/stand in the mountain of God, i will check it out later.(I got it :) psalm 15).<br />
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<b><u>Matthew 7:15-29</u></b>, i guess i am been biased in the way i look at the passages, as mainly because i want to relate them to the theme of prayers today which is the work place. The first part of the passage is a warning against false prophets, Jesus said the only way to tell bad from good is looking at the fruits, i want to relate this to many persons who may give your counsel on how to about your job or business, they may be well intention but are their fruits good? do they walk with the lord? on the the flip side are we in the work places true or false prophets, lets ask God to help us that in all that we do, that we shall be true to His word and we represent Him well.<br />
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Finally the passage says, it will do us a lot good to practice His words (i think in context here of the sermon on the mount), i think it will be really nice if we were to look at the sermon on the mount with specific to our conduct at the work place.<br />
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<b><u>Psalm 9:1-12,</u></b> It is a call to sing praise to Him, He has overcome our enemies, it is also a call to trust Him more, for <i>He is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble</i>. Even as we pray, we will have the confidence that He has vanquished our enemies, and given us victory.<br />
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<u><b>Proverbs 2:16-22</b></u>, it continues to extol the benefit of wisdom and retaining the word of God, it will keep us in the right path and save us from harm, it ensure our permanent blessings while the evil ones will perish. lets then pray that God will help us walk in wisdom and also pray that those we work with/for will too find the way of truth and follow it with all diligence.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">DAY 3 January 11, 2012<br />Genesis 2 0:1 - 22:24, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22<br />Workplace<br />• Pray for colleagues, and the organization you work for<br />• Pray for the your colleagues by name<br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">• Pray for those that do not know the Lord that they would know Him<br />• Pray for those who know the Lord that they would be salt and light to others (Matt 5:13-16)<br />• Pray for the prosperity of your organization (Gen 39:2)<br />• Pray that ungodliness will be uprooted in your organization<br />• Repent for the sins committed and any kind of injustices in your organization</span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-27405674709036024792012-01-11T19:06:00.000+03:002012-01-11T19:06:04.480+03:00Praying for the familySecond day, i feel tired and have that thought, if only i could watch a movie... That aside today was a good day, but last night was wow, just after reading that He is the One who sees me, and getting so encouraged in knowing that God will be with me, i got good news as long time client emailed and requested for a meeting.. it seems i getting out of the woods and i am so grateful to the One who sees me. Today was a great day, full of hope because of Him, been my God, been there for me in love and compassion, i am so grateful to my God for helping me come this far.<br />
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Today is set to be a prayer day for the family.<br />
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Scripture readings : <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Genesis 18:16 - 19:38, Matthew 6:25 - 7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15</span><br />
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<b>Genesis 18:16-19:38</b>, This is the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and their destruction. The major lesson in relation to the prayer items of the day is the power of intercession. Abram interceded for the righteous in the cities not to be destroyed with the wicked. Through His intercession, God had mercy on Lot and his family that they were saved from the destruction. We have a responsibility to intercede for our family through prayer and also through Godly living. If the cities had some righteous people (10), the cities would have been spared, if we live Godly lives, God will also deliver our families, our cities and our countries because He will remember us, hence spare them. V20 says<i> "So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham, and He brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived (NIV)"</i><br />
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<b>Matthew 6:25-7:14</b>, The passage start by telling us that we should not be worried about anything, but we should commit all things to God. Despite what could be happening in your family, do not worry about it, but take this time to present it before God in prayer. It also encourages us to seek the kingdom of God and its righteousness and that all things will be added to us, as we pray for our families, we should especially pray that all the family members will be righteous and men and women after God's heart, for after we all attain this, the all other things we need, be it peace, love, wealth, health, children etc will be added to us. So the major prayer item we should always have for our family is that we should be right with God.<br />
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Lastly it encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, with the assurance that God will hear and answer us. It gives the example of parents who always grants the requests of their children, it assures us that despite all things, God will assuredly answer our plea. This will give us the assurance as we approach Him, in prayer.<br />
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<b>Psalm 8:1-9</b>, This passage recognizes the majesty of God and how He has blessed us, Indeed as we go to pray for our families, we should not forget to thank and praise God in recognition of this far He has brought us. Everyone of us have something to be grateful for, no matter how difficult life has been, God has been with us, that why we are not yet crushed, that why we can still read and write this. He's been good to us, and we need to recognize His power and majesty as we approach in prayer, let our hearts be full of praise and adoration. This will also help boost our faith, Knowing He is so capable and that He has been with us in the past.<br />
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<b>Proverbs 2 : 6-15</b>, The benefits of been good far out weights the benefits of been evil if any. God will uphold the upright, giving them victory. Lets our prayers be also prayers for God to give us wisdom and His knowledge for then we shall be guided into His ways. He shall be a shield to us if our walk is blameless, He will guard our course if we are just and will protect our way if we are faithful. Indeed we should pray for this wisdom, because after we have it<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16443" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">9</sup> Then you will understand what is right and just </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and fair—every good path. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16444" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">10</sup> For wisdom will enter your heart, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. </span></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16445" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">11</sup> Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you (NIV From <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+2&version=NIV" target="_blank">Bible Gateway</a>).</span></i></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>One of the lesson i am getting from this is, i ought to pray so much for me and my family, to be right with God primarily and for all other needs secondarily, whatever i ask in His name, i am assured He will give, and that i should not worry or be anxious of anything, but bring all to Him.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Prayer Items for the day: </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">DAY 2 January 10, 2012<br />Genesis 18:16 - 19:38, Matthew 6:25 - 7:14, Psalm 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15<br />Family;<br />•<b> Repent any sins on behalf of the family (2 Chron 7:14</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land</span></i>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">• <b>Pray for your extended family, and their needs (1 Tim 5:8</b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">• <b>Pray for God to save those that are not born again (Mk 5:19</b> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Jesus did not let him, but said, <span class="woj">“Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">• <b>Pray for those who know the Lord to continue to experience Him (Acts 10:2</b> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly</span></i>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">• <b>Destroy any kind of strongholds that would be present in your nuclear and extended family (Judges 6:25-26</b></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">That same night the LORD said to him</span></i>, “<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-6681" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">26</sup> Then build a proper kind of altar to the LORD your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering</span></i>.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">)</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />•<b> Pray for God to use you to reach out to the extended family</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />• <b>Pray for God’s visitation</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-60200472774420063022012-01-10T00:34:00.000+03:002012-03-12T08:22:09.601+03:00New Beginnings<h1>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prayer and Fasting</span></h1>
Today marks an interesting season for me, it is the start of our church's annual beginning of the year prayer season. It involves prayer and fasting for 21 days, for the fast, you are free to choose various forms of fasts that you are comfortable with. I will provide a link later on to the church's website where you can get more info on this. For me i am not sure i can go through a full fast for 21 days, so i choose a fast i think i will be able to go through with (with God's help), i will not watch movies for this period and will spend the time i used to watch movies in reading the word and in prayer.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Scripture Readings</span><br />
Today is day 1 and the scripture readings are: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Genesis 16:1 - 15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5 </span><br />
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Genesis 16, is the story of Hagar and her son, Ishmael. It is preceded in chap 15, with God making a covenant with Abram that He will increase his descendants to be as numerous as the stars in the sky, in chap 16, Abram agrees to go by his wife's plan to have a child through her maid. This chapter is about what happened after the maid conceived. she was mistreated and later sent away, it is during this bleak moment of her life, that Hagar obtained the promise of God's prosperity and blessings.<br />
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I would identify with Hagar, for this year has begun quite in the wrong footing for me, and like her feel like giving up. It must have been difficult for her sitting beside that spring in the desert, not knowing what to do, or where to go. But God came through for her and all she could say is "You are God who sees me, i have seen the One who sees me" vs 13. As i begin this year, i am trusting to see Him who sees me, am trusting that in midst of all this desolation, He will affirm and encourage me in His word and promise.<br />
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Perhaps you too like me are wondering what will become of you, or your family this year, believe with me that the One who sees you our Almighty God, will come through for you and encourage, comfort, guide and bless your life.<br />
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Matthew 6:1-24, is part of the sermon on the mount. I think it generally addresses the aspect of attitude in our doing the religious duties like giving to the needy, prayer, fasting and what we treasure. As we begin this journey of seeking God and allowing Him to work in us. We are been cautioned of doing it inappropriately as so doing will rob us of God's blessing. My prayer at this point is that God will help us pray, and help us be of such attitude and motive that is pleasing to Him in all we do.<br />
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Psalm 7:1-17, what i can get from this is the confidence of psalmist, he is confident that he has lived a righteous life and is not afraid to approach God. As much as i may not have such confidence based on my record, i will entrust my life to Jesus Christ whose blood washes sin and all sins giving us confidence in approaching the seat of mercy. My prayer is to commit the entire of me to Him in repentance that He may reign in me and guide me in all what i do.<br />
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Proverbs 2 1-5, this is a call to be deliberate in our search for God , the fear of God and knowledge of God. We are called to accept His words, storing up His commands, applying our ears to wisdom and applying our heart to understanding. May He indeed help us to be deliberate in seeking Him and living in the manner He directs.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prayer Items</span></span><br />
The prayer items of the day were posted as:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Personal<br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Today is the first day of something new. Regardless of where you are in your relationship with God, 21 days of prioritizing the Lord over essential needs in your life will draw you closer to him and transform whatever needs to change. Pray for the following;<br />• That God will help you to envision how you will resemble him more closely at the end of these 21 days.<br />• Repent of your sins and wherever you have not been walking in God’s will (Ps 51:7).<br />• Pray that the Lord will continue to transform you (Ps 51:10)<br />• Pray that God’s will be done in your life as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10)<br />• You will continue to grow in your spiritual life and disciplines that would help your growth, such as prayer and fasting, reading God’s word, fellowship and witnessing (Acts 2:42-47)<br />• Pray for your personal needs such as, financial, social etc. (Phil 4:6).</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">According to me, the verse of the day is:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29447" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup> Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29448" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup> Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29449" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">6</sup> Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29450" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">7</sup> And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4: 1-7 NIV , Verses taken from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4&version=NIV" target="_blank">Bible Gateway</a>)</span></i></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-48882845068344378132012-01-07T10:42:00.000+03:002012-01-07T10:42:43.286+03:00The Samaritan Lesson<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we read the book of John chapter 4, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, the lesson we mainly get is that of repentance and forgiveness among some other lessons. But yesterday night as i looked at some of this verses, it came to my mind something i had not seen clearly before. When Jesus told her in v10</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26167" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">10</sup><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Jesus answered her, </span></i><span class="woj"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”(NIV)</span>, </i>The Samaritan woman was like: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26168" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">11</sup> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-26169" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">12</sup> Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which was in fact true, looking at the face value of the situation, what she did not know or realize at the moment was the potential and the power of who was promising to act. Jesus was of course not referring to the physical water at that moment, but we know if He wanted to provide her with the physical water, He would, based on all the miracles He had done and later did. The point here is, The woman looked at the physical impossibilities and never at the power of whom promised, basically because she was ignorant of the capability and power of Jesus.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This may not be the "actual" or the "intended" lesson of the passage, but i tend to draw a parallel between her response and my response to many situations that i gone through and am going through, when i am called to trust upon God for provision and tend to wonder how He will come through for me. When i cannot find a way, i feel so desperate wondering if He will actually deliver me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lesson i am learning is, He is capable of doing what He promises, whether we can see how or not, it faith to believe onto His promises without physical evidence.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Hebrews 11:1 </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (NIV) </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>[Bible Readings taken from <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/" target="_blank">bible gateway</a>]</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-51016951739965621152011-12-21T16:44:00.000+03:002011-12-21T16:47:04.637+03:00New Year WishesWe have many wishes for xmas and the new year. But this song the favorite of my senior pastor at lifespring quite captures my desire for the coming year and indeed my entire life.<br />
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May you find it too an inspiration the life to come. God bless you all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2012.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jWyzmYB68EI?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-69993653821108767592011-12-21T00:46:00.000+03:002011-12-21T00:46:52.736+03:00Studying the Word, 5 Tips<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">From my reading Matthew 13, i realized i needed to take more time and interest in reading, understanding and applying the word of God. It is then i recalled some tips i read some times ago, and today i decided to take some time and review them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What follows are about five basic ways to approach bible study, i hope you and i will learn and keenly apply what is good.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><u><b>Reading</b></u>: Just going through the bible, getting familiar with its message, histories, personalities etc, noting things that stands out for you. Things that you would want to come back to for further understanding and clarification. This reminds me of set books in high school, the way i would just take the novel and read, underling here and there, writing notes on the book margin. At times i do this with my bible, though it have been quite random without systematic plan, but i intend to do it now more deliberately and regularly. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u><b>Interpreting</b></u>: Getting to know what the bible means by what it says. Going back to the set book example, we used to seek to comprehend what the characters meant, or intended. It is like when you read a poem, you tend to draw a message out of the words and the phrases. I tend to think it is the same with the bible, when we read, it says something to us, a message, getting to know what the writers, or the voice in the text meant consist interpreting. There are various resources available for helping us interpret the bible.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><u><b>Evaluating</b></u>: When we have an interpretation, it does not necessarily means it is the correct one, hence we need to evaluate our interpretation / understanding of the Word to ensure it is consistent with the entire truth. Many have started cults based on erroneous interpretation of the word. Just the way we used to use study guides, teachers and fellow students to clarify and enhance our understanding of the set books, we need to discuss with fellow Christians, church leaders and cross referencing through the bible to make sure our understanding of the Word is the correct one.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><u>Applying:</u></b> Put into use all that we have learnt from the word, there is an article from which i go all this from, and will just quote what it says about this: <i>I</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"><i>f there is a command to be obeyed, obey it. If there is a promise to be embraced, claim it. If there is a warning to be followed, heed it. This is the ultimate step: submit to Scripture and let it transform your life</i>.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><u>Correlating</u></b>: Add together all the bits of knowledge we have gathered to form a clear understanding of the truth and a basis of the doctrine that drives and defines our faith.</li>
</ul>
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NB: There is an <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/tips/11628150.html" target="_blank">article</a> that covers this in much more depth, i actually borrowed a lot from the <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/tips/11628150.html" target="_blank">article</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-36167181741111799322011-12-19T23:49:00.000+03:002011-12-19T23:49:36.636+03:00Hearing the wordIn Matthew 13 Jesus gave the parable of the sower, who went to sow his seeds. The seeds fell in various types of grounds.<br />
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<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj">Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23546" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">6</sup> But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>The explanation.</u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before Jesus explained the parables to the disciples, He talked about insight and understanding- that is going beyond the physical senses of seeing and hearing, to the point where we involve our mind, our emotions and our souls.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart</i>. This is the seed sown along the path. What would make my heart be like the path? The paths are usually dry, hard and without any cover hence when the seeds fell, they were exposed and the birds had it easy picking em up. when we do not take time to let our souls be softened by God's spirit, when we walk in sin, and not repentant, our hearts becomes dry and there is no place for God's word.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="woj" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.</span><i style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </i><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23561" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">21</sup><i style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This is when we receive the word with excitement but do not take time to meditate on it, and apply the word to our lives. It does not take enough depth, it is when we are unwilling to take the risk of been vulnerable with the God's word, it is when we fail to make the decisions the word we have heard compels us to make. Since we do not allow it to be part of us, anything can make us go away from the word.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><i>The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.</i> This is when we receive the word alright, we meditate on it and make decisions to follow it, but we get concerned about things like wealth, wealth here could be material, emotional or social, our need to fit in a group, to be accepted, not to look stupid etc make us compromise the word we received, we believed in. Thus the word gives no fruit. It also when we doubt God, his word and His love. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><i>But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”</i> This is when we allow the word to work in us, producing the beautiful fruits of God's will in our lives, making us achieve what He intends for our lives. May God always help us to achieve this beauty.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0Nairobi, Kenya-1.2920659 36.8219462-1.5460594 36.5060892 -1.0380724000000001 37.1378032tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-35661862906484173602011-09-29T20:53:00.000+03:002011-09-30T10:57:18.039+03:00Being a friendWe are required to treat others just a we would like to be treated, to honor and trust others just we want them to honor and trust us. Those who live under strict codes of conduct shd show some grace to others whose living is relaxed and full. Above all we should strive for the good of the others and treat them as beyond reproach. This test of love is the most difficult of all, to let go of selfish and self seeking interests and seek just the good of others.<br />
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Christ showed us this kind of love and is so difficult, we called to love and accept, at times you feel like complaining, been angry and all, but love calls us to complement and appreciate. I wonder what currency of buying friendship is, and i will stock pile love and friendliness in me. I would want to be without envy or selfishness, i would to purely rejoice in good of others even if it means i be down trodden, and you what that what Jesus Did He gave up all for those who would not and possibly will never love and accept Him.<br />
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I guess my prayer should change to a search for a loving heart, that this heart of mine will be loving, just as Christ's. seeking to spend and be spent for the good of others, regardless.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-21769721517719407612011-09-06T11:48:00.000+03:002011-09-06T11:48:37.905+03:00Whats Friendship?What does it means to have a friend? Who is a friend? I have tried to be as friendly as i can, sacrifice so much comfort that others may have comfort. Have gone out of my way to help, to ensure others have good life.<br />
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I have shed tears so that others wount, i have walked so that others may ride, gone without food so that others may be full.<br />
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I have prayed and agonized for others people’s need at expense of mine<br />
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How come one seems to do the same for me?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-4987865987324563402011-08-29T18:57:00.000+03:002011-08-29T19:00:29.093+03:00Walking with HimAt times, it is so easy to walk with Him, to follow Him especially when all is easy. but at other times it is difficult to follow Him especially when you cannot understand Why?.<br />
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This thoughts just brought to my mind some phrase i used to follow everyday: "<b><i>Whatever happens,happens coz He loves me so much</i></b>". Try to tell that to one having issues in life, they may not understand.<br />
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But i draw lots of Comfort from that fact..especially when i am in trouble. that He loves me, and because of that what i am going through can only makes me strong. it has been said elsewhere, "what cannot kill you, will only makes you strong".<br />
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The bible says "<i>..i am with you always..</i>". I just need to be with Him, and all is well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-9083490178344142232011-08-23T18:23:00.000+03:002011-08-23T18:25:03.677+03:00Waiting ..I just have recently quit my job so i could focus on my business. Well the thing is , my business does not seem to be doing so well, but i get a lot of comfort from the words of PS 5 3c, <i>I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation</i>............<b>I am waiting expecting Him to do something!</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-4336222498159023702011-08-15T18:38:00.000+03:002011-08-15T18:38:36.548+03:00Levels of PrayersToday i was watching a movie, an escape from boring afternoon, there was this girl in midst of destruction, war and hopelessness it brings, she was praying. Not for things, nor peace or such things we would pray for at such times, she was asking God to show her what she could for Him.<br />
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It reminds me of the prayers i used to make sometimes back, i hardly prayed for needs though i had a lot of needs, i prayed that He may help me be right with Him, at times i would pray for needs and His favour always followed me.<br />
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Today i mostly pray for needs, though i have lesser needs, my intimacy with Him is almost gone. I need to pray again for Him to fill me, i need to seek Him for Him.<br />
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The kinds of prayers we make could so clearly tell us where we are in relationship to Him.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-66994262014302029042011-08-14T23:30:00.000+03:002011-08-14T23:30:33.505+03:00New beginningsIs my faith as sporadic, as my blogs posts? I tend to think so, coz it only when i seriously thinks of Him, that i comes here and write. Maybe one will ever reads this, but being a christian reacquires alot of work and commitment, it is not just a task you start, engage auto pilot and within no time you are in heaven.<br />
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setting a specific, regular time to be with Him is crucial, without which you will not have a real relationship with Him. lets then take time to meet Him and Meditate upon Him, Just the way Jesus Christ taught us <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-10199001113395301512011-06-05T10:19:00.000+03:002011-06-05T10:19:42.377+03:00Dark Days or silent years?In the past, we are told of the many silent years between the old and the new testament. No word was received from God and many heretical texts were written from the knowledge of men. As men tried to fill the void of God voice with their own wisdom and understanding.<br />
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Quite often i have found myself in this void, times of dryness when fellowship with God and even with men is cut, while all lone in this desert many are the voices of deceptions that have led me astray from the main stream of His love and fellowship, Filling my heart and mind many a times with strange ideas and persuasions.<br />
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But like in the history of the Jews, He came with even a great glory than was before the silent dark days, so i believe and know, my future with Him is even more full, more joyous and more complete than have ever been.<br />
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Am so grateful for His salvation, so freely given.<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=iamachr-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0891077057&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=iamachr-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004K1EU3S&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-60181295836812663822011-05-28T10:38:00.000+03:002011-05-28T10:38:51.769+03:00HopeMay 28<br />
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Simeon and Anna<br />
<blockquote><i>And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him .... And there was one Anna. a prophetess .... which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day— Luk_2:25, Luk_2:36, Luk_2:37</i></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Age and Infancy Meet</span><br />
No more beautiful scene could be imagined than this meeting of age and infancy in the Temple. As we read the story of the life of Jesus, we find Him surrounded on all hands by hypocrisy, until we begin to wonder if there was any religion left in those who haunted these sacred courts. But here, for a moment, the curtain is drawn aside. We get a glimpse of a Jewish man and woman. And we find them living holy and separated lives, and longing for the advent of Messiah. On a gravestone erected over certain soldiers in Virginia there are these words, "Who they were, no one knows; what they were, everyone knows," and we might use these words of Simeon and Anna. Who Simeon was we shall never learn; Luke is at no pains to tell us that; but what he was in his daily life and walk, in his inmost desire, and in the sight of God, everyone knows who has read this Gospel chapter. Simeon and Anna, then, entered the Temple when the infant Savior was there, and to them the glory of the child was shown.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Never Give Up Hoping</span><br />
First, then, we learn that we should never give up hoping. When Alexander the Great crossed into Asia he gave away almost all his belongings to his friends. One of his captains asked him, "Sir, what do you keep for yourself?" And the answer of the king was, "I keep hope." Now we do not read that Simeon was an old man, though it has been universally believed that he was (see Luk 2:29). But through all his years Simeon was like Alexander: he had parted with much, but he had held fast to hope. The days were very dark days for Israel; no John the Baptist had sounded his trumpet note; everything seemed hopeless for the Jews, and some of the noblest of them had taken refuge in despair. But this brave soul "waited for the consolation of Israel," and we know now that his waiting was not vain. Do you see the roots of that heart-hopefulness of his? It ran down to justice and devotion (Luk 2:25). it would have withered long since if it had not been rooted in an upright life and in fellowship with God. Dishonest conduct and forgetfulness of God are always visited with the withering of hope, for hope hangs like a fruit on the first two great commandments. Let us all keep hoping, then, as Simeon did; let us be expectant and on the outlook to the end; and let us remember that a glad and helpful temper is only possible when we are just and devout.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">God's Performance Greater Than His Promise</span><br />
Next we see that God's performance is greater than His promise. There is an old legend that Simeon had stumbled over the words in Isa 7:14. And as he prayed and wrestled with his doubts, it was revealed to him that with his own eyes he would see the virgin's Son. All that he dared to hope for was a glimpse—"a brief glimpse" and "a passing word" would have sufficed him. He lived in expectation of the hour when someone would say to him, "Behold Messiah!" Now the expected moment has arrived—and is it merely a glimpse of Messiah that he wins?—he takes the child of all his hopes up in his arms (Luk 2:28). No wonder that he broke forth into such glorious praise; he had got more than he could ask or think. God's promise had buoyed him through many a weary day; but the performance was greater than the promise. We should all remember that in entering a New Year, and when we speak about the promise of the year. God has a royal way of doing things, and His cups have a happy art of running over. The devil is a most lavish and tireless Promiser, but how the promise is performed let our own past days tell us. God's promises are very many and very great; but to a living and prayerful faith as Simeon's was, the performance is greater than the promise.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Simeon and Anna Saw Jesus in the Temple</span><br />
Again we remark that Simeon and Anna saw Jesus in the Temple. The shepherds had seen Him lying in the manger; there, too, the wise men from the East had seen Him. But it was not in the manger that He was seen by these two devout souls; it was in the House of God. Now there is a sense in which we all must find Christ in the manger, we must discover Him under life's lowly roofs. In places which were never consecrated, but where the daily drudgery is done, there must we waken to the presence of Jesus. But on the other hand it is equally true, that we shall miss Him if we do not go to church; and we must never enter a place of worship without the prayer, "Sir, we would see Jesus." Columba got his Gaelic name, "Colum of the churches," says an old Irishman, because as a boy he was so devoted to church-worship; like Simeon, he saw Jesus in the Temple.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Till We Have Seen Jesus We Are Not Ready to Die</span><br />
Lastly, we learn that till we have seen Jesus we are not ready to die (Luk_2:29-32). Children do not dwell much upon death; God did not intend that they should do so. But sometimes, even to children, comes the thought, "When is a person ready to die?" Well, length of years has little to do with it, although all young people think that it has. We are not ready to die when we are seventy; we are ready when we have seen Christ as our Savior. Have the children of the family seen Him so? Are the fathers and mothers praying for that end? A little girl dearly loves to hold the baby. Get it from Simeon's arms, and give it her.<br />
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</div><div><i>From : Devotional Sermons by George H. Morrision</i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-38056883244682995412011-05-27T08:54:00.000+03:002011-05-27T08:54:25.226+03:00May 27<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Momentary Light Afflictions, Eternal Weight of Glory</span><br />
<blockquote><i>For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. (2Co 4:17)</i></blockquote>Believers in Jesus Christ are "ministers [servants] of the new covenant" (2Co_3:6). We serve God by His grace, experiencing it and passing it on to others. "For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God" (2Co_4:15). One astounding privilege of living and serving by grace is that our momentary light afflictions can be producing for us an eternal weight of glory! <br />
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Having our temporal difficulties "working for us" is a new, heavenly perspective on afflictions. People generally consider their afflictions as something that is working against them, not for them. Yet, afflictions can work for good, and the good is even eternal! What a gracious plan is revealed in this contrast: "light affliction . . . for a moment" and "eternal weight of glory." <br />
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First, consider that heavenly enjoyment of God's "glory" can result from our earthly experiences of "affliction." The difficulties that we endure here on earth can prepare us for opportunities to enter into more glorious fellowship, worship, and service of the Lord in heaven. (Our next meditation will examine when this occurs.) <br />
Then, consider that our afflictions are "light" compared to the "weight" of the glories that lie ahead. This does not mean that our trials on earth are trivial. Note the "light afflictions" that Paul encountered. "In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness — besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches" (2Co_11:26-28). Yet, Paul counted these as light when compared to the "substantial magnitude" of the glory awaiting him in heaven. <br />
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Lastly, consider that the difficulties of life are "but for a moment." Whereas, the resulting heavenly blessings are "eternal." Trials often seem like they will never end. Yet, they eventually pass away. Actually, it is the heavenly glory that results from the trials that will never end. <br />
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What an amazing plan God has! He wants to use the trials of our lives to enlarge our spiritual capacity to enter more fully into the glory of knowing Him, worshiping Him, and serving Him forever and forever!<br />
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<i>Eternal Father, give me more and more of this perspective on afflictions. Help me to see them as potentially productive in an eternal sense. Remind me that my trials are momentary and light, considering the eternal weight of glory they can produce, Amen.</i><br />
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</i><br />
<i>From: Day by Day by Grace, Bob Hoekstra</i><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6388354625047907661.post-26570319465751374102011-05-25T20:12:00.000+03:002011-05-25T20:12:39.917+03:00May 25<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">DAYS OF GLADNESS</span><br />
<blockquote><i>"All the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them. And there was very great gladness. Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days."-- Neh 8:12, Neh 8:17, Neh 8:18.</i></blockquote><br />
GLADNESS IS health. If you can get a patient to look on the bright side of things, you have done a great deal to bring back the tides of life.<br />
Whenever we are optimistic and glad we are looking at things from the divine side, and imbibing some of God's eternal gladness. And cherishing this temperament, we shall know what Nehemiah and Ezra meant when they said: "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh_8:10).<br />
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If you have some secret sorrow, tell it to God, but do not impose it needlessly upon men. Anoint your head and wash your face, that you appear not to men to fast, and He who sees the secret tears will comfort you openly (Mat_6:17-18). The pain and sorrow of the world is undeniable, even worse than many of us realise, but this is largely due to the intrusion of sin and selfishness which can only be expelled by Love. But even this gives opportunity for that unselfish ministry and devotion which are the keys of the blessed life. In so far as we dedicate our lives to help Christ in His redeeming work of delivering souls out of the power of darkness and translating them into the Kingdom of Life and Light, we share in His perennial blessedness.<br />
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It must have been a time of unusual joy when the returned exiles reviewed the finished wall which now engirded the city. There was the consciousness of a finished work. It is always delightful when we have done to the very best of our ability a piece of work that needed doing. One of the elements of a thoroughly enjoyable holiday is to be able to look back on a bit of good construction, a piece of brick or stone work which will endure in the edifice of our own lives or of other people's.<br />
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In addition, there was the Book of the Law of God, in which they read from day to day. Let us take the Bible with us on our holidays! We shall find that it will yield new meaning as we study it by lake or mountain; as we ponder it in country lanes, or by the seashore, One like the Son of Man will walk beside us, and apply its teaching till our hearts burn within us, and we are no more sad.<br />
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PRAYER<br />
We thank Thee for eyes that see, and hearts that love, and natures that can enjoy Thy good and perfect gifts. O Father, in Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. AMEN.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>From: </div><div><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #2200c1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Our Daily Walk</em> by F B <em style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Meyer</em></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18285494569246646661noreply@blogger.com1