Just Reach Out

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:4, New American Standard Bible).

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5
Song: "Channels Only"

Todd gripped the jail cell's window bars and looked outside in despair. He hadn't meant to get caught selling cocaine. Now he was locked up for a long time.

He's been learning about the occult and figured he'd use his jail time to learn more about psychic phenomena. As he pondered these things, Todd looked up and saw two inmates looking at him. One held out his hand. "We wanted to introduce ourselves," the man said.

When they discovered his interest in psychic matters, the other man said he'd pursued the same thing, but "then I met Jesus Christ and was baptized." Todd listened closely and then began meeting with the men for a Bible study led by a jail volunteer. Todd was baptized in jail. After his release, Todd married, became a business owner, and eventually served as a deacon in his church.

Todd's two jail mates could have chosen to read their Bibles or pray that day. Instead, they reached out to help someone else. And so I'm seriously considering: Who in my world of associations needs a helping hand today?

Prayer: Lord, I don't know exactly who I'll encounter today, but give me the eyes to see needs and willingness to help. Thank You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

Tomorrow

"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow." James 4:14

Tomorrow - The Greek word aurion really means the time that comes right after. So, of course, it gets translated as tomorrow, the time right after today. But what James says in this verse is not true just about tomorrow. It is true about every "next" moment of human life. We don't know what the next moment will bring. Human life is always lived on the moving edge of that smallest of separations between what can never be done again and what is not yet done.

As I reflect back on this year, I see that I never had to wait for tomorrow for life to send me into an upheaval. One minute things seem so normal. The next minute, life was chaos. We can plan for the future, but the future rarely cares about our plans. This is the sense of James' warning. You really have no idea what is going to happen next and more importantly, you have no control over it either.

Take a moment to recall those times in the last year when life took a sudden turn. My guess is that most of those moments were unexpected. I believe that God engineers the universe to be intentionally unpredictable. In spite of the incredible order to things, and the persistent relationship of cause and effect in the inanimate world, human life resists predictability at the only level that counts the individual level. Sure, we can say that statistics show that 1 in every 20 American will contract heart disease this year, or that there will be approximately 40 deaths on the highway, or that 3 million children will be born. But none of that says a thing about what will happen to you, and what happens to you is the only statistic that counts. God inserts a little chaos into every life on purpose. He wants us to face our lack of control and turn in dependence to Him. He is God of the Universe. He is sovereign. And He does not want us to forget it.

There are a few things that I know for certain about tomorrow. They are the few very important things. I know that I am God's child and that no matter what happens; He will be with me tomorrow. I know that tomorrow is in His hands even if it is not in mine. And I know that life for me extends to every tomorrow, forever.

James warns us. When we begin to think we have all of our horizons planned, we are being foolish. None of us knows the future. But there is one horizon that we can plan on with confidence. It is the one guaranteed by God for all His children to live forever with Him.

- Taken from Today's Word

The Vine and the Branches

John 15:1-17

What to say about this passage? It's pretty tough to interpret, that's for sure!

This was spoken to the disciples. In that way, I believe it is targeted towards professing believers.

From v4-v5: You must abide in Jesus, you will not be able to bear fruit unless in working through the power of Jesus.

We are branches, he is the vine. We are connected in that way. You cannot bear fruit if you are not connected to the vine (v.5). For those that bear a little fruit, He will prune you to bear more fruit. Those that bear much fruit remain in Him, and He in them. And for those that bear no fruit, they will be picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (I don't think this is particularly about losing salvation, rather it's saying that if you don't bear fruit, you are useless to Him.)

But what is this fruit we speak of? Is it the qualities of a good and moral life?
Is it bringing people to Christ? The fruit is for the Father's glory (v.8), and it is to be fruit that last (v.16). I see it as the external actions of an internal connection with God. The vine supports the branches. You don't see how the branches draw water and nourishment from the vine, but it does. The healthy relationship with the vine is marked by fruit produced on the branches. Similarly, a healthy relationship with Christ will bear external fruit.

I challenge you guys to abide in Christ. Let His will be the first thought in your mind each morning and the last prayer before you go to sleep.

-Richard Chong

Birth Announcement

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (Luke 2:10).

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Song: "How Great Our Joy"

Often a man can tell you in exquisitie detail all the intricacies of a make and model of car. But when it comes to remembering the vital statistics of a newborn baby, some men do well to recall even the gender of the child!

Interestingly, it was men who first received news of the Savior's birth. The birth announcement came to these shepherds via what some might call a singing telegram. The shepherds were thrilled to hear the news and rushed to the "Maternity ward" to see the infant child. Mary, the baby's mothers, "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (v.19) Even a musty stable couldn't dampen the joy of birthing this promised child.

Sometimes the human side of Jesus' birth gets overlooked when we reflect upon the Christmas story. Just as glorious as a divine Savior coming to earth is the fact that He came as a bouncing baby boy. Like us (and with us) Jesus experiences all the ups and downs and twists of like. At Christmas, the supernatual and natural became one in the person of Christ. What good news!

Prayer: Dear God, my joy is great when I, like Mary, ponder all the events that unfolded on that very first Christmas. I stand in awe of Your love that orchestrated the events leading to my salvation. Thank You, Father, in the name of Your worthy Son. Amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

Weakness

"And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Romans 8:26

Weakness - Sick! That's the usual meaning of the Greek word astheneia. It comes from the negative of shtenos, a word that means, "strength or power." This word is used many times to describe those people that Jesus healed. They had sick bodies and sick spirits. They just couldn't do things for themselves. Here Paul uses the word as a metaphor to describe the general condition of being human powerless!

Anyone who has ever faced an addiction knows very personally the meaning of this word. "We admitted that we were powerless." That is the beginning of recovery an admission of weakness. Powerless over the force within that ravages us. Powerless to stop doing what we know is killing us. Powerless to pull ourselves out of the spiral of destruction. But now Paul uses this word to describe the powerlessness of believers in their desire to pray correctly. As believers, we are no longer under the power of that evil grip that sought to destroy us. But that does not mean we are suddenly transformed into super-human resurrected warriors. The weakness is part of who we are. It is designed into us on purpose. God's intention is to let our weakness become His glory. As we saw yesterday, He is the active agent here. His help comes because He is glorifying himself through us, not because He expects us to share the load with Him. This was the pattern of Jesus' life that the Father might be glorified through Him.

Here we see the wonder of the Spirit in the weakness of our prayers. How many times have I gone to my knees and just not known how to express what was on my heart? It is as though my whole being ached to tell God all about my trials and burdens, but I couldn't form the right words. And most importantly, my desire to pray "according to His will" seemed so frustrated by the limit of my earthly vision. I just didn't know what His will was, so how could I pray correctly? What I love about God is that He pays attention to my motives, no matter how deeply embedded they are in all the clutter of my life. He knows what I want to say. So, precisely because of my weakness, the Spirit lifts up my own mind and voice and prays through my powerlessness to the glory of the Father. Amen!

- Taken from Today's Word

Spiritual Gifts

Today's devo taken from: 1 Cor 12:14-20 [1 Cor 12. (in context)]

I wanted to talk to you guys about being envious of others spiritual gifts, as well as gifts in general. Do you guys believe in spiritual gifts though, that it can happen today? It seems pretty far-fetched for some, it takes a lot of faith to believe in the gifts, especially if you haven't witnessed it before. There are some that doubt, even after witnessing... so I can understand. Remember, the early church in Acts was moved by the Holy Spirit, where our gifts come from. The church was so successful back then, because people could demonstrate that they were truly transformed through the Spirit. If you want to demonstrate your faith, ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life, transform you, and your Spiritual gifts will manifest. I know I have the gift of prophecy, but I know that there is more that God will grant me, if only I ask. So what are your spiritual gifts?

That isn't my main thought though. Look at 1 Cor 12:14-20. Everyone is given different gifts, and everyone is equal under the eyes of the Lord. Those that can speak in tongues aren't greater than those with the gift of healing. Those that can perform miracles are no better than those that possess wisdom through the Spirit. We all function as members of one body. All parts are necessary to perform! That's what Paul is saying here. Some gifts seem more honourable, and dare I say "flashy". People see the gifts, and say "Man, I wish I had that gift.". That isn't the way we're supposed to do things. We are to raise up with those that seem like they have "less honourable gifts" so that there is no division in the body. Those with "flashy" gifts are already given their due praise. Be satisfied with your gifts, and not envious of others. If it bothers you that much, ask God for more gifts, and He will give you more. But remember, your gifts are useless unless motivated by love. (See 1 Cor. 13).

-Richard

Heavenly Reassurance

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" (Matthew 17:5)

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-5
Song: "Blessed Assurance"

You needed some reassurance, a few encouraging words, or a pat on the back to help you keep going amidst tough obstacles. We've all been there.

As I watched the U.S. figure skating championships on television, I noticed that most of the skaters received a few brief words from their coaches before launching onto the ice to present their programs. The words seemed to fuel their enthusiasm and usually sent them to the ice with a confident smile. A little reassurance can do wonders.

Peter, James, and John were at a low point. A few days earlier, their beloved Jesus had spoken to them of His coming death. Jesus knew their discouragement. Is that why He asked them to accompany Him to the mountaintop to witness a spectacular, miraculous light show?

One thing is certain. Seeing Jesus' heavenly splendor, glimpsing the great Moses and Elijah, and hearing the voice from Heaven must have launched Peter, James, and John into their future ministries with all the confidence in the worlds.

Prayer: O God, speak words of comfort and encouragement into my life today. I do not ask for miraculous demonstations, but should I hear Your still small voice today, I will be thankful. Through Christ, amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

Sour Grapes

"Why do you quote this proverb in the land Israel: "The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children's mouths pucker at the taste"?" - Ezekiel 18:2

When bad things happen the usual question is WHY? It is usually assumed that bad things happen because of somebody's actions. Very often this is the case- cause and effect can be traced. But while this is true, we should not blame everything on somebody else.

That is what the people of Israel tended to do. As they sat in exile, they recited the ancient proverb, " The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children's mouths pucker at the taste" (Ezekiel 18:2). They were saying, in essence," We are in this predicament because of what our forebears did. Where's the justice in that?" At its root this question challenged the Lord's justice and impeached his holiness. The Lord, through Ezekiel, had an immediate answer. He instructed his people: "As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, you will not say this proverb anymore in Israel" (18:3). Why not? Because, as God then explained," All people are mine to judge.... and this is my rule: The person who sins will be the one who dies.... Righteous people will be rewarded for their own goodness, and wicked people will be punished for their own wickedness" (18:4, 20). No doubt this instruction came as a shock to the people of Israel, especially because the Lord had taught them, " I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations" (Exodus 20:5).

There is some comfort in being able to blame someone else for your misfortune. And because our lives are inextricably bound up in each others', there is a sense in which the actions of one will inevitably affect the experience of another. The actions of a parent will no doubt contribute to the makeup of the child, and this makeup will include tendencies that may lead to wrong actions. But this does not absolve an individual from the consequences of his own sin. Each person is fully responsible for what he chooses to do.

We need to understand this principle clearly. In our day we see the link between our genetics, our environment, and our behavior- and we tend to blame everything on genetics and environment!Yet whatever our "nature or nurture," the bad news is that we are individually responsible for our actions. But the good news is we can be individually forgiven! If you accept individual responsibility, you can enjoy personal forgiveness. This God offers because He is not only just, but gracious, too.

Receive Nothing

"A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven." John 3:27

Receive nothing - The Greek expression (lambanein ouden) carries the sense of not being able to take with our hands. The verb lambano often is associated with a self-motivated action of receiving even if the action is not really favorable. We have a contemporary expression that captures it "Grab all you can get." John the Baptist is expressing the world's view of possessing I will take this for myself. This is not necessarily a spiritual term. But John adds something the world does not see. We cannot take anything into our hands unless God gives it. The meaning behind John's words is clear: nothing comes to us, even if we think it is due to our own actions, unless it has already been given to us by God.

This verse was an answer to a question. The question of his disciples was about priorities. They were complaining. "Master, Jesus is doing the same thing you do. But many people are following him. You were the first one to proclaim this message. You are entitled to better treatment. He is usurping your authority. Why don't you stop him?" Most of us would have agreed with these men. "Wait a minute. You're right. I should get my due. I set him up. I gave him my endorsement. I should be more important. Crowds should recognize me." But John sees a deeper meaning to life. Life is not about him at all. It is about God's purposes. So he tells his disciples, "You don't understand. I did not grab this fame by my own efforts. God gave it to me. And if God moves me to the background, He has His purposes for that too." Doesn't this sound like Job "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

How often have we been passed over or put aside and we complained? How many times has our importance diminished and we felt slighted? The world sees fame and status as a product of our own efforts grab all you can get. John tells us something far more important. God gives first. And what we have can only come because God gives first. Look at what you have taken with your own hands. Now view it as the gift of God. You can't take anything for yourself without His involvement first. Another confirmation. God gives.

- Taken from Today's Word

Active Compassion

Every so often when I walk into my office in the morning, I find a surprise on my desk. Not long ago the item was a sunflower coffee mug dropped off by a fellow employee. She had seen it in a shop and knew it would cheer up my wife—so she bought it and left it on my desk with an encouraging note.

It was my pleasure to take that gift home to my wife Sue and to give it to her in the name of the woman who wanted to encourage her.

This person could have simply thought about my wife. She could have talked to someone about her in a positive way. But those things don’t come close to providing the encouragement that comes from taking action.

In 1 John 3:18, John talked about what we are to do when we see others in need. He told us to have active compassion: “Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed.” When we see a need, it’s good to talk about it, but we must also do something about it. We are instructed: “Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

Ask the Holy Spirit to place someone on your heart to help in Jesus’ name. Then take action. Make a difference today. Send a card. Give a gift. Offer a ride. Make a call. Love in deed is love indeed.
—Dave Branon

Lord, when I learn that someone is hurting,
Help me know what to do and to say;
Speak to my heart and give me compassion,
Let Your great love flow through me today. —K. De Haan

Compassion is love in action.

Taken from Our Daily Bread... sorry for the late post

"By the Grace of God I Am What I Am"

By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain . . . —1 Corinthians 15:10

The way we continually talk about our own inabilities is an insult to our Creator. To complain over our incompetence is to accuse God falsely of having overlooked us. Get into the habit of examining from God’s perspective those things that sound so humble to men. You will be amazed at how unbelievably inappropriate and disrespectful they are to Him. We say things such as, "Oh, I shouldn’t claim to be sanctified; I’m not a saint." But to say that before God means, "No, Lord, it is impossible for You to save and sanctify me; there are opportunities I have not had and so many imperfections in my brain and body; no, Lord, it isn’t possible." That may sound wonderfully humble to others, but before God it is an attitude of defiance.

Conversely, the things that sound humble before God may sound exactly the opposite to people. To say, "Thank God, I know I am saved and sanctified," is in God’s eyes the purest expression of humility. It means you have so completely surrendered yourself to God that you know He is true. Never worry about whether what you say sounds humble before others or not. But always be humble before God, and allow Him to be your all in all.

There is only one relationship that really matters, and that is your personal relationship to your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting everything else go, God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life.

Taken from Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest"

Precious Gift

They have no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years (Luke 1:7).

Scripture: Luke 1:5-20
Song: "Happy the Home When God is There"

Married for three years, both were in their late 30s. Although they were anxious to start a family, pregnancy eluded them. As a last resort, they tried in vitro fertilization. But when that failed, the doctor asked, "Would you consider adoption?" Instead, they traveled to another hospital in another state. And nine months later they becaome the parents of a beautiful, eight-pound baby girls.

The in vitro procedure was expensive, exhausting, and risky. Yet the happy couple says, "It was worth evey cost, every obstacle. We are so thankful for God's goodness."

Zechariah and Elizabeth, dutiful servants of the Lord, had longed for, and prayed for, a child. But time had passed, and perhaps they had resigned themseves to being childless. Can you imagine Zechariah's astonishment and disbelief when the angel of the Lord appeared to announce their desire would be granted? And this child would be a key player in God's redemptive plan, preparing the people for Christ's coming. This couple too offered thanks for the goodness of God.

Prayer: Gracious God, praie to You for the children among us. May every parent be reminded this day: how precious are these gifts! Through Christ, amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

The Lord's Answer

READ:
Habakkuk 1:2-5

Habakkuk's Complaint

2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?

3 Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.

4 Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.

The Lord 's Answer

5 "Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.

--------

This passage is pretty powerful. When people cry out for God, it's as if God knows and will send them deliverence in such a way that completely blows their minds. It's pretty awesome.

I dunno about you guys but I'm still blown away at the way men's group has been going. God is so cool.

How about you guys? Anything God's blown you away with this past week?

Revelations Part 1

As most of you know, i don't use a devo book because i find its too restricting in a lot of ways. Lately I have been reading up on Revelations and it hasn't been easy so i will be doing several parts on this until i finish the book.

Revelation 1
It begins with a clear statement of origin and purpose. Then John addresses the seven churches, offering grace and peace from each member of the Godhead. His greeting is followed by a declaration of concerning the Lord's coming.

At this point John explains how e was commissioned to record the Revelation. When he was in exile for preaching he was in the spirit on the Lord's day when he heard a loud voice behind him. The voice identified itself as "the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last" and then charged John to write what he saw to seven churches in Asia.

Turning to see the voice, John saw seven golden lampstands and in their midst the Son of
Man.  Describing the awesome appearance of the Son of Man and his own reaction, John then
records how Jesus comforted and then charged him to write what he has seen and will see.

The chapter ends with the Lord's explanation that the seven stars in His right hand represent
the angels (messengers?) of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands signify the seven
churches themselves.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So i guess you can call this in introduction to the book and to what will happen in the future.
What would happen if one of you were put into John's place, what would you do?, how would you
react?, it seems that the description of what happens in this part of the book sounds like what
most believers would do.   I know this could happen anytime, but i doubt it will for a while,
not in this lifetime.

End of Part 1

Peace and Order

"The Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling like waves." Isaiah 48:17-18

Diplomats work toward a "lasting peace" in the trouble spots of the world. Worried parents long for "peace of mind" when their children are in trouble. And the harried businessman sailing his yacht wants nothing more than "a little peace." There is nothing more attractive to the human race than peace - and nothing more elusive.

God had problems with his chosen people. He could not always get them to listen to him, and when they did listen they were often incapable of understanding what he was saying. Even when they understood, they did not necessarily do what he said. So the result was chaos. now, we know that God is not a God of confusion but a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). So the chaos is not by his desire of design.

God addressed the issue through his prophet Isaiah: " Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling like waves" (48:18). God's promise of peace is directly related to observance of his principles. If the human race wants peace they can have it, but it comes at a price. The price is refusing to do things man's way and being willing to do things God's way.

This message to God's ancient people should be heeded today. We have engineered much chaos, and God calls us to order - to peace. We tend to question what God says is "good" and to doubt the path he chooses. So we go our own way and do our own thing, which results in varying degrees of chaos. We tend to regard God's commands as onerous energy resisting God's commands - arguing with them, breaking them, and enthusiastically engaging in activities and attitudes that fly in the teeth of them. A brief review of the commandments will confirm this to be true! Yet when God gave the commandments to his people, Moses told them, "Obey the Lord's commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good" (Deuteronomy 10:13). God's commands are for our own good!


When things are done God's way, that's the right way, and things run as He intended, like a well-maintained machine. But disobedience throws a wrench into the works and puts sand in the gears. Profound disorder ensues! And disorder is the antithesis of peace. But where does order come from? From ordering our life according to the orders of the God of order - and that's an order!

- Devotions for men by Stuart Briscoe.

Distressed

"Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed" Genesis 32:7

Distressed - "I just don't know what to do! Every way I turn, all I see is disaster." This thought in Hebrew is expressed by the verb yasar. It is used throughout the Old Testament to describe distress in times of war, pressure from social stress, anxiety over plans that do not work and the results of unfaithful people. In a particularly vivid example, this word describes the physical illness that results from Ammon's unfulfilled sexual desire for Tamar (2 Sam. 13:2).

The root word means, "to make narrow or straight". It is the idea of being constricted on all sides so that you feel like you can't move. Trapped! Caged! Your options suddenly disappear and all you can see are the walls on all sides.

Jacob hears that his brother is coming toward him with 400 men, an army big enough to wipe out Jacob and his family. He fears that Esau will seek revenge for all that Jacob has done over his lifetime of deception. He cries out to God in fear. But the amazing thing about this story is not Jacob's misunderstanding to Esau's motives. It is that Jacob has just received God's promise of protection and God's command to return to his homeland. Did Jacob forget that God was directing events?

The answer is "Yes." Jacob is as human as anyone of us. In a moment of panic, he forgets that God is in charge of life. He forgets that God's promises prevail. He forgets that God knows every circumstance. "Oh, God. How could you let all this happen? Why did you bring me here so that I could die? Look at all the bad things that will happen to me, and all because I listened to You?" Does that sound like something you might have said? Jacob lets his emotions carry him away from God's faithfulness. Jacob forgets all about God in his anxiety.

Do we really believe that God's word will stand forever? Do we live on the basis of God's faithfulness toward us? Or are we just modern day Jacobs, seeing our lives pushed into traps and cages without room to maneuver? God would probably say the same thing to you and me that He would say to Jacob, "Why did you doubt? Don't you know Who I Am?" (If that reminds you of a night on the Sea of Galilee, don't' be surprised).

- Taken from Today's Word

The Pretender

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. —James 5:16

When a waitress in Ohio asked to see a customer’s driver’s license, she was shocked when she saw the photo on the ID. It was her own picture! The waitress had lost her driver’s license a month earlier, and this young woman was using it so she’d have “proof” she was old enough to drink alcohol. The police were called, and the customer was arrested for identity theft. Trying to gain what she wanted, she pretended to be someone she wasn’t.

Jacob, in the Old Testament, did some pretending too. With his mother Rebekah’s help, he fooled his dying father into believing he was his brother Esau so he could gain the blessing meant for the elder son (Gen. 27). Jacob got caught after his deceitful act, but it was too late for Esau to receive the blessing.

Pretending goes on in our churches today. Some people put on a false front. They use the right “Christian” words, attend church almost every Sunday, and even pray before meals. They pretend they “have it all together” in order to gain the approval of others. But inside they’re struggling with brokenness, guilt, doubt, or an addiction or other persistent sin.

God placed us in a body of believers to support one another. Admit that you aren’t perfect. Then seek the counsel of a godly brother or sister in Christ.
—Anne Cetas

Don’t hide your sin and cover up,
Pretending there is nothing wrong;
Instead, confess it and repent,
Then God will fill your heart with song. —Sper

Be what God intends you to be—don’t pretend to be what you’re not.

Shallow and Profound

"Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Beware of allowing yourself to think that the shallow aspects fo life are not ordained by God; they are ordained by Him equally as much as the profound. We sometimes refuse to be shallow, not out of our deep devotion to God but because we wish to impress other people with the fact that we are not shallow. This is a sure sign of spiritual pride. We must be careful, for this is how contempt for others is produced in our lives. And it causes us to be a walking rebuke to other people because they are more shallow then we are. Beware of posing as a profound person- God became a baby.

To be shallow is not a sign of being sinful, nor is shallow-ness an indication that there is no depth to your life at all- the ocean has a shore. Even the shallow things of life, such as eating and drinking, walking and talking, are ordained by God. These are all things our Lord did. He did them as the Son of God and He said, "A disciple is not above his teacher . . ." (Matthew 10:24)

We are safeguarded by the shallow things of life. We have to live the surface, commonsense life in a commonsense way. Then when God gives us the deeper things, they are obviously separated from the shallow concerns. Never show the depth of your life to anyone but God. We are so nauseatingly serious, so desperately interested in our own character and reputation, we refuse to behave like Christians in the shallow concerns of life.

Make a determination to take no one seriously except God. You may find that the first person you must be the most critical with, as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself.

devo taken from My Utmost for His Highest devo book

The Other Side Of Thank You

A baby gift came to a young couple who were new parents. They were grateful for the present, so the mom picked up a thank-you card, wrote a nice note, and got it ready to send.

Somehow it got buried in an avalanche of paperwork and was never mailed—and the thank-you was forgotten. The gift-givers waited, but no acknowledgment came.

A rift developed as one family thought the thank-you had been given, while the other thought the lack of a thank-you was a snub. This inadvertent failure to send a card left the gift-giver feeling slighted, unappreciated, and neglected.

Among the most important words we can speak are the two words, “Thank you.” And while it is vital to be grateful, there’s another side of thank you. If we bestow a gift on another, we should do so out of a motive that doesn’t expect anything, even a thank-you, in return. True love gives with no expectations.

Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4, “suffers long and is kind” and is never self-seeking. Love keeps no record of wrongs—even if someone forgets to thank us for a kindness. The other side of thank you is a pure heart that reflects God’s perfect love for us.
—Dave Branon

Devotion taken from Our Daily Bread, November 21, 2007

let us not forget, we are brothers and sisters and we should make it clear to everyone that we are thankful for each other 's existance, even though sometimes we don't think so. Nothing is expected from each other, and hopefully, our actions are quantified by love and only out of love. Expect nothing in return but be thankful in what you do because God has given you the ability to do so.

-kim

Re-building of the Temple

Read Ezra 3:1-13.

Emphasis on Ezra 3:3 and Ezra 3:11.

In the book of Ezra, the Israelites are in the process of re-building the temple after it was destroyed by the Babylonians. The two verses I want to emphasize are listed above.

In Ezra 3:3, the Israelites are re-building the altar, despite fears of being attacked by their neighbours. Side note: Notice that they re-built the altar first, before the temple. Why? So they could offer offerings during the construction of the temple.

The city was in ruins after being destroyed by the Babylonians. There was no wall to protect them (Nehemiah rebuilds it, after.) . However, despite these obstacles... the Israelites continue to do the work God has asked of them. The job took many years, and it encountered many delays. Non-Israelites came and asked to help, they were turned away. The different Persian kings sent out decrees to start then stop then start the work again. The Israelites demonstrated true perseverance in the task of re-building the temple.

So if you were to apply to your life, would you be able to do the things God asked even if there were many obstacles and it took an obscene amount of your time? Would you be able to do what God asked despite fearing for your life? Not only that, would you go about the work with praise in your heart, and worship on your lips, like in Ezra 3:11?

random musing by Richard Chong.

Offer Refused!

But you refused to listen to my prophets... and you are the ones who were hurt by what you did (Jeremiah 25:7, Contemporary English Version)

Scripture: Jeremiah 25:1-11
Song: "Not by Might"

Hardened hearts keep more people out of Heaven than hardened arteries. The typical scenario goes like this: Something painful happens; a person feels wronged; bitterness follows but is pushed down and internalized. A heart becomes hardened to God. Admit it, we've all seen it. Or been there ourselves

Later God calls bitter people to repent and accept His love for them. Still, some people choose to reject His invitations, sometimes even blaming the voice that tried to help.

This is what happened to the prophet Jeremiah, a man who called the people of Juhan (for 23 years!) to turn back to God from their idolatries. It centainly would have been much easier for Jeremiah just to blend in and ignore the evils around him. Yet he reminds us to speak out even amid a hostile and dangerous culture of unbelief.

We can debate whether or not Jeremiah actually made much difference; Judah's captivity ensued. But at least he presented the truth as God called him to do. Like him, we are simply to obey, leaving the results in God's hands.

Prayer: Father, I desire to communicate the gospel to lost people, regardless of the reception. Through the power of Christ's sacrifice, I pray Amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

Avoiding Destructive Partnerships

"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" - 2 Corinthians 6:14

Healthy leaders often partner with others to reach their goals. In fact, we live in an age of partnerships, both in the corporate world and in the church. Paul reminds us that nothing is more dangerous to a leader than an unhealthy or destructive partnership. Note several signs of a bad partnership:

• The parties don't share the same values.
• The parties don't agree on the goal.
• One or both parties must compromise their convictions.
• One party selfishly demands that the other surrender.
• One party benefits and the other loses.

Good partnerships do not foster co-dependence or independence, but interdependence. Each party feels secure, is stretched, and enjoys synergy. The partnership multiplies the productivity of both parties.

- taken from "Leadership Promises for Every Day", John Maxwell. p. 256

James 3

Taming the Tongue

1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.


How much of what you say aims to create peace?

It's interesting how much the Bible emphasizes the character of peace-makers. The Old Testament finds God's people wandering for years and years in search of PEACE in a land promised to them by God, but when they are granted this, they repeatedly disobey and the cycle continues. And yet today, how eager are we to stir things up, to get involved in someone else's life? In so many instances, the end goal that God promises His people in return for obedience is peace. This is the goal...

The Changed Life

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

What understanding do you have of the salvation of your soul? The work of salvation means tat in your real life things are dramatically changed. You no longer look at things in the same way. Your desires are new and the old things have lost their power to attract you. One of the tests for determining if the work of salvation in your life is genuine is- has God changed the things that really matter to you? If you still yearn for the old things, it is absurd to talk about being born from above - you are deceiving yourself. If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the change very evident in your real life and thought. And when a crisis comes, you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing change that is the very evidence that you are saved.

What difference has my salvation and sanctification made? For instance, can I stand in the light of 1 Corinthians 13, or do I squirm and evade the issue? True salvation, worked out in me by the Holy Spirit, frees me completely. And as long as I "walk in the light as He is in the light" (1 John 1:7), God sees nothing to rebuke because His life is working itself into every detailed part of my being, not on the conscious level, but even deeper then my consciousness.

-devo from My Utmost For His Highest

Doing Well

READ: James 1:1-13

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. —James 2:8

In the book Flags of Our Fathers, James Bradley recounts the World War II battle of Iwo Jima and its famous flag-raising on Mount Suribachi. Bradley’s father, John, was one of the flag-raisers. But more important, he was a Navy corpsman—a medic.

In the heat of battle, facing a barrage of bullets from both sides, Bradley exposed himself to danger so he could care for the wounded and dying. This self-sacrifice showed his willingness and determination to care for others, even though it meant placing himself at great personal risk.

Doc Bradley won the Navy Cross for his heroism and valor, but he never spoke of it to his family. In fact, it was only after his death that they learned of his military decorations. To Doc, it wasn’t about winning medals; it was about caring for his buddies.

In James 2:8 we read: “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well.” By intentionally seeking to care for others in the way that we would hope to be treated, James says we “do well.” The word well means “rightly, nobly, so there is no room for blame.”

Selflessly “doing well” expresses the heart of God, and fulfills His law of love.
—Bill Crowder

Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight;
Foot it bravely, strong or weary;
Trust in God and do the right. —Macleod

Love is at the heart of obedience.

When Christ Comes

They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. REV 7:14

God has only one requirement for entrance into heaven: that we be clothed in Christ... The inhabitants of heaven... are dressed in white. The saints. The elders.... How would you suppose Jesus is dressed? In white?... "He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God" (REV 19:13). Why is Christ's robe not white?... Paul says simply, " He changed places with us" (Galatians 3:13)... He wore our coat of sin to the cross

"Studying"

Who remembers why we want to "study?"

When we first started studying in September, it was hilarious. Running around with heroes and clicking left and right trying to kill someone. Remember those times? The times where we were laughing at how stupid we were, or how someone played really well, or just simply laughing cause someone did something stupid and it was hilarious.

We've lost that, i think, when we "study" now-a-days.

What I see now is, people boasting about how good they are, people laughing at other people, people genuinely getting pissed off over things (however little, or big they are), I see swear words flying up on the screen, people ranting and being angry.

IT IS NOT FUN ANYMORE. IT ISN'T FUN WHEN PEOPLE START YELLING AT EACH OTHER, BEING PISSED OFF, SWEARING, AND JUST PLAIN OUTRIGHT NOT PLAYING THIS TO HAVE FUN AND RELAX.

Perhaps some of us were better at this game than others, or perhaps some of us spent some time to get better at this game. But skill level wise, there is a disparity and its showing. DoTA is not as forgiving in skill than say footies because well, footies you use an army of soldiers, and in DoTA you only control ONE hero and what you do with your hero will affect the outcome of the match. Whatever the reason is, DoTA has made us rather angry at each other and its not even fun anymore. I played last night, and you all saw what happened. Personally, I don't see repicks as an issue. You start off with 300 less gold, but a random chance at another hero, but there are others who insist on no repicking. Someone suggested to me for all pick, but thats even worse, because the players who know how to use certain characters will be at an even more advantageous position and things will spiral into THIS IS NOT FUN ANYMORE.

Where do we go from here?


In efforts to reinject FUN back into the game, we need to take measures. I believe that we need to examine ourselves on why we "study". Is it to relax and to have fun, or has it gone so competitive that we don't really think about fun and just try our hardest to shatter someone. Perhaps we should level the playing field, letting the not so skilled members a chance to learn and a chance to catch up. I know that I am available for people to ask me how to play, and willing to share my knowledge on this game to others. Perhaps implementing all pick, but all "skilled" players must choose random (-random at start of game). SOMETHING that helps us have fun again. Heck, change games (battleships? footies? Enfo Survival? Perhaps a TEAM game like a hero defence where we all work on the SAME TEAM instead of being competitive, cause right now pitting us against each other is just causing a lot of anger)

I know for myself that I've done each and every single thing I pointed out that makes this game not fun and I am examining myself on my motivations to play. I suggest you all do the same. I don't want to see people getting angry and pissed off over a game. If this continues, I might just stop studying all together. Whats the use of a game when its not even fun?

Just some thoughts I had after yesterday's game, I know we're all tired, exhausted and such, but we cant exactly go bonkers because of that. Lets have FUN again, and less bashing each other's heads in. Please?

Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrw we may meet our maker.

Luke 22:54-62 (New International Version)

Peter Disowns Jesus

54Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him."

57But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said.

58A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them."
"Man, I am not!" Peter replied.

59About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean."

60Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." 62And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Well, its that time of the week again. My title is a deragned version of the famous quote "eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die". ANyways, i wanted to share with u guys my tohughts on the quoted bible passage. TO be honest, a huge fear of mine is to meet with God one day as the dissapointment that i am. As with Petey in passage, he essentially does his denying, then goes and crys about it. Which is quite similar to what i do only, im not sure about Peter but mine is a cycle. Everyday there are new and exciting challenges pertianing to my maker, and it seems that im failing miserably at them. We engage in spiritual warfare everyday, numerous times a day. Perhaps my problem is either i forgot my shield at home or forgot to study my battle tactics. Like in war, those who are not prepared will be decapitated the enemy. As swords collide, there can only be one winner. FOrtunatley, our very own Gandalf the white is riding in with the calvary, covering our forces with showers of arrows, victory is at hand, it is apparent, but the question is will you survive to see that victory? Have you gone into battle mentally and spiritually prepared? Are you assured and content with what may be the likely outcome? ANd finally, will you have congtributed to the victory or will your actions have needlessly resulted in the murder of your comrades?

Its funny, all that and more is at hand and yet I falter. I hope i can find strength even in this much weakness.

*i used ot read a lot of cool books so i can talk nerd

-Brian Tse

Trusting Christ to the hilt with gutsy guilt.

Adapted from John Piper's article found Here.

Micah 7:8-9 is a picture of what you say to your enemy when he scoffs at your defeat. Here is what you say. My summary of these words is to call them gutsy guilt. I call it that because the believer admits that he has done wrong and that God is dealing roughly with him. But even in a condition of darkness and discipline, he will not surrender his hold on the truth that God is on his side. Listen to these amazing words. Mark them. Memorize them. Use them whenever Satan tempts you to throw away your life on trifles because that’s all you’re good for.

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication. (Micah 7:8-9)

This is what victory looks like the morning after failure. Meditate on it long and hard when I am gone. Learn to take your theology and speak like this to the devil or anyone else who tells you that Christ is not capable of using you mightily for his global cause. Here is what you say:

“Rejoice not over me, O my enemy.” You make merry over my failure? You think you will draw me into your deception? Think again.

“When I fall, I shall rise.” Yes, I have fallen. And I hate what I have done. I grieve at the dishonor I have brought on my king. But hear this, O my enemy, I will rise. I will rise.

“When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” Yes, I am sitting in darkness. I feel miserable. I feel guilty. I am guilty. But that is not all that is true about me and my God. The same God who makes my darkness is a sustaining light to me in this very darkness. He will not forsake me.

“I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me.” O yes, my enemy, this much truth you say, I have sinned. I am bearing the indignation of the Lord. But that is where your truth stops and my theology begins: He—the very one who is indignant with me—he will plead my cause. You say he is against me and that I have no future with him because of my failure. That’s what Job’s friends said. That is a lie. And you are a liar. My God, whose Son’s life is my righteousness and whose Son’s death is my punishment, will execute judgment for me. For me! FOR me! And not against me.

“He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon his vindication.” This misery that I now feel because of my failure, I will bear as long as my dear God ordains. And this I know for sure—as sure as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is my punishment and my righteousness—God will bring me out to the light, and I will look upon his righteousness, my Lord and my God.

Philipipians 2:1- 4

Bible verse: Philippians 2:1-4 NIV

"If you have any encouragement in being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with his Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being in one spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but think others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but the interests of others."

What does it say?

• if you have any
• encouragement in being united with the Lord
• comfort from his love
• fellowship with the
  
• Spirit tenderness and compassion
• then you don't have
• any selfish ambition
• any self interest

• The "antidote" for these are
• Selfish ambition => see everyone better than yourself
• own interest => look in interest of others
  

What does it mean?

• we are to be like minded, in unity with other believers
• we can achieve this by "having the same love, being in one spirit and purpose"

Like last time i leave the "What does it mean to me?" part to you.

Time to Pray Aloud?

Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again (1 Kings 18:37)

Scripture: 1 Kinda 18:36-39
Song: "The Battle Belongs to the Lord"

As Elijah's battle with the false prophets demonstrates, answered prayer has an amazing way of getting the attention of unbeilevers. It can make a real splash!

Notice Elijah's heart in this passage. His motivation was the welfare of the onlookers. He wanted a manifestation of God's power, not so he could be a big shot in town, but so the people woul know that God wanted their hearts backs. In other words, Elijah already knew how awesome God was. He wanted the people to know too.

Sometimes, however people are like the prophets of Baal-they aren't ready to be prayed for until they have exhausted all other possibilities. They are convinced that can solver their problems without God. This leaves them in control, and often they have to try everything before becoming desperate enough to let us pray for them.

Are there people in your life who has already tried everything to make life worth living-but still long for more? Perhaps now is the time to pray for them aloud, on purpose, in their presence.

Prayer: Lord, show me if there are people in my life right now who are ready for me to offer prayer on their behalf. Give me the boldness to ask them, and to do it so You can reveal Your love in a tangible way. Through Crhist, amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

It Takes a Mentor

"Then Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, 'Let the LORD... set a man over the congregation... that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep which have no shepard.' And the LORD said to Moses: 'Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit.'" Numbers 27:15-18

Joshua was an impressive leader. One of the major factors in Joshua's increase in influence was the impact of Moses on his life. Wherever Moses when, Joshua went with him, whether it was up Mount Sinai or to meet with God in the tabernacle.

After the Hebrews refused to enter the Promised Land, the mentoring relationship between the two men continued. In fact, the process continued for forty years and culminated with Moses imparting his authority to the younger man. And after Moses died, no one questioned Joshua's leadership.

Paster A. W. Tozer said, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible - what a pity that we plan only the things we can do by ourselves." Moses' investment in Joshua released God's power in him.

- taken from "Leadership Promises for Every Day" John C. Maxwell, p.146

Anger and Disappointment

I know that sometimes we get angry when stuff happens and we sometimes tend to find someone to blame for it because its just natural to do it to vent anger and to relieve ourselves of disappointment. Sometimes we blame God for something bad that happens to you or someone else.

We all know that God is doing something for us, we being part of his plan and whatnot. Everything happens for a reason good or bad it happens. We just have to know that we can't blame God for everything that happens thats bad, we tend to blame Him for the bad things and tend to praise ourselves for the deeds we accomplish and forget who is actually responsible for it.

In the end we should all realize that God is doing all of this for us and in the end we will all understand why everything was done. I'd like everyone to pray about this and put this in front of everyone to push themselves one step further towards the realization of God in his works and what he is doing.

Youthful Vigor

"During the eight year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year, he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrine, Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images." - 2 Chronicles 34:3

Most sixteen-year-old boys are not known for their piety. Immaturity, irresponsibility or mischief, perhaps and voracious appetite, energy, activity, even industry - but not usually piety, even if they are reigning monarchs.

Young King Josiah was different. We are not told what led Josiah to earnestly desire an experience with the Lord. It certainly was not the example of his father, King Amon, or his grandfather, King Manasseh, both of whom were wicked kings. Something was born in Josiah's heart that led him to take seriously both his own spiritual well-being and his royal obligation for the well0being of his people. In a few short years, he used his royal power and prestige to rid his territory of the infamous idolatry that plagued his people and to commission the refurbishing of the neglected temple (34:8). All this by the time he was twenty0six years of age!

Josiah's devotion to the Lord and spiritual leadership were developed without the benefit of the Scriptures, which makes his accomplishments even more remarkable. Then, when Hilkiah the priest discovered the lost Scriptures (34:14) , Josiah was horrified to discover how far he and his people had strayed from the Lord's commands. He immediately ordered further study and inquired of the prophet Huldah. When he understood the significance of the word of the Lord, he put it into practice and called the people to follow his lead.

Prior to the rediscovery of the Scriptures, Josiah had known enough about the Lord to know that he needed to know more, and he had seen enough of idol worship to know that it was clearly wrong. Acting on the limited information available to him, he acheived great things. But when he received the word of the Lord, his vision expanded and his experience enlarged.

Every man is called not only to respond to what he knows but also to ensure that he knows what he should. To know the word and not to obey it is wrong. To have the word and not to read and know it is no better. To paraphrase Mark Twain, "He who does not read and obey has no advantage over he who cannot read or respond." Josiah could now know what was hidden in the lost book. Modern man has no such problem - the Book is available. SO we must do what we know, and read the Book. Those who read it will be called to make some changes, some of which will be uncomfortable. But every step we take toward God will lead to blessing.

P.S sorry for being late

Running Towards the Sun

The beauty of Christianity is that it is a claim of weakness, of fallacy. It is an acknowledgement of imperfection and a glorious celebration of dependency and need. It is uncomfortable because it is flawed. Unlike everything else in this world, it doesn't strive to be strong, perfect, desirable, wanted. The beauty is in the broken and the weak and the hopeless.

It is a belief in something more gracious than we could ever know. Rather than looking for good soil in people and circumstances to dig our roots into, we know the best soil is already ours. After reading philosophy after philosophy about being - about life being born and walked into, about the self being a temple, about each decision being autonomous - it is a relief to find something firm.

It is a relief to finally realize that the light at the end of the tunnel is everywhere. It doesn't confine itself to our moments of despair; it is tethered to us. I love that it is not about ourselves. We are not constrained to popular belief or the newest trend about assurance, personal satisfaction or beauty coming from within. We are vessels - not restricted to a formulaic way of living because we have the greatest freedom. I love that in our greatest and deepest moment of weakness, we don't have to create a hope in ourselves. Not that I am strong enough to overcome this, but that my Savior is. He lives inside of me; I don't need to know and control and hold my past, future and present. It is not a battle of personal strength and ambition; it is a confession of weakness.

Above all, that this is for the most fallen of us. It is for those of us who couldn't muster the strength in us to get out of bed, put some clothes on, and face the day with certainty that it will be okay.

We are not competing with the world because there is no common ground on which to compete. In a world where the race is cut-throat and furious, we are running in the opposite direction, completely against the tide, but towards the sun.

Two Kingdoms

In a report in USA Today, Rick Hampson wrote: “The young generally don’t have the old-time political religion. They look at voting and see a quaint, irrational act.” One graduate was quoted as saying, “I don’t care enough to care about why I don’t care.” I wonder if this is how we as Jesus-followers sometimes view our civic responsibility!

The insights of Jesus in Matthew 22 helped His followers think clearly about their civic duty in the world. The Jews were required to pay taxes to the Roman government. They hated this taxation because the money went directly into Caesar’s treasury, where some of it supported the pagan temples and decadent lifestyle of the Roman aristocracy. They may have questioned whether they even had a civic responsibility to Caesar. Jesus reminded them, however, that they had dual citizenship. They lived in a world with two kingdoms—Caesar’s kingdom (human authority) and God’s kingdom (spiritual authority). They had responsibilities to both, but their greater responsibility was to God and His kingdom (Acts 5:28-29).

As followers of Christ, we are commanded to cooperate with our rulers, but we are called to give God our ultimate obedience and commitment. —Marvin Williams

We live today as citizens of two worlds,
And this demands a duty to fulfill;
But greater far should be our heart’s desire
To honor Christ and always do His will. —Hess

Government has authority, but God has ultimate authority.

The Trial of Faith

"If you have faith as a mustard seed . . . nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20)

We have the idea that God rewards us for our faith, and it may be so in the initial stages. But we do not earn anything through faith- faith brings us into the right relationship with God and gives Him His opportunity to work. Yet God frequently has to knock the bottom out of your experience as His saint to get you in a direct contact with Himself. God wants you to understand that it is a Life of faith, not a life of emotional enjoyment of His blessings. The beginning of your life of faith was very narrow and intense, centered around a small amount of experience that had as much emotion as faith in it, and it was full of light and sweetness. Then God withdrew His conscious blessings to teach you to "Walk by faith" (2 Corinthians 5:7). And you are worth much more to Him now then you were in your days of conscious delight with your thrilling testimony.
Faith by its very nature must be tested and tried. And the real trial of faith is not what we find it difficult to trust God, but that God's character must be proven as trustworthy in our own minds. Faith being worked out into reality must experience times of unbroken isolation. Never confuse the trial of faith with the ordinary discipline of life, because a great deal of what we call the trial of faith is the inevitable result of being alive. Faith, as the Bible teaches it, is faith in God coming against everything that contradicts Him- a faith that says, "I will remain true to God's character whatever He may do." The highest and greatest expression of faith in the whole Bible is- "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

Devo from My Utmost for his Highest

Spiritual Enemies

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

In a battle, it is imperative to identify your enemy. If you are not aware of the point of your attack, you are vulnerable. Paul had many enemies. Some resented him, others hated him, and others wanted to kill him. Some, who were supposedly on his side, sought to harm him and his ministry. In spite of the persecution he faced, Paul never lost sight of his real enemy. Paul was wary of Satan. When people attacked him, he knew they were not his real opponents. They were simply unwitting instruments of the spiritual forces of darkness.

When you meet opposition to your faith, your first reaction may be anger toward your antagonist. This may divert your attention from the deeper, spiritual dimensions of your conflict. Your adversary may be hopelessly in bondage to sin. Rather than retaliating, you should immediately and earnestly intercede for that person. Your opponent's hostility is your invitation to become involved in God's redemptive work to free him or her from spiritual bondage.

Be alert to the spiritual warfare around you. It is real and potentially destructive to you and those you care about. Knowing your real foe will protect you from the bitterness and unforgiveness, Your hope lies in the reality that "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Do not place your hope in humanity, but steadfastly trust in the One who has already defeated your enemy.

devo from Experiencing God, Oct 30

-kim

Down with THE-MAN?

Romans 13

Submission to the Authorities

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
----------------------------------------------------

Last wednesday we went on a sandwich run and were able to see first hand the "lowest" of our city. Not to say that we've never seen them, but because we were actually looking for them probably allowed us to be more observant of gtheir predicament. Now for a realted observation:
On that same day i dropped into my friend's criminal justice class, andthey had brought in some guest speakers on the aboriginal status regarding criminal justice. they said that in 1990, it was confirmed that the aboriginal population in criminal institutions was misrepresented. Misrepresented in that the amount who were sent to jail were a higher percentage than of those people who actually commited the percentage of crimes. Meaning that if they or you were to commit the smae crime, it was statistically a fact that you had a higher chance of being being put in jail just because of not being a native. Anyways, soon afteer this was realised(although it had been known but not proven for a long long time), there was an act made to "fix" the issue. The act roughly said that natives were to be treated more lightly when sentenced just becuase of their race. but the important part is the reasoning when the judge passed this. It was stated in legal jargon that not only was there a problem with the treatment of these people, but MAINLY that there was a problem with the government, becuase it had let this happen for such a long time.

Now i know that people see the government corrupt from a christian stnad point and i cant say that it isnt. But form the passage and my event..... Im not too sure what to think. I know that the bible is the be all and end all but regardless it is importnat to critically analyze things in order to confirm their validity. So yea, leme noe wut u guys think.

-Brian Tse

On the whole girlfriend and marriage thing.

Hey all, credits go to Voddie Baucham and the 722 Series on Love & Marriage. I know we're all at the age of looking for girlfriends, so I thought I could shed some light on the biblical perspective on what to EXPECT of a potential mate.

Verses come from Eph 5:22-24...and more surrounding it.

22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

So this is the whole submission verse that most Christian guys know. And they hear it, and think marriage is a pretty sweet gig. The wife has to be submissive to the male. Can I get an AMEN?! That's where the logic usually stops....but there is more to this than meets the eye.

These two verses, are actually part of a set..in fact, part of the verse above it. In v21.

21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

The Eph 5:22-24 part is actually part of a huge section: Eph 5:22 - Eph 6:9. It's the ways on how we submit to one another out of reverence to Christ:
1. Wives submit to Husbands.
2. Children submit to Parents.
3. Slaves submit to Masters.

The Bible doesn't acknowledge the idea of boyfriends and girlfriends. Girlfriends don't have to be submissive to boyfriends. HOWEVER, she must be submissive to her FATHER until married.

So what you should be looking for in a girl..
1. A girl who submits to Christ.
2. A girl who submits to the authority that God has placed over her. (Father...if not there...Mother...if not there...Uncle...Aunt...Older Brother, etc.)
3. A girl who submits to the Biblical view of marriage. (Titus 2:3-5)

Cheers,
Richard

Bible Verse:

Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

What does it say?

• Kingdom is like a mustard seed
  
• Planted in the ground
  
• it take the nutrient, and all the other things it needs to grow
• in grows into the largest of all garden plants
• Which birds can come and find shade

What does it mean?
Like a mustard seed, we all start of as a small seed, and slowly with the power of God, we too grow into large plants which can provide shade to birds. An example of this in real life, would be the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. Peter, was a man with little educational background, when he stood firmly to speak the word of the Lord, he spoke boldly, and brought what we know as Christianity to where we all know today. Paul, a prisoner, with his highly influential works, changed many, including the people today.

Here is the last part...What does it mean to me?...I will leave this to you in the commentary.






-Note: this Devo wasn't taken from anywhere, just from the format that was taught to me. Sorry for any grammar problems

James and rbk?

Men's small group today was great, a lot of reflecting, insight and openness was shared.

For next week's MSG, please read James.

Also, what's rbk? Come find out, and be a part of something great.

Sweet, or Just Poison?

No, I haven't turned away from what you taught me your words are sweeter than honey." (Psalm 119:102, 103, The Living Bible).

Scripture: Psalm 119:97-104
Song: "Sweet, Sweet Spirit"

I'm a recovering sugar-holic and still crave my daily dose of chocolate. But I've found that honey can be a good alternative for soothing my sweet tooth. On the one hand, sugar is known to pervert our appetites and increase our chances for dental visits, diabetes, and pancreatitis. On the other hand, honey-in moderation-offers the body 15 nutrients and is an excellent food.

Sugar also causes fermentation in the stomach, leading to bacterial growth. But honey, in its raw state, tends to aid digestion. It even acts as a natural antibiotic as it satisfies the appetite and ewnters the bloodstream slowly.

I'm glad the psalmist likened God's words to honey. The Word brings a sweetness to life that satisfies our longing for rich intimacy. Nothing in our lives is so perfect as God's counsel.

I think it's safe to say that when the psalmist speaks of false teaching, he alludes to words that are nutrient-free. Like sugar, they are empty, non-sustaining, and can even be considered posin to our inner being.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gifts You've given me. Keep your Word flowing in my soul and increase my love for your Son, Jesus, in whom I pray. Amen.

- taken from 365 Devotions by Standard (Pocket Edition)

Growth Persuasion

My Uncle Lester, who lived in Florida, was discouraged by the lack of fruit on his grapefruit tree. Someone told him he needed to whack the trunk of the tree a few times with a board.

Apparently, there is some truth to this unusual method of encouraging growth. One gardening expert says: "At times, the flowering hormone in the tree seems to get stuck and no flowers appear. Carefully persuade the tree to flower by shocking it. Hit the trunk . . . several times, [which will cause] small bruises in the bark." This advice may stimulate growth.

When trouble comes into our lives, we sometimes feel as if we’ve been hit broadside. We feel desperation and then we wonder, Why is this happening to me?

One possibility is that God is using a painful experience to get our attention. In Psalm 119:71, David wrote, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes." And Hebrews 12:11 says that chastening "yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness."

Is God using pain in your life to lovingly persuade you to change? The season of trouble may not be easy, but if we let ourselves be trained by it, new growth will result as we become more like His Son (Phil. 3:10). —Cindy Hess Kasper

We shrink from the purging and pruning,
Forgetting the Gardener knows
The deeper the cutting and paring
The richer the cluster that grows. —Anon.

Affliction for God’s people can be the pruning knife to prepare us for greater fruitfulness.

-Jon posting for Jono

A Seductive Glow

"The following Spring, the time of year when kings go to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to destroy the Ammonites. In the process they laid siege to the city of Rabbah. But David stayed behind in Jerusalem. Late one afternoon David got out of bed after taking a nap and went for a stroll on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusal beauty taking a bath." - 2 Samuel 11:1-2

A temptation is an opportunity to go wrong. It is also a chance to do right. A temptation is a potential seduction, but handled correctly it results in an actual strengthening. This can be seen clearly when we compare similar incidents in the lives of Joseph and David. Both of these men were presented with adulterous opportunities. Both knew that adultery was wrong. Joseph accordingly resisted the temptress's advances and, at a great cost to himself, preserved his integrity. David, on the other hand, not only succumbed but caught himself in a spiral of selfish decisions that sucked him into ever-deepening culpability.

David's fall was not sudden. Apparently, he had been undisciplined for some time. He was not leading his men into battle but was staying home and letting them fight his battles for him. And it does seem odd that he was getting out of bed in the evening. Whatever had happened to the dashing young warrior, the devoted servant of the Lord, the man after God's own heart? Had he grown careless? Had he become fat and feckless in his advancing middle age?

Perhaps he did not know that Bathsheba would be bathing in full view - and her motivations may well have been impure - so he could not be held responsible for seeing her. But he certainly was responsible for gazing, lusting, sending for her, and engaging in adulterous sex with her. At any point he could - and should - have said no. But the erosion of principle and discipline had already taken place, and the moral failure concluded in disaster.

We can all learn from mistakes, but learning from the mistakes of others is less painful than living with the consequences of our own. David's fall tells us that failure to reverse spiritual erosion leads to undermining moral principle. Then, when we are subjected to the stress of temptation, failure and collapse quickly result.

Strong men know how to stand firm, but even the strongest man becomes a weakling if he ignores basic prudent precautions and begins to play with temptation on the assumption that he can break off at any time.

Moths love candlelight. They are attracted to its seductive glow and flirt with its warm embrace. Closer and closer they are lured until their wings are singed and they crash and burn. Learn the lesson from David or, if you prefer, behold the disaster of the moth. Be prepared to stand against temptation or you, too, may crash and burn.

Wrestling in the Night

Read: Genesis 32:22-32
(expanded verse, all of Genesis 32)

READ
Read the passage slowly. (To find out about Jacob's fear of meeting his brother Esau, whom he tricked many years before, read the expanded passage)

THINK
Read the passage aloud this time and pause after each of the three questions in the text (verses 27, 29). Jacob, whose name means "manipulator," had made elaborate plans to reconcile with Esau in a generous, peaceful way. Then he stayed behind, which was uncharacteristic of such a quintessential deal maker. There with the night sounds and the smell of the brook, Jacob encountered "a man." Was this man an angel, a God-man, Jesus? (It's okay that we don't know for sure)

1. Picture yourself in this passage. Are you Jacob? Are you an invisible bystander watching it all?
2. What moment in this passage resonates wth you most?
+ wanting desperately to be blessed
+ wanting desperately to know more of God
+ other: ________

PRAY
Depending on what resonated with you, pray about what you desperately want from God. To avoid letting your mind wander, try writing down your prayer, listening for words from God in response.

LIVE
Sit quitely before God, imagining the night sounds and the smell of running water. Try to be comfortable with God in this wild atmosphere. What does it feel like to trust and to reveal the desires of your heart? Be honest if you feel uncomfortable. What would you like it to feel like? Rest in that.

- Taken from "The Message // Remix : Solo", pg. 2

(Jono posting for Jon Tsui)

Oct 19- The Great Physician

Read John 9:1-7


In reflecting on his deteriorating health, John Donne (1572-1631) described his feelings as physicians examined him to find "the root and occasion" of a serious illness. In hushed tones, they discussed their conclusions outside his room.

At first Donne was afraid, but in time he saw compassion in their faces and began to trust them. Their concern reminded Donne that he could trust the Great Physician. As he read the Gospels, he saw God the Father's face in the tender, compassionate face of Jesus.

Many of us struggle with our thoughts about God, especially during illness. Perhaps we grew up attending a church that portrayed an angry God who inflicted sickness on us. Can we trust Him? Like Donne, we turn to the gospels for our reason to trust God. And we find it in His Son Jesus, who was unfailingly compassionate toward those who were inflicted, regardless of the reason.

So we pray as Donne prayed, "Deliver me, therefore, O my God, from these vain imaginations"- the belief that by our sin we have forfeited God's goodness and mercy. As Donne wisely said, the Great Physician "knows our natural infirmities, for He had them, and knows the weight of our sins, for He paid a dear price for them - David Roper


Devo taken from Our Daily Bread

Spiritual Blindness

This is an exerpt from my random devo that I found to be interesting.

John 9:35-41 (New International Version)

Spiritual Blindness

35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."

37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."

38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.

39Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."

40Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"

41Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

The man in the passage(not the Pharisee), did he have spiritual blindness or hunger? Is arrogance a potential downfall of having this knowledge?

When I read passages I almost always ask why why why, does this relate to me, if so is it a good or bad thing? And so on…

I chose this passage because the whole idea of blind faith is very interesting to me, it seems in this passage that atleast a portion of “faith” is achieved through blind belief. Am I wrong? Even if im interpreting this correct, what do you guys think about this topic? Remember why why why why why, cuz if you don’t ask you’l always be blind.

Brian TSe

Stones

Read Joshua 4:20-24.

This occurs after the Israelites cross the Jordan river into the Promised Land. Similar to the Red Sea, the Jordan river is parted, and the Israelites safely cross over as part of the invasion of Canaan.

But, why set up these stones? It was set up as a reminder of what God had done that day. God had charged the Israelites to conquer the land of Canaan. Crossing the Jordan river could be seen as the first step into the ministry God had set for them. Once they crossed over, they set up the stones to remain as a testament of His power. So that even generations later, their children will know that "the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God, forever."

It's the beginning of a new school year. For some of us, including myself: this will be our last year at Ryerson. God has called us to certain ministries, whether it will be helping out with worship, mentoring others in ccf, encouraging people, taking part in the various sports ministries, and the list goes on. If you feel like you aren't doing anything anywhere, I ask that you pray and seek out what He wants you to be at Ryerson, this year. If you are taking part in a ministry, that is good, because I have a question for you. My question to you is this:

Are you setting up "stones" that people will see in the future? Upon seeing these "stones", will they know the Lord is mighty and offer Him praise?

-Richard Chong

October 16, 2007
Devo taken from "Josh McDowell’s Youth Devotions"

Bible readings: Isaiah 66:1-2

"This is what the LORD says: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place. Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?' declares the LORD. 'This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.'" (Isaiah 66:1-2)

Almost this time every year, the major league baseball season comes to an end. By that time, each league (the American League and national league) will have already announced a "most valuable player" for each league.
The very first MVP award was given after the 1911 baseball season. A man named Hugh Chalmers, who owned the Chalmers Motor Company, announced that he would award one of his companies automobiles to one player in each league who "should prove himself as the most important and useful player to his club and to the league at large in port of deportment and value of services rendered." A committee of baseball writers voted, and the first MVP awards were given to Ty Cobb of the Detroit Tigers (who hit .420 that year) and Frank Schulte of the Chicago Cubs (who hit .300 that year with 21 home runs and 107 runs batted in.)
There have been many MVP’s since then. Some have had high batting averages. Some have hit a lot of home runs. Some have stolen a lot of bases. Some have been pitchers who won a lot of games. But all have been considered the "Most Valuable Player" on their team in that particular year.
Well, if God had a MVP award, you know how you could win it? By being humble. At least that would be one of the requirements. In today’s Bible reading, God says, "This is the one of I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in Spirit, and trembles at my word" (Isaiah 66:2 NIV). In other words, God really values humility. He thinks humility is terrific.
Of course, God doesn’t give out Most Valuable Person awards; he values all people. But he has announced several Most Valuable Principle awards, and the principle of humility is one of his favorites. That’s why God commands us to be humble; because humility is something he values-even more than a great batting average or a lot of stolen bases.
Prayer: "Lord, I know you value humility; you ‘esteem’ the person who is humble and contrite in spirit. Help me to always be that kind of person towards you and towards others."