JESUS,MY LORD AND SAVIOUR

Living Out Your Calling,Part 1 (The Call)

Wednesday, January 07, 2009 [11:14 AM]

Hey guys I'm finally back again, after a long long break. I was just thinking about what I should post, and asking God what should I write. Then I was reminded of what God spoke to me last year. So I went and digged out the pieces of paper I wrote it on.

Heavenly Father, I pray that You will bless this entry, it's something that You have spokened to me and I believe You desire to speak to many, Holy Spirit I pray let the hearts of the people who read this be open, speak to them and may their lives be transformed at the revelation of Your word as You speak, in the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Today we'll be looking at the story of Samson, found in the book of Judges chapter 13 to 16. Our main text for the first part of this 2 or 3 part series is found in chapter 13 of this book.

Samson was called to be a Nazirite even before his birth
Judges 13:4-5
[3] And the Angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, "Indeed now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son.
[4] Now therefore, please be careful not to drink wine or similar drink, and not to eat anything unclean.
[5] For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."

Who or What is a Nazrite?
Numbers 6:1-5
[1] Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
[2] "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD,
[3] he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins.
[4] All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from seed to skin.
[5] 'All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head; until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the LORD, he shall be holy. [Then] he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.

What does it mean to be a Nazirite?
*Consecrated, set apart for the Lord, for His purpose (Numbers 6:1-5)
*Denying the pleasures of the world, their will and desire for the will and purpose of God (Numbers 6:3-4)

Paul beseeched the believers in Rome
Romans 12:1
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God

We see the same similar pattern here
1) "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God"
Talks about being set apart, consecrated and seperated for the will of God.
Basically it sums up Numbers 6:1-5
2) "do not be conformed to this world"
It means not to love the world, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the world and the pride of life.
1 John 2:15-16
15] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
[16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world

The fact that God called Samson even before he was born shows us something...
THE TRUTH. The truth that God have plans for our lives, and He has called us each to His purpose, each one unique and different.

Psalm 139:15-18
[15] My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, [And] skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
[16] Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When [as yet there were] none of them.
[17] How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! [18] [If] I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

Even before you were born God had a plan and future for you, even before you were conceived He had great thoughts about you
Jeremiah 29:11
[11] For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Can you imagine?? If you can't it's normal because no man can or will be able to fully comprehend the omnipotence(all-powerful),omnipresence(all-present) and omiscience(all-knowing) of God.
Psalm 139:6
[6] [Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot [attain] it.

And it's because His ways and thoughts are not like ours, His is higher.
Isaiah 55:8-9
8] "For My thoughts [are] not your thoughts, Nor [are] your ways My ways," says the LORD.
[9] "For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

God has a calling, a destiny, a plan for your life and my life. But it's really up to us if we want to walk in it, whether if we're willing to pay the price. It will definitely cost us everything, it'll cost our lifestyles, our desires, our ambitions, even some of our friends. Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, it's worth it if only you weigh things in the light of eternity, if only you weigh things in the light of the Cross which represent what Christ did for you and me, His death and resurrection.
Hebrews 12:2
[2] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

What is the joy set before you today?
God/fulfilling your calling in Christ or the things of this world?

Let us consecrate our lives, will and desire to the Lord and keep in mind looking ahead to the goal(fulfilling the Call) daily and repent if there are times when we've lose sight of Christ and looking unto other things instead of Him.
Replacing the joy of the Lord with the joy of other things.

For those who do not know or believe in Christ, this is also for you, especially when this blog was set up to tell you the reality of God.

God have a plan and purpose for you, and part of His plan is that He wants you to be saved from the judgement of sin. And He had already provided the way, we only have to receive. And that's through believing in what His Son Jesus did for you on the Cross and accepting Him into your life to be your Lord and Savior.

The bible said all have sinned, and sin is what seperates us from God, but Christ came, died on the Cross and rose again on the third day. Christ is the door to the kingdom of God, no one can come to God accept through Him, and no one can know and fulfill the great plans and purposes that God have for him or her unless they enter into His kingdom. God's will is that you will believe and enter into His house, because He have great things He wants/desire to accomplish in and through your life.

If you want to accept Christ, follow after this prayer, if you mean it from your heart God will come into your life and your life will never be the same again.

Dear Jesus, I confess that I'm a sinner, I thank you for what You did for me on the cross, your death and resurrection, I believe You are the Son of God, and You alone can forgive me of my sins, Lord forgive me, Jesus i believe in You, I welcome You into my heart and be my Lord and Savior, in Your name I pray, amen.

Now if you've prayed that with sincerity, Jesus is in your heart now.
The next step will be going to a local church, because it is where the people of God meet, to encourage and help one another to grow in their faith :)

+ AMEN

The Ignorance Of Man

Saturday, October 20, 2007 [8:40 AM]

When there is peace, there is no remembrance of God.
When life gets comfortable, there is no remembrance of God.
When we walk in the ways of our heart, in the sight of our eyes, there is no remembrance of God.
Man have gotten ignorant of His existence.

Read carefully what I have to say, do not take it lightly.

Eccl 12:1-7
[1] Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and no longer enjoy living.
[2] It will be too late then to remember him, when the light of the sun and moon and stars is dim to your old eyes, and there is no silver lining left among the clouds.
[3] Your limbs will tremble with age, and your strong legs will grow weak. Your teeth will be too few to do their work, and you will be blind, too.
[4] And when your teeth are gone, keep your lips tightly closed when you eat! Even the chirping of birds will wake you up. But you yourself will be deaf and tuneless, with a quavering voice.
[5] You will be afraid of heights and of falling, white-haired and withered, dragging along without any sexual desire. You will be standing at death's door. And as you near your everlasting home, the mourners will walk along the streets.
[6] Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don't wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well.
[7] For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Let us not be ignorant, for God has extended His grace towards us through His Son Jesus Christ.

John 3:16
[16] For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

1Tim 2:3-6
[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
[4] who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
[5] For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1Tim 3:16
[16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God* was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

God was manifested to us that we may come to remembrance of who we are.
He was manifested that we might be saved from the endless cycles of sin.
He had already came down to earth, and made known to all the earth His existence, and made a way for redemption, so that we have no excuse.
So that we faithless people know for sure that He exist, and also that we can for sure know that if we believe His testimony may attain eternal life.

So let us not be ignorant, for as great is the mystery, manifestation and sacrifice of God, great is the price and judgment of ignorance.

Christians are not spared from the disease of ignorance, let us be sober, living our lives holy and acceptable in the sight of God, let us not slight into the state of ignorance, that our hearts are hardened and fulfill with the lust of the flesh.

Children of God, do not take the grace and mercies of God for granted, do not let pride overtake you.
Do not be ignorant of the fact that you need God, that without His strength and grace, the continual renewing and refreshing of His spirit, temptation will soon overtake you.
Do not be prideful and take sin into your own hands.
Do not be like those without wisdom, discernment and discretion, for they are on a road to destruction.
Do not be lukewarm.
Humble yourself,build an altar daily, delight His presence daily, wait on Him daily, be fervent in prayer, tend the fire of God in your hearts, that you may live worthy of the blood of Christ that redeems you.

1Peter 1:13-19
[13] Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest [your] hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
[14] as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, [as] in your ignorance;
[15] but as He who called you [is] holy, you also be holy in all [your] conduct,
[16] because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
[17] And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay [here] in fear;
[18] knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, [like] silver or gold, from your aimless conduct [received] by tradition from your fathers,
[19] but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Believers or not believers, don't be ignorant of the price of this gift of salvation,
before it's too late.
And again I say do not take the grace of God for granted

Father, thank You for your grace and mercy, thank You Lord that in You loving kindness You've not destroy us, oh how great is Your love, forgive this ignorant and prideful generation, wake them up, open their eyes to see, Holy Spirit reveal Christ to those who cannot see, help us Lord to take your grace and mercy seriously, help us Lord I pray, Holy Spirit help us to remember God and be passionate for His Name that we will not slight into a spiritual state of slumber and indifferent, in the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

+ AMEN

Thanksgiving

Thursday, October 19, 2006 [7:47 AM]

I wanna thank God for many things, too many to even say in an entry, but just wanna give thanks to God before my next post.

Thank God for every single person in my region, they are too many to be named haha
My leaders, always serving faithful in church, just by looking at their lives I've learnt many things, about service and about God.

My parents, the most important people in my life, teaching me since young the Way of the Lord, according to the teachings of Jesus or rather the Father, teaching me also the importance to put God first in ALL things, which is something I've learnt and kept since young.

Thank God for off days like today, where I can take a break from the lifeless cycles of work, that I can take this day to spend in His wonderful presence.
And thank God for putting at where I'm working at now, even though it's a difficult place to work at, but nevertheless I understood that it's to mould me into the person He wants me to be.

Thank God for giving me understanding, knowledge, even my intelligence, because it all comes from Him

Many times we gave too much glory to ourselves, or rather gives credit to ourselves, saying "it's because of our own efforts" or "it's because we are smart"
Simple minded !!! Is what I'll say to these people.
All things comes from God, so be grateful for all things, and give thanks for all things.

Through this thanksgiving I also want to teach something that's quite relevant to my next entry.
James 1:2-8
[2] Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
[3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
[4] And let endurance have {its} perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
[5] But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
[6] But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
[7] For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
[8] {being} a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

I mentioned about the job God placed me in is to mould me, and this is what He wants to make perfect in me. That by the testing of your faith produces endurance or patience, and let endurance/ patience have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Testing of faith, faith goes beyond trusting God, it touches to the very core of the things you believe and you love, which is God.
So if you believe and love God, you'll keep His commandments, as Jesus said this in
John 14:15
[15] "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

And what are the commandments of God, that those who fear and love Him should obey and keep?
Matt 22:37
[37] And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'
[38] "This is the great and foremost commandment.
[39] "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'
[40] "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."

By the way I'm in service line, and everyone knows customers are not always good, it puts my patience and longsufferring and love to the test.
And neighbor goes beyond those whom you know, who stay near to you. It literally means everyone around you, in your life, your fellow brethren in church, your fellow countrymen. Even bad customers :)

And James says this next at verse 5, "but if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
Wisdom is more than just knowledge, to some this might be a new revelation, but it's true. It's knowledge, but it's something more than just knowledge, it's knowledge on how to run your life, the knowledge on which you conduct your life.
Proverbs 1:1-7
[1] The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
[2] To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding,
[3] To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity;
[4] To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion,
[5] A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,
[6] To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles. [7] The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of everthing from verse 2 to 6, the knowledge of the wise, seeing the importance of instruction.
Fools, simple minded people despise all these because like I said they are simple minded.

Again I say,if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God.
And ask believing, have faith, this is the faith define as trusting God's nature.
What's His nature?
In the second half of verse 5, He gives to all generously and without reproach, to those who believes.

As said in Hebrews,
Hebrews 11:1
[1] Now faith is the assurance of {things} hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
And the writer of Hebrews tells us on what we are to base our faith on, in this next verse.
Hebrews 11:6
[6] And without faith it is impossible to please {Him,} for he who comes to God must believe that He is and {that} He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

This is the nature of God, a rewarder of those who seek Him or ask of Him in faith.

If you ask and don't receive, is because you've doubt on His nature, double minded says James.
James 1:6-8
6] But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
[7] For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord,
[8] {being} a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

So what ever trails we're in, rejoice and count it all joy, because we're being perfected, from glory to glory, that we know, when we ask for anything, believing, we'll receive. Let us desire God's wisdom that we may walk worthy of this call which we've been called, to be children of God, ask in faith.

+ AMEN

Christians and Churches Of The Last Days(Part 2)

Friday, August 25, 2006 [7:39 AM]

Finally I'm gonna blog the part 2 of the series I was doing months ago. In case all you people have forgotten we're talking about the Laodicea church, which prophetically speaks of the state of what the churches and christians of the last days would be like.

Basically this is the passage of scripture that we have been talking about
Rev 3:14-21
[14] "And to the angel of the church *of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
[15] "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
[16] So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither *cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
[17] Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--
[18] I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, [that] the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
[21] To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
[22] "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "

On May 03, I talked about and explained from Rev 3:14-17. If you haven't read part 1 yet, then I would say without reading and meditating on part 1 part 2 will be of no effect at all, so it's rather pointless to read part 2 without part 1.

Lets pray,
Father in Heaven, I give you praise and honor and thanks, because you're worthy, LORD open my eyes to see and understand Your word, help me to be sensitive to Your voice.Holy Spirit help me, in the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

On May 03, I explained the condition of the churches, which have lost it's effectiveness as God's house and temple, thank God that He not only point out the problems but also gave us the remedy.

Today we'll basically be camping at one verse only.
Rev 3:18
[18] I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, [that] the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Anyway don't expect this to be short and sweet, because it's not going to be :)

Jesus said "I counsel you to BUY from Me".
What does He mean?
Can we really buy from God??
Obviously we can't, not with our righteous deeds or good works.
Isa 64:6
[6] But we are all like an unclean [thing], And all our righteousnesses [are] like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.

No matter how many good things we've done or are doing could allow us to earn enough credits to buy from God, because even our best efforts are infected with sin.

For Paul said in
Rom 3:23
[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Not even a rich man can buy from God, this which Jesus is talking about, no amount of money is enough.

Hear the words of Jesus
Matt 19:24
[24] And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Luke 18:24-27
[24] And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!
[25] For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." [26] And those who heard it said, "Who then can be saved?"
[27] But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

If riches and wealth could buy, then we the people who are in the last days, more rich and self sufficient then any other generation would be able to buy what Jesus is talking about.
In fact it is these riches and self sufficiency that make us miss out totally on what God is doing and what Jesus is saying here. Blinded !!

I guess by now you should be able to see how we can buy from Jesus.
The only way purchase or buy from God is found in Isa 55
Isa 55
[1] "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.
[2] Why do you spend money for [what is] not bread, And your wages for [what] does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat [what is] good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
[3] Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you-- The sure mercies of David.
[4] Indeed I have given him [as] a witness to the people, A leader and commander for the people. [5] Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, And nations [who] do not know you shall run to you, Because of the LORD your God, And the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you."
[6] Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.
[7] Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
[8] "For My thoughts [are] not your thoughts, Nor [are] your ways My ways," says the LORD.
[9] "For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
[10] "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,
[11] So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper [in the thing] for which I sent it.
[12] "For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap [their] hands.
[13] Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the LORD for a name, For an everlasting sign [that] shall not be cut off."

The only way to buy from Jesus, is Salvation
Salvation isn't just saying the sinner's prayer and being branded christian.
You may ask, aren't those people suppose to be christains??
True Salvation is what Jesus is talking about.
I like the way Paul describes Salvation.
Rom 10:8-12
[8] But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):
[9] that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
[10] For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
[11] For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
[12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
Rom 3:21-28
[21] But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
[22] even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all *and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
[24] being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
[25] whom God set forth [as] a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
[26] to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
[27] Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
[28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

Faith is the key to Salvation.
Faith in what?
John 3:16
[16] For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Because Jesus said
John 14:6
[6] Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Then what is faith?
Faith is a word with many meanings.It can mean faithfulness
Matt 24:45
[45] "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?

It can mean absolute trust, as shown by some of the people who came to Jesus for healing
Luke 7:2-10
[2] And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.
[3] So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant.
[4] And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving,
[5] "for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue."
[6] Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.
[7] Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
[8] For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does [it]."
[9] When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"
[10] And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well *who had been sick.

It can mean confident hope
Heb 11:1
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Or as James points out, it can even mean a barren belief taht does not result in good deeds
James 2:14-26
[14] What [does it] profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
[15] If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
[16] and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what [does it] profit?
[17] Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
[18] But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without *your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
[19] You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!
[20] But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
[21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
[22] Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
[23] And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.
[24] You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
[25] Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent [them] out another way?
[26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

What does Paul mean when, in Romans, he speaks of saving faith?
We must be very careful to understand faith as Paul uses the word, because he ties faith so closely to salvation. It is not something we must do in order to earn salvation, if that were true, then faith would just be one more deed, and Paul clearly states that human deeds can never save us
Gal 2:16
[16] knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

Instead faith is a gift from God
Eph 2:8
[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God,
[9] not of works, lest anyone should boast.

True Salvation
It is more than just confident hope, spoken about in Heb 11:1
By the tainted faith(confident hope) of ours, we choose to BELIEVE, and confess the work of Christ on the cross with our mouth, and when we do that BY GOD's GRACE and through the gift of His holy faith, given to us because of His LOVE and MERCY, thus we're saved and is able to have a RELATIONSHIP with His Son that helps us to become like Him.

So let no one boast, for it's not by our faith but by His grace and through His faith, we're saved.

So do you have what it takes to buy from Jesus?
Salvation is the key to buy from Jesus, and faith is the key to Salvation.
Jesus have laid out the conditions, have you met the conditions to buy?
If not then, confess with this prayer with faith.

LORD Jesus, I believe You're the Son of God, that You came down from Heaven, died on the cross for the sins of the world, and You conquered death, and rose on the third day victorious, Jesus I confess that I'm a sinful man, and Jesus I repent, wash me and make me clean, and I make You LORD over my life, thank you Jesus for redeeming me, in the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

About the content of the things which Jesus talked about or counseled us to buy, I'll talk about it in my next part, if not it'll be too long :)

God bless

+ AMEN

About My Next Entry

Saturday, July 22, 2006 [8:07 AM]

I know this entry have delayed for quite some time, it's because God decided to teach me other things first, so that I can fully understand the remedy that He is telling us.

Please do go read Part 1 again, and really reflect and ask God to reveal and speak to you.It's extremely important that you understand the severity the matter.

PLEASE READ PART 1 OVER AGAIN. I know it's very long but it's extremely important,I do not know how to further emphasis the importance of it, because human words are limited or rather my vocab is limited.But I believe if you really meditate on it and let God open up your heart and mind, you will understand, just like He made me understand.

This Part 2 is as important as Part 1,because no matter how much conviction you have after reading Part 1,if you do not read and understand Part 2 fully it's useless.That's why it took me quite some time, because God took me through a journey that really opened up my eyes to see and understand fully the message He wants me to bring across.

Please go read and meditate on Part 1 again!!!! Part 2 is ready to be post, but I'm going to keep it first, Part 2 will be out on the 28th of July.

I do pray that all who visit my blog, brothers and sisters in Christ, that it won't be just reading another blog or another entry.But to read it and have a life changing conviction and experience with God.

For those who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, to believe and have their eyes open to see the Messiah.That Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came down and died on the cross for the sins of mankind and resurrected 3 days later,conquering death so that we can be reconciled with the Father and have eternal life.

My prayer to all who reads:

My Father in heaven, praise and honor and glory belongs to you, open the eyes of those who reads the word you've spoken, for your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, remove the dirt that's on the eyes of this generation that they may see you, high and lifted up. Bring understanding, conviction and transformation to all who reads these entries, for it's You using me, your servant, to tell of the things You taught me.Glory and honor and praise be to You and You alone forever and ever, Amen.

God Bless,
Isaac

+ AMEN

Do You Have What It Takes??

Tuesday, June 20, 2006 [7:57 AM]

I just wanna side track a bit, coz this has been the topic God has been speaking to me about when I was spending the last few weeks with Him.
This is not going to be long, just something I want to speak out and also in accordance to my series.Just something for you guys to think about.There will be no bible scriptures or anything...simply for you guys to read and reflect.

Many times we say and pray and ask God for a revival, to bring in the harvest of souls.
But it's amazing what God's view about all these is, it's all nothing....
Do you hear that?? Nothing...
We pray and pray and proclaim that we want revival, but is there one, just one...who really believe it so much, until it becomes an action??
Apparently not...we're just praying for the sake of praying..
We just want revival but we are not willing to change our lifestyles and our priorities in order to see that happen.
Sad to say, we are nothing more than christians who attend services and after that go do our own things..we do not have eternity in our hearts and minds.
Often times we criticise people for being a "Sunday" christian..but what about us??
Aren't we same?? The only difference is we attend more services, got a little bt more involved in ministry that's all...
Even ministry, God have also showed me the wrong motives or attitude towards ministry that many have.
We forgot what we ought to do.
Have we forgotten about the great commission??
Jesus said "GO!!" not ask you to sit on ur comfortable chairs and pray and pray, thinking that the harvest will just miraculously come in...

In the book of James, James said faith witout works is DEAD !!
There's God's view of all our hypocritical prayers and request for harvest, for revival. DEAD !!!
Have you ever wondered why our prayers are not powerful??
Other than sins and inappropriate prayer request,
There's a lack of faith..
We say we believe...say is easy..if faith is just saying we believe, than all our prayers should have been answered.
There's something called the act of faith.
Only through our actions then can we show forth faith.

Do we love God??
Don't answer too fast...
Love is also requires action...
Jesus say in the book of John, "If you love me obey my commandments" or in another translation "If you love me, you will obey my commandments"
What are His commandments??
To love God and love people...
By obeying this commandment, we will definitely do the great commission.
Coz if we truely love the people, we will reach out to them.

So the question to us, or rather God is asking,
are you willing to forsake or sacrifice the things in your life that is hindering you from doing what God had commissioned us to do?

If it is studies, then give it up...
Coz seriously,it's not worth that much of your time...
If it's television, throw it away
same goes to computer and other stuff...

Get rid of it, coz it's better to go to heaven without it than to go into hell with it.

+ AMEN

Christians and Churches Of The Last Days(Part 1)

Wednesday, May 03, 2006 [2:44 PM]

I sincerely urge you, who reads this to open up your heart and let God speak to you.
And also that it is vital that you read this with a heart ready to receive.
It's a very long entry but please finish it...
God Bless You..

Let's pray before we start.

Heavenly Father, open the eyes of my heart LORD so that I may see and understand the things that You say. Speak to me as I read, thank you LORD for Your Grace and Your Mercy, I give You all the Honor and Praise, in the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

I believe before reading this you have read the background of the place called Laodicea.

Rev 3:14-22
[14] "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
[15] "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
[16] So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
[17] Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--
[18] I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, [that] the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
[21] To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
[22] "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "

This are the verses that we will be camping on, it's a warning to the Laodicea church, it's a wake up call for them.

Let's start from the very first verse of the letter to the seventh church.
Rev 3:14
[14] "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

Amen?? What is Amen??

This Hebrew word means firm, and hence also faithful (Rev. 3:14).
In Isa. 65:16,
the Authorized Version has "the God of truth," which in Hebrew is "the God of
Amen."
Isa 65:16
[16] "Because he who is blessed in the earth Will be blessed by the God of truth; And he who swears in the earth Will swear by the God of truth; Because the former troubles are forgotten, And because they are hidden from My sight!

It is used as an epithet of the Lord Jesus Christ
(Rev. 3:14).

to confirm the words and invoke the fulfilment of them.
It is used in token of being bound by an oath
(Num. 5:22; Deut. 27:15-26; Neh.5:13; 8:6; 1 Chr. 16:36).
Num 5:22
[22] and this water that brings a curse shall go into your stomach, and make your abdomen swell and your thigh waste away." And the woman shall say, "Amen. Amen."

The promises of God are Amen; i.e., they are all true and sure (2 Cor. 1:20).
2Cor 1:20
[20] For all the promises of God in Him [are] Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

The Beginning of the creation of God
John 1:1-3
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Why does Jesus make this introduction statement?
It is to say that He is the True and Living God, Faithful and always True, that all He says is true and if not obeyed or taken seriously, there will be a consequence to it.And he's the source of life and the beginning of all living in heaven and on earth.

Rev 3:15-16
[15] "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
[16] So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

What is this verse saying?
I know your works...What works?
We have been called to be witnesses. Through the prophet Isaiah, God says, "[Y]ou are My witnesses . . . that I am God"
Isa 43:13
[12] I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And [there was] no foreign [god] among you; Therefore you [are] My witnesses," Says the LORD, "that I [am] God.

As Jesus said in His introduction too, that He is the Faithful and True witness.

Paul says in 1Cor 11:1
1Cor 11:1
[1] Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Imitate what??
What are we suppose to do?
Matt 28:18-20
[18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
[20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, [even] to the end of the age." Amen.

James 1:21-27
[21] Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
[22] But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
[23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
[24] for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
[25] But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues [in it], and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
[26] If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion [is] useless.
[27] Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, [and] to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Rev 3:16
[16]So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

BACKGROUND
Hierapolis was famous for its hot water baths that provided healing to those who go to it. The mountain beside Colosse had streams of cold water running down the side that provided refreshing comfort to those who drink from it.

Laodicea’s water was channelled from hot springs some distance away. The water that reached Laodicea was lukewarm due to the distance it had to travel. As such, the minerals in the water coagulated and caused the water to be bad. It caused those who drink it to vomit.

Cold water refreshes, Hot water brings healing
They are both useful, but lukewarm water caused those who drinks it vomit.

It makes Christ vomit...disgusted.

In order to bring refreshing and healing to others we are to be close to Jesus cause He's the SOURCE!!!

Modern synonyms of the word "lukewarm" give illuminating insights into its use in this letter: lacking ardor, enthusiasm or conviction; moderate; mild; unemotional; halfhearted; hesitant; indecisive; irresolute; uncertain; uncommitted; unresponsive; indifferent; impassive; languid; phlegmatic; apathetic; nonchalant; lackadaisical.

Lukewarm water indicates those who are complacent and thinking that they are alright, but in actual fact they are not.
They are people who are not fervent in seeking God,reading His word and drawing from Him.
They are people who compromise and say "I'm too busy"
Who says "It's alright to lie, it's just a white lie." etc..
Every week comes to church, just to hear the word of God and is not applying it to their daily lives, not getting involve in ministry.
They are hearers and not doers of His word.
Compromising to the world's conduct and ways of doing things, instead of doing what's right.
They say they love God but their heart is far alway from him.

Matt 15:8-9
[8]'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with [their] lips, But their heart is far from Me. [9] And in vain they worship Me, Teaching [as] doctrines the commandments of men.' "

These are the christians that disgust God.
He will vomit them out of His mouth.
The greek word emeo, literally means "to vomit, throw up"

Just like the Laodiceans, they are rich, busy, self sufficent.
Giving countless excuses, and still thinking that they are alright with God.

The physical man looks at his material and social circumstances and evaluates himself as spiritually sound. On the other hand, the spiritual God looks at the same person and sees spiritual poverty.

Rev 3:17
[17]Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked

Jesus describes them as wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked...

Remember the Laodiceans have 3 particular claims to fame.

1. It was a financial and banking center.
2. It was the location of a famous medical school know for the
eye salve it produced.
3. It was a clothing manufacturing center.

POOR,BLIND and NAKED !!!
The three industries that they claim to be famous about...and Jesus is saying that they have nothing.
The lukewarm has made a false profession. This church
is rich and prosperous and have no lack. They
confuse wealth and prosperity with spirituality and spiritual
blessings. Worship, Bible study, prayer, missions, witnessing,
all were done as a matter of form. There was no hunger or
thirst after God. No desire for Gods Word, no burden for the
lost, no sense of needing to grow spiritually.

These are the kind of people described by Paul to Timothy and to the church in Rome as a warning.
Rom 1:18-32
[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
[19] because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown [it] to them.
[20] For since the creation of the world His invisible [attributes] are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
[21] because, although they knew God, they did not glorify [Him] as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
[22] Professing to be wise, they became fools,
[23] and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
[24] Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
[25] who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
[26] For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
[27] Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
[29] being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; [they are] whisperers,
[30] backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
[31] undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
[32] who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

2Tim 3:1-7
[1] But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
[2] For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
[4] traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
[5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! [6] For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
[7] always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Lukewarmness disgusts Jesus and truely it is disgusting.
To say you are a christian and not living according to what the word says.
2Tim 3:5,7 "having a form of godliness but denying it's power","always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth"

Rom 1:32"who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."

Do we compromise?
Are we complacent?
Are we conformed to the pattern of this world?
Are we like those who are not saved,indulging in sinful pleasures?
Does our speech and mannerism and what we do reflect Jesus?
Are we consecrated and set aside for God??
Are we fervent in seeking God and reading His word?
Do we have an intimate walk with Him??
Are we refreshing to others?
Are we a place of healing to others??
Or are we disgusting and causes people to stray away from the true and living God!!
If we are lukewarm, then are we going to stay there or are we going to move on??
Is there a remedy??

+ AMEN