Dearly beloved, Jesus came to stay with us, therefore, always feel the presence of God at all times. Whenever you talk to God your Father in prayer, don't talk to him as if you are talking to an unknown somebody at a very far, distant, unreachable Heaven. But talk to him as someone you know who is right there with you, remembering that He is Spirit, and you cannot see Him, but He can see you because He is there with you.
Matthew 1:23 says, "And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." And Acts 17:28 says, "For in him we live, and move, and have our being..." Praise the living Jesus.
Yes, God is right here with us. Therefore, have this great understanding that God is right there with you, and your relationship with Him will change for the better in Jesus precious name. If you know Jesus is with you, begin to rejoice as you stamp a big Amen here because you are blessed. Enjoy your Christmas.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Monday, August 26, 2013
GOD IS WATCHING, WHEN NO ONE IS.
I want to draw our attention to this very important fact that those who steal, first of all look around, and when they don't see anybody around them and feel nobody is seeing them, they quickly put what they are stealing in their pocket, and when people shows up, they then frown their face and pretend as if nothing has happened. But one thing they fail to realize is that, whereas they only feel that nobody sees them, God is watching.
Proverbs 15:3 says, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."
This is where the problem is. Most people are only conscious of those who are physically present whenever they want to do a thing, neglecting the fact that God who could not be seen is also present, and is watching. As a result, they end up doing what they wouldn't have done. Sure, you need to know this, because 2 Chronicles 16:9 also says, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
Know therefore that, it is this consciousness of the presence of God that makes somebody a child of God. All these evil thoughts that make unbelievers steal, commit fornication and adultery, premarital sex, and all other kinds of sin, also come to everybody including believers, but because believers are conscious of the presence of God, and understands that God is watching, they now refuse to commit the sin. That's why 1 John 3:9 says, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
May God help us to feel his presence at all times and understand that he is watching, so that we would continue to live a holy life that he demands from us in Jesus name.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
Proverbs 15:3 says, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."
This is where the problem is. Most people are only conscious of those who are physically present whenever they want to do a thing, neglecting the fact that God who could not be seen is also present, and is watching. As a result, they end up doing what they wouldn't have done. Sure, you need to know this, because 2 Chronicles 16:9 also says, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
Know therefore that, it is this consciousness of the presence of God that makes somebody a child of God. All these evil thoughts that make unbelievers steal, commit fornication and adultery, premarital sex, and all other kinds of sin, also come to everybody including believers, but because believers are conscious of the presence of God, and understands that God is watching, they now refuse to commit the sin. That's why 1 John 3:9 says, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
May God help us to feel his presence at all times and understand that he is watching, so that we would continue to live a holy life that he demands from us in Jesus name.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
BREAKING NEWS
Breaking News is not really the news at the breaking of the day, it is called breaking news because it is capable of breaking your heart. That's why you need the Gospel, because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News. And this is the best news that you need to start your day. Remain blessed.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
SATAN'S TARGET: YOUR MIND
Phillip Aiken Wrote:
SATAN'S TARGET: YOUR MIND
Read full article at: http://www.nuggetsoftruth.com/ spiritual_warfare_and_how_to_wi n.htm
A. When Satan wanted to lead the first man and woman into sin, he started by attacking the woman's mind (See 2 Cor. 11:3 and 1 Tim. 2:13-14).
B. Why would Satan want to attack your mind?
-Because your mind is the part of the image of God where He communicates with you and reveals His will to you.
-Because your thought life according to Proverbs 4:23 controls the rest of your life. "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." "Heart" in the Old Testament deals with your thought life in over 200 of the 800 times "heart" is used. Verse 23 could read, "guard your thought life with all diligence because it will determine how you live."
-Because your thought life dominates and shapes your attitude.
-----Your thought life leads to an attitude.
-----Your attitude leads to an action.
-----Your action leads to an achievement.
C. It's important that we protect our thought life because we can become no bigger, no better, no finer, no more successful than our dominant thoughts. "As a man thinketh in his heart (deeply) believes) so is he" (Prov. 23:7).
-What the mind attends to it considers.
-What the mind does not attend to it dismisses.
-What the mind attends to continually it believes.
-What the mind believes it eventually does.
II. SATAN'S WEAPON: LIES
A. The mind is the battleground where spiritual warfare is won or lost.
-Satan realizes that if he can change or influence what you think then he can change or influence how you behave.
-Satan tries to influence what you think by the strategy of enticement and deception.
This is what he did to Eve in the garden.
B. Satan came to Eve as the serpent, the subtle deceiver of the mind.
-He cannot touch our wills so he comes against that which influences the will ---our thought life.
-A person's thought life so affects the will that they are said to be a product of their thinking. (See Prov. 23:7 again).
-Your body may be built by food, but your personality and character are built by thought.
-God's nature is to influence our life with truth. Satan's nature is to influence our life with lies.
C. Notice the steps Satan took in getting Eve to believe his lie.
-He questioned God's Word, "indeed has God said...."
-He denied God's Word, "you shall not surely die..."
-He substituted his own word, "you will be like god...."
D. How did Eve respond to Satan's approach? She responded by making three mistakes that led her into sin.
-She took away from God's Word. (In verse 2 she omitted the word "freely").
-She added to God's Word. (We do not find the words "or touch it" in God's original command).
-She changed God's Word. (God did not say "lest you die". He had said you shall "surely die").
III. SATAN'S PURPOSE: TO MAKE YOU IGNORANT OF GOD'S WILL.
A. Why did Satan attack the Word God had spoken to Adam and Eve and try to change it?
-Because God wanted Adam and Eve to know His will and God's Word reveals God's will.
-Apart from the Word of God we have no understanding of the will of God.
-If Satan can get the mind to question the Word of God then that person will never discover God's will.
IV. YOUR DEFENSE: THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD
A. John 8:32, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
-Only the inspired Word of God can reveal and defeat the devil's lies.
-Jesus used the Word of God to defeat Satan's attack on the Mount of Temptation (Matt. 4:1-11).
B. If we are to win the battle of the mind we must
1. Love God's Word
2. Know God's Word
3. Memorize God's Word
4. Meditate on God's Word
5. Believe God's Word
6. Use God's Word
7. Do God's Word
C. If we follow these 7 steps, we will be able to "Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every though to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5).
What are the different types of sins and their definitions?
The most commonly mentioned sins are the Ten Commandments.
1) You shall have no other Gods before me.
This is the most commonly committed sin. you wouldn't think so, but not all things you put before God are called "gods". For example: Instead of going to church, you go spend the day with your girlfriend/boyfriend. Another example is being so involved with sports to the point where you arent devoting any time to God. Keep in mind, sports are not sins, but when you put them before God they can become one.
2) You shall not make for yourself any idol.
Idolatry is when you worship something tangible.
3)You shall not misuse the name of the Lord.
There are many ways people sin in this manner. When you curse others, or in general, you bring curses on yourself, which is not a good thing.
4) Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.
Years ago you couldn't go to the store on Sundays because everything in town was shut down. Sundays are a time to spend with your families and give God glory.
5)Honor your father and mother.
This one is self explanatory. Do what your parents say. Try and help your parents with one of the many burdens they carry. It will improve their stress and make them lighten up a bit on you. also, the bible does not give an age limit to obeying your parents. 18 is a legal number, but the bible just says to obey them.
6) You shall not murder.
Dont kill people. And not hate people. Jesus said that when you hold hatred against someone, you have already committed murder in your heart.
7)You shall not commit adultery.
Dont have sex before your married. Dont mess around before your married. your body is Gods and your future spouses, when you defile it by committing sexual sins, you disrespect God and your future spouse. Also, every other sin you commit is outside your body, but sexual sin is inside the body, and has lasting and worse draw backs. Also, don't have sex with other people or fool around when you are married. And don't have sex or fool around with someone who is married. Also, when you look at a woman lustfully, whether it be porn or that girl at the beach, you have committed adultery in your heart.
8) You shall not steal.
Whether it be that 25 cent pack of gum at school or robbing 60 million from a bank, its wrong and a sin.
9) You shall not lie.
White lies count. Gods people are called to be honest, even if the truth hurts.
10) You shall not covet.
Jealousy. Wanting that classmates car or that coworkers job or that friends girl, its jealousy. its a sin, and its wrong.
Other sins.
Drunkenness or Highness.
God calls us to be sober and alert (1 Thessalonians 5:6, Ephesians 5:18)
Fear.
The word says to have faith in God (Mark 11:22) fear and worry don't help.
Laziness.
(Ecclesiastes 9:10) Dont sit around and hope it will go away if you procrastinate long enough.
Abortion
(exodus 21:22-25, Jeremiah 1:5)
Accusing.
(2 Peter 2:11) "She started it!" is an example
Anger.
(2 Corinthians 12:20)
Arguing.
(2 Timothy 2:23)
Pride.
We are called to be humble.
Assault.
Those bar fights and fights at school wont do. (Exodus 21:28-19)
Astrology.
Ouch. But the stars don't hold the answers, God holds the answers. (Deuteronomy 4:19; 17:3-7; Isaiah 47:13,14; Acts 7:42; Ezekiel 8:16)
Bitterness/Unforgiveness.
(Acts 8:23; Romans 3:14; Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15) Forgive.
Blasphemy.
(Jude 1:10) Blasphemy against the Holy spirit is the only unforgivable sin. Usually people that commit this sin are so far gone they don't care. If your worried you've committed this sin, chances are you havent.
Eating Blood.
Sorry vampire lovers. (1 Samuel 14:33)
Boasting
a form of pride
Being against God children.
There is so much to this. Gods children are not just the children, they are Gods servants. christians. Jews, anyone that takes on the name of God and lives it. Basically, you are to treat Gods people with love and respect, taking them in if they are in need. Not hating them, judging them, speaking out against them, etc. (Acts 22:3,22, Acts 5:18,35,39, Acts 9:1,4,5; Jn 9:22,28,34, Mt 9:4, Pv 6:16,19, Mt 24:49, Acts 21:28; Num 14:2,3,11; 16:3, 1 Jn 4:6, Acts 15:1,2; Ro 14:13, etc)
Breaking up homes.
(Mt 19:6; 5:31,32)
Bribing or accepting a bribe.
Ex 23:8; Ps 26:10
Not spanking a disobedient child.
Pv 13:24
Dressing indecently.
Ladies, i know you want to be in with the style. But when your boobs and butt hang out, your causing those boys to stumble, which is also a sin. If you are trying to attract boys and you want to attract the right one. Chances are, the right guy wont respect you for what your wearing, you will just attract the creeps. 1 Tim 2:9; Pv 7:10
Taking communion if you are sinning.
Before you sin, come before God at the alter and ask for forgiveness. When you take communion you need to be right with God. 1 Cor 11:29,30
Complaining.
Jude 1:16
Not being content with what you have.
Heb 13:5
.
This is the most commonly committed sin. you wouldn't think so, but not all things you put before God are called "gods". For example: Instead of going to church, you go spend the day with your girlfriend/boyfriend. Another example is being so involved with sports to the point where you arent devoting any time to God. Keep in mind, sports are not sins, but when you put them before God they can become one.
2) You shall not make for yourself any idol.
Idolatry is when you worship something tangible.
3)You shall not misuse the name of the Lord.
There are many ways people sin in this manner. When you curse others, or in general, you bring curses on yourself, which is not a good thing.
4) Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.
Years ago you couldn't go to the store on Sundays because everything in town was shut down. Sundays are a time to spend with your families and give God glory.
5)Honor your father and mother.
This one is self explanatory. Do what your parents say. Try and help your parents with one of the many burdens they carry. It will improve their stress and make them lighten up a bit on you. also, the bible does not give an age limit to obeying your parents. 18 is a legal number, but the bible just says to obey them.
6) You shall not murder.
Dont kill people. And not hate people. Jesus said that when you hold hatred against someone, you have already committed murder in your heart.
7)You shall not commit adultery.
Dont have sex before your married. Dont mess around before your married. your body is Gods and your future spouses, when you defile it by committing sexual sins, you disrespect God and your future spouse. Also, every other sin you commit is outside your body, but sexual sin is inside the body, and has lasting and worse draw backs. Also, don't have sex with other people or fool around when you are married. And don't have sex or fool around with someone who is married. Also, when you look at a woman lustfully, whether it be porn or that girl at the beach, you have committed adultery in your heart.
8) You shall not steal.
Whether it be that 25 cent pack of gum at school or robbing 60 million from a bank, its wrong and a sin.
9) You shall not lie.
White lies count. Gods people are called to be honest, even if the truth hurts.
10) You shall not covet.
Jealousy. Wanting that classmates car or that coworkers job or that friends girl, its jealousy. its a sin, and its wrong.
Other sins.
Drunkenness or Highness.
God calls us to be sober and alert (1 Thessalonians 5:6, Ephesians 5:18)
Fear.
The word says to have faith in God (Mark 11:22) fear and worry don't help.
Laziness.
(Ecclesiastes 9:10) Dont sit around and hope it will go away if you procrastinate long enough.
Abortion
(exodus 21:22-25, Jeremiah 1:5)
Accusing.
(2 Peter 2:11) "She started it!" is an example
Anger.
(2 Corinthians 12:20)
Arguing.
(2 Timothy 2:23)
Pride.
We are called to be humble.
Assault.
Those bar fights and fights at school wont do. (Exodus 21:28-19)
Astrology.
Ouch. But the stars don't hold the answers, God holds the answers. (Deuteronomy 4:19; 17:3-7; Isaiah 47:13,14; Acts 7:42; Ezekiel 8:16)
Bitterness/Unforgiveness.
(Acts 8:23; Romans 3:14; Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15) Forgive.
Blasphemy.
(Jude 1:10) Blasphemy against the Holy spirit is the only unforgivable sin. Usually people that commit this sin are so far gone they don't care. If your worried you've committed this sin, chances are you havent.
Eating Blood.
Sorry vampire lovers. (1 Samuel 14:33)
Boasting
a form of pride
Being against God children.
There is so much to this. Gods children are not just the children, they are Gods servants. christians. Jews, anyone that takes on the name of God and lives it. Basically, you are to treat Gods people with love and respect, taking them in if they are in need. Not hating them, judging them, speaking out against them, etc. (Acts 22:3,22, Acts 5:18,35,39, Acts 9:1,4,5; Jn 9:22,28,34, Mt 9:4, Pv 6:16,19, Mt 24:49, Acts 21:28; Num 14:2,3,11; 16:3, 1 Jn 4:6, Acts 15:1,2; Ro 14:13, etc)
Breaking up homes.
(Mt 19:6; 5:31,32)
Bribing or accepting a bribe.
Ex 23:8; Ps 26:10
Not spanking a disobedient child.
Pv 13:24
Dressing indecently.
Ladies, i know you want to be in with the style. But when your boobs and butt hang out, your causing those boys to stumble, which is also a sin. If you are trying to attract boys and you want to attract the right one. Chances are, the right guy wont respect you for what your wearing, you will just attract the creeps. 1 Tim 2:9; Pv 7:10
Taking communion if you are sinning.
Before you sin, come before God at the alter and ask for forgiveness. When you take communion you need to be right with God. 1 Cor 11:29,30
Complaining.
Jude 1:16
Not being content with what you have.
Heb 13:5
.
GROWING IN FAITH
Beloved, I want you to understand that when a person is born again, just as a new born baby grows from breastfeeding to a mature adult, so also a born again believer need to grow from a baby christian into a mature woman or man of God.
Most people always make the mistake, and feels that once you accept Jesus and become born again, you will just know everything about God, but that is not the case. Please, understand that as a new born baby cannot just get up and walk, but has to learn how to crawl, sit, stand, walk, talk and even do things, so also every born again believer will have to go through the process of learning about God which is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ until they grow to become mature Christians. 1 Peter 2:2 says, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."
Because of this, at PASSION FOR GOD'S WILL, we bring you messages that will help you understand the things of God so that you may grow stronger and stronger by them.
Therefore, those of you who have known God, don't hesitate to share the goodness of God here, and you who have not really understood the things of God, don't hesitate to ask questions, because most of the disciples asked Jesus a lot of questions, that's why they were able to understand him and grow to the extent that they got the Gospel message to us.
May God richly bless you as we join hands to make all young Believers grow in faith in the wonderful name of Jesus. Remain blessed.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
Most people always make the mistake, and feels that once you accept Jesus and become born again, you will just know everything about God, but that is not the case. Please, understand that as a new born baby cannot just get up and walk, but has to learn how to crawl, sit, stand, walk, talk and even do things, so also every born again believer will have to go through the process of learning about God which is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ until they grow to become mature Christians. 1 Peter 2:2 says, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."
Because of this, at PASSION FOR GOD'S WILL, we bring you messages that will help you understand the things of God so that you may grow stronger and stronger by them.
Therefore, those of you who have known God, don't hesitate to share the goodness of God here, and you who have not really understood the things of God, don't hesitate to ask questions, because most of the disciples asked Jesus a lot of questions, that's why they were able to understand him and grow to the extent that they got the Gospel message to us.
May God richly bless you as we join hands to make all young Believers grow in faith in the wonderful name of Jesus. Remain blessed.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
WE NEED EACH OTHER
Can only one hand wash itself and be clean? Not at all. In order for your hands to be very clean, the left hand must need the right hand, and the right hand must need the left hand to rub against each other, and that's exactly how God created us. We all need each other in other to succeed in life. The Church is called the body of Christ, and as a body, no part of the body can do without the other.
Hebrews 12:14 says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
And Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24, "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
Thus, as you worship God today, be sure to fix broken relationships, so that you may be the children of God's kingdom in Jesus name. Remain blessed.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
Hebrews 12:14 says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
And Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24, "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
Thus, as you worship God today, be sure to fix broken relationships, so that you may be the children of God's kingdom in Jesus name. Remain blessed.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
Friday, May 24, 2013
NAILS IN THE WALL
Moses Abang Wrote:
NAILS IN THE WALL
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper.
His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he drive a nail into the concrete wall. The first day the boy put 37 nails into the wall.
Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails driven in daily reduced. He found out it was easier to control his temper than to drive those nails into the concrete wall.
Finally the day came when he didn't lose his temper. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy begin to pull out a nail for each day that he was able to control his temper. The days passed and the boy was finally able to tell his father that he had taken all the nails out.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the wall. He said, 'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the wall. The wall will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like these holes in the wall. Once you hurt your loved ones, it won't matter how many times you say "I'm sorry." Though they forgive you, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Time might heal it, but the scar remains.
Your friends are jewels. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed; They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to you.
YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I'M HONORED!
Hope I never left a hole in your heart!
NAILS IN THE WALL
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper.
His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he drive a nail into the concrete wall. The first day the boy put 37 nails into the wall.
Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails driven in daily reduced. He found out it was easier to control his temper than to drive those nails into the concrete wall.
Finally the day came when he didn't lose his temper. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy begin to pull out a nail for each day that he was able to control his temper. The days passed and the boy was finally able to tell his father that he had taken all the nails out.
The father took his son by the hand and led him to the wall. He said, 'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the wall. The wall will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like these holes in the wall. Once you hurt your loved ones, it won't matter how many times you say "I'm sorry." Though they forgive you, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Time might heal it, but the scar remains.
Your friends are jewels. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed; They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to you.
YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I'M HONORED!
Hope I never left a hole in your heart!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Corinthian Man-Creed
The Corinthian Man-Creed
Shawn McEvoy
Shawn McEvoy
The scripture board on the wall of my two-and-a-half-year-old son reads:
"Be on your guard, stand firm in faith, be a man of courage, be strong; do everything in love." -- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Years ago, long before my son was even an inkling, I came across that verse as I was sending my own father one of many letters I composed over the years to share with him the message and importance of salvation, and the value of life in Christ. My sister, mother, and I came to know the Lord in 1980, but it took another 17 years, seven months, and 26 days worth of praying, heart softening, and brokenness for Dan McEvoy to surrender.
And it wasn't this letter or the above verse that pushed him into it. No, this letter I was writing simply to tell him how blessed I was to have begun dating a woman (who eventually became my wife) for whom faith came first, and I was giving God all the glory and credit and all that good stuff, and probably telling him how God delights in blessing those who trust in Him.
With the letter I enclosed a quick-and-dirty page of graphic art involving the aforementioned verse from Corinthians in some fancy font, with a clip-art picture of a sailboat, kind of as a visual aid to my letter, indicating, I suppose, what it was like for the man of God to live in this world under the Captaincy of Christ.
With the letter I enclosed a quick-and-dirty page of graphic art involving the aforementioned verse from Corinthians in some fancy font, with a clip-art picture of a sailboat, kind of as a visual aid to my letter, indicating, I suppose, what it was like for the man of God to live in this world under the Captaincy of Christ.
Well, so. After he died in 2001, I found that letter and piece of "art" in my father's desk, looking as if it had been read and glanced at often. Something in me knew then that if I were ever to have a son, I'd commit to raising him to manhood under these same five principles:
Be on your guard. Be ready, be alert. Expect God to be involved, expect Satan to attack. Let the wonder of creation still catch your eye.
Stand firm in faith. Be unmoved because you know intimately that of which you believe in. Become biblically literate.
Be a man of courage. Fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7), so go your way boldly. The worst that can happen -- even death -- still ends in victory and glory for the Christian.
Be strong. Physically, yes, let's take care of ourselves, and present our bodies as holy. But remember that the Lord is the strength of the strong (Ephesians 6:10), and that "when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Do everything in love. Here's your motivation, because he that doesn't love doesn't know God (1 John 4:8), and the world shall know you by your love (John 13:35).
So when Jordan was born, and we had the dedication service at our church, that's the verse we selected to have read. My sister-in-law's sister-in-law (confusing enough?) had previously painted a scripture board for our niece's nursery, and graciously consented to create one for us as well. And there it has hung in Jordan's room for 31 months now. From time to time, I'd mention it to him, and read it aloud.
Two weeks ago, he started reciting it by memory. Well, the first two phrases, anyway. He asks me to read it all the time, and do the arm/hand motions he made up (an arm curl for "strong," arms crossing heart for "love," etc.). He has me calling it our "Man-Creed," which I think is completely awesome. When I get home today, he's going to smile at me and ask if we can say our Man-Creed, and my heart will swell with fatherly pride.
But here's the secret, which Jordan doesn't know...
These couple verses from the closing of Paul's first letter to Corinth aren't for him... they're for me.
Have you ever had the experience where, for example, you're hearing a great sermon in church, and all you can think about are the people you know who reallyneed to hear this? You start coming up with ways to tell them so as eloquently as the pastor is now? You consider reserving a copy of the sermon tape to send to them? You take the tape home, listen to make sure it's as good as you remember, get out your Bible to follow along, and without even knowing what happens, you suddenly come to the red-faced realization that, oops, this message is for you. Not Mom, not husband, not good friend going through a rough patch, you.
Heh heh. Yeah. And in this case, being caught "off my guard" in that respect gains a tinge of irony since here the very verse is preaching about being on my guard. I was more than happy to tell my own father how to "be a man," and perfectly willing to raise my son to be one according to the Word.
But how, I wonder, did I intend to do so without living out the credo, making it my own? The Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible comments upon the 1 Corinthians passage thusly: "[Paul] shows that they ought to make their hopes of salvation to depend not on Apollos or any other teacher; that it rests with themselves." Yes, and on how I am willing to live, or better, whether I am willing to let my life be of greater worth than my words.
But how, I wonder, did I intend to do so without living out the credo, making it my own? The Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible comments upon the 1 Corinthians passage thusly: "[Paul] shows that they ought to make their hopes of salvation to depend not on Apollos or any other teacher; that it rests with themselves." Yes, and on how I am willing to live, or better, whether I am willing to let my life be of greater worth than my words.
The Commentary Critical adds: "'Be on your guard:' for you are slumbering; 'Stand': for you are like men tottering; 'In the faith,' which was assailed by some; 'Be men...be strong': for you are effeminate; 'Do everything in love,' not with strifes as at present" (Language updated).
That's a great reminder of all the ways the Church is starting to come back into understanding what it means to be a man of God. John Eldredge's Wild at Heart, and Paul Coughlin's Epic have awoken within me the very elements of "the Creed." Books like David Murrow's Why Men Hate Going to Church and Paul Coughlin's Why Men Hate Going to Church and Paul Coughlin's No More Christian Nice Guy, among others, have educated and inspired many regarding the forgotten masculine side of Christianity. There are whispers everywhere that men's ministries are on the upswing.
I don't know about the other guys out there, but it definitely helps me to have something to live by, something to recite, something to write on my heart, ponder the meaning of, and connect to other scriptures as I strive to be a man after God's own heart. And it doesn't hurt that this creed I now follow is affecting its third generation in my family.
So please allow me to recommend teaching your child -- no matter how young -- to recite a Bible verse that reflects who they can and should be in Christ, and make it real in their lives. But while you're doing it, "be on your guard." It may just become your own credo.
So please allow me to recommend teaching your child -- no matter how young -- to recite a Bible verse that reflects who they can and should be in Christ, and make it real in their lives. But while you're doing it, "be on your guard." It may just become your own credo.
LOVE IS ABOUT GIVING
John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he GAVE his only begotten son..."
Do you see how pure love is about giving? So, Instead of going around looking for love from someone and complaining that people don't love you, why not turn around and look for someone you can give your love?
if you feel people do not love you, then you start to love people and see if you'll not get the same in return.
Are you a child of God and you don't have love in you? 1 John 4:8 says, " Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." Show the love of Christ today, and you'll see God manifesting in you and through you in Jesus name. Stay blessed.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
Do you see how pure love is about giving? So, Instead of going around looking for love from someone and complaining that people don't love you, why not turn around and look for someone you can give your love?
if you feel people do not love you, then you start to love people and see if you'll not get the same in return.
Are you a child of God and you don't have love in you? 1 John 4:8 says, " Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." Show the love of Christ today, and you'll see God manifesting in you and through you in Jesus name. Stay blessed.
Jesus loves you and I do too.
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