John 8:36 says: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Are you finding victory in Christ as you follow Him? I came across the video clip from a series I started watching titled "Wrestling with God for your family". I thought it was a great way to see how easy the devil can have a foothold in our lives.
May today be the day you find victory in Christ! Keep pressing!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Violent Pastor
We really have pastors that preach this way? I can only pray that God would allow this congregation to see the lies and false teaching that flow from his mouth. The sad thing is as he talks about how the Holy Spirit leads him to kick, choke or beat, the people under his teachings seems to find humor in it. Beware of Todd Bentley..
Disasters: A Megaphone of God?
With one disaster after another going on in the world, I found this article to be interesting. Are you prepared to meet the judgment seat of Christ? Everyone will one day face it, NO ONE is exempt! Don't waste your life away! God gave us life to bring Him glory, lets start using life for that one main purpose! All things on this earth will one day perish, are you storing treasures up in heaven or here on earth? What are you living for?
If you have not repented of your sins and named Jesus Lord of your life, I encourage you to do so today. Who knows what tragedy could befall you today or tomorrow? As a matter of fact, tomorrow may be too late. Do it now. If you do, you have an eternity waiting for you with no tears, no sorrow, and no sighing. I recommend Randy Alcorn's book simply titled Heaven for the full picture of what is ahead for believers. Get it in any Christian bookstore.
Eternity is a long time. Spend it in the right place.
Keep pressing, keep praying, keep preparing for the coming King!!
If you have not repented of your sins and named Jesus Lord of your life, I encourage you to do so today. Who knows what tragedy could befall you today or tomorrow? As a matter of fact, tomorrow may be too late. Do it now. If you do, you have an eternity waiting for you with no tears, no sorrow, and no sighing. I recommend Randy Alcorn's book simply titled Heaven for the full picture of what is ahead for believers. Get it in any Christian bookstore.
Eternity is a long time. Spend it in the right place.
Keep pressing, keep praying, keep preparing for the coming King!!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Lord, it belongs not to my care...
Lord, it belongs not to my care
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve Thee is my share,
And this Thy grace must give.
If life be long, I will be glad,
That I may long obey;
If short, yet why should I be sad
To welcome endless day?
Christ leads me through no darker rooms
Than He went through before;
He that unto God’s kingdom comes
Must enter by this door.
Come, Lord, when grace hath made me meet
Thy blessèd face to see;
For if Thy work on earth be sweet
What will Thy glory be!
Then I shall end my sad complaints
And weary sinful days,
And join with the triumphant saints
That sing my Savior’s praise.
My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim;
But ’tis enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with Him.
Isaiah 26:4
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Whether I die or live;
To love and serve Thee is my share,
And this Thy grace must give.
If life be long, I will be glad,
That I may long obey;
If short, yet why should I be sad
To welcome endless day?
Christ leads me through no darker rooms
Than He went through before;
He that unto God’s kingdom comes
Must enter by this door.
Come, Lord, when grace hath made me meet
Thy blessèd face to see;
For if Thy work on earth be sweet
What will Thy glory be!
Then I shall end my sad complaints
And weary sinful days,
And join with the triumphant saints
That sing my Savior’s praise.
My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of faith is dim;
But ’tis enough that Christ knows all,
And I shall be with Him.
Isaiah 26:4
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Happy Father's Day
As Father's Day draws near my heart finds a way to reflect on how I'm being a dad to my child. Being a dad is a true blessing from God, but it also comes with a huge responsibility. I guess I never understood the roll of a parent, that is until I had a child myself to raise up. I want to be all that I can to my children. A parents love is modeled through being a provider, comforter, encourager, protector. More important I want to raise my children up in the ways of the Lord, and that starts by being an example of what that looks like in my life.
This is the same type of love that God showers His children with! Our heavenly Father is the true model of how to love, to provide, to comfort, to encourage, to protect, even REDEEMED us! God made a way for us to be right with Him, the heavens declare His power & glory!
Here is a clip titled "A Father's Love Letter"
Enjoy it as you reflect this Father's Day! Remember you are Loved!
This is the same type of love that God showers His children with! Our heavenly Father is the true model of how to love, to provide, to comfort, to encourage, to protect, even REDEEMED us! God made a way for us to be right with Him, the heavens declare His power & glory!
Here is a clip titled "A Father's Love Letter"
Enjoy it as you reflect this Father's Day! Remember you are Loved!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Preparing for the missions trip
In about 3 weeks from Monday a team of about 35 Christians will be heading down to Rancho de sus Ninos in Mexico. I'm thankful that God has called me to take part in this opportunity and take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nation of Mexico.
Here is a video about RDSN
We fly out on July 7th. I'm also excited that my wife and sis-in-law are joining in the missions trip as well. I look forward to see how God is not only going to change and move us as a team, but also how God will move Mexico as a nation. My prayer is that God will open there hearts to the Gospel, and that they find the way to salvation that is in Christ Jesus!
During the trip we plan to serve the kids in the orphanage and well as doing outreaches in the surrounding colonia. We will be doing about 4 hours a day of hard labor, helping pour concrete where it is needed. Through out the trip we as a team will have opportunities to share our testimonies and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will update as things come along.
I'm planning to spend a good amount of time over the next 2 weeks to finalize my testimony as well as a word that God has placed on my heart to share with the nation of Mexico. In the end, may all the good we do point to our heavenly Father which has been so gracious to us.
Please pray for us. Pray for safety over us as well travel down to Mexico and back. Pray also for the ones that are leaving family back home, to have God's comfort and peace as we do the work that the Lord has started in our hearts with minimal distractions.
Here is a video about RDSN
We fly out on July 7th. I'm also excited that my wife and sis-in-law are joining in the missions trip as well. I look forward to see how God is not only going to change and move us as a team, but also how God will move Mexico as a nation. My prayer is that God will open there hearts to the Gospel, and that they find the way to salvation that is in Christ Jesus!
During the trip we plan to serve the kids in the orphanage and well as doing outreaches in the surrounding colonia. We will be doing about 4 hours a day of hard labor, helping pour concrete where it is needed. Through out the trip we as a team will have opportunities to share our testimonies and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I will update as things come along.
I'm planning to spend a good amount of time over the next 2 weeks to finalize my testimony as well as a word that God has placed on my heart to share with the nation of Mexico. In the end, may all the good we do point to our heavenly Father which has been so gracious to us.
Please pray for us. Pray for safety over us as well travel down to Mexico and back. Pray also for the ones that are leaving family back home, to have God's comfort and peace as we do the work that the Lord has started in our hearts with minimal distractions.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Church of England: Government Favors Islam
Thought I would post this article that I came across. Keep praying for the Church! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is an unstoppable force, even when at times it seems different. God's will is what will prevail in the end! Today is the day of salvation!
The British government's "deep religious illiteracy" is failing society as it discriminates against Christian churches and favors other faiths, including Islam, the Church of England fires off in its strongest attack on the government in decades.
The policies of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have helped to generate a spiritual, civic and economic crisis, according to a report commissioned for the Church of England and to be published on Monday. It calls for the appointment of a "minister for religion" to be the prime minister’s personal "faith envoy" and who would recognize the contribution of faith communities to Britain across every government department.
The 180-page report describes the government as moral but lacking a "compass" and reflects an attempt by the church to carve out an effective role for itself in the 21st century as a provider of welfare for young and old.
The report was commissioned by the bishop of Hulme, the Rev. Stephen Lowe, Bishop for Urban Life and Health, with the support of the archbishops of Canterbury and York, Rowan Williams and John Sentamu.
Click here to read more on this story from the Times of London.
The British government's "deep religious illiteracy" is failing society as it discriminates against Christian churches and favors other faiths, including Islam, the Church of England fires off in its strongest attack on the government in decades.
The policies of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have helped to generate a spiritual, civic and economic crisis, according to a report commissioned for the Church of England and to be published on Monday. It calls for the appointment of a "minister for religion" to be the prime minister’s personal "faith envoy" and who would recognize the contribution of faith communities to Britain across every government department.
The 180-page report describes the government as moral but lacking a "compass" and reflects an attempt by the church to carve out an effective role for itself in the 21st century as a provider of welfare for young and old.
The report was commissioned by the bishop of Hulme, the Rev. Stephen Lowe, Bishop for Urban Life and Health, with the support of the archbishops of Canterbury and York, Rowan Williams and John Sentamu.
Click here to read more on this story from the Times of London.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Never the same again....
God is truly working around the world. Here is a story from Gospel for Asia.
Never the Same Again
Many in Asia are experiencing deliverance in their lives as the Lord works through the prayers of GFA missionaries like the one pictured here.
It would have been hard to miss Vasava's presence at the prayer meeting. In fact, the opportunity to receive the prayer she was seeking came sooner than she probably had hoped.
As the service began, Vasava launched into violent convulsions, brought on by the evil spirit that had tormented her for the past year. Immediately, Gospel for Asia missionary Parkash Malik, who was leading the service, came and prayed for Vasava. The evil spirit left her, and she was free!
This meeting was just one of many held during this congregation's 40 days of prayer. Parkash saw it as an opportunity for these believers to grow stronger in their faith as they saw God intervene and answer prayer in amazing ways in their community.
Sukesini came to the church for prayer during one of these meetings, too. Her story was similar, but had been going on much longer. She had been possessed by demonic spirits for nine years. When Parkash prayed for Sukesini, she experienced total deliverance.
Manoroma also came seeking relief from a long-term health problem. She had suffered from chest pain for well over 15 years. Parkash prayed for Manoroma, and the Lord healed her completely.
Through this display of God's power in their lives, these three women and their families came to know the Savior—and their lives will never be the same. Today, they regularly attend Parkash's church, gladly joining their voices in worship with more than 100 others.
Learn more about the beautiful scenic state of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Read another encouraging story that shows how God is at work in Himachal Pradesh.
Never the Same Again
Many in Asia are experiencing deliverance in their lives as the Lord works through the prayers of GFA missionaries like the one pictured here.
It would have been hard to miss Vasava's presence at the prayer meeting. In fact, the opportunity to receive the prayer she was seeking came sooner than she probably had hoped.
As the service began, Vasava launched into violent convulsions, brought on by the evil spirit that had tormented her for the past year. Immediately, Gospel for Asia missionary Parkash Malik, who was leading the service, came and prayed for Vasava. The evil spirit left her, and she was free!
This meeting was just one of many held during this congregation's 40 days of prayer. Parkash saw it as an opportunity for these believers to grow stronger in their faith as they saw God intervene and answer prayer in amazing ways in their community.
Sukesini came to the church for prayer during one of these meetings, too. Her story was similar, but had been going on much longer. She had been possessed by demonic spirits for nine years. When Parkash prayed for Sukesini, she experienced total deliverance.
Manoroma also came seeking relief from a long-term health problem. She had suffered from chest pain for well over 15 years. Parkash prayed for Manoroma, and the Lord healed her completely.
Through this display of God's power in their lives, these three women and their families came to know the Savior—and their lives will never be the same. Today, they regularly attend Parkash's church, gladly joining their voices in worship with more than 100 others.
Learn more about the beautiful scenic state of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Read another encouraging story that shows how God is at work in Himachal Pradesh.
A glimpse of the narrow road....
The narrow road is going to cost you everything....including your life.
Are you ready to walk it?
Following Jesus is not easy, but a true privilege. May we as the Church follow the example of Jesus as we pursue holiness! I find joy in it, do you?
I'm becoming a huge fan of Paul Washer. This is truly a man that fears God and not man. Take the time to watch this clip. My brother posted this on his blog and I thought it was so true I thought I'd share as well!
Keep pressing Church!
Are you ready to walk it?
Following Jesus is not easy, but a true privilege. May we as the Church follow the example of Jesus as we pursue holiness! I find joy in it, do you?
I'm becoming a huge fan of Paul Washer. This is truly a man that fears God and not man. Take the time to watch this clip. My brother posted this on his blog and I thought it was so true I thought I'd share as well!
Keep pressing Church!
Are you going to heaven???
Do you think your going to heaven? To spend eternity with God? Will just believing in God get you there?
If you where to die today and go stand before the judgment seat of Christ and you where asked, why should I allow you into my kingdom? What would you answer?
Are you one the feels your works will grant you entrance? What about your parents, will they get you into heaven because they are great Christians? What about your pastor, maybe a good word on how you lived as best you could, would that get you into heaven? What about asking Jesus into your heart, does the Bible even talk about obtaining salvation that way? What does God's Word say about this?
1 John 5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
John 3:14-18
14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.[a]16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[b] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
John 12:25
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Does your life reflect the change that is talked about in 2 Corinthians 5:17??
What if you don't live as Jesus did? Since you became a Christian do you see good fruit? Do you love your family? Do you honor your dad & mom?
1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1 John 3:15
Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Can a Christian live in sin and still be saved? Will God give us a way out before we sin? Do we really have a choice in the matter?
Galatians 6:8
The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Romans 6:16
Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
I'm not talking about falling into sin for we are all sinners.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
So I think you will see that just believing in God will not get-r-done! Even the devil himself believes in one true God (James 2:19).
True saving faith will follow with repentance and also obedience
If you do question if your saved I would recommend a book titled "Saved without a doubt" by John MacArthur. It cost $10.50 and I think that includes shipping.
Church, keep pressing, keep praying, keep your eyes on Jesus!
If you where to die today and go stand before the judgment seat of Christ and you where asked, why should I allow you into my kingdom? What would you answer?
Are you one the feels your works will grant you entrance? What about your parents, will they get you into heaven because they are great Christians? What about your pastor, maybe a good word on how you lived as best you could, would that get you into heaven? What about asking Jesus into your heart, does the Bible even talk about obtaining salvation that way? What does God's Word say about this?
1 John 5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
John 3:14-18
14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.[a]16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[b] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
John 12:25
The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
Does your life reflect the change that is talked about in 2 Corinthians 5:17??
What if you don't live as Jesus did? Since you became a Christian do you see good fruit? Do you love your family? Do you honor your dad & mom?
1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
1 John 3:15
Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Can a Christian live in sin and still be saved? Will God give us a way out before we sin? Do we really have a choice in the matter?
Galatians 6:8
The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Romans 6:16
Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
I'm not talking about falling into sin for we are all sinners.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.
So I think you will see that just believing in God will not get-r-done! Even the devil himself believes in one true God (James 2:19).
True saving faith will follow with repentance and also obedience
If you do question if your saved I would recommend a book titled "Saved without a doubt" by John MacArthur. It cost $10.50 and I think that includes shipping.
Church, keep pressing, keep praying, keep your eyes on Jesus!
Monday, June 2, 2008
The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:1-9
The Parable of the Sower
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
I would have to say out of all the parables in the Bible this is my favorite one. Jesus shares how one takes in the Word of God. One of the most important things for a Christian is to meditate on God's Word daily as well as memorize Scripture. By doing this your able to 1) defend the Truth 2) grow in your faith 3) help build up other Christians 4) grow in your knowledge of God 5) lead your family Spiritually, I think you get my point. The blessing of growing in God's Word is endless! I don't want to misuse this blessing, but take full advantage of it!
When we don't have an understanding of God's word it will be hard to stand firm against the devil's attacks. That is why we should always have on the full armor of God. I'm learning that as I stay in prayer, as well as in God's Word I'm not so tempted to live like the world, but more of a life with holy ambition. If we as Christian's can't grasp the Bible, we're not going to be victorious against the devil when his attacks come. The devil is like a lion ready to snatch the Word of God right from our hearts.
God's Word is not only our comforter, but also counselor. God wants us to lean on Him for His understanding, and through that He will make are paths straight.
Does your soul long for more of God?
Psalm 42:1
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
Psalm 63:1
O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
Psalm 25:25
Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land.
How are you feeding your soul?
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'[a]"
Remember food to the flesh is what the Word is to the soul.
5 ways I handle God's Word
1) love God's Word
2) ask God for understanding of His Word
3) obey it!
4) protect it in my heart
5) teach others
Church, Keep pressing, keep praying, keep God's Word in your heart!
The Parable of the Sower
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
I would have to say out of all the parables in the Bible this is my favorite one. Jesus shares how one takes in the Word of God. One of the most important things for a Christian is to meditate on God's Word daily as well as memorize Scripture. By doing this your able to 1) defend the Truth 2) grow in your faith 3) help build up other Christians 4) grow in your knowledge of God 5) lead your family Spiritually, I think you get my point. The blessing of growing in God's Word is endless! I don't want to misuse this blessing, but take full advantage of it!
When we don't have an understanding of God's word it will be hard to stand firm against the devil's attacks. That is why we should always have on the full armor of God. I'm learning that as I stay in prayer, as well as in God's Word I'm not so tempted to live like the world, but more of a life with holy ambition. If we as Christian's can't grasp the Bible, we're not going to be victorious against the devil when his attacks come. The devil is like a lion ready to snatch the Word of God right from our hearts.
God's Word is not only our comforter, but also counselor. God wants us to lean on Him for His understanding, and through that He will make are paths straight.
Does your soul long for more of God?
Psalm 42:1
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
Psalm 63:1
O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
Psalm 25:25
Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land.
How are you feeding your soul?
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'[a]"
Remember food to the flesh is what the Word is to the soul.
5 ways I handle God's Word
1) love God's Word
2) ask God for understanding of His Word
3) obey it!
4) protect it in my heart
5) teach others
Church, Keep pressing, keep praying, keep God's Word in your heart!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Early morning worship
This morning at 4am I wake up not able to go back to sleep. My heart anticipates about big church and what God will bring through it today. I find myself listening to worship songs, thanking God for all His rich mercies that He has showered me with. At the same time I reflect on the changes that God is doing within my heart. I long to be a patient and gentle hearted Christian. At times I would admit that I fail at loving and leading my family, but that is something I've been working on. It at times is hard to be the spiritual leader of my family, but that is what God demands from us Christian fathers. So when it comes to mind, please pray that God would continue to work in my heart. For me it is refreshing to see the change that is happening in my life. And that would be my prayer for dad's that read this, that you too would be equipped to lead your families. Keep pressing, keep praying, keep leading your life & family God's way!
Looking forward to Church! May the Holy Spirit be present in your walk today!
Looking forward to Church! May the Holy Spirit be present in your walk today!
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