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Questions From Corinthians!! (Second Epistle)
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Nov 6, 2010 6:28 am
646 Views
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I was reading through the Chapters of Second Epistle to Corinthians for the last two days and some of the verses "came alive" and inspired me to ask a few questions and here they are. Scriptures that raised these questions are below each question. Read through this. I pray that the Holy Spirit do a deep work in our lives.
1. Is this our conduct?
2. Is this our faith statement?
3. Is this our hope?
4. Is this our walk?
5. Is this our testimony?
6. Is this our influence?
1. Is this our conduct?
The verse that gave rise to this question is 2 Corinthians 4:2 (Amplified) is
We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man's conscience.
Do we require any more explanation than this?
2. Is this our faith statement?
II Corinthians 4:8 and 9: We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;
We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone - Jesus is with us]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;
3. Is this our hope?
II Corinthians 4: 16 & 17: Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.
For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!],
4. Is this our walk?
II Corinthians 5 : 7 For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance.
5. Is this our testimony?
II Corinthians 7: 11 NIV: See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent (clear, guiltless, blameless) in this matter.
6. Is this our influence?
II Corinthians 13:10
So I write these things while I am absent from you, that when I come to you, I may not have to deal sharply in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me [to be employed, however] for building [you] up and not for tearing [you] down.
Every Christian has his/her sphere of influence. How is our influence on others? Are we building them up or tearing them down?
PRAYER:
Father God, we come to you in Jesus Name. Help us live our lives in line with Your Word, our conduct, conversation, conviction, our walk, our life to reflect the Truth we have read and meditated. Lord, help us to be a constructive influence on others. Help us to build others and not tear them down. Lord, bring right people into our lives, who will build us up and not tear us down.
Lord, Your promises are "Yes and Amen in Christ Jesus" and fill us with Your goodness, grace, and joy and help us know You more in our lives.
If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation and old things have passed away and all things have become new. We are new creations in You Lord. Help us to be conformed to the Image of Christ by being transformed by the Written Word. Help us walk in Spirit and Truth. Lord, we bring every thought under subjection to Your word. Help us to finish well. In Jesus Name Amen!!
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"We have a Guide and a Leader!!!"
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Sep 10, 2010 1:58 am
837 Views
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To guide is to assist (a person) to travel through or reach a destination in an unfamiliar area, as by accompanying or giving directions to the person. A leader is the guiding head or the person who guides.
We are encouraged today because we have a Guide and a Leader who will guide us through the journey of life. We need to yield to His guidance and leading all the time. Why this is very important is, life here on earth with Jesus leads to life with Jesus in Eternity. So, whatever that involves in our life here will either encourage us to grow in the relationship with Jesus or pull us away from it. But it is the PERFECT Will of God that Man be reconciled with God, the Father, through Christ Jesus (Romans 5:1), who has paid the price on the cross. Once we come into the first step of committing our lives unto Jesus, the journey begins with Him towards the eternal destination of being with Him in Glory, transformed into His image and likeness. This is the essence of Christian life. Today, we are encouraged by the fact that we have an awesome leader who will direct a progressive motion towards that destination.
There are many ways God guides us, through the Scriptures, (Holy Bible), through the Holy Spirit, through the circumstances, through the peace within us. The authentic way is basically through the Scriptures, confirmed through the circumstances, and the peace within us. Bible says "those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons (daughters) of God" Romans 8:14. Therefore, let us desire to be led by the Spirit of God always.
HE LEADS US IN HIS UNFAILING LOVE:
Bible says in Ex 15:13 "In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling."
HE LEADS US GENTLY:
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11
HE LEADS US BY THE RIGHT WAY:
Psalms 107 verse 7 says - "And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation."
HE LEADS US INTO ALL TRUTH:
John 16:3 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Psalmist prays in Chapter 25 verse 5 "guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
HE LEADS US IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS:
Psalms 23:3 "he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake"
HE LEADS US UNTO THE VERY END:
Psalms 48:14 "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.'
HOW TO BE LED BY THE LORD?
Let us first have the desire to be led by Him continually. We need to wait for His Word or guidance. We should not weigh the matters based on our analytical and intellectual understanding, but should ask for a clear, definite instruction into the situation. For example: choosing a job or an employment, the decision cannot be made based on the higher pay or better position or place or country of opportunity. God sees the bigger picture of transforming us into His likeness and image, to make us heirs of the eternal inheritance, along with fulfuilling of HIS PURPOSE in our lives. Therefore, the Lord will guide us through the Bible verse, circumstances, and inner peace and will help us move into the appropriate direction.
As God sees the desire of our hearts to be guided and led by Him always, He will fulfill it in our lives. Let this be our confession "You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory." Psalms 73:24. So, be encouraged today, we have a constant companion in our journey, who leads us into His Glory!!!
God Bless you!!!
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"All for Your Good"
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Sep 8, 2010 8:27 am
814 Views
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Today, God wants to encourage you saying "all these are for your good. For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.
You may say it is easy to accept this word when things are fine, but I encourage you to take this word in, in your worst of your situations as the Word of God says "All things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.
God knows our strengths and weaknesses and to what extent we can bear things. When I believe and confess it is all for my good, my God whom I love and who has called me for His purpose will not do any harm, I stay closer to His heart.
One of my friends shared her experience with me, which I would like to mention here to understand better on how to exercise that Faith statement. She and her colleagues received their appraisal letters sometime recently. Her appraisal was not up to her expectation and one of her colleague, a Junior guy, has received a much better increment unduly. She was not able to bear it and she thought, "I didn't trust my bosses to be fair, but I trusted You, O GOD, but how could you allow this to happen? If I am blessed better, will I not give much more to your Kingdom than that guy who would spend it on disco and drinks? Don't you want your child to be blessed better and make a difference between those who know You and who don't know You?" As these thoughts clouded her mind and her eyes filled with tears, the Spirit of the Lord directed her to mediate on the goodness and faithfulness of God, and she started to confess "All things are working together for MY GOOD BECAUSE I LOVE GOD WHO IS GOOD, and immediately a great peace and joy filled her heart. This experience of hers is a blessing to me and I believe it will be to you also!!
What I learn from this: Having a positive attitude of gratitude towards God and NEVER ALLOWING ANY THOUGHTS THAT QUESTION THE GOODNESS AND FAITHFULNESS OF GOD TO PERSIST in our minds, will keep us closer to His heart, just like David who is called a man after the Heart of God. So, be encouraged today of the undeniable fact that "all things are for your Good," as you continue to love God.
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"You have the best place!!!"
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Sep 7, 2010 9:09 am
932 Views
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Asking what is the best place you would like to be in.....some may say, "Switzerland," some may say "London", some may say "anywhere in UK", some may say "United States", some might say "home," some may even say "India," and so on and so forth....today, God tells you and me that the best place in the world is to be in His Arms, leaning on to Him, close to His heart.
Among the 12 disciples, 3 were very close to Jesus. Of the three, one was very close and was called the disciple whom Jesus loved." Jesus was "not unfair" to love one disciple so much so that others would become jealous. Jesus was not partial as well. He is a JUST God. It was the aspiration of this disciple to be very close and intimate with Jesus leaving us an example to follow. This disciple had the guts to recline on Jesus while the others maintained reverence and distance. This showed how much he loved Jesus and Jesus loved him and allowed him to lean on Him. I wonder how privileged this disciple was, to lean to Jesus and to be close to His heart and even ask the delicate question to Jesus which the other disciples were hesitant to ask Jesus directly and prompted this disciple to find out from Jesus who was the one that was going to betray Jesus (John 13: 21-26). So much was the intimacy of the disciple with Jesus. At the Calvary, when Jesus was about to give up his Spirit, he delegated His personal, earthly, responsibility of taking care of his mother, Mary, to this disciple whom he loved; it was like in the practical sense, anyone on his death bed would call his loved one and say "take care of my mom/wife/son/daughter/______ carefully, I trust you that you would do your best." John 19: 26 and 27.
Furthermore, the best and safest place for our mind, body, soul, and spirit is to be in the arms of Jesus leaning on to His bosom. You will be safe in His arms even in times of great danger. Lean on to Him in your wilderness, sorrow, failures, disappointments, brokenness, etc., and whisper to Him "I love you Jesus, no matter what happens. Nothing can change the love I have for you and I will love you even more irrespective of what is going on around me. "
When we lean on to His bosom and be in His arms, we will be able to hear the heartbeat of Jesus more clearly, which is indeed doing the Will of the Father and we will in turn be tuned to the Will of God. It is a daily longing of the heart and not losing the focus on THE GOAL.
Aspiring not the place of prominence before people, let us aspire for that best place, close to His Heart that is the Best Place ever for you and for me!!!
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PROPHECY - A GODLY COUNSEL!!
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Sep 6, 2010 12:22 am
793 Views
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I am urged to write this note. I have been following through a mail from a servant of God that I received on July 16, 2010, which I indeed shared with you all. This mail is prophetic and Holy Spirit has been mentoring me based on the content of the mail.
This mail has just outlined the deeper things and blessings of God. Holy Spirit has been digging out the treasures hidden in this mail to bless you and me. The next word of study was in fact the "Favor of God," which the God's Servant mentions "I believe your best days are ahead. That's why I teach so much about favor. God's plan is bigger than just what He wants to do for you — it grows into what God wants to do through you." Though it is mentioned in the mail, "I teach so much about favor of God," I couldn't get access into his teachings on Favor of God. But God has been really gracious to teach on the favor of God through Ps. Joseph Prince and Ps. Tommy Tenny over the past weeks.
We do discover from the teachings that God has already favored us so much, but if we do not DOCUMENT the ways and means by which we get the Favor of the KING, we may forget things and may not be able to pass it on to the next generation. Deut 11:20 (11: 16 - 25 must read).
Prophecy is a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, exhortation, utterance or revelation. Bible is full of prophecies. In the book of Genesis itself God has prophesied the redemptive work of Christ on the cross that was going to happen thousands of years later and God has reconfirmed it at various places throughout the Old Testament until it was actually accomplished in the New Testament period. Mary and Joseph were pre-informed of the birth of Christ, the Messiah, in their family and they were given the mission to protect the CHILD from the enemy. Prophecy is a very good gift that is used by GOD to guide us in the way that we should go. But we should never be over-dependent on any prophet or prophecy alone. A few years ago, I had been over-dependent on prophets and prophecies and OTHER'S PRAYERS. God gave me so many prophecies in my life and I was just waiting to have them come true in my life. Some of the prophecies did not come to pass at all. God in all His grace taught me to RELY ONLY ON HIM, HIS WORD, HIS HOLY SPIRIT; HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SOURCE OF GIFT OF PROPHECY. Nevertheless, God has taught me also to find TRUE PROPHETS who are a source of revelation of God's heart and mind. II Chronicles 20:20 says - Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." You can completely trust the LORD TO SHOW YOU HIS PROPHETS, in these days of false prophets and prophetess, whose godly counsel will help you succeed.
ALWAYS SEEK GODLY COUNSEL. ALSO, ASPIRE FOR THE GIFT OF PROPHECY TO BE GIVEN TO YOU. Nevertheless, NEVER BE OVER DEPENDENT ON PROPHECIES ALONE, BUT FOCUS ON THE INTIMACY WITH JESUS, He will lead you and guide you through HIS WORD, HIS SPIRIT, and HIS WAYS, including PROPHECIES. Bless you!!
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PROGRESSING INTO GOD'S PREPARED!!!
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Sep 6, 2010 12:06 am
807 Views
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PREPARE means to put in proper condition or readiness. Our God is a God of plans and preparations. He is the one who teaches us on planning ahead and preparing for the future. God has plans for each and every one of us and His plans for us are always beyond our comprehension. We cannot define or ascertain that this is the result of this plan of God since God has wonderful surprises and blessings in each plan.
WHY GOD'S PLAN AND WHY NOT OUR PLAN?
God's plan for our life is THE BEST. He sees our past, present, and the future. He plans accordingly that HIS GREAT PURPOSE is fulfilled in our lives. GOD IS THE CREATOR AND HIS WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING CANNOT BE FATHOMED. Therefore, it is absolutely good and necessary to be in the CENTER OF GOD'S PLAN AND WILL and so our prayer and desire should be "TO BE IN THE CENTER OF GOD'S PERFECT WILL."
GOD PREPARES AHEAD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM:
In practical sense, whether the children love the parents or not, parents do plan ahead and prepare things for their future days because of the love they have on their children. But what if the child shuns his/her parents and goes astray like the prodigal son. The plans of the parents may not come into his/her life. In the very same manner, Heavenly Father has wonderful plans for us and He has prepared many things for us and if we ABIDE IN HIS LOVE AND GRACE, we will able to inherit GOD'S BLESSINGS. However, there is an exception OUR GOD IS A SOVEREIGN GOD AND WHAT HE HAS PURPOSED IN HIS HEART WILL DEFINITELY COME TO PASS.
HOW DO WE SEE WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR US?
Simple answer is WAITING ON THE LORD TO SPEAK TO US. He is a God of clarity. He is a God who reveals deep and hidden things (Daniel 2:22).
Bible says in I Corinthians 2:9, 10
"However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."
We can see the God's prepared goodness, life partner, job, business, place, and heavenly mansion (which Jesus has prepared for His children) only with the help of the Spirit, because the Spirit of God searches all things, even the deep things of God. WAIT UNTIL THE SCALES FALL FROM YOUR EYES AND YOU SEE IT CLEARLY FROM GOD. But remember, though you are blind and you are blindly trusting God to lead you, God will surely lead you through - as the Word of God says "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
HOW TO PROGRESS INTO GOD'S PREPARED:
So now it is revealed to us the plan of God for our life or situation and what is the next step?
SHOULD NOT HURRY AND GO AHEAD OF GOD.
Exodus 23:20-21
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him."
WE NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND LISTEN AND DO WHAT HE SAYS. He will unfold the plans for us and progress us toward the God's prepared goodness. HE WILL NOT FORSAKE US ON THE WAY, BUT HE WILL LEAD US THROUGH UNTIL WE REACH THERE SAFELY.
Through all this process, we need to exercise FAITH, PATIENCE, HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE, AND COMPLETE SURRENDER. We need to tent where the cloud of God stays and move on when the cloud moves on. All through the way, we will experience the GREAT PROVIDENCE AND POWER OF GOD MANIFESTED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD and we will enjoy every step of it.
So, let us be encouraged today that GOD HAS PREPARED GOODIES FOR OUR LIVES AND THE LORD GOES BEFORE US LEADING US INTO HIS BLESSINGS!!!
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Press On!!!
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Sep 6, 2010 12:06 am
781 Views
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"PRESS ON!!" This is the "Rhema" word - spoken word - of encouragement for each one of us today.
Bible says that Christian life is like a race with the runners running in their tracks (I Corinthians 9:24). Like every race, here too we have rules and regulations. If we are out of track forever, we are disqualified forever. However, God is still compassionate and kind and comes in all His mercy to set us back on the right track. The runners in this "marathon race" would become discouraged, weary, and backslide and say, "I can't run any more, I give up!," but the HEAVEN WITH ALL ITS CHEERLEADING team says to the runners, "come on, press on, move forward, you can do it....march forward, get up and get going, don't give up!!"
HIGH CALLING:
I do believe that God has called each one of us for a great destiny. We are called to soar high into the skies. Therefore, we are never to let the circumstances cloud our vision from that HIGH CALLING. Apostle Paul says, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14.
EACH ONE GETS A PRIZE:
I Corinthians 9:24 says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." In Christian race, every one has a prize of their own. We need not worry that someone might snatch our prize away, because each one of us have a GUARANTEED PRIZE. There is no insecurity in Jesus as He is our SECURITY. This is absolutely not the CORPORATE RAT RACE. This is a race that has to be run with patience, encouraging the fellow runners, lifting up the ones that have fallen to the ground in their tracks, at the same time looking on to the AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH RACE, the very PRIZE - JESUS.
We are so much encouraged by the TRUTH today that Heaven is encouraging us saying, "KEEP PRESSING ON TOWARDS THE HEAVENLY, ROYAL PRIZE IN JESUS!!!" God Bless You!!!
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Increase!!
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Sep 6, 2010 12:05 am
663 Views
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How fascinating this word is!! In general sense, on hearing this one gets "fired up," excited; why???!!! it generally denotes a positive term or effect; increase in wealth, wisdom, knowledge, happiness, or prosperity.
God wants to turn our attention to this kind of increase, which is mentioned in John 3:30. John said to his disciples, "He (Jesus) must Increase, I must decrease." This is a personal message for me. I don't write anything that touches my brain, but that touches my heart. This is my personal prayer - "Let Christ increase and Let Him become greater."
Let this mind of Christ be increased in me and in you all!!
"Have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a human being, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death —even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:5.
Let CHRIST continue to INCREASE in me and you!! God Bless You!!
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Eternal Pleasures!!
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Sep 6, 2010 12:04 am
644 Views
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In Psalms 16:11 we read - You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."
Pleasure refers to the feeling of being pleased and happy - it is a positive feeling. Pleasure and pain are antonyms to each other. God wants to encourage us by reminding us of the pleasures in Christian life. Christian life is a holy life. Holy life is not a dull, boring, painful life. Holy life really has joy, adventure, and pleasures. We do not need to get to heaven ENDURING Christian life all the time. There is happiness, joy, fun in Christian life and we can "feel like heaven" on earth. Our life with Jesus is filled with surprises and happiness. Every time God teaches us from HIS TREASURES, there is immense pleasure. Every time we worship God and do the Will of the Father, we are filled with divine joy, happiness, and hope. Every time He pours out His goodness in our lives and every time we come to know of Him more, there is unspeakable happiness.
God wants us to enjoy the pleasures that last forever and not the pleasures of sin, which is a "negative pleasure" that is short-lived and results in death (of the soul). Hebrews 11:25. There are "eternal pleasures" at His right hand. God's right hand is majestic, displays awesome deeds. There is so much pleasure when we meditate on His mighty deeds and wonders that He has done in our lives.
In Psalms 77: 12-14 - we read -
"I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples."
So, let us be encouraged today to look forward to happier days as we have a grand future in Jesus and our best days are yet to come!! God Bless You!!!
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