Some Christian Guy .Com

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (Amplified Bible)

2009-07-12T07:26:00.001+08:00

Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise and skillful person glory and boast in his wisdom and skill; let not the mighty and powerful person glory and boast in his strength and power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory and boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches;

But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.

Matthew 16:26

2009-06-28T12:06:00.003+08:00

A reaction to recent events:

Pedophile yesterday.
Pop music icon today.
Eternal judgment --> ongoing. forever.

Make sure you escape hell. Clicking HERE might help.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? - JESUS (Matthew 16:26)

Psalm 51:16-19

2009-06-24T10:32:00.001+08:00

For You delight not in sacrifice, or else would I give it; You find no pleasure in burnt offering.

My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.

Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Then will You delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, justice, and right, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then bullocks will be offered upon Your altar.

Embracing the Cross

2009-06-14T08:10:00.001+08:00

Galatians 2:20 (Amplified Bible)

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Embrace the Cross

I am crucified with Christ
Therefore I no longer live
Jesus Christ now lives in me
(Repeat twice)

Embrace the cross
Where Jesus suffered
Though it will cost
All you claim as yours
Your sacrifice will seem small
Beside the treasure
Eternity can't measure
What Jesus holds in store

Embrace the love
The cross requires
Cling to the one
Whose heart knew every pain
Receive from Jesus
Fountains of compassion
Only He can fashion
Your heart to move as His

Oh, wondrous cross our desires rest in you
Lord Jesus make us bolder
To face with courage the shame and disgrace
You bore upon Your shoulder

Embrace the life
That comes from dying
Come trace the steps
The Savior walked for you
An empty tomb
Concludes Golgotha's sorrow
Endure then till tomorrow
Your cross of suffering
Embrace the cross
Embrace the cross
The cross of Jesus

Words and music by John G. Elliott. Copyright 1989 LCS Songs (a div. of Lorenz Creative Services)/Charlie Monk Music/Pamela Kay Music. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Steve Green.

Time to Learn Righteousness

2009-05-26T09:11:00.003+08:00

by Francis Frangipane

“At night my soul longs for You,
Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently;
For when the earth experiences Your judgments
The inhabitants of the world learn righteousness” (Isa. 26:9).

Fear Among the Nations
There is trepidation among the nations, and indeed there should be. Political leaders strike poses of confidence, yet express anxious whispers and dread when they are alone:

What is happening in our world? Will it get worse?

No one really knows the outcome of this time. But here is what is occurring worldwide: Over the past year the veil of deceit and subterfuge that hid the corruption in many nations is being lifted. God is exposing corruption, whether it is rooted in Wall Street or among politicians or leaders in the church.

The sense of privilege, that one can live without accountability either to God or to the law of man, is being judged by the Lord. There are no special people who are exempt.

One should not assume that things are worse today than ever before. I don’t believe so. There have always been corrupt leaders whose practices were masked with deceit. It is in this season that the Lord is peeling off the mask.

This is not a bad thing, although it will be very bad if leaders do not embrace righteousness as the way out. The fact that these things are being exposed is a good thing. If we respond correctly, it means that a more honest set of leaders will arise to replace those who were corrupted. It means that, if we submit to God, our economy and culture will turn a corner into a time of renewed blessing.

However, if we resist, if we persist in deceitful ways, we should not expect God to bless us.

Thus, it is imperative to discern this season. We are in a time of increasing judgment. The world and its structures are in a collision course with the Kingdom of God.

We have underestimated the authority and function of the Holy Spirit; we have assumed He has come only to inspire or comfort. Yet, Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes into the world, He comes also to confront and convict the world “concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8)

You see, God has an agenda, a grand plan, and it is not just to bless and prosper us as we live mostly self-centered lives. His ultimate goal is to see the kingdoms of this world become the “kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Rev. 11:15). Thus, Jesus commands us to pray, "Thy kingdom come. . . . on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10).

Remember, Jesus’ message was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17). We are in the season of the kingdom. We either repent and change our ways so they conform to righteousness, or we face the consequences.

If we don’t repent, God renders a decision accordingly. He judges us. His motive is still to redeem, but He will not refrain from judging the sin that rules us. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. This is not the season to try to negotiate with the Almighty. The only option He gives us is to humble ourselves and pray. It is time to seek His face and aggressively turn from our evil ways. If we would have healing in our land, we must take the path the Lord provides.

The Consuming Fire
Thus, speaking of the last days, the Lord warns, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven” (Heb. 12:26). God is focused on more than blessing a few people here and there. He is coming to shake and subdue the cultures of man. Hebrews continues:

“This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (v. 27).

Two things are occurring simultaneously: God is shaking what can be shaken, and He is establishing His kingdom, which cannot be shaken. We must migrate out of trusting in man and enter into the unshakeable life of the Kingdom of God.

Hebrews concludes:

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire” (vv. 28-29)

Let us focus on this reality: God is a consuming fire.

Not long ago a revival tried to emerge amidst great controversy. To the shock of many, God exposed the hidden sin in Lakeland’s leader. To what degree this revival itself was true or false is still debated, but one thing is true: millions of people nightly joined via Christian television praying and calling forth in unison, “Fire! Fire! God pour out your fire.” The ministry itself was called “Fresh Fire.”

What did we suppose, that “fire” in God’s dictionary means blessing? Or even healing? No. Fire means purification. It consumes and purifies the sacrifice – indeed, it consumes everything that can be burned. This one prayer was certainly answered: when the body of Christ prayed for God's fire, chaff in the church, starting with leadership was the first to ignite. And then the fire spread into the world systems, exposing the corruption and greed.

While many hope that the rapture will rescue them from tribulation, it will rescue no one from the fire of God. Recall, my friend, Paul’s word: the day of the Lord will be “revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work” (see 1 Cor. 3:13-15).

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Pet. 4:17).

Judgment begins first with the household of God. Fire came to the church first, and it has only just begun to burn.

My advice is that we stop judging others and take inventory of our own condition. Where we have sinned, we humble ourselves before the Almighty. By humbling ourselves, I mean that we confess our secret sins, the areas of our soul’s bondage – our fears, lusts and deceits, those things we are most ashamed of – and bring our sin to the cleansing light of God’s grace. My counsel is that we not put this off for another day, but we humble ourselves now, passionately and thoroughly.

Do not look for shortcuts; do not seek to justify yourself to God. The judgments of God are in the land. It is time to learn righteousness.

STARTING THE RACE WELL

2009-05-17T21:04:00.009+08:00

These are based on my notes on Pastor Bailey’s sermon.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us – Hebrews 12:1

Life is a race. And for every believer who has given his life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, it is important to start it well and to end it well.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses… let us run with patience the race that is set before us

There are “spectators” in this race. The Bible assures us that God has ordained angelic beings for every Christian. We are not alone.

But probably one more important thing to remember is that GOD HAS ORDAINED FOR EACH ONE OF US OUR SPECIAL RACE/SPECIAL COURSE. Each one of us HAS TO BE in this God-ordained course! And every child of God has a DIFFERENT course to take.

It’s like a family wherein the parents went over out of town, and leaving their two kids behind, they have given each one different tasks. One child is in charge of the lawn, while the other should clean up the kitchen. As they begin to do their chores, the one in charge of the kitchen gets tired, and seeing that the lawn needs to be improved, he goes out and helps his other sibling to mow the lawn. When the parents arrive, they commend the child in charge of the lawn, but become disappointed with the other one in charge of the kitchen.

We are not pleasing God if we are running a different course. That’s why we have to seek God earnestly for Him to reveal to us the course He has set for us because we cannot get our guidance by looking at somebody else and doing what they do. Be sure that you’re on the right course!

KEYS TO TRIUMPH ALONG OUR GOD ORDAINED COURSE

Just as child Jesus grew in stature, in knowledge, and in grace (Luke 2:52), so must we in our lives.

1. GROW IN STATURE. Keep your body fit – you may not know it, but your physical body affects the spiritual too. Exercise improves blood circulation, including brain perfusion, so that one tends to think more clearly. We have to be physically strong and fit, as some ministries entail a lot of work and muscle. You cannot be a couch potato. Also some food that we take can influence our mood and emotions (like, ahem… chocolates! It containes endorphin-like molecules which can psychiatrically alter one’s thinking and behavior)

2. GROW IN KNOWLEDGE. This is a very important point. In the book of Daniel, it says “knowledge shall increase”, and it is increasing! But to grow in knowledge, we have to prepare ourselves for Bible STUDY. Not just a devotional soiree with God, but an in-depth STUDY of the Word of God. To help us understand more the importance of knowledge, read :

2 Peter 3:15-16 : As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

It tells us two things to avoid in life because they would eventually be destroyed.

A. the Unlearned. In the book of Hosea, it says that the “people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge.”

B. the Unstable. The Bible tells us in Genesis 49:3-4 that Reuben is as unstable as water because of his immorality.

3. GROW IN GRACE. Grace can be thought of as divine enablement and divine strength. We are told in 2 Corinthians 12 that the Lord’s grace is sufficient. Grace is given to fulfill the will of God, and ONLY the will of God.

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

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.

There are also obstacles in this race. It is described in Scriptures as “the sin which doth so easily beset us” or what we will term as the BESETTING SIN. Everyone has besetting sins! Everyone has his/her own weakness. It could be laziness, lust, dishonesty, greed, or pride, etc. Our main frailty will bring us down if not dealt with under the mercy and grace of God.

Realizing what your besetting sin is VERY IMPORTANT. If you still don’t know what you have to overcome, ASK GOD!

Some important points:

1. Are you on the right path?
2. Are you STUDYING the Word of God? It’s more than just READING. You have to make a commitment to STUDY the Word of God. That will keep you from being unlearned, and unstable. In James, it says “For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”. If you have wavering faith, don’t think you shall receive anything from God!
3. In KNOWing the will of God, STAY on the path, and FINISH the course. But you need God’s grace! If we do not stay on the path, our wicked works weaken our minds and turns us against God.
4. Realize and triumph (by God’s grace) over your besetting sin.

God bless us all!

Faith Like Potatoes

2009-05-15T16:40:00.004+08:00

Found this recently on the internet. Speaking of "God causes all things to grow...".
Somebody help me have a copy of this DVD!

UPDATE : (5/17) - Had the DVD Already! It was on sale on Astrovision, and costs only Php 249.75 (US$ 5.55)!!! Yahoo!

Faith Like Potatoes

from Wikipedia

Faith Like Potatoes is a 2006 South African drama film directed by Regardt van den Bergh. It is based on a book written by Angus Buchan of the same title which was published in 1988. It is based on the true story and life of Angus Buchan and the Buchan family.

Set in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, this story is about a Zambian farmer who leaves his farm in the midst of political unrest and racially charged land reclaims and travels south with his family to start a better life in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. With nothing more than a caravan on a patch of land, and help from his foreman, Simeon Bhengu, the Buchan family struggle to settle in a new country. Faced with ever mounting challenges, hardships and personal turmoil, Angus quickly spirals down into a life consumed by anger, fear and destruction. Based on events in the life of Angus Buchan, the book was adapted for the big screen by award-winning actor and director, Regardt van den Bergh, and weaves together the moving journey of a man who, like his potatoes, grows his faith, unseen until the harvest.

It premiered on October 15, 2006 and opened in cinemas in South Africa on October 27th, 2006.[1] It was acclaimed and has been recognised in numerous International Film Festivals including the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the Australian International Film Festival. It was awarded the Audience Choice award at The 2006 Sabaoth International Film Festival (Milan, Italy), and won Best Feature at the 2006 Mumbai International FICTS Festival.^{[citation needed]}

Reception

Ted Baehr said, "...Faith Like Potatoes... is like Fireproof on steroids."^[1]

References

^ Martin, Allie (April 2, 2009). "Family-friendly movies get Hollywood's attention". OneNewsNow. http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=473676. Retrieved on April 4, 2009.

External links

Official movie website

God causes all things to grow

2009-05-12T06:55:00.000+08:00

God causes all things to grow
Through every season we know
He will guard the life
That He's planted in our souls
And when we feel the cold winds blow
We'll hold to what we know
God causes all things to grow

Guarding Our Worship

2009-03-31T18:10:00.005+08:00

Guarding Our Worship

By Dr Brian Bailey

As I have traveled the continents of this world this past year, touching down in Asia, Latin America and Europe to minister in diverse church conventions, I have become increasingly aware that the central theme is worship. A sharp division is apparent between those that embrace the so-called contemporary music, and those who seek to worship in spirit and in truth.

An enigma arises so often in churches and countries, and let me explain it thusly; perhaps it was strikingly apparent at a national convention held to celebrate Pentecost Sunday in a European country. Although not the scheduled speaker, I had nonetheless been invited to bring a meaningful word. Upon arrival at the large convention centre, I was escorted by a senior pastor to the foot of the podium to meet the chairman. After having done so, I was amazed then to be escorted back to a large side about halfway from the platform where all the other anointed pastors were sitting. To my obvious show of surprise, I was informed by my guide that it was because of the music. All the pastors were well distancing themselves from the band on the platform. In other words, they were so indicating that their anointing and the so-called worship from the band were incompatible. They were in profound disagreement with the music. In between them and the platform there was a noisy, down-dressed group who evidently identified with the band.

Now my question is this: If the anointed ministers were in opposition to the music, which they obviously knew was not godly, why did they permit it? Was this an isolated case? Certainly not.

In that same country, I was ministering with the so-called celebrity singer in Europe at that time. After his performance, I spoke and then he played for the congregation. I was ushered out by the pastor who again said, “Oh, the music.”

In various ways the anointed pastors in many countries disapprove of the music, their spirit witnessing to the fact the anointing and the music are incompatible. Why have those pastors abdicated their responsibilities?

Here at Zion and in our churches, we treasure worship in spirit and in truth that, like the time of Elisha when the minstrel played, the word of the Lord comes forth (2 Kings 3:15). To quote an old Pentecostal adage, we like to be “under the spout where the glory comes out.” We, the pastors in Zion, must pay attention to worship so that it honours the Lord, and may it ever be in spirit and in truth.

That I May Win Christ

2009-03-17T23:40:00.003+08:00

Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly].

For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One), And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].

Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.

Philippians 3:8-12, Amplified

MOMENT OF GRACE

2009-03-13T21:05:00.006+08:00

They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way;
They found no city to dwell in.
Hungry and thirsty,Their soul fainted in them.
- Psalm 107:4-5

It was a moment of vulnerability. Coming from a 24 hour duty in the hospital, I was having a hard time because I got mixed up in some misunderstanding among the consultants. The effect was inevitable : I would turn out to be a liar, incompetent, and worse, negligent as a doctor. Which I actually could disprove, if only I was given a chance to redeem myself. (But then at this point, I'm not even sure if I wanted to do that anymore.). I received a lot of words from my consultants. And worse, I have this feeling that word was spreading around the entire institution! And feeling defenseless as any medical resident in the hospital I train in could feel, I found myself in groping for comfort.

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He delivered them out of their distresses. - Psalm 107:6

Then instantly, my phone got an SMS from cedar and she texted some verses in Psalm 107.
Even if I was making my morning rounds, I almost cried.

And He led them forth by the right way,
That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness. - Psalm 107:7-9

How good could the Lord be to have instantly provided His word for me?
He's always at the right time.

The experience was humbling indeed, but the Lord's mercy overflowed so much, it melted the pride in my heart away. It was probably the pride of maintaining a reputation. Of all the people in the world, I realized that it was Jesus who was misunderstood the most. And He made Himself a man of no reputation :

[Christ] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. - Philippians 2:7-8

For who is he who has a reputation to protect but a man that lack meekness in his heart?

Thank You Lord, for the breaking of the heart. And for the chance to live as You have lived. It gives me a deeper appreciation of what You have done for me. And more than that, it allows me to know You more experientally. Amen.

Hebrews 12:12

2009-03-10T22:42:00.005+08:00

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.

Oh Lord, that You would indeed give me the grace to help others in their time of need. As You have always done in my weakness, let Your strength be made perfect... in them.

Amen.

This is God (The Father) talking...

2009-02-26T19:55:00.003+08:00

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect Father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of My being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of My love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
You receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from My love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Father's Love Letter
© 1999 - 2009
Father Heart Communications
www.FathersLoveLetter.com

THE VISION OF ZION

2009-02-20T07:26:00.003+08:00

THE VISION OF ZION

by Norman Holmes

As we study the Scriptures, we are increasingly attracted to the importance of the term ‘Zion.’ This name gains a growing prophetic significance as we go through the story of the Bible. From its original meaning as a fortress hill in Jerusalem, Zion goes onward in the Old Testament to signify the high calling of God for His people. By the end of the New Testament it reveals the center of heaven’s purposes and placement. What does this all mean for us? To gain an understanding of the vision of Zion, let us start at the beginning.

ZION, THE CITY OF KING DAVID

The first time the name ‘Zion’ is found in the Bible is in 2 Samuel. There we read,

“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, ‘You shall not come in here; but the blind and the lame will repel you,’ thinking, ‘David cannot come in here.’ …Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David). Then David dwelt in the stronghold, and called it the City of David… So David went on and became great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him,” 2 Samuel 5:6-7 & 9-10.

When David first became the king of all Israel, he went up with his army to attack the Jebusites at Jerusalem. He wanted to establish a good capitol for his nation, so David chose this city with a strong fortress that was just 8 kilometers north of his hometown, Bethlehem. The Jebusites had built a fortress there on a hill on the southeast side of Jerusalem called Mount Zion. The hill was probably named after this fortress, as the name ‘Zion’ is thought by many scholars as having come either from a Semitic word for ‘protect’ or ‘fortress,’ or else from a Hebrew root which means ‘to erect’ or ‘a structure.’

Once David captured this fortress, it became his royal capitol that he also named ‘The City of David.’ As he ruled from Zion, the Lord expanded David’s kingdom until he ruled over a great empire from the Euphrates River to the borders of Egypt.

ZION, THE PLACE OF WORSHIP AND GLORY

As well as being the City of David where the king ruled in great authority, this hill called Mount Zion also had another great significance in David’s time. Mount Zion was where David built a tabernacle and placed the Ark of the Covenant. We read,

“David built houses for himself in the City of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched a tent for it… So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it,” 1 Chronicles 15:1 & 16:1.

The Ark of the Covenant was where God dwelt, spoke from, and revealed His glory to His people, Ex.25:22; Ps.80:1; & Lev.16:2. King David placed the ark in a tabernacle on Mount Zion, which he made as a place of worship where God dwelt in the midst of His people, 1 Chron.16:4-37; Ps.9:11.

When the ark was placed in this tabernacle, Zion then became famous for two reasons: both the throne of the king and the ark of God were there! The throne speaks of authority, while the ark speaks of worship and God’s glory. The significance of the throne and the ark in Zion continue on to have greater prophetic meaning as the Scriptures unfold.

ZION, THE ‘CENTER OF THE ACTION’

In the natural, we understand that many who live in the capitol of a nation have higher social standings than those who live out in the remote countryside. This is because a capitol is not only the political center of the nation, but is often an economic, educational, and military center. Furthermore, if you live or work at the national palace, or the ‘White House,’ you could hold a very high position.

We find a similar spiritual parallel in the Scriptures. Psalm 76:1-2 tells us, “In Judah God is known, His name is great in Israel. In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling place in Zion.” Here we can see a greater spiritual knowledge as we are brought into the geographical center of God’s people. On the outside, among all the Israelites, God’s name is great. As the focus shifts to the most important province, we find a higher level of spiritual awareness: “in Judah God is known.” This is a higher spiritual level, as there are many people who know that God’s name is great, yet they do not personally know the Lord. Then as we narrow down the search to examine the center of the nation, we come to the capitol. Here in Jerusalem we find a much higher spiritual experience, for Jerusalem has God’s tabernacle, and on Mount Zion in particular is God’s dwelling place.

All the Israelites were God’s people, who could prepare for an eternal reward in heaven. Some were offered higher callings than others, such as the tribe of Judah that gained the kingship. Yet the people who lived on Zion were in the very center of the action, because the throne of David and the worship at the ark were there.

Accordingly, Zion became synonymous with the high calling of God that was available to God’s people in the Old Testament. Those born in Zion were given high honor, Ps.87:1-6. Mount Zion was a place of joy and safety, the city of the great King, Ps.48:1-14. The people will see God in Zion, Ps.84:7. There the Lord will appear in glory, Ps.102:16.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ZION IN THE CHURCH AGE

Many of the Old Testament prophets went on to see the growing spiritual significance of Zion in the time of the Church Age. In Amos 9:11-12 it was prophesied that the Tabernacle of David (on Zion) was going to be rebuilt. The early Church leaders understood that this would be spiritually fulfilled in the Church (study Acts 15:14-17).

Isaiah saw that revival in the last days would come to Zion. He declared, “When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning, then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering,” Is.4:4-5. A generally accepted interpretation of this prophecy is that it will be fulfilled in the Church of the last days. Those who accept the purging and dealings of the Holy Spirit will be prepared for glorious revival!

Obadiah had a further revelation about Zion. He saw that the conflict between the descendants of Jacob and Esau would be brought to final victory on Mount Zion. This is prophetic of the conflict between the ungodly and the righteous in the last days. The final victory of the righteous is described in this way, in verse 21: “Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” These ’saviors,’ also translated as ‘deliverers’ in many Bible versions, does not singularly speak of the work of Christ at the end of this age. It speaks collectively of the overcoming saints, the sons of God whom the world is waiting to see revealed, Rom.8:19-21.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ZION IN THE MILLENNIUM

Other Old Testament prophets continued to have an expanded vision of Zion’s purposes not only in the last days, but also into the Millennium. Micah and Isaiah both prophesied that Mount Zion would be exalted to lead and teach the nations. We read,

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it. Many nations shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and rebuke strong nations afar off…nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more…so the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on, even forever.” -Micah 4:1-3 & 6-7.

This prophecy can speak of how the Lord will exalt His Church in the last days, but its complete fulfillment will be during the millennium. In Psalms 2 and 110, we can further read how King David prophesied that the Messiah would reign from Zion. Just as King David ruled over his great international empire from Zion; even so the Lord Jesus, the Son of David, will rule the world from Zion during the millennium. The nations of the earth will send their delegations every year to Jerusalem to worship the King of kings, the Lord Jesus, Zech.14:16-17.

So we can see throughout the Old Testament that Zion was the place where authority (the throne of the king) and God’s worship and glory (the ark of God) were revealed. This authority and glory from Zion was prophesied to be spread throughout the world through the Church. Then during the millennium it will continue to be revealed to the nations from Mount Zion in Jerusalem, where the King of kings will rule and be worshipped.

THE HEAVENLY ZION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

As we go on to study the New Testament, we find that the vision of Zion is lifted much higher. From the heights of world dominion in the Old Testament, Mount Zion is revealed in the New Testament as the heavenly center of God’s presence and glory!

In Hebrews 12:22-24 we read the following about the heavenly destination of the Christian:

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”

Here we see that there is a heavenly Mount Zion and Jerusalem, just as there is an earthly Mount Zion and Jerusalem. This heavenly Jerusalem is described for us in Revelation chapter 21. Just as there is a location in the earthly city of Jerusalem called Mount Zion, where the throne of the king and the worship of God were located, we find this is also true of the heavenly city. In Revelation 14:1-3 we read,

“Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.”

This scripture reveals that those who will stand with the Lamb on the heavenly Mount Zion will be singing their worship before the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. This clearly shows us that the heavenly Mount Zion is at the throne of God Almighty as described in Revelation chapter 4. So just as the earthly Zion is the place of the throne and of worship, we find that the true Zion in heaven is at the throne of God and is the center of worship.

Many people have had visions and dreams of the various parts of heaven. There are the floral gardens and forested areas of the outer paradise. There is also the heavenly city, with many streets, people, and places where various events take place. But the most wonderful place of all is at the throne of God where His glory, power, and worship are fully revealed. This is the heavenly Mount Zion!

When new converts or ‘babes in Christ’ go to heaven, they first arrive at the outer edges of paradise. The beauty and joy that they partake of there are overwhelming, and they may stay there for a long time to get adjusted to these lesser glories of heaven.

Other saints may be ready to enter the heavenly city when they die. They find that this city has twelve gates named after the twelve tribes of Israel, Rev.21:12-13. These gates also speak of the various spiritual experiences that the Israelite tribes had entered into. According to their own spiritual experiences on earth, the saints will find entrance into the various parts of the heavenly city where they will be with others of similar calling and development.

However, the highest place of authority and glory will be given to those who are around the throne of God. Not everyone will be prepared or will qualify for this level of experience. We can study in the Scriptures how the resurrected saints will each be filled with varying amounts of glory, just as the stars, moon, and sun shining in the sky (see 1 Cor.15:41-42 & Dan.12:2-3). The saints will each be ready for different levels of authority, such as kings, governors, and mayors (study Rev.2:26-27; Jer.30:9; Mt.19:28; and Lk.19:11-17). And as we have already considered with the parallel of the ancient nation of Israel, we can remember that only some of the Israelites lived in Jerusalem, and fewer still lived near the throne on Mount Zion.

THE HIGH CALL OF GOD

Understanding these truths will open up much of the Scriptures to us. As we study about Zion, the vision can grow brighter that there is a glorious calling available to each Christian who wholeheartedly prepares himself. Some Christians may be saved, and be merely content to escape hell. Others may start to gain an interest in gathering eternal heavenly rewards. But the Christian with an enlarged vision and a pure heart will want nothing short of God’s best. We will be gripped with the desire, like the Apostle Paul, to “press toward the goal for the prize of the high call of God in Christ Jesus,” Phil.3:14. This calling is available to every Christian who will dedicate themselves to fulfill all of God’s will, regardless of their background. The key is not where we have come from, but where we are spiritually going!

THE HIGHWAYS TO ZION

The Psalmist said, “How blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are the highways to Zion! Passing through the valley of Baca [or, 'weeping'], they make it a spring… They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears before God in Zion,” Psalm 84:5-7 NASV. This speaks to the New Testament Christian of how we need to have our hearts centered on obtaining the goal of standing before God at His throne in heaven. Through all the tears of our earthly pilgrimage, God can comfort, refresh, and lift us higher and higher. If our heart is fixed on obtaining an eternal inheritance at His throne, we can go from strength to strength and from glory to glory until we will appear before God at the heavenly Zion. As our Lord Jesus said,

‘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,” Rev.3:21.

Have you caught the vision that it is possible to sit with Christ on His throne for eternity to come? Are you pressing on toward the high call of God for your life? Do you have the highways to Zion built in your heart that will lead you on towards obtaining this goal? John the Baptist was sent with a ministry of repentance to build that highway in his generation. He was a voice crying in the wilderness, “Make straight…a highway,” Is.40:3-5; Mt.3:1-3. Isaiah chapter 35:8-10 also tells us more about that highway that would be built in the wilderness. There it is called the “Highway of Holiness” that would lead God’s people on to Zion.

THE VISION OF ZION

The Lord wants to plant a vision within the heart of each of His people. There are going be great revivals throughout the world in these last days. The assemblies of Mount Zion, composed of every church that is pressing on in holiness towards the high call of God, will be covered with His glory, Is.4:3-6. The Lord will exalt His Church to great authority and glory, to help prepare the way for the Second Coming of Christ. After returning to judge the nations and bind Satan and his hosts, the Lord Jesus will then reign over the world from Mt. Zion in Jerusalem for one thousand years, Is.24:21-23; Rev.20:1-6. Moreover, in heaven the Lord sits on His throne in Zion, where He invites the overcomers to sit with Him on His throne and reign with Him in glory throughout eternity.

Do these truths stir your heart to run after God’s best? If so, let us join together to help build this vision within the Body of Christ. As the Psalmist said in Psalm 102:13-22,

- This article by Norman Holmes was adapted from his book, “The Hope of the Christian.” Rev. Holmes has lived in Asia as a missionary for the last 19 years, and has written 6 books, directs a Bible school, and conducts pastors’ seminars in many nations

“You will have mercy upon Zion; for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come… So the nations shall fear the name of the Lord, and all kings of the earth Your glory. For the Lord will build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory. He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come… To declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem, when the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.”

Christy Nockels is Back!

2009-01-28T15:28:00.003+08:00

Christy Nockels of Watermark is back! I think she's gonna have an album out on June 2, 2009. And there's a legally downloadable free mp3 from her website! It's her single "Life Light Up". Check it out!

Jesus Messiah

2009-01-28T11:35:00.012+08:00

I was looking for Jeremy Camp's latest album Speaking Louder Than Before at House of Praise Main only to find out that it's not actually available. (Apparently, someone have told me that's it's already in... but HOP has not even begun production of it. Hehe). I was about to leave empty-handed when I saw this album by Christ Tomlin called Hello Love.

There are a lot of great songs on the album, but I think there's one that stands out (at this point of my life). You see, I've recently been contemplating on the Bible and Brian Bailey's book on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I was staggered to have been reminded of the fact that long before the creation of the world, God the Father knew that He would have to give His Son to die on the cross for us. But He proceeded with creating us anyway. The plan of salvation has already been set even before humanity needed redemption.

Chris Tomlin - Jesus Messiah
From the album Hello Love
He became sin
Who knew no sin
That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled Himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing
Love so amazing

Chorus:
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The Rescue for sinners
The Ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

His Body the Bread
His Blood the Wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn

Chorus:

All I hope is in You
All I hope is in You
All the glory to You, God
The light of the world

And I'm filled continuously with much awe that God's love for us surpasses time. He has been loving us even before we were created. Hallelujah! To the Lamb that was slain!

A Public Apology

2009-01-23T19:42:00.004+08:00

Was tagging some of my posts for this blog. And came across some posts that, for some reason, i cannot believe I have written! Viewing it from another perspective, some posts definitely reflected an immaturity of spirit. Considering that the time I wrote them, I was so sure it was the right thing to write.

Lord, forgive me for having a heart full of pride, and one that thinks highly of itself.

And continue to change me from glory to glory each day.

If you come across some post that have not been a blessing to you, my apologies.

Viewing the past once more

2009-01-06T20:19:00.002+08:00

Just had a chance to view some of my blog entries in the past (Way back february 2003).
Yep, it's not in this blog.

Thank you Lord for another year.

and thank you Lord for Your work of grace in my life.

PHARISEE'S KITCHEN

2008-11-02T07:49:00.002+08:00

This might be difficult to understand. Well, he who has an ear, let him hear...

"Woe to you lawyers (scribes)! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered." - JESUS CHRIST (Luke 11:52)

The "lawyers" in Jesus' time were the official interpreters of Law... which I think in our generation, include those in the pulpit ministry. What a solemn reminder that whoever is in the ministry can "take away the key of knowledge", and even worse, hinder others from "entering in" spiritual fullness and maturity.

Matthew paraphrases it in another way:

"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in."
(Matthew 23:13)

What strikes me is the "for-you-neither-go-in-yourselves" part. It was not enough that they indulge themselves in their pride (which I feel might be the pride of self-assurance... not admitting spiritual depravity or "lack") but in their legalism, they have hindered others as well. Modern day Pharisees are in the business of making sure that the church of God remains as the lifeless institution that it has already become.

Stephen couldn't have said it any better:

"You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you." - Acts 7:51

"As your fathers did" suggests the elements of chronicity and traditionalism. An age-old, hand-me-down, passed-on recipe of Holy Spirit resistance soup. (No thanks, I'm "full"...hehe) Does it speak of being more concerned with the established norms and structures, rather than being discerning with the Lord's direction? Or is it just evidence of spiritual blindness? (it would not be surprising... even light does little good with diseased eyes! For crying out loud, they have walked with Jesus Christ yet have never come to realize that He is the Son of God!)

And yes, Stephen's conclusion led to his violent death... but he was able to lay out the card : What they really need is CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART. Walking the crucified life. And that is something not everyone will be willing to walk.

But praise God for Moses' example:

"By faith, Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharoah's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for HE LOOKED TO THE REWARD." - Hebrews 11:24-26

Point being taken, those in the ministry (or should I say God's people in general...and that includes me), if they have any business of entering in spiritual maturity (and not hinder others as well), should have no other option but to forsake walking in this world (which should include forsaking the self...eg self-reliance, self-righteousness, self-centeredness, self-assurance, self-entertainment) and to walk the way of the cross.

Steve Green sang it this way: Purged. Cleansed. Purified. That the Lord be glorified.

Now that's a recipe for revival.

Hosea 13:5

2008-10-31T16:32:00.002+08:00

"I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought..."
- Hosea 13:5

THE PRAYER

2008-10-29T15:58:00.003+08:00

I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go,
And help us to be wise, in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe...

La luce che tu dai
I pray we'll find your light
Nel cuore resterŕ
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che
When stars go out each night
L'eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c'č
When shadows fill our day

Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

Sogniamo un mondo senza piů violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia' la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternitŕ
La forza che ci dai
We ask that life be kind
E' il desiderio che
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amor

We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a sé
Another soul to love
Let this be our prayer
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Just like every child
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe

E' la fede che
Hai acceso in noi
Sento che ci salverŕa

Will be singing this song tonight as invocation for an RTD for PSHBT together with Mina.
While im actually thinking it might turn out to be a spectacle, it is just my prayer that indeed,
the prayer will reach the heart of God.

HELP US TO BE WISE IN TIMES WHEN WE DON'T KNOW.

Amen.

"CHOSEN IN THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION"

2007-08-02T21:07:00.001+08:00

by: DR. CHARLES McHATTON

"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver: I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (Isaiah 48:10) The word translated "affliction" here has been variously rendered as oppression and humiliation. God uses trial, oppression and humiliating experiences in our lives to refine us and to purify our hearts. "I have refined thee...I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction (in the place of oppression and humiliation) ."

You may be going through trials and difficulties of life. Many people are saying that never in the history of their Christian life have they felt the oppression nor experienced the trials through which they are going in these days. Truly we can say that these are the days that try men's souls. These are the days when the enemy of our souls is endeavoring to wear out the saints of the Most High. We should not despair in an hour like this, but we should realize that God has His hand and His eye on everything. And we should just leave ourselves in His hands, remembering that God can use and will use all of these trials, oppressions and humiliating experiences to refine us, purify us and fit us for better, richer and higher ministry.

"I HAVE CHOSEN THEE IN THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION." He has chosen us not in the place of ease and tranquility of spirit, but in the furnace of affliction. "I have chosen you," God says, "when things were pretty hot, when it seemed that things could not get any worse," God says, "I chose you there." That becomes the proving ground of Christian life and experience.

The automobile companies, before sending out their new models, put them through severe tests. They have what they call their proving ground, and there these automobiles go through a punishing and grueling testing time. This is necessary because they do not want the automobiles to break down after they are in use by the purchasing public. Thus they seek to find out where the weaknesses are before they put them on the market.

God deals with His children in much the same way. Testing times do come and shall yet come to the people of God. We will find ourselves in the furnace of affliction, oppression and humiliation so that the weak spots may be revealed and God can deal with them. God chooses us as we prove ourselves faithful to Him in the hours of testing. These testings take different forms. Sometimes you will find it is the testing of monotonous, dull, daily routine.

Moses had that experience. He had been singled out by the Lord to be the deliverer of the children of Israel, and he felt this mighty ministry within him. He felt this high and holy calling. He knew that God wanted him to do much for the people of Israel. And in his own energy, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. But finally Moses had to flee in terror, for he had acted on the basis of the wisdom of self and the working of self. And all of the wisdom and all of the works of self will come to nought. For forty long years Moses was on the backside of the desert tending sheep. A daily, monotonous routine--going out every day under a blazing, blistering sun to tend sheep.

Moses could have well asked, "Is this work fitting a deliverer?" Yes, Moses, it is, for Moses, you will learn much as you tend these sheep for forty long years. You will learn much patience--waiting on God, waiting for God and waiting God's time. You will learn that one blow struck under the direction of the Holy Spirit and under the anointing of the Spirit of God is better than ten thousand blows struck in the premature energies of the flesh. Moses learned patience. He learned to wait God's time. And all of this was most helpful when finally he became the shepherd to lead the people of God out of Egyptian bondage into the land of Canaan. When God desires to use a person for a special task or ministry, He always puts him to the test. He refines him through trial. There is no way you can escape this.

We see this example again in the life of Joseph. He was also marked out to be a mighty deliverer. But long, weary, trying years passed by before Joseph finally reached that wonderful, exalted position next to Pharaoh on the throne. Look at him there in the dungeon. He has been slandered, maligned, afflicted and oppressed in many ways. You mean that this is to be the deliverer of the world?

Yes, the Bible tells us in one of the Psalms that as Joseph was going through these times of testing, his soul entered into iron, or literally, iron entered into his soul. There are some lessons which can never be learned until one gets into the furnace.

The furnace was a strange place that the Lord selected to rendezvous with His three Hebrew children. If we had been there as events were unfolding, we would have said something to this effect: "Look at those men! They have not bowed down before this idol. Certainly, God is going to come to their aid and assistance. Oh, I know they are heating up this furnace seven times hotter than it has ever been before, but I am still certain that God is going to intervene. God is not going to allow them to be thrown into the furnace. After all, they have been faithful to the Lord. God loves His children too much to allow such a thing as that to take place."

As you continue to watch, you see that these strong young men are taken bodily and thrown into that blazing, fiery furnace. Has God failed them? No, God has not failed them at all. He chose that blazing, fiery furnace as His meeting place--the place where He was going to hold a sacred rendezvous with three of His faithful children. Thus we read in the book of Daniel that the King came near to the mouth of the furnace and looked in and said, "Did you not cast in three men bound? But I see four men loose and they are walking around, and the form of the fourth (notice) is like unto the Son of God."

When the times of testing come and you find yourself surrounded by a blazing furnace of oppression, realize that many times the Lord will use just such a place as that to reveal Himself to you in greater splendor and glory. And realize also that God has allowed you to be thrown into that time of testing or furnace of affliction so that certain bondage's might be burned away from your life. Realize that it can be true of you even as it was true of the three Hebrew children that God will choose you for a higher ministry and a higher place of effectiveness if you stand the test.

Yes, He chooses His children in the furnace of affliction. That is what happened in relation to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, the three Hebrew children. They were chosen in the furnace of affliction, and when they came out without even the smell of smoke upon them, they were exalted to a higher position then they had ever enjoyed before.

These trials that come your way are not the mere product of caprice and chance. You are not the victim of empty and vexatious circumstance. You are a child of the King! You belong to God! You are the clay on the potter's wheel. The pressure may come. You may feel that it is the pressure of circumstance and malice of misguided men, but I believe that there is no such thing as second cause, literally, in the life of the believer who is walking with the Lord. I believe that the Lord is the One who orders all things in the lives of His children.

It is true that He permits certain things to come upon us which would not come if we were living closer to the Lord. But since we are not living as close to the Lord as we should, these trials come our way. But nevertheless, God is the One who is permitting all of this. This is the testing time. However, you need to realize that it is not only the testing time, but it is also the choosing time, for God choose His workers and fits them for higher ministry in the times and in the places of distress and difficulty.

The Psalmist speaks concerning this. "Thou didst enlarge me when I was in distress." This is the testimony you will hear many times as you find out what preceded ministries that are effective for the glory of God. GOD ENLARGED ME WHEN I WAS IN DISTRESS. It is God who creates the blacksmith and the fire. And it is also God who creates the hammer that comes down seemingly mercilessly upon the life.

Everything is in the hands of God. Nothing comes to you by accident. You are not a victim. You are a child of the King! Remember that God is looking for individuals who will step into places of ministry and effective testimony, and to fit His workers properly, He often has to plunge them into the fires.

Even though it may be the dull, monotonous routine of daily living--BE FAITHFUL! Be faithful even though you may find yourself at this present moment surrounded by the flaming fiery furnace of heavy trial. God chooses His children for places of effective ministry and testimony in the furnace of affliction.

1 day to go...

2006-08-05T04:30:00.001+08:00

I started to get sick with fever, cough, and a sore throat two days ago.

Yesterday, God has been faithful to alow me to go to TGIF. He gave me strength to worship Him. May anointing with oil para sa mga may sakit. Lapit ako. Si Kuya Jun Pinili nag pray para sa akin. The Spirit of God was awesome, and urged the people to continue worshipping Him. TGIF was beautiful. Paguwi ko, nagsimula na namang pumangit pakiramdam ko. Truly, the Lord's grace is sufficient!

1 day to go… I'm not planning to study at night anymore.

Mamyang gabi, mag-w-worship ako kay Lord, by His grace. At matutulog ako ng mahimbing.

How I wish I could be as sure as those around me who say na papasa ako. Kasi, ang sinasabi lang sa akin ni Lord, "YOU CAN TRUST ME, I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING."

Indeed, the Lord has plans for me.

I'm praying to the Lord to increase my faith, and to help me with my "unbelief". He is gracious to provide me with the strength I need just for the day.

Simula bukas, makikita ko how awesome and great is my God.

Psalms 27:14

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

4 days to go...

2006-08-02T06:46:00.001+08:00

There is peace in the presence of the Lord.

I will not be moved, God is my shield!

His grace, I've never been so dependent of His grace!

How Wonderful is my Saviour!

Grabe.

6 days to go...

2006-07-31T07:18:00.001+08:00

I woke up with fear cringing in my heart.

Immediately, I renounced it, and prayed for

God's mercy and grace for the day.

His grace is sufficient! Hallelujah!

This song came up.

He's everything I need.

ALL FOR LOVE Hillsong

All for love a Father gave

For only love could make a way

All for love the heavens cried

For Love was crucified

Oh how many times have I broken Your heart?

But still You forgive, if I only ask

And how many times have You heard me pray

Draw near to me

Everything I need is You, my Beginning my Forever

Everything I need is You

Let me sing all for love

I will join the angel song

Every Holy is the Lord

King of Glory, King of all

All for love the Saviour prayed

"Abba, Father, have Your way

Though they know not what they do…

Let the cross draw man to You"