Scripture:
But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, just trust me, and she will be alright.” Luke 8:50
Observation:
These three phrases Jesus tells Jairus, upon the news of the death of her 12 year-old daughter, are charged with hope and encouragement. In the midst of a tragedy and its consequent pain, Jesus deals with the top three human feelings: fear, distrust, and uncertainty. Fear because the pain is too big to deal with the situation. Distrust because we wonder why God would allow a tragedy to happen. And uncertainty because we don’t know the outcome of the tragedy. Once the Lord Jesus intervenes, just as Jairus requested, He will come to address these human emotions. What Jesus did not only did a miracle in Jairus’ daughter. He also did a miracle in Jairus’ heart. The miracle of the girl is very impressive, but we cannot undermine the miracle in Jairus’ heart.
Application:
No matter the tragic event or difficulty we are going through, when we ask Jesus to come to our rescue, He will always address our fears, our lack of trust, and the uncertainty of the future. He will replace them with courage, trust, and confidence. In my view, when Jesus intervenes in a difficult situation, He comes and deals comprehensively, touching all the areas in our lives that are affected. Jesus is a master when dealing with multiple challenges and complex situations. We can certainly rest assured that He will always use our circumstances to bring blessing and to build a better character in our lives.
As I go through difficult seasons, I’m encouraged by Jesus comprehensive miracles. He is not only working in the surface. He is also dealing with the deep issues of the heart. This gives me confidence to share with others as they go through their tragedies and complex situations. I can truly say to them, “Don’t be afraid, trust the Lord Jesus, and everything is going to be alright.”
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for dealing comprehensively with all the issues in my life when going through a difficult time. Thank you for helping me to face my fears and to find victory as I find strength in you. Thank you for teaching me how to build more trust in you as I continue depending in your power, love, and grace. And also, thank you for giving hope about the future outcome of my life as I face the ripple effects of a tragedy. I know deep in my heart that your presence makes a huge difference and that my future is secured. Amen!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
WHY DO MOTHERS WORRY? By Lei Rol
Scripture
When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Luke 2:48-50
Observation
I can understand how Mary must have felt, traveling for a day thinking she had her one and only son, only to discover that he was not in their company. I can imagine the thoughts of great fear that something may have happened to him. Then you start to panic and ask everyone if they saw him and when no one knows you backtrack in your footsteps to see if he was somewhere along this trail and ask everyone along the trail if they saw him. You continue to anguish as you look for him. But did Mary at anytime go to God to ask Him for his protection or to help find him? If she did, it was not written but at the same time if she did she would have found comfort in knowing that God would protect him or even so God may have revealed to her that he was ok and where he needed to be. All of her worry and anguish would not have happened if she went to God first. I think that is why when she finally found him he said to her, "Why were you searching for me?" "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. She did not understand because she never took it to God first.
Application
I too have gone through what Mary went through with my only son. The many nights he would not come home as a teenager, I would stay up all night in worry, pacing the floors, crying because I felt something must have happened to him. If I had only taken it to God and put him in his hands I would not have all of these white hairs on my head today. Now that my son is 25 years old, I think I am much wiser now and I take everything to God in prayer. This morning my son calls me from the airport in Panama City Florida on his way to Qatar close to Saudi Arabia for a civilian job that will take him away for 1 year. This scripture reminds me that I need to seek God first in prayer before my human emotions of worry, fear and sadness take over. As I ended my conversation with him before he got on the plane, I told him that I loved him and I will be praying for him.
Prayer
Lord my prayer today is that I ask you for my son's protection as he travels to Qatar. Keep a hedge of protection on his mind that nothing fills his head with fear, on his body so he stays healthy and on his spirit that he continues to seek you everyday in all he does. Thank you Lord for being the Father of all his fathers to my son. And Lord thank you for also being my Father my God, Lord of all Lords and King of all Kings, in Jesus name Amen.
When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Luke 2:48-50
Observation
I can understand how Mary must have felt, traveling for a day thinking she had her one and only son, only to discover that he was not in their company. I can imagine the thoughts of great fear that something may have happened to him. Then you start to panic and ask everyone if they saw him and when no one knows you backtrack in your footsteps to see if he was somewhere along this trail and ask everyone along the trail if they saw him. You continue to anguish as you look for him. But did Mary at anytime go to God to ask Him for his protection or to help find him? If she did, it was not written but at the same time if she did she would have found comfort in knowing that God would protect him or even so God may have revealed to her that he was ok and where he needed to be. All of her worry and anguish would not have happened if she went to God first. I think that is why when she finally found him he said to her, "Why were you searching for me?" "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. She did not understand because she never took it to God first.
Application
I too have gone through what Mary went through with my only son. The many nights he would not come home as a teenager, I would stay up all night in worry, pacing the floors, crying because I felt something must have happened to him. If I had only taken it to God and put him in his hands I would not have all of these white hairs on my head today. Now that my son is 25 years old, I think I am much wiser now and I take everything to God in prayer. This morning my son calls me from the airport in Panama City Florida on his way to Qatar close to Saudi Arabia for a civilian job that will take him away for 1 year. This scripture reminds me that I need to seek God first in prayer before my human emotions of worry, fear and sadness take over. As I ended my conversation with him before he got on the plane, I told him that I loved him and I will be praying for him.
Prayer
Lord my prayer today is that I ask you for my son's protection as he travels to Qatar. Keep a hedge of protection on his mind that nothing fills his head with fear, on his body so he stays healthy and on his spirit that he continues to seek you everyday in all he does. Thank you Lord for being the Father of all his fathers to my son. And Lord thank you for also being my Father my God, Lord of all Lords and King of all Kings, in Jesus name Amen.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
OUT OF GUILT OR OUT OF LOVE. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”
Luke 7:44-47
Observation:
Jesus makes an important contrast between an immoral woman and a “good old boy” named Simon. Simon neglected the most common practice of hospitality towards his guest, judged the woman’s lifestyle, and condemned Jesus for allowing her to touch him. Simon was so blinded by his own ego and by his self-righteousness. On the other hand, the woman comes humble, giving more that what is requested, pouring everything before the Lord. Jesus points out that her attitude is not motivated out of guilt, but out of love. Simon cannot see how wrong he is, but the woman knows how unworthy she is. We don’t know if Simon was an immoral man in his private life, but he certainly wasn’t perfect. He pointed fingers at others, but he neglected self-evaluation just as he neglected hospitality.
Application:
Our human nature pushes us to be a pharisee like Simon. We want to neglect our own condition and we want to hide behind the more visual sins of others. Also our human nature tries to deal with sin out of guilt, but not out of love. Jesus knows the heart of the woman and sets her as an example for his followers to apply in their own lives.
As I look at my condition, I cannot see a strong pharisee attitude, but I cannot see a strong humble heart either. I’m thankful for his forgiveness, but my attitude is not as bold as the woman’s. I know that I’ve been forgiven much, but my response to him is not as meaningful. It seems that I’ve been going through the motions, getting used to His grace an mercy, and taking for granted the huge forgiveness I receive form God. This may cause me to serve out of guilt, and not out of love. I don’t want to become a pharisee. I want to become a thankful servant that serves and gives away out of great love because of the much that I’ve been forgiven.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for neither a cold or a hot , but a warm response in my heart towards your grace and mercy. Please set my heart on fire. Let me remember always where I have come form. Let me keep in mind the many sins I’ve been forgiven. Help me to keep a pure heart as I serve you, not out of guilt, but out of love. Amen!
Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”
Luke 7:44-47
Observation:
Jesus makes an important contrast between an immoral woman and a “good old boy” named Simon. Simon neglected the most common practice of hospitality towards his guest, judged the woman’s lifestyle, and condemned Jesus for allowing her to touch him. Simon was so blinded by his own ego and by his self-righteousness. On the other hand, the woman comes humble, giving more that what is requested, pouring everything before the Lord. Jesus points out that her attitude is not motivated out of guilt, but out of love. Simon cannot see how wrong he is, but the woman knows how unworthy she is. We don’t know if Simon was an immoral man in his private life, but he certainly wasn’t perfect. He pointed fingers at others, but he neglected self-evaluation just as he neglected hospitality.
Application:
Our human nature pushes us to be a pharisee like Simon. We want to neglect our own condition and we want to hide behind the more visual sins of others. Also our human nature tries to deal with sin out of guilt, but not out of love. Jesus knows the heart of the woman and sets her as an example for his followers to apply in their own lives.
As I look at my condition, I cannot see a strong pharisee attitude, but I cannot see a strong humble heart either. I’m thankful for his forgiveness, but my attitude is not as bold as the woman’s. I know that I’ve been forgiven much, but my response to him is not as meaningful. It seems that I’ve been going through the motions, getting used to His grace an mercy, and taking for granted the huge forgiveness I receive form God. This may cause me to serve out of guilt, and not out of love. I don’t want to become a pharisee. I want to become a thankful servant that serves and gives away out of great love because of the much that I’ve been forgiven.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for neither a cold or a hot , but a warm response in my heart towards your grace and mercy. Please set my heart on fire. Let me remember always where I have come form. Let me keep in mind the many sins I’ve been forgiven. Help me to keep a pure heart as I serve you, not out of guilt, but out of love. Amen!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
NEW THINGS. By Pastor Jan
Scripture:
"But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved." "And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, "The old is better.'"
Luke 5:38, 39
Observation:
God is always trying to bring us into His "new" wine skin. God's
mercies are "new" every morning (Lam. 23:3, 2 Cor 1:3, Eph. 2:4). It
takes a risk to understand God in new ways that can be very
uncomfortable. Daniel, Simon took a risk with their lives to submit
in obedience to God. Daniel saw things that made him faint of heart.
Yet, God draws us toward him. In the drawing, faith in Jesus can be
active and alive (a life on fire) because understanding God breaks
down the sometimes legal systems we set up in our lives. God's mercy
gives new compassion daily.
Application:
It is easy to cling to the "comfortable" traditional structures of
the past. I tend to reach for the familiar. The familiar then
becomes my mindset and finally my lifestyle...a sometimes legalistic
lifestyle. When I was younger, I was a risk taker quite drawn by the
"unknown". I learned to fly Cessna's for the thrill of flying alone
across California. I need to quit falling back on what I already know
and step out into God's mercies for the "new" every morning. As
Daniel learned to understand God in a fresh way, I need to risk being
"faint of heart".
Prayer:
Lord, for Your light to shine, stretch me, mold me, fit me into the
new. Help me to discard the old that is "not of you". Root out the
rigid, legalistic mindsets of my life. Broaden my perspective that
risks everything to continue to live for you.
"But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved." "And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, "The old is better.'"
Luke 5:38, 39
Observation:
God is always trying to bring us into His "new" wine skin. God's
mercies are "new" every morning (Lam. 23:3, 2 Cor 1:3, Eph. 2:4). It
takes a risk to understand God in new ways that can be very
uncomfortable. Daniel, Simon took a risk with their lives to submit
in obedience to God. Daniel saw things that made him faint of heart.
Yet, God draws us toward him. In the drawing, faith in Jesus can be
active and alive (a life on fire) because understanding God breaks
down the sometimes legal systems we set up in our lives. God's mercy
gives new compassion daily.
Application:
It is easy to cling to the "comfortable" traditional structures of
the past. I tend to reach for the familiar. The familiar then
becomes my mindset and finally my lifestyle...a sometimes legalistic
lifestyle. When I was younger, I was a risk taker quite drawn by the
"unknown". I learned to fly Cessna's for the thrill of flying alone
across California. I need to quit falling back on what I already know
and step out into God's mercies for the "new" every morning. As
Daniel learned to understand God in a fresh way, I need to risk being
"faint of heart".
Prayer:
Lord, for Your light to shine, stretch me, mold me, fit me into the
new. Help me to discard the old that is "not of you". Root out the
rigid, legalistic mindsets of my life. Broaden my perspective that
risks everything to continue to live for you.
CARING FOR THE TREE. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
“A good person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart. Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”
Luke 6:45
Observation:
Jesus here is talking about the fruit in our lives. He points out the importance of looking for the evidence of a good heart. Good hearts produce good deeds, just like good trees produce good fruit. Jesus wants to be consistent, especially in dealing with the condition of our heart, which is the source form where life flows. The sad thing is that very often we want to fix the fruit rather than the tree. Fruit can be easily retouched to make it look very nice. But once you take a bite, you will really know if that fruit is really good.
Application:
Integrity in character is what determines the outcome in our lives. We may try to cover up the true condition of our hearts, and we may present really pretty fruit to people. But once they get a bite of reality, the true condition will be revealed. We need to pay attention at the way our heart grows. If our hearts are not good in one area, even if we try to cover up its real condition, sooner or later the true fruit will be evident. When we cover up we have to be self-conscious and very careful of the things we say and do. But once we loose control, then we will say what we really think. We must take care good care of our hearts and to make sure that everything, from the roots, to the trunk, to the branches, to the leaves are healthy. Only in that way our fruit will bring glory to God.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to keep a good care of my heart. I don’t want to have anything that will cause my fruit to be bitter. I just want to bring glory to your name. Please help me to identify roots of selfishness, judgment, and pride that could cause my fruit to be polluted. Let my entire life be a fruitful tree that not only brings glory to your name, but also that blesses others around me. Amen!
“A good person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart. Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”
Luke 6:45
Observation:
Jesus here is talking about the fruit in our lives. He points out the importance of looking for the evidence of a good heart. Good hearts produce good deeds, just like good trees produce good fruit. Jesus wants to be consistent, especially in dealing with the condition of our heart, which is the source form where life flows. The sad thing is that very often we want to fix the fruit rather than the tree. Fruit can be easily retouched to make it look very nice. But once you take a bite, you will really know if that fruit is really good.
Application:
Integrity in character is what determines the outcome in our lives. We may try to cover up the true condition of our hearts, and we may present really pretty fruit to people. But once they get a bite of reality, the true condition will be revealed. We need to pay attention at the way our heart grows. If our hearts are not good in one area, even if we try to cover up its real condition, sooner or later the true fruit will be evident. When we cover up we have to be self-conscious and very careful of the things we say and do. But once we loose control, then we will say what we really think. We must take care good care of our hearts and to make sure that everything, from the roots, to the trunk, to the branches, to the leaves are healthy. Only in that way our fruit will bring glory to God.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to keep a good care of my heart. I don’t want to have anything that will cause my fruit to be bitter. I just want to bring glory to your name. Please help me to identify roots of selfishness, judgment, and pride that could cause my fruit to be polluted. Let my entire life be a fruitful tree that not only brings glory to your name, but also that blesses others around me. Amen!
RESOLVED TO PRAY. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
“Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what it was, for God loves you very much. Now listen, so you can understand the meaning of your vision."
Daniel 9:22-23
Observation:
When Daniel decides to fast and pray for the sake of his people, he came before God in humility and repentance for the corporate sins of Israel. Amazing what such attitude does! Gabriel the archangel came to provide insight and understanding, but also to encourage Daniel and to reaffirm God’s love for him. When Daniel started to p[ray with such heart, a command in heaven was given. Prayers certainly can change things supernaturally when we have the right motives and when we come requesting the will of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Application:
Impossible to deny the benefits of prayer and fasting with a humble heart and on behalf of the people. Intercession is such a powerful weapon that sometimes I don’t understand why we don’t use it more often. We come with multiple excuses about our lack of prayer. We don’t have enough time, or we try few times, or God knows our requests, so no need to ask. The bottom line is that Daniel was able to tap into something greater than himself and we are invited to have the same privilege in sincere and humble prayer.
For a long time I’ve been convicted by the HS about my lack of prayer. I can see why Jesus wants us to persevere in prayer. We can truly become the light of the world as we bring the kingdom of God through genuine and effective prayer. I cannot think of my prayer time as a waste of time, or as a less productive activity in my schedule. I need to engrave in my heart that prayer sets things that I cannot see and that brings blessings that I will never be able to understand. It makes sense to me to ask for revival in my heart when it comes to prayer and fasting. I need to ask our church to come together in prayer and fasting for God’s will to be done in our midst.
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus. please forgive me for my lack of consistent and humble prayer. I am called to intercede for your people and I have neglected that post of authority. Please give me the desire to be devoted in prayer, to seek your face in humility and in repentance for the many sins of our land and our church. Please guide us into a new season of blessing that comes as a result of our humble hearts poured before you. Give us insight and understanding as we advance your kingdom, and remind us often of your faithful love for us as we continue obeying your principles, specially the call to pray and fast with a humble heart. Amen!
“Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what it was, for God loves you very much. Now listen, so you can understand the meaning of your vision."
Daniel 9:22-23
Observation:
When Daniel decides to fast and pray for the sake of his people, he came before God in humility and repentance for the corporate sins of Israel. Amazing what such attitude does! Gabriel the archangel came to provide insight and understanding, but also to encourage Daniel and to reaffirm God’s love for him. When Daniel started to p[ray with such heart, a command in heaven was given. Prayers certainly can change things supernaturally when we have the right motives and when we come requesting the will of God to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Application:
Impossible to deny the benefits of prayer and fasting with a humble heart and on behalf of the people. Intercession is such a powerful weapon that sometimes I don’t understand why we don’t use it more often. We come with multiple excuses about our lack of prayer. We don’t have enough time, or we try few times, or God knows our requests, so no need to ask. The bottom line is that Daniel was able to tap into something greater than himself and we are invited to have the same privilege in sincere and humble prayer.
For a long time I’ve been convicted by the HS about my lack of prayer. I can see why Jesus wants us to persevere in prayer. We can truly become the light of the world as we bring the kingdom of God through genuine and effective prayer. I cannot think of my prayer time as a waste of time, or as a less productive activity in my schedule. I need to engrave in my heart that prayer sets things that I cannot see and that brings blessings that I will never be able to understand. It makes sense to me to ask for revival in my heart when it comes to prayer and fasting. I need to ask our church to come together in prayer and fasting for God’s will to be done in our midst.
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus. please forgive me for my lack of consistent and humble prayer. I am called to intercede for your people and I have neglected that post of authority. Please give me the desire to be devoted in prayer, to seek your face in humility and in repentance for the many sins of our land and our church. Please guide us into a new season of blessing that comes as a result of our humble hearts poured before you. Give us insight and understanding as we advance your kingdom, and remind us often of your faithful love for us as we continue obeying your principles, specially the call to pray and fast with a humble heart. Amen!
CHANGING DISOBEDIENT MINDS. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
He will be a man with the power and spirit of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for His arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.
Luke 1:17
Observation:
John the Baptist had the power and spirit of Elijah. He was the one who prepared the way for the coming of the Lord. He set the stage of repentance in Israel for the Messiah to come. Under JB’s ministry, people came in repentance to be baptized in the Jordan. people were confronted with their sins, with their apathy towards God, and with their disobedient minds. As a result of JB’s ministry, the hearts of the people were ready to receive the seed of the Gospel. He brought a sincere conviction of the mindset prevalent at the time where people were mostly culturally and traditionally religious, but their lifestyle was faraway form the plans of God.
Application:
Just as the time before the coming of Jesus as a child, many people today have disobedient minds. We are educated beyond our level of obedience. We know what God wants and even memorize Bible verses. But when it comes to obey and lie according to the Scripture, many of us have disobedient minds. One of the keys for true revival in our personal lives is the renewal of our minds. Once we submit our minds to the power of Jesus, we will experience a change in our disobedient minds. Now we will accept godly wisdom.
Some people may resist some teachings of the Bible because they seem old fashioned and irrelevant for today’s society. They want to embrace a lifestyle that is not blessed by God, yet they want to be known as good people that follow Christ. In a more secretive way, sometimes we harbor attitudes and habits that are against the Way of God, and we cover them up with our spiritual exercises. We cannot fool God. He knows the condition of our hearts, even when we try to put makeup on them. As we continue walking with the Lord, we need to be consistent in our humility to allow the Holy Spirit to change our disobedient mind. As we accept godly wisdom for our lives and trust in their life-giving principles by applying them, we will prepare the way for he coming of the Lord in our own hearts.
Lord, Jesus. please forgive me for any disobedient mindset in my life. Please renew my mind as i accept the godly wisdom you provide in your word. My spiritual maturity depends not in how much I know, but in how much I obey. I want to be obedient to your ways, to your process, to your instructions, and to your desires. Please change my disobedient mind and stubbornness. Make me more like you. Amen!
He will be a man with the power and spirit of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for His arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.
Luke 1:17
Observation:
John the Baptist had the power and spirit of Elijah. He was the one who prepared the way for the coming of the Lord. He set the stage of repentance in Israel for the Messiah to come. Under JB’s ministry, people came in repentance to be baptized in the Jordan. people were confronted with their sins, with their apathy towards God, and with their disobedient minds. As a result of JB’s ministry, the hearts of the people were ready to receive the seed of the Gospel. He brought a sincere conviction of the mindset prevalent at the time where people were mostly culturally and traditionally religious, but their lifestyle was faraway form the plans of God.
Application:
Just as the time before the coming of Jesus as a child, many people today have disobedient minds. We are educated beyond our level of obedience. We know what God wants and even memorize Bible verses. But when it comes to obey and lie according to the Scripture, many of us have disobedient minds. One of the keys for true revival in our personal lives is the renewal of our minds. Once we submit our minds to the power of Jesus, we will experience a change in our disobedient minds. Now we will accept godly wisdom.
Some people may resist some teachings of the Bible because they seem old fashioned and irrelevant for today’s society. They want to embrace a lifestyle that is not blessed by God, yet they want to be known as good people that follow Christ. In a more secretive way, sometimes we harbor attitudes and habits that are against the Way of God, and we cover them up with our spiritual exercises. We cannot fool God. He knows the condition of our hearts, even when we try to put makeup on them. As we continue walking with the Lord, we need to be consistent in our humility to allow the Holy Spirit to change our disobedient mind. As we accept godly wisdom for our lives and trust in their life-giving principles by applying them, we will prepare the way for he coming of the Lord in our own hearts.
Lord, Jesus. please forgive me for any disobedient mindset in my life. Please renew my mind as i accept the godly wisdom you provide in your word. My spiritual maturity depends not in how much I know, but in how much I obey. I want to be obedient to your ways, to your process, to your instructions, and to your desires. Please change my disobedient mind and stubbornness. Make me more like you. Amen!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
MEASURED FOR GLORY. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.
Revelation 21:15
Observation:
John and Ezekiel both had an encounter with an angel who measures. The meticulous task of measuring was very important in the ancient times for construction and assessment. Equal importance is attributed today. And in both, the OT and the NT, God is consistent in revealing His desire to measure. He commanded the standards and exact measurements of how to build a place of worship; and He did it in a way that people would be able to do it. So when God sends His angel to measure, He wants to make sure that everything is in place, in order, so His glory fits and brings blessing throughout.
Application:
God has set standards in how to build our lives. He sets the blueprints and trusts in our diligence to build our lives according to those plans. He wants the place for His dwelling to be spotless, fitting for His glory. For that reason, He will consistently inspect our progress with His measuring tape, and point out the areas where we come short, or where we set the wrong walls, or when our gates are not properly built. He wants to make sure that we are building lives where His glory will be well received and we will be measured for glory.
If that angel would come today to my life with his measuring tape, what would he find? Certainly, there are many areas in my heart where God’s glory doesn’t fit. My compulsions, my sinful habits, and generally my disobedience to the measurements provided by God have caused me to build too short, or to set up gates in vulnerable places where the enemy has easy access, or to raise walls that hinder the flaw of His power in my own life. The purpose of His measuring is not for condemnation, but for re-calibration. I still have a window of opportunity to make corrections and build a life according to the divine blueprint and its measurements.
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus. I cannot avoid to be ashamed for the condition of my life this morning. There are so many areas where your measurements could bring disappointing readings. Please forgive me! I have placed walls where should be gates, and I have placed gates where should be walls. Your glory doesn’t fit in some areas of my life. Please help me to correct what is wrong and give me the strength to faithfully build according to your template. Make my heart your home and let your glory dwell in all the areas of my life. Thank you for your mercy and for loving me as imperfect and unfaithful as I am. Amen!
The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.
Revelation 21:15
Observation:
John and Ezekiel both had an encounter with an angel who measures. The meticulous task of measuring was very important in the ancient times for construction and assessment. Equal importance is attributed today. And in both, the OT and the NT, God is consistent in revealing His desire to measure. He commanded the standards and exact measurements of how to build a place of worship; and He did it in a way that people would be able to do it. So when God sends His angel to measure, He wants to make sure that everything is in place, in order, so His glory fits and brings blessing throughout.
Application:
God has set standards in how to build our lives. He sets the blueprints and trusts in our diligence to build our lives according to those plans. He wants the place for His dwelling to be spotless, fitting for His glory. For that reason, He will consistently inspect our progress with His measuring tape, and point out the areas where we come short, or where we set the wrong walls, or when our gates are not properly built. He wants to make sure that we are building lives where His glory will be well received and we will be measured for glory.
If that angel would come today to my life with his measuring tape, what would he find? Certainly, there are many areas in my heart where God’s glory doesn’t fit. My compulsions, my sinful habits, and generally my disobedience to the measurements provided by God have caused me to build too short, or to set up gates in vulnerable places where the enemy has easy access, or to raise walls that hinder the flaw of His power in my own life. The purpose of His measuring is not for condemnation, but for re-calibration. I still have a window of opportunity to make corrections and build a life according to the divine blueprint and its measurements.
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus. I cannot avoid to be ashamed for the condition of my life this morning. There are so many areas where your measurements could bring disappointing readings. Please forgive me! I have placed walls where should be gates, and I have placed gates where should be walls. Your glory doesn’t fit in some areas of my life. Please help me to correct what is wrong and give me the strength to faithfully build according to your template. Make my heart your home and let your glory dwell in all the areas of my life. Thank you for your mercy and for loving me as imperfect and unfaithful as I am. Amen!
WISE AND DISCREET RESPONSES. By Pastor Fernando.
Scripture:
When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.
Daniel 2:14
Observation:
Daniel had an amazing attitude when dealing with difficulties. Instead of getting anxious, he cools down and thinks in the best solution. He doesn’t react, he responds. He keeps emotions under control and depends on God to bring the solution to his problems. Even though Daniel had the education, the gifts, and the predisposition to be very smart, he still depends on God to face difficult situations. His wisdom and discretion took him to places of influence and leadership that brought glory to God and blessing to His people.
Application:
As I watch the political campaign for the White House, I can only see unwise and indiscreet reactions to sometimes vicious attacks, but other times to miscalculated statements. This may be the political game we are used to, but it reveals a lack of wisdom and discretion when dealing with difficult situations.
In our daily reality we have two options when dealing with difficult situations. We will either react or we will respond. Reactions are usually emotionally charged, thoughtless, tactless, rude and dangerous. Reactions don’t help to solve problems. Actually they make things worse and distract us from doing what is right. On the other hand, responses are charged with wisdom, calculated, precise, candid, and safe. Responses give room for the Holy Spirit to come alongside and guide our thoughts. Taking time to respond is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of wisdom and discretion.
I have many opportunities each day to either react or respond. I want to be a man that responds handling situations with wisdom and discretion. I need to fight the natural tendency to react to problems and accusations. I must control my emotions, avoid taking things personal, and focus in God’s way to deal with things. I need to develop more dependency on God as His presence makes me more wise and discreet in all my daily affairs.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to choose responses rather than reactions when dealing with difficult situations. Teach me more wisdom and discretion so I can bring effective solutions to everyday problems. Amen!
When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.
Daniel 2:14
Observation:
Daniel had an amazing attitude when dealing with difficulties. Instead of getting anxious, he cools down and thinks in the best solution. He doesn’t react, he responds. He keeps emotions under control and depends on God to bring the solution to his problems. Even though Daniel had the education, the gifts, and the predisposition to be very smart, he still depends on God to face difficult situations. His wisdom and discretion took him to places of influence and leadership that brought glory to God and blessing to His people.
Application:
As I watch the political campaign for the White House, I can only see unwise and indiscreet reactions to sometimes vicious attacks, but other times to miscalculated statements. This may be the political game we are used to, but it reveals a lack of wisdom and discretion when dealing with difficult situations.
In our daily reality we have two options when dealing with difficult situations. We will either react or we will respond. Reactions are usually emotionally charged, thoughtless, tactless, rude and dangerous. Reactions don’t help to solve problems. Actually they make things worse and distract us from doing what is right. On the other hand, responses are charged with wisdom, calculated, precise, candid, and safe. Responses give room for the Holy Spirit to come alongside and guide our thoughts. Taking time to respond is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of wisdom and discretion.
I have many opportunities each day to either react or respond. I want to be a man that responds handling situations with wisdom and discretion. I need to fight the natural tendency to react to problems and accusations. I must control my emotions, avoid taking things personal, and focus in God’s way to deal with things. I need to develop more dependency on God as His presence makes me more wise and discreet in all my daily affairs.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to choose responses rather than reactions when dealing with difficult situations. Teach me more wisdom and discretion so I can bring effective solutions to everyday problems. Amen!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
DARING TO HOPE. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
19 The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. 20 I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. 21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
Lamentations 3:19-24
Observation:
Jeremiah vents before God about Israel’s and his own misery. He is at the center of the storm, with the worse damage passing by, and with the most intense pain eating his bones. However, he dares to hope in God’s goodness and faithfulness. For Jeremiah, everything can be taken away--the nation’s splendor, the temple, the city walls, the people, but as long as he has hope in God, not everything is lost.
Application:
Difficult times are a reality in life. Sooner or later the storms of life will hit us and test the resilience of our fragile hearts. But what they test the most is how willing we are to loose our hope. Those tests take us to the fringe of our strength, to the breakpoint where it seems that hope is the last thing we have. We can only pass the test when we refuse to loose hope and rather we dare to hope. Daring is a defiant act against all odds. Those who dare to hope in spite of the scoreboard reveal a character that only those with divine royal blood have. The children of God shine not when things in life are thriving but when the storms hit them hard.
This week I’ve been able to see a family shining their character in one of the most brutal storms a family can face. As one of their children is laying on an ICU bed fighting for his life, this family dares to hope in the love and mercy of God. This child of God has been suffering for many years several physical problems. This family has all the right to question God and His love for this young man. Nevertheless, they dare to hope--against doctor’s diagnosis, and against the pain to see their loved one suffering. I’ve been able to witness the glory of God shining through this situation because they dare to hope. I’m learning from this family because I want to shine the same way when the brutal storms come my way.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the privilege to see a godly family daring to hope in your love and faithfulness. Let me learn form them. Please help this family during this trial and bring peace and comfort into their troubled souls. Let your will be done in the life of this young man and bring the ultimate healing, whatever it look s like, according to your perfect plan for him and for this family. Amen!
19 The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. 20 I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. 21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
Lamentations 3:19-24
Observation:
Jeremiah vents before God about Israel’s and his own misery. He is at the center of the storm, with the worse damage passing by, and with the most intense pain eating his bones. However, he dares to hope in God’s goodness and faithfulness. For Jeremiah, everything can be taken away--the nation’s splendor, the temple, the city walls, the people, but as long as he has hope in God, not everything is lost.
Application:
Difficult times are a reality in life. Sooner or later the storms of life will hit us and test the resilience of our fragile hearts. But what they test the most is how willing we are to loose our hope. Those tests take us to the fringe of our strength, to the breakpoint where it seems that hope is the last thing we have. We can only pass the test when we refuse to loose hope and rather we dare to hope. Daring is a defiant act against all odds. Those who dare to hope in spite of the scoreboard reveal a character that only those with divine royal blood have. The children of God shine not when things in life are thriving but when the storms hit them hard.
This week I’ve been able to see a family shining their character in one of the most brutal storms a family can face. As one of their children is laying on an ICU bed fighting for his life, this family dares to hope in the love and mercy of God. This child of God has been suffering for many years several physical problems. This family has all the right to question God and His love for this young man. Nevertheless, they dare to hope--against doctor’s diagnosis, and against the pain to see their loved one suffering. I’ve been able to witness the glory of God shining through this situation because they dare to hope. I’m learning from this family because I want to shine the same way when the brutal storms come my way.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the privilege to see a godly family daring to hope in your love and faithfulness. Let me learn form them. Please help this family during this trial and bring peace and comfort into their troubled souls. Let your will be done in the life of this young man and bring the ultimate healing, whatever it look s like, according to your perfect plan for him and for this family. Amen!
FROM THE CLOUD TO THE HARVEST FIELD. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one "like a son of man" with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
Revelation 14:14-16
Observation:
John describes a vision of one wearing a crown of gold on his head and a sickle in his hand. This picture is rare because royalty are the ones wearing crowns, but royalty never goes out with sickles to harvest. That’s the job of the servants. However, things are different in the kingdom of God. The ones harvesting are the ones with regalia. And as the divine prince goes out and harvests the earth, there’s a sense of right doing. The one seating in the cloud has no problem in jumping form the fluffy comfort of the cloud into the fields of ripe harvest.
Application:
One of the greatest blessings we receive when we restore our relationship with God is our identity as coheirs with Christ. With salvation comes a restoration of the royal dignity God created human beings to bestowed for eternity. The Lord himself promises a crown of glory over our heads as we continue walking and persevering in His ways. But with the crown also comes a sickle. With the blessing also comes a responsibility to have our eyes set on the harvest of the earth. The harvest of the earth is being prepared to the coming day when the sickle will be swung. We need to have readiness and sense of emergency towards investing in the harvest. People all around us are the harvest and they need to be prepared so they are ripe when harvesting time comes.
We need to be very intentional about the harvest. Do we enjoy the comfort of the fluffy clouds too much that we forget about the harvest fields? Do we polish our golden crowns with so much diligence that we forget that our sickles need to be sharpen as well? What are we doing in a regular basis to be in the harvest, to plant seeds, to water the hearts, and to endure in raising the crops? Part of our identity as royal children of God is to be servants in the harvest. I must never forget that!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for calling me to be part of your kingdom as both, royalty and harvester. Please help me to enjoy the clouds and crowns, but never to forget that there’s a sickle in my hand as well. Let my life be about the harvest. Let my family be about the harvest. Let our church be about the harvest. Give us a passion for the lost and for the process that will help people around us to become ready for the harvesting time. Amen!
I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one "like a son of man" with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, "Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
Revelation 14:14-16
Observation:
John describes a vision of one wearing a crown of gold on his head and a sickle in his hand. This picture is rare because royalty are the ones wearing crowns, but royalty never goes out with sickles to harvest. That’s the job of the servants. However, things are different in the kingdom of God. The ones harvesting are the ones with regalia. And as the divine prince goes out and harvests the earth, there’s a sense of right doing. The one seating in the cloud has no problem in jumping form the fluffy comfort of the cloud into the fields of ripe harvest.
Application:
One of the greatest blessings we receive when we restore our relationship with God is our identity as coheirs with Christ. With salvation comes a restoration of the royal dignity God created human beings to bestowed for eternity. The Lord himself promises a crown of glory over our heads as we continue walking and persevering in His ways. But with the crown also comes a sickle. With the blessing also comes a responsibility to have our eyes set on the harvest of the earth. The harvest of the earth is being prepared to the coming day when the sickle will be swung. We need to have readiness and sense of emergency towards investing in the harvest. People all around us are the harvest and they need to be prepared so they are ripe when harvesting time comes.
We need to be very intentional about the harvest. Do we enjoy the comfort of the fluffy clouds too much that we forget about the harvest fields? Do we polish our golden crowns with so much diligence that we forget that our sickles need to be sharpen as well? What are we doing in a regular basis to be in the harvest, to plant seeds, to water the hearts, and to endure in raising the crops? Part of our identity as royal children of God is to be servants in the harvest. I must never forget that!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for calling me to be part of your kingdom as both, royalty and harvester. Please help me to enjoy the clouds and crowns, but never to forget that there’s a sickle in my hand as well. Let my life be about the harvest. Let my family be about the harvest. Let our church be about the harvest. Give us a passion for the lost and for the process that will help people around us to become ready for the harvesting time. Amen!
REMARKABLE OBEDIENCE. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
“...The next morning I did everything I had been told to do.”
Ezekiel 24:18
Observation:
What an amazing character Ezekiel portrays, His lifestyle was of remarkable obedience because he was swift to obey. No rationalizing, no excuses! He simply does what he has been told to do. He displays the attitude of a servant by being obedient voluntarily. He is not forced to be obedient, but he becomes obedient because of his unwavering character. There’s much to learn form someone like Ezekiel.
Application:
I am far away from being as remarkable as Ezekiel. Even though I’m not an evil person doing horrible deeds, my character allows excuses to be slow, and even apathetic towards God’s desires for me. I’ve been lacking discipline to listen to God and to make serious decisions and changes in my lifestyle. I talk about change, but I don’t walk the path of change. I have good intentions, but I have no actions. It seems that I chose a side of apathy, waiting for some reward without paying the price, and avoiding diligence to self-evaluate my progress.
I will always remember while in the army how I used to be known for my remarkable obedience. My superiors were delighted at my swift, “don’t ask why just do it“ attitude. I even put baby powder once all over my face just to please the order of a superior. If I can do something so meaningless for someone not so important, why I cannot be diligent to do something significant for my God and Savior? I need lots of repentance on this... and the best way to walk in repentance is to humble myself and walk again the path of dependency on His voice and remarkable obedience to God. That’s why King David was chosen instead of King Saul. David was vehement to obey. Saul was willing to reinterpret God’s ways according to his selfish wishes. I don’t want to become a Saul... I want to embrace the attitude that great men of faith like David and Ezekiel had. Above all things, I want to be obedient to the smallest wishes of my King.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, this is probably the core of my sinful nature exposed. Everything that breaks relationship with you and that steals blessings form my life is at the core of my attitude towards your instructions for my life. There are clear instructions in your Word that you want me to follow. But also there are specific instructions for my life that I’ve been neglecting for a while. Whatever the reason for such character flaw, please forgive me for this apathy towards your instructions. Let me learn a remarkable obedience as you continue giving me grace and favor to be on this world. Let me train under your kind, yet firm classroom. Help me to move everything in my towards this kind of character. I know my spirit is willing, but my body is weak. So please, come and restore anything in my heart that resists your will or that remains unmotivated to obey. Amen!
“...The next morning I did everything I had been told to do.”
Ezekiel 24:18
Observation:
What an amazing character Ezekiel portrays, His lifestyle was of remarkable obedience because he was swift to obey. No rationalizing, no excuses! He simply does what he has been told to do. He displays the attitude of a servant by being obedient voluntarily. He is not forced to be obedient, but he becomes obedient because of his unwavering character. There’s much to learn form someone like Ezekiel.
Application:
I am far away from being as remarkable as Ezekiel. Even though I’m not an evil person doing horrible deeds, my character allows excuses to be slow, and even apathetic towards God’s desires for me. I’ve been lacking discipline to listen to God and to make serious decisions and changes in my lifestyle. I talk about change, but I don’t walk the path of change. I have good intentions, but I have no actions. It seems that I chose a side of apathy, waiting for some reward without paying the price, and avoiding diligence to self-evaluate my progress.
I will always remember while in the army how I used to be known for my remarkable obedience. My superiors were delighted at my swift, “don’t ask why just do it“ attitude. I even put baby powder once all over my face just to please the order of a superior. If I can do something so meaningless for someone not so important, why I cannot be diligent to do something significant for my God and Savior? I need lots of repentance on this... and the best way to walk in repentance is to humble myself and walk again the path of dependency on His voice and remarkable obedience to God. That’s why King David was chosen instead of King Saul. David was vehement to obey. Saul was willing to reinterpret God’s ways according to his selfish wishes. I don’t want to become a Saul... I want to embrace the attitude that great men of faith like David and Ezekiel had. Above all things, I want to be obedient to the smallest wishes of my King.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, this is probably the core of my sinful nature exposed. Everything that breaks relationship with you and that steals blessings form my life is at the core of my attitude towards your instructions for my life. There are clear instructions in your Word that you want me to follow. But also there are specific instructions for my life that I’ve been neglecting for a while. Whatever the reason for such character flaw, please forgive me for this apathy towards your instructions. Let me learn a remarkable obedience as you continue giving me grace and favor to be on this world. Let me train under your kind, yet firm classroom. Help me to move everything in my towards this kind of character. I know my spirit is willing, but my body is weak. So please, come and restore anything in my heart that resists your will or that remains unmotivated to obey. Amen!
Friday, September 5, 2008
JUDGED FOR YOURSELF. By Kamu Sing
Scripture
Ezekiel 18:20 - The person who sins will die The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.
Observation
God is now making it very clear on how we are responsible for our own actions. We do not hold the mistakes of our father on our shoulders and our father doesn’t hold our mistakes on his. Basically, this is saying that we are now responsible for our own actions, good and bad. If we bless someone and do good, we will be held accountable. If we wrong someone and do bad, we will be held accountable.
Application
There are so many things that make you, you. Every experience in life, from the bully who picked on you in elementary to the first time you held someone’s hand. Everything is an added experience that leads to the kind of person you are today. In today’s reading, God’s speaks of how we are not responsible for the mistakes of our father nor are they responsible for our mistakes. Honestly, it is so easy for me to take the junk about me and blame it on my parents. “They raised me to be like this” or “It’s not my fault I’m this way.” But here, God reminds us that we are accountable for ourselves and we have the ability to overcome the generational curses and put more of our identity in Christ. That no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, we can always change who we’ve become to be more like Christ without playing the blame game.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for second and third and fourth chances. Thank you that you’ve given us a way to change to be more like You. That we can be accountable for our actions and that there is always time for change. Lord, help me to be more like You, especially in the areas of my life that I struggle in from the wounds of my past. Heal my heart, restore me to who you’ve called me to be. I love You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Ezekiel 18:20 - The person who sins will die The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.
Observation
God is now making it very clear on how we are responsible for our own actions. We do not hold the mistakes of our father on our shoulders and our father doesn’t hold our mistakes on his. Basically, this is saying that we are now responsible for our own actions, good and bad. If we bless someone and do good, we will be held accountable. If we wrong someone and do bad, we will be held accountable.
Application
There are so many things that make you, you. Every experience in life, from the bully who picked on you in elementary to the first time you held someone’s hand. Everything is an added experience that leads to the kind of person you are today. In today’s reading, God’s speaks of how we are not responsible for the mistakes of our father nor are they responsible for our mistakes. Honestly, it is so easy for me to take the junk about me and blame it on my parents. “They raised me to be like this” or “It’s not my fault I’m this way.” But here, God reminds us that we are accountable for ourselves and we have the ability to overcome the generational curses and put more of our identity in Christ. That no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, we can always change who we’ve become to be more like Christ without playing the blame game.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for second and third and fourth chances. Thank you that you’ve given us a way to change to be more like You. That we can be accountable for our actions and that there is always time for change. Lord, help me to be more like You, especially in the areas of my life that I struggle in from the wounds of my past. Heal my heart, restore me to who you’ve called me to be. I love You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
WARNING AGAINST OPPORTUNISM. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
“Son of man, Tyre has rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Ha! She who controlled the rich trade routes to the east has been broken, and I am the heir! Because she has been destroyed, I will become wealthy!’”
Ezekiel 26:2
Observation:
As God reveals his plans of Judgments over Tyre, He discloses his distaste for opportunism. As Jerusalem was being punished and lost its prominence and advantage n the trade market, Tyre rejoiced and seized the opportunity. T this, many will say, “business is business.” But from God’s perspective, lack of compassion for those who fall will always awaken an opportunistic attitude that eventually will prepare the stage for pride to settle in.
Application:
Opportunism is one of those attitudes that may seem to bring a lot of effectiveness and success. But underneath the possibility of getting ahead, there is a compromise of godly character. There’s nothing wrong in filling a void left by someone’s failure. What is wrong is to rejoice at their fate and then build upon someone else’s brokenness. We can see our hearts craving for opportunities for us to be more prosperous and to get ahead. It’s in our nature to grow and to get better. However, the end doesn’t justify the means. Jesus Himself went ahead everyone else in creation with His humility, compassion, and submissive heart. We need to learn from Him and imitate His attitude.
Even in an endeavor as noble as ministry, Christian leaders can compromise a lot through opportunism. When another ministry in the community suffers, what do we do? Do we rejoice thinking that our constituency will grow because of their misfortune, or do we come with a helping hand to aid our brother or sister in need? As a shepherd and a leader I need to be aware of opportunities and seize them, but without an opportunistic spirit.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for any trace of opportunism in my heart. I want to be diligent in making decisions and in seizing the opportunities you provide. However, I want to be humble in the process. I don’t want to take advantage of other’s suffering or misfortune. Let me grow in integrity in this area of my heart. Let me put others first as your Son Jesus always does. Amen!
“Son of man, Tyre has rejoiced over the fall of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Ha! She who controlled the rich trade routes to the east has been broken, and I am the heir! Because she has been destroyed, I will become wealthy!’”
Ezekiel 26:2
Observation:
As God reveals his plans of Judgments over Tyre, He discloses his distaste for opportunism. As Jerusalem was being punished and lost its prominence and advantage n the trade market, Tyre rejoiced and seized the opportunity. T this, many will say, “business is business.” But from God’s perspective, lack of compassion for those who fall will always awaken an opportunistic attitude that eventually will prepare the stage for pride to settle in.
Application:
Opportunism is one of those attitudes that may seem to bring a lot of effectiveness and success. But underneath the possibility of getting ahead, there is a compromise of godly character. There’s nothing wrong in filling a void left by someone’s failure. What is wrong is to rejoice at their fate and then build upon someone else’s brokenness. We can see our hearts craving for opportunities for us to be more prosperous and to get ahead. It’s in our nature to grow and to get better. However, the end doesn’t justify the means. Jesus Himself went ahead everyone else in creation with His humility, compassion, and submissive heart. We need to learn from Him and imitate His attitude.
Even in an endeavor as noble as ministry, Christian leaders can compromise a lot through opportunism. When another ministry in the community suffers, what do we do? Do we rejoice thinking that our constituency will grow because of their misfortune, or do we come with a helping hand to aid our brother or sister in need? As a shepherd and a leader I need to be aware of opportunities and seize them, but without an opportunistic spirit.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for any trace of opportunism in my heart. I want to be diligent in making decisions and in seizing the opportunities you provide. However, I want to be humble in the process. I don’t want to take advantage of other’s suffering or misfortune. Let me grow in integrity in this area of my heart. Let me put others first as your Son Jesus always does. Amen!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
LEGACY OF RIGHEOUTSNESS. By Pastor Fernando
Scripture:
“What?” You ask. “ Doesn’t the child pay for the parent’s sins?” No! For if the child does what is right and keeps my laws , that child will surely live.
Ezekiel 18:19
Observation:
God is righteous and just. He will always turn to and bless a person that wants to do right, even if their environment and their upbringing incline them to do wrongdoing. Numbers 14:18 says, “The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” This may seem a contradiction. God has always been just. The curse upon generations for the sins of the fathers is real, but is irrevocable and breakable. If the children live righteously, that course will never become a reality. God is just.
Application:
Many people use their parents as an excuse for their wrongdoing. The truth is that we all have a fair shot at doing what is right. It may be more difficult to those who have an environment that promotes sin. But also there is wrongdoing in families that promotes righteousness. God is going to deal with me for my personal sins, not for the sins of my parents or the sins of my children. For that reason I need to continue walking in righteousness, developing a character that is more Christlike, and raising my children in the ways of God. My greatest legacy and inheritance for my children will be a lifestyle of devotion to God. I have a small window of opportunity to raise my children in a way that the will love God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. I need to be more intentional and passionate about shaping their character and helping them to develop the right habits that will make them not just successful in life, but also more dependent on God and in His presence.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being so faithful and just, for dealing with my sin, and for not allowing the course of the law to take effect in my family line. Let us continue bringing righteousness into our family DNA and give each generation a new zeal to honor you and to become more like you. Amen!
“What?” You ask. “ Doesn’t the child pay for the parent’s sins?” No! For if the child does what is right and keeps my laws , that child will surely live.
Ezekiel 18:19
Observation:
God is righteous and just. He will always turn to and bless a person that wants to do right, even if their environment and their upbringing incline them to do wrongdoing. Numbers 14:18 says, “The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” This may seem a contradiction. God has always been just. The curse upon generations for the sins of the fathers is real, but is irrevocable and breakable. If the children live righteously, that course will never become a reality. God is just.
Application:
Many people use their parents as an excuse for their wrongdoing. The truth is that we all have a fair shot at doing what is right. It may be more difficult to those who have an environment that promotes sin. But also there is wrongdoing in families that promotes righteousness. God is going to deal with me for my personal sins, not for the sins of my parents or the sins of my children. For that reason I need to continue walking in righteousness, developing a character that is more Christlike, and raising my children in the ways of God. My greatest legacy and inheritance for my children will be a lifestyle of devotion to God. I have a small window of opportunity to raise my children in a way that the will love God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. I need to be more intentional and passionate about shaping their character and helping them to develop the right habits that will make them not just successful in life, but also more dependent on God and in His presence.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being so faithful and just, for dealing with my sin, and for not allowing the course of the law to take effect in my family line. Let us continue bringing righteousness into our family DNA and give each generation a new zeal to honor you and to become more like you. Amen!
LUKEWARM AFFECTIONS. By Pastor Jan Tomai
Scripture:
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
Rev. 3:14-15
Observation:
God speaks to us being lukewarm in our affections toward Him more then one way. Rev. 3:1 says, "I know your works that you are alive, but you are dead." Luke 6:46 says, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do the things that I say?" God is always speaking to the core of our attitudes and motives. His love is to draw us closer to Him in simple obedience for our everyday lives.
Application:
I struggle to give up my own selfish concerns that keep me from being closer to God each and everyday. I feel silly and immature when I realize how much time I spend thinking about "what I want, what I need, what will make me feel better! All of these "wants" keep me from hearing God.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for my selfish attitude. Continue to teach me to do and care about the things that you care about that You are glorified. Thank You for Your grace that I do not deserve.
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
Rev. 3:14-15
Observation:
God speaks to us being lukewarm in our affections toward Him more then one way. Rev. 3:1 says, "I know your works that you are alive, but you are dead." Luke 6:46 says, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do the things that I say?" God is always speaking to the core of our attitudes and motives. His love is to draw us closer to Him in simple obedience for our everyday lives.
Application:
I struggle to give up my own selfish concerns that keep me from being closer to God each and everyday. I feel silly and immature when I realize how much time I spend thinking about "what I want, what I need, what will make me feel better! All of these "wants" keep me from hearing God.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for my selfish attitude. Continue to teach me to do and care about the things that you care about that You are glorified. Thank You for Your grace that I do not deserve.
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