Internal alarms

Me and three missionaries a few years ago we had  our responsibility in the car of the leader of our mission. We were on the mission field facing a really difficult time, a land of brave and strong. much we were in a somewhat fragile stage where we felt the weight on his shoulders.
One morning to try to relax a little got the car and we went sightseeing in a city park. The green in the park did not hide in the dark place where our souls and the park were. Surrounded by bars, slums and people meeting drinking and fighting. Even under these conditions, look around, we parked the car, turn on the alarm, we pray (to try to alleviate the bad feeling) and enter the site. We seek a surplus under the giant trees and beautiful and each one sat down, took his Bible and began to read and enjoy the scenery.
Shortly after we heard something that froze. Our hearts trembled, looked at each other and think, this is our end! The car alarm went off. One of the boys’ team ran with full force to try to reach out and see who was driving the car. We were praying and crying to God. He returned later and said ok just attempted robbery, there was nothing. The car was there. Thank God, we think. We put the car closer to us and try to return to our "relax." Time later the situation has been repeated three times all the same until we discovered that it was not a thief nor dangerous neighborhood. Inside the car had set sunscreens that fell off the window and as the car alarm had motion sensors, sunscreens fall to the alarm sounded!
How often stop to think that the situation in our life is the same. Alarms ring. Debts, fights, arguments, infertility spiritual feelings of guilt. They are alarms and tend to say that the system of government prevents us from enriching the boss locks us to grow the company. Our neighbors are the reason we are as our church is the reason for our lack of faith. People around us all conspire against us. Yes It would be wise to look at the mirror before looking out the window!
Romans 12:2 - ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
We need to do an internal review and understand that sometimes the question is from the inside out. That is why God always uses the words, conversion, change and be born again. John 3:3 - Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.
The society is renewed only God can Redo!
When alarms do touch themselves these questions:
1 - there is unconfessed sin. Psalm 32:3-5  When I kept silent, my bones wasted away... “I will confess  my transgressions to the LORD.”And you forgave the guilt of my sin

2 - Conflict unresolved. Matthew 5:23-24 - 

3 - Concerns are a lack of faith. 1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - in German the word worry means to strangle.

Listen and respond to alarms running the presence of God.

http://patinanni.blogspot.com/

Anger Management, the Lord's Way

One of the most common--and potentially, most destructive--human emotions is anger. It can be as low-key as the frustration we feel when we can't find some item we need at the moment, or as intense as the rage often prompted by some grievous wrong done to ourselves or to a loved one. When not controlled, anger can cause us to lash out at anything or anyone nearby, even innocent bystanders; to nurse never-ending grudges; or even to embark on a mindless quest for vengeance, with tragic consequences.

It's not necessarily wrong to become angry when our persons or rights are violated; anger can serve as a legitimate defense mechanism by moving the person to needed action. But scripture clearly teaches us that anger is dangerous, and that it must be controlled and subordinated to the Lord's command that we extend love and mercy to others, even our "enemies."

Thus, we read that "wrath killeth the foolish man" (Job 5:2), and are admonished to "cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil" (Psalm 37:8)--for even righteous anger can lead to evil acts, if it is not controlled. The Lord wishes peace and harmony to prevail among men.  "A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife." (Proverbs 15:18)  Indeed, "slowness to anger" is such a precious attribute that it characterizes the Lord Himself (Psalm 103:8). Many great and powerful figures in history have been afflicted (and afflicted others) with a fierce, impulsive temper, but how many of them came to grief by forgetting that "he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city"! (Proverbs 16:32)

The best way to avoid the pitfalls of anger is to be proactive: consciously practice the virtues of patience, kindness, mercy, humility, and good humor (one of the best ways to dissipate the tension that often leads to anger). Doing so denies anger a fertile spot within you to take root and grow, and equips you with the tools you need to restrain and channel it in positive ways. When anger does come, deal with it immediately rather than letting it fester; "let not the sun go down upon your wrath." (Ephesians 4:26). The most ingenious response to an angering wrong I ever heard of: retaliate with a good deed!  "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee." (Proverbs 25:21-22)  Thus may the wrongdoer be moved to repentance and restitution, and an enemy replaced with a friend.

Above all, strive daily to live Christ's precious teaching to replace anger at our enemies with love, and blessing, and doing good, and prayer (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-29).  What better example could we emulate than that of the Lord Himself who, though utterly innocent and yet subjected to the most unimaginable cruelty and indignity, could still beg His Father in Heaven to "forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises

WHY NOT?

                                           

                Something caught my attention during this week, several people at school, at church and even in my house constantly said: The best of God's coming and the harvest is almost complete. And i was happy to hear this by realizing that they had faith, but after a while I began to think why noone is still reaping the fruits of their seeds.

Haggai 1:6-10

"... You have sown much and bring in little, eaten but do not have enough ... Why? Because of mine house that is deserted and every one of you run your own home"

            Once we become of our ways and accept Jesus Christ as our only Savior, we had in our minds that we would miss nothing; our provision, our feelings and everything would be kept by Jesus ... and we have seen the fulfillment of His Word faithfully. Now you ask, then why not have picked fully what God has promised me?

            When we surrender to Jesus, we made a covenant with Him; covenant faithfulness, humility and loyalty, as is done in a marriage, committing us to be steadfast in joy and in sorrow, in times of crisis and in times of plenty. But we don't always honor his covenant, over time, we think that we need not be so extreme, and that God will be with us even when we are not with him.

              The people of Israel will always be a reference of infidelity, because if there was a little more sunshine in the desert, they turned to other gods and forgot the Father's house, taking care of their own homes and their interests, and breaking the covenant made, thinking that all was well. The book of Haggai talk about  the reconstruction of time and how God's people was disinterested around that time.

               As a farmer who plant and spends a long time waiting for the harvest so are we, but we often have on planted land wrong, outside the presence of God, we have consumed our time at work, at school, at home, and we have forgotten that God have stay in front to guide us. 

               Our sweat and our effort, our tears will not change our actions (seeds)that are not being deposited on the ground of God's will. So if you are not harvesting...

                                 STOP AND THINK!

What land has deposited its seeds? It's been really faithful to the covenant made with God?

Blessings,  

MaryGondim

www.verdadecongelada.blogspot.com 

Dear Christian: Lest We Forget

I am thankful for this day of remembrance because we are a people with short term memories. It is good to be reminded year after year of the special breed of men and women who see it as their duty to protect the rights and freedoms of the rest of us. What privileges we enjoy today because of those who chose not to see their lives to be greater than the societies they swore to protect. Could you do it? Could you give up your life for your country or even for an individual? This special breed of people deserve a day to be honoured, where appreciation is shown for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It should be a holiday everywhere. We are not glorifying the horrors of war but instead lifting up those who have or are prepared to stand up in it.

You know that I write primarily to my fellow believers so what is on my heart now is not to take away from the purpose of this day but instead to point out the obvious to the followers of Jesus. As much as we lift up and honour our veterans and their comrades who did not return home, this should also be a reminder of our Christian duty. These men and women fought in terrible physical wars but we are called as soldiers to fight in the greatest war of all time that has spanned over 2000 years now. It is a terrible war that has claimed many causalities and is seeing the slow degradation of man. We too have been called to lay down our lives every day in an act of love and service. We have been called to stand in the gap for those who are unable to protect themselves.

Jesus said:

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

How do we lay down our life for a friend? By placing our needs beneath those of our friend; by sacrificing your own interest for other people; by taking on the role of a servant and living your life for the benefit of others; by fighting for their liberation from the bondage of sin; by covering them in prayer and fighting for them with the Word of God. This is exactly the purpose Jesus left us here, telling us to go into the world and make disciples. We don't obey this command like a mindless soldier but make the conscience decision to go with the motivation of God's love.

The apostle of love, John, the son of Zebedee, wrote to us:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. (1 John 3:16)

I always found it interesting that John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16 had the same spirit of sacrificial love. But God's love, demonstrated through Jesus Christ, is of even greater quality than this. It is not enough to sacrifice for friends, for fellow believers. Jesus said anyone can do this, but love that really matters is when we are willing to do this for our enemies, those who hate and persecute us. The apostle Paul wrote:

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)

Anyone can do kind things for friends and even strangers but God's love pushes us into a different quality where we gladly and joyfully lay down our life for our enemies. Jesus did exactly this for us because as sinners we were enemies of God. Then he turned around and told us to love with this same quality love with which he loved us. It is the only way that we can be equipped to fight in this war. It is the only thing that puts quality in the things we do in Jesus' name. In this spiritual war in which we are soldiers of the right, are you prepared today and every day that follows to lay down your life for the sake of all people, saints and sinners alike? It is the instruction we have received from our Commander & Chief.

CHOICES

 On the above six letter word lie the only major difference between us and other animals. Choice, defined simply as a layman means “the ability to choose” but dictionary defines it as the “act of choosing something”. Also, it means “the power to choose”.

Most animals do not have this capacity in a sense, but for us, who possess a mind (whether sane or insane) we make choices every moment.

It is choice that gives me an opportunity to write this, it is my choice that make me to actually start writing, choice makes me write at the time am writing and of note is that choice make every other thing in life count or not.

In our world that parade so much information and options to live daily, choice is the currency that determines what we take “HOME” or whether we won’t take anything home at all or even go Home.

 So the big question is what Choice are you making?

It is tempting to talk about choices that can make us succeed, prosper, leave legacy, make us great etc, rather, I am “making the Choice” to talk about worshipping God through our Choice(s).

When we talk about worship, we all kind of cast our minds straight to songs, gestures, methods, and so on but let us know that Our reasonable act of worship is first to choose.

God in His infinite wisdom created us and give us the power to choose, but unfortunately the choice of our first father and mother (Adam & Eve) led us to fall from the exalted place God placed us (Gen. 3:1-19).

A ray of hope appeared when a man made a choice to separate himself to God and seek for a city whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:8-10) and out of him God raised a generation of righteous men through faith in God-and through this, we that were out of the commonwealth of Israel now become partakers. Abraham could have stayed back in the company of his people and among his kinsmen; rather he left those behind and sought…

Moses also chose to leave the enjoyment of the palace of pharaoh and join his kinsmen (Heb 11:24-27), so did the Hebrew children in Babylon (Daniel 1:8), and many others…

It is of importance to note that choice and faith go together. As the Scripture says in Heb 4:2 , “For we have heard the Good News, just as they did. They heard the message, but it did them no good, because when they heard it, they did not accept it with faith(GNV). Every time we hear the word, we make the choice to obey (accept it or mix it with faith) or not and even now, today, in every moment, we have to choose to live for God or for any other option available.

Do know that every time we choose God first, we worship Him...

So what will you do? The choice made by Abraham change the history of the world, the choice of Saul affected his generations, the choice of Paul took him to Rome and the gospel reached the then Center of the World, the choice of Lot took him to Sodom and corrupted him and his family...

Your Choice matters.

Joshua 24:15;

 Heb 12 & 13.

Time Spent, or Time Invested?

Lately, it seems as though every time I turn around something or someone is making demands on what I consider to be one of my most precious resources.

I am not talking about money.

I am talking about something far more precious.

Time.

Reasonably speaking, there is a good chance I can find a way to replace the money I spend provided I spend it responsibly. (Granted, there is always the possibility of circumstances outside my control changing that. That is why I say, "Reasonably speaking…" )

The same, however, is not true with time.

Any time I spend, regardless of how responsibly I spend it, I will not be able to replace.

Scripture makes it clear that I have a given amount of time.

Mathew 10:30 (NET) - Even all the hairs on your head are numbered.

In other words, God knows how much time I will have in this world.

I, on the other hand, do not.

That makes the way I spend my time more important than the way I spend my money.

There are some ways I spend my time that I cannot change.

Time I spend working is an example.

Work is not only a way in which I make money, it is also an activity planned by God in the beginning.

Genesis 2:15 (NET) - The LORD God took the man and placed him in the orchard in Eden to care for it and maintain it.

So, an appropriate amount of my time is meant for work.

What about the time that is left.

Some of my time is meant for family.

It is important that I provide financially for family.

It is also important that I spend our time with them.

Scripture makes these statements abundantly clear.

1 Timothy 5:8 (NET) - But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than the unbeliever.

So, there is time for work and time for family.

There is also time I have no choice but to spend on myself.

For example, several hours of every day I must devote to sleep.

Thus, the amount of time remaining grows smaller and ever more precious.

A few years ago, I really had to think about how best to spend this remaining time.

The easy solution would be to spend it on myself.

Yet, there was a far better solution.

Spending this time, or as much of it as I could, on God and Kingdom Service was far better.

Once I made this commitment, It did not take me long to realize something very important.

Time I devote to myself is time spent.

Time I devote to God is an investment.

The return on that investment is far exceeding my expectations.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/

Value of life

  Very little things surprises me in this world, this is true, but I'm ecstatic when I see that man becomes when he is not in the ways of God, that I am. My God! Actually I have to agree with what the Bible says in 2 Peter 2:22 ... Return the dog to his vomit, and the sow that was washed back to wallowing in the mire, yes, they go back to the mud and vomit! Thus, there is not much to do but contemplate their shame horrified.

... and reserve for the day of Judgement the wicked, who are already being punished; 10 those who after the flesh, walking in lust of defilement, and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, not afraid to speak evil of dignities, 12 these, like irrational creatures by nature meant to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of you do not understand, perish in their corruption, 13 getting the wages of unrighteousness; men that take pleasure to revel in the day, and cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls, having a heart exercised in covetousness, children of cursing; 15 who, forsaking the right way, they turned away, ... 19 promising them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, the same is made a slave. 20 so if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, them became the last state worse than the first. 21 better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 befallen them so what does this saying true; Return the dog to his vomit and the sow that was washed back to wallowing in the mire. 2 Peter 2:10-22

The spiritual blindness for which again leads to a wasted life, shameful and empty, as they have the knowledge that nothing in this world can supply them, will seek in filling the hours of the day things really silly.

Their desires entice them,  leaving them wrapped in shame and futility. His words exposed to the public (thanks facebook and internet for allowing us to see the inside of certain people because when they sit at your computer, feel free to open their hearts empty, exposing to the world that really the knowledge of God is far and an empty heart that is source of worthlessness and shame. They are embarrassed by them and not realize!) show that the human being is really nothing without God.

In John 9 Jesus encounters a man born blind, and after, say, different approach to healing, allows the end of the physical blindness of the boy, opening a new lease of life! "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from birth ... spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva, and smeared with mud eyes of the blind man said unto him, Go, wash yourself in the pool of Siloam. And he went and washed, and came seeing. "
Seeing!!!
New doors. Opportunities and new life, no longer dependent on people, from now learn to trust God and rely on his own efforts to win. When people are blind spiritual or mundane, they are dependent ... Dependent on others to be happy, dependent parties and circles of friends. Indulge in vices and create situations that make them more dependent on an infinite circle of emptiness in which they put all their attention, money, thoughts and emotions. They put their lives in a vicious circle empty void that is now all they are, or anything. And because they are blind, don’t see,  just think it's life.  
But dear readers, is not the worst blindness of people like this boy who was born blind, since he was not responsible for your condition, your healing comes, give glory to God for salvation and release. However, the worst blindness belongs to those who say 'I see'. 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? 41 Jesus answered them: If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see, your sin remains. Some people have become blinded by their choices. Have abandoned the doctrine of love, compassion, humility and forgiveness to follow the vanity of their hearts and the vain philosophies of the world.
For those who deliberately give up walking with God and choose to return to the mundane, there's not much else to say or add to them, since the Word of God is clear when he says: Hebrews 6 it is impossible for those who were once enlightened and have tasted the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come, and then fell away, to renew them again unto repentance, because, as they are crucifying again the Son of God, and exposed to public shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God, but if it bears thorns and briers is rejected and is nigh unto cursing; its goal is to be burned.
We still have time to choose the way in which we follow, or rather to stay on the path already chosen and let not the trifles of this world entice our understanding, for there is much more of God reserved for those who walk with perseverance. Recalling also that it is painful the way of God preach as many out there (1 John 5:3 His commandments are not burdensome)
But you, beloved, we expect better things, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love to his name shows, because they ministered to the saints, and still do minister. Hebrews 6:9,10
Wisdom
Honor
Respect
Peace
Worth and things as such, are not walking in the world nor in its rudiments. Values ​​like theses are added to the lives of people who believe and walk with God.
You are worth far to turn back. Be firm in the presence of God and not let the world put you useless in the same package. We were bought by the Blood of Jesus, are worth much more for sure.

 SAY NO  The Futility AND YES LIFE WITH GOD.

Bridging the Gap

The Pennybacker Bridge is a bridge I drive across twice every day, five days a week.

If I do the math that’s ten times every week.

That totals 490 times every year.

If I multiply that number by the number of years I have worked for the same company that comes to over 9,800 times I have driven across this bridge.

It is a very beautiful structure that crosses a picturesque body of water.

It is a massive steel arch from which are suspended steel cables.

Those cables are, in turn, attached to a gigantic slab of reinforced concrete which is divided into four lanes which allow traffic to travel in both directions without interruption.

This bridge has won numerous awards for its design and countless photographs have been taken of it.

It is often used to symbolize the city of Austin in which it resides.

I have seen it in magazines, newspapers and even used as a backdrop for the local TV news.

One thing, however, is more important to me than either its beauty or its awards. What matters most to me is its functionality,

This bridge allows me to go to work and to come back home.

It provides this same service for many other drivers as well.

Without this bridge, I would have to find an alternate route that would add miles to my commute.

Yet, there is another bridge I count on even more.

A bridge I count on every day all day long.

A bridge on which my life, not just my livelihood, depends.

That bridge is none other than Jesus Christ.

You see, God is completely Holy and completely righteous.

I, on the other hand, am not.

There is no way that I, a sinner, could approach God in such a state.

Were it not for Jesus Christ, there would be an enormous separation between myself and God.

Regardless of how hard I might try, there would be nothing I could do on my own that could bridge this gap.

Fortunately for me, Jesus bridged the chasm between us.

The very moment Jesus died on the cross, the barrier between myself and God was removed.

Matthew 27:50-51 (NET) - Then Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up His Spirit. Just then the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom, The earth shook and the rocks were split apart.

If the Pennybacker Bridge were closed, I would be forced to find an alternate route between my home and my job.

Jesus. however, is my only access to God.

John 14:6 (NET) - Jesus replied, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

There are some who say that having only one way to God is too narrow a view.

Yet that way is available to everyone.

I ask you, "How can a way available to everyone possibly be considered too narrow a view?"

Jesus indeed bridges the gap between man and God.

Jesus did not make use of steel and reinforced concrete for my benefit.

Rather, He used two pieces of wood in the form of a cross and a fistful of nails.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

3 Enemy of God's People

I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither I turn again till they were consumed. I crossed them so that they could not rise; fallen under my feet. Psalms 18:37
No army wins the battle running away but facing the enemy! And the three enemies of the believer are: the world, the flesh and the devil! There are believers extremists who can see the devil in all things. Everything that goes wrong is the work of the evil one! They do not analyze their bad decisions, their guilt .... they are always to blame the devil. There are believers who are to blame in the flesh .... the flesh is weak! God knows my limitations .... I can not resist. And there are those who place the blame in the world, explain why it is very difficult today to be a Christian and things like that. The three ways of coping are wrong, because they fight with carnal weapons and not with spiritual weapons.
The first thing to do is to discern the enemy knowing that we are fighting against to use the correct weapon and win.
The world - And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest! Matthew 21:9
But all the people cried to one, saying: Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas. Luke 23:18
The same crowd that said, Blessed Son of God says, crucify!
The world is screaming mass. The world means the rule for situations dictated, they say, "that if you do, in the other you have to do that," It made you feel bad for not feeling or reacting like everyone else? Sometimes they asked me not miss you, you do not suffer for not having this or that? And sometimes the answer NO I looked like I was insensitive or oblivious to others. No, I'm not, I just learned to deal with certain things that people do not face or deal
Well, have you stopped to think about the effect of mass information?
The mass says where to go, said the way they must go forcing everyone to do the same. The worst in all this? The mass itself and follow only the screaming I do want anyone who sends me. I am free, I'm fashionable, I'm original hahahahahah
We may not think much about it, sometimes you do not even think you're following the mass, but when certain information or launch campaigns that mobilize the mass media is the tendency of people to be moved, and then to mobilize the masses.
What was the news in recent days of mass? You follow? Posted about it?
Your answer determines whether or not you are influenced by the mass. Sometimes you never saw and was surrounded by 'good intentions campaigns' that are nothing more than tests to see and know how to manipulate the masses. The objectives are multiple: to sell, launch a product, find out which media add more power to influence and, of course: to prepare the world for the Antichrist.
He'll come after a good looking (can be 'join campaign that good' or 'everyone just talks about it' or 'how can you be out of this'), and finally things that you are not careful with your mind the truth, you become a follower and when you see, is part of the package.
Think if you are not part of mass campaigns that will not really change anything or posting just because everyone posts.
The mentality of mankind is being prepared to follow the mass. Caution, heed brother because the door is narrow!
The world makes you feel bad for being different, but I John 2: 15 - Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
We must learn to fight this subtle enemy that tries to get slick in our army as an ally!Galatians 1:10
The Devil: If the world is in contrast with the Father, the devil is in contrast to the Son.This enemy is, undoubtedly cunning and dangerous, and we are told to be sober and watch, "because the devil, your adversary prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8) . The devil will sometimes try to use against us even if our senses: hearing ... trying to make us hear what does not exist or distorting reality, making noises to scare. The tactic of the noise is used in war since antiquity. Feelings: feelings are tools created by God to help us interact in this world. But the feelings are, from birth, bombarded by traumas, bad experiences, distortions of reality and the life history of each one. Knowing this, the devil has a powerful weapon in the hands, because when our feelings do not submit to the cross of Christ, to be treated and cured, the devil will use them against us to try to thwart the plans of God in our lives. The fears, insecurities and escapes from reality are very powerful weapons against the advance of God's plan in our lives. - Ephesians 6:12-18. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand firm, then, ...
The Flesh - Flesh For we must understand the principle of sin that is within every man's flesh is representation of the sinful nature, the original corruption, whereby we are all unwilling to things that are God by violating His law (Romans 3:9-18 , 23), these sinful impulses are identified by the evil deeds of men (Galatians 5:16-21) and can only be controlled by the entire dependence on the Spirit of God in his work that produces regenerative spiritual transformation in the believer (Galatians 5:22 - 25). This corruption of nature during this life, those that are regenerated, and although it be through Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself, as their impulses, are truly and properly sin. Galatians 5:17,18. Therefore, our struggle against the flesh must be constant.
One important thing to know about victory over the enemies is: Do not beat them unless we face. The escape has never been a weapon of God. The Bible is called the sword, or gun attack in advance. Many people lose great opportunities for fear ... Fear of being alone, fear of not having money, measures of rejection, fear of public speaking (according to research one of the greatest fears of humanity). Whatever your fear, if it is not going to stop you faced one time or another.
David said: chase my enemy, I advanced to defeat them before they come upon me and beat me. Task for the week face one of your fears. Jesus conquered to give us victory. Take courage because the cowards will not inherit the kingdom of God. To advance in this life we ​​have to take risks and step out of line of security and fear.
Fear always begins in the mind and makes us see nonexistent situations making the enemy seem larger than it really is.
God is greater than all and is always with us, so face it.

Thank You, Lord, for Allowing Me to Serve You

This Sunday we celebrated Holy Communion as part of World Communion Sunday.

In my new church role, I am expected to assist in serving Communion.

This Sunday was particularly special, because I was asked to arrive at church early and help prepare this meal so that everything would be ready and in place by the time people arrived for church.

A wonderful couple who helped provide this service for a very long time were no longer able to do so. Another member of this group was going to be out of town. Thus, the "Communion Stewards", as we refer to them, were in need of some assistance this particular Sunday morning.

I assisted them by filling the cups with wine while they made the other preparations.

As I did so I reflected on the significance of both the bread and the wine.

I also reflected on the significance of the service these stewards provide on a regular basis.

They really are special people.

They work quietly behind the scenes to make sure everything is just right.

They do this even if few people thank them.

They do this even if few people notice.

I would venture to say that everyone in my church feels as I do that Communion is a vital and essential part of the Christian experience.

Yet, human nature being what human nature is, it is easy to arrive at church with everything prepared and not give a second thought to the fact that someone had to wake up early and work to make this a reality.

Perhaps work is not the right word.

It is, rather, a labor of love. A labor of love they perform time after time after time.

It is a labor of love they perform for their Lord.

After all, we share both the bread and the wine in remembrance of the Lord.

As the congregation prepares to partake in this meal, our pastor always has some special words prepared prior to the distribution of the bread and wine.

These words always incorporate specific scripture.

Matthew 26:26-28 (NET) - While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks, He broke it, gave it to His disciples, and said, "Take, eat, this is my body."  And after taking the cup and giving thanks, he gave it to them saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of my covenant, that is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

He also incorporates Jesus’ words from Luke 22:19 which state, "Do this in remembrance of Me."

The pastor then called the elders forward and we took up our positions and prepared to serve.

Two elders guided the congregation forward in two lines.

The pastor and one elder served the bread and gently reminded each person, "This is the body of Christ, broken for you."

After reflecting on this, each person consumed his bread and approached the next elder in his line and selected his cup.

As he did so, he was gently reminded, "This is the blood of Christ, shed for you."

After reflecting on this, he drank his wine and made his way to the next elder in line.

This was the role I filled along with another elder.

I held a basket in my hands for those in my line in which they could deposit their empty cup.

As each did so, I gently stated, "Go in peace."

I said earlier that this was a special day and it was in many ways.

Not only did I assist in preparing and serving this meal, there was one more thing.

As I collected their cups, several of them reached under the basket which I supported with one hand.

They wrapped their free hand around mine and gave it a gentle squeeze.

No additional words were said.

No additional words were necessary.

This simple and silent gesture spoke volumes.

It was their non-verbal way of saying, "Thank you for serving the Lord."

It was also a great reminder for me to say, "Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to serve you."


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/

when will be the end of the world

There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 2 Timothy  3:1-5

Lovers of themselves? 

Boastful?

What? 

No....

Why twitter has became the most popular tool of communication in this 21st century? If I can call it of “tool of communication”….

this stuff is almost a monolog! Look >>>

1 - 

Goal => have a lot followers – even that they say a lot fool thing! What matter is the “impression” to be popular, even that almost all of them neither know about your existence! Tool to incentive the self-deceive! Few people indeed read what you write!  Everybody has the same goal >  to have people who follow and read what they write! Believe, no one are on twitter to read but yes, to be read! 

2 – 

Twitter is this,  you read just what you want and some programs, helps you to use twitter without the only place where you need read more than  your owns tweet,the site (it if you wanna be read too,  so, in the end, the selfish intention keeps there!) These tool just grown because everyman yet is “lover of yourself”

Of course, the tendency of twitter – to grow more and more! Why?

>>       I speak more and more

>>       I don’t need give attention to anybody

>>       I show all that have inside me, good or not ( the most part) and no one will ‘unfollow’ me why? They love me? NOOOO, they just don’t want lose its own follow, so, focus in yourselves, again!

•          Relationships

•          Warm

•          Attention

•          Love

•          Help

•          Compassion

Try send one of these words, maybe you reach one ‘unfollow’! no one wanna know it!

Then, the days are going and the months also! In this illusion of *fame* . In this fantasious world where we have the impression to be loved! Self deceive, how someone can get what never gave?!

And, in real life? The real friends are very few! And you almost don’t feel lack this!

Well, I use twitter. I have seen some good tweets about, Jesus, good word and prayer request! 

Sometimes I try take a chat ( ingénue, I know), I get just “ see my site” look my pic or hey... can  you follow me?! Sad if not was comic! 

I have discovered in this twitter world that, day by day , when they said me HI it don’t means that are a interest in me, just in a number of follower that I can be! 

there are good people there. Those indeed wanna know people and say good things to another, I know. I'm just saying about this century and its nonsense.

The bible reality has became so far !

 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” John 15:12,13

No! no one know it ! The egocentrism, love of yourself, self-worship has blinded the humanity day by day, so far from the TRUTH  

look to me and be saved, 

all you ends of the earth; 

for I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22 

Look at me!

The Only way to Salvation is take out our eyes from ourselves and look upon Jesus.

The 21st century is doing lookers of yourselves.

Don’t allow it in your life.

Look to Jesus and be save, be strong and happy!

A warning against Idols!

Some verses to remember

Exodus 20:3-5

You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them

Exodus 20: 23

Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold

1Samuel 15: 23

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.

Colossians 3: 5

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry

Romans 1:24-25

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

A definition to ponder...

That on which the affections are strongly (often excessively) set; an object of passionate devotion; a focus of your attention; anything that draws you away from God.

A question to truthfully consider...

What are the idols in your life?

We no longer carve our idols out of stone or cast them out of Gold. No, the idols we have today are far more dangerous. They come better disguised. We don't physically bow down to them and set them on alters – but they are the attention of our focus, our worship, our adoration. Some of them, when we think about it, are pretty obvious. Let's take a look at our live in regards to...

Work

Family

Friends

Television

Computers

Sport

Money

Health

Books

Education

Writing

Music

The list could go on and for each individual it will be different. Where is your security? Is it in God or in the things you do? In your work, your ability to earn money, the title you have, the power you yield, the influence you have, the lives you control? Where is your focus? Is it on God or on your family or your friends? What do you spend your time doing? Do you spend it with God or playing on the computer, watching television, playing sport? What is the focus of your concern? Is it the things of God, how you can serve Him better, how you can draw closer to Him or is it on your health, your family, you career, your education, your debt, your possessions? When was the last time you spent a couple of hours watching a good film, engrossed in a great book or watching some sporting event? Yesterday? Last week? My guess is that it won't have been too long ago. And when was the last time you spent a couple of hours with God? I'm not letting you off the hook here and including going to church, or reading the Bible, or reading a Christian book, or doing God's work in the community. I'm talking about spending time in God's presence, listening, seeking, dwelling, soaking. Yesterday? Last week? Last year? Never? Thankfully my life is so perfect that I spend every minute with God... he says choking on every word. This challenge is far more pointed at me than anyone else. However, as I think it all through perhaps one or two of you might think along with me. If you can honestly say that you have made good progress in putting God first, making him the real focus of your life I'd love to hear from you – you have much I could learn from. I mean that in all honesty – when we find real tangible ways to put God first, to remove idols from our lives we need to share and encourage others. The Christian life is hard, there is no two ways about it. Let us share our struggles but also our successes. Not to brag or to build ourselves up but to share the recipe for success with others to build them up and draw each other closer to God.

Now, the idols I've mentioned so far are fairly obvious when we think about them. I just want to mention some that I believe are more veiled and in some ways, therefore, far more dangerous. You may well disagree with me, in fact, please do!! Let me know what you think. I'm wanting to help people think through these issues alongside me so I'll just put them out there and see what you think...

Church Building projects

The Bible

Feeding the poor

Sermons

Community projects

Church

Prayer

Theology

Grace

Fear

Now I guess some of you are now thinking that I've totally lost the plot, but bear with me. Now, most of the things I've listed are good and honourable things to do and have a place in the lives of most Christians. And there is the rub, they do have a place, a rightful place but are they in their rightful place in our lives. Are they in the right place or have we elevated them? Where is the focus of our church is it on God or has it become skewed? Has the building project taken over that focus? Has the sermon become the focus of our service and not God himself? Have we subtly, over time changed our focus from God onto His word. Did we start off the community project as part of our worship of God but in fact it is now all consuming and we now live for the community project? Has the grace of God in our lives become more important than God in our lives? These are subtle things. It's easy to convince ourselves that we are working for God, when in fact we are now just working. Surely reading God's work is one of the best things we can do? However, we can't put the cart before the horse. We can't raise the Bible to a position above that which it was meant. The Bible is a tool to point us towards God. It is a wonderful, mystical, marvellous thing for of truth and wisdom and inspiration but Bibliolatry is still idolatry.

We need to be so careful. We need others around us to speak into our lives and keep them on line. We need wise people from outside our churches to examine them and see if they are continuing to keep the main thing the main thing. It only takes a little nudge, a human perspective and not God's to take us miles away from where we should be. A small shift in focus one day can mean being totally out of focus from then on. Join me in this discussion and in praying that we would be able to identify the idols in our lives and have the strength to do something about them. Pray that you would have wise people around you that you can be accountable to and who can and will speak into your lives. Let us fix our eyes on the creator and sustainer of our faith and keep them there!!