Remember, Repent, Reform

O God, thou knowest my foolishness;
and my sins are not hid from thee. ~ Psalms 69:5

This is one of my favorite passages in Scripture--not because it expresses a happy thought, but because it's so true, and something I need to repeat every day in prayer.

Of course, it's necessary and right for a believer to daily remember the countless blessings he or she receives at God's hand, and to give thanks and praise for them. We are so grateful to have His guidance and comfort in our lives!  But sometimes this sense of well-being can lead to complacency, pride, and even arrogance. Seeing the spiritual, moral, and temporal travail of so many around us, we may start to feel as though we are impervious to troubles, that Satan can't touch us, and that we are and always will be superior to those others who haven't gotten, as we have, "right with God."  Our prayers may start to sound like those of the Pharisee: "God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican" (Luke 18:11) -- and less like those of the publican, who, "standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner."  (Luke 18:13)

The publican, who was the one who went away justified (Luke 18:14), had it right. As conscious as we should be of our blessings and of the things that are right in our lives, we should be at least as mindful of our sins and shortcomings, and truly sorry for them. We should always remember that the good things come only through the Lord's grace and forgiveness, and that they are not "earned" in the conventional sense by anything we have done. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We need to confess this in humble and contrite prayer ever day, begging God for the wisdom, patience, and strength to do better. Repentance also needs to include a firm resolve to live in a more righteous and Christ-like way, and real action on our part to carry out that promise. And all this should be capped off with an ever-present thankfulness to our Lord for His great mercy, without which we would be irretrievably lost.

So, pay attention every day to the "three Rs": Remember (our sins), Repent (sorrow and confession), and Reform (actually change conduct). In doing so we should never fall into the self-righteous arrogance of the distinguished Pharisee, but walk away justified, like the "lowly" publican--and happy in Christ's embrace!

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises

SHINE FROM THE TOP

Question: Should  Christians take leadership position by choice or only when called by God?

Answer: Yes they should at every opportunity .

Question: Why?

Answer:        Because we (Christians) cannot afford to be non challant or care less about leadership. If we do, the consequences are dire.

Question: Explain

Answer:        The bible says a mango tree cannot produce orange as a fruit, neither can an orange tree produce  mango as fruit. If we allow people who are not renewed, who are not righteous (not the righteousness of men but that of God) to rule over us, take leadership positions, they will only bear fruit according to their kind. 

The best Unrighteous leader  can only  do the best unrighteous work, lead in the best unrighteous way and produce the best unrighteous result... But for us Christians, even when there is no obvious call to leadership, we will always and only do righteous works, bear righteous fruits and lead in a righteous manner. Permit me to say that God can use anything or any man, hence, an unrighteous man can do some righteous things but won't it be better if we just take the step and appropriate the resources of heaven to better the lives of our fellow men?

Knowing fully well  that we are light of the world, can we imagine how far and wide our light will shine if it shines from the top? I mean at the top of our companies, our municipal councils, town unions, regional/state  governments, local governments and so many more other positions in private and public places.

There are so many other reasons to aspire to leadership positions but this is the much we can accommodate now.

Question: Is there any scriptural basis for your stand?

Answer: Yes. 1Timothy 3:1 says"Faithful is the Word: If anyone reaches out to overseership, he desires a good work." (ModernKJV). what it means is that we can reach out, New Living Translation says "ASPIRE". We can Aspire to become an overseer (a Bishop) of our office, localty, state/region, country etc.

Let us know that if we do not, wicked men would and since deep calls to deep,  evil men will perpetuate themselves and wickedness will abound. Men who would have lived a quiet righteous life will turn to wickedness just so they can survive. This is the tragedy of our days.

It is the story of my country, my state my environment. Look around  you, see if your case is different from mine, if not, it is time to Let our light shine for the world to see... IT IS TIME TO SHINE FROM THE TOP.

War in the 21 century

Deuteronomy 20:1-4 Going to War 1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”  

What kind of trouble are you facing in this time?

Health?
Finances
Familiars troubles?

Everyone goes through seasons of disappointment or difficulty. We all have unexpected setbacks. Maybe you’re going through something right now that you don’t understand. Here’s the good news: that disappointment is not the final chapter. God never ends in a negative. If you will keep moving forward with your life, God promises that He will bring you to a flourishing finish. Not a defeated finish, a bankrupt finish, a betrayed finish, or a barely-get-by finish. No, in your future, God has a victorious finish.

I don’t know but when you face thing bigger than you, just remember:

1 – God is with you anytime. He didn’t put you there by the way. God is able and knows what to do.

2 – Put God in front of every single thing you face. Here in the battle, the priest goes first. Share your trouble with your pastor or church’s elders, they can pray for you or give you a good advance.
That setback, disappointment or betrayal that seems like it’s working against you, God knows how to turn it around and cause it to work for you. The key is that when you’re in difficult times, don’t settle where you are. Don’t put your roots down and think that things are never going to change. No, for every setback, God has already lined up a comeback. For every injustice, He has vindication. For every disappointment, He has restoration. Right now, just begin to thank Him for what He’s going to do. Praise Him for His faithfulness. Rejoice today because He has a plan to bring you into a flourishing finish!

REMEMBER:
Remember God in all your ways
He is able
Do not fight alone
Cry to help
Be blessed!
Pati Nanni

Reflections on Loss

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (NET) - Now when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then the saying that is written that will happen, "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where,  O death, is your victory? Where. O death, is your sting?"

Many people I held dear have passed away this year.

Some were members of my family.

Some were members of my church family.

None of us likes saying goodbye to those we hold dear.

Yet I find one truth inescapable.

Each of these remarkable people had an impact on many lives including my own.

I gratefully acknowledge the fact that I would not be the same person I am today had it not been for their influences.

Another great truth that I know is that every single one of these people I held dear were saved.

That provides me with a tremendous amount of comfort.

Why does that comfort me so much?

Scripture assures me that all who have put their faith in Jesus Christ will have eternal life.

As a result, I confidently know that these loved ones will have eternal life.

Even though I feel a personal sense of loss I can still rejoice for them.

2 Corinthians 5:6-7 (NET) - Therefore we are always full of courage, and we know that as long as we are alive here on earth we are absent from  the Lord - for  we live by  faith, not by  sight.

After further reflection, I am reminded of two more things.

First, I am reminded of those that I care about that have not yet been saved.

I am forced to ask myself if I am doing enough to bring them to the Lord.

Facing facts, each tick of the clock brings them closer to the end of their earthly journey just as it brings me closer to mine.

The time remaining between us is diminishing, but I have to keep trying even if trying means losing a friendship.

I risk the very real possibility that some of the friends I so want t bring to the Lord may weary of me or my persistence.

They may even decide that they no longer desire my friendship.

That is a risk I must be willing to accept.

After all, if I were willing to allow a friend to die spiritually, then I would not be much of a friend in the first place.

Second, I am also reminded of a time when my church family experienced the death of someone very dear to all of us.

I knew that each of my Sunday School students would be experiencing the pain of this loss and I prayed for His guidance in what I could do to help ease that pain.

I will never forget the response He wrote upon my heart and I will share it with you now.

"When someone special to you is no longer there, it leaves a hole that can never be completely filled. You can make that hole smaller by simply drawing closer together."


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

As for ME

"If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship God." (MSG)

     Whether you realize it or not, your family worships at the alter of a god. For most families in America it's the god of money. For some it's the god of time and schedules. 

The fact is there are families in this country who are trying to serve multiple Gods. Take for example those families who attempt to gain the best of both worlds by either coming to church on a Sunday when it's convenient, or choosing sporting events or family trips. 

Here's what I want to know: Can you really serve 2 masters these days?

Increasingly, the sanctity of Sundays is fleeting. No longer do "Christian" moms and dads fight to protect the importance of our day of worship. Families are being raised to believe that Church is an option and that gathering is good when conducive to your schedule. Now, if you're a part of a family that has not sold out to Jesus, then you are free to do as you please. But for the "Christian family," something has to change. This post is for you!

I am beyond sick and tired of seeing parents teach their children that what's most important is everything BUT God. Do you think that for a moment this is healthy and that it pays off in the end? Stop and consider that you are teaching your child. 

The reality is that you are teaching that a casual faith is good enough. Casual faith is the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. So, by allowing your family to serve multiple gods you are in a sense damning your kids. I know that sounds harsh, but Christianity is meant to be evangelistic and generational. As the parent you must model Scriptural principles and show your child how important corporate worship and participation in biblical community is. You will be held accountable if you claim to follow Jesus but fail to lead your family. Your children's faith is shaped by you! Take that seriously!

You cannot serve 2 masters, nor should you want to. Now is the time to choose whom you will serve. As the leader or my family, each week we will gather with the body and we will be involved in a small group. The rest of the week is up for grabs. I will raise my children to know that money is evil and time robs us. I proudly declare: As for ME and my house, we will serve the lord!

What about you?
www.mikewhittymore.com

Mothers Every Day

This coming Sunday is Mother's Day in the United States. Millions of dollars will be spent on greeting cards, flowers, and other gifts for mothers. And yet, mothers and motherhood are still undervalued in contemporary culture and among too many people--even many who consider themselves Christians. Elderly mothers, typically widowed, are often left alone and virtually forgotten, even by children who live nearby. In other cases, enmity over some past slight or disagreement festers between a grown child and his or her mother, and they stop speaking to each other. Tempers flare because a mother is thought meddlesome for offering advice or an opinon. On a wider social level, pressure on young women to forgo raising children and pursue a career outside the home is enormous, and those who put family life first are widely depicted in the media as fools, rubes, or afflicted with a miserable, empty life.

In God's Kingdom, on the other hand, mothers and motherhood are treasured and vitally important. We are commanded to honor and reverence our mothers (Exod. 20:12; Lev. 19:3), to heed their teaching (Prov. 6:20), and. in our righteous obedience, to "let her rejoice who gave birth to you." (Prov. 23:25)  We must not dishonor or grieve our mothers through foolishness (Prov. 10:1) or rebellion (Prov. 30:17; Micah 7:6). For her part, a mother is admonished to love her children as well as her husband, to be discreet and chaste, and to be a good homemaker, so as to honor God (Titus 2:4-5). Above all, a mother is to "teach [God's commandments] diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (Deut. 6:6-7)  We have the archetype of faithful motherhood in Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus, who reverently accepted the great responsibility that God placed upon her, diligently taught and cared for her Diviine Son, grieved inexpressibly to witness His suffering and death, and gloried in His resurrection.

There is in all literature no more apt description of the good wife and mother than that found in Proverbs 31:

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed . . .  (Prov. 31:25-28)

I have been so infinitely blessed to have this image fit the mothers who figured most prominently in my life--my own mother and my dear wife, the mother of my children!

Honoring, caring for, and blessing our mothers is not something that can or should be done just through a card one day a year. The relationship between a mother and a child is infinitely precious in God's sight, and one that lasts for eternity--it should be treated accordingly!  If there is friction or enmity between you and your mother, heal it now and completely.  You can't imagine what blessings flow from simple apology and forgiveness!  No matter how young or old they are, children and mothers should be speaking with and visiting each other as often as reasonably possible--no one should ever be alone and forgotten! And no feasible expense or effort should be spared to take care of our aging mothers (or fathers), and to see that their grandchildren get to know and love them deeply.

In other words, treat every day as Mother's Day!

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises

BE YOURSELF

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (called the Twin), was not with them when Jesus came.

So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the scars of the nails in his hands and put my finger on those scars and my hand in his side, I will not believe."

A week later the disciples were together again indoors, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and look at my hands; then reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop your doubting, and believe!"

Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"

Jesus said to him, "Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me!"(John 20:24-29)Goodnews version

He is nothing like us in so many regards, and when we are at our weakest, the difference between how He treats us and we treat ourselves shows how different He is from us...

He does not make an unnecessary demand of us, He is like a mother who does not expect her 2 year old daughter to cook for her in the kitchen. The scripture says "He knows our frame...". At every stage of our life He understands our weakness and strength and deal with us accordingly with the hope that we will get to live above the level we currently are... He is just so different from us.

In the scripture above, our interpretation reveals that Thomas doubts (and we coin the name 'Doubting Thomas" for him) but Jesus was not looking at that, He rather prefer to quell his(Thomas) doubt to bring Him at par with the other disciples who already believe. Jesus was not condoning Faithlessness, doubt or unbelief, He would rather have us "believe without seeing Him"(John 20:29b) but in case we are like Thomas, He won't criticize us, make us see ourselves as babes in the faith or express disappointment that after 3years of intensive discipleship filled with so many signs and wonders and great revelations, this is the best we could do... No! Jesus won't do that, He would rather remove our doubt as He did to Thomas.

The beauty of what He did to Thomas is that He would gladly do that to all aspects of our lives... whether we are sick when we should be well; poor when we should be rich; borrowers when we should be lenders; students when we should be teachers; immoral when we should be holy; wicked when we should be righteous etc. For He is our high priest, our advocate, He understands all that we are facing(Hebrew 4:15).

All that we have to do is be like Thomas BE OURSELVES, be open and sincere to Him about who we are, what we think etc and when He reveal Himself- the truth, we should not harden our heart but take His help and move from where we are to where He would have us be.

Paying to live

 Deuteronomy 13:6-10 If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known, gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, from one end of the land to the other), do not yield to them or listen to them. Show them no pity. Do not spare them or shield them. You must certainly put them to death. Your hand must be the first in putting them to death, and then the hands of all the people. Stone them to death, because they tried to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

Well, maybe one of the texts more difficult to teach, too
 little heard in our preaching. I must say that I do not remember a sermon on this text, but lets to think and talk a little about him.
If the one I love urges me to go against the Lord, shall I kill him! Wow
Think about the kind of gospel that is preached and lived today. The staff gets a cell phone and no longer comes in the church. Not counting the 'eternal love' sworn for many teenager, (encouraged by the Facebook) that endures 'forever' 15 days! 15days where sin reigns in this 'eternal love' and the target of 15 days is only one of those involved to turn away from God! Even more idolatry very familiar sight in our own culture where parents are responsible for taking or prevent their going to church and also the presence of God.
Now is my turn,  as a leader I say, do not listen to this music, do not access that kind of thing on the Internet, do not walk with that kind of people they can take you to sin, only saying these things makes people ugly face and scandalized, imagine saying "kill your father!"
What is this gospel that we are living? Surely God will not tell you now kill your father for not letting you go to church nor your brother made ​​you feel so bad about being a believer.What I am emphasizing the gospel in this paper is cheap, relative, loose and easy to live today, so easy that is not leading people to salvation, as far as I know, be strong (Luke13:24) and narrow (Matthew 7:13) are linked to salvation!
Think
Review your concepts
And should turn again!
Be safe.
Jesus loves you
Pati Nanni                       
                              

Who is to BLAME ?!

    Hey, I Started this post with a story all too familiar ... "And the Lord God called to Adam, and said unto him, where art thou? And he said: I heard your voice sound in the garden, and feared, because he was naked, and hid myself. And God said: Quem te showed that you were naked? Eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat from? Then told Adam: the woman who gave me by companion, she gave me of the tree, and I ate. And the Lord God said to the woman: why hast thou done this? And said the woman: the serpent deceived me, and I ate. " (Gen. 3.9-13).


        Who is to blame? Adam blamed Eve for her sin and Eva likewise accused the serpent. This way of thinking if something wrong happens to the primary responsibility lies always in the arms of another.

        Does this happen with you? Or maybe these stories are just fictions uncalled for? May occur with us in a way less dramatic. The natural man and the carnal Christian always are willing to remove from their consciences the sin. In this way, the guilt, the first instance, it is a sign that something is not correct, it should be moved to far from you. Like Adam, in most cases, the man tends to hide behind a good charge. This is why we see so many accusers in our midst.

        Things are not right , i blame my wife. Everything went wrong the devil's fault in my life. I'm in the Valley, God forgot me. Our responses are often an affront to God's character. Hypocrites! I hear Jesus saying to the Pharisees of yesterday and today who cannot repent of their sins, because simply they don't feel sinful. Jesus said: "the Pharisee, standing on end, prayed with you this way: God, give thanks because I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, Adulterers; or even like this tax collector [...] The publican, however, being in the foot by far nor still wanted to raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, God, have mercy on me, a sinner! " (Luke 18.11 .13).

       We are responsible for our acts. God made the possibility of free will and the couple in Eden made it real. When Adam and Eve sinned they deployed in the world the right choices. The will of God about the man was partially transposed and our desire to be regarded. This is what Joshua said to the people of Israel: "However, if you seem evil to your eyes to serve the Lord, who today chose to sirvais; If the gods who were your fathers, who were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live; but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. " (Joshua 24.15).

        But anyway who is to blame? My, your, of all of us, because there are no inculpáveis, but justified and redeemed by Jesus. As the FREEWILL entered the world by the Sin I am guilty or acquitted by the choices they make. If you deny the Christ still far removed from his glory and miserably, but if I get in my heart I am motivated to live in his Kingdom and not overburdening them already forgiven me for errors.

       The time has come to rejoice all our hearts that God can heal our entire life. Just to think that we are innocent and poor thing. We must take responsibility and face our problems head on. Therefore, let us put them before us humbly asking the Lord to remove from us the shame of sin.

Blessings,

MaryGondim ;

www.verdadecongelada.blogspot.com

Fairness, or Faith?

Deuteronomy 34:4 (NET) - Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it, but you will not cross over there."

One of the things that acts as a roadblock to those who do not believe in God ironically is something even believers struggle with.

Fairness.

I once tried to share my faith with a man who admitted that he was an atheist.

"How can there be a God that would allow children to suffer and die?", he asked.

There is no easy answer to such a question.

Even Christians struggle with questions like this.

Problems arise when we try to apply our human concept of fairness to God.

Whenever I think of fairness in this context I think of Moses.

Moses, considered a great prophet, did many things for God.

He went to Egypt and confronted Pharaoh.

He was an instrument that God used to free His chosen people from the bondage of slavery.

He then led this rebellious people in the wilderness and even interceded on their behalf.

Yet he disobeyed God.

How?

In Numbers 20 we read that the people were in need of water.

God tells Moses to assemble the people and speak to a rock and that water would come out of it.

Moses did not follow God’s directive.

In his frustration  with the people, he chose to react rather than act.

Numbers 20:11 (NET) - Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff. And water came out abundantly. So the community drank, and their beasts drank too.

For this, Moses was forbidden by God to enter the Promised Land.

What would our reply be if we found ourselves in the place of Moses?

I would venture to say that I would be something like, "That’s not fair!"

Sound familiar?

If you have children it does.

A parent has the responsibility to raise a child and sometimes has to impose limits on the child.

Many times, the child’s response is, "That’s not fair!"

When it comes to our relationship with God, we all too often try to impose our human concept of fairness on God.

When we do, we lose sight of the fact that God has a plan.

That plan is perfect. Just as God is perfect.

Frankly speaking, I am glad that God does not conform to my concept of fairness.

John 3:16 (NET) - For this is the way God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life.

Yet, He willingly died for imperfect and sinful people.

He died for us.

That certainly does not conform to our concept of fairness, does it?

When our view of fairness fails us, faith must take over.

It does not matter that we do not understand the facets of God’s plan.

What matters is that we have the faith to believe that God is perfect, that His plan is perfect and that He understands that perfect plan perfectly.


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

Count YOUR Blessings

It's all too human to envy others who have what we don't. When we're poor and hungry it's no surprise that we're jealous of those who are materially comfortable. When our family life is in a shambles, it's natural to wonder why others get to enjoy peaceful, happy homes.

 As natural as it is, envy is one of the most insidious and dangerous emotions. In contrast to simple greed, envy involves an element of resentment against those who have what we lack. When allowed to fester and grow, envy eats away at the spirit and soul, makes us miserable and angry, and can move one to selfish, even violent and destructive, action. It alienates family members, changes friends into enemies, pits classes and groups against each other, and when turned to political ends by clever manipulators, can tear apart whole societies.  Ironically, action driven by envy almost never achieves its goals, and all too often leads only to frustration, bitterness, and despair. Envy led to Cain's murder of his brother Abel, and the Prodigal Son's brother to resent him and their father. No wonder envy is numbered among the "Seven Deadly Sins"!

As the Apostle James reminds us, "[w]here envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." (James 3:16 (KJVA)).  And he pulls no punches in describing how this destructive process works: "You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." (James 4:2-3 (ESV)). How do we avoid or escape the trap of envy, that leads to so much woe?

Perhaps the only way is to keep the true spirit of Christ and His love burning brightly within us. Of course, we must do all we can to avoid the sinful conduct that puts distance between us and God. Aside from that, regular prayers of thankfulness are essential--how can we be envious when we're constantly thanking the Lord for what we do have? No matter how bleak your own life may seem at any given moment, there are many, many people all over the world who have it much worse, and would give almost anything to have what you do. You always have blessings of your own to count--don't trouble yourself counting someone else's!

As with so many other human frailties, ultimately the best antidote to envy is faith and trust in our Lord, that He will provide everything necessary for us to do His will on this earth, so that there's no need take account of what others have. As David said, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1 (KJV)). Likewise: "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4). The Apostle Paul, too, reminds us that "love envieth not."  (1 Corinthians 13:4 (ASV))  So, if we keep Christ's selfless love burning inside us, delight in Him, and follow Him as our Shepherd, we won't dwell on what we (think) we lack, but will rejoice unceasingly in our countless blessings. We can be free of envy's spiritual corrosion, at peace with ourselves and others, and content to be an eternal citizen of His glorious kingdom!  What more could one want?

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises

ABUNDANT LIFE FROM ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE

In the calculation of the national income of a nation, or even an organization or a family, there two (2) ways/ perspectives you can look at it, namely: the demand side and the supply side. The demand side is the aggregation of all the demand made by the economic agents in the economy within a time period, while the supply side looks at all that was produced into the economy within a specific time period (products and services…)

Our life as a Christian can also be looked at from two perspectives especially when considering Jesus statement in John 10:10b

                “…I have come so that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly”. (NKJV)

The most popular interpretation of this verse has always been that of us having a blissful, pleasurable, rest-filled life in which all our needs are met and our enjoyment knows no bound…. Sounds like the demand side.

Of course, this interpretation is not wrong like the computation of the national income from either the supply or demand side; however, it is instructive to look at this scripture from another perspective. The supply side.

Thus, the scripture’s interpretation will be something like our having abundant life means that we “extend grace and goodness to others”.

This, to me, is the crux of the matter knowing fully well that we are the beneficiary of these in great measures (and that is why we are here today), Talking about a life that is full of (abundant in) Love, Patience, Kindness, Mercy, Compassion, Peace, Tolerance, Hospitality and other virtues.

Permit me to say that this supply side perspective is the most needed in our days. We are prosperous and advancing in levels that no generation before us thought possible and going with it are crises and challenges beyond human imaginations.

As we are advancing technologically, in knowledge, science and medicine in leaps and bounds, we have more billionaires now than ever, also, we have more poor people, insecurity, perversion, abuse, violence, hopelessness, and desperation all over the place.

It is so disturbing when our eyes are opened to see that behind the smile, nice dressing and make up of our neighbours, colleaugues, clients, even church members are those things listed above...

If only so many more of us think of the abundant life as life full of virtues. And try to make life more “liveable” for others in quality not (quantity alone)… and remembering that our Saviour and Lord is who He is to us because He lived His life from the Supply side perspective… Acts 10:38.

God Bless You.

To God nothing is Impossible

Today I was remembered about a special word of God that brought peace and hope upon my heart and I am here to share with you and praying  you can be renewed  by the Holy Spirit.

 Luke 1:28-38 ...But the angel said: “Do not be afraid, Mary; You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you". "I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Sometimes is the same in our lives. We look to the circumstances. We look to our finantial troubles, families issues, confuses sentimental and hearts in pain and we say NOT, it is not to my, my life is hard and nothing works well. We think that happiness, peace, joy these kind of things is just to other not to us.
Lets to think together. Bible says that God works toward us and He works trough our faith. Many times we have faith, but faith in the trouble and circumstances! We have faith in things will never change. We believe that that people never will change ( maybe sons, husband or some friend!), BUT now is time to have a new behavior. When Good gave a word to Mary, in the first time she answered that it would be impossible in sight of the circumstances she lived. So, the angel  gave her a word and said: GOD WILL DO, IT IS A GOD THING. So dear reader, even you and me are facing a hard time and bad circumstances,we have to looking for God's word and believe in what He said about us. 
God's word is faithful and He is working toward us.
Have faith and even you had a bat reaction at first time when you hear some 'new', stop a bit and listen to God voice. He are saying to you FAITH! I AM WITH YOU AND NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ME " With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27
Stand up today, look in faith and see what God will do.
He is with you
God bless and gives you strength  today, it is my prayer toward you in Jesus Name.
Pati Nanni

Prison Break

Hebrews 13:3 (NET) - Remember those in prison as if you were in prison with them, and those ill-treated as if you too felt their torment.

I can never read this verse without thinking of someone.

Some years ago, I accompanied my boss on a business trip where we were worked with a gentleman who took over his company after his father retired.

Some of the questions we had regarded matters from when the father ran the firm.

The gentleman called his father who agreed to come down and answer our questions.

He arrived and was most cooperative with us.

After some time went by, we all agreed that we should break for lunch.

At the restaurant, I sat directly across the table from this older gentleman.

He asked me about my faith which pleasantly surprised me.

I gladly shared my faith with him and he, in turn, shared his with me.

That is when he told me how Hebrews 13:3 changed his life.

After he retired, this man wasn’t sure what to do with the extra time he had on his hands.

The answer came to him as he read his Bible one evening.

When he read this verse, he felt moved to start a prison ministry.

He wasn’t sure how or even where to begin.

He prayed about this and as a result, he contacted some retired friends of his and told them about his desire to start a prison ministry.

Some were interested.

As a team, they now go into prisons and minister to those incarcerated.

As I stated before, I cannot read this verse without thinking of this fine Christian man and how he felt moved to live according to it.

I also remind myself that prisons are not always buildings with high walls, iron bars and  guard towers.

People cam be prisoners in other ways.

They can be prisoners languishing in a cell of self doubt.

They can be imprisoned by the harsh words others have told them in the past.

They  can be held captive by memories of abuse.

We should remember these prisoners as well.

We should feel their pain.

We should do everything within our power to help them.

But how?

Paul, a prisoner, gives us the answer.

2 Timothy 2:8-9 (NET) - Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David, such is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God’s message is not imprisoned!

Paul was imprisoned by powers that tried to silence his ministry.

Yet the Word of God can neither be silenced nor imprisoned.

That is how we can best help free these captives from their prisons.

We must be willing to share the Word of God with them.

The Word of God can break one out of their prison.

It can do so because it also has the power to break into it.


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

GOOD SMELL

II Cor. 2:15, 16

"… because for God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and those who are perishing. For these are the smell of death, for those life fragrance, … "

            The Apostle Paul says that we are the aroma of Christ, we are the good smell of Christ, we are the smell of Christ.

            In Hebrews 10: 9 and 10 we read: "…Here I am; I have come to do your will ". He cancels the first that he may establish the second. For the fulfillment of such sanctified desire, through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, offering once and for all.

            The sacrifices of the Old Testament were cancelled when Jesus meets the father's will and surrender your body to sacrifice for us. Now we became the gentle aroma of sacrifice. For the saved, and life's smell and for those who perish, the smell of death.

            When the Apostle Paul talks about it, he makes an allusion to the return of a victorious general and his soldiers. It released a incense that smells for the winners and the losers life smells like death. We don't have that smell of death, but our life needs to take the ungodly know how will be your final.

             I John 5:12 says that "he who has the son has life; who does not have the son of God does not have life. "

             When he says that we are the aroma of Christ, he says that we are the messengers of the word of God spread His message as a fragrance. And all of this has to do with justification, sanctification and testimony of life.

                     Our essence is Jesus Christ!

            The good perfume influences without fanfare. No screams, it penetrates. Does not speak, but if necessary. Attracts people and is engaging. Makes the environment more pleasant.

            I Peter 2: 9 says that "… we are the chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, a people unique of God, to announce quantities that called us from darkness into his wonderful light." With respect to the Act of witnessing, that smell you have vented?

            The Bible tells us to live a straight life and fair, that reflects the life and character of Jesus. We were made to be like him and do as he did and we walk as he walked. With reference to your conduct, your posture, your attitudes and your words.

             May God bless us and empower us to live in a way that pleases. Remember that we are your housing and that His spirit dwells in us. When we are filled with the Lord, we face the whole time. If you commit any fault, feel uncomfortable, there is repentance and confession. So we continue serving the Lord.

Blessings, 

MaryGondim

www.verdadecongelada.blogspot.com

Follow the Leader

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." ~ Matthew 6:9-10

One of the hardest things for a person--even the typical believer--to do is lay aside his or her own will and let the Lord lead.  Growing up we're encouraged to become self-reliant, and if we're fortunate enough to live in a land of freedom and opportunity, we learn to choose own goals and chart our own path to their accomplishment. We make our own decisions day-to-day, according to our own judgment of what will best advance our own purposes.

Did you notice the theme--"our own"?  This may seem like a liberating way of life, especially for people who live in countries or cultures where people's basic decisions are made for them by state or other authorities. But there can be a misleading quality to this freedom: where the primacy of God in daily life is spurned or forgotten, we're essentially "on our own," seeing but "through a glass, darkly" (1 Corinthians 13:12), left (by our own choice), groping about in the murk of earthly life without the light and confidence that come from God's leadership. We're limited to our own ill-informed and fallible judgment about what's right and best for us, and we struggle to identify and manage the resources we think we'll need to realize our dimly-perceived objectives. We can't begin to see all the pitfalls and the opportunities that our Father in Heaven can see. As a result, we make innumerable mistakes and fly down blind alleys over and over again; we get frustrated and discouraged, or turn our own and other people's lives upside down pursuing vain goals with a single-minded vengeance. Too often, this leads to the ruin of families and lives.

The answer is to maintain an attitude of submissiveness and readiness to serve our Heavenly Father, and to seek Him constantly in prayer ("Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17). In all things, we must first strive to discern His will for us, and then do our best to follow it. When deciding on goals, long-term or shorter, we should ask the Lord in prayer what He wants for us, and whether particular goals we may have proposed for ourselves are consistent with His will for us. As we go along day-to-day, continue asking for His guidance and inspiration to see opportunities and hazards, and to receive those often-quiet promptings of the Spirit that, if faithfully heeded, enable us to make our way safely and productively along His chosen path. By doing this we'll always know that we're doing the best thing, in the best way, for ourselves and our families.

This was the lesson taught in one of my favorite hymns, Lead, Kindly Light, written in 1833 by John Henry Newman (1801–1890).  The hymn relates the experience of one who once was determined to pursue his own goals in his own way, who "loved to choose and see my path," who "loved the garish day," and whose will was ruled by pride. Now, the writer prays God to "Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me."

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till the night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
which I Have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path, Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith, home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.

So, before you do make your next decision, big or small, go the the Lord in prayer and ask Him what HIS will is for your life. Accept His leadership in place of your own, and don't be afraid to follow it, even though you may not see in advance or understand every step along the path. Walk in faith with Him, trusting in His guidance, every day. Keep going, even through times of hardship and doubt. With the Lord of the Universe showing the way, you can't go wrong!

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises

A DANGEROUS PLACE

Slavery is an unpopular word but there was a time in history when it was the norm and a matter of public discourse the same way poverty and climate change dominate in our time.

Jesus in John 8:35a made a profound statement, though, it is an analogy it speaks a lot on our state today as it did for the people listening to Him inside the temple. Jesus says”And the servant abideth not in the house for ever…” KJV.

A servant (slave) to a large extent, share so much in a house that some even graduate to become a member of the house. They share the same roof with the children, eat the same meals (after all, they make the meals), some like Joseph was in the house of Potipher become so trustworthy that the management of the house/farm/business is turned over to them to management but they “they abideth not in the house forever”- whatever they end up becoming. Expressed in other words, “they share no inheritance with the children”.

So many of us are slaves in the house of God, yes, we eat the crumbs that  fall from the children’s table, we enjoy the same covering they enjoy, the same grace, some favours, sometimes the freedom we enjoy in the house is more than those of the children but we are still not His children.

This is a dangerous place to be. These benefits that accrue by virtue of association can mislead us to think that perhaps we don’t need to be as obedient as we should, as holy as we should, as consecrated as we should, and so on afterall, we are enjoying what the children are enjoying.

It is called costly assumption or self deceit and without listening as Jesus admonishes us right now to whom the fullest of time has come, we will end up as slaves end up….OUTSIDE THE INHERITANCE OF THE CHILDREN.

Why? Jesus make us know that “Not everyone who calls me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do.”Matt 7:21 (GNB)

Let us examine ourselves once again to see whether we are in Christ. It is not a matter of the benefits of sonship that we enjoy or how much use we are of God but it’s all about WHOSE WILL WE ARE DOING. Matt 7:22 (GNB)

The place of Slaves enjoying the status of sons is the most dangerous place. May you not be found there and may I not be found there in Jesus name. Amen

Disney Channel

Some time ago I wrote at my blog things about this and i am writing here to share things that all of us need stop a bit to think about!

I think that Disney Channel should come with a warned: danger for teenagers
why?
#1 - they encourage futility. People are what the wear, eat, school they study and outside appearance
#2 - to Disney channel, teenager know everything. Their parents always are wrong in the end when do not allow them follow what they want and think be the best for their life (as if like teenager we know all that is good and better to lived!) To Disney parents are that bored people that is in our life just to say NO when we want have fun or follow our feeling. All adult know that when we are teenager our feelings are intense and each experience we have, we think be the bigger and only, teenager think that what they live is the only day, love and opportunity in all life. It is why we have parents, to show us that life is more than our 14 or 16 years already lived and more experiences we will get along of our lives! Almost don't have parents in their programs and, when have parents, they are coadjutants because their sons gains the money that maintain the house.

#3 – some characters just depreciated their friend because some of them do not have too much money like them!
#4 – For them, brothers compete more than are partners, friends and helpers one of others.
WHAT does THE word FAMILY means to Disney Channel? Think about =)
What kind of character and values we are putting in our kids when we allow them watch this many hours.
Some families spend more time in front of TV than with bible or at church or church works.

Remember what bible says

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timóteo 4:15-16

Keep your family save from devil one. Pray from them, talk with them. Spend time with them.

Bring the God's love into your house. Some believer I know that are the one believers in their houses, just complain about be the one. They do not share God's love inside the house. They just go to church and come back in silence, some times complaining unless say come on, lets dinner together, lets lunch together or lets just sit and talk a bit! Well lets go and invite our beloveds to God's kingdom more than just church. Share the love you have gotten ... it pleasures God and save you and yours!!!
LOVE
God bless

It is Completed!

John 19:29-30 (NET) - A jar full of sour wine was there, so they put a sponge soaked in sour wine on a branch of hyssop and lifted it to His mouth. When He received the sour wine, Jesus said, "It is completed!" Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Jesus said, "It is completed!"

What, exactly, was completed?

From a human perspective, a good number of things were completed the moment Jesus experienced physical death on our behalf.

His suffering was completed for one thing.

All the physical and emotional pain He endured was over.

The pain from the flogging was over.

The torture of the thorns and nails piercing His flesh was over.

The unimaginable agony of the crucifixion was over.

The humiliations He endured at the hands of His tormentors was over.

Yet, that was not all that was completed.

Jesus followed the Father’s will through to the end.

He lived  among us and never sinned.

His perfect earthly life, too, was completed.

There is more.

All the prophecies concerning Jesus in the Old Testament were now fulfilled.

They were now completed.

There is more.

Man’s salvation, our salvation, is now a real possibility.

His making that possible is completed.

All these things and much more are now completed.

For Jesus, all these things and the others were part of one mission.

That mission is completed.

It is humbling to realize that it was Jesus who made all things complete that darkest of days.

We did not.

We could not.

Nor can we add anything to it.

There is something we can do.

We can return to the tomb and see with our own eyes that it is indeed empty.

We can then spread the word and say, "It really is completed!"

I wish you a most blessed Easter!


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

Independence and Death!

          I start my post with a story I read this week.

              "Several men went on a missionary journey to Haiti where they found a 19-year-old boy who loved deeply to Christ. The youngster impressed them so, who invited him to visit the United States. When they arrived, a whole new world opened up before the eyes of the young Haitian. Never dormira on linen, had never had three meals in one day, never had used water and never proved a Big Mac.

              Traveling through the United States, young made a lot of friends. At the end of a long visit six weeks, their hosts offered him a farewell dinner. After that meal, several members of the group drove him words of warm farewell. Then they asked the young Haitian if you would like to say something. Yes, I do. I desire to thank you for having invited me. Really enjoyed this period in the United States. But I'm very happy to come back home. You have both in America, that I'm almost losing confidence in Christ daily dependence! "

               This story shocked my life, because our tendency has increasingly to seek independence. Do not like to depend on anyone, right? We Proclaim confidence in an unseen God, proclaim from the rooftops their love, care and provision, but all the time, worked for independence. Financial, emotional and even spiritual.


               This is more real than we care to admit. It is a pattern of secular thought which have shaped us. Our many resources have prevented us from relying on God and depend on God and the fear is to have confidence that the Lord has the power to give us what we need. We are like the people of Israel who grew tired of the daily allowance and felt nostalgia for the "onions of Egypt."

                We know that walk without Jesus means to die. But building trust in HIM has to be constant and daily. The Lord will lead us to genuine trust and dependency if not we die wealthy, leaving possessions, but not inheriting anything!

In the love of Christ ,

MaryGondim

www.verdadecongelada.com