Its been awhile since i wrote to you blog, there are alot of changes that has happen since. Writing everything that has changed in one go will not justify you but a brief overview is, graduated, working, have mortgage, got a puppy, taking a break from some important things in life, and having greater responsibility at home to take care of family and house. The weight is heavy at times but I just go on each day knowing that it can only be better. There is a plan and purpose beyond the cobwebs and mazes. Even if the world fails me, the economics come crumbling down, humanity tears in half, God doesnt fail, because He loves me.
Today is just like another day, although its my birthday, without a mention to my dad, he would have forgotten but thats alright, there are many things on his mind with whats happening to Pacific Brands. The well wishes become less each passing year. This year decided to just go out for drive but was interrupted this morning by putting up a lamp post outside my place. Hopefully this will shine light through the darkness and provide guidance and hope. Afterwards, my father invited his friend and her kids and it happens one of the kids cousin is a friend of mine back in high school. Its strange, some things dont change but alot has change. Time, place and attitudes change. Looking back through the years, I had so many turning points in my life that is countless, turning points referring to where i would end up and what i would be doing at this moment in time if i didnt make the decisions i did during that time. I do thank God for all those decisions i made as it turned out to be rightfully planned by Him.
I feel there are so much things to come, the song God of this city by Chris Tomlin is inspiring. I know there are many more adventures, many greater things to do and achieve. Building the city for God, greater things to be done in this city and nation. This is a new chapter in my life, and i hope i can succeed and continue to do the right decisions once again for God. To achieve and make a change in society and how its been running. I need that light to shine my path once again, because i know there is still greater things to be done....
1.3.09
24.8.08
"Giving God the Honour and Glory that He deserves!"
My Early walk with God
->I struggled to commit to Christ: Giving God honor by obeying him, taking all opportunity to be closer to Him, putting Him in the second chair; Sometimes taking decisions into my own hands and grieving His heart at the same time.
->I struggled to commit to Church: Sometimes being late for meetings and missing events that I was not excited about because it was uncomfortable. With people, I did not make effort to know and build deeper relationships
->I struggled to commit to School: I didnt attend the classes, nor do some of the homework at times
->I struggled to commit to deep meaningful relationships: the pain and hurts that I experience through the unhealthy relationships with different people. Some of you's have heard of my stories about finding true friendships out there
The Past 2years
->Although there has been many struggles for those who know my experiences, personal battles, being misunderstood by many, struggle with studies, one time wanting to drop a degree and waiting on victories that didnt come soon enough. I began to commit to God more and trust in His goodness
->I began to serve Him with all my heart, sometimes I'd be down in darebin 5-6days a week, attending Kairos course after the church conference was a challenge because you would have been tired after 4 days of intensive sleepless nights of camp. The course condense in 4days compared to 2weeks.
->God is still good, he used myself (lorena+jeanneth) to connect to korean girl to HOPE Brisbane and in turn she bought many visitors; She stills attends lifegroup up there, met alot of new friends including visiting local Viet Christian guy who came from melbourne. It was tiring but God was at work
->All through this, God has been blessing me with success in studies, having great project partners one of them Christian, a strong student group team at latrobe, many salvations and personal growth
->No doubt at times, I ask God where is it all leading, all that I do, sometimes seemed not enough to see those victories. After my last exam and graduation, I applied to several jobs, there were number of rejections, number of those required relocation but alot of times my experience left me behind others cause I did not do summer internship rather helped out in church. I was tempted to apply to other states because there were more job prospect and seemed easier. Even a recent opportunity with Cadbury Schwepps, I thought I had good interview, but it turned out its not what they were looking for although i match all their criteria.
My learning
->I still Thank God for all the support, encouragement, prayers that people have given to God on my behalf. God is still good as always, He is faithful in all the pieces of jigsaw that He gives me; Although at times, confusing and frustrating not to see the bigger picture, I have and continue to learn to trust in God, put Him first, because He is faithful God
Deut 7:9 "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His convenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments"
->Loving and walking with God is beautiful, everything even though it may seem insignificant is perfect in His plans. I encourage everyone to put trust, faith and honor towards our God, our Lord Jesus.
Our victories are His, and His ours. On a side note, remember that local viet guy i mention about, I met him once and continue to contact him as he had a job opening down in melbourne. I contacted the company and thought initially no chance for me cause of my results, and also just before going on the midyear CCM camp and driving some folks to the campsite, I had interview 1hr before. After that, I didnt hear from them for a month as they were waiting for my transcript and graduation. Last week on monday I got a call, to ask when I can start work and if I can sign the agreement and bring it in. I will be heading into the office tomorrow at 8am! Praise God for His plan and providence, it is amazing how He works in brisbane and brings it down here to melbourne. He is faithful in all His promises. Amen!!
->I struggled to commit to Christ: Giving God honor by obeying him, taking all opportunity to be closer to Him, putting Him in the second chair; Sometimes taking decisions into my own hands and grieving His heart at the same time.
->I struggled to commit to Church: Sometimes being late for meetings and missing events that I was not excited about because it was uncomfortable. With people, I did not make effort to know and build deeper relationships
->I struggled to commit to School: I didnt attend the classes, nor do some of the homework at times
->I struggled to commit to deep meaningful relationships: the pain and hurts that I experience through the unhealthy relationships with different people. Some of you's have heard of my stories about finding true friendships out there
The Past 2years
->Although there has been many struggles for those who know my experiences, personal battles, being misunderstood by many, struggle with studies, one time wanting to drop a degree and waiting on victories that didnt come soon enough. I began to commit to God more and trust in His goodness
->I began to serve Him with all my heart, sometimes I'd be down in darebin 5-6days a week, attending Kairos course after the church conference was a challenge because you would have been tired after 4 days of intensive sleepless nights of camp. The course condense in 4days compared to 2weeks.
->God is still good, he used myself (lorena+jeanneth) to connect to korean girl to HOPE Brisbane and in turn she bought many visitors; She stills attends lifegroup up there, met alot of new friends including visiting local Viet Christian guy who came from melbourne. It was tiring but God was at work
->All through this, God has been blessing me with success in studies, having great project partners one of them Christian, a strong student group team at latrobe, many salvations and personal growth
->No doubt at times, I ask God where is it all leading, all that I do, sometimes seemed not enough to see those victories. After my last exam and graduation, I applied to several jobs, there were number of rejections, number of those required relocation but alot of times my experience left me behind others cause I did not do summer internship rather helped out in church. I was tempted to apply to other states because there were more job prospect and seemed easier. Even a recent opportunity with Cadbury Schwepps, I thought I had good interview, but it turned out its not what they were looking for although i match all their criteria.
My learning
->I still Thank God for all the support, encouragement, prayers that people have given to God on my behalf. God is still good as always, He is faithful in all the pieces of jigsaw that He gives me; Although at times, confusing and frustrating not to see the bigger picture, I have and continue to learn to trust in God, put Him first, because He is faithful God
Deut 7:9 "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His convenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments"
->Loving and walking with God is beautiful, everything even though it may seem insignificant is perfect in His plans. I encourage everyone to put trust, faith and honor towards our God, our Lord Jesus.
Our victories are His, and His ours. On a side note, remember that local viet guy i mention about, I met him once and continue to contact him as he had a job opening down in melbourne. I contacted the company and thought initially no chance for me cause of my results, and also just before going on the midyear CCM camp and driving some folks to the campsite, I had interview 1hr before. After that, I didnt hear from them for a month as they were waiting for my transcript and graduation. Last week on monday I got a call, to ask when I can start work and if I can sign the agreement and bring it in. I will be heading into the office tomorrow at 8am! Praise God for His plan and providence, it is amazing how He works in brisbane and brings it down here to melbourne. He is faithful in all His promises. Amen!!
16.7.08
Faith Alone
Why cant good works save us?
1. Good works cant cancel your sin, but sin ruins your good works. Suppose you invite me over for breakfast and offer to fix a three-egg omelet. As you begin to cook, I smell a putrid odor coming from kitchen. Whats the awful smell? Its just a rotten egg. But you added a few good eggs to cancel out the rottenness. Do you think i will would eat the breakfast? Not for a million dollar. Because goodness doesnt cancel rotteness, but rottenness ruins goodness. The same is true in spiritual realm. You can't be good enough to cancel out the putrid effect of your sin.
2. Good works can't save you because God doesnt grade on a curve. He demands perfection. It takes one sin to send you to hell. Let's suppose you somehow commit 3 sins a day for entire life, thats impossible because before getting out of bed in morning you'd probably committed much already. That would be more than 1000 sins a year and you leave up to 70yrs. Say if those sins were speeding tickets, you'd end up in jail for long they would throw away the key. Do you think God is any different?
3. Good works can't save you because you can never good enough, long enough. Just when u get a good streak going, you sin and have to start all over again.
4. you can never be you've done enough. Religious people have no assurance of their salvation. They believe being good will get them to heaven. But as we've already seen, we can never do enough to pay for our own sins.
5. Good works can't save you because if they could, you wouldn't need Jesus. Its either all by Jesus or all by your own efforts, there is nothing in between.
This means there is nothing you can do to add to the work of Christ. It stands compelte on its own. You either accept it or reject it.
Where do you stand with God today? Have you been justified by faith alone?
1. Good works cant cancel your sin, but sin ruins your good works. Suppose you invite me over for breakfast and offer to fix a three-egg omelet. As you begin to cook, I smell a putrid odor coming from kitchen. Whats the awful smell? Its just a rotten egg. But you added a few good eggs to cancel out the rottenness. Do you think i will would eat the breakfast? Not for a million dollar. Because goodness doesnt cancel rotteness, but rottenness ruins goodness. The same is true in spiritual realm. You can't be good enough to cancel out the putrid effect of your sin.
2. Good works can't save you because God doesnt grade on a curve. He demands perfection. It takes one sin to send you to hell. Let's suppose you somehow commit 3 sins a day for entire life, thats impossible because before getting out of bed in morning you'd probably committed much already. That would be more than 1000 sins a year and you leave up to 70yrs. Say if those sins were speeding tickets, you'd end up in jail for long they would throw away the key. Do you think God is any different?
3. Good works can't save you because you can never good enough, long enough. Just when u get a good streak going, you sin and have to start all over again.
4. you can never be you've done enough. Religious people have no assurance of their salvation. They believe being good will get them to heaven. But as we've already seen, we can never do enough to pay for our own sins.
5. Good works can't save you because if they could, you wouldn't need Jesus. Its either all by Jesus or all by your own efforts, there is nothing in between.
This means there is nothing you can do to add to the work of Christ. It stands compelte on its own. You either accept it or reject it.
Where do you stand with God today? Have you been justified by faith alone?
The way of excellence faith - Ray Pritchard
7.6.08
Pots n Pans
The story goes like this, one day a young girl went to her mother while cooking and ask her, "why do you chop off the legs and parts of the chicken and throw it away?" Her mother thought to herself, hm... I'm not sure, this is the way I was taught by my mother. So on the next visit to grandma, her mother went and ask her mother, " Why is it that we dont use certain parts of the chicken ...?" The grandmother took a pause and thought, "I'm not sure, I was taught by my mother to do it this way" and she went to see her mother, which was great grandma and ask her, "mother why do we cook it this certain way, is it because it taste better?"
Her mother gave the reply, "In the old days, we had smaller pots and pans, so the chicken couldn't fit on the pan, so we had to chop those parts off"
We go through life doing the things we do without knowing the reason and purpose at times. It's maybe because we are so used to it, its convenient, or we have been taught a certain way through our families, traditions and teachings. Sometimes these small things can really become an obstacle to knowing God deeply and experiencing his full grace and mercy. We need to find these old nails and pull them out and replace them with new ones, Jesus nails. It's a process and we need the Holy Spirit to renew us each day in our thinking, our character and our actions to be more like Christ. To die to self but live in Christ is the ultimate goal. It will be painful, long suffering but the promises and blessings are there if we are faithful to follow.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"
Titus 3:5, KJV
Psalms 119:9, KJV
John 15:3, KJV
2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV
Romans 12:2, KJV
1 Corinthians 2:16, KJV
16.4.08
Prayer
Skeleton discussion lesson on prayer:
1. What does it mean to pray to you personally?
2. What was your last prayer?
3. What are some sort of prayer answers do we get for prayer?
4. Why do prayers become ineffective?
5. Who are your prayer warriors in bible or your fellow brothers and sisters?
Prayer: Various for individual, unique and special like all relationships, spiritual hunger is met, changes our lives and situations. ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication.
Answers in prayers can be Yes, no and wait. He hears and answers all prayers just maybe not the answers we want to hear because he can not act in a way that is inconsistent to his character. Discuss what are some Yes, no's and wait answers.
Prayers become ineffective when things in our life separate us from God, choosing to reject God's truth or help, knowingly rebelling against God. Having the wrong motives of what we ask.
Some prayer warriors in the bible, moses, david, daniel+friends, micah, prophets, samuel, Paul and ultimately Jesus.
Example prayers Daniel 9:4-19, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, Matthew 6:9-13
Specific examples:
1. Jehosophat:
Prayer type - 2 Chronicles 20:1-14 War raging in the land
Answered Prayer - 2 Chronicles 20:20-30
What type of prayers do you see in these verses?
2. Shadrah, Mesach, Abednego
Prayer type - Daniel 3:17-18
Answered prayer - Daniel 3:26-27
Prayed no matter circumstance, food matter, forced to worship idol and gold -> fire furnace, outlawed prayer but still prayed -> lions den. He stood strong for conviction in God and continued to trust in God
3. Paul
Prayer type - ephesians 3:14-21
Prayer is not a set of rules or repetitions, it is unique communication and relationship to everyone, it is being real to God and opening up our hearts for him to speak as well as for us to share our thoughts and feelings.
Extra verses: Eph 2:18, Mtt 18:19-20
1. What does it mean to pray to you personally?
2. What was your last prayer?
3. What are some sort of prayer answers do we get for prayer?
4. Why do prayers become ineffective?
5. Who are your prayer warriors in bible or your fellow brothers and sisters?
Prayer: Various for individual, unique and special like all relationships, spiritual hunger is met, changes our lives and situations. ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication.
Answers in prayers can be Yes, no and wait. He hears and answers all prayers just maybe not the answers we want to hear because he can not act in a way that is inconsistent to his character. Discuss what are some Yes, no's and wait answers.
Prayers become ineffective when things in our life separate us from God, choosing to reject God's truth or help, knowingly rebelling against God. Having the wrong motives of what we ask.
Some prayer warriors in the bible, moses, david, daniel+friends, micah, prophets, samuel, Paul and ultimately Jesus.
Example prayers Daniel 9:4-19, 2 Samuel 7:18-29, Matthew 6:9-13
Specific examples:
1. Jehosophat:
Prayer type - 2 Chronicles 20:1-14 War raging in the land
Answered Prayer - 2 Chronicles 20:20-30
What type of prayers do you see in these verses?
2. Shadrah, Mesach, Abednego
Prayer type - Daniel 3:17-18
Answered prayer - Daniel 3:26-27
Prayed no matter circumstance, food matter, forced to worship idol and gold -> fire furnace, outlawed prayer but still prayed -> lions den. He stood strong for conviction in God and continued to trust in God
3. Paul
Prayer type - ephesians 3:14-21
Prayer is not a set of rules or repetitions, it is unique communication and relationship to everyone, it is being real to God and opening up our hearts for him to speak as well as for us to share our thoughts and feelings.
Extra verses: Eph 2:18, Mtt 18:19-20
23.2.08
Alms
"Alms" are not some kind of tree, but something you should know about -- and do. The Greek word translated alms in the New Testament originally meant mercy or kindness, then came to represent the kind deeds caused by mercy and kindness. So it came to mean charitable giving to the poor -- or giving motivated by love. Many times this word is translated as "charitable deed."
LUKE 12:33, MATTHEW 6:2-4, ACTS 10:2,4,
Alms are not offerings to God, or His ministers. Alms are charitable deeds -- gifts to the poor and needy. Helping people who are in trouble. Alms impress God. (A Devotion)
LUKE 12:33, MATTHEW 6:2-4, ACTS 10:2,4,
Alms are not offerings to God, or His ministers. Alms are charitable deeds -- gifts to the poor and needy. Helping people who are in trouble. Alms impress God. (A Devotion)
17.2.08
A Lifestyle Of Leadership
Any organization, whether for profit or non-profit, depends on successful leadership to provide direction. Everything rises and falls on leadership. Every issue in every organization, every decision that is made or postponed, is ultimately a product of leadership. Find an organization achieving excellence and you'll find leadership effectiveness. Find failure, and you'll find leadership failure as well. When a leader emerges confidence is restored and hope is renewed. Leaders seize the moment and meet the challenges of today with the courage of their convictions.
1. Leadership Is Not Found In a Position, But In a Person.
We often mistake leadership for a title, position or station in life. But true leadership comes from personal influence, not a job title.
2. Leadership Comes From Servanthood, Not Appointment.
Leadership isn't granted from an organization, but earned out of service and commitment to others. There is no better commentary on this than the life of Christ, the master leader, who "...set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave!" (Philippians 2.7, The Message).
3. Leadership Is Character.
"The main ingredient of good leadership is good character. This is because leadership involves conduct and conduct is determined by values." (Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, retired). Leadership can never be divorced from the individual. And as a leader, you cannot impart what you do not possess.
4. Leaders Model Leadership Principles.
Leaders act out of principles and convictions and teach others by their own example. Courageous and consistent leaders model what it means to live by God's commands. This is character on display.
5. Leadership Is Ultimately a Relationship.
Genuine leadership begins and ends at the same place - a passionate walk with the Savior. Only to the degree that we are followers of Him will we influence others. If that part of our leadership is not developed, it is just manipulation or the latest personnel management techniques.
1. Leadership Is Not Found In a Position, But In a Person.
We often mistake leadership for a title, position or station in life. But true leadership comes from personal influence, not a job title.
2. Leadership Comes From Servanthood, Not Appointment.
Leadership isn't granted from an organization, but earned out of service and commitment to others. There is no better commentary on this than the life of Christ, the master leader, who "...set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave!" (Philippians 2.7, The Message).
3. Leadership Is Character.
"The main ingredient of good leadership is good character. This is because leadership involves conduct and conduct is determined by values." (Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, retired). Leadership can never be divorced from the individual. And as a leader, you cannot impart what you do not possess.
4. Leaders Model Leadership Principles.
Leaders act out of principles and convictions and teach others by their own example. Courageous and consistent leaders model what it means to live by God's commands. This is character on display.
5. Leadership Is Ultimately a Relationship.
Genuine leadership begins and ends at the same place - a passionate walk with the Savior. Only to the degree that we are followers of Him will we influence others. If that part of our leadership is not developed, it is just manipulation or the latest personnel management techniques.
By Greg Morris
Courtesy of http://www.leadershipdynamics.org
15.2.08
Question Sharing
Here are a few questions that can move the conversation from a secular topic to a spiritual topic. The questions act as a funnel to introduce the Gospel.
Even if your friend mentions that he doesn't believe in or agree with the Bible, it is best not to argue. You can state that you simply want him to understand what the Bible says about eternity. Isn't it wonderful to know that it's not our responsibility to convict? Conviction is God's job. All we can do is share. Once we have shared, we have done God's will.
http://www.allaboutgod.com/share-jesus-without-fear.htm
- Do you have any kind of spiritual beliefs?
- To you, who is Jesus?
- Do you think there is a heaven or a hell?
- If you died tonight, where would you go?
- By the way, if what you were believing is not true, would you want to know?
- "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
- "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
- "In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again'" (John 3:3).
- "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6).
- "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame'" (Romans 10:9).
- "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again" (2 Corinthians 5:15).
- "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20).
Even if your friend mentions that he doesn't believe in or agree with the Bible, it is best not to argue. You can state that you simply want him to understand what the Bible says about eternity. Isn't it wonderful to know that it's not our responsibility to convict? Conviction is God's job. All we can do is share. Once we have shared, we have done God's will.
http://www.allaboutgod.com/share-jesus-without-fear.htm
5.2.08
What is Praise and Worship?
what is P&W (shared by Jessica 5/2/2008)
1) Spirit: intimate response to God
- John 4:24 response to God who you love and know; do we experience a personal intimate relationship with God? In Psalms David desired to know God's heartbeat, he wanted to know God on an intimate level.
- relationship with God through the spirit; Man has spirit and his spirit wants to commune with God's spirit;
Passage John 4:24: 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
2) Truth: real response to God
- acknowledge the truth that we need God; We need to check ourselves, to be honest, wholly dependent on God only. We need to be who were made to be, unique in every way.
3) Thankful: thankful response to God
- 1 Peter 2:9-10 we are chosen from the darkness to be holy to God; The fact is it should be enough to bring us thankfulness and joyfulness. No matter what situation happens in our lives that may drag us down, we must remember that God is good all the time. We should be grateful for the salvation which we have.
Passage 1 Peter 2:9-10: 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
4) Foolish response: our foolish response to God
- 2 Samuel 6:14-15 see the way David danced for God, glamorously foolish, unreserved expression of joy, shamelessly and no calculation of how I ridiculous i look etc.
- when worship God we should not care people's eyes
- feel free to worship Him even you cannot sing well or your voice is so awful or your dance no one understands
Passage 2 Samuel 6:14-15: 14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.
5) Heard response: our heard response to God
- 2 Chron. 20:18-22, Psalm 66:8
- sing out before the enemy coz we know God will bring the victory to us
- focus on pleasing God
Passage 2 Chronicles 20:18-22:
6) Declaration of Gods goodness and glory:
- Psalm 108:3, 92:4-5, 105:1-2
- cooperated worship inspires people to response to God, it is evangelistic because there are two groups of people, the worshipers (believers) and the observers (un-churched) whom are looking for something different. We dont need to follow the contemporary modern music because the observers are looking for something different e.g. techno beats in church same as in disco which they are escaping. It must be different as it is corporate worship compared to just band playing, watch movies, ballets etc. It should inspire people to respond to God, should suggest how great God is and declare his glory to the nation
- cooperated worship is more than (beyond) a good performance
Passage Psalm 108:3: 3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. Passage Psalm 92:4-5:
None Christian who come together they should be able to come away with:
- Why is God so great?
-Why are people so passionate about God?
simple preparation
1) holy life
- 2 chron. 5:12; 2 chron. 29:15 holiness, righteousness
- our hearts have to be right to God; white symbolizes holiness and people can see the righteousness we have in God; We need to consecrate, purify and sanctify because we need to be ministers of God to the people. We need to be right and not sinful because we will be ministering the wrong spirit. We can't get ourselves right, only God can, hence we need to come to Jesus. It is also a privilege and righteous position to have. We need repented heart and lay it before God at his feet. We need to factor in time with God to see if our heart is right. Because people can see God in us.
- on stage we focus on our ministry rather than how beautiful we are
Passage 2 Chronicles 5:12: 12 All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. Passage 2 Chronicles 29:15: 15 When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to purify the temple of the LORD, as the king had ordered, following the word of the LORD.
2) knowing God personally
- open your ears hear God's voice John 10:3-5
- develop your relationship with God consistency, and knowing God personally in order to hear from him. As leaders we need to be able to hear the chief shepherds voice, to received and guided ourselves by him.
- should not take it seriously just only the week when your on duty but should be ready in and our of season.
- Hebrew 5:11-13
Passage John 10:3-5 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."
Passage Hebrews 5:11-15: 11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
3) life style
- teachable spirit (1 chron.9:33)
- be ready to worship God all the time
- 1 chron. 25:6-8 ability (invest time for develop skills & training)
Passage 1 Chronicles 9:33: 33 Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.
Passage 1 Chronicles 25:6-8: 6 All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. 7 Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD -they numbered 288. 8 Young and old alike, teacher as well as student, cast lots for their duties.
heart burden
- for non believers worship should show
a) why God is so great? and
b) why people passionate about Him?
- how to choose the song
the song you want to sing or the song God guide you
- culture and style
different church different culture or style
should not allow anything stop you worship God
maturity "grow in Christ"
check their attitude & hearts
note that God need obedience rather than sacrifice
1) Spirit: intimate response to God
- John 4:24 response to God who you love and know; do we experience a personal intimate relationship with God? In Psalms David desired to know God's heartbeat, he wanted to know God on an intimate level.
- relationship with God through the spirit; Man has spirit and his spirit wants to commune with God's spirit;
Passage John 4:24: 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
2) Truth: real response to God
- acknowledge the truth that we need God; We need to check ourselves, to be honest, wholly dependent on God only. We need to be who were made to be, unique in every way.
3) Thankful: thankful response to God
- 1 Peter 2:9-10 we are chosen from the darkness to be holy to God; The fact is it should be enough to bring us thankfulness and joyfulness. No matter what situation happens in our lives that may drag us down, we must remember that God is good all the time. We should be grateful for the salvation which we have.
Passage 1 Peter 2:9-10: 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
4) Foolish response: our foolish response to God
- 2 Samuel 6:14-15 see the way David danced for God, glamorously foolish, unreserved expression of joy, shamelessly and no calculation of how I ridiculous i look etc.
- when worship God we should not care people's eyes
- feel free to worship Him even you cannot sing well or your voice is so awful or your dance no one understands
Passage 2 Samuel 6:14-15: 14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, 15 while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.
5) Heard response: our heard response to God
- 2 Chron. 20:18-22, Psalm 66:8
- sing out before the enemy coz we know God will bring the victory to us
- focus on pleasing God
Passage 2 Chronicles 20:18-22:
18 Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice.
20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his [a] holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the LORD,
for his love endures forever."
6) Declaration of Gods goodness and glory:
- Psalm 108:3, 92:4-5, 105:1-2
- cooperated worship inspires people to response to God, it is evangelistic because there are two groups of people, the worshipers (believers) and the observers (un-churched) whom are looking for something different. We dont need to follow the contemporary modern music because the observers are looking for something different e.g. techno beats in church same as in disco which they are escaping. It must be different as it is corporate worship compared to just band playing, watch movies, ballets etc. It should inspire people to respond to God, should suggest how great God is and declare his glory to the nation
- cooperated worship is more than (beyond) a good performance
Passage Psalm 108:3: 3 I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. Passage Psalm 92:4-5:
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
1 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
None Christian who come together they should be able to come away with:
- Why is God so great?
-Why are people so passionate about God?
simple preparation
1) holy life
- 2 chron. 5:12; 2 chron. 29:15 holiness, righteousness
- our hearts have to be right to God; white symbolizes holiness and people can see the righteousness we have in God; We need to consecrate, purify and sanctify because we need to be ministers of God to the people. We need to be right and not sinful because we will be ministering the wrong spirit. We can't get ourselves right, only God can, hence we need to come to Jesus. It is also a privilege and righteous position to have. We need repented heart and lay it before God at his feet. We need to factor in time with God to see if our heart is right. Because people can see God in us.
- on stage we focus on our ministry rather than how beautiful we are
Passage 2 Chronicles 5:12: 12 All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. Passage 2 Chronicles 29:15: 15 When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to purify the temple of the LORD, as the king had ordered, following the word of the LORD.
2) knowing God personally
- open your ears hear God's voice John 10:3-5
- develop your relationship with God consistency, and knowing God personally in order to hear from him. As leaders we need to be able to hear the chief shepherds voice, to received and guided ourselves by him.
- should not take it seriously just only the week when your on duty but should be ready in and our of season.
- Hebrew 5:11-13
Passage John 10:3-5 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."
Passage Hebrews 5:11-15: 11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
3) life style
- teachable spirit (1 chron.9:33)
- be ready to worship God all the time
- 1 chron. 25:6-8 ability (invest time for develop skills & training)
Passage 1 Chronicles 9:33: 33 Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.
Passage 1 Chronicles 25:6-8: 6 All these men were under the supervision of their fathers for the music of the temple of the LORD, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. 7 Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the LORD -they numbered 288. 8 Young and old alike, teacher as well as student, cast lots for their duties.
heart burden
- for non believers worship should show
a) why God is so great? and
b) why people passionate about Him?
- how to choose the song
the song you want to sing or the song God guide you
- culture and style
different church different culture or style
should not allow anything stop you worship God
maturity "grow in Christ"
check their attitude & hearts
note that God need obedience rather than sacrifice
Drums
How to play the drum?
I would like to share my personally principles. which have 2 parts first is principles second is my tactics.
Part I Principles
1. Relationship
It is an important part of the successful team who want to serve in this ministry. With the deep relationship among us that changed the difficult thing to be easy thing. As you know, the Bangkok Worship team has been served GOD together over 17 years, I can tell you that we knew each others and understands what they gonna do next. Seem like a family, we have the same blood same spirit of worship, we have mission to led people to worship GOD and proclaim his glory to all nation.
In the Bible has showed as about family who have serve GOD with their Skill 1 Chronicle 25:1-7 told as about 3 families that King David chooses to play music in his tabernacle each family very exported in each instrument. Relation between brothers and sisters will help them serve well in worship ministry.
2. Sense in God's Spirit
To have very good sense in God’s spirit is the important things of all Christian musicians. My opinion, for Christian the sense could be a positive way. The positive senses come from how much to have relationship with God? Bible say in 1 Corinthians 2:10 “ but GOD has revealed it to us by his Spirit” See it’s not because of outside encourage factor, but from inside us. The Holy Spirit will show us how to play drum well. Our job is to prepare our sense for receiving the Holy Sprit‘s message. And the Holy Spirit is not for only one person but for everyone in team 1 Corinthian 12:7, say that
PART II My 7 tactics
1.During play the drums you must make yourself joyfully, change your mind from sorrow or sadness.
2.Cut off all the things that disturb you, then you can concentrate to the drum.
3. Intend to play, not just to play but have responsibility to the brothers and sisters in church.
4. You can used 50% from your personal skills and others 50% should come from Holy Spirit. Not 100% from yourself. Believe me allow God to help you play.
5. Prepare yourself by worship and pray, Start your good day by worship and pray to our God.
6.Play as your last chance, if today were your last day in the world what would you like to do for God? Do it then! Play as a last day every time your have chance to do.
7. Play with LOVE and LOVE to play, 1 Corinthian 13:1-13 talking about love without love, we can do nothing. By Love our ministries will complete.
Thanks to International Lets Worship
4.2.08
Why Tithe
Although tithing is not commanded because what we do with our money is a test of our love and commitment to God. In truth, all we have really belongs to Him and 10% is a low figure, yet it is a starting point, sadly many Christians have never reached.
I practice tithing to God because:
* Tithing is a way of expressing my worship in a tangible way.
God is worthy of my all -- my best -- and so much more. Nothing
I could ever give would be sufficient, but that is no reason to
do nothing. The money I give is tangible evidence that I do
value God.
* The Lord promised blessing to those who tithe.
There are books full of testimonies from people -- even non-
Christians -- who put God to the test, as He challenges us in
Malachi 3:10, and found God faithful to prosper them, as He
promised.
* Tithing is an act of faith, which pleases God.
It takes faith to give when you don't have enough. Many people
do not tithe for this very reason; they are afraid God will not
come through and take care of them.
I have experienced miraculous provision many times. I can
testify that God is faithful, and will always, somehow, take
care of His children who trust Him.
I practice tithing to God because:
* Tithing is a way of expressing my worship in a tangible way.
God is worthy of my all -- my best -- and so much more. Nothing
I could ever give would be sufficient, but that is no reason to
do nothing. The money I give is tangible evidence that I do
value God.
* The Lord promised blessing to those who tithe.
There are books full of testimonies from people -- even non-
Christians -- who put God to the test, as He challenges us in
Malachi 3:10, and found God faithful to prosper them, as He
promised.
* Tithing is an act of faith, which pleases God.
It takes faith to give when you don't have enough. Many people
do not tithe for this very reason; they are afraid God will not
come through and take care of them.
I have experienced miraculous provision many times. I can
testify that God is faithful, and will always, somehow, take
care of His children who trust Him.
Snippet from A Devotion
Forgiveness in Psalms
Passage Psalm 32:1-6: 1 Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.
Passage Psalm 51:1-17:
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.
14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are [c] a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
2 Guard my life, for I am devoted to you.
You are my God; save your servant
who trusts in you.
3 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant,
for to you, O Lord,
I lift up my soul.
5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
6 Hear my prayer, O LORD;
listen to my cry for mercy.
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
Passage Psalm 55:22-23:
22 Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.
into the pit of corruption;
bloodthirsty and deceitful men
will not live out half their days.
But as for me, I trust in you.
31.1.08
Belief in God
Belief in God
by: Bruno Hagspiel, The Millennium Stories by Frank Mihalic
There was a well-educated man who solemnly announced to his friends that he would never believe anything which he could not understand.
An old farmer overheard the remark, turned to the young intellectual and said, "As I went into town today, I passed a field where some sheep were feeding. Do you believe that?" "Yes," said the young man. "Not far away from the sheep some cows were also grazing. Do you believe that?" "Yes," was the reply. "Not far from the cows were some pigs eating grass. Do you believe that?" "Yes." "All right, now you listen to this," said the farmer. "The grass the sheep ate turned into wool. The grass the cows ate turned into hair. The grass the pigs ate turned into bristles. The grass that the chicken eat turned into feathers. Do you believe that?" "Yes," the young man said. "Do you understand it?" "No," admitted the young man.
"Young man," said the farmer, "if you live long, you will find that there are a great many things which you believe without understanding. God is one of them."
29.1.08
Tithing New Testament
Verses for New Testament Tithing
Matt 6:19-21
Matt 6:24-34
Matthew 7:11
Matthew 10:38-39
Matthew 25:34-40
Acts 20:35
Matt 23:23
Matthew 25:21
Matt 25:35-40
Mark 12:41-44
Mark 10:21
Luke 3:8, 10-11
Luke 6:24
Luke 6:38
Luke 11:42
Luke 12:15-17, 19-21, 33
Luke 14:33
Luke 18:12
Luke 18:22-25
Luke 19:8
John 3:16
Acts 2:44-45
Acts 4:32, 34-37
Acts 10:2-4
Acts 20:35
Romans 8:32-33
rom 11:35
Rom 12:13
1 Corinthians 4:2
1 Corinthians 10:26
1 Cor 16:2
2 Cor 8:2-21
2 Cor 9:5-15
Galatians 2:9-10
Gal 6:6
Philippians 4:15-19
1 Tim 6:6-11
1 Tim 6:17-19
Heb 6:10
Hebrews 7:6
Heb 13:16
James 2:14-17
1 John 3:16-19
Giving Tree
by: Shel Silverstein, Source Unknown
A long time ago, there was a huge apple tree. A little boy loved to come and play around it everyday. He climbed to the tree top, ate the apples, took a nap under the shadow. He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him.
Time went by. The little boy had grown up and he no longer played around the tree everyday. One day, the boy came back to the tree and he looked sad.
"Come and play with me," the tree asked the boy.
"I am no longer a kid, I don't play around trees anymore." The boy replied, "I want toys. I need money to buy them."
"Sorry, but I don't have money. But you can pick all my apples and sell them. So, you will have money." The boy was so excited.
He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily.
The boy never came back after he picked the apples. The tree was sad.
One day, the boy returned and the tree was so excited. "Come and play with me" the tree said.
"I don't have time to play. I have to work for family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?"
"Sorry, but I don't have a house. But you can chop off my branches to build your house."
So the boy cut all the branches of the tree and left happily. The tree was glad to see him happy but the boy never came back since then. The tree was again lonely and sad.
One hot summer day, the boy returned and the tree was delighted. "Come and play with me!" the tree said.
The boy said, "I am sad and getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat?"
"Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy."
So the boy cut the tree truck to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time.
Finally, the boy returned after he left for so many years. "Sorry, my boy. But I don't have anything for you anymore. No more apples for you." the tree said.
"I don't have teeth to bite" the boy replied.
"No more trunk for you to climb on"
"I am too old for that now" the boy said.
"I really can't give you anything. The only thing left is my dying roots." the tree said with tears.
"I don't need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these years." the boy replied.
"Good! Old tree roots is the best place to lean on and rest. Come, come sit down with me and rest."
The boy sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears.
This is a story of everyone. The tree is our parent. When we were young, we loved to play with Mom and Dad. When we grown up, we left them, only came to them when we need something or when we are in trouble. No matter what, parents will always be there and give everything they could to make you happy. You may think the boy is cruel to the tree but that's how all of us are treating our parents.
How am I growing?
Deepening the Vertical Relationship:(i) Through prayer we can express our feelings and thoughts to God. When we spend more time speaking to him, praying to him, hearing from him, waiting upon him, we can deepen our relationship with him. Just as any relationship we need to communicate with that person.
(ii) Reading God's word to understand him better, the way he communicates to his people through his guidance, counsel, rebuke and correction. The bible is made up of history, poems and songs, prophecies, teachings and many more which have been inspired by God. He can and does speak through his word to us and to understand someone we need to study them, observe them.
Deepening the Horizontal Relationship:
(i) Fellowship is building friendships with people in church. The bible speaks about being part of the body and we need each other to function fully, how can the head say i don't need the leg? God can use people to encourage, remind and build us up. Being part of church helps us to stay focus and learn to serve just as Jesus did.
(ii) Witnessing is bringing the gospel to those who are lost, who have not heard of the good news. Our life testimony and experiences of God should be shared. If you win a billion dollars, would you not share it? wouldn't it be much more joy if we shared it? Sharing our faith helps us know where we are at and what we lack in order for us to grow.
These are important parts of Christian walk to grow in relationship with God and his people. I hope this diagram is simple and easy to remember. Evaluate yourself, where do you need to grow most at this present moment?
Old Testament Tithing
An offering known as tithing, is a percentage/portion of our earnings given to God out of obedience and thanks giving. The word "tithe" is an Old English word meaning "tenth."
Passage Leviticus 27:32:
32 The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod—will be holy to the LORD.
These are a few verses that can be used in giving thanks and tithing to God in the Old Testament
Gen 14:18-20
Gen 28:20-22
Exod 35:4-29
Exod 36:3-6
Lev 27:30-33
Leviticus 25:23
Num 18:20-21, 23-24, 26-28
Deuteronomy 6:10-12
Deut 8:18
Deut 12:5-7
Deut 12:17-19
Deut 14:22-29
Deut 16:10
Deut 16:16-17
Deuteronomy 17:16-17
Deuteronomy 26:12-15
Deut 28:12-13, 43-45
1 Samuel 8:15,17
1 Sam 30:24
I Kings 17:8-16
1 Chr 29:2-9
1 Chr 29:11-17
2 Chr 31:2-12
Neh 10:35-37
Neh 12:43-47
Neh 13:10-13
Psalm 24:1
Ps 50:9-12
Prov 3:9-10
Prov 11:24-25
Proverbs 19:17
Prov 22:9 / Prov 28:22
Prov 28:27
Proverbs 30:8-9
Ecclesiastes 5:10-15
Isa 32:8
Hag 1:4-11
haggai 2:8
Mal 1:6-14
Mal 3:7-12
Refiners Fire of Gold and Silver
Passage Proverbs 25:4-5:
and his throne will be established through righteousness.
11 A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Context: It says to remove the "dross" meaning waste, worthless, impurity from silver before the silversmith (God) can use his craftsmanship to mould and build the silver into a fine product of beauty and glory. Only when we ask forgiveness does this process begin. Because lies, deceptions, and sin in our lives will not build holiness and righteousness in our character. We can not be changed unless we want to and ask God to help us. So when we are corrected by God's word, we should be delighted that God wants to speaks to his children to make them stronger and better. His words are like treasured apples of gold that is worthy and precious in the grounds of silver. Although hard at times, but it is to remove the dross in our hearts.
Passage Haggai 2:8-9:
8 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty. 9 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty."
Context: Haggai speaks on rebuilding the temple of Judah after the return from Babylon which they were held captive under the Persian king Cyrus for many years. The promise that glory of the new House will be greater than the old. The promise of Jesus coming, the claim of Gods wealth in the universe being used to build the new house; its all his and he will make his present house greater than the glory of the former house where he will grant it peace. This is a promise that God will restore our lives, he will help us along the way when we face trouble just as Judah faced opposition in the 16 years they tried building the temple. God will forgive us when we ask him, he will teach and guide us, he will use us to bring him glory through our life transformation when we come, when we come and seek help from him.
Passage 1 Corinthians 3:12-15:
12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Context: Paul writes to strengthen the church on division, mature levels of spiritual babies and solid food, and how God is the one that makes things grow. It is by Gods foundation laid by Jesus that we stand, but if we were to build by other materials such as gold, silver, etc when the day comes, the fire will reveal if it will with stand the heat. If its pure, if its true, if its solid, any material that passed through fire it will stand firm but those that are impure will be sifted like wheat. Paul encourages us to come to repentance of our pride, of our possession and of self so that God can work in our lives, so that our foundation is solid on the day of judgment.
New International Version (NIV)
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Context: Peter shares about Jesus being the corner stone and believers as the living stone of a building, the church. That believers ought to bring themselves as pleasing sacrifices through Jesus. That is to be made holy and cleanse before God. These called are the chosen people of God who used to walk in darkness but now walk in truth and mercy. Hence, there needs to be sanctification in our lives with the remembrance that Jesus died for us once and for all.
4 Remove the dross from the silver,
and out comes material for the silversmith;
and his throne will be established through righteousness.
11 A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Context: It says to remove the "dross" meaning waste, worthless, impurity from silver before the silversmith (God) can use his craftsmanship to mould and build the silver into a fine product of beauty and glory. Only when we ask forgiveness does this process begin. Because lies, deceptions, and sin in our lives will not build holiness and righteousness in our character. We can not be changed unless we want to and ask God to help us. So when we are corrected by God's word, we should be delighted that God wants to speaks to his children to make them stronger and better. His words are like treasured apples of gold that is worthy and precious in the grounds of silver. Although hard at times, but it is to remove the dross in our hearts.
Passage Haggai 2:8-9:
8 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty. 9 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty."
Context: Haggai speaks on rebuilding the temple of Judah after the return from Babylon which they were held captive under the Persian king Cyrus for many years. The promise that glory of the new House will be greater than the old. The promise of Jesus coming, the claim of Gods wealth in the universe being used to build the new house; its all his and he will make his present house greater than the glory of the former house where he will grant it peace. This is a promise that God will restore our lives, he will help us along the way when we face trouble just as Judah faced opposition in the 16 years they tried building the temple. God will forgive us when we ask him, he will teach and guide us, he will use us to bring him glory through our life transformation when we come, when we come and seek help from him.
Passage 1 Corinthians 3:12-15:
12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Context: Paul writes to strengthen the church on division, mature levels of spiritual babies and solid food, and how God is the one that makes things grow. It is by Gods foundation laid by Jesus that we stand, but if we were to build by other materials such as gold, silver, etc when the day comes, the fire will reveal if it will with stand the heat. If its pure, if its true, if its solid, any material that passed through fire it will stand firm but those that are impure will be sifted like wheat. Paul encourages us to come to repentance of our pride, of our possession and of self so that God can work in our lives, so that our foundation is solid on the day of judgment.
New International Version (NIV)
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Context: Peter shares about Jesus being the corner stone and believers as the living stone of a building, the church. That believers ought to bring themselves as pleasing sacrifices through Jesus. That is to be made holy and cleanse before God. These called are the chosen people of God who used to walk in darkness but now walk in truth and mercy. Hence, there needs to be sanctification in our lives with the remembrance that Jesus died for us once and for all.
28.1.08
Communion poem:
In memory of the Saviour’s love,
We keep the sacred feast,
Where every humble, contrite heart
Is made a welcome guest.
By faith we take the Bread of Life
With which our souls are fed,
The Cup in token of His blood
That was for sinners shed.
In faith and memory thus we sing
The wonders of His love,
And thus anticipate by faith
The heavenly feast above.
Passage "Lords Supper" Matthew 26:26-29 / Mark 14:22-25 / Luke 22:14-23
Passage 1 Corinthians 10:16-17,21
16Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons.
Passage 1 Corinthians 11:20-34:
20When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, 21for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. 22Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!
And when I come I will give further directions.
Passage Acts 2:42, 46
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
Passage Exodus 12:26-27
26 And when your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?' 27 then tell them, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.' " Then the people bowed down and worshiped.
Passage Exodus 12:5/ John 1:29
5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Passage Exodus 12:8:
8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast.
Passage Numbers 9:12:
12 They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones. When they celebrate the Passover, they must follow all the regulations.
Passage Exodus 12:7:
7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.
Passage Matthew 26:27, 29:
27Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.
29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
Passage Exodus 12:43:
43 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "These are the regulations for the Passover:
"No foreigner is to eat of it.
Passage 1 Corinthians 10:16-17:
16Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?17Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
Passage Colossians 2:12:
12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
26While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
27Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. 28This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."Passage 1 Corinthians 10:16-17,21
16Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons.
Passage 1 Corinthians 11:20-34:
20When you come together, it is not the Lord's Supper you eat, 21for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. 22Don't you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!
23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
27Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
33So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 34If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.And when I come I will give further directions.
Passage Acts 2:42, 46
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
Passage Exodus 12:26-27
26 And when your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?' 27 then tell them, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.' " Then the people bowed down and worshiped.
Passage Exodus 12:5/ John 1:29
5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Passage Exodus 12:8:
8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast.
Passage Numbers 9:12:
12 They must not leave any of it till morning or break any of its bones. When they celebrate the Passover, they must follow all the regulations.
Passage Exodus 12:7:
7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.
Passage Matthew 26:27, 29:
27Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.
29I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
Passage Exodus 12:43:
43 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "These are the regulations for the Passover:
"No foreigner is to eat of it.
Passage 1 Corinthians 10:16-17:
16Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?17Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
Passage Colossians 2:12:
12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
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