Knowing that God loves you...

Deists believe that “the supreme Architect” created the world and left it alone. Like a master clockmaker, He carefully crafted the universe and wound it up. Now it’s running on its own, no intervention necessary. No miracles, no special revelations. God may be watching from a distance, they say, but He isn’t active in our affairs. He’s simply there.

The writer of Hebrews has told us that those who come to God must believe that He is, but that isn’t enough. We also have to believe that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him – that pursuing Him makes a difference in how He responds to us. If we simply believe God is there, watching, or that we have to twist His arm to notice us or bless us, then we aren’t perceiving Him well. According to His own Word, He longs to bless us, to have compassion on us, to answer our prayers, and to enter into a deep relationship with us. He invites us to seek Him zealously and faithfully. And He assures us that when we do, He rewards.

If you really want to know and experience God more fully, you’ll have to approach Him with the expectation that He rewards those who seek Him. If you think He might respond, you’ll interpret any delays or hiddenness as reluctance on His part. If you think He only responds to those who live up to His standards, you’ll interpret any delays or hiddenness as a sign of failure on your part. But if you assume –by faith — that He is eager to respond to your pursuit of Him, you’ll begin to interpret all of life as a conversation with Him. And your awareness of His Presence will increase dramatically.

Excerpts from: Experiencing God’s Presence.

Tell Others

Does God promise to forgive and not condemn?

God sent His Son to earth to pay for your wrongs. "If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won't be punished" (Romans 8:1, CEV). This is good news! There is no condemnation, just forgiveness for those who stand with Jesus. When God looks at you, He does not see your wrongdoing. He just sees Jesus' goodness instead of your past. Your wrongs are wiped away, and your life is cleared of all those times you displeased God by breaking His laws. You can begin again. God's forgiveness is a gift of grace -- something you cannot earn. It is not a result of anything you do.

When God forgives, the Bible says that "he has removed our sins so far from us as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12, NLT). If you try to bring up a past mistake, God does not know what you are talking about. If God says you're okay, then forgive yourself. His love is powerful. Leave your past mistakes with Him. Do not keep dragging around your regrets.

God may point out that you need to change in some area of your life, but He will do it in an encouraging way, guiding your heart and mind by His Spirit. Satan, the evil one will nag at you with doubts and use accusations to make you feel unworthy. As long as you feel like pond scum, you will not be able to tell others about God.

*The First four books of the New Testament -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John -- are called Gospels. Gospel means "good news." These books are filled with the promises of good news: Jesus took your punishment and freed you from your failures.

*God does not keep reminding you of past mistakes. He promises to forgive and forget. God tells you how to follow His laws and live a better life.

Accepting God's forgiveness and putting your past behind you is saying yes to His gift of grace and showing that you believe He really did die in your place.

"It's urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father (God), who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider." Jesus on John 5:24, The Message

Excerpts from:100 answers to 100 questions about God's PROMISES for you - Lila Empson/Janet Teitsort

Thank You Lord God!

Thank You for gifting me Your Wisdom in Your Word that tremendously supported me with my health, concerns and the glimpse of Your heavenly home and Your Glory in your creations.  

Thanksgiving Blessing and more...

“Thanksgiving is not a day, it’s a lifestyle!”

Glad I dropped by to check if there’s some improvements here. Needing some more understanding; but surely, visiting here helped to distract my attention from a recent online news that bothered me.

I feel a little better and probably with God’s help, I will overcome the awful everyday news, so common with the Yahoo & Google headlines. I need to always remind myself to stay away from Yahoo News especially.

I’d like to add that I’ve been dreaming some weird dreams lately. One morning I woke up upset after recollecting the dream two nights before. In the dream, I was so mad with someone, maybe a photographer, who took my picture without my head on! The nerve! ^_^ O.o Later in the day, I started thinking that there’s a meaning to that dream.

And then, the other night, I had this dream about some commotion and confusion. Who was I supposed to run away with? Back and forth, then finally, I made a decision to leave a house, supposedly my house, removed the key from a keyholder and proceed to lock the front door. Outside the house, there was this beautiful lady with long, wavy, beautiful hair, white gown and all waiting for me. Was I leaving with an angel? Like the song: “send me an angel right now!”

I’d like to think in a positive way, there’s something good that will happen– a blessing and favor that God will do. Don’t know what it is yet, but tonight after reading that disgusting news on Google, God’s Spirit seemed to tell me that He loves those that love Him and, their loved ones, that God is prolonging His Judgment on this fallen world.

My heart is able to comprehend God’s mercy and patience. God loves us to no end. Praise His HOLY NAME!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

In the end of our life here on earth, what really matters is our eternal life. Most people do not know how serious that can be. Here, we have a short life. After our death, our souls will forever live. The BIG question is where would your soul be spending eternally? God’s JUDGMENT will come most definitely, but our deaths will come sooner than we all think.

We will then all realize God really is in control of our lives!

A New Attitude

When you came to Christ, you acknowledged that you were a sinner and chose to forsake your sin and the evil things of this world. But Satan will dangle the world and its sin in front of you to tempt you to return to it. Paul warns us not to return to it but to put it off and instead, put on righteousness and true holiness.

That's not something you do once; it's something you do every day. One way you do so is described in 2 Timothy 3:16, which says, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." If you want to live correctly, expose yourself to the Word of God. It will help you deal with the traces of the world still present in your life.

from: John McArthur's Truth for Today

"Put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness."     Ephesians 4:24

 

The Lord takes pleasure in all...

 

"The Lord takes pleasure in all He has made." Psalm 104:31 

 

When you try to picture God's face, what expression does He have? Many people see Him as serious, others as angry, and still others as emotionless. Movies about Jesus often depict Him as humorless and expressionless, constantly staring into the distance and speaking in a breathy, weighty voice. I've known few people who, in their minds' eye, see God or Jesus smiling.

 

Considering how often Scripture speaks of God's joy, that's surprising. God's people are repeatedly encouraged to rejoice, and we are told that the joy of the Lord is our strength. God takes pleasure in what He does, delights in His people, and rejoices when those who were lost come into His Kingdom. C.S. Lewis said that joy is the serious business of heaven, and he was right. The climate of the Kingdom isn't primarily an all work no play attitude. It's gladness. Pure, unbridled joy.

 

Sadly, few Christians live in a way that reflects the joyful environment of heaven. Some know they should and try to act joyful in all circumstances, but in trying to convince themselves of their joy, they convince few others. But true joy springs up from within, not because we should be joyful but because we are. A heart that truly grasps the nature of God--that actually senses Him smiling-- is a heart that begins to overflow with joy.

 

Spending time in God's Presence cultivates all the feelings of His heart, but it especially cultivates joy. You may go through difficult situations that don't exactly put a smile on your face, but know even in those times that joy is the environment of heaven. And God wants that environment to pervade your soul. Soak in His Presence, feel His goodness, see His smile and be joyful.

 

from: Experiencing God's Presence

What is God's promise if you persist in prayer? Months have passed, and there is still no answer to your prayer. Should you keep asking God, or are you supposed to assume He heard you the first time and will answer? One of your friends said it shows trust if you quit bugging God. Another has told you to persist. How are you to know which is right? It is all very confusing. Does the Bible give any guidance or promises about persisting in prayer? The story of Hannah can be found in the Book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament. Hannah wanted a child and continued to bring her request before God. Hannah's persistence was rewarded with a son, Samuel. The New Testament continues to encourage you to persist in prayer. Jesus told the story of a woman and a judge. The woman kept pleading with the judge to help her, but he refused to do anything. Still, the woman kept asking. Finally he helped her so she would leave him alone. Jesus continued, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for His chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't He stick up for them? I assure you, He will" (Luke 18:6-8, The Message) Jesus teaches that you are to persist in prayer. Trust that He has heard your requests and is working to bring it about. Believe that He is working behind the scenes, and thank Him for it. Thank Him for what He is doing at the moment you pray and for how He will answer in the future. Persistence confirms to God how much value you place on the request. When you go to Him daily, He knows that your request is important to you. Worth thinking about:

• Jesus made a point of teaching that persistence in prayer would eventually result in receiving the answer from God. God keeps His promises. Persistence pays off.
• Persistent prayer reveals to God your level of trust in Him. Your prayer shows that you are confident of His promised answer.
• Scripture teaches that God desires to give good things to His children. Persistent prayer indicates to God that you recognize Him as your heavenly Father and that you believe in His goodness.

from: Answers to 100 questions about God's promises for you

Side note: God has answered my persistent prayers to Him. The answers sometimes are there the next day. Most of my prayers especially about and for my loved ones, come in installments and some answers would be years to complete. However, God will answer no matter what; and I see His responses as the years go by. I've learned that as I wait for the answers, He also has given me patience, understanding, discernment and wisdom. And in waiting, I've learned to obey His instructions and teachings. At the same time, as I persist in praying to Him, He has already blessed me and sends favors, protection, provisions and healing as I pray for others. In my years of praying to Him, I came to know Him, understand His Plan and His will for my life. My relationship with God has grown leaps and bounds and even if He doesn't answer my prayers, my love has grown so much for God, that the most important thing in praying to Him is feeling His presence. He is there in my happiest moments and my saddest ones. I've learned that in waiting for God to answer, misery has lost my company.

A Cheerful Heart!

The Peace of God

Science has confirmed what the Bible taught centuries ago: there is a close relationship between our minds and bodies. Proverbs puts it this way: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (17:22).

But there is also a close relationship between our mental and physical health and the health of our spiritual lives. Guilt, fear, jealousy, bitterness, futility, escapism--these and a host of other problems are spiritual ills brought about by the disease of sin. Like poison, they can sicken us in mind and body.

But when Christ comes into our lives, He removes our guilt and takes away our fears. He gives us love for others and a new purpose in life. His joy and peace neutralize sin's poison and promote emotional and physical health.

Does that mean our emotional and physical problems will vanish? Not necessarily. But like a spring of pure water, God's peace in our hearts brings cleansing and refreshment to our minds and bodies.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. COLOSSIANS 3:15

from: Hope for each day/Billy Graham

 

Pearl of Great Value!

 

 

You are a Pearl

 

An oyster embeds itself in the mire of the ocean floor. A pearl grows slowly and gradually within the mucous of the inside of the oyster's shell. This hardly seems an appropriate setting for something as beautiful as a pearl. Think of the lovely pearls you have seen, they shine and sparkle despite their early environment.

 

No matter what kind of bad situation your life may be in, God sees beyond that. He see you as the valuable and worthy person you really are. God goes beyond your assessment and that of others to His own appraisal of your merit and significance. God sees the pearl.

 

God looks beyond where you and others watch. He always sees something special in you.

 

from: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God

 

"The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."  Matthew 1:45-46

 

 

 

Love and Care in the days and years ahead...

Dear God,

For our family we ask Your love and care in the days and years ahead. We pray for the health of each family member. You know our bodies better than we do. Every ache and pain, every sickness, is a concern to You. Therefore, we ask that You keep watch over our bones, muscles, and every bodily system, because You are the Great Healer.

We ask for guidance in all the decisions we must make in the days ahead, the big decisions, and even the little daily ones. We acknowledge that without divine direction, our lives become meaningless, wrapped up in our own selfishness, heading nowhere. Lead us where You want us to go!

Increase the strength of our bonds of love so that we might bear witness to Your love in our community. Give us the desire to offer hospitality at every opportunity. And through all our days together, may this family learn to worship better and better, seeing all You have so graciously given us. Amen

Excerpts from Moments with God

 

God is Present all the time!

The Presence is everything in the Christian life. Maybe that seems like an overstatement. Surely obedience is important, along with bearing fruit, being loving and compassionate, praying, growing in faith, overcoming obstacles, dealing with relationship issues, and so much more. that's why so many books are published and so many sermons preached about these things. Christian living is a vast array of disciplines, attitudes, and activities, and we have to know how to approach them. Right?

But think about it. What happens to your attitude when you have a palpable sense of God's Presence around you? How fruitful does your prayer life become? How strong does your faith grow? What obstacle seems large when you're aware that God is in the room? How hard is it to obey when He is present to empower you? How hard do you have to try to bear fruit if He is spilling out from within you? What relationship issues remain unyielding when His power overwhelms? The truth is that His Presence working within us is the key to everything, and without Him we can do nothing.

That's why cultivating both an awareness and an ongoing experience of His Presence is vital. When God shows up, miracles happen. Life comes out of death, beauty comes out of ashes, dancing takes the place of mourning, futility gives way to fruitfulness, confusion is replaced by order, and obstacles bow to His will. Even the hard side of His Presence--the convicting and correcting truth we don't want to hear -- eventually gives life. When God is at work in and around us, everything changes.

Zealously, relentlessly, passionately pursue God's Presence. Every endeavor in the Christian life is futile without that. But with it, everything is possible.

Jesus, I need You -- Your Spirit, Your life -- in me and around me. I'm not content just to know about You or to believe the right things. I want to experience Your Presence. I know You want that too. Please, Lord, let me sense You always.

(from: One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional/Chris Tiegreen)

Jesus on John 15:5 "Apart from me you can do nothing."

Let's be inspired in knowing that God is on our side. He has given us His Grace in the person of Jesus Christ so we can know His true nature through His Son. God has offered the best plan for us here in this world; and when we leave earth. Through accepting Jesus Christ as our only Savior and Lord that bridged our way to the most powerful Creator of earth, we will discover the joy and peace of knowing God's Presence in our lives!

When God Speaks!

Question: "Does God use frustrations in life to awaken and/or punish us (Haggai 1:6, 9)?"

Answer: Haggai 1 contains two verses that clearly state that the sinful lifestyles of the Jewish people resulted in punishment or a lack of blessing from God. Verse 6 says, “You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

Verse 9 adds, “‘You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.’” In both verses, judgment was the result of disobeying the Lord. Is this true in our lives today?

The biblical answer is that there are some times when our struggles are the result of our sin, but not always. In fact, persecution or suffering can sometimes be the product of serving God. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy from a Roman jail, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

In addition, suffering sometimes serves as part of God’s plan for our lives. God said regarding the apostle Paul, “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16). James 1:2-4 teaches us to consider it joy when we encounter trials: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” The result of persevering through difficulties is spiritual maturity.

However, there are cases in which we may suffer due to our sin. God does discipline His wayward children (Hebrews 12:6). Acts 5 contains the account of Ananias and Sapphira, who died as the result of their deception, even though they were part of the church. Paul said that some of the Corinthians had been sick and a few had even died due to their sin when partaking of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:30).

The reasons we suffer are varied. It is unwise to jump to conclusions when the reason for a particular trouble is unclear. For example, sometimes people claim that a certain natural disaster is a judgment from God on a nation or a city due to its sinfulness. However, God does not tell us why natural disasters occur when and where they do. Rather than make such judgments, the appropriate Christian responses are to empathize with those affected (Romans 12:15) and to help meet the needs (Luke 10:25-37).
from: http://www.gotquestions.org/frustrations-in-life.html

My Footnotes: In my own life, I struggled a lot when I did not know anything about God. I did not know that in my own trials in life, it would eventually lead me to Christ. I sinned because I did not know the difference from the true meaning of right and wrong in the eyes of God. I did not know I was rebelling against God's commands. I based my actions in what society dictates. The results were circumstances or conditions painful enough to think that God was not there at all during those times. 

I had a wrong notion that when life was smooth sailing, God is pleased with me and I was okay with Him; and when life was unbearable, God is upset with me. What I have learned through the years of studying God's Word is that God loves me no matter what. God was constantly trying to lead me to seek for Him. And He does the same for everyone. The lack of knowledge to this Truth cancelled the experiences I could have had with a loving Father, who has the best interest at heart for me. 

Though God punishes or disciplines us on occasions, most of my struggles were caused by my wrong choices in life. Most of us, as we grow in years, do not have an instruction manual on how to live a successful and fulfilled life. Therefore, we go through life based on how this sinful world looks at success and fulfillment. Though they could help some, the instructions are short lived. They don't last. It's because we do it in our own strength. In actuality, whether we accept it or not, we need the guidance of the One who created us and created this world we are in and everything in it. 

Whether we believe this or not, God is not reachable when we are living in sin. Not that He doesn't want to, our sins put a barrier in our relationship with God. We need His Son, Jesus Christ, to cleanse us, to accept Him and surrender our own will to Him; that we can then know God for who He truly is. It is impossible to have a full knowledge and wisdom about God, if we do not humble ourselves to the Lordship of His Son. And the best and sure way to God's Truth and Wisdom is if we know His written Word, the Bible. If we make an effort of studying and meditating on what God has been saying about how to live in this world, we will see how we have missed out in so many ways in living a life without God in it. What is written in the Bible still applies to us today. God is unchanging and so does His Word to us.

 

Bedrock Grace

 

After a destructive hurricane hit their city and there was no electrical power, people scurried to purchase generators that ran on diesel fuel. The various capacities of those generators were able to keep refrigerators and freezers going, provide lighting and air conditioning for houses, get businesses going, and perform other needed functions. The generators used an inordinate amount of fuel, however, and the fuel kept running out. After several days, electric power companies moved through the city connecting houses to a power source that was steady and constant.

 

The constant and steady power you need for your life comes from God. You do not find it in substitutes. You find it in the bedrock grace of almighty God. God is the source of your power for living.  (from: Quiet Moments in the presence of God)

Commands complete attention!

There are times when the glory of God's Presence fills us with energy and a clear plan of action. We spend time with Him, experience His touch, and go into the world with purpose. But when God chooses to overwhelm us -- and may those times always increase -- His glory immobilizes us. There can be no busyness or distractions when we are in utter awe. The fullness of His Presence commands complete attention -- not as an obligation but because there is no other choice. When He manifests Himself, we are silent and still.

Even Moses, who had encountered God in so many dramatic ways, was unable to enter the Tabernacle when the cloud of glory filled it. Moses had entered the cloud of glory on Sinai before; apparently this time it was thicker, fuller, and more awesome than ever. God was making a statement: "I'm making a home among you, and I want your full attention."

God's desire remains the same. The prescribed place of meeting is different--it's richer and more personal now-- but the zeal to dwell with us hasn't changed. That's why we can't be content with a few God-moments here and there or an occasional verse that gives us a lift or an insight. We need more. We need depth and intensity and passion. We need intimate encounters everyday. We need the experience of God in us, overflowing and obvious. We need to be immobilized in awe.

If your spiritual life is stagnant, ask for this. Even if it's thriving, ask for this. God shows His glory to those who seek Him.

Lord, I need a sense of awe. I need to walk in the weight of Your glory. Show me Your majesty. Give me a reason to be still and gaze at You.    (excerpts from: The One Year Experiencing God's Presence Devotional/Chris Tiegreen)

  

Listen to Discern

You can know God's Will

God's will is a paradox. It's both easy to find and difficult to discern. God's will can be immediate, or it may take years to figure out. God's will can frustrate you or give you tremendous peace.

One thing is for sure. You can know God's will. Although it may seem mysterious, there's really no mystery to it. If you know where to look, God's will is there. And if you listen carefully, God will speak to you in amazing ways.

First of all, God speaks through His Word, the Bible. Everything we need for living a life that pleases God -- and what could be more in His will than that -- is in the Bible. As you get to know God's Word, you will get to know God's will.

Second, God speaks through your own judgment and common sense. But beware. Your decisions will line up with God's will only if you know God personally in the first place, and then only if your relationship with God is right. When you're in this condition, you will operate with "the mind of Christ." The Holy Spirit will guide you from the inside.

Finally, and most commonly, God speaks through the details of your life. Oswald Chambers put it this way: "God speaks in the language you know best -- not through your ears but through your circumstance."

You think you life is an accident? Not a chance. You're here for a reason. And what you do matters to God. Everything. Not just the stuff you do in church or Bible study (although that is very important), but in the everyday small stuff. That's where you'll find God's will most often.

Take a look at your life. Think about the moments and events --the details-- and see how far you've come. Those 'good things' weren't coincidences. You weren't just "lucky." If your heart has followed after God, then God has been leading you, and you have been doing His will, perhaps without even knowing it.

On the other hand, if you feel like life is dealing you one bad hand after another, and you feel sorry for yourself -- and you're mad at God -- maybe it's time to get back to basics. Take the focus off yourself and get to know God better by reading His Word, praying, and associating with people who are in God's will. God wants to direct you through the details of your life. Give Him a chance.

from: God is in the small stuff and it all matters

Accomplishes beyond expectation!

What does God's power accomplish?

The prophet Isaiah said by God's power a Prince of Peace will one day rule the world in righteousness and justice. God's power will bring a ruler to supremacy who will cause Jerusalem to be rebuilt and God's temple to be restored. And Isaiah added, God's power will be evidenced in every word that God speaks. God's words will accomplish what He desires because God's power will bring it all to pass.

But there is more. The Bible proclaims God's almighty power over death. While the human body dies a little bit every day, the Gospels say God's power brought Lazarus back to life even after he had died and been buried for a few days. Hebrews declares God's power can transform the hurt of death, too, by bringing every spirit of every individual back into God's presence when time ends.

The Bible also says God's power will save and protect His children. The Psalms and the letters of the apostle Peter indicate God's children are delivered from their enemies and from the plans of Satan only through the power of God. The Gospels say God's saving power releases His children from the temptation to do wrong and cleanses their hearts from wickedness. In addition, many passages in both the Old and New Testaments provide illustrations of God's power protecting His children from wicked rulers, hungry lions, angry crowds, and violent storms. Indeed, God's power accomplishes much.



**God's power brings about the changing of the seasons, the migration of birds and animals, and the movement of fish and whales in the sea.

**God's power brings about the miracle of birth from a tiny seed. One kernel of corn dropped into the dirt can yield hundred of kernels on a single ear-- all because of God's power.

**God's power can restore the lives and fortunes of His people if they have suffered poverty, captivity, derision, or hurt.

"God's power is exceeding, beyond our ability to

conceive it. If we could only begin to comprehend--and access--God's power,

everything about lives would change for the better."

F.B. Meyer

from: 100 answers to 100 questions about God/LilaEmpson/S.M.Hupp

Twists and Turns...

 

Guidance is high on the list of what God likes to do for you. He likes to get you on the road, acquaint you with its twists and turns, warn you of soft shoulders and slippery surfaces, and put map and itinerary on your lap so you can reach your destination and fulfill your destiny. God gives you directions to follow. God points the way for you that He knows so well.

 

The Bible is filled with stories of divine guidance. Abraham was guided to a new land, Moses was guided back to it, Jesus was directed into the wilderness, and Paul was led to Macedonia to take the gospel to Europe. Nothing has changed.

 

Your story is one of God's instruction and direction. God leads you each day.

 

from: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God

 

"You're my cave to hide in, my cliff to climb. Be my safe leader, be my true mountain guide." Psalm 31:3 (The Message) 

God can fill your cup and run it over with His Love

When we are unhappy and things we long for in life is not becoming real to us, we are also unappreciative of others. We tend to wallow on self-pity. We try to challenge ourselves so we can shine and have our own fifteen minutes of shallow fame.

When we don't know God and we do not have a relationship with Him, it seems every day is a struggle. We try our best to show a happy 'front' but those who have intimate relationships with God can see through the facade.  Though it's not their wisdom that they can measure the other person's heart condition, it is the learned wisdom from the Lord.

God said it's not through material things that would make a person a success. It is the relationship we have with Him. He did not create us to turn away from Him, but to know Him through our relationship with His Son, Jesus, to rely on His goodness and His faithfulness.

No matter what we do to get to where we would think that we would finally be happy, the feeling of happiness and satisfaction do not last. We keep on seeking for more accomplishments. It is in this busyness in life that we would find ourselves in the middle of the night wondering why we still feel empty inside.

We turn to our appetite of junk foods to keep us full. We thought that just maybe the abundance of it will make us be filled with happiness. For a short time, yes, until we realize, we are feeling the results of mindless eating. We tend to have some alcoholic spirit of the glass, better yet the whole bottle to numb us for the day and night. But it seems, there's no relief to that anxious feeling of want. We ended up doing more of it. Some can handle the emptiness they feel inside; most don't.

And all the while, there's a solution to the condition of our hearts. If we just know how to humble ourselves and finally surrendering our will to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Oh how we are missing out!

No matter how this world try to keep us apart from God by our own daily challenges and decisions and actions; we will all be biting the dust of emptiness. The kicker is even at an old age, we would say: "I live my life the way I wanted to live! I'm my own person!"  How sad to live that kind of life. Then we wonder why we contracted the common illnesses and deceases of man that are the results of our rebellion against God.

In the last chapter of our life, hopefully we may realize how much we need the amazing Grace of God. It's hard to fathom God's awesome Power, but it's there.

Growing in knowledge and understanding

 

"Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision?"

Answer: Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind” (Luke10:27; Mark 12:30; Matthew 22:27). Repeatedly throughout the Bible, God commands His people to love Him with all their hearts and serve Him alone (Deuteronomy 6:5; 11:1; Joshua 23:11). But can love be commanded? How can we make ourselves love someone?

Since love is commanded, then it must be within our power, in Christ, to love. Love, therefore, is a decision we make. Yes, love will often be accompanied by feelings, but emotion is not the basis of love. In any given situation, we can choose to love, regardless of how we feel.

The Greek word for “love” used in reference to God is agape, which means “benevolence, delight, preference, or good will.” This is the kind of love God has for us (Zephaniah 3:17; John 3:16). First John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” Since God is love and we are created in His image, we can love as He does (1 John 4:16). He has placed His capacity to love within our hearts. He then teaches us how to love by demonstrating what real love looks like (John 15:13).

Loving God begins with a decision. It is a purposeful setting of our affections (Colossians 3:2). We cannot truly love God until we know Him. Even the faith to believe in God is a gift from Him (Ephesians 2:8–9). When we accept His gift of eternal life through Christ, God gives us His Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19). The Spirit of God dwelling within a believing heart begins to produce the traits of God, the first of which is love (Galatians 5:22). God Himself enables us to love Him as He deserves to be loved (1 John 4:7).

As we grow in knowledge and understanding of who God is, we begin to love the characteristics that define Him, such as wisdom, truth, righteousness, and purity (Psalm 11:7; 90:12; Hebrews 1:9; 1 Timothy 6:11). And we begin to find the opposite of those traits repulsive (Proverbs 8:13; Psalm 97:10). Spending time with God causes our hearts to hunger for holiness, and we find satisfaction only in more of Him, because He is the perfect embodiment of everything we long for. Learning to worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) allows us to experience the pleasurable emotions of love. Emotion does not create love, but, when we choose to love, the emotion comes. A. W. Tozer said, “Flowers and bird songs do not make spring; but when spring comes, they come with it.”

One obstacle to loving God is love of this world’s sinful ways. We cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24), and neither can we love God and the world at the same time. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” (1 John 2:15). Many believers today need to heed the word given to the Ephesian church: “You have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4). The call is for a conscious returning of the affections to God alone.

Another obstacle to loving God is the mind. Our minds continually set themselves up against the knowledge of God and challenge the faith that has made its home within our spirits (2 Corinthians 10:5). Doubt, anger, misunderstanding, and false doctrine can all rob us of life’s highest pleasure, intimacy with God (Philippians 3:8). These obstacles can be overcome through repentance and a determination to seek God above all else (Matthew 6:33; Jeremiah 29:13). In order to truly love God, we must stop insisting that God explain Himself to our satisfaction. We have to crucify our pride and our right to approve of His ways and allow Him to be God in our lives. When we humbly recognize that He alone is worthy of our love and worship, we can abandon ourselves to loving Him for who He is.

from: http://www.gotquestions.org/loving-God.html

My Footnotes: When I chose to learn more about Father God with the guidance of Jesus in my life, it helps me to understand the meaning of life and what God has purposed for my life and the people I care about. Knowing the true nature of God and His plans give clarity to everything about this world. The glory in living is through the loving relationship with God. God's guidance and promises make life here on earth heaven like. Knowing God listens and answers is worth living for!

In Touch

 

Believing big things about God is the beginning of a new and exciting life in God. When you believe big about God, a new and fresh spirit comes to you. Such a belief invigorates your daily walk. Your decisions are clearer. Your staying power more adequately matches your starting power.

 

When you believe big about God, you act on the premise of a capable and competent God. You hope more; you dream more. You dare more; you do more. To believe something is to act as if it is so. One person with a strong belief has a power equal to many people who have only interests.

 

Your belief about what God can do, puts you in touch with the power of God to get it done. 

 

from: Quiet Moments in the Presence of God

 

 

 

God's AMAZING Grace!

 

 

The Habit of Recognizing God's Provision

 

We are made "partakers of the divine nature," receiving and sharing God's own nature through His promises. Then we have to work that divine nature into our human nature by developing godly habits. The first habit to develop is the habit of recognizing God's provision for us. We say, however, "Oh, I can't afford it." One of the worst lies is wrapped up in that statement. We talk as if our heavenly Father has cut us off without a penny! We think it is a sign of true humility to say at the end of the day, "Well, I just barely got by today, but it was a severe struggle." And yet all of Almighty God is ours in the Lord Jesus! And He will reach to the last grain of sand and the remotest star to bless us if we will only obey Him. Does it really matter that our circumstances are difficult? Why shouldn't they be! If we give way to self-pity and indulge in the luxury of misery, we remove God's riches from our lives and hinder others from entering into His provision. No sin is worse than the sin of self-pity, because it removes God from the throne of our lives, replacing Him with our own self-interests. It causes us to open our mouths only to complain, and we simply become spiritual sponges--always absorbing, never giving, and never being satisfied, and there is nothing lovely or generous about our lives.

 

Before God becomes satisfied with us, He will take everything of our so-called wealth, until we learn that He is our Source; as the psalmist said. "All my springs are in You" (Psalm 87:7). If the majesty, grace and power of God are not being exhibited in us, God holds us responsible. "God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you... may have an abundance..." (2 Corinthians 9:78)-- then learn to lavish the grace of God on others, generously giving of yourself. Be marked and identified with God's nature and His blessing will flow through you all the time.

 

from: My Utmost for His Highest/Oswald Chambers

 

 

 My Footnotes: God is more interested in the character of our hearts; its condition toward His commands and instructions. When we obey Him in our daily life and spend time to know who He is, God reveals Himself to us. We gain Favour in His sight. With His Favour, comes His blessings. More importantly, He blesses us with His wisdom to survive dark times. He blesses us with joy and peace in our hearts even in the midst of the world chaos.

 

One instruction that is so important to God is for us to come to the knowledge and truth that His Son is our only way to heaven. God has sacrificed Jesus Christ to die on the cross to save us from our sins. Without Jesus in our lives and without understanding this provision and favours that God is offering to us, we will not be able to reach out to God; God remains a mystery and His spiritual sanctuary is unattainable. For Jesus Christ is the bridge that opens the door to God's Heart. Jesus Christ is God's AMAZING GRACE!

God is closer than you think!

But He (God) said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.

Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
                                                   Paul on  2 Corinthians 12:9
                                                   (Verse of the Day-Bible app)

 

The good news: God is very near when we have broken hearts. When trials and struggles in life seem ready to cave in and bury us with sorrows, disappointments and hopelessness, God is the answer.

 

He is ready to carry our burdens; but to prevent misinterpretations of any kind, we need to know Him, we need to approach Him with humble hearts and open minds. When we do, our life will change into something much, much better than we can expect.

A Sound Mind

 

A lot of people read the Bible to answer the question, "What should I do?" Their primary focus in their relationship with God is on behavior. But while doing the right things is important, it isn't primary. The main purpose of any genuine relationship of love and friendship is not doing but knowing. Actions flow from intimacy, not vice versa.

 

We see that in Jesus' words, if we look closely enough. First, He does nothing by Himself. That means His intimacy with the Father has developed before His actions. He has to know the Father in order to say that. But He also says He does only what He sees the Father doing -- which means before any behavioral response, He sees. He knows and sees, then He does. That's how relationships work.

 

Jesus never said, "I figure out what to do by reading Scripture and obeying what it says." His "doing" is relational from beginning to end. Does Scripture play a part in that?" Absolutely. But the issue on Jesus' heart isn't deciphering what the Word instructs; it's knowing the One who spoke the Word to begin with.

 

What question is on your heart as you read the Bible? What are you trying to find out? Your answer makes a huge difference not only in how you live your life but also in how well you get to know God. Many of us default to "instruction mode" when we read Scripture because we don't have the interest or the know-how to pursue real intimacy with Him. We don't see what He's doing, so we dig out the principles in the Word and rely on them as His instructions. That's religion, not relationship, and God wants to get much more personal than that.

 

from: Experiencing God's Presence/Chris Tiegreen

 

 

 

July 4th skyline after some rainpours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Luster on 4th of July, 2013

 

America is not what it used to be. Gone are the days where we openly sing songs like "God Bless America," "America, the Beautiful," and many more inspirational 4th of July music. Gone are the days that we gather in parks where we celebrate the Independence Day with parades to commemorate the occasion; and on National Television, where we can watch July 4th shows, where Independence Day is synonymously celebrated with God's blessings.

 

Although it seems, God has many enemies in America who spit on His Face, the children of God through Jesus Christ, are holding firm with their beliefs and faith in God, not only on July 4th;

but everyday, true Christians are always hopeful and trusting God for He is forever in control.

For we are all going to face Him; and God will judge us according to what we have done for His Glory.

So whether, the people of America has turned their backs on God and His instructions and commands, true Christians will celebrate 4th of July with their hearts always set in what Jesus Christ has promised for those that love God with all their hearts, minds, might and souls.

 

 

America, the Beautiful!

The Deep Secret of His Heart

Paul has been writing about spiritual wisdom - God's wisdom, the "deep secrets" of His heart. No one can know God's thoughts except God's Spirit, Paul says, but God has given us His Spirit. Therefore we can know His thoughts. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

Does Paul simply mean we can know God's thoughts as they are revealed in the New Testament? No, he is writing to people long before a "new testament" was ever conceived or compiled. He means that the Spirit within us can plant within us the very mind of God. We have supernatural access to divine wisdom.

Why would God allow us open access to His thinking? Listen to His voice: "When you have the mind of Christ, as I've promised, you will see through My eyes. Then you will know what My Mission and My purposes are, and you will therefore know what your mission and purposes are. See through My eyes, and you won't have to wrestle with My will for your life. You'll go where My Spirit leads, and when in doubt, you'll be sensitive to My redirection. Remember how I redirected Paul to Macedonia as he traveled through Asia. I just had to guide him more specifically, but he was already moving because he had My heart. Live according to the heart I've given you, and I will redirect you when necessary.

"My Presence leads you like the cloud of glory and the pillar of fire led Israel through the wilderness, but now from within, not from outside of you. Know that the cloud and fire are inside you. Trust in My guidance. Once you see through My eyes, you'll simply go and do according to what you see."

from: Experiencing God's Presence