Friday, October 29, 2010

The Pseudo-Faithful

Too often many who withdraw from the faith does so on the common ground of church or individual error. The church's or other individual Christians' behavior is usually the culprit for their falling away from faith in Jesus Christ. Withdrawing from Christ due to the error/s of others is a manifestation of speculative faith. Clearly, Jesus was never the foundation of their faith; otherwise they would not have allowed the behavior of other Christians to influence their decisions to stop following Jesus. Ostensibly, these "pseudo-saved" people never transformed from discipleship to friendship and probably were never taught to "work out your own salvation". (Phil 2:12).

One's faith in Christ should not be contingent upon what others believe but on the words of the Lord. Jesus never told anyone to believe in humans although He appointed humans (earthly beings) to do a heavenly work here on earth under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Yet, He only told us "you believe in God, believe also in me".

Further, He stated that "by my words you will be judged". The Lord's word is a manifestation of His will. In fact, He said that "my food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work". In essence, He gave precedence to the fulfillment of the word of God over everything else. With that said, I caution you brethren to work out your own salvation and walk in obedience to God's word. Pinning your disobedient actions on others does not provide an escape route from His judgment. I therefore encourage you to develop a deeper relationship with your savior - Jesus. You do not need a high priest to enter the holy of holies for you anymore. You have access by His Spirit so go and hear from your Father for yourself.

Be blessed.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

A Greater Reward

A Crown of Life
"Blessed is the man that endure temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life , which the Lord have promised to them that love Him. " (James 1:12)
Someone recently told me that it is easier to accept Christ than to stay in Him. That is very true and even His disciples would agree. David would agree. Jesus NEVER promised a trouble-free life, He never said that all storms will cease. In fact, what He said is quite the opposite that His followers will suffer; from persecution to even death. Suffering is part of the deal. What He promised is that we will "overcome these things" because He too overcame them.That is why our faith should not be built on any other foundation, but in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He told us don't be afraid of these things and that the peace He leaves us is nothing like what the world gives. Its a peace that guard our heart and mind - the areas where worry and fear are birthed. He promised comfort in that area. How do we overcome? Jesus told us exactly in 1 John 5:5, "Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"  Your faith is what makes you over come because "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world".

Therefore children of God, it is important to remember always that the reward that awaits you far exceeds the suffering  you endure for the sake of God's Kingdom.
Jesus said,  "Fear none of these things which ye shall suffer: behold, the devil will cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithul unto death, and I will give you a crown of life". (Rev. 2: 10).

Moreover, Jesus promised that "He that overcomes, the same will be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels". (Rev. 3:5).

"May the love of God and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all".

G'mar chatimah tovah (may you be sealed in the book of live for good)




Friday, October 8, 2010

Bible Drive - Donate a Bible

Hi all,
We are conducting a bible drive as this will assist with our efforts on the streets. We usually meet people who ask for Bibles as we witness and we don't always have enough. We don't want to let people leave without a bible after they get converted. For more information go to http://devotionweekly.blogspot.com/p/bible-drive.html

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Am I Not my Brother's keeper? - A great testimony

It was a cold, Saturday morning as we walked the streets of Boston evangelizing we came across this middle-aged man who was digging through the trash. He looked quite comfortable as if in his own world. Not a drop of embarrassment ostensibly for him, that was the norm – all about survival.

We went opened up to him in a friendly conversation – He was not the most pleasant sight – he was adorned with layers of dirty clothes half-hidden under a soiled, torn jacket which seemed to have lost its original color as he tries to keep warm. Danny was desperately searching through the trash and did not allow us to interrupt his expedition of survival, but simultaneously, he was quite receptive – he flowed in the conversation as he focused on his goal for that day which was to find a half-filled cup of coffee; to him that would mirror winning the jackpot.

As we ministered to him, he could clearly identify with what we were saying because at one point in his life he was in Christ. When his mission was finally accomplished, i.e. he found what he was looking for he lifted his head giving us his full attention. The look in his eyes said it all. It was as if I was reading his own biography, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments”. (Ps 119:176).

My heart melted with compassion and at that point I just told him how much his Father loves him and that he doesn’t have to eat pig husk anymore – his Father is waiting to embrace him; to clothe him again with a royal robe, to put a ring on his finger and to put him at his table to sup. I wanted to let him know that grace still abounds and that his Father’s heart bleeds for him. And it is not his Father’s will that he perishes.

We reminded him that he was redeemed by the very precious blood of Jesus. How could I, who have the son (the way, the truth, the life), walk away from him without pulling the veil of deceit from over his eyes? I thought.
He was elated when we testified of the love of Jesus Christ. Apparently it took him back to where he once was in Christ. (The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul). According to him, he was baptized eight years ago at the time but the pressures of life took dominion over him. Making our boast that day was enough to take Danny back home, as he surrendered and recommitted his life to Christ –He was very relived, revived, refreshed – and made his way back home (To God in the Spiritual) with a cup of freshly brewed coffee – a treat he will never forget – spiritually and naturally.
That day I imagined God calling His angels saying, prepare ye a party. prepare the best robe, bring a ring and slaughter the fattest calf because my son who was dead is now alive, who was lost is now found.
So we who are called “sons of GOD”, Let us not be party crashers, but let’s rock Heaven with celebration by bringing our lost brothers home. For it was for that very reason that Jesus came.
“For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved”. (John 3:17)

I therefore give myself to him so that through me others may receive the life that is in Him. May I never fail him in this or any other areas of my life. I pray the same for you, in Jesus’ name.

Your Nights are Only Temporary

""Sorrow may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (PS 30:50)

We all have "nights" in our lives - those are times when we are overshadowed by dark situations whether physical, emotional, matrimonial, etc. Many times we don't see past our troubles and there seem to lack a way out. Usually it is during those times our faith becomes brittle; thus, we turn from the author of joy and aquire borrowed joy, which is only temporal.

I want to remind you that where there is a night a morning must follow, so be patient and of a good courage and wait on the Lord, God- (Blessed be He - Barukh Hu); for he is the creator of the morning. Therefore "do not fear, stand still and see the salvation (deliverance) of the Lord". (exodus 14:13).

It was He who called light from darkness - "let there be light". Those very words He will speak in your time of darkness and your morning will break forth glowing as it brings with it a surplus of joy. As a child of the most High God, the LORD of Host, charge your faith with His word. Just as the microscope allows you to see what the natural eyes can't, your eye of faith will allow you to see light in the midst of darkness. Therefore, even in your darkest hour with the voice of faith, burst forth into singing "morning has broken" and you will experience the joy of the LORD and His peace.

Keep your mind on Jesus Christ, for in Him is no darkness but only light and as you remain still in the presence of the LORD your joy will be full because "in His prensence is the fulness of joy". (psalm 16:11)
Verse of the day: "Oh, the joy of those who trust in the Lord"nbsp; (Psalm 40:4)

Be blessed.