Monday, November 28, 2016

Standing in the gap: prayer is listening to instruction...


I dragged myself to church on Sunday [...tired of the status quo] and one of the key things that I took away is that prayer is also listening to instructions. Sometimes when I go before God, I go with a long shopping list of the things I want Him to do for me. I run through the list, say or whisper a big amen and hurry off to the next activity. But when two Pastors on Sunday [on two different occasions for that matter] kept repeating that we should learn to go before God with the intention of "praying by listening," I felt that they were both talking to me. 

Example - Luke 5:1-8 - When Peter was hustling at work, and it looked like all was not working, Jesus gave him a simple instruction, but he didn't listen...at least that is what I see in the text...Jesus said: "Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught." What did Simon do? First he "complained" and then said, "...nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net". Jesus instructed him to take nets, but he took a net and when his miracle came in, his net could barely hold it.... I left Church feeling somehow because like Peter, I think I've many times allowed my mind muddle with God's instructions or my feet to move faster than God's instructions.
Examples of those who listened:
Joshua, when he was instructed to gather the children of Israel and march round the wall of Jericho...and shout after a certain number...anyone would have thought that was a crazy/weird strategy for winning a battle...but it worked! [Joshua 5 & 6]
David, when he asked God whether to pursue his enemies or not. God told him no. He could have as well pursued them knowing that in the past when he pursued, God gave him victory...but pursuing his enemies was not in God's strategy this time...thank God he asked and listened to instruction! [1 Samuel 30:8, 2 Samuel 5:19, 2 Samuel 5:23]

Daniel, when he sort God's face to interpret the king's dream! If he had hurried out of God's presence, he wouldn't have heard a thing. [Daniel 2]

The apostles when they had to select a new disciple to replace Judas Iscariot! Act 1:23-25

The list goes on and on!

Anyway, I thought to share this quick lesson....as we all fan our personal prayer altar this week, I hope that we'll keep in mind that prayer is listening to instruction[s]...and as we listen, may we all hear God's voice in a language that we'll each understand and obey promptly--even if the instructions don't make sense to our human understanding. And where we might have missed a turn or instructions in the past, may God's mercy help re-direct our "feet" to the right path. AMEN!


Shalom!

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Protect Your Calling...


The other day at Newark Airport, a young man walked up to me and started this interesting conversation about being born again and asked about my faith. Yes, in America, that same country where faith is a private matter.

To cut the long story short, by the time I was done with my dinner, the young man summed up the conversation with the charge to stop hiding my power. *sigh

I saw this video and thought to share!

What is your calling? Beware of the shadow mission!


Shalom.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Lord, Deliver Us from Strange Doctrines!

"Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace: That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets: That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." 
Psalm 144:11-15.

These past months, I heard about so many religious views and saw many unChristlike actions that for weeks made me stay away from "church", church people and agents who propagate these strange doctrines to confuse believers and followers of Jesus Christ. But the experience has even challenged me to keep my eyes on studying God's word for answers instead of trying to rationalise the things of the spirit with human understanding.

There are so many doctrines and strange messages! There are many youtube links that would almost drive you crazy if you are not careful and turn you away from the gospel! Everyone of them believe that their way of "religion" is the correct way. One even said "God" is not the real name of God. And that each time we call that name we are worshipping the devil or something of that nature. 

Someone [who called me a pagan by his religious standard :-) ] used to send me hebrew names of God and all that Jewish teachings [is that legalism?] and tried to convince me to learn them... long story. I told him I will call God almighty the creator of heaven and earth by the names already revealed in the Bible-- the Holy book! But he brought on this long argument about the pope and all this and all that. Long story!

Dearly beloved, I ask that we keep praying for one another and ask for God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth, to reveal Himself to us like He did to the prophets of old who called Him a name to express their encounter...!

But God almighty, the creator of heaven and earth, has also revealed Himself to us through His son, Jesus Christ - Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, the lion of the tribe of Judah! We must not allow strange doctrines pull us away from His light and truth! 

😳When there's no foundation.
Many people are dying a slow death because their hope lies in the traditions of the church only, and not in JESUS! Have a relationship w/ Him, not a building. Make sure wherever you assemble, that the foundation is Jesus!

Having a personal relationship with God and living according to His WORD is what will help us stay rooted in His truth! May the Holy Spirit continue to help us walk right and discern strange doctrines that may want to put a wedge between us and the love that God Almighty has bestowed on us.

....But at the end of the day, will we be asked what denomination we belonged to or what religion we practiced...? It is our faith in Jesus Christ, our impact and expression of His love towards others and our obedience, among other things that counts.

My prayer for every young believer and christian who might be struggling [including myself!]:
"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." 
Ephesians 1:15-23

Shalom!