So she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” (1 Ki 17:12)
This woman was desperate for food. Where-ever she looked, all she saw was a lack of finances. She was poverty conscious because her circumstances demonstrated an economic depression caused by years of drought. Imagine the daily anguish and fear for her life and her son’s life when each day, their finances were being depleted. It would have definitely been psychologically distressful and full of pain and suffering. I’m sure there have been many people who died of malnutrition in this drought for lack of food. It may have even seemed like God has hidden His face from His own people. For years, people would have called out to God and no solution to the economic crisis was provided. In such times, people turn away from God and would naturally try to provide for themselves even if it means to steal and possibly kill for food. There would not be order and the world would definitely be in chaos as an uprising of the poor people cause turmoil.
Imagine the poor people in China living in the country. Right now, China generally is in prosperity with students going overseas to study, high export to offshore markets, skyscrapers being build on a daily basis etc. However, when an economic depression hits, what will happen to the poor population living in the country? If a critical mass of people is dying of hungry, there most likely will be an uprising to try and fix the problem. These poor people need to eat. China would become immensely chaotic.
This woman in the passage was expressing that she is on her very last bit of food. If I was her, and I knew that I had limited food supply, I would eat so sparingly throughout the depression that the last portion of my food might only feed a rat. The psychological pain and worry that I may not have enough for tomorrow would be scarring and eating modern-day ‘normal’ portions of food would be unbearable. She has come to a point of desperate need that she knows that in the next few days, her son and she will wait to die of malnourishment if they didn’t commit suicide earlier.
And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. (1 Ki 17:13)
“For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the Earth.’” (1 Ki 17: 14)
If Elijah said something like that, it would be natural to critically suspect that Elijah was just hungry and was lying to her to get a piece of her food. In those days, Elijah would need to say more than 2 verses to convince me to part with my ‘life’. However, we see that these two verses were sufficient enough for this woman. This speaks volumes about her trust in God and the man of God. In a time of poverty consciousness where God seemed absent, God decides that He wants to take away from you the very last pillar of support for your life, would I have been as obedient as this woman?
Here, the principle of putting God first could not be overemphasised enough (especially in our finances). You have to decide that your very life belongs to God before obedience like this woman could happen. If you doubted God existed or did not believe God was in charge, no way would you have parted with your life to a random stranger. That would be foolish. You need not go to university to figure this logic out. A foundational concept in God’s economy is to put God first. Throughout the Bible, this concept has been expressed in different contexts, which we need to take heed. In everything – PUT GOD FIRST!
Elijah made an incredible promise that her finances would not run out until the depression is over. In other words, Elijah was saying, if you trust God in this, God will make you a millionaire during this period of economic crisis. You won’t need to worry about tomorrow ever again. This woman could easily have wondered if this was all hype and no substance. People were desperate at those times, remember? It is so easy to soothsay something like that, but to back it up with evidence required supernatural intervention. It might have been a conviction of the Holy Spirit in that woman, or that Elijah spoke with authority from God which she sensed or something else, but history revealed that the woman obeyed.
The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.
Here is the happy ending where God stood behind His word and made the impossible possible in this woman’s life. To see God move His hand, we need to have faith in God as taught in Jesus in Mark 11:22 and obey.
When I read these few verses, I was really amazed, moved and felt a knocking in my heart that emphasised the principles below. Like an obedient disciple, we need to learn, understand and apply these principles in my life.
Kingdom principles:
Put God first in everything
Have faith in God and obey
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Our Need for the Word of God
My king, what do you want me to do now?
I have been emphasizing how important the word of God is in my previous posts. No one can do without daily devotion. With daily devotion, your faith increases (Ro 10:17) and is the catalyst for spiritual power manifesting physically (Matt 17:20). We are to meditate on the word of God day AND night (Josh 1:8). How wonderful is it that supernatural things just takes place and makes your daily life meaningful and enjoyable.
This is what I believe God wants me to speak to my group about this Friday. I sincerely believe God is telling me what my cell members need - the word of God in their lives. I was made aware of this when I had the opportunity to speak to two international students from my group today and found them lacking in spiritual food. As a result, their lives were short of the victory that God has intended for them. Both of them shared difficulties they are facing in their lives. They also mentioned how they couldn't find how the bible was relevant to their life and the situations they faced. How sad.
Praise be to God, I now know what to teach this Friday. Lord, give me your word and wisdom to encourage those who come this Friday to really dwell on your word daily and walk in the spirit.
As for myself, I have found that I need to squeeze time to do the daily necessary things. This is the umpteenth time that I am writing my post after 12am. The days are just packed with things to do and sometimes, after doing the things of God, I feel like I am neglecting my own personal walk with God. This should not be!! As Paul says:
1 Cor 9:27 'No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.'
This week, I am reaching out to my Muslim friend as well as encouraging a few cell members to spend time with God. However, I need to watch out, lest I get too busy that I neglect my own pursuit for God. I love it how Paul says "I beat my body and make it my slave.." This shows discipline! A disciple NEEDS discipline. Living according to the ways of God requires discipline. We may not feel like spending time with God cos we are feeling tired, or cos it isn't interesting or it isn't relevant etc. However, the bible explictedly teaches:
Eph 4:19 "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more."
As a result of not being in relationship with God (daily devotion) these people have lost their sensitivity to God. When we do so, we give in to sensuality which is our senses. So when we feel tired, too busy, uninterested or feeling that the bible is irrelevant etc, we have given ourselves over to our sense. That leads to sin with a desire to sin against God more. That person has lost his race for an eternal crown.
Let us therefore NOT lose focus on Jesus (Heb 12:2) and continue to run the race to win the prize which is an eternal crown (1 Cor 9:25). There are tremendous benefits associated with living according to the word of God. Take note!! When you live for God, you don't lose out!! Exams, work, money, health, relationships...... the solutions can be found in the bible. Trust in the Lord (and His words) and your life will be much better off than if you run it yourself.
I have been emphasizing how important the word of God is in my previous posts. No one can do without daily devotion. With daily devotion, your faith increases (Ro 10:17) and is the catalyst for spiritual power manifesting physically (Matt 17:20). We are to meditate on the word of God day AND night (Josh 1:8). How wonderful is it that supernatural things just takes place and makes your daily life meaningful and enjoyable.
This is what I believe God wants me to speak to my group about this Friday. I sincerely believe God is telling me what my cell members need - the word of God in their lives. I was made aware of this when I had the opportunity to speak to two international students from my group today and found them lacking in spiritual food. As a result, their lives were short of the victory that God has intended for them. Both of them shared difficulties they are facing in their lives. They also mentioned how they couldn't find how the bible was relevant to their life and the situations they faced. How sad.
Praise be to God, I now know what to teach this Friday. Lord, give me your word and wisdom to encourage those who come this Friday to really dwell on your word daily and walk in the spirit.
As for myself, I have found that I need to squeeze time to do the daily necessary things. This is the umpteenth time that I am writing my post after 12am. The days are just packed with things to do and sometimes, after doing the things of God, I feel like I am neglecting my own personal walk with God. This should not be!! As Paul says:
1 Cor 9:27 'No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.'
This week, I am reaching out to my Muslim friend as well as encouraging a few cell members to spend time with God. However, I need to watch out, lest I get too busy that I neglect my own pursuit for God. I love it how Paul says "I beat my body and make it my slave.." This shows discipline! A disciple NEEDS discipline. Living according to the ways of God requires discipline. We may not feel like spending time with God cos we are feeling tired, or cos it isn't interesting or it isn't relevant etc. However, the bible explictedly teaches:
Eph 4:19 "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more."
As a result of not being in relationship with God (daily devotion) these people have lost their sensitivity to God. When we do so, we give in to sensuality which is our senses. So when we feel tired, too busy, uninterested or feeling that the bible is irrelevant etc, we have given ourselves over to our sense. That leads to sin with a desire to sin against God more. That person has lost his race for an eternal crown.
Let us therefore NOT lose focus on Jesus (Heb 12:2) and continue to run the race to win the prize which is an eternal crown (1 Cor 9:25). There are tremendous benefits associated with living according to the word of God. Take note!! When you live for God, you don't lose out!! Exams, work, money, health, relationships...... the solutions can be found in the bible. Trust in the Lord (and His words) and your life will be much better off than if you run it yourself.
Monday, May 26, 2008
What is the Kingdom of Heaven Like?
WOWOWOOWOOWOWOOWOWOWOOWOWOOWOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am just to excited. I feel really really excited to be a Christian. I feel like I have packed my bags and I am embarking on a BIG and LONG journey. Hahahaha.. come and follow me all who are excited, cos Adrian is on the move. WOOOOOOOOO!!!! Once moving, only the strong and forceful men will walk with me. I'm going to really take this world by storm. Watch me!! I will be surrounded with men who eats spiritual meat!!
Want to know what happened today? God took action today!!
Today, God open the door for me to reach out to a Muslim friend. He is a person with very strong faith who prays his 5 prayers everday. He would tell me the teachings of Muhammad and subtly, would encourage me to look into his religion to 'open my eyes'. He is sincere. But you know what? He is sincerely wrong. Of all people for him to influence, he just got himself tangled with the son of the most high God.
Previously, I tried to pass him Mina Nervosa's Miracle of Miracles. He referred to it as 'rubbish' and that I have been deceived. You see, he knows some of the word of God and points of verses he believes discredit our faith. He really, he has been brainwashed to know only the very few selected verses that he could use to compromise the faith of many weak Christians. I remember him sharing to me his discussions with other Christians, and everytime he had those discussions, he left feeling that Islam is the right religion. As you can see, this person has got deep into Islam and is utterly convinced that Islam is the true way to life.
Normally, I do not participate or waste my time arguing with him. But one day, I actually pointed out key flaws in his arguement against Christianity and the validity of our faith in Jesus Christ which made him very angry. At that moment, it seemed as if he was ready to cave my face in with his fist.
By God's grace, my friend has the opportunity to meet a real Christian who stands firm in the faith and does not waver. I prayed last night that his heart would be open to receive this book that Pastor Nathanael told me to give him. I really believe God specifically brought this Pakistani pastor to NLCC to reveal the presence of God and pass me this book by Sultan Muhammad Paul Khan. I was worried that my friend would reject this book.
But I knew I HAD TO give this book to him if he had any hope of salvation.
And praise God, my friend took the book!! HALLELUJAH!! When I saw this, I was over the moon and rejoicing. It was a feeling that is full of joy. The joy of salvation. I really really do feel that today I have done something of eternal consequences. Something that will be recorded for eternality and when I present on Judgment Day!! One day, if I see him in the glorious kingdom of heaven when we are all clothes in white, I know that I have played some role in his salvation. May he also bring salvation to his family who are also deceived by the devil.
I am being more and more convinced that there is only one way to live, and that is to live according to the teachings of the Good Book. This book should be made compulsory in every school in every country. It should be taught even before children learn the normal subjects of maths, science, PE...... because this book teaches the ways and thoughts of the great King. It should be the deciding factor to everything in life. Life, health, success, prosperity, wisdom etc all comes from the Word of God.
Mark 4:26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. v27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. v28 All by itself the soil produces grain - first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. v29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.
seed = word (v14); ground = people (v15)
So how does the kingdom of God operate? How is it like to be living in the kingdom of God? In the kingdom of God, the word is given to the people of the kingdom. That word is alive and active in the citizen of the great kingdom. Eventually, living in this kingdom, the words of the king begins to grow. First, something small (stalk) comes out from the life of that person, then something more substantial (the head) and finally the breakthrough within the head (the kernel). As citizens, we receive the word which will transform our empty ground and produce fruit. We are only operational when the word of God is in our lives. Without the word, nothing happens because no seed is present.
What is the kingdom of God like? Imagine the citizens of the kingdom is living according to the ways of God. And as the seed works in their lives, their lives produce a harvest which is later collected. How does your life produce a harvest, we don't know. Just like I don't know how I could reach out to a Muslim who is extremely firm in his belief. He has content in his head to destroy Christian arguements. However, God used my life. How was I able to share to this Muslim about the saving grace of God? In other words, how did my life produce a stalk? I don't know. However, I believe that the kernel for harvesting is when my Muslim friend accepts Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. That would be collected by the king of the kingdom of heaven. Hence, we need the word of God in our lives to produce the God's result. It may not be a new soul saved, it could be something else, which is collected and used by the king and the kingdom. The word of God may be about forgiveness, may be about financial blessings, may be about loving the widows and orphans, may be wisdom, may be for healing, it may be anything. But that is what the kingdom of God is like, when the word of God goes out, it is fully operational in our lives to produce the results that the word was intended to produce.
The kingdom of God operates when the word of God works in the lives of the citizens of the kingdom. That is how the kingdom of God is like. If you want to know what heaven is like, you would expect that everyone living there is full of the word of God and the ways of the word is fully operational in their lives producing the glorious godly results. I can't imagine any worldly, human things operating in the lives of those living in the skies above us. I would only expect that their lives are pure with the words of God in them.
The emphasis then would be to ensure that the word of God is in our lives on this Earth that we may live a life that produces godly results. That is what I believe the kingdom of heaven is like.
I am just to excited. I feel really really excited to be a Christian. I feel like I have packed my bags and I am embarking on a BIG and LONG journey. Hahahaha.. come and follow me all who are excited, cos Adrian is on the move. WOOOOOOOOO!!!! Once moving, only the strong and forceful men will walk with me. I'm going to really take this world by storm. Watch me!! I will be surrounded with men who eats spiritual meat!!
Want to know what happened today? God took action today!!
Today, God open the door for me to reach out to a Muslim friend. He is a person with very strong faith who prays his 5 prayers everday. He would tell me the teachings of Muhammad and subtly, would encourage me to look into his religion to 'open my eyes'. He is sincere. But you know what? He is sincerely wrong. Of all people for him to influence, he just got himself tangled with the son of the most high God.
Previously, I tried to pass him Mina Nervosa's Miracle of Miracles. He referred to it as 'rubbish' and that I have been deceived. You see, he knows some of the word of God and points of verses he believes discredit our faith. He really, he has been brainwashed to know only the very few selected verses that he could use to compromise the faith of many weak Christians. I remember him sharing to me his discussions with other Christians, and everytime he had those discussions, he left feeling that Islam is the right religion. As you can see, this person has got deep into Islam and is utterly convinced that Islam is the true way to life.
Normally, I do not participate or waste my time arguing with him. But one day, I actually pointed out key flaws in his arguement against Christianity and the validity of our faith in Jesus Christ which made him very angry. At that moment, it seemed as if he was ready to cave my face in with his fist.
By God's grace, my friend has the opportunity to meet a real Christian who stands firm in the faith and does not waver. I prayed last night that his heart would be open to receive this book that Pastor Nathanael told me to give him. I really believe God specifically brought this Pakistani pastor to NLCC to reveal the presence of God and pass me this book by Sultan Muhammad Paul Khan. I was worried that my friend would reject this book.
But I knew I HAD TO give this book to him if he had any hope of salvation.
And praise God, my friend took the book!! HALLELUJAH!! When I saw this, I was over the moon and rejoicing. It was a feeling that is full of joy. The joy of salvation. I really really do feel that today I have done something of eternal consequences. Something that will be recorded for eternality and when I present on Judgment Day!! One day, if I see him in the glorious kingdom of heaven when we are all clothes in white, I know that I have played some role in his salvation. May he also bring salvation to his family who are also deceived by the devil.
I am being more and more convinced that there is only one way to live, and that is to live according to the teachings of the Good Book. This book should be made compulsory in every school in every country. It should be taught even before children learn the normal subjects of maths, science, PE...... because this book teaches the ways and thoughts of the great King. It should be the deciding factor to everything in life. Life, health, success, prosperity, wisdom etc all comes from the Word of God.
Mark 4:26 He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. v27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. v28 All by itself the soil produces grain - first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. v29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.
seed = word (v14); ground = people (v15)
So how does the kingdom of God operate? How is it like to be living in the kingdom of God? In the kingdom of God, the word is given to the people of the kingdom. That word is alive and active in the citizen of the great kingdom. Eventually, living in this kingdom, the words of the king begins to grow. First, something small (stalk) comes out from the life of that person, then something more substantial (the head) and finally the breakthrough within the head (the kernel). As citizens, we receive the word which will transform our empty ground and produce fruit. We are only operational when the word of God is in our lives. Without the word, nothing happens because no seed is present.
What is the kingdom of God like? Imagine the citizens of the kingdom is living according to the ways of God. And as the seed works in their lives, their lives produce a harvest which is later collected. How does your life produce a harvest, we don't know. Just like I don't know how I could reach out to a Muslim who is extremely firm in his belief. He has content in his head to destroy Christian arguements. However, God used my life. How was I able to share to this Muslim about the saving grace of God? In other words, how did my life produce a stalk? I don't know. However, I believe that the kernel for harvesting is when my Muslim friend accepts Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. That would be collected by the king of the kingdom of heaven. Hence, we need the word of God in our lives to produce the God's result. It may not be a new soul saved, it could be something else, which is collected and used by the king and the kingdom. The word of God may be about forgiveness, may be about financial blessings, may be about loving the widows and orphans, may be wisdom, may be for healing, it may be anything. But that is what the kingdom of God is like, when the word of God goes out, it is fully operational in our lives to produce the results that the word was intended to produce.
The kingdom of God operates when the word of God works in the lives of the citizens of the kingdom. That is how the kingdom of God is like. If you want to know what heaven is like, you would expect that everyone living there is full of the word of God and the ways of the word is fully operational in their lives producing the glorious godly results. I can't imagine any worldly, human things operating in the lives of those living in the skies above us. I would only expect that their lives are pure with the words of God in them.
The emphasis then would be to ensure that the word of God is in our lives on this Earth that we may live a life that produces godly results. That is what I believe the kingdom of heaven is like.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Responding To God
God is doing things in NLCC. The presence of God is getting stronger and stronger and as the Holy Spirit is given the room to move, we are beginning to see changes all around us. Last night (Friday), when I was worshipping God, I felt good and hungry for more. I also noticed my right leg and my right hand beginning to shake. I did not feel any different except that I was hungry for God. This song playing was 'I Surrender All'. It was fantastic that as I was worshipping and really going hungry for God, He was responding. I did not feel anything special, just that I was aware that I was shaking that's all. And it wasn't voluntarily.
Wow.
Anyway, I feel so happy to really see the things that God is doing in our midst. I desire for more, that transformation of many many lives will take place. That the victory of God will reign in our lives whereever we go. That school, work, friends, fun etc will just be so different because we do not live as the world does but we live as how God wants us to. Imagine victory in studies, finances, God given friends, the joy and love of God etc.
God has begun to give us a lot. We need to respond according. How can you see the hand of God and yet stay the same? That is just ridiculous. After knowing for CERTAIN that God exist and is DOING something, we have to grow spiritually. I am so excited that things are changing, that my many years of being a Christian is taking a real change. That something very real is happening and that it is no longer limited in the invisible realm. It has been my prayer to see God reveal Himself.
I really want to see my cell group move in the Spirit. I pray that God will let them see visions, dream dreams, speak words of knowledge, prophecy, interprete tongues, heal the sick etc. I want to see life transformation!! Lord, please move in Spirit amongst the people in my cell group and in the Church.
I was speaking to Lawrence and was very excited and encouraged to know that he is hungry for God. I believe that he is really responding to the things of God. Regularly, I am encouraged to know that he participates in prayer, socializes with spiritually hungry people and has a daily devotional time. God, may he be a role model that many will see and learn from him. Make him grow 1000X that he will bring a tremendous revelation of the Almighty God to this Earth that your Kingdom comes. Lord, may he grow in confidence and fire for you.
As well, Lord, please do not forget the other cell members in my group. That each one of them will be spiritually filled and give up their old ways. Help me lead them to walk in the Spirit. Christianity without the power of the living God is meaningless. May many many changes take place Lord. And bind the works of the enermy that none of our brothers will grow hard in heart. Give each one of them a heart of flesh.
Matt 13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. v45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. v46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
I believe that God is revealing His kingdom to us. It is now for us to respond and to give up everything to attain the kingdom of God. With the power of God being so real, with his words giving life, success, prosperity and health, we discover that there is nothing better than being in the kingdom of God and being in His presence.
What came into my mind is two verses:
Prov 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
and the verse that Pastor Nathaneal taught last night:
Mark 10:21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
As we can see above, these additional verses refers to us giving all that we have for the things of God. In Matt, it is for the kingdom of heaven; in Prov, it is for wisdom and understanding; and in Mark, it is the condition to follow Jesus. [Side note:Jesus is wisdom (1 Cor 1:30).]
I am not sure what these verses all mean, but I believe these verses really wants us to connect with the things of God. For example:
1. Get the kingdom of heaven. Can this be interpreted as become a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. Cos I don't know what else it means to get the kingdom of heaven. If we continue along this vein of thought, and you are a citizen of God, you would have to submit to the rules of the king and live according to the ways of the kingdom (God). That is, if you are in Australia, you have to live according to the laws of Australia. Therefore, if you get the kingdom of God, you will be able to know how it is like to live in the ways of God.
2. Get wisdom. I believe that wisdom refers to a way of thinking. And this way of thinking is from God. And if you have the thoughts of God which has trained your mind, it affects your life. Just as your brain controls your body, wisdom of God determines how you live your life - according to the ways of God.
3. And finally, follow Jesus. I believe that when you become his disciple, you naturally will live according to the ways of God.
I am not certain, but this is what I believe these 3 verses which came into my mind tonight is telling me. That is, live according to the ways of God, even though it cost you all you got, you will be better off.
I wrote down my interpretation of these verses off the top of my head and I feel slightly uneasy because I have never been taught kingdom, wisdom and Jesus (these verses) this way before. In fact, whilst I was writing down my interpretation of the Word of God, I could not understand what they had in common except that we would not lose out if we gave up all we had for them. I did not have a special feeling when trying to interprete these verses. It just seem to spill out and got interpreted this way. However, looking at it now, these verses seem to be mutually complementary and makes sense. This is a first time for me to have this experience, but I somehow suspect that the interpretations might be right. Correct me if I am wrong please. But I'm feeling a hint of super duper excitement cos I feel that God spoke to me and taught me these 3 verses HIMSELF. I didn't expect this, felt uneasy when I wrote out my interpretations not knowing what I was really aiming at, and rereading it and seeing it seem to make sense and that it coincides with Ps. Nathaneal's teaching last night. Whoa, is something really happening? God is that you?
Wow.
Anyway, I feel so happy to really see the things that God is doing in our midst. I desire for more, that transformation of many many lives will take place. That the victory of God will reign in our lives whereever we go. That school, work, friends, fun etc will just be so different because we do not live as the world does but we live as how God wants us to. Imagine victory in studies, finances, God given friends, the joy and love of God etc.
God has begun to give us a lot. We need to respond according. How can you see the hand of God and yet stay the same? That is just ridiculous. After knowing for CERTAIN that God exist and is DOING something, we have to grow spiritually. I am so excited that things are changing, that my many years of being a Christian is taking a real change. That something very real is happening and that it is no longer limited in the invisible realm. It has been my prayer to see God reveal Himself.
I really want to see my cell group move in the Spirit. I pray that God will let them see visions, dream dreams, speak words of knowledge, prophecy, interprete tongues, heal the sick etc. I want to see life transformation!! Lord, please move in Spirit amongst the people in my cell group and in the Church.
I was speaking to Lawrence and was very excited and encouraged to know that he is hungry for God. I believe that he is really responding to the things of God. Regularly, I am encouraged to know that he participates in prayer, socializes with spiritually hungry people and has a daily devotional time. God, may he be a role model that many will see and learn from him. Make him grow 1000X that he will bring a tremendous revelation of the Almighty God to this Earth that your Kingdom comes. Lord, may he grow in confidence and fire for you.
As well, Lord, please do not forget the other cell members in my group. That each one of them will be spiritually filled and give up their old ways. Help me lead them to walk in the Spirit. Christianity without the power of the living God is meaningless. May many many changes take place Lord. And bind the works of the enermy that none of our brothers will grow hard in heart. Give each one of them a heart of flesh.
Matt 13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. v45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. v46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
I believe that God is revealing His kingdom to us. It is now for us to respond and to give up everything to attain the kingdom of God. With the power of God being so real, with his words giving life, success, prosperity and health, we discover that there is nothing better than being in the kingdom of God and being in His presence.
What came into my mind is two verses:
Prov 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
and the verse that Pastor Nathaneal taught last night:
Mark 10:21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
As we can see above, these additional verses refers to us giving all that we have for the things of God. In Matt, it is for the kingdom of heaven; in Prov, it is for wisdom and understanding; and in Mark, it is the condition to follow Jesus. [Side note:Jesus is wisdom (1 Cor 1:30).]
I am not sure what these verses all mean, but I believe these verses really wants us to connect with the things of God. For example:
1. Get the kingdom of heaven. Can this be interpreted as become a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. Cos I don't know what else it means to get the kingdom of heaven. If we continue along this vein of thought, and you are a citizen of God, you would have to submit to the rules of the king and live according to the ways of the kingdom (God). That is, if you are in Australia, you have to live according to the laws of Australia. Therefore, if you get the kingdom of God, you will be able to know how it is like to live in the ways of God.
2. Get wisdom. I believe that wisdom refers to a way of thinking. And this way of thinking is from God. And if you have the thoughts of God which has trained your mind, it affects your life. Just as your brain controls your body, wisdom of God determines how you live your life - according to the ways of God.
3. And finally, follow Jesus. I believe that when you become his disciple, you naturally will live according to the ways of God.
I am not certain, but this is what I believe these 3 verses which came into my mind tonight is telling me. That is, live according to the ways of God, even though it cost you all you got, you will be better off.
I wrote down my interpretation of these verses off the top of my head and I feel slightly uneasy because I have never been taught kingdom, wisdom and Jesus (these verses) this way before. In fact, whilst I was writing down my interpretation of the Word of God, I could not understand what they had in common except that we would not lose out if we gave up all we had for them. I did not have a special feeling when trying to interprete these verses. It just seem to spill out and got interpreted this way. However, looking at it now, these verses seem to be mutually complementary and makes sense. This is a first time for me to have this experience, but I somehow suspect that the interpretations might be right. Correct me if I am wrong please. But I'm feeling a hint of super duper excitement cos I feel that God spoke to me and taught me these 3 verses HIMSELF. I didn't expect this, felt uneasy when I wrote out my interpretations not knowing what I was really aiming at, and rereading it and seeing it seem to make sense and that it coincides with Ps. Nathaneal's teaching last night. Whoa, is something really happening? God is that you?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Christians Do Not Continue To Sin
I failed to read the word of God yesterday and get soaked into the things of God. Unfortunately, I have separated from God as a result of being away from Him. I failed to pray at 8am, failed to speak in tongues and failed to read His word. It was indeed most disappointing.
Tuesday night, I was so busy that I didn't have dinner prior to Men's Net. And I still arrived late. =( I woke up the next day busy working at the hospital and attending lectures. I got home at 9.30 pm after meeting with Hannah and an ex-classmate. I was exhausted and had an early sleep. No God time then.
Today, I decided to do devotion first. The reason being that a temporary separation from God that day caused me to fall into my old ways. Yesterday, I regretfully walked along Rundal Mall and walked past a shop called Bras and Things. Subsequently, after just glancing at the advertisement, I walked away lusting in my heart after the beauty of another woman. This shameful incident caused me to create all sorts of thoughts in my mind. It was full of testosterone and was stenched in sin. I had to confess to Hannah that night, mentioning my weakness to her. The sin created a strong sinful desire for sexual immorality. I knew the bible verses that the old self must die, that I am a new creation, that I have crucified myself with Christ, but although I knew these things, I was entertaining the lustful thoughts of my mind. However, I am determined to put an end to my sinful life. Hence, this post is written, that I can honestly expose the sin in my life so that the devil will not have a landing pad in my life.
I know that as a Christian, we cannot continue to sin.
Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. v6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; v7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. v8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
In order to have a sinful nature, it doesn't just happen. The mind of that sinful person would have had their thoughts on the sin for a long time PRIOR to sinning. Therefore, if your mind is NOT set on what the (Holy) Spirit desires i.e. the Word of God and its contents, other things will fill your mind. These include the sinful things that are promoted all over the world i.e. money, sex, drinks, coarse language, pride, worldly success etc. I truly and honestly sinned yesterday because my mind was set on thing wrong things and hence I did what was wrong in the eyes of God. I know that I have grieved the Holy Spirit. I am sorry Holy Spirit, and as you see me publically writing this post, please also see that I am sincerely sorry and repent and desire not to sin again. I want to have a mind that is controlled you, Holy Spirit (v6) I want to please You. Please please please forgive me, Lord!!
1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
I have continued in my sinful ways prior to SE. As a Christian, you CANNOT continue to sin. Why? Because then you are NOT born of God. You do not live a life WORTHY of God and you do not reflect the glory and life of God.
Also, on that same day, there was a presentation from a Singaporean dental team who wanted to recruit some of us to go and work in Singapore. The income was very very attractive with a 5-figures monthly income (wow), mentorship to expand my experience to include complex dentistry not taught here in Adelaide, an asian lifestyle which I'm familiar with (cos its similar to Msia) and where powerful Christian pastors have their churches based there and lots of other perks. I was impressed. I was eager to go too. But then I also realised, where does God want me to be? Does he want me to be in Singapore where I could get a terrific pay and a very comfortable lifestyle? Am I living for myself? I knew that God wanted me to be rich, but was it THIS way?
You see, once I stepped away from the Word of God for one day, I got tempted where I was weakest. And I am so so so so so sorry Lord that I failed the acid test of being a true disciple. I really want to stand firm against the devil. I failed to
James 4:7 Submit then, therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.
This was something that I taught but in the middle of spiritual crisis, it left me. Hence, I can see that when I am moving away from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God, the devil will wait until my mind is not on what the 'Spirit desires' and then strike me. This is when I don't have the word of God in my mind to live according to what the Spirit desires. Let this be a lesson for me NEVER to let my sinful desires take hold of me. From the Post Encounter class, I therefore need to crucify myself.
Gal 2:20 I have been crucifed with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the SOn of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I want to carry my cross daily as a reminder that I am dead to this life. No more pleasing my sinful desires, but seeking the things that the Spirit desires. I thank you Lord that upon the confession of my lips, you are faithful to forgive my sins and make me whole again. I want to seek you again, call upon you, forsake my old ways and truly turn away from the old self and live my new self. I want to be a new man living in righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:24)
Tuesday night, I was so busy that I didn't have dinner prior to Men's Net. And I still arrived late. =( I woke up the next day busy working at the hospital and attending lectures. I got home at 9.30 pm after meeting with Hannah and an ex-classmate. I was exhausted and had an early sleep. No God time then.
Today, I decided to do devotion first. The reason being that a temporary separation from God that day caused me to fall into my old ways. Yesterday, I regretfully walked along Rundal Mall and walked past a shop called Bras and Things. Subsequently, after just glancing at the advertisement, I walked away lusting in my heart after the beauty of another woman. This shameful incident caused me to create all sorts of thoughts in my mind. It was full of testosterone and was stenched in sin. I had to confess to Hannah that night, mentioning my weakness to her. The sin created a strong sinful desire for sexual immorality. I knew the bible verses that the old self must die, that I am a new creation, that I have crucified myself with Christ, but although I knew these things, I was entertaining the lustful thoughts of my mind. However, I am determined to put an end to my sinful life. Hence, this post is written, that I can honestly expose the sin in my life so that the devil will not have a landing pad in my life.
I know that as a Christian, we cannot continue to sin.
Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. v6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; v7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. v8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
In order to have a sinful nature, it doesn't just happen. The mind of that sinful person would have had their thoughts on the sin for a long time PRIOR to sinning. Therefore, if your mind is NOT set on what the (Holy) Spirit desires i.e. the Word of God and its contents, other things will fill your mind. These include the sinful things that are promoted all over the world i.e. money, sex, drinks, coarse language, pride, worldly success etc. I truly and honestly sinned yesterday because my mind was set on thing wrong things and hence I did what was wrong in the eyes of God. I know that I have grieved the Holy Spirit. I am sorry Holy Spirit, and as you see me publically writing this post, please also see that I am sincerely sorry and repent and desire not to sin again. I want to have a mind that is controlled you, Holy Spirit (v6) I want to please You. Please please please forgive me, Lord!!
1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
I have continued in my sinful ways prior to SE. As a Christian, you CANNOT continue to sin. Why? Because then you are NOT born of God. You do not live a life WORTHY of God and you do not reflect the glory and life of God.
Also, on that same day, there was a presentation from a Singaporean dental team who wanted to recruit some of us to go and work in Singapore. The income was very very attractive with a 5-figures monthly income (wow), mentorship to expand my experience to include complex dentistry not taught here in Adelaide, an asian lifestyle which I'm familiar with (cos its similar to Msia) and where powerful Christian pastors have their churches based there and lots of other perks. I was impressed. I was eager to go too. But then I also realised, where does God want me to be? Does he want me to be in Singapore where I could get a terrific pay and a very comfortable lifestyle? Am I living for myself? I knew that God wanted me to be rich, but was it THIS way?
You see, once I stepped away from the Word of God for one day, I got tempted where I was weakest. And I am so so so so so sorry Lord that I failed the acid test of being a true disciple. I really want to stand firm against the devil. I failed to
James 4:7 Submit then, therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.
This was something that I taught but in the middle of spiritual crisis, it left me. Hence, I can see that when I am moving away from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God, the devil will wait until my mind is not on what the 'Spirit desires' and then strike me. This is when I don't have the word of God in my mind to live according to what the Spirit desires. Let this be a lesson for me NEVER to let my sinful desires take hold of me. From the Post Encounter class, I therefore need to crucify myself.
Gal 2:20 I have been crucifed with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the SOn of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
I want to carry my cross daily as a reminder that I am dead to this life. No more pleasing my sinful desires, but seeking the things that the Spirit desires. I thank you Lord that upon the confession of my lips, you are faithful to forgive my sins and make me whole again. I want to seek you again, call upon you, forsake my old ways and truly turn away from the old self and live my new self. I want to be a new man living in righteousness and holiness (Eph 4:24)
Monday, May 19, 2008
First Disciples
First Disciples
Coleman, in this first chapter discuss how our Lord Jesus Christ won His first few disciples. The study was focused on John 1:29-51.
The section under the heading ‘The Setting’ tells of how Jesus began His ministry at Bethany where two of John the Baptist’s disciples heard that Jesus was the ‘lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world’. These two, John and Andrew followed Jesus and wanted to know more about our Master.
The ‘Waiting Disciples’ passage tells us more about who these first two disciples were. Firstly, both had different temperament. Secondly, both were entrenched in their cultural hostility against Gentiles and Samaritans. Thirdly, they were hungry for a spiritual reality in their lives and were keen to draw closer to God evidently by their baptism of repentance. Although these two did not have a full comprehension of God’s Kingdom, they were spiritually alert, which was key for Jesus to draw close to them.
The ‘Approach’ section gives us insight to how Jesus got His disciples. Jesus was happy to spend time with sincere seekers of the things of God. He was willing to spend all day with them, and we believe Jesus taught them the Word of God. This was what the disciples were hungry for and what Jesus had to offer them. After John and Andrew’s meeting with Jesus, they both were excited and told others about Jesus. Upon reflection: if we want to get disciples, we must be willing to spend time with them and share about the things of God.
Under the heading ‘Result’ we could see spontaneity when Andrew told his brother Simon (Peter) about the Messiah. Jesus then came to meet with Simon and changed his name to Peter which means ‘Rock’. The implication is tremendous because every time anyone calls Peter’s name, they are calling him a rock. Being called a rock would increase self esteem and value.
In the section ‘Emerging Pattern’ Jesus found another heart ready for God. In the first paragraph, Jesus said to Phillip to come. Observation here shows that when the disciple is ready, winning is not difficult – Phillip responded immediately. The second point we see is the pattern where Phillip told another person (Nathanael) about Jesus. Jesus then met with Nathanael, and knew who he was, praised Nathanael for being an ‘Israelite in whom there is no deceit’. Nathanael was convinced of who Jesus was – the Son of God, and decided to follow Jesus. The last paragraph of this section tells us that Nathanael did not know the hardships involved as a Christian. Jesus knew, but still projected the glorious vision of His coming glory. Jesus wanted Nathanael to focus his eyes on the things of God.
Coleman writes under ‘Comparisons’ how Jesus’ team worked together. In the first paragraph, we see delegation in responsibility where (not the leader alone but) the disciples took care of Jesus’ responsibilities - hospitality, provided lodging and meals. They all did it together and it wasn’t Jesus’ sole responsibility to carry. Subsequently, the disciples also baptise converts of Jesus’ teachings. In paragraph 2-4 of this section, Jesus took care of his disciple’s (the people he is leading) needs by providing them with a bountiful catch of fish. In paragraph 5, Jesus seized this opportunity to tell them about their future evangelical mission – fishers of men. In the last 3 paragraphs of this section, it Coleman talks about the reality of evangelism. From his references Matt 8:19-22 and L 9:57-62, Jesus points out the cost of following Him. Why is there a contrast between choosing those people to be disciples and choosing His first disciples?
“Observations”
1. Basic strategy and life’s priority – win disciples
2. Begin where people are open to the Spirit of God and let the Holy Spirit prepare a way.
3. Natural relationship between family and close friends are advantages for spreading the gospel
4. Provide public testimonies – if they are interested, they will want to find out more
5. Welcome those who wants to thoroughly investigate the Truth. As noted, Jesus spent time with them.
6. Learning from God is most natural (best) in a fellowship of love and understanding – good for followup and training
7. Reaffirm the unique value and gifts of the person
8. We are called to come to Jesus with unconditional obedience – utter faith
9. The best is yet to come as Jesus instilled the vision of the day of final triumph which significantly offsets our labour, discomforts and trials.
Question:
What hinders our obedience to the call of Jesus Christ? What can we do about it? How can we make discipleship more winsome and contagious?
How Do We Transform?
I really love the Word of God because it is the very key to a transformed life. It is about a better life, a happier and more full life. Life of success, properity, happiness, peace, love and many many good things.
Unfortunately, the devil trys to bring us down. He tempts us with temporary pleasures that we may be blinded in our eyes to see and experience the beauty all around us. Again, I was tempted not to do my devotion as I just finished an assignment at 1.30 am. The temptation was to sleep. I have been having lots of late nights already.
Paul says: Prov 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. v19 For what I do is no the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing.
In us, there is a sinful nature. That nature is to please ourselves. But that nature is not the nature of God. It is going to bring us to destruction. So if we keep doing the evil that we shouldn't do, we fail to live in the blessings of God. How do we stop this.
We need to move away (forsake) our evil ways (Isa 55:7) and move towards the ways and thoughts of God. We have been doing and living according to our old thoughts and ways for a long time. Subsequently, they have become unhealthy and bad habits. We need to REPLACE them with the good habits which God teaches us. A habit is something we do repeatedly until it becomes our nature.
When we say: Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
It means, we crucify our sinful nature. Kill the bad habits that form that nature. Replace it with Christ, that God may live through you. How does this work? Will you need to have the thoughts of God and the ways of God to live out the nature of God. And all that is revealed in the Word of God. Hence, we are told to meditate on the word of God (Josh 1:8), keep it in our sight/heart (Prov 4:20), accept them (Prov 2:1), pay attention and listen to them (Prov 5:1), fasten them around your neck (Prov 6:21). For the words of God will reveal God's thoughts which will give us His way of living. Lastly, when this becomes your (Christlike) nature, you will enjoy the blessings that is associated with this nature. This is how you transform!!
Identify that you yourself have nothing that can make you good (Ro 7:18). Only by living out the word of God will you inevitably receive the blessings from God. For example, if you want to be successful in what you do, God says to consider how hard the ant works (Prov 6:6-9) and not to despise discipline (Prov 3:11) and getting prudence, knowledge and discretion (Prov 1:4) etc and all these ingredients/thoughts/ways when you apply them will produce the results that you are seeking. Yet, like Paul, we may want to live out the word of God to receive the transformation that God wants us to have, but still don't.
Hence, get deeper into the word of God. Let it permeate your life that your mind has to think the same way as God. Then you WILL HAVE to live life according to the way of your thoughts and you WILL HAVE to get the results God PROMISED you. Do not struggle and reconsider your old ways, for that is what the devil does. He tempts you to look at the momentary pleasure you are missing out on: 'Why be discipline like the bible says? It is hard work, you are missing out on these 'cool' friends who would like to be with you having fun'
Well, you must decide that there is no more of that old self. That you have crucified your sinful nature (Gal 2:20) and put off your deceitful desires (Eph 4:22) and then to change your mind (EPh 4:23) before you can finally put on your 'new self' (Eph 4:24) and live that fantastic life. That life is referred to as righteousness and holiness by GOD Himself (Eph4:24). How awesome is that. You live the good life and God calls it a righteous and holy life.
But you may say, it is hard, I am struggling to put away that TV show, those corrupted friends, those manga, that inappropriate movie, that ambition and love for money etc. How do you fight off the sinful nature? We need the full armour of God. There are a lot of components, but there is only ONE offensive component, which is the sword of the Spirit, which isthe word of God. WOW!! Isn't that powerful. It is the Word of God that helps you overcome the day of evil (Eph 6:13) so that you can stand firm in your new identity - righteousness and holiness - and continue to live out that nature of God so that you can enjoy that beautiful and rewarding life of transformation.
That is to me, BEAUTIFUL!!
Therefore, how do we transform? It is when we have the word of God working in our lives that causes an inevitable change in our nature and an inevitable life full of blessings. When it becomes your nature to be like God (your natural self), then you have reached that pinaccle of Christian living. I can only imagine that beautiful life.
If I were to list all the blessings:
You will be rich, you will have happiness, you will be successful in your business/profession/trade, you will be respected, you will have authority, you will have peace, you will eat nice food and drink great drinks, you will enjoy the company of great men, you will be contented, you will see miracles, you will see visions, you will see tongues interpreted, you will have words of prophecy, you will be an impact to nations, you will be able to suffer unconditionally for God, you will be a great family man, you will be..... more than a conqueror!!
For the biblical blessings, read the word of God, esp Deu 28
Unfortunately, the devil trys to bring us down. He tempts us with temporary pleasures that we may be blinded in our eyes to see and experience the beauty all around us. Again, I was tempted not to do my devotion as I just finished an assignment at 1.30 am. The temptation was to sleep. I have been having lots of late nights already.
Paul says: Prov 7:18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. v19 For what I do is no the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing.
In us, there is a sinful nature. That nature is to please ourselves. But that nature is not the nature of God. It is going to bring us to destruction. So if we keep doing the evil that we shouldn't do, we fail to live in the blessings of God. How do we stop this.
We need to move away (forsake) our evil ways (Isa 55:7) and move towards the ways and thoughts of God. We have been doing and living according to our old thoughts and ways for a long time. Subsequently, they have become unhealthy and bad habits. We need to REPLACE them with the good habits which God teaches us. A habit is something we do repeatedly until it becomes our nature.
When we say: Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
It means, we crucify our sinful nature. Kill the bad habits that form that nature. Replace it with Christ, that God may live through you. How does this work? Will you need to have the thoughts of God and the ways of God to live out the nature of God. And all that is revealed in the Word of God. Hence, we are told to meditate on the word of God (Josh 1:8), keep it in our sight/heart (Prov 4:20), accept them (Prov 2:1), pay attention and listen to them (Prov 5:1), fasten them around your neck (Prov 6:21). For the words of God will reveal God's thoughts which will give us His way of living. Lastly, when this becomes your (Christlike) nature, you will enjoy the blessings that is associated with this nature. This is how you transform!!
Identify that you yourself have nothing that can make you good (Ro 7:18). Only by living out the word of God will you inevitably receive the blessings from God. For example, if you want to be successful in what you do, God says to consider how hard the ant works (Prov 6:6-9) and not to despise discipline (Prov 3:11) and getting prudence, knowledge and discretion (Prov 1:4) etc and all these ingredients/thoughts/ways when you apply them will produce the results that you are seeking. Yet, like Paul, we may want to live out the word of God to receive the transformation that God wants us to have, but still don't.
Hence, get deeper into the word of God. Let it permeate your life that your mind has to think the same way as God. Then you WILL HAVE to live life according to the way of your thoughts and you WILL HAVE to get the results God PROMISED you. Do not struggle and reconsider your old ways, for that is what the devil does. He tempts you to look at the momentary pleasure you are missing out on: 'Why be discipline like the bible says? It is hard work, you are missing out on these 'cool' friends who would like to be with you having fun'
Well, you must decide that there is no more of that old self. That you have crucified your sinful nature (Gal 2:20) and put off your deceitful desires (Eph 4:22) and then to change your mind (EPh 4:23) before you can finally put on your 'new self' (Eph 4:24) and live that fantastic life. That life is referred to as righteousness and holiness by GOD Himself (Eph4:24). How awesome is that. You live the good life and God calls it a righteous and holy life.
But you may say, it is hard, I am struggling to put away that TV show, those corrupted friends, those manga, that inappropriate movie, that ambition and love for money etc. How do you fight off the sinful nature? We need the full armour of God. There are a lot of components, but there is only ONE offensive component, which is the sword of the Spirit, which isthe word of God. WOW!! Isn't that powerful. It is the Word of God that helps you overcome the day of evil (Eph 6:13) so that you can stand firm in your new identity - righteousness and holiness - and continue to live out that nature of God so that you can enjoy that beautiful and rewarding life of transformation.
That is to me, BEAUTIFUL!!
Therefore, how do we transform? It is when we have the word of God working in our lives that causes an inevitable change in our nature and an inevitable life full of blessings. When it becomes your nature to be like God (your natural self), then you have reached that pinaccle of Christian living. I can only imagine that beautiful life.
If I were to list all the blessings:
You will be rich, you will have happiness, you will be successful in your business/profession/trade, you will be respected, you will have authority, you will have peace, you will eat nice food and drink great drinks, you will enjoy the company of great men, you will be contented, you will see miracles, you will see visions, you will see tongues interpreted, you will have words of prophecy, you will be an impact to nations, you will be able to suffer unconditionally for God, you will be a great family man, you will be..... more than a conqueror!!
For the biblical blessings, read the word of God, esp Deu 28
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