Checed

The "Demon" of Lust?

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Hey guys I know that its been a while but I have been super busy. Today's topic is something that most people in the world battle with every single day of our lives. To some its the lust of the flesh, to others its the lust of the eyes. I hope this article from the Daily Encounter helps at least one person struggling with lust.

"If you are angry, don't sin by nursing your grudge. Don't let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil."1

A Daily Encounter reader writes, "I have been fighting with a lust demon for years. I have asked GOD to relieve me of this demon but I keep slipping back and doing the same thing all over again. I have just rededicated my life to God and am on my church's outreach team. I want this demon of Satan out of my body never to return. Will you pray for me?"

Hello, Jim (name changed), Thank you for being honest and sharing your struggle with lust. To resolve any problem it is imperative to understand the root cause of the problem. Let me assure you that lust, as with anger, is NOT a demon.

If I am wrongfully angry, that is my problem and when I fail to resolve it, I give the foothold to the enemy. It's the same with lust. Lust is a struggle most red-blooded men struggle with at one time or another. Severe lust, however, is usually a symptom of repressed love or unmet love needs.

As long as you blame the problem on anything outside of yourself, you will never overcome it because lust is a problem within. I don't know who told you it was a demon but I challenge this person to find anywhere in the Bible where it says there is "a demon of lust."

Sure, Satan is the originator of all sin and does tempt us, but most of us don't need the devil or a demon to make, or even cause, us to lust. We can do it all by ourselves because we are all sinners.So how do you overcome? First and foremost, you need not only confess your lust to God, but also ask him to confront you with the real cause of your lust … to show you the root cause of the problem … and then to lead you to the help you need to overcome. Only by facing the truth will you be set free.

Remember too, as David wrote in the Psalms, "The Lord is near to all who call on him; to all who call on him in truth."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, whenever I have any problem that I can't resolve, please help me to see the root cause of it and help me to find the support I need to overcome. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Ephesians 4:26-27 (TLB).
2. Psalm 145:18 (NIV).

Credit:Daily Encounter

Chased by Hounds

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:56:00 +0000

King David, the Psalmist wrote: "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."1

A. C. Dixon wrote, "A dear friend of mine who was quite a lover of the chase, told me the following story: 'Rising early one morning,' he said, 'I heard the baying of a score of deer hounds in pursuit of their quarry. Looking away to a broad, open field in front of me, I saw a young fawn making its way across, and giving signs, moreover, that its race was well-nigh run. Reaching the rails of the enclosure, it leaped over and crouched within ten feet from where I stood.

A moment later, two of the hounds came over, and the fawn ran in my direction and pushed its head between my legs. I lifted the little thing to my breast, and, swinging round and round, fought off the dogs. I felt, just then, that all the dogs in the West could not, and should not capture that fawn after its weakness had appealed to my strength.'

"So is it, when human helplessness appeals to Almighty God. Well do I remember when the hounds of sin were after my soul, until, at last, I ran into the arms of Almighty God."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that when I am afraid of falling and being consumed by temptation and call out to you for help, you always come to my rescue and save me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name, amen."

1. Psalm 57:1 (NIV).
2. A. C. DIXON as quoted in E.M. Bounds, The Necessity of Prayer. Source: Today's Wit & Wisdom Devotional, http://net153.com.

Resting on One's Laurels

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:16:00 +0000

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."1

In an article in Leadership magazine, J. David Bianchin used the analogy of a basketball game. In "the 1987 NCAA Regional Finals, Louisiana State University was leading Indiana by eight points with only a few minutes left in the game. As is often the case with a team in the lead, LSU began playing a different ball game. The television announcer pointed out that the LSU players were beginning to watch the clock rather than wholeheartedly play the game. As a result of this shift in focus, Indiana closed the gap, won the game by one point, and eventually went on to become NCAA champions."

At the human level, as we have been so graphically reminded by the events of 9-11 and more recent atrocities around the world, we dare not sit on our laurels or base our security on past victories. "Eternal vigilance is [still] the price of freedom." And how much greater is the need for eternal vigilance in the work of the Kingdom of God.

As God's Word says, "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith."2 "For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms."3

May we, Like the Apostle Paul, say, "I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."4

This, by the grace of God, we can do because, as David the Psalmist wrote, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"5

For further help read the article, "Political Correctness Oxymoron" at: ttp://tinyurl.com/ysvo4h

Suggested prayer: "Gracious God, thank you for your great salvation in the gift of your Son, Jesus, and for all the unfathomable blessings you have in store for your children, both in the here-and-now and in the hereafter. However, help me not to rest on my laurels, but to keep my eye on the goal and serve you faithfully all the days of my life. So help me God. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT).
2. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT).
3. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT).
4. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV).
5. Psalm 27:1 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Why confess?

noreply@blogger.com (FOL) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:51:00 +0000

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsake them shall have mercy"- Proverbs 28:13

In the offence of a person, friend, or neighbour, you must admit your wrong and it becomes their duty to forgive you.
You are then free to seek God's forgiveness.

Why? Because the individual wronged is a creation of God and in injuring him/her you have sinned against the Creator.
A sin against man is a sin against God!

[Taken from 'Steps to Christ']

Abide in Christ!

noreply@blogger.com (FOL) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:26:00 +0000

How am I to abide in Christ?

In the same way you received him at first.

"As ye have therefore received Christ, Jesus the Lord,so walk ye in Him."
"The just shall live by faith." (Colossians 2:6; Hebrews 10:38.)

You gave yourself to God, to be His wholly, to serve and obey Him, and you took Christ as your Saviour.
You could not yourself atone for your sins or change your heart; but having given yourself to God, you believe that He for Christ's sake did all this for you.

By faith you became Christ's, and by faith you are to grow up in Him -by giving and taking.

You are to give all, -your heart, your will, your service,- give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all, -Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper, -to give you power to obey.

[Source: Steps to Christ p47]

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:01:00 +0000

A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL

MAY WE ALL HAVE A CHIRST FILLED 2009!!!!

I LOVE YOU.

You Are My Everything

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:04:00 +0000

Hey all, I know its been a while. I have been learning about myself and what Jesus really means to me and should mean to me. You know sometimes we encounter things and experience things to learn and boy have I learnt.

I have learnt that there is NO ONE who Loves us more than Jesus Christ. He will never, leave, forsake or hurt us. He loves us so much that he gave his life for us and that says a lot.

Question: Who do you know in your life would sacrifice EVERYTHING for you? Their riches, power, dignity, Deity, life?

Answer: Jesus!!!

Remember: Inside the will of God, there is no failure. Outside the will of God there is no success!!! You choose. Read Psalm 118:8

Below is a song from South African Gospel singer Johnathan Butler. This song is very special to me because I believe that this is how we should live and what Jesus should truly mean to all of us!!!! God Bless!!! I Love You All.

You’re my life Lord Jesus (2x)
You’re everything to me
You’re the sweetest song I sing
You are my everything

My hope
My song
My strength
My shield
In you I live and have my being

All I want is Jesus (2x)
Nothing in this world
Compares to what you’re worth
You are my everything

By Johnathan Butler

Please Help Me—I Have a Problem"

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:13:00 +0000

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner.'"1

Years ago when I was doing a counselor training course, one of the instructors made the statement, "Whatever bothers you is your problem!" "Hmmm," I thought to myself, "that's an interesting concept—never thought of that before."

At the time I was going through a rough situation personally and was in despair about it. During the course of the training, I explained to my counselor about my predicament and he said, "That must make you angry."

"No," I replied, "I'm just hurt." And he left me with the thought, "That must make you angry!"Shortly after that I went for a long walk, thinking about, "That must make you angry." Then the truth hit me like a bolt of lighting! "Whew," I admitted to myself, "I am angry—very angry!"I was never able to change the person whom I felt had rejected and hurt me so badly, but I was able to change me, and come to terms with my feelings (which I had learned to bury and deny at an early age), and resolve them.

It also helped me to deal with the anger I had towards my father from whom I had been estranged for many years and resolve that impaired relationship. Fortunately, I was able to do this a few months before he died.

My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. What others do to me may or may not be a problem, but how I react and feel is always my responsibility. However, to the degree that I overreact, that is always my problem.It is true; whatever bothers me is my problem.

This can be a hard pill to swallow, but until we accept this reality, we will continue to blame others for our feelings and possibly never resolve our hurts/anger or impaired relationships.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the people in my life whom you have used to confront me with truth and reality. They have been angels in disguise. Help me to always recognize them as such and use their insights to help me become a better, healthier, and more loving and accepting person. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Luke 18:13 (KJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

God's Goal Is Not to Make Us Good

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:06:00 +0000

"We proclaim Him [Christ], admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete [mature] in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me."1

We don't have to be good for goodness sake!In fact, being good may be our worst enemy. It was for the Pharisees! Their external goodness was a cover-up used to avoid facing what they were on the inside. Jesus did not approve of their external religiosity! In fact, he opposed it vehemently.

It can bring a great sense of freedom to realize that God isn't into rules, but rather relationships. And his goal isn't to make us good, but to make us whole; that is, to heal us from the inside out. The end result will be goodness but goodness that comes from a healed heart, and not from adhering to external rules and regulations dictated by legalism.

This is not an excuse to act out in sinful or destructive behaviors or to ignore God's laws which are for our protection. Never! As the Apostle Paul said, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means...."2

What it does mean is that I need to grow towards wholeness and maturity by recognizing my inner brokenness, my weaknesses, and my unresolved character issues and bring them not only to God, but also to a trusted friend and/or counselor for healing and recovery. As a general rule, we got damaged (emotionally) in damaging relationships and we get healed (emotionally) in healing relationships. As James said, "Therefore confess your sins [and faults] to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."3

Again, God's goal is not to make us good, but to make us whole. It's the heart that counts with him, not the externals. If all I have is external goodness, I am no better than the Pharisees. Realize too, that only to the degree that we are made whole will our lifestyle, our attitude, our actions, our behavior, and our relationships be "whole-some."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to see my broken parts so I can bring them to you for healing. Confront me with my reality, make me whole, and lead me to the help that I need to do this. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Colossians 1:28–29 (NASB).
2. Romans 6:1 (NIV).
3. James 5:16 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Loving Your Enemies

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:31:00 +0000

"But I [Jesus] say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."1

Bob Lewis relates the story of a Christian woman "who owned two prize-winning chickens. One afternoon, the chickens worked their way out of her yard and into her neighbor's garden. The neighbor, known for his hot temper, captured both birds, wrung their necks and then threw their lifeless carcasses across the fence into the Christian's yard.

"The woman was understandably hurt and considered giving her neighbor a piece of her mind. Instead, she took the chickens home and prepared two chicken pot pies. Whereupon she took one to her neighbor and then apologized for not being more watchful of her chickens. The man was speechless. The chicken pot pie coupled with an apology filled him with such a sense of burning shame that his whole life began to change."Need I say more?

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I find it real easy to love those who are lovable but don't know how to love my enemies and those who would mistreat me. Please help me to grow in love so that I will always be 'as Christ' to everyone—friend or foe. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Matthew 5:44 (NKJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Second Chances

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:33:00 +0000

"Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 'Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.'"1

I think most of us enjoy the story of "Jonah and the Whale (Great Fish)."

Jonah was commissioned by God to go to Nineveh and warn the people that if they didn't repent of their wicked, sinful ways, God would destroy them. Jonah didn't like these people and didn't want God to save them, so he boarded a ship and went off in the opposite direction. But God sent a great storm "to shake Jonah up."

However, all aboard the ship were terrified for their lives. When Jonah admitted he was the cause of the storm, the sailors threw him overboard.But God in his mercy sent a big fish to swallow Jonah.

Had God not done this, without a doubt Jonah would have drowned. On the third day, Jonah repented and God caused the great fish to vomit him up on a beach. After Jonah repented and God rescued him, God commissioned him a second time.

Having worked in the area of recovery for a number of years, and specifically in the area of divorce and grief recovery over the past decade, I have seen too many individuals rush into a second marriage without resolving the issues that caused their first marriage to fail—and then see their second marriage and, for some, their third marriage fail.

What many fail to realize is that, in all of life (not just marriage), what we fail to resolve we are destined to repeat … repeat … repeat … until we get it right! The good news is that no matter how many times we fail, God in his mercy and infinite patience will give us a second, third, fourth, fifth, ad infinitum opportunity to get things right.

However, once we get it right, we don't have to go through the same failure again! This is why I encourage divorcees (and others who have failed in other situations) to resolve the issues in their life that caused their marriage or situation to fail so they won't have to go through the same terrible experience.

God wants us to recover, heal and become whole so we won't keep hurting ourselves—and others. Like Jonah, God will keep giving us as many opportunities as we need so we will get it right. That means quitting the blame game, admitting and facing our personal problems, and getting into recovery.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to admit every failure in my life and help me to see the causes behind these failures, and lead me to the help I need to resolve these issues and recover so I can move on with my life in more creative and wholesome ways. Please help me to use every one of my failures as an opportunity to grow and become a better, healthier, more God-honoring person. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Jonah 3:1-2 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

The Power of Gossip

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:44:00 +0000

"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret."1

Alan Boone tells the humorous story how, at the end of their first date, a young man takes his favorite girl home. Emboldened by the night, he decides to try for that important first kiss. With an air of confidence, he leans with his hand against the wall and, smiling, he says to her:

"Darling, how about a goodnight kiss?"
Horrified, she replies, "Are you mad? My parents will see us!"
"Oh come on! Who's gonna see us at this hour?"
"No, please. Can you imagine if we get caught?"
"Oh come on, there's nobody around, they're all sleeping!"
"No way. It's just too risky!"
"Oh please, please, I like you so much!"
"No, no, and no. I like you too, but I just can't!"
"Oh yes you can. Please?"
"NO, no. I just can't.""Pleeeeease?"

Out of the blue, the porch light goes on, and the girl's sister shows up in her pajamas, hair disheveled. In a sleepy voice the sister says: "Dad says to go ahead and give him a kiss. Or I can do it. Or if need be, he'll come down himself and do it. But for crying out loud tell him to take his hand off the intercom button!"2

Ooops ... Some time ago after teaching a class, I was sharing personally with a friend and my microphone was still turned on! Very embarrassing!

What can be even more devastating and disappointing is when you have shared in confidence something very personal with someone that you trusted, only to find that they have shared it with someone else, and that someone shared it with someone else, and so on. Trust has been broken and you feel betrayed.

How easy it is to gossip. We can do it in numerous ways besides verbal assaults on a person's character. When someone's name is mentioned, all we have to do is say, "Oh, HIM!" in a negative tone of voice—or even give a dirty look at the mention of a person's name.

As another has said, "Most of us would never steal a man's transportation, but think nothing of stealing his reputation."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to guard my tongue, and always ignore and never pass on harmful gossip. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 11:13 (NIV).
2. Alan Smith, Boone, NC. www.TFTD-online.com.

Credit: Daily Encounter

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:55:00 +0000

Happy birthday to me, Happy birthday to me, Happy birthday dear ME, Happy birthday to ME!!!!!

An Obedient Heart!!!

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:56:00 +0000

Morning all. Sometimes I find myself wondering why I am here. You know we can really let the cares of this passing world take over our lives and take our eyes off what is important.

What is important is living the life Jehovah God placed us here to live. He made us for himself and for his habitation. He deposited things in our lives to be beneficial to others and to give God all the honour and glory.

How many of us can honestly say that we are living within the will of God? I know that if I answer this question right now it would be in the negative. Yep!

Part of the problem is that I am never satisfied with my circumstances. I always think that there is something better out there for me and that God will want me to be happy … Blah! Blah! Blah! You know what I mean, the usual things we say to convince ourselves that our rebellion against God is not really rebellion.

I went to church yesterday morning and our Pastor was saying certain things that pertained to me and I was praying to Heavenly Father yesterday about my situation (which I created myself) and I asked him “Lord, why am I so disobedient?” No matter how much he shows me He loves me and how much I am worth to Him, I always, ALWAYS do something to mess up, be it doing something I am not to do or not doing something I am to do.

Therefore, this morning I was praying again this morning and all I asked Him was for a “Heart to obey Him”. That is all I want is an obedient heart, not to deny him. I also told Him “Lord I am not going to stop bothering you until you give me that new heart”.

Anyway, I was listening to a CD about 7 youths who Jesus carried to hell to show them the suffering of lost souls sent there. One of the youths sited Proverbs 27:20 and I did some research and came upon http://www.letgodbetrue.come/ and the interpretation of this Proverb below.

God Bless and I Love you all.

Proverbs 27:20 - Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

There is always room for one more fool to live a painful and dysfunctional life and die a miserable death! Hell and destruction are never full! Therefore, fools are always lusting after the evil things that will ruin their lives! The eyes of man are never satisfied! Fools rush to their own hurt and loss every day! There is always room for one more! Go on in, fool!

There is no limit to loveless marriages, foolish children, lonely hearts, underemployed sluggards, early deaths, starving dreamers, and other problems. You can join them, reader! Prisons have few vacancies, because another fool shows up to fill the house of pain. Divorce Court never closes, because one more fool chose to marry for lust instead of faith or chose to divorce for feelings instead of facts. A.A. always takes new members, for there is one more lush unwilling to drink water. Hell and destruction are never full.

Fools are hilarious! They always want, wish, and lust for something to make them happy - which they never find! They think a man, a woman, a child, a house, an amount of money, a car, a boat, affection from another fool, marriage, an event, a promotion, or something else will make them happy! But they never find it, no matter how hard and long they look! They are doomed to misery, for they have got on a treadmill to nowhere!

They are never content with what they have, even if it is much; for they imagine there is something more exciting out there to make them happy. So they live frustrated and lonely lives, searching for Nirvana, and then they die and wake up in hell! What a miserable existence! Hell and destruction are never full! A fool's eyes are never satisfied!

Hell and destruction are a miserable and painful life and an unnecessary death (23:13-14). The lake of fire is never full either! It always has a little more room! But the lesson here is about painful lives. You too can destroy your marriage, fail with your children, or live with a lonely and frustrated soul. You too can turn your life into hell and destruction. The grave never says, "Enough" (30:15-16), so fools find new ways to lie and die miserably. No matter how many bodies are cast into the ground each day, there is room for more!

The eyes of man are never satisfied, because man craves anything other than God. There is no end to the lust of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life (I Jn 2:15-17). Every foolish man thinks a little more of this or that will make him happy. He cannot relax; he dreams of something better; he needs another event to bring him a taste of excitement. He refuses to accept his present circumstances, for he thinks himself too good for them! He thinks in the near future he will discover something to bring peace and joy.

Give a woman a good husband: she wants a different man. Give him a good job: he wants to work for himself. Give her a warm home and children: she wants something to do. Give him a good income: he wants more. Give her a good body: she wants it better. The problem is not improvement; the problem is out-of-control priorities leading to sin. Why do men with beautiful wives divorce more often than those with average wives? Why are women that could be content with the Lord always frustrated and looking for more?

The strange woman - by her sins of fornication and adultery - takes men down to death and hell (2:18-19; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18; Eccl 7:26). But there is always room for one more fool to use the cover of darkness to go near her house to taste her deceitful offerings (7:6-10). He sees her beauty and hears her flattery and is sure he has found the treasure of pleasure. Foolish men are not satisfied with their wives, so the punishing ruin of adultery always has room for one more fool to be accepted into its downward spiral to destruction.

Adam and Eve were not satisfied in Paradise, and it cost them everything. He that loves silver will not be satisfied with silver, which is vanity and vexation of spirit (Eccl 5:10). Covetousness is idolatry and a great evil, which leads to constant frustration and unhappiness (Eph 5:5). Men's hearts always want something else or something more, and this evil fretting against God and lust for new things will take them down to destruction.

Godliness with contentment is great gain (I Tim 6:6). But fools cannot learn the lesson! They hear it, but they cannot learn it. For they have convinced themselves - deceived themselves - that there is something else that will excite and fulfill their little souls. But the blessed God will never let you find anything positive outside Him, so those who get their eyes and hearts attached to the things of this life are doomed to misery!

Fool! Are you discontent, frustrated, and suffering misery and pain in your life? It is your fault! You have chosen your own lusts over the things of God and heaven. You protect your pet sins; you resent correction by your teachers; and you intend to do things your way. If you will make the blessed God your everlasting portion, you can always be content and filled with joy (Ps 16:11; 73:25-26).

If you choose wisdom, you can find life and escape death (13:14; 14:27). There is also room for one more saint!

Credit: Let God Be True.

Stand Up and Be Counted

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:50:00 +0000

Good morning to all of you my beautiful brothers and sisters in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am sorry that I am not around much to minister to you but as I said in an earlier thread I am really busy and many things are happening all at once in my life. However, one thing remains consistent, that is My Love for Christ Jesus and his Love for us.

I am leaving you with an article written by the Daily Encounter and I hope that it blesses you in a mighty way. Until we meet again - may the Good Lord Bless and Keep You. I Love you all.

"When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was in the wrong."1

On more than one occasion Jesus confronted the Pharisees in no uncertain terms for their hypocritical behavior, as did the Apostle Paul to Peter in the above Scripture verse.

So when is it right for us to confront others and when do we need to keep silent?

How do we know when we are reacting in proportion to what has happened or if we are overreacting?

When someone attacks us personally, when do we turn the other cheek?

Or when we see wrong in society, business, or politics, should we speak out or should we look the other way and say nothing?

When people attacked Jesus and accused him falsely, he remained totally non defensive and said nothing because he had nothing to hide. On the other hand, when people misused the house of God and used people for their own ends, or tried to hide their hypocrisy behind a facade of religious piety, or loved their man–made legalistic rules more than they loved people, Jesus spoke out against them in no uncertain terms.

The bottom line is our motive. Jesus always did what he did because he loved God and he loved people. He attacked evil and wrong head on because it was destructive to those whom God loves—us.

Furthermore, Jesus always spoke with authority but was never authoritarian, rigid, controlling or manipulative because he always acted out of pure motives and had no hidden agenda. What we need to do if we are going to make an impact in our world is, first of all, to acknowledge our own shortcomings and with God's help, work to overcome these.

Second, we need to love the things God loves and hate the things he hates and speak out against the things God hates as Jesus did. We need to be angry with these too. We simply cannot love righteousness without hating unrighteousness.

Remember that meekness is not weakness, and also the words of Edmund Burke who said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

"Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the insight to discern that which is right and that which is wrong, and give me the courage to stand up and be counted, speak out against and confront the wrong, but always in a loving and Christ–like manner. And help me always to be willing to do my part to bring about change. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Galatians 2:11 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Sand and Stone

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:13:00 +0000

Hey Morning guys. I know its been a while but I went on vacation and just got back and you know how it is when you come off vacation your desk at work is swamped.

Anyway I experienced some heavy stuff over the past three weeks but time will not permit me to speak on it just yet since I have a meeting I must run into.

However, be rest assured that I was thinking of you all the time. How much you guys mean to both me and God.

So anyway below is something I got from my friend Larry and I hope its a blessing to you as it has been to me. Until we meet again, may the good Lord bless and keep you.

TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT.

DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT;

AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.

THE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT,

BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND:

'TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE'.

THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS,

WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH

THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE !

AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.

AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE:

'TODAY MY ST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE '.

THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM,

'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'

THE FRIEND REPLIED:

'WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE I T DOWN IN SAND,

WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.

BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US,

WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT.'

LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

On Barking Dogs and Sleeping Lions

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:58:00 +0000

The follwing message was taken from the Daily Encounter, I hope that it will be a blessing to you as it has been to me. God Bless and I Love You!!!

"Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise ... the weak things of the world to shame the strong ... the lowly things of the world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him."1

Irving is credited with having made the remark that "a barking dog is often more useful than a sleeping lion."

Another way of saying the same thing is that "the race is not always to the swift but to those who keep on running."

One of the encouraging aspects about God is that you don't have to be an expert or anything out of the ordinary for him to use you. God uses people just like you and me.

Consider, for example, the men Jesus chose to be his disciples: a couple of fishermen, a despised tax gatherer, a thief, and so on.

Jesus himself didn't attend college or seminary (or the equivalent in his day) but chose as his profession to be a carpenter as was his father, Joseph.

For God to use us, we just need to be available and faithful to his calling, and get adequately trained so we can do the best we can in our service to the Lord. While the disciples weren't qualified to be disciples when Jesus called them, they spent the next three years being trained by the Master Teacher Par Excellence—the Lord himself.

Remember, it's better to be a barking dog than a sleeping lion. What a difference we Christians would make in our family and all our relationships, in our church, and in the world in which we live if we would all pray the following prayer at the beginning of every day:

"Dear God, I'm available. Please make me usable and use me today to be as Christ to my family, to someone in need, and in some way to every life I touch. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."1.

1 Corinthians 1:26–28 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Be thankful!!

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:01:00 +0000

If you think you are unhappy, look at them!!!

If you think your salary is low, how about her?

If you think you don't have many friends...

If you think study is a burden, how about her?

When you feel like giving up, think of this man.

If you think you suffer in life, do you suffer as much as he does?

If you complain about your transport system, how about them?

If your society is unfair to you, how about her?

Enjoy life how it is and as it comes

Christians

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:31:00 +0000

Christians
by Maya Angelou

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first... to find her."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'"
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Pretty is as Pretty does...

but beautiful is just plain beautiful!

When It's all been said and done

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:29:00 +0000

Good day to all of you my brothers and sisters in the Lord. This is the day that the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it.

At last Sunday morning service our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ used his Oracle our Pastor to ask us three questions and for us to truly examine our hearts and answer truthfully.

Question 1:

Jesus asked – Do you love me more than your best friend?

My answer – I paused, thought about my best-friend (my husband), then I said: "Yes Lord I do love you more than my best friend”.

I must confess I really had to think about that which should not be, I felt disappointed in myself because he deserves so much more.

Question 2:

Jesus asked – Why are you serving me?

My answer – The first answer that popped into my head – “Because I have no choice”

This time I felt ashamed since I knew that I should not just serve Him because He is the only way to life everlasting but because I must have a great desire in my heart to bring my end to completion (i.e.) live for him and let his will be done in my life for the edifying of the church, learn and be strong and pass on all that I have learnt to faithful men and women who would then pass it on to other faithful for His honour and glory.

Question 3:

Jesus asked – What does serving me mean to you if you are following friends?

My answer: “Lord what?”

I can just imagine how Peter felt in John 21 (after Jesus’ resurrection) when the Lord Jesus asked Him – Do you love me three times. Do you love me more than them (Peter’s close friends, six of the other 11 disciples).

I can just imagine how Peter felt when the Lord Jesus told him to feed his lambs, feed his sheep and told him how his final days on the earth will be if he chose to truly follow him.

Although Peter knew that he would become blind, crucified and suffer many other trials once he chose to follow Christ, he did – Because he loved Him.

It made me take a step back and look at my walk and sensitized me to the fact that many of us truly don’t comprehend what it truly means to Love Jesus.

How many of us will die for him once it brings honour and glory to Him?

How many of us will take the extra time and effort to feed his lambs (young Christians) and be patient with them the way Jesus has and still is patient with us?

How many of us would serve Him if it means loosing the things and those we love and treasure?

For many of us will be called upon to loose, suffer and die for Him, which would we choose? Would we love life and loose it? Or would we hate our life and live?

This morning (like every morning) my husband turned on praise and worship for us to commune with and praise Elohim whilst getting ready for work. Then I heard a song from Don Moen, which truly crystallized what was said on Sunday, and it really stuck in my spirit, it ached my heart. I must share this food with you.

God Bless and I Love you all.

When it’s all been said and done:

When it's all been said and done

There is just one thing that matters

Did I do my best to live for truth?

Did I live my life for you?

When it's all been said and done

All my treasures will mean nothing

Only what I have done For love's rewards

Will stand the test of time

Lord, your mercy is so great

That you look beyond our weakness

That you found purest gold in miry clay

Turning sinners into saints

I will always sing your praise

Here on earth and in heaven after

For you've joined me at my true home

When it's all been said and done

You're my life when life is gone...

By Don Moen
Album: Thank You Lord

Joy in the Morning ... After the Mourning

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:27:00 +0000

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."1

Letters such as the following are par for the course in the work that I do:"My fiancée called off our wedding. How can I fill the hollow ache inside me?""My wife left me for another man. How can I even begin to think about the future?"

"After 30 years together, my husband has died. What meaning is there in life for me now?"True, it's easy to believe the principle in today's Bible verse when we don't need it! But for heart-broken people it can seem that "joy in the morning" is a far way off.

The reality is that disappointment, heartache, grief, and sorrow come to all of us at some time or another. Sooner or later we are all going to lose an opportunity, our job, our investment portfolio, or a loved one.

And, as the poet said: "When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

And the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When funds are low and debts are high,

You have to smile but you want to cry.

"It takes time to work through and resolve our grief (and we need supporting friends to help us do this). But when we do, we can come out a more understanding and caring person ... and better able to support others who are going through sad times.

And, in time, joy in the morning will replace our mourning!For whatever encouragement it may be, try to remember that no matter how disappointed you are feeling or how much you are hurting right now, know that every heartache and loss has within it the seeds of opportunity. Hidden within each disappointment is a pearl of great price, which, when found, will dwarf your problem.

The greatest success stories are written by people who, against seemingly overwhelming and often insurmountable odds, have accepted their trials and turned them into opportunities for personal growth and stepping stones on their pathway to success.With God's help you and I can do the same. Trust him and choose friends who will empower you to do so.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in every disappointment, heartache, sorrow, and trial I experience, help me to always keep trusting my life to you and, in the process, will you please make something beautiful out of my life. Please do this for your glory, and thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Psalm 30:5 (NKJV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

God Speaks

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:40:00 +0000

Good morning my brothers and sisters, this is the day that the Lord has made, we will be glad and rejoice in it. I know it has been a while but I have been busy, however one thing remains the same is my Love and Fear for the Lord and my Love for You.

I am constantly in a battle with myself. Sometimes I know when the heavenly father is speaking to me through his Holy Spirit and then sometimes I am not sure. My husband always tells me “By now you should know when the Lord is speaking to you”.

The funny thing is when I am being admonished, I know. Yeah I am still a little disobedient to Heavenly Father but I am improving daily and by His grace, I will learn to submit fully under his mighty hands and allow the Potter to shape me into the vessel of honour he wants me to be.

Therefore, my problem is when God speaks to me in that still, quiet voice. I know its him sometimes, and then sometimes I wonder if it is just me speaking to myself. You know the Lord Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Therefore, this also tells me that I need to spend more personal time with Him to truly get to know his voice.

On the other hand you must also be able to distinguish when your thoughts are yours and when it is a result of demonic manipulation or influence. When a thought pops up in your mind and your first response is to shun it or it repulses you immediately, usually that is not your thought but your mind is being demonically influenced. So the next time this happens weigh it carefully. Do not leave room for the devil to manipulate, pull down that imagination in the name of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

I am positive that many of you also wonder about when God is speaking to you and when it is yourself. Well below is an article from The Daily Encounter on the topic and I hope that it is a blessing to you as it has been for me. God Bless!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight [or direct your paths]."1

A Daily Encounter reader asks, "How can I know when God is speaking to me, or when it is just my own thoughts? I often joke that God needs to throw a brick and hit me upside the head with a note attached!" I can understand how this person feels and feel confident that many other readers struggle with the same question.

I once had a man tell me that God told him that he was to work for me. I did not buy his message. And I wasn't struck down by lightning when I wouldn't give him a job!

When I was a deacon in a former church, this same man and another deacon, when important matters were to be discussed, claimed that God had told them the way it was to be. This could have been the end of any further discussion, for who can argue against God? But my answer to these people where it affects me is that "God hasn't told me yet, so can we discuss the matter further?" These people didn't like me very much!God has never spoken to me in an audible voice but apparently he does to some people.

I believe at least on one occasion God has "spoken" to me in a vivid dream. What we need to be certain of is to test the message to see if it is from God or from myself or any other source. How do we do this?

First, God's message will always be in harmony with his Word, the Bible, and never in opposition to it. I recall hearing one speaker talking about a phenomenon happening in his church saying that it must be a new work of God because it isn't in the Bible! This can be a very misleading path to follow.

Second, when God is speaking to us or leading us, there is a quiet conviction and a sense of inner peace. As his Word says, "Let the peace of God rule in your heart" (Colossians 3:15). When I don't have this inner peace, I have learned the hard way not to act on what I think I should do. In younger days, if what I thought was God speaking to me, I would have been willing to stand on my head in public. But I learned that there is a vast difference between what God is saying (a conviction) and what is my own compulsion. With a conviction there is a sense of freedom and peace. But where the "little voice inside my head" keeps saying, "You have to do this! You have to do this! You have to do this!" and it is distressing me, I can be certain that it is a compulsion and not from God.

Third, God often "speaks to us" or leads us through our circumstances. Speaking personally, as I look back over the years, I can see how God has consistently led me through various and sundry circumstances and as the hymn–writer said, "Jesus led me all the way."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that when I commit my way to you and trust you with all my heart, you always lead me in the way that I should go. Please help me to learn how to discern when the "voice" I hear is from you or from myself or another source. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV).

Credit: Daily Encounter

Should Christians Ever Divorce? Part I I

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:24:00 +0000

"Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife" [or husband].1

Whether we agree with it or not, divorce happens. Some have done all in their power to save their marriage but failed to do so. Then there are those who go into marriage with no sense of responsibility or commitment to make their relationship work.

Today we are speaking about the former, not the latter whose divorce could rarely, if ever, be justified. Unfortunately, some Christians today still see divorced people as second–rate citizens and many churches (and/or fellow Christians) do not accept them fully. As the old saying goes, the church is the only army who shoots its wounded!

Today's church as a whole is very much for families; that is, married families. This in light of the fact that more than half the adults 24 years and older, at least in the U.S., are single! The single world is thus a vast mission field that many, if not most, churches and Christians pretty much close a blind eye to.

The good news is that God doesn't reject divorcees who acknowledge their failure and ask him for his help and forgiveness. Think of the woman at the well who had had several husbands and was not married to the man she was now living with! Did Jesus reject her? No. In fact he used her to take the gospel to the people in her town! We probably would have given her the "left foot of fellowship."

Think, too, of the woman caught in the act of adultery! Did Jesus reject her? No, he didn't. And while he didn't condone her behavior, he loved and accepted her and helped to free her from her sinful lifestyle.

Certainly divorce should ever only be the last step after every honest attempt has been made to save the marriage. But unless both partners are committed to personal honesty, facing the truth about their contribution to the conflict, and are willing to grow, change and work on their own recovery, it is hopeless.

In my experience, I have witnessed that in most failed relationships too many people play the blame–game and as long as they blame the other person for their problems, without facing what they have contributed to the breakup, there is no resolution and there is no hope for resolving the conflict. The reality is that we are as sick—or as healthy—as the people we are attracted to.

God's Word also reminds us to live, if possible, peaceably with all people,2 which is implying that it isn't always possible to do this. And that it is better to live in the corner of the housetop than in a wide house with a quarrelsome partner.3

When we think about what God has to say about divorce, let's not forget the many other Scriptures that apply to relationships.

Another thing I urge divorcees is to see their failed marriage as God's wakeup call for them to face and work through their character issues/weaknesses to ensure that they won't make the same mistake again, for what we don't resolve, we are destined to repeat. And God will allow us to keep repeating our mistakes until we get it! But once we learn what we need to learn, we don't need to keep learning the hard way. What God wants for all of us is to be made whole, for only to the degree that we are made whole will our lifestyle, attitude, behavior, actions and relationships be whole–some.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be open and honest in my relationships—with you and with all the important people in my life; help me to face and resolve my character weaknesses, and to be 'as Christ' to others so I will be protected against divorce and other failed relationships. Thank you God for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

NOTE: Be sure to read my article, "Living Again After Divorce" at: http://tinyurl.com/9g92u

1. Proverbs 21:9 (NIV).

2. Romans 12:18.

3. Proverbs 25:24.

Credit: Daily Encounter

Should Christians Ever Divorce, Part I

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:56:00 +0000

"'For I hate divorce,' says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'and him who covers his garment with wrong,' says the LORD of hosts. 'So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.'"1

A question that arises from time to time asked by Daily Encounter readers has to do with divorce: Should a Christian ever get divorced?I've worked in the area of Divorce and Grief Recovery for the past decade or more, so I have regular contact with people struggling with this issue. For most, it is an extremely painful experience, and terribly disillusioning especially for Christians who sincerely want to do the Lord's will.

I know one man who right now is going through divorce. I believe he has done everything in his power to save his marriage. He has been in counseling for many months working on his side of the marital conflict but, sad to say, his wife has refused to continue in counseling and emphatically declares that her husband is the one who needs to change.

There are many wives who are in a similar situation.

So what should these people do? Should they stay in a toxic, destructive relationship? And what should or can they do when and if their partner files for divorce? Some fight the divorce but for many they have no choice!

True, God hates divorce and he does so because it is so hurtful to those whom he loves. Most divorcees hate divorce too. But let us remember that God also hates everything else that is harmful to his children.

This includes covering up wrong, gossip, lying, cheating, dishonesty, jealousy, pride, legalism, and destructive, abusive or hateful relationships, and hypocritical relationships that put on a good show in public but behind closed doors are anything but loving and kind. Unfortunately, some who "preach that God hates divorce" to those going through it are blind to the fact that God hates their judgmental attitude just as much as he hates divorce.

To be continued ...

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me not to be judgmental of those going through divorce, but rather help me to see my shortcomings, failures and sins and with your help, overcome these. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Malachi 2:16 (NASB).

Credit: Daily Enounter

Lessons from Rabbits

electratrinidad@yahoo.com (Electra (trinidad)) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:27:00 +0000

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."1

Scientists were studying the impact of a high-cholesterol diet on heart disease. To measure this effect, they fed a group of genetically similar rabbits the same high-cholesterol diet. To their amazement, half the rabbits developed heart troubles, while the others were normal, with no noticeable heart disease.

This outcome was not explainable, so they bought new rabbits and repeated the study. At the end of two weeks, they obtained the same results. Something was wrong with the research design, but they could not determine the unaccountable variable.

Eventually, they discovered that during the evening the assistant who fed and cared for the rabbits took the rabbits out of their cages and cuddled them and petted them while she changed their bedding and food. However, because she was short, she could not reach the rabbits on the top shelf, so they were simply fed and changed without being picked up. Sure enough, after two weeks, the rabbits on the top row all had heart disease, while the rabbits on the bottom row were healthy. The environment and diet were exactly the same. The only variable was expressed love through touching.2

I'm not suggesting that we ignore a healthy diet. Not at all! But every one of us also needs a healthy diet of love and affection if we are to be and stay healthy.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be so filled with your love that I will always be loving and affectionate towards my loved ones and also (with discretion) to all the people you bring into my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Romans 12:9–10 (NIV).

2. By Marvin Wray in "Wit and Wisdom."

Credit: Daily Encounter