tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49274200456195446792024-02-08T05:42:34.939+08:00Real Life Christian CommunitiesHelping you to experience real life in Christ together with othersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-65894635953617957402017-06-12T08:58:00.001+08:002017-06-12T08:58:10.666+08:00Your Purpose in Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you're a follower of Christ, you have a purpose in this world beyond merely being successful in your career or enjoying your life together with your family and friends. If that's all you care about, you're wasting the time, talents and treasures God has entrusted to you. Invest them to serve others. Help others to know the love of God, and in so doing, lead them to trust in Jesus instead of themselves. Patiently teach them how to follow the Lord day by day. Show them how t<span class="text_exposed_show">hey can serve the Lord also just like you do. Do it by your example. If necessary, use words. Use every platform you have to bring as many people as possible to the kingdom of God and to live in it successfully. Think of creative ways and means to influence others to know and obey the Lord. In today's technological world, there are many opportunities, if only you will explore them. Don't waste your time, talents, and treasures -- use them for God's glory. That's the reason why you're here. <span style="color: blue;">(<a href="http://m.me/rlccphil">http://m.me/rlccphil</a>)</span></span><br />
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Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-6549021862925858542017-02-16T17:19:00.003+08:002017-02-16T17:21:30.218+08:00Secret Prayers of a LeaderLeaders need to pray. But how do we pray? Listen to this podcast as I talk about the Secret Prayers of a Leader.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="30" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="https://archive.org/embed/SecretPrayersOfALeader" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="500"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-41686930227318015292016-06-10T08:47:00.002+08:002016-06-10T08:47:30.929+08:00Start with your body<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1)</em></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Many people are frustrated about their spiritual lives. They feel they need to grow, but often they are discouraged by their lack of progress. They try so hard to become better Christians, but they end up repeating the same old mistakes that tend to make them lose hope. The key is to focus on vital behaviors that can significantly alter the course and quality of our lives in disproportionate ways. It’s the principle of leverage. You focus on a few crucial behaviors that can place you in a position where you can experience more of God’s grace. Ultimately, of course, it’s all about God’s grace. The key is not to try harder, but to train in such a way that you place yourself in a situation where God’s grace can flow more into your life, to enable you to do what you cannot do by yourself otherwise. It’s all about cooperation, not trying harder.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Now, to begin, you need to focus on the physical aspect of your life. Yes, you heard me. Focus first on the physical aspect. In as much as we want to grow spiritually, we need to understand that we are a unified being. Our body is not an unnecessary shell that we just carry around with us wherever we go. Our body is part of who we are. We are a living soul, and that includes our body. You cannot do anything in this world apart from your body. If you do not focus on your body first, there’s nothing that you can really do about any other aspect of your life. Now, of course, I do not mean to say that there’s nothing you can do if you do not have a complete healthy body. Many people who are in that kind of situation can still do a lot of things. Nothing is impossible if someone is determined and if he or she would trust in God’s grace. But my point is that your body is the means through which you will be able to live your life here on earth. So if you do not train your body to submit to God, nothing else will work. Your spirituality begins with your body. This is why we must offer our bodies first to God as a living sacrifice. Regardless of the condition of our body, whether we are healthy or not, we must offer it. You must surrender your ownership of your body and offer it to the One who truly has the right to own it. In other words, God must own our bodies if we are to succeed in walking or following Jesus Christ. So the key to becoming a faithful and fruitful follower of Christ, and so to experience a better life, is to offer your body to God and let Him be the Lord of your body. Why don’t you do that starting today. Start with your body. That’s where all your spirituality will begin. Shalom! (PB)</span></div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-17524295181225927802016-05-27T08:16:00.000+08:002016-05-27T08:16:34.943+08:00Cut to the Heart<span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "merriweather" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”</span><br />
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Hebrews 4:12 NIV</div>
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Your heart is the invisible real you. This is where your thoughts, emotions, and will come from. It is formed by your interactions, engagements and experiences, sometimes willingly and at other times unwillingly.</div>
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You decide where your heart will go, to what or to whom it will be open to, and this in turn affects what you store in it. However, your heart also directs you, causing you to be open to certain things, people, or experiences. Thus your heart is also the director of your life. You just don't direct it; it directs you. You go where your heart wants you to go.</div>
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At the same time, your heart is always laid bare before God. You can hide your heart from others, and even from yourself, but you cannot hide from God. In truth, your heart has many levels. It has surface levels as well as deeper levels. You're conscious of the surface levels, that's for sure, but the deeper levels are always hidden from you. However, they are never hidden from God. What you are not conscious of inevitably controls you, and you are helpless, unless God reveals it to you. His word actually penetrates the deepest part of you, and that's grace. Through this revelation, and if you're honest and humble, your heart can be transformed by the power of God. He engages with you at your deepest heart level, through His word, and when He does, you should direct your heart to listen to Him. Shalom! (PB)</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-18440490226643302402016-05-16T19:35:00.003+08:002016-05-16T19:35:42.992+08:00The Truth about Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBw2nVFLJ2mgDNHuB0MY58Z5KdjmuBKBHo0QdjS89klBqkSh4ehsJ_j-8JwEs6owDw79_p78IeAp9W2oXbmPfxRkQzOSrAPZFymmx4AoC5uugBiGPauWvy5Yzacbo0wXz-1XaKC2DO-W1Y/s1600/truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBw2nVFLJ2mgDNHuB0MY58Z5KdjmuBKBHo0QdjS89klBqkSh4ehsJ_j-8JwEs6owDw79_p78IeAp9W2oXbmPfxRkQzOSrAPZFymmx4AoC5uugBiGPauWvy5Yzacbo0wXz-1XaKC2DO-W1Y/s320/truth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” John 8:31-32 NIV</span></em></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Often people quote the last part of this verse to emphasize the importance of truth. But in its proper context, this verse is not saying truth is important per se, or that it is important because it will set us free. Instead, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of following Jesus, trusting in His word or teachings. This will actually show that we are indeed His disciples. The result of that kind of trust is knowing truth by actual experience. This means that we can start obeying Jesus by faith, even though we don’t have experience yet. But by doing so, according to Jesus, we will be rewarded. We will know the truth and the truth will set us free. This is the blessing of obedience by faith, we gain experiential knowledge of the truth, and this knowledge will help us to trust God more. Eventually, we will experience more and more freedom. Freedom, of course, is synonymous with salvation.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">So, when you hear a teaching from Jesus, and you have no experience whatsoever that it is true, you will be faced with a decision. Will you obey or will you disobey? My suggestion is that you should obey by faith, even though you may have some doubts. Don’t worry about it. God can handle your doubts. Just trust Him even with your little faith. Once you do that, you will see that what Jesus says is actually true. No one who puts their trust in Jesus, no matter how small, will be put to shame. Knowledge of the truth will be your reward. Not just simple head knowledge but actual verifiable experiential knowledge. This is the exciting promise of this verse. Shalom! (PB)</span></div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-43683931454611929742016-04-18T16:31:00.002+08:002016-04-18T16:31:58.181+08:00There is always hope<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
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<span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;"><em>“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:24-25 NIV</em></span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">It's easy to despair when all you see around you is pain and suffering, injustice and evil, hatred and division, etc. The list can go on and on. There is ample reason why many today feel hopeless. When you're hopeless, you're willing to settle for anything that can give you a glimmer of hope, even if that option is not the best option. Something is better than nothing, you reason. In fact, if you really think about it, the problem in our country, the Philippines, is nothing less than hopelessness. Majority have lost hope. Many have given up. There's nothing to look forward to as far as the future is concerned. Is this how you feel?</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">As a follower of Jesus Christ, I cannot but have hope because God has made certain promises about the present and also the future. I know it may be hard to believe, but God promises a new and better world someday. But He also promises a better life today. This is what the word of God says. Therefore, I cannot live my life without hope. I cannot make choices based on desperation. I will choose based on hope. I will conduct my present life based on God's present and future promises. Despair, for me, is not a option. God is and will always be faithful.</span></div>
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<span data-mce-style="color: #000000;" style="color: black;">If you're feeling hopeless today, stop focusing on the problems all around you. Focus on God's precious promises. They are true today and they will be true tomorrow. Look to Him who is faithful and true. Everything else may crumble all around you, but the word of the Lord stands forever! Expect better things from here on and unto eternity. Trust in Jesus! Shalom! (PB)</span></div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-27420451178150047612016-04-14T20:00:00.000+08:002016-04-14T20:00:01.231+08:00Real Life Through Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzWa1gbQper7ygbl3ILKtqQbqpKFsSx5WyND7niQaKJFWz9KxjxUEP2nGryHKime9KvuC_fNdHiLFabZj3uxRp8YmciPo4EvdVBJdWCfFkn-M7bSU4gPU1WuHa9dPv5LJfLAR1h0T3F1f/s1600/jesus_new_robe_man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzWa1gbQper7ygbl3ILKtqQbqpKFsSx5WyND7niQaKJFWz9KxjxUEP2nGryHKime9KvuC_fNdHiLFabZj3uxRp8YmciPo4EvdVBJdWCfFkn-M7bSU4gPU1WuHa9dPv5LJfLAR1h0T3F1f/s320/jesus_new_robe_man.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 11.25px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">17 </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! (Romans 5:17)</span></em></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Because of one man’s disobedience, the whole world suffers today. Pain and misery is now the lot of all men and women, young or old. No one escapes the consequences of sin. It produces death in many different ways.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">This happens even today, when we choose to disregard His will. It may not appear immediately, but our souls will surely die. We may appear happy and fulfilled on the outside, but soon sin will require its payment. We will inevitably feel the emptiness of being separated from God, because that is the consequence of sin. Nothing in this world can fill this up, because only God can fully satisfy our souls.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">But now, through faith in Jesus Christ, our souls can be healed. God’s abundant provision of grace and of the free gift of righteousness will bring life again into our weary souls. We will live again! Instead of misery and pain, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit will fill our souls. Jesus Christ will enable us to experience a life that is so much better than the best life we can ever imagine! All we have to do is just to turn from a life of sin and surrender our hearts to Jesus. Let Him heal you from the consequences of sin. Let Him give you real life. Stop running your life; you will only ruin it. Instead choose the real life that only God can give you through faith in Jesus Christ. Shalom! (PB)</span></div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-54201187246046028792016-04-13T11:22:00.001+08:002016-04-13T11:22:19.522+08:00Claim Your Forgiveness Daily<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rsGhrDG8GFFHJT62aifV2k_noGyBiESo4hL6TS_AhTVEsW0OBNfcdhjV6rV33o7yew3o1OI9yomG_1PCamUu5TYUoOTeRRaQvsmz-wrJgyzDZagjTbrC066jGDJrbcWA5HGFkYXUvcfk/s1600/293-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rsGhrDG8GFFHJT62aifV2k_noGyBiESo4hL6TS_AhTVEsW0OBNfcdhjV6rV33o7yew3o1OI9yomG_1PCamUu5TYUoOTeRRaQvsmz-wrJgyzDZagjTbrC066jGDJrbcWA5HGFkYXUvcfk/s1600/293-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;"><span class="text John-8-10" id="en-NIV-26392" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 11.25px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” </i></span><span class="text John-8-11" id="en-NIV-26393" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 11.25px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>“No one, sir,” she said. </i></span><span class="text John-8-11" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Then neither do I condemn you,”</i> <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">If you can read the Old Testament, and read all those passages about God’s attitude toward sin, you can appreciate how precious forgiveness is, especially if God is the One who initiates it. Sin separates us from God, and all the blessings that we can receive from Him, except for grace. Grace is constant, because it is in God’s nature to love and give to us, even though we do not deserve anything from Him. We should rejoice with all our hearts if God is offering us forgiveness, because it is pure grace, nothing more and nothing less.</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">At the same time, forgiveness is powerful. It empowers us to live differently. When the Lord forgives, He also sets us free to make new choices according to His will, to enable us to start all over again, so to speak. Such grace is indeed powerful, especially when what we have done deserves the worst kind of punishment, even death itself! God can transform us, giving us new desires, godly desires, and also the ability to fulfill them by His power. In other words, God can give us life again!</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black;">Last but not the least, God’s forgiveness is a promise, a promise that we can always claim everyday. It is not limited nor does it expire. It is a promise that God keeps because of His Son, Jesus Christ. We can always come to God through Jesus and seek forgiveness in His name, and He will forgive us every time and any time. Such is the grace of God upon our lives today, more grace on top of more grace each day, because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. So claim your forgiveness everyday, treating it as precious, powerful and a promise that you can always claim in Jesus’ name. Shalom! (PB)</span></div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-24260245097899615152016-04-04T08:41:00.003+08:002016-04-04T08:41:51.015+08:00No Eye Has Seen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_B6l3Fh-GIzxI-FfcK2bYZUGUpLMNRfRJ9tNueaXvk8iowJebGgR7pUiPejBqtK9D4tDhs3AdKCidKuAtdTBGUvi0Z_V9Q36EsawCzOYqogQiW9ZdxUvT_1xBDjivK-dWY6fjlscU6YDS/s1600/beautifuleye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_B6l3Fh-GIzxI-FfcK2bYZUGUpLMNRfRJ9tNueaXvk8iowJebGgR7pUiPejBqtK9D4tDhs3AdKCidKuAtdTBGUvi0Z_V9Q36EsawCzOYqogQiW9ZdxUvT_1xBDjivK-dWY6fjlscU6YDS/s320/beautifuleye.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>“What no eye has seen,</em><br /><em><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-2-9">what no ear has heard,</span></span></em><br /><em>and what no human mind has conceived”—</em><br /><em><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-2-9">the things God has prepared for those who love him—</span></span></em></div>
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<em>1 Corinthians 2:9</em></div>
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It's easy to think that this verse might be referring to something that happens only when you die. But looking at this verse closely, and especially when you take into consideration the context, you will see that this verse is not just a promise for the future (and of course, there is that idea as well). Instead it's also a promise for the present time. There is a better life that is so much better than the best life you can ever imagine, and it can start right now! Eternal life begins today! This life is no other than the life that you can only receive and experience through faith in Jesus Christ. It's the only life worth having and living. The way to experience it is by remembering the acrostic LOVE. First, you need to learn from Jesus. Make sure that you are receiving inputs from God's word on a regular basis. Let Jesus teach you about what life is really all about. Second, obey His word. Let the word of God dwell richly in your heart, but make sure you obey it. His wisdom is useless unless you put it into practice. This will result not just in life transformation but in knowing God's will for your life -- His good, pleasing and perfect will. Third, value key relationships. You need to prioritize your love for the lost, for the found (i.e. for fellow believers), and for your family. Neglecting these key relationships will lead to an emptiness of your soul. Finally, embrace your calling. Where you are is where God called you to be. Serve Him there. You can experience the joy of serving God wherever you are, if you do all things for His glory. You are called to be a child of God, a member of God's family, and an ambassador of God's kingdom -- wherever you are! Embrace it and fulfill this calling! When you follow these simple disciplines, which I would refer to as "living a life of LOVE," you will experience a life that is so much better than the best life you can ever imagine. Shalom! (PB)</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-65505216718690824562015-06-13T06:28:00.003+08:002015-06-13T06:29:53.257+08:0021 New Followers of Christ Water Baptized<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsiyvxlD63qa28uvRdblGjI-L3GkIzLaXJx7U4EBPlobslTLByra_CWZmyW3nObhSoaGXBdag_RoADbROn1dbscYVORhO1_y-xc6HxHtn-H49c4qFD12ZIUcToVoouWirTr1OUWI6gZjV/s1600/Freedom+Day+6-12-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsiyvxlD63qa28uvRdblGjI-L3GkIzLaXJx7U4EBPlobslTLByra_CWZmyW3nObhSoaGXBdag_RoADbROn1dbscYVORhO1_y-xc6HxHtn-H49c4qFD12ZIUcToVoouWirTr1OUWI6gZjV/s320/Freedom+Day+6-12-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We thank God for the results of Freedom Day yesterday (June 12, 2015). Twenty one new followers of Christ were water baptized. All in all twenty nine people attended the event. About thirty RLCCnians worked together to make the event a success. I want to affirm all of them for a job well done. Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful day! Please watch this short video of the candidates going down the staircase from the worship hall and into the portable swimming pool outside in order to be water baptized one by one. To God be the glory!<br />
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Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-82608296062735186832015-06-03T10:49:00.001+08:002015-06-03T10:49:13.315+08:00True Repentance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoC7q9C8VgDha_v5HHYj-HOIhUn_zdpUjGjXeh4zApumRow0QpXps0d37BtjE8tI0JknaJGkTqA10_8SdY5Ul6d8eyUXerkfPyHu9h70su3FgOAqSMy0dChkdW0YPGLh7PMxvo9N4DaAG/s1600/repentance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoC7q9C8VgDha_v5HHYj-HOIhUn_zdpUjGjXeh4zApumRow0QpXps0d37BtjE8tI0JknaJGkTqA10_8SdY5Ul6d8eyUXerkfPyHu9h70su3FgOAqSMy0dChkdW0YPGLh7PMxvo9N4DaAG/s320/repentance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="border: none; color: inherit;">27 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he said to them. “The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong. 28 Pray to the Lord, for we have had enough thunder and hail. I will let you go;you don’t have to stay any longer.” 29 Moses replied, “When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the Lord. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the Lord’s. 30 But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God.” (Exodus 9:27-30)</em></div>
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What is true repentance? It is not mere words. Repentance is not merely saying, "I'm sorry." Words can be empty, if they are not backed up by truth and faithfulness. Sometimes we may even make pious statements like, "The Lord is in the right, and I and my people are in the wrong." But in the end, are we really sincere? Moses knew that Pharaoh was just pretending. He tells Pharaoh, "But I know that you and your officials still do not fear the Lord God." It is important that we recognize that God knows our hearts. We must stop pretending. If we want to receive God's forgiveness, and the corresponding grace to change our lives, we must be willing to acknowledge our true heart condition before Him. He will not accept mere pious words. We cannot impress Him. Therefore, let us come to the Lord with sincerity and truthfulness of heart. Let us avoid duplicity or pretension. Come as you are. God in His mercy will show us favor and kindness, if we come to Him in spirit and truth. Today, remove your mask and show true repentance.</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-30397890935114161102015-05-12T08:46:00.002+08:002015-05-12T08:46:51.030+08:00Take Notice of God's Patience<div style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-9-13" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><a data-mce-href="https://teachmysoul.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/repentance.png" href="https://teachmysoul.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/repentance.png" style="color: #1b8be0; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="repentance" class=" size-medium wp-image-572 alignleft" data-mce-src="https://teachmysoul.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/repentance.png?w=300" height="168" src="https://teachmysoul.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/repentance.png?w=300" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); color: #222222; display: inline; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-right: 1.225em; margin-top: 0.4em; max-width: 100%; padding: 6px;" width="300" /></a>13 </span>Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning, confront Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span>, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me,</span> <span class="text Exod-9-14" id="en-NIV-1757" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">14 </span>or this time I will send the full force of my plagues against you and against your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth.</span> <span class="text Exod-9-15" id="en-NIV-1758" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15 </span>For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth.</span> <span class="text Exod-9-16" id="en-NIV-1759" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16 </span>But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.</span> <span class="text Exod-9-17" id="en-NIV-1760" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17 </span>You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go.</span> <span class="text Exod-9-18" id="en-NIV-1761" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18 </span>Therefore, at this time tomorrow I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded till now.</span><span class="text Exod-9-19" id="en-NIV-1762" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19 </span>Give an order now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every person and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die.’”</span></em></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-9-20" id="en-NIV-1763" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">20 </span>Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside.</span> <span class="text Exod-9-21" id="en-NIV-1764" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">21 </span>But those who ignored the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> left their slaves and livestock in the field. (Exodus 9:13-21)</span></em></div>
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God's patience and grace should lead us to true repentance. But why do we often resist God's gentle rebuke? Should we wait until calamity strikes before we reconsider our ways and repent? Sadly, many of us still harden our hearts in spite of God's mercy upon us. God can easily allow us to be destroyed but instead He keeps us alive in spite of our stubbornness or rebellion. When will we learn? God in His mercy will tell us the consequences of our continuous sin, so that we may reconsider our ways. He may give us more time to think about it. Others may even show us the way, just to give us encouragement. Models can be powerful motivators, if we're willing to take notice of it. But how do we respond? Often we persist in our ways. The purpose of salvation is to bring complete healing into our lives. There is so much to heal and repair in our lives. Our hearts in particular are set toward pride and rebellion. But God's grace is more powerful, if we will just humble ourselves and repent. When sin abounds, His grace much more abounds. How can we resist such gentle love? Today, if you realize that God has been patient with you all along, as you look back at the circumstances of your life, then make that courageous decision to repent. Turn from your wicked ways, and turn to God. God will save you, if you really ask Him with humility and faith. Do it today. Remember, take notice of God's patience.</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-36574968315018903192015-05-05T07:10:00.001+08:002015-05-05T07:10:20.634+08:00Pay Attention to Your Body<div style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-9-10" id="en-NIV-1753" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>So they took soot from a furnace and stood before Pharaoh. Moses tossed it into the air, and festering boils broke out on people and animals.</span> <span class="text Exod-9-11" id="en-NIV-1754" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils that were on them and on all the Egyptians.</span> <span class="text Exod-9-12" id="en-NIV-1755" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>But the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> had said to Moses. (Exodus 9:10-12)</span></em></div>
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What happen<img alt="n-FITNESS-FORECAST-large570" class=" size-medium wp-image-569 alignleft" data-mce-src="https://teachmysoul.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/n-fitness-forecast-large570.jpg?w=300" height="125" src="https://teachmysoul.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/n-fitness-forecast-large570.jpg?w=300" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); display: inline; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-right: 1.225em; margin-top: 0.4em; max-width: 100%; padding: 6px;" width="300" />s to your body may be a sign that God is calling your attention to something. Although not all sicknesses are the results of specific sins, some may be attributed to that. It is possible that in some cases sickness may be the direct result of sin. Again, do not conclude immediately that sickness is directly related to a specific sin. But do not assume also that at all times sin may not be the cause. The best thing to do, of course, is to pray and ask God for wisdom. If the Holy Spirit does not bring to mind any sin, then simply ask God for your healing. There's nothing to worry about. However, if the Lord reminds you of a direct correlation to a specific sin or sins that you have committed or are committing, then humble yourself, confess your sin or sins, repent, and ask your leaders to pray for you. Do not harden your heart, or else something worse might happen. Ultimately, of course, all suffering, sickness and death are the results of sin in the world. None of us are exempted from the fallenness of all creation. However, there may be instances when specific sins may result in specific sicknesses. Also, holiness and godliness will often result in health and healing, at least generally speaking. There would be exceptions, and I cannot discuss it here. So, to balance all these, it would be good to pay attention to our bodies, for it might be telling us something about our spiritual condition. If God reveals to us that this is just part of our fallenness because our bodies are temporal, then there's nothing to worry about. Just trust God for your healing, pray, and do what you have to do ro get well again. But if it's something that is related to sin, then we must humble ourselves, repent, ask God for forgiveness, and ask Him for healing. In His mercy He will heal us and restore us to good health, if we ask Him in faith. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.</div>
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<em><span class="text Exod-9-5" id="en-NIV-1748"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> set a time and said, “Tomorrow the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> will do this in the land.”</span><span class="text Exod-9-6" id="en-NIV-1749"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>And the next day the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> did it: All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died.</span> <span class="text Exod-9-7" id="en-NIV-1750"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Pharaoh investigated and found that not even one of the animals of the Israelites had died. Yet his heart was unyielding and he would not let the people go. (Exodus 9:5-7)</span></em></div>
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What would convince you to turn your life over to the Lord and to surrender to His will. Sometimes we say. "Until I see enough evidence, I will not believe." But not even the clearest evidence can convince you, if your heart is unyielding. Often you have already decided not to believe regardless of the evidence. Deep down you already know the truth. But you stubbornly refuse to believe, not because there is not enough evidence, for to see the objective proof is to admit that you are wrong. That's where the trouble is: your pride is the main stumbling block. You rationalize and you come up with all sorts of arguments or questions to cover up the real problem, which is your pride. If you will only humble yourself, even a slim evidence will convince you. But because you are proud, a ton of evidence is never enough for you. Maybe it's time for you to be honest with yourself. Is it really the lack of evidence or are you just proud to admit that you are wrong. Humble yourself before the Lord. Be willing to yield. Then see the evidence again. You will be surprised to see that there is really enough evidence to believe in God and in what He says. Sure it may not be a hundred percent, but it's beyond reasonable doubt. And for someone who is humble, that's enough proof already.</div>
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Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-58307077682302927612015-04-14T13:28:00.001+08:002015-04-14T13:28:32.702+08:00Pursue Rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UlwfWQGE3g9IZzDJVYUaWW3SdaUlE5I3tSkAVwdl_-83Xxg8AgUIukguuF01P1lg_HlsCT1gBntHYcdENCi0loaJbc8diIpnIPIBP8LMnatjR3U4rJF0vF1XT4bRTSSdi0iSkkZthcKs/s1600/rest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UlwfWQGE3g9IZzDJVYUaWW3SdaUlE5I3tSkAVwdl_-83Xxg8AgUIukguuF01P1lg_HlsCT1gBntHYcdENCi0loaJbc8diIpnIPIBP8LMnatjR3U4rJF0vF1XT4bRTSSdi0iSkkZthcKs/s1600/rest.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">27 </span>We must take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> our God, as he commands us.” (Exodus 8:27)</em></div>
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Sometimes we have to come away to a far away place in order just to worship God. Not that God is there and He is not here. The truth is God is everywhere. We can worship Him anywhere. But there comes a time when we have to find a quiet place to experience silence and solitude. It's really a blessing if and when we can do that. Grab the opportunity if it comes. Never mind the expense. Our souls need rest every once in a while. Don't feel guilty about it. Rest is a gift and command from God. Pursue it like any other goal in your life.</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-55887599363139820352015-04-10T08:03:00.003+08:002015-04-10T08:03:35.799+08:00See the difference?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaehUAEauEk3OEAAgTjE8XqWYl13E6r3Yc9pbbLPH2QJJ5-Jsgykq-VFpGaL7jZSNs72zcRp5mSEgEIOj_sk8wyS1jerLVR154FsAeT5EgK-35u0mzdlR-4jewUZK5d0kgsfS_p9q5ucD/s1600/different-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaehUAEauEk3OEAAgTjE8XqWYl13E6r3Yc9pbbLPH2QJJ5-Jsgykq-VFpGaL7jZSNs72zcRp5mSEgEIOj_sk8wyS1jerLVR154FsAeT5EgK-35u0mzdlR-4jewUZK5d0kgsfS_p9q5ucD/s1600/different-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-8-22" id="en-NIV-1733" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22 </span>“‘But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span>, am in this land.</span> <span class="text Exod-8-23" id="en-NIV-1734" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23 </span>I will make a distinction<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-1734b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-1734b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" data-mce-style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;" style="bottom: 1ex; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a data-mce-href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exo+8&version=NIV#fen-NIV-1734b" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=exo+8&version=NIV#fen-NIV-1734b" style="color: #1b8be0; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7; text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span> between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow.’” (Exodus 8:22-23)</span></em></div>
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Have you noticed anything different in the lives of those who follow the Lord? Perhaps if you look closely, you will see the difference. For one thing, their relationships are not as messy and conflicting as others. They are not perfect, but you can see the difference. They are more able to talk things out. It seems that crucial conversations are just part of their daily routine. Notice their lifestyles? They tend to live more disciplined lives. Of course, there are exceptions. But that is only because of immaturity. Those who follow the Lord closely have distinct lifestyles that show that God is with them. God is always making distinctions, so that everyone may take heed and repent. God's kindness is poured out abundantly upon those who fear the Lord. Emotionally speaking, they are not as stressed out as most people. They tend to live in peace. Their minds are often more focused on important things, thus they are able to accomplish more good. Their hearts seem to be more pure, more sincere, and more honest, generally speaking, with some exceptions, of course. Not everyone are really following the Lord closely. So you will find some dishonest Christians out there. But if you find someone who is truly following the Lord by faith, you will find these attributes. They are the results of God's gracious acts of making a distinction between those who follow Him and those who do not. They are the fruit of the Holy Spirit transforming people's lives. So if you notice them, please take heed. Perhaps the Lord is calling your attention, because He wants you to experience His kind of life also. By faith, your life can be transformed by the Holy Spirit also. But you need to humble yourself. You need to submit yourself to the Lord and trust Him. That is the key to transformation, not just once but everyday of your life.</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-8763723420699330622015-04-03T07:33:00.000+08:002015-04-03T07:33:07.653+08:00Take the Cue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0llFkD0cuFME4_dbwT5cA1oYqSM8HhrKOMN9QpdoBm7-3VPJaIplpTtNnyBgmPiwPUTB_pqV1WltdCihnitWhWvZkelx9NmodDkEoEMb3hZ2ADveUp221JBYEFBW8XLfqA1QqQQ2zBfUN/s1600/BW-message-from-God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0llFkD0cuFME4_dbwT5cA1oYqSM8HhrKOMN9QpdoBm7-3VPJaIplpTtNnyBgmPiwPUTB_pqV1WltdCihnitWhWvZkelx9NmodDkEoEMb3hZ2ADveUp221JBYEFBW8XLfqA1QqQQ2zBfUN/s1600/BW-message-from-God.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-8-16" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">16 </span>Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the ground,’ and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats.”</span> <span class="text Exod-8-17" id="en-NIV-1728" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">17 </span>They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came on people and animals. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats.</span> <span class="text Exod-8-18" id="en-NIV-1729" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">18 </span>But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not. </span><span class="text Exod-8-18" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Since the gnats were on people and animals everywhere,</span> <span class="text Exod-8-19" id="en-NIV-1730" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">19 </span>the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> had said. (Exodus 8:16-19)</span></em></div>
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When believers ascribe glory to God for something that is unusual that would be expected. But when unbelievers do the same that is surprising. Normally a person who does not believe in God would brush off a miracle or a sign from God as mere coincidence. They might explain it away using science or scientific facts, as if, by doing so, they would imply that there are two separate realities: science and spiritual. That is of course not true, for all realities, whether natural or supernatural, have spiritual connotations or implications. But it's hard for unbelievers to acknowledge anything that might be associated with the concept of God. However, in Asia for instance, people are more open to this possibility. Especially when they can no longer explain away the event or phenomena. The suggestion that perhaps something might be of God, or at least supernatural in nature, should cause you to pause and think. What if it is true? If a friend, who normally would not talk about God, or describe anything as coming from God, or at least something that might have supernatural connotations, would come to you and tell you that perhaps such and such is from God, would you listen? If he or she says, "I think this is from God," would you consider that as a cue? Perhaps God is indeed speaking to you or calling your attention about something. Would you pause for a while and perhaps reconsider your current direction? Do not harden your heart. Learn to take the cue, especially when it is coming from someone you don't normally expect would talk about God.</div>
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Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-79116387699273287352015-04-01T20:11:00.001+08:002015-04-01T20:11:12.156+08:00Do Not Presume Upon God's Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4TlHyFim1Tj-3iFjO-wauYd9dfHbSMbrf1Y_1-Q9lZ8RsoCF__nMDDOaO8TiXgCB4Y66tEsQcp2qlXM4-iNCo3ws-TQXTjfXqbpQFOAxfbgiGiou4iVfrlb82e8uk5iyzkEKs3aWxsxU/s1600/Grace_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4TlHyFim1Tj-3iFjO-wauYd9dfHbSMbrf1Y_1-Q9lZ8RsoCF__nMDDOaO8TiXgCB4Y66tEsQcp2qlXM4-iNCo3ws-TQXTjfXqbpQFOAxfbgiGiou4iVfrlb82e8uk5iyzkEKs3aWxsxU/s1600/Grace_5.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">15 </span>But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> had said. (Exodus 8:15)</em></div>
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When problems come our way, we are quick to cry out to God and ask for His help. But when there's relief, do we remember Him at all? Sadly, we forget why the Lord allowed the trial to come into our lives in the first place. The Lord wants us to acknowledge Him regardless of our situations. Whether things are going well for us or we're having a difficult time, God wants us to trust Him and submit to His purposes. We must not harden our hearts just because relief has come. God may indeed be gracious to us and He may deliver us in times of distress. But do not presume upon His grace. His kindness should lead you to repentance. If the Lord has answered your prayers, it is because He wants to show you mercy. Be humble and receive His help with gratitude. Then immediately turn from your wrong ways, if the Lord is telling you to do so. Obey Him if that is what the Lord is revealing to you today. Do not presume upon His grace.</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-29732525489254389482015-03-30T16:05:00.001+08:002015-03-30T16:05:27.490+08:00Just Ask For Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEa-MonC21P50E0ZAEHsBRYij3UQO5ZhrqoaKYs9RJB5oq6Eu_iuMdN-pau_yCN2Uvs0FKAjQweox9ivjJgBe10korlWal4Hwe2CA0R_aXkby3GJy46zpNj5lxi3VSaK-4iEZW-LBmYe2/s1600/help1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEa-MonC21P50E0ZAEHsBRYij3UQO5ZhrqoaKYs9RJB5oq6Eu_iuMdN-pau_yCN2Uvs0FKAjQweox9ivjJgBe10korlWal4Hwe2CA0R_aXkby3GJy46zpNj5lxi3VSaK-4iEZW-LBmYe2/s1600/help1.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-8-8" id="en-NIV-1719" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span>.” </span><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </span>Moses said to Pharaoh, “I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile.” <span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>“Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said. Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> our God. (Exodus 8:8-10)</em></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">God's amazing grace works wonderfully and yet we are not free of responsibility. Just like Pharaoh, God may grant us deliverance. But it would be up to us to decide when we would really want it. God does not force us to receive His gifts of grace, and especially deliverance, if we don't really want it. God wants to help us, to show us His power and grace in times of need. But often we do not really ask. Or, when we ask, we do not really mean it. So God wants us to make up our minds, to ask because we really want His help. The reason is quite simple and straightforward: He wants us to have experiential knowledge of who He really is. He wants us to know Him as Lord of all. In other words, He wants us to know Him, not just know about Him. Knowing that there is God will not help us unless we really know Him personally. So why don't you make up your mind today. Ask His help if you really need it. Why be prideful? Why pretend that all is well when it is not. Ask and you shall receive so that your joy may be complete.</span><br />
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-71973622609681694102015-03-21T07:34:00.002+08:002015-03-21T07:34:19.863+08:00If God gives you time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlNMwTMuhn5Awei6joV1KtITUn0bnwiGXfKyVyihFNk75BoQvE668hDrskFbg_5uKlvWsrb94coz2UF1jiBSUxO3MUxoc3eMqZhjglGMNy3BkxF7vzqzS6uc7A1TGvpD0trUEbNcT36qA/s1600/clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlNMwTMuhn5Awei6joV1KtITUn0bnwiGXfKyVyihFNk75BoQvE668hDrskFbg_5uKlvWsrb94coz2UF1jiBSUxO3MUxoc3eMqZhjglGMNy3BkxF7vzqzS6uc7A1TGvpD0trUEbNcT36qA/s1600/clock.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">25 </span>Seven days passed after the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> struck the Nile. (Exodus 7:25)</em></div>
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It's interesting how the Lord gives us time to think things through and to respond to Him appropriately, even though we may be stubborn at first. He knows that we may need time to reconsider things. Perhaps a week or so of quietness might allow us to revisit our situation and look at it from a different perspective. Maybe by doing so we would see the wisdom of what God is saying. Repentance is a gift. We cannot take it for granted. So if God is giving you more time to think about something before going ahead in a different direction from His will, then maybe we should pause and reconsider. He is being gracious to you, allowing you to repent or mend your ways before it's too late. Stop your busyness and pause for a while. Think about your decisions. Don't get distracted. Let the voice of the Holy Spirit speak to your soul. Perhaps, as you reconsider and recalculate, you would realize that God's will is good, pleasing and perfect for you after all. There is time.</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-14404021866880679842015-03-20T10:02:00.002+08:002015-03-20T10:02:29.585+08:00Take it to heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM1blSlREkknJl53x1o644FYlXRjPXLEXTQA3wI3Giii97xJeN8sdYz3Wn9Cxs6zluwZpXSAZuQwedVznpZv26pS1jqJRXWfd8rDmgYBCdx3VjZu-EJvAE5MGYChB9m37w-eU7XXhRu4M/s1600/Take-It-To-Heart-Radio-Pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM1blSlREkknJl53x1o644FYlXRjPXLEXTQA3wI3Giii97xJeN8sdYz3Wn9Cxs6zluwZpXSAZuQwedVznpZv26pS1jqJRXWfd8rDmgYBCdx3VjZu-EJvAE5MGYChB9m37w-eU7XXhRu4M/s1600/Take-It-To-Heart-Radio-Pin.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-7-22" id="en-NIV-1708" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">22 </span>But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> had said.</span> <span class="text Exod-7-23" id="en-NIV-1709" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">23 </span>Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart.</span> <span class="text Exod-7-24" id="en-NIV-1710" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">24 </span>And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile to get drinking water, because they could not drink the water of the river. (Exodus 7:22-24)</span></em></div>
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When we face a difficulty in our lives it may be because God is speaking to us. He wants to get our attention. But sometimes, instead of listening, we try to find a way out by our own wisdom and ability, and, if we succeed, we end up not hearing God at all. Such is the case when we're having trouble in our marriage, or with our children, or at the work place, or in school. Wherever we are God may be speaking to us through the difficulties, troubles, hindrances, etc. that we are experiencing. It may be something common, expected, or natural at first, but we must not assume that it is merely coincidental. If we practice the discipline of awareness, we will pay attention. Some scholars believe that the Nile turning red "like blood" may be explained naturally. The only supernatural aspect of it, according to them, would be the speed by which it happened. That may be true. There's no way of knowing for sure. But the context clearly says that it was a message from God, and that is the most important part of this episode (the first plague, Exodus 7:14-24). God was speaking to Pharaoh. But instead of listening, he hardens his heart. In addition, the text says, "he did not even take this to heart." Are we guilty of doing the same thing whenever something negative is happening in our lives? Don't just set it aside, or disregard it as nothing. It may be that God is speaking, calling your attention, or telling you the truth about yourself, about others, or about God Himself. Ultimately He wants you to know Him personally, and He may be using this difficulty that you're experiencing as His medium of communication. Listen to Him and do not harden your heart. Take this situation to heart.</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-30576821783766049542015-03-19T09:11:00.003+08:002015-03-19T09:11:41.947+08:00Start Believing Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1kcDAPN6lNjjyTBwwqOqwGJshyinYFZJsAk3YldE5Puo8IdNqmVn60w7AXL-fcDtQjgShXsEWxY6hcPBRDiMYjwdrzWv8Oe3VCGcw3wKLK5UJ72YnQwFbmu3RUv_GP9d8N2YeWUGTZFn/s1600/believe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1kcDAPN6lNjjyTBwwqOqwGJshyinYFZJsAk3YldE5Puo8IdNqmVn60w7AXL-fcDtQjgShXsEWxY6hcPBRDiMYjwdrzWv8Oe3VCGcw3wKLK5UJ72YnQwFbmu3RUv_GP9d8N2YeWUGTZFn/s1600/believe1.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-7-8" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">8 </span>Now the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,</span> <span class="text Exod-7-9" id="en-NASB-1695" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </span>“When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘Work a miracle,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.’”</span> <span class="text Exod-7-10" id="en-NASB-1696" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>So Moses and Aaron came to Pharaoh, and thus they did just as the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> had commanded; and Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent.</span> <span class="text Exod-7-11" id="en-NASB-1697" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers, and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same with their secret arts.</span> <span class="text Exod-7-12" id="en-NASB-1698" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>For each one threw down his staff and they turned into serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.</span> <span class="text Exod-7-13" id="en-NASB-1699" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">13 </span>Yet Pharaoh’s heart was<span data-mce-style="font-size: 8.75px; line-height: 22px;" style="font-size: 8.75px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 22px;"> </span>hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> had said. (Exodus 7:8-13 NASB)</span></em></div>
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When your heart is hardened even a miracle will not persuade you. This is the problem of Pharaoh. It may even be your problem right now. You may be asking God for more proof, more miracles, more wonders. You may be praying for more assurances, more guidance and more certainty. You won't move and you won't obey until you are fully convinced. Is this what is stopping you from moving forward toward God's will? Perhaps you need to consider this. After asking God to show you more proof, and if, by God's grace, He shows you one, stop contradicting it. Do not harden your heart. Listen to the Lord and obey Him. You do not need 100% proof to do anything. You only need 51% and that will start the journey of faith. If you can be more certain that God's will is true rather than not true, even though you may still have some doubts left, then you can go ahead and obey Him by faith. if you have 100% proof of anything, then you do not need faith anymore. But if you do not see it yet, or there are risks involved in trusting God, then faith is necessary. So stop swallowing up God's miracles in your life. Start believing and start obeying. Do it today.</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-90350485704581114472015-03-17T15:44:00.003+08:002015-03-17T15:44:42.624+08:00Do not be afraid to speak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7AVjynA46inO2Jzun_1IwzE8hYlqxD2YRv5CjmyPINPqOj4iUboKCz4yRTQfeP7GYUJChbPCJpvvqR8WXXSxuEhXRjtCr2sG-wJxG-yUne877ohw_o3ozgBE7PkXbeVfyrZzhcerKOsi/s1600/Spectrum_SpeakingOut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7AVjynA46inO2Jzun_1IwzE8hYlqxD2YRv5CjmyPINPqOj4iUboKCz4yRTQfeP7GYUJChbPCJpvvqR8WXXSxuEhXRjtCr2sG-wJxG-yUne877ohw_o3ozgBE7PkXbeVfyrZzhcerKOsi/s1600/Spectrum_SpeakingOut.jpg" height="155" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-7-1" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> said to Moses, “See, I make you as God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.</span> <span class="text Exod-7-2" id="en-NASB-1688" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span>You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall speak to Pharaoh that he let the sons of Israel go out of his land. <span class="text Exod-7-3" id="en-NASB-1689" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span>But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart that I may multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.</span> <span class="text Exod-7-4" id="en-NASB-1690" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span>When Pharaoh does not listen to you, then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out My hosts, My people the sons of Israel, from the land of Egypt by great judgments.</span> <span class="text Exod-7-5" id="en-NASB-1691" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span>The Egyptians shall know that I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span>, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the sons of Israel from their midst.”</span> <span class="text Exod-7-6" id="en-NASB-1692" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">6 </span>So Moses and Aaron did <i style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">it</i>; as the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord </span>commanded them, thus they did.</span> <span class="text Exod-7-7" id="en-NASB-1693" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">7 </span>Moses was eighty years old and Aaron<span data-mce-style="font-size: 8.75px; line-height: 22px;" style="font-size: 8.75px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 22px;"> </span>eighty-three, when they spoke to Pharaoh.</span> (Exodus 7:1-7)</span></em></div>
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There's true dignity in being able to speak God's truth to others. It's a privilege and an opportunity that we cannot take for granted. We must take the task seriously. This dignity cannot be bought or sold; it's a gift from God. Wonderful things can happen, and even challenges, when we obey God and speak His word to whomever He commands us to speak. We may be afraid or intimidated, but if the Lord commands us we cannot shrink back and pretend that we do not have the responsibility. Sadly God's purposes are not accomplished when we fail to speak His truth in love. Many of His children remain timid and afraid, unable to open their mouths for fear of the consequences. Others, who proudly confess that they have come to know the truth that is in Christ Jesus, will remain silent before their peers because they long more for their approval rather than the approval of God. Why are we afraid to speak? Let us feel honored that God has given us the task to become His voice in a world that do not want to hear Him. We may be disregarded or laughed at, but God has given us the dignity to speak His word to others. Speak then, and do not be afraid. Tell others about the good news of deliverance that is found only in Jesus Christ His Son, our Lord and Savior.</div>
Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-33691677898407769732015-03-14T16:00:00.004+08:002015-03-14T16:00:51.549+08:00Overcoming Low Self-Worth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykzSYOOSAeCpJsk-UeYLM0iYh2IsNMsJ70l7d_kqXb74ScP9tWWH2365DhP-ct8fBDRo3iajyItjMhhNeezhyphenhyphennDAjZ-UXF6imQshFLPpebh3rjHTBwB5MiMUKThaadY3Tp_FkMQEiXP-X/s1600/LowSelfEsteem1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykzSYOOSAeCpJsk-UeYLM0iYh2IsNMsJ70l7d_kqXb74ScP9tWWH2365DhP-ct8fBDRo3iajyItjMhhNeezhyphenhyphennDAjZ-UXF6imQshFLPpebh3rjHTBwB5MiMUKThaadY3Tp_FkMQEiXP-X/s1600/LowSelfEsteem1.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="text Exod-6-10" id="en-NIV-1666" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">10 </span>Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span> said to Moses,</span> <span class="text Exod-6-11" id="en-NIV-1667" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">11 </span>“Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.” </span><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">12 </span>But Moses said to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Lord</span>, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips?” (Exodus 6:10-12)</em></div>
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Rejection and failure often leads to discouragement. Discouragement eventually leads to low self-worth. "I'm not good for anything," you say. "I don't deserve to... (fill in the blanks)." How often we shy away from challenging tasks just because we're afraid of failure. Failing once, we don't want to fail again. So we run away from all kinds of responsibilities. If forced, we might comply temporarily. But our hearts will not be committed. People see it. They comment on our lack of passion or dedication. But we turn away, justifying ourselves. We say to them, "You just don't know how pitiful I am. I'm such a failure!" Imagine Moses, turning down God Himself. "Not me, Lord." Have you been doing the same thing? Are you turning down God? Maybe it's because of recent failures. Maybe you just don't want to fail again. Perhaps what you need to do today is confess your fears to the Lord. Let Him assure you of His grace and presence. He will not leave you nor forsake you. If He commands you to do something, then He will supply the willingness and ability for you to do it. Don't be afraid. Trust God and move forward. Begin today.</div>
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Subscribe to our FREE daily devotional. http://eepurl.com/n4edPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565815112831071385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4927420045619544679.post-83475732332062159562015-03-13T06:41:00.002+08:002015-03-13T06:41:06.167+08:00When your feelings get in the way<div style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="versenum" style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 10px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">9 </span>So M<img alt="Feelings" class=" size-medium wp-image-521 alignleft" data-mce-src="https://teachmysoul.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/feelings.jpg?w=300" height="200" src="https://teachmysoul.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/feelings.jpg?w=300" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); display: inline; float: left; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: auto; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 1.625em; margin-right: 1.225em; margin-top: 0.4em; max-width: 100%; padding: 6px;" width="300" />oses spoke thus to the sons of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage. (Exodus 6:9)</em></div>
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We're created with the ability to feel. Feelings are major factors that we consider whenever we decide and eventually act. It's very hard to disregard them or to pretend that they are not there. Our minds can become blurry whenever negative feelings overwhelm us. Positive feelings can of course be very motivating. But the feeling that you are a victim, that you are helpless, etc. can be so debilitating that we often get paralyzed by the situation. Sometimes even the very words of God become irrelevant because our feelings are larger than God Himself. Getting your eyes off your situation and into the reality of who God is will surely help. But it would take a strong act of the will to do that. That's why we desperately need His grace to change our hearts first. Our heart decides what to think and believe. Only a new heart can decide that God's will and purpose is far more important than our situation or our interpretation of it. Ironically, it is the word of God that changes our hearts. Ask God to change your heart, to make you willing and able to focus on Him rather than on your negative situation. With God nothing is impossible, and also impossible is nothing.</div>
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