Evangelism: Unconvincing Testimony
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
--Acts 4:20
There is a large amount of ineffective Christian testimony among us today. Much of it is well-intended, I am sure--honest and sincere. We do the best we can with what we have. But our performance turns out to be something like that of the salesman promoting fountain pens. He tries to make a case for his product, but his would-be customers know he really thinks ballpoints are far more practical.
Too much of our Christian witnessing is unconvincing because we have not been convinced. We are ineffectual because we have not yet capitulated to the Lord from glory. It is like the proselyte making proselytes....
Perhaps this is happening because we are trying to plan how everything should happen. Everyone of us reads a little how-to book on witnessing. We try to do it the way we have been taught. But it is perfunctory and without any contagious element. If angels can weep, they must weep salty tears upon seeing a proselyte who has never really met the Lord making another proselyte who will also never meet the Lord.
Faith Beyond Reason, pp. 101-102
"Out of the abundance of a heart filled with love for You let me speak today. Let me see You this morning in a way that will cause me to leave this prayer time with a renewed passion to minister. Amen."
Thursday, August 24, 2006
To be Zealous or not to be Zealous
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NLT)
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
What do Elijah, John the Baptist, and Apostle James & John has in common? They were very zealous. But they were not perfect but still learning during their time. They would be very zealous but at times they may have tried to go overboard. In Luke 9:51-56 describes time James & John the apostles wanted to have Jesus set fire to village of Samaritan (imitate the day of Elijah) for refusing to believe the gospel. But Jesus rebuked them that wanted to save them not destroy them. Then later in Acts 8:5-8, we find Philip preached to the same village and marvelous thing happened. You can read it for yourself.
I was reading “12 Ordinary men” book by John McArthur, about Apostle James & John. Jesus gave them nickname “Boanerges” which means “Sons of Thunder”. Mark 3:17: James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them "Sons of Thunder". This passion and zeal they had is in the right heart in Village of Samaritan, but question how to apply it.
In page 79 of this book John writes, “If there is a key word that applies to life of the apostle James, the word is passion. From little we know about him, it is obvious that he was a man of intense fervor and intensity. In fact, Jesus gave James and John a nickname: Boanerges---“Sons of Thunder.” That defines James’s personality in very vivid terms. He was zealous, thunderous, passionate, and fervent."
We can be zealous for the Lord but there may be time we are over zealous. We can be zealous, thunderous, passionate, and fervent but harnessed and tempered with love. As today's blog title says when to be zealous or not to be zealous, Guys now is the time to be Zealous for the Lord with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Lastly, John McArthur mention in page 93, “The Son of Thunder had been mentioned y Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and shaped by those means into a man whose zeal and ambition were useful instruments in the hands of God for spreading of the kingdom. Still courageous, zealous, and committed to the truth, he had apparently learned to use those qualities for the Lord’s service, rather than for his own self-aggrandizement."
Lord,
Give us men this zealous, thunderous, passionate, and fervent motivation to imitate the “Sons of Thunder”, for Your service, Amen.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Prayer Life
"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:26-27 (niv).
This is based on my experience and what I have read. I don't expect everyone to imitate my experience or what I have read. This can give you a push into right direction. The prayer life will grow in your life. Everyone's prayer life will be different. Just listen to Holy Spirit, and God's words from bible. Some days the prayers may be dry and you give up. Don’t! Prayer life may not meet our (mind set) expectation. The continuous flow of communication from you to Lord is important. This book “Spiritual Guide” by Micahel Mellinos, was banned in 1500’s because at the time, Catholics dislike the way he wrote. But he reminded readers that this is the communication between him and God. He describes the different levels of prayers. I will not go into details. If you are interested in this book get with me and I can send you link to order this book. This is not available on Amazon but different a site.
My challenge to all the men, who is either going or not going to DBOB, is for us to practice this meditation. I have not done this for a while, but I feel that its good challenge for all of us. Find a time during week either on Saturday or evening and dedicate yourself 1 to 2 hours. But this must not be planned event. We have mindset that tends to stick to our own plans. Find a moment when you want to have delicious desert, your favorite TV show you cannot miss, video Games, favorite event or a tempting situation and STOP, take advantage of this fast!
Remember this challenge. Go to a quiet room close your eyes and just picture what God has done for you in all the years and what have you done for Lord? Have we really talked to him? We talk to him like we talk to our earthly father/mother? He needs our undivided attention. We challenge ourselves to meditate and pray for many issues that need to be addressed such as health, ministry, church, deaf souls, many other request, and just sit there and talk to him. Tell Him for example, "Oh Lord, what do you want me to do? Guide me. Grant me your wisdom and guidance. Motivate me, teach me your words, and give me confidence to spread word, discover my gifts". This is just an example. I did this one for 30 minutes and I was sweating. Whoa! I didn't know. I just felt like I was somewhere in different place like a trance or something. Once I was done praying and meditating, then I see I was back in dining room and I was all by myself no distractions. That’s the prayer life experience. I did this meditation this last spring. Meditation is key. I don’t everyone will have this kind of prayer everyday or during DBOB. This is between each person and God. If we all do this, Lord will do great things with this Deaf Ministry, believe me! Do not hesitate.
Prayer:
"Lord, I am amazed how I was tying these words, this just comes out. I know for fact You are with us. It is not my desire just for these men (both hearing and deaf), but the entire world. My heart desire is for every soul. Those who read this blog, Lord, I pray that they are not intimidated by an unusual blog. But we need this special time for us to stop and think, then push ourselves out of our own comfort zone and commune with you. In Jesus' Name, AMEN!"
DBOB Lessons
Here are the EXCITING lessons for the September 15 through 17 Deaf Men's Retreat!!
Speaker: C L A S S I F I E D
Friday PM:
“Only One Way: Jesus Focus”
I Timothy 2:5, “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Saturday AM:
“The Blood-Stained Dog Tag”
Based on the Book of Ephesians 4 & 5
Saturday Mid-Afternoon:
“Two Are Better Than One: David & Jonathan”
Ephesians 4:9-10a, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up.”
Saturday PM:
“No Matter the Cost” (Courage, Humility, & Unity)
Based on the Book of Luke 14:25-34
Sunday AM: Class Discussion
“Jesus & You: Someone is Praying”
Based on the Book of John 17
Sunday AM: Worship
“Collected Emptiness”
Nehemiah 8:10, “…Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!”
Speaker: C L A S S I F I E D
Friday PM:
“Only One Way: Jesus Focus”
I Timothy 2:5, “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Saturday AM:
“The Blood-Stained Dog Tag”
Based on the Book of Ephesians 4 & 5
Saturday Mid-Afternoon:
“Two Are Better Than One: David & Jonathan”
Ephesians 4:9-10a, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up.”
Saturday PM:
“No Matter the Cost” (Courage, Humility, & Unity)
Based on the Book of Luke 14:25-34
Sunday AM: Class Discussion
“Jesus & You: Someone is Praying”
Based on the Book of John 17
Sunday AM: Worship
“Collected Emptiness”
Nehemiah 8:10, “…Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!”
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Run, Follow & Pursue
[From the 8-14-06 post]
2 Tim 2:22 (NLT) "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."
Isn't this a great verse for us men!! This gives us guidance to filter out wrong actions, wrong attitudes, wrong thoughts, wrong intentions and filter in what is right. Among us Christians, It is good to learn from each other and take our advice and encouragement. We don’t have to rely on Mark all the time. There are plenty of men who are "Real Men of Faith." It doesn't mean that the "men" are perfect, but it is their testimonies and experiences they share can give us positive criteria for making a decision on which path we choose to take. Listen to your heart "MEN." Jeremiah did not write 29:13 for nothing:
Jeremiah 29:13 "And ye shall seek Me and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." (NKJV)
Prayer:
"Lord, Thank you for giving us the boost to get this D.B.O.B. off the ground. I believe you will empower us with your spirit and guide us how to become better Christians. In Jesus' name, Amen!"
2 Tim 2:22 (NLT) "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."
Isn't this a great verse for us men!! This gives us guidance to filter out wrong actions, wrong attitudes, wrong thoughts, wrong intentions and filter in what is right. Among us Christians, It is good to learn from each other and take our advice and encouragement. We don’t have to rely on Mark all the time. There are plenty of men who are "Real Men of Faith." It doesn't mean that the "men" are perfect, but it is their testimonies and experiences they share can give us positive criteria for making a decision on which path we choose to take. Listen to your heart "MEN." Jeremiah did not write 29:13 for nothing:
Jeremiah 29:13 "And ye shall seek Me and find Me when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." (NKJV)
Prayer:
"Lord, Thank you for giving us the boost to get this D.B.O.B. off the ground. I believe you will empower us with your spirit and guide us how to become better Christians. In Jesus' name, Amen!"
Motivation from the 8-15-06 post
Isaiah 6:8: "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
Few years ago, I was struggling and resisting the Holy Spirit in me. Mark had asked me if I could preach in his place sometime or teach bible class and I said I couldn't do it. I told him I am not "teaching material." This is parallel with Moses’ trying to give God his excuses so he wouldn't be the one to go to Egypt to free God's people. During this time, the Holy Spirit kept on nudging me to take the opportunity to teach but I continued to resist. Meanwhile, I was reading verses relating to baptism. Though I had always thought I was baptized for right reason and I believed in Jesus, but I felt like my life as Christian was at a standstill. I studied and prayed searching for answers. I decided to analyze how my life was after my conversion in 1987.
Result of my conversion 1987: I was baptized when I was 17. I remembered I asked a lot of biblical questions. But it seems that I did not truly understand the real meaning of commitment and my commitment to God. My grandfather was a great man. He was involved with World Bible School (WBS). He wrote to approximately 1000 African students studying the Scriptures every month. I had a great influence from my family and majority of my family are Christians. But a few years after my conversion, I slowly strayed from the walk with Jesus. I see that I was not committed to Jesus Christ for the right reason.
Then 3 years after Fairfax hired Mark, this was exciting for Robin and me. We needed a deaf leader we could look up to. Also since I am CODA (Child raised from Deaf family) many of biblical reading in past started to make sense and fit together like puzzle. I understood that I needed to repent. Even though I repented shortly after that, I continue to run into brick wall every now and then while reading the Scriptures.
For example: (KJV) Matthew 28:18-20: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
The Holy Spirit has been working in me. Holy Sprit led me to the Scriptures that truly changed my life (a major transformation):
1 Peter 3:21: "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."
After my total renewal, I felt totally different. My conscience was clear. Right after this, Mark asked me to preach I had no resistance. Then shortly after, I was called to teach bible class for teens at the Oklahoma Christian camp.
Prayer:
"Lord, thank you for using me as your soldier to spread your word. As in Isaiah stating "Send Me", I'm jumping up and down saying "use me!". I pray with this Men Retreat you open eyes and heart of these wonderful Men of Faith. In Jesus' name, Amen!"
Few years ago, I was struggling and resisting the Holy Spirit in me. Mark had asked me if I could preach in his place sometime or teach bible class and I said I couldn't do it. I told him I am not "teaching material." This is parallel with Moses’ trying to give God his excuses so he wouldn't be the one to go to Egypt to free God's people. During this time, the Holy Spirit kept on nudging me to take the opportunity to teach but I continued to resist. Meanwhile, I was reading verses relating to baptism. Though I had always thought I was baptized for right reason and I believed in Jesus, but I felt like my life as Christian was at a standstill. I studied and prayed searching for answers. I decided to analyze how my life was after my conversion in 1987.
Result of my conversion 1987: I was baptized when I was 17. I remembered I asked a lot of biblical questions. But it seems that I did not truly understand the real meaning of commitment and my commitment to God. My grandfather was a great man. He was involved with World Bible School (WBS). He wrote to approximately 1000 African students studying the Scriptures every month. I had a great influence from my family and majority of my family are Christians. But a few years after my conversion, I slowly strayed from the walk with Jesus. I see that I was not committed to Jesus Christ for the right reason.
Then 3 years after Fairfax hired Mark, this was exciting for Robin and me. We needed a deaf leader we could look up to. Also since I am CODA (Child raised from Deaf family) many of biblical reading in past started to make sense and fit together like puzzle. I understood that I needed to repent. Even though I repented shortly after that, I continue to run into brick wall every now and then while reading the Scriptures.
For example: (KJV) Matthew 28:18-20: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
The Holy Spirit has been working in me. Holy Sprit led me to the Scriptures that truly changed my life (a major transformation):
1 Peter 3:21: "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."
After my total renewal, I felt totally different. My conscience was clear. Right after this, Mark asked me to preach I had no resistance. Then shortly after, I was called to teach bible class for teens at the Oklahoma Christian camp.
Prayer:
"Lord, thank you for using me as your soldier to spread your word. As in Isaiah stating "Send Me", I'm jumping up and down saying "use me!". I pray with this Men Retreat you open eyes and heart of these wonderful Men of Faith. In Jesus' name, Amen!"
Stray or Stay from 8-18-06 post
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers." Luke 22:31-32
In the past, I was a "strayed being" and was following my worldly friends. My friend would drink every weekend. He would say, “Hey, everybody does this.”. So I followed him. Then he went gambling at the dog track then he would say the same thing. Fine, I followed. But then I heard a saying “If person jumps over bridge and commits suicide, would you?” Ouch! So this was kind of a wake up call.
Last Spring, our small group covered 11 chapters of Proverbs and it made a lot of sense to me about wisdom. I know, for time, if a person is straying from the walk with God for a while, the light that he\she once had will become dark. They will cease to use the wisdom of God. But in my case, I didn’t. I took the advice seriously. I thank God that I did. And also thanks to my wife, Robin, at the time she and I were dating for probably 6 months, she also helped me. She gave me a choice to either continue the way that I was living my life and she would leave me or change and Robin will be at my side for life! You know the rest.
When I was living in Chicago, friend of mine was Catholic. He was joking around and explaining that we all are living in a "rat race" till we die and us Catholics are like a “Car Wash”. We go to priest ask for forgiveness then go back out and get dirty again. I didn't like the way he was living his life but it’s so true. It is not just people he knew but majority "so-called Christians" that I have met are running this same pattern. I ask to myself “does Christ like this?” Absolutely NOT! We need break this trend. In Romans 6:1, "Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness?"
That’s why sometime when we catch ourselves sinning or to a point when we tempt, there is a verse I suggest to meditate which will help:
1 Peter 5:8-9, "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. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are."
Prayer:
"Lord, we ask you for your patience with us, as we are sinners. We pray for protection against Satan. Give us strength to resist against temptation. We are learning from our mistakes and becoming stronger and stronger as we mature in Christ. Thank you for giving us examples how to live by. In Jesus’s name, Amen."
In the past, I was a "strayed being" and was following my worldly friends. My friend would drink every weekend. He would say, “Hey, everybody does this.”. So I followed him. Then he went gambling at the dog track then he would say the same thing. Fine, I followed. But then I heard a saying “If person jumps over bridge and commits suicide, would you?” Ouch! So this was kind of a wake up call.
Last Spring, our small group covered 11 chapters of Proverbs and it made a lot of sense to me about wisdom. I know, for time, if a person is straying from the walk with God for a while, the light that he\she once had will become dark. They will cease to use the wisdom of God. But in my case, I didn’t. I took the advice seriously. I thank God that I did. And also thanks to my wife, Robin, at the time she and I were dating for probably 6 months, she also helped me. She gave me a choice to either continue the way that I was living my life and she would leave me or change and Robin will be at my side for life! You know the rest.
When I was living in Chicago, friend of mine was Catholic. He was joking around and explaining that we all are living in a "rat race" till we die and us Catholics are like a “Car Wash”. We go to priest ask for forgiveness then go back out and get dirty again. I didn't like the way he was living his life but it’s so true. It is not just people he knew but majority "so-called Christians" that I have met are running this same pattern. I ask to myself “does Christ like this?” Absolutely NOT! We need break this trend. In Romans 6:1, "Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more kindness and forgiveness?"
That’s why sometime when we catch ourselves sinning or to a point when we tempt, there is a verse I suggest to meditate which will help:
1 Peter 5:8-9, "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. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are."
Prayer:
"Lord, we ask you for your patience with us, as we are sinners. We pray for protection against Satan. Give us strength to resist against temptation. We are learning from our mistakes and becoming stronger and stronger as we mature in Christ. Thank you for giving us examples how to live by. In Jesus’s name, Amen."
Networking from 8-17-06 post
"Philip replied, "It would take a small fortune to feed them!" Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. "There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?" John 6:7-9
"Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who had heard what John said and then followed Jesus. 41The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means the Christ)." John 1:40
"Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "You are Simon, the son of John--but you will be called Cephas" (which means Peter)." John 1:42
I am all for NETWORKING. Lord uses us in networking attempts to spread gospel, service, meet the needs of others. In my New King James Application bible, a scholar brought to attention this disciple “Andrew” something I did not realize. We can learn from Andrew. Notice Philip's comment in John 6:7 where Andrew spoke up.
There are times in past that Members FXCC mention may things on prayer list and we did pray for them. But what bothered me we did nothing to assist. I think we have gone long way and matured since. But this is good lesson for us to put into practice when we chat or meet people and they mention an issue for example looking for a job in specific area. Then if this person cannot help then at least he\she knows a person who can help and introduce this person to a member who can help. God is using us. This is networking!
Also another way of networking is name-dropping. During a conversation with someone, you can drop the word Jesus Christ, Deaf Ministry, Deaf Preacher, Deaf Bible Class, Men’s Night out, Ladies Night Out, Family Day Out, Merry Christmas (Paul Dymokes’ name-dropping), and many others. Then the other person will ask you more about it in hope to connect them to Christ.
Prayer:
"Lord, thank you for connecting us to people who are seeking for help and also use us to spread the gospel to those who do not know you. In Jesus’s name, Amen."
"Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who had heard what John said and then followed Jesus. 41The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means the Christ)." John 1:40
"Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "You are Simon, the son of John--but you will be called Cephas" (which means Peter)." John 1:42
I am all for NETWORKING. Lord uses us in networking attempts to spread gospel, service, meet the needs of others. In my New King James Application bible, a scholar brought to attention this disciple “Andrew” something I did not realize. We can learn from Andrew. Notice Philip's comment in John 6:7 where Andrew spoke up.
There are times in past that Members FXCC mention may things on prayer list and we did pray for them. But what bothered me we did nothing to assist. I think we have gone long way and matured since. But this is good lesson for us to put into practice when we chat or meet people and they mention an issue for example looking for a job in specific area. Then if this person cannot help then at least he\she knows a person who can help and introduce this person to a member who can help. God is using us. This is networking!
Also another way of networking is name-dropping. During a conversation with someone, you can drop the word Jesus Christ, Deaf Ministry, Deaf Preacher, Deaf Bible Class, Men’s Night out, Ladies Night Out, Family Day Out, Merry Christmas (Paul Dymokes’ name-dropping), and many others. Then the other person will ask you more about it in hope to connect them to Christ.
Prayer:
"Lord, thank you for connecting us to people who are seeking for help and also use us to spread the gospel to those who do not know you. In Jesus’s name, Amen."
Your First Love - From 8-16-06 post
Deaf Band of the Brothers: 8-16-06
(NLT) Revelations 2:5 "Look how far you have fallen from your first love! Turn back to me again and work as you did at first. If you don't, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches."
Powerful verse.
I learned this word, "adrenalin" which also means "rejuvenation", rekindle the fire in a Christian man. In the dictionary, "adrenalin" is a medical term for describing hormones taking over in our muscles under stress. But we always find many ways to describe verses that can apply to our daily lives.
This verse above is rude awakening for us. I recall that day I commit my life to Jesus. With that feeling that I had all over my body, and my motivation, my desire to do many things for the Lord. But what happen since then? With everyday life struggle such as time, family, finance, etc, Satan does good job unplug cork and drain out this JUICE. I hope and pray with this men's retreat I look forward to rejuvenation! I remember also when asking Mark how to describe word that I want to see Gospel spread like wild fire. He gave me word he found was "Kerusso Effect." It means to "ring out the message strongly." I use this as my login name on the Kerusso blog. I really like this word as it really describes me.
One other thing I like to share, since living here in Maryland, I meet a lot of pride people as they tend to tell me to slow down chill out and some complain! Man, they really misled me. I don't want to slow down anymore. There is no time. We need to keep at it as Devil is one step ahead of us but really with Lord's help we ought to be one step ahead not behind.
James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."
Lets be one step ahead of Satan!
Prayer:
"Lord, thank you for reminding us that we should not forsake our first love. With everyday life in Washington DC Metro, it is so easy to deflate this first love. Forgive us, as we are weak. We pray that you protect us from Satan blowing out the FLAME! In Jesus’ name Amen."
(NLT) Revelations 2:5 "Look how far you have fallen from your first love! Turn back to me again and work as you did at first. If you don't, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches."
Powerful verse.
I learned this word, "adrenalin" which also means "rejuvenation", rekindle the fire in a Christian man. In the dictionary, "adrenalin" is a medical term for describing hormones taking over in our muscles under stress. But we always find many ways to describe verses that can apply to our daily lives.
This verse above is rude awakening for us. I recall that day I commit my life to Jesus. With that feeling that I had all over my body, and my motivation, my desire to do many things for the Lord. But what happen since then? With everyday life struggle such as time, family, finance, etc, Satan does good job unplug cork and drain out this JUICE. I hope and pray with this men's retreat I look forward to rejuvenation! I remember also when asking Mark how to describe word that I want to see Gospel spread like wild fire. He gave me word he found was "Kerusso Effect." It means to "ring out the message strongly." I use this as my login name on the Kerusso blog. I really like this word as it really describes me.
One other thing I like to share, since living here in Maryland, I meet a lot of pride people as they tend to tell me to slow down chill out and some complain! Man, they really misled me. I don't want to slow down anymore. There is no time. We need to keep at it as Devil is one step ahead of us but really with Lord's help we ought to be one step ahead not behind.
James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."
Lets be one step ahead of Satan!
Prayer:
"Lord, thank you for reminding us that we should not forsake our first love. With everyday life in Washington DC Metro, it is so easy to deflate this first love. Forgive us, as we are weak. We pray that you protect us from Satan blowing out the FLAME! In Jesus’ name Amen."
Monday, August 21, 2006
Swift Kick!
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NLT) "And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus--who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you."
Swift kick in the rear!
I recall these verses that I first read several years ago. This pretty much explains why there are so many religions in this world. I have quoted this verse many times to people who are confused about church doctrine. I make known to them that Church it self should not have it's own doctrine. The doctrine should come from the bible. The members of congregation should rely on Holy Spirit, fervent prayers, a lot of reading and studying, discussing among the Christians and help each other to fulfill Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.
Actually, reason I presented these due to meditating on lesson from yesterday's service. I was meditating on comment (by Mark) that made sense to me. He mention that the mother bird will push the young ones out of nest because she knows its time for them to take charge and start flying. Mark used this example how we Christians are so co-dependent on preacher/church for answers or leadership. Even though, themselves they have the capability to rely on scriptures and take charge in leading either in bible study, mission, or ministries.
When Mark made this comment, I had a flashback during men's only bible study. We never had a separate men/women bible study. Mark selected passages and delegated different scriptures to each men. Every Sunday, up to 4 men will lead bible discussion on passages they have studied. Wow! I thank the Lord for giving Mark the confidence to push us men at that time, out of the nest! I hope and pray that this Men's Retreat, the Lord will be able to give us all men confidence to adhere to 2 Tim 4:5. We need to remind ourselves not to forget that we have committed ourselves to the Lord. Galatians 2:20.
Prayer:
"Lord, give us men of faith this push we need. We are human and we have tendency to hold back like Moses did when you asked him to speak in Egypt. You are an Awesome God. In Jesus' name, Amen!"
Evangelism - 8-20-06
I read this verse of day from www.litmin.org. This will be the DBOB for August 20.
Evangelism: Saved to Worship
"Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!" --1 Chronicles 16:29
There is nothing intrinsically (essentially) wrong with signing a card. It can be a helpful thing so we know who has made inquiry. But really, my brother or sister, we are brought to God and to faithand to salvation that we might worship and adore Him. We do not come to God that we might be automatic Christians, cookie-cutter Christians, Christians stamped out with a dye. (This is funny quote ~ Darrin)
God has provided His salvation that we might be, individually and personally, vibrant children of God, loving God with all our hearts and worshiping Him in the beauty of holiness.
Prayer:
"Lord, I don't need another name in my file, another notch on my belt. But I would like the privilege today of bringing someone to the pointof salvation so he could become a genuine worshiper of You. Use me and others today, I pray, in Jesus' name. Amen."
Evangelism: Saved to Worship
"Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!" --1 Chronicles 16:29
There is nothing intrinsically (essentially) wrong with signing a card. It can be a helpful thing so we know who has made inquiry. But really, my brother or sister, we are brought to God and to faithand to salvation that we might worship and adore Him. We do not come to God that we might be automatic Christians, cookie-cutter Christians, Christians stamped out with a dye. (This is funny quote ~ Darrin)
God has provided His salvation that we might be, individually and personally, vibrant children of God, loving God with all our hearts and worshiping Him in the beauty of holiness.
Prayer:
"Lord, I don't need another name in my file, another notch on my belt. But I would like the privilege today of bringing someone to the pointof salvation so he could become a genuine worshiper of You. Use me and others today, I pray, in Jesus' name. Amen."
DBOB - 8-19-06
Deaf Band Of Brothers
Ephesians 5:15-16 "So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing well in these evil days."
It's funny but true. There are times we promise ourselves we will do more reading/study of bible, be more involved with service at FXCC, setup new ministries, and prayer time. We may try re-prioritizing our life by setting up time management so we can make more time for Lord.
You ever heard of saying, "We make the time when we don't have time at all, but when we have plenty of time we don't make the time?." We are human. But we need remind ourselves that we need make the opportunity. For example, we have Saturdays we spend all day maybe doing nothing.
Oswald J Smith also stated that countless of churches are bogged down by church activities, and the focus of the unsaved people in the world has been neglected. This is parallel with our time to make opportunity to evangelize to co-worker, family, and friends around us.
Prayer:
Lord, we are distracted by many tasks we want and need to do. Help us to prioritize our time so we can make room to be more involved in your service/ministries. Also give us courage when we have that moment of opportunity to mention The Gospel to our co-worker, family, friends, and especially strangers. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ephesians 5:15-16 "So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing well in these evil days."
It's funny but true. There are times we promise ourselves we will do more reading/study of bible, be more involved with service at FXCC, setup new ministries, and prayer time. We may try re-prioritizing our life by setting up time management so we can make more time for Lord.
You ever heard of saying, "We make the time when we don't have time at all, but when we have plenty of time we don't make the time?." We are human. But we need remind ourselves that we need make the opportunity. For example, we have Saturdays we spend all day maybe doing nothing.
Oswald J Smith also stated that countless of churches are bogged down by church activities, and the focus of the unsaved people in the world has been neglected. This is parallel with our time to make opportunity to evangelize to co-worker, family, and friends around us.
Prayer:
Lord, we are distracted by many tasks we want and need to do. Help us to prioritize our time so we can make room to be more involved in your service/ministries. Also give us courage when we have that moment of opportunity to mention The Gospel to our co-worker, family, friends, and especially strangers. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
