http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml www.agrace.tk: Blog Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:51:18 -0500 http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/737da87fc2afcedf8d44db186fd049ac_4a9e865e.writeback Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:51:10 -0500 The theological foundations of family worship is in Deuteronomy 4:9,10 where believers are told to "keep thy soul diligently...[and to]...teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children." It is also in Deuteronomy 6:4-7 where the words which God had commanded believers should be taught diligently to their children, that they should "talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." The chief Christian educators of our children are their parents, who have been given this sacred duty. Psalm 78:2-7 also teaches this, especially when it says regarding the law "which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born, who should arise and declare them to their children: that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." According to Dr Joel Beeke, "Every church desires growth. Surprisingly few churches, however, seek to promote internal church growth by stressing the need to raise children in covenantal truth. Few seriously grapple with why many adolescents become nominal members with mere notional faith or abandon evangelical truth for unbiblical doctrine and modes of worship. I believe one major reason for this failure is the lack of stress upon family worship. In many churches and homes family worship is an optional thing, or at most a superficial exercise such as a brief table grace before meals. Consequently, many children grow up with no experience or impression of Christian faith and worship as a daily reality." "Would we see revival among our children? Let us remember that God often uses the restoration of family worship to usher in church revival. For example, the 1677 church covenant of the Puritan congregation in Dorchester, Massachusetts, included the commitment 'to reform our families, engaging ourselves to a conscientious care to set before us and to maintain the worship of God in them; and to walk in our houses with perfect hearts in a faithful discharge of all domestic duties, educating, instructing, and charging our children and households to keep the ways of the Lord.'" Douglas Kelly says that "Family religion, which depends not a little on the household head daily leading the family before God in worship, is one of the most powerful structures that the covenant-keeping God has given for the expansion of redemption through the generations, so that countless multitudes may be brought into communion with and worship" of God. http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/fa2b4a493db73da6a7ec2e04e368b090_4a9e85f0.writeback Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:49:20 -0500 Matthew 14: 22-33 We all go through times of hardship, difficulties, challenges and yes even doubts. I have been there many times, there is no secret and if we are honest we all have been there too. For some it is a passing moment, for others though is a permanent condition that points to the fact that they do not trust God, at least not enough. But for all of us there is a daily challenge of how to stand in faith, carrying on with what we believe god has given us to do as a mission when things around us are not easy and they seem not to go the way we would like them to be. What are we going to do in those moments? How can we stand in faith? How can we carry on when things seem to go wrong? Can we get some direction from the Bible? Well the answer is yes and there are many passages to help us. I want to share one that is very special to me. Let me share briefly some important points. 1`. Wait on God We all want things to happen as soon as possible; that is the human nature. But God knows what is the best time. The disciples left Jesus on the shore not waiting for him to be ready and so they went out without God's blessing. How many of us do the same? How many times did you you do something because you thought it was a good idea without waiting on God to release you? The disciples left Jesus' protection and went out on the lake facing danger and trouble. That is what will happen to us if and when we go out, without Jesus or ahead of Jesus. 2. Trust in God The problem with the disciples was that they went on their own because they trusted their experience, their knowledge, their skills. Sadly all those failed them! The only thing we can trust is the blessing of Jesus, the favour of Jesus, the presence of Jesus. Ps 16: 11 says, "In the presence of God there is fullness of joy." The disciples should have trusted in Jesus; and we must do the same. Yes, at times we think we know, we can manage; but when we leave Jesus out, when we trust in us the only thing we achieve is disaster. 3. Do you really know Jesus? After all the time that the disciples had been with Jesus they must have known him very well. But... when Jesus walked on the water to them they did not recognize him! This is so bad! But many of us are in the same situation. We think we know Jesus; but... how many times we did not see Jesus standing with us? How many times did we not recognize the opportunities that he was giving us? Are you hungry and thirsty for God, for his presence, for his word or are you simply looking for miracles and blessings? 4. What are you looking at? The problem with the disciples and especially Peter is that he did something extraordinary ... while he was looking at Jesus. But... as soon as he started looking at the wind and the waves he started sinking into the water and had to cry for help. That is what happens to us too. So, what are you looking at? Are you looking at your debts or are you looking at Jehovah Jireh? Are you looking at your sickness or are you looking at Jehovah Rapha? Are you looking at your marriage problems or are you looking at Jehovah Shalom? Today God is calling us to come near him and restore the trust that we once had in him, to strengthen our faith what ever the difficulties ahead or the situations we are facing. Let me ask you: are you ready to believe and trust in Jesus or the lies of the enemy? Are you ready to come out of your problems and walk on water? You have the choice, you have to make that decision. http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/8cca2cc8f3a31ab127812b55dc63477f_4a5d5e84.writeback Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:43:48 -0500 The most awesome power and position of National Previlage is CITIZENSHIP.Citizenship is the most valuable asset of a nation and is not easily given because of its power and impact. Citizenship is not Membership. Religions function on Membership while nation and kingdom function on citizenship. Citizenship has great power as well as great privileges,that is why people are willing to risk their lives and cross borders even to the point of death to pursue the hope of Citizenship. Citizenship is not only Sacred,but Sanctified-Set Apart. A Citizen is part of an elite,previledged group. People who have lived as subject of the foriegn government rather than citizens understand this distinction much better that people who were born citizens. they same is true for people who have worked very hard to earn the privilege to become a naturalized citizen of thier chosen country. As a sacred privilege,citizenship is the most precious gift that any nation can give. When it comes to matter of citizenship.The kingdom of God is no different from any other country.Remember-The kingdom of God is not a religion It is a government with a country.Heaven is that Country,and Jesus Christ is the King. Christ is our king(Eph.2:6 He raised us up together) The ancient Hebrew prophet Isaiah Wrote: For to us a child is born,to us a Son is given,and the government will be on His shoulder of the increase of HIs government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on Davids` throne and over HIs kingdom,establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever(emphases added) Like any other country,the kingdom of God has the principle of Citizenship. Luke 16:16 the law and the prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time,the goodnews of the kingdom of God is being preached,and everyone is forcing his way into it. "Everyone is forcing his way into it, once people learn clamoring to get into the church? why does the church as a whole seem to have so little impact on our culture? the reason is simple and sad.Most of us dont understand the kingdom,so we dont preach it or teach it, many people in the church don`t understand the kingdom either,so they don`t model kingdom living. http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/a7c4878007c9a5b71c1ee250a0b61993_4966def6.writeback Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:21:58 -0600 "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18). As Christians we must not be actors. We must be the real thing. An actor is only a representation of the true image. But an actor is not the true image. Let me explain. In the movie, The Ten Commandments, directed by Cecil B. DeMille, the actor who played the part of Moses in this internationally acclaimed movie was Charlton Heston. Charlton Heston dressed up like Moses. He said the things that Moses said. He portrayed the actions and the essence of Moses for the wide screen. But one thing we know for sure -- Charlton Heston was not Moses. He was only an actor pretending to be something that in reality he was not. The Bible tells us in 1 John 3:18 that when we love, we are not to act like we love, but we must love in truth. We know that Jesus commanded us to love. He said in Mark chapter twelve that there was no commandment greater than for us to love one another in the same way He loved us. This is a commandment and to obey this commandment is honorable. But we must grow in God's love to the extent that we are not doing it because it is a command, but we love out of the fullness of the love that is in our heart. Ephesians 5:1 tells us that we are to be like God. God created us in His image and He wants us to be like Him. God Himself is love. He is not full of hate, envy, or strife. He does not murder nor is He the destroyer. He is full of love and compassion and expects us to be just like Him. I have six young grandchildren. I know this seems impossible because I look so young, but believe me it's true! I actually have six grandchildren! As a good grandpa, I have taught my grandchildren to love. But it warms my heart so much when they come to me and say, "I love you, Grandfoddah." And when they go to each other and give each other a hug without my instructions, it pleases me to see them love out of their heart instead of only being obedient to a command. Yes, it is true that as Christians we are commanded to love, but it warms the Father's heart to see His children walk in love on their own as a result of the love of God that has been shed abroad in their hearts. http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/ab050351318b22a65d5e9eb7ca28634a_495ab570.writeback Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:57:36 -0600 A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . Living a CHRIST-like-life is favorable in the world-to-come, but threatening to this; yet, worth it all! "But now, thus says the LORD -- WHO created you, O Jacob, WHO formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I will redeemed you; I have singled you out by name, YOU ARE MINE. When you pass through water, I will be with you; through streams, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you shall not be scorched; through flame, it shall not burn you." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This tremendous promise is essentially to be understood in a spiritual connotation - a deliverance through overflowing sorrows and fiery trials. However, the ETERNAL ONE has demonstrated HIS ability to fulfill the spiritual aspects of the promise by HIS miraculous literal fulfillment in the physical realm also. The crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites is one literal example of safely passing through deep waters. Those "Three Fiery Israelites" - Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abed- nego) were in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace from where the MOST HIGH GOD delivered them from burning. This, after HE personally joined them in a sizzlingly glorious "victory march" through the flames. [see Daniel/Danyel 3. 25] As the three emerged untouched from the flames of the "furnace that was heated to excess," the king, the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the royal companions were awe-struck when they "looked at those men, on whose bodies the fire had had no effect, the hair of whose heads had not been singed, whose shirts looked no different, to whom not even the odor of fire clung." [Daniel (Danyel) 3. 22, 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The world that then existed perished, being flooded with water, but the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same WORD, are reserved for fire until the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men." [2 Peter 3. 6 - 7] The whole world perished once, being flooded with water. But, "a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water." [1 Peter 3. 20] In Noah's Ark, the eight were carried safely away from the violent, sin-filled world. Furthermore, "the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." [2 Peter 3. 10] However, all who trust in the saving blood of MESSIAH YESHUA will be "saved; yet so as through fire." [1 Corinthians 3. 15] In our firmly grounded confidence in the precious LORD JESUS, may we boast as did the psalmist: "YOU have tried us, O GOD, refining us as one refines silver. You have caught us in a net, caught us in trammels (restraints, chains) and laid afflictions on our loins. YOU have let men ride over us; we have endured FIRE and WATER, and You have brought us through to prosperity." [Psalms (Tehillym) 66. 10 - 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The MIGHTY Eternal GOD keeps us THROUGH the fires and waters not FROM them for our refining and HIS glory. These recorded accounts of the past and promises of the future assure us that Omnipotent ALL- LOVING GOD is able to deliver us through the deep, difficult waters and painful, burning trials of this immediate life. "That the trial of your faith...though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour and glory at the appearing of Messiah Jesus." [1 Peter 1. 7] Whatever comes our way, whatever trials be our lot, we can trust in our REDEEMER & LORD, through it all. Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! When things around you appear dark and terrifying, hold on to the promises of LORD GOD, HE is in complete control. Timeless words: "Nahamu, Nahamu Ami -- Comfort, oh comfort my people." http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/c8ac1d7fd821d9d0f94ee57d0c9f84da_491825af.writeback Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:14:39 -0600 "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals." 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NASB) "This thing's not going anywhere!" Spinning the pedals around and around, faster and faster, the bicycle would not move an inch. "Of course it's not moving, Son," the young dad laughed, "both tires are flat!" And the same holds true concerning relationship without character - it's like a ship without water or a bike without tires. You cannot sustain a relationship unless both parties are committed to the Word of God. I like to say it like this: integrity is the foundation upon which your life's work is built. Always prize principle above relationship, otherwise, you soon compromise when others around you pressure you to do so. We notice throughout the Scriptures men of God who refused to compromise their character. We also see the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are just as committed to God as you. The Bible tells us, "Bad company corrupts good moral character." Your good character most often won't change the bad character of another, but bad character will most often stain your commitment to God. Be serious about your commitment to God and surround your life with those who are serious as well. Daily Confession Father, I thank You that I am not deceived for I know that bad company corrupts good morals, so I choose to surround myself with those who are committed to You. http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/c0c89ff14544c9ebc7dad67806f5fea0_48c50aa6.writeback Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:21:10 -0500 "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." Hosea 4:6 (NIV) Jesus has proclaimed that His Word is truth and those who know the truth shall be set free. Regardless of what we plainly see, distinctively hear, or clearly perceive with our natural senses, God's Word still holds true. It amazes me that God's people perish from a lack of knowledge because of the simple fact that God gave us His Word so that ignorance would be eradicated in our life. The truth of God's Word brings light to any dead and dark situation. As we begin to meditate upon the pages of God's written Word, freedom begins to manifest itself in our lives. His Word brings understanding where there was no understanding. His Word brings hope where there was no hope. His Word brings freedom where once there was once only bondage. God desires for all of His people to be free and live long, healthy, abundant lives. But until we embrace the truth of God's Word, it is impossible to walk in or become victorious in the freedom God provided for us. Daily Confession: Father, I thank You that you gave me Your written Word. I meditate upon Your Word and apply to every situation bringing light into all areas of my life. I know the truth of Your Word http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/a814555d80089832b9b9ab45e12d1ce3_48b528a8.writeback Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:12:56 -0500 Your Heart - My home Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me. (Revelation 3:20). My Beloved, it is My greatest desire to make your heart My home. I am a gentlemen, I stand at the door of your heart and knock (Rev 3:20). I will not force My way in, but instead I wait patiently. I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Invite Me in and I will wrap My arms around you and hug you with My warm embrace. You are safe with Me and can share everything, and anything, with Me for there is nothing that I do not already know about you for I know your every thought (Psalms 94:11). I am your counselor (John 14:16) and friend (Proverbs 18:24). I have come to heal your broken heart and set you free (Isaiah 61:1). I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). I want you to show me every room in your heart - My new home. When you feel ready to move from the entry way of your heart, let's sit and spend time in your kitchen sharing a meal at your table (Rev 3:20) just being ourselves talking about what might even seem to be the most insignificant of things. Remember, I care about the smallest of details in your life (Psalms 55:22). After we finish our meal together we will go to the living room were I want you to put your feet up and rest my child as we spend some quiet time just being together. It's alright, close your eyes, be still and know that I am God (Psalms 46:10). When you feel rested, and ready, we'll move on and you can show me the other rooms of your home. I want you to take me to your basement and there we will check for cracks in your foundation that have been caused from wounds and hurts of life's past storms. We will work on these together, restoring and rebuilding, as I am a redeemer (Galations 3:13) and I will make a firm foundation (2Timothy 2:19). Let's check the pilot light of your furnace, after all, it has been lit since the moment you asked me into to your heart and I want to make sure your thermostat is adjusted to receive the warmth of my love. Then, from there, let's go check your laundry room. We'll wash that dirty laundry and make it white as snow (Isaiah 1:18), as My forgiveness and remission of sins removes all stains of your past mistakes(Acts 13:38). I will even give you a new robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). After we finish there we will move on up to the attic. We'll wipe away the cobwebs and dust off the old storage chest that holds your hidden treasures, lost hopes and dreams. Let's take some time looking through the books of those old memories and pictures of you and your family, we'll share some good times, we'll share some laughs, and even shed some tears. By then I think, my dear, it will be time to rest for the night. Come lay your head on your pillow, I'll sit next you and gently run my fingers along your cheek, catching every tear that may fall. As you reflect over the day, I will whisper my word of life and encouragement into your ear, as I want to be the Divine lover of your soul (Song of Songs 2:16). Sleep my child, be at peace...peace I leave with you; My peace I give you (John 14:27). You may weep at times through the night, my precious one, but I have good news...joy comes in the morning (Psalms 30:5)! Will you invite Me to live in your home until the day that you come to live with Me in My home in Heaven? http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/f35f08a72ad03b200e4bc7025713846d_489c29a8.writeback Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:10:32 -0500 MAR 11:25-26 "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions."] For upcoming seminars, more messages on the "overcoming life", http://agrace.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/559444f210b6d458ac5716e2851614b9_489c293d.writeback Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:08:45 -0500 "For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." James 1:21-25 (NKJV) A sharp flurry danced in the air-transformation was occurring everywhere. People who were blind since birth could suddenly see, the deaf had the joy of listening to parables of the Master, the disturbed were vibrantly whole, and thieves became as honorable as the Temple rabbi. Yes, there were some who were unwilling to change, many who thought the Teacher, the Messiah, was merely another man, and because they were unwilling to embrace change, the miraculous for them was as distant as the Mediterranean Sea . Ultimately, excellence can be devoured through our unwillingness to change. Life will pass us by and cause us to live in regret over the lack of production from our past. The moment we become unwilling to embrace change is the moment we no longer can achieve or reach the high standards to which Christ calls us. Inherently, humanity has within itself the desire to settle, to hit a plateau and go no farther. However, as men and women of excellence, we must refuse the cozy invitation to settle. We must be resilient and continue to climb the ladder of excellence. It is a daily pursuit requiring focus and persistence. When we are dedicated to this call, we will walk victoriously over the enemy of mediocrity. Mediocrity can be beaten...we can overcome! We must, nevertheless, pursue excellence every day of our lives. The only question is: Will we, or won't we, pursue? Daily Confession I am a doer of the Word of God. I look into the perfect law of liberty and continue in it. I am not a forgetful hearer but I am an effectual doer and I am blessed in all I do.