Praying Before Dinner
Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
A first grade class teacher, for the "Natural World" section of her class, had a lesson about owls. She explained to the class about how they are nocturnal, how they can swivel their heads so far in either direction that it looks like they can turn them completely around, etc. Then she described how the birds swoop down to get their prey for dinner.
Following the lesson, she asked the children to draw a picture of one of the fascinating things owls do. Looking over the pictures, she praised and applauded each child on their efforts. She was puzzled, however, by one drawing. It was of an owl with its wings neatly folded, its eyes closed and a dead mouse nearby.
"Exactly what is this showing?" she asked.
The little girl explained, "It's just like you said 'The owl swoops down and prays before dinner'!"
I'm fairly certain that's not what owls do, but it certainly should describe what we as Christians do. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote about some who would forbid the eating of certain foods.
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith....commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving." (I Timothy 4:1 & 3-4).
We have done a good job of not giving in to those who want us to abstain from food! But have we done a good job of receiving that food with thanksgiving? I'm not asking if we bow in prayer before we eat our meals, although that's very important. I'm just concerned that we sometimes offer those prayers out of habit, not because we are truly thankful.
You see, it's easy for me to think that what I'm about to eat is on my plate because of what I have done -- I brought home the paycheck, I went to the grocery store, I cooked it. Am I really thankful to God? By that I mean, do I fully realize and appreciate that God is responsible for what I have on my plate (as well as everything else I enjoy in my life)?
May you truly be thankful as you pray before dinner this evening.
Have a great day!
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Dear God, help me not to be carried away with pride, but to be truly grateful to and for all the people in my life who have contributed to my life and helped get me to where I am today. For without Your help and their help I would not be where I am. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen and Amen.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Life is a gift
Life Is a Gift
Author Unknown
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her.
She told her boyfriend, "If I could only see the world, I will marry you."
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?'
The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.
Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'
This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.
Life Is a Gift
Today before you say an unkind word -
Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
Today before you complain about life -
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children -
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep -
Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job -
Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -
Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one MAKER.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down -
Put a smile on your face and thank GOD you're alive and still around.
Application:
Enjoy everything about your life and be thankful every moment, for life is more than just a gift.
It's a gift from your One True Love.
Author Unknown
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind.
She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her.
She told her boyfriend, "If I could only see the world, I will marry you."
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?'
The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.
Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'
This is how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.
Life Is a Gift
Today before you say an unkind word -
Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion.
Today before you complain about life -
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children -
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep -
Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job -
Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -
Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one MAKER.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down -
Put a smile on your face and thank GOD you're alive and still around.
Application:
Enjoy everything about your life and be thankful every moment, for life is more than just a gift.
It's a gift from your One True Love.
Mount Horeb
Mount Horeb
by Os Hillman, October 9, 2007
So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. - 1 Kings 19:8
Elijah and Moses were men of great zeal. They were passionate about their causes. Moses sought to free the Hebrews from the tyranny of slavery by killing an Egyptian with his own hand. Elijah, after calling down fire on the evil prophets of Baal, found himself spent physically and emotionally to the point he asked God to take his life.
Immediately after these two events, 500 years apart from one another, both men were led to the same Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. In Hebrew, Horeb means "desolation." This barren environment mirrored the condition of Moses and Elijah. For Moses, it was 40 years of barrenness. For Elijah, it was 40 days without food. Elijah became tired of standing alone for God.
As workplace believers we often become so focused on the goal we forget to meet God at our own Mount Horeb. This was the place God met both Moses and Elijah. It was a place of renewal, a place of new beginnings, a place of personal encounter with the living God.
Perhaps Elijah's greatest virtue was his zeal. Indeed, we shall see that twice in his communication with God, Elijah speaks of having been "very zealous" for the Lord. But zeal, unattended eventually becomes its own God; it compels us toward expectations, which are unrealistic, and outside the timing and anointing of God.
To remain balanced, zeal must be reined in and harnessed by strategic encounters with the living God. We otherwise become frustrated with people and discouraged with delays. We step outside our place of strength and spiritual protection. Many of us become so consumed with our battles that we are no longer aware of the presence of Jesus. We have been traveling in our own strength. [Francis Frangipane, Place of Immunity (Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Arrow Publications, 1994), 5.]
Pray that Jesus will teach us that intimacy with Him is the greatest measure of success. Lord, guide us to the mountain of Your presence
by Os Hillman, October 9, 2007
So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. - 1 Kings 19:8
Elijah and Moses were men of great zeal. They were passionate about their causes. Moses sought to free the Hebrews from the tyranny of slavery by killing an Egyptian with his own hand. Elijah, after calling down fire on the evil prophets of Baal, found himself spent physically and emotionally to the point he asked God to take his life.
Immediately after these two events, 500 years apart from one another, both men were led to the same Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. In Hebrew, Horeb means "desolation." This barren environment mirrored the condition of Moses and Elijah. For Moses, it was 40 years of barrenness. For Elijah, it was 40 days without food. Elijah became tired of standing alone for God.
As workplace believers we often become so focused on the goal we forget to meet God at our own Mount Horeb. This was the place God met both Moses and Elijah. It was a place of renewal, a place of new beginnings, a place of personal encounter with the living God.
Perhaps Elijah's greatest virtue was his zeal. Indeed, we shall see that twice in his communication with God, Elijah speaks of having been "very zealous" for the Lord. But zeal, unattended eventually becomes its own God; it compels us toward expectations, which are unrealistic, and outside the timing and anointing of God.
To remain balanced, zeal must be reined in and harnessed by strategic encounters with the living God. We otherwise become frustrated with people and discouraged with delays. We step outside our place of strength and spiritual protection. Many of us become so consumed with our battles that we are no longer aware of the presence of Jesus. We have been traveling in our own strength. [Francis Frangipane, Place of Immunity (Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Arrow Publications, 1994), 5.]
Pray that Jesus will teach us that intimacy with Him is the greatest measure of success. Lord, guide us to the mountain of Your presence
Better than good
Better Than Good
By Micca Campbell
“Every good and perfect gift is from about, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17(NIV)
Devotion:
Is your definition of good different from God’s? I’ve found during the course of my life that I tend to think I know what’s best for me. And since I like to be in charge, I often find myself telling God what I think He should do, or how He should change my circumstances so that all works out for my good. I like it when things go my way. Besides, who knows what’s best for me better than me—right?
Wrong.
God always has our best interest at heart whether we believe it or not. Unlike us, He can see far into the future, and by this, determine what’s best. Unfortunately, you and I often settle for less than good by not trusting God to give us His best. I can only imagine the day we stand before God and see Him as He really is.
Silent before Him in wonder and awe, we’ll say to ourselves, “Why didn’t I hush and do it His way. Oh, what blessings I missed.” It reminds me of an ancient legend I heard about a swan and a crane.
A beautiful swan came to rest by the banks of a pond where a crane was wading, seeking snails. After a few moments, the crane looked at the swan and asked, “Where did you come from?
The swan replied, “I come from Heaven!”
“Heaven?” asked the crane.
“Heaven,” replied the swan. “Haven’t you ever heard of heaven?” And the swan went on to describe the splendor and grandeur of the eternal city. She told the crane about the streets of gold and about the gates and walls made of precious stones. She told about the crystal sea and on the banks stood a tree that healed the nations of the world. In great and eloquent language, the swan described the hosts of saints and angels who lived in the world beyond.
Somewhat surprisingly, the crane didn’t appear to be the least bit interested in the place the swan described. Eventually the crane asked the swan, “Are there any snails there?”
“Snails!” declared the swan, obviously revolted at the thought. “Of course, there are no snails in heaven.”
“Then you can have your heaven,” said the crane continuing its search along the slimy, muddy banks of the pond. “What I want are snails!”
While this story is but an old fable, it reveals a profound truth. Often, you and I turn away from God’s best in order to search for snails.
I wonder if we took a hard long look at God today, would we chose the good things He has to offer us or would we cling to the slimy banks we are so use to…settling only for snails?
Let’s no longer bury our heads in the mud. Look up. God wants to give us His best.
Dear Lord, will you give me a desire for all that you consider good? Help me not to settle for what I consider to be good, but to truly see what’s best for me and embrace it, in Jesus Name’ a-men.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
The P31 Woman Magazine
Micca’s blog
Application Steps:
Think back to a time when you chose your good plans over God’s best. Write down the result. Then, think of a time where you chose God’s best over your good. What was the result? How can looking back help you in the future to desire God’s best over what appears to be good in this world?
Reflections:
What are the snails in your life that keep you from God’s best?
Power Verses:
Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” (NIV)
Lamentations 3:25 “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (NIV)
Psalm 25:8, “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
By Micca Campbell
“Every good and perfect gift is from about, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17(NIV)
Devotion:
Is your definition of good different from God’s? I’ve found during the course of my life that I tend to think I know what’s best for me. And since I like to be in charge, I often find myself telling God what I think He should do, or how He should change my circumstances so that all works out for my good. I like it when things go my way. Besides, who knows what’s best for me better than me—right?
Wrong.
God always has our best interest at heart whether we believe it or not. Unlike us, He can see far into the future, and by this, determine what’s best. Unfortunately, you and I often settle for less than good by not trusting God to give us His best. I can only imagine the day we stand before God and see Him as He really is.
Silent before Him in wonder and awe, we’ll say to ourselves, “Why didn’t I hush and do it His way. Oh, what blessings I missed.” It reminds me of an ancient legend I heard about a swan and a crane.
A beautiful swan came to rest by the banks of a pond where a crane was wading, seeking snails. After a few moments, the crane looked at the swan and asked, “Where did you come from?
The swan replied, “I come from Heaven!”
“Heaven?” asked the crane.
“Heaven,” replied the swan. “Haven’t you ever heard of heaven?” And the swan went on to describe the splendor and grandeur of the eternal city. She told the crane about the streets of gold and about the gates and walls made of precious stones. She told about the crystal sea and on the banks stood a tree that healed the nations of the world. In great and eloquent language, the swan described the hosts of saints and angels who lived in the world beyond.
Somewhat surprisingly, the crane didn’t appear to be the least bit interested in the place the swan described. Eventually the crane asked the swan, “Are there any snails there?”
“Snails!” declared the swan, obviously revolted at the thought. “Of course, there are no snails in heaven.”
“Then you can have your heaven,” said the crane continuing its search along the slimy, muddy banks of the pond. “What I want are snails!”
While this story is but an old fable, it reveals a profound truth. Often, you and I turn away from God’s best in order to search for snails.
I wonder if we took a hard long look at God today, would we chose the good things He has to offer us or would we cling to the slimy banks we are so use to…settling only for snails?
Let’s no longer bury our heads in the mud. Look up. God wants to give us His best.
Dear Lord, will you give me a desire for all that you consider good? Help me not to settle for what I consider to be good, but to truly see what’s best for me and embrace it, in Jesus Name’ a-men.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
The P31 Woman Magazine
Micca’s blog
Application Steps:
Think back to a time when you chose your good plans over God’s best. Write down the result. Then, think of a time where you chose God’s best over your good. What was the result? How can looking back help you in the future to desire God’s best over what appears to be good in this world?
Reflections:
What are the snails in your life that keep you from God’s best?
Power Verses:
Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” (NIV)
Lamentations 3:25 “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (NIV)
Psalm 25:8, “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.” (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Making Adjustments in Marriage
Making Adjustments in Marriage
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Good understanding produces favor, but the way of the treacherous is hard.
Proverbs 13:15
Many couples are surprised by the adjustments they need to make to each other once they are married. Usually the intense feelings of romance and love last for 6 to 18 months after the wedding. And then there is a period where you begin to realize that this relationship will not be as easy to build as you once thought. You begin experiencing problems because of differing backgrounds, varying expectations, job pressures, personality differences, etc.
To continue building oneness, you need to pinpoint problems and make adjustments in how you relate to each other. Even little problems are important. If you don't talk about where to leave dirty socks or whether the toilet seat should be left up or down, isolation will begin to work its way into your marriage.
I remember some of the adjustments Barbara and I made. Take yard work. Barbara believes grass and flowers are meant to be tamed and made to grow beautifully in front of white picket fences. My dad, however, discipled me in the fine art of avoiding yard work. He would let the yard die a slow death each summer from the heat so he wouldn't have to mow it in July and August.
For many men the issue is learning how to lead as a husband. If a wife can show empathy and compassion to her husband, especially when he is a young man, it helps him as he learns to lead her. Many times a woman tends to come into marriage unfairly comparing her new husband with her father. One young man told me, "My wife had to give me grace and flexibility so I could learn how to lead her."
You'll never get beyond adjustments until you subject your values to the overall good of the relationship. Which means that at points you're going to give in and flex. A marriage between two people who each demand to have their own way is tantamount to the Civil War-it's a divided union.
Like me, you're going to have to decide how you take off your undershirts and where you toss them! The Union is at stake!
Suggested Prayer:
That your hearts may not become hardened to one another and that you'll never lose your desire to please one another.
Discuss:
Where have you had to make adjustments in your marriage, individually and as a couple?
Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
If someone had forwarded you this email and you wish to receive it directly, please send an email (Subject: Daily Manna) to home@mybeloved.net
I welcome your sharing or any prayer requests.
May God's glory and presence be with you as you read His Words daily.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
Good understanding produces favor, but the way of the treacherous is hard.
Proverbs 13:15
Many couples are surprised by the adjustments they need to make to each other once they are married. Usually the intense feelings of romance and love last for 6 to 18 months after the wedding. And then there is a period where you begin to realize that this relationship will not be as easy to build as you once thought. You begin experiencing problems because of differing backgrounds, varying expectations, job pressures, personality differences, etc.
To continue building oneness, you need to pinpoint problems and make adjustments in how you relate to each other. Even little problems are important. If you don't talk about where to leave dirty socks or whether the toilet seat should be left up or down, isolation will begin to work its way into your marriage.
I remember some of the adjustments Barbara and I made. Take yard work. Barbara believes grass and flowers are meant to be tamed and made to grow beautifully in front of white picket fences. My dad, however, discipled me in the fine art of avoiding yard work. He would let the yard die a slow death each summer from the heat so he wouldn't have to mow it in July and August.
For many men the issue is learning how to lead as a husband. If a wife can show empathy and compassion to her husband, especially when he is a young man, it helps him as he learns to lead her. Many times a woman tends to come into marriage unfairly comparing her new husband with her father. One young man told me, "My wife had to give me grace and flexibility so I could learn how to lead her."
You'll never get beyond adjustments until you subject your values to the overall good of the relationship. Which means that at points you're going to give in and flex. A marriage between two people who each demand to have their own way is tantamount to the Civil War-it's a divided union.
Like me, you're going to have to decide how you take off your undershirts and where you toss them! The Union is at stake!
Suggested Prayer:
That your hearts may not become hardened to one another and that you'll never lose your desire to please one another.
Discuss:
Where have you had to make adjustments in your marriage, individually and as a couple?
Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
Proverbs 17:27
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
If someone had forwarded you this email and you wish to receive it directly, please send an email (Subject: Daily Manna) to home@mybeloved.net
I welcome your sharing or any prayer requests.
May God's glory and presence be with you as you read His Words daily.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Monday, October 8, 2007
You can know the future Part 6 on 7 October 2007
5th Seal
Antichrist bringing false peace to the world. He is a rider of the red horse. Protracted wars will lead to famine. Widespread death all over the world.
Intensification on the judgement of God from the 2nd seal onwards.
Daniel 9:27 (New International Version)
27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' [a] In the middle of the 'seven' [b] he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. [c] " [d]
Footnotes:
a. Daniel 9:27 Or 'week'
b. Daniel 9:27 Or 'week'
c. Daniel 9:27 Or it
d. Daniel 9:27 Or And one who causes desolation will come upon the pinnacle of the abominable temple , until the end that is decreed is poured out on the desolated city
7 year tribulation broken into two parts. The temples of the Jews will be built. Somehow it will be accomplished. In the middle of the 7 years, Antichrist will be a world greatest diplomat by sitting at the highest point to cause people to worship him.
Many will be martyred. Martyrs will face their death bravely.
Revelation 6:9-11 (New International Version)
9When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" 11Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.
All the judgements in 7 trumpets will come to a great slaughter. Jesus comes for the saints at the rapture.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (New International Version)
2 Thessalonians 2
The Man of Lawlessness
1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.
It’s all about ironious teaching. It brought confusion. Eg. the day of Christ is coming soon. They will miss the rapture.
Jude 1:14 (New International Version)
14Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones
Colossians 3:4 (New International Version)
4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory
Jude 14 and Colossians 3: 4 tells of Christ coming back for the saints.
Two things must happen before the glorious coming will come. They are as follows:
a) There must be a falling away – apostacy.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (New International Version)
3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
Falling means Apostasia in Greek. It means leaving, falling away and departing.
Mark 6:46 (New International Version)
46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray
b) The man of lawlessness be revealed before Jesus could make his grand appearance. The antichrist must be revealed. We can never face the antichrist.
Revelation 6:6-7 (New International Version)
6Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart[a] of wheat for a day's wages,[b] and three quarts of barley for a day's wages,[c] and do not damage the oil and the wine!"
7When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!"
Footnotes:
a. Revelation 6:6 Greek a choinix (probably about a liter)
b. Revelation 6:6 Greek a denarius
c. Revelation 6:6 Greek a denarius
Revelations 6:6-7 --> The restrainer (represents the Spirit-filled Church) holding the antichrist back.
Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians who are the salt and light of the world. When the restrainer is removed, the anitichrist will come. The antichrist is more powerful than the church.
It pays to be full of the Holy Spirit.
Read the parables of the ten virgins. Oil signify the Holy Spirit.
How to test the antichrist and spirit
1 John 2:22-23 (New International Version)
22 Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. 23No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
1 John 4:2-3 (New International Version)
2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Anti means opposing.
Martyrdom is dying for Christ is the only of some privilege of selected few. Not everyone is called to die for Christ, but all are called to die to self. When the antichrist comes, our loved ones will be tortured right before our eyes. Not everyone is asked to go through the great tribulation.
Be an obedient servant of God by dying to self, we will be able to endure.
Luke 9:23 (New International Version)
23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Romans 12:1-2 (New International Version)
Romans 12
Living Sacrifices
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Present our body as a living sacrifice.
Philippians 3:10 (New International Version)
10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Christian life is all about purity and power.
Antichrist bringing false peace to the world. He is a rider of the red horse. Protracted wars will lead to famine. Widespread death all over the world.
Intensification on the judgement of God from the 2nd seal onwards.
Daniel 9:27 (New International Version)
27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' [a] In the middle of the 'seven' [b] he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. [c] " [d]
Footnotes:
a. Daniel 9:27 Or 'week'
b. Daniel 9:27 Or 'week'
c. Daniel 9:27 Or it
d. Daniel 9:27 Or And one who causes desolation will come upon the pinnacle of the abominable temple , until the end that is decreed is poured out on the desolated city
7 year tribulation broken into two parts. The temples of the Jews will be built. Somehow it will be accomplished. In the middle of the 7 years, Antichrist will be a world greatest diplomat by sitting at the highest point to cause people to worship him.
Many will be martyred. Martyrs will face their death bravely.
Revelation 6:9-11 (New International Version)
9When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" 11Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.
All the judgements in 7 trumpets will come to a great slaughter. Jesus comes for the saints at the rapture.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (New International Version)
2 Thessalonians 2
The Man of Lawlessness
1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.
It’s all about ironious teaching. It brought confusion. Eg. the day of Christ is coming soon. They will miss the rapture.
Jude 1:14 (New International Version)
14Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones
Colossians 3:4 (New International Version)
4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory
Jude 14 and Colossians 3: 4 tells of Christ coming back for the saints.
Two things must happen before the glorious coming will come. They are as follows:
a) There must be a falling away – apostacy.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 (New International Version)
3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for (that day will not come) until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
Falling means Apostasia in Greek. It means leaving, falling away and departing.
Mark 6:46 (New International Version)
46 After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray
b) The man of lawlessness be revealed before Jesus could make his grand appearance. The antichrist must be revealed. We can never face the antichrist.
Revelation 6:6-7 (New International Version)
6Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart[a] of wheat for a day's wages,[b] and three quarts of barley for a day's wages,[c] and do not damage the oil and the wine!"
7When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!"
Footnotes:
a. Revelation 6:6 Greek a choinix (probably about a liter)
b. Revelation 6:6 Greek a denarius
c. Revelation 6:6 Greek a denarius
Revelations 6:6-7 --> The restrainer (represents the Spirit-filled Church) holding the antichrist back.
Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians who are the salt and light of the world. When the restrainer is removed, the anitichrist will come. The antichrist is more powerful than the church.
It pays to be full of the Holy Spirit.
Read the parables of the ten virgins. Oil signify the Holy Spirit.
How to test the antichrist and spirit
1 John 2:22-23 (New International Version)
22 Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. 23No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
1 John 4:2-3 (New International Version)
2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Anti means opposing.
Martyrdom is dying for Christ is the only of some privilege of selected few. Not everyone is called to die for Christ, but all are called to die to self. When the antichrist comes, our loved ones will be tortured right before our eyes. Not everyone is asked to go through the great tribulation.
Be an obedient servant of God by dying to self, we will be able to endure.
Luke 9:23 (New International Version)
23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Romans 12:1-2 (New International Version)
Romans 12
Living Sacrifices
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Present our body as a living sacrifice.
Philippians 3:10 (New International Version)
10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Christian life is all about purity and power.
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