True love and true friendship with God as our guide through life...
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
To the Wondrous, Dedicated, Loving, Real Moms In The Whole World
Happy Mother's Day!
When you are a mom, this is for you to reflect:
Proverbs 31:10-31
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Real Crazy People?
To the one who wrote this, you are NOT crazy. You will go to heaven. The worldly learned people who think they had the best opinion when they said that, they will surely go to hell one day soon.
Luisa Mercado
Thursday, April 26, 2012
We Are Now Twelve Years!
(A Song of degrees of David.) Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1
12th Year Anniversary
Bethany Baptist Church
Cantilan, Surigao del Sur
Philippines
Days Before
Pastor (in yellow shirt) was leading the work.
Even the young people helped (ladies no exceptions).
The young and not-so-young adults (woman, too) took turn to finish the work on time.
Garbage were ready for disposal.
The hungry workers!
Anti-Vespera (The day before the Church Anniversary)
Takes Before and After the Motorcade
Note: God's hand was on us during the motorcade. It was raining torridly for many days. The Weather Bureau said it would ran that day. Yet, God Allowed us to do motorcade with a nice weather - not hot nor cold! Rain poured out ahead of us wherever we went, but it stopped always where we were. Isn't God wonderful? To Him be the glory!
Anniversary Day!
Church members (not all were there)
Opening prayer (guests were given priorities on the seats inside the church)
Rev. Bernabe G. Escrupolo, guest speaker
Ptr. Ananias C. Bangonon and family leading the chorus
Young people presentation
The church choir
The church was full!
Lunch time! (These Police officers got saved.)
To God be the glory!
- Luisa Mercado
Monday, February 6, 2012
Separation Among Christians: Reasons For It and Why It Must Be Done
There is much said why so many people leave churches or have debates with other Brothers in Christ. Much is said, too, why each one believes they are right in why they leave, and wonder why and what happened. Today, there is good reason to be "ye separate" from other believers in the Lord. For good ones too, not to not talk with them when one has a chance. We need to acknowledge them in passing, be ye kind one to another and show grace to them, as this is only right. But, there are reasons, too, why fellowship with other believers could lessen your character and your walk with GOD Himself. (Quite a question? Please continue reading.)
Walking with God is more important than walking with others. When you have a walk with God that is undefiled and without spot, then will you be able to walk with other sisters and brothers in Christ. Then you will be able to get along with them even if you have not keep company with them. It's a shame that so many are too proud and stuck on themselves that they ignore other Brothers and Sisters by not even saying hi to them in passing. They are so Bible based that they abuse the Word of God. I will say hi to these proud people when l see them. But, I will not invite them to my place as it will weaken my walk with the LORD if l would allow them to influence me in ways which are ungodly. If they would try to make me compromise, give in to them and their beliefs, and not follow what my LORD GOD has told me in order to obey and walk with Him, then they are definitely off me.
Too often, we think so highly of ourselves that we are always right and every one else is wrong. I am wrong a lot. Will you admit you are? Or you too proud to do so? Most will not humble themselves in front of others. l have had to in front of other Christians and even the ungodly. But I have much to say and will give verses to show who we are not to walk or associate with. Remember, consider others above yourself. Anyway, you can talk with them without agreeing with them. This is true. We can and are able to do this. Jesus Christ was a friend of Publicans and sinners. We need to be like Him in this manner also without compromising and giving in to deceit and lies fed by others who are Christians or ungodly.
In Kings 13:11-22 (you read the entire chapter), you will see plainly that it talks about people I mentioned, and the consequences of their actions. I make this short as possible and let you read and study this. Thing is: here the old prophet wanted fellowship with the prophet of Judah. Reading on, the old prophet claimed he heard a word from the Lord when he didn't and he told a lie to the prophet with no name. Instead of obeying the Lord's will, the man of God gave in to the other man's will by fellowshipping with him. A lie was told that was NOT God's will. The man of God gave in to him, thinking he really heard from the Lord when he did not. Moral lesson of this section: God's punishment results when a lie was told, and man's will went against the Lord's will. When you know the Spirit beareth witness with your spirit in a matter, and someone else tells you different as to make you give in and obey them, you are setting yourself up for a fall. You will miss out on possibly the biggest blessing God intends to give to you. Also, there is disobedience here. Obeying man over the will of God will be detrimental to you. It will mean the difference in God's blessing for you and your life or fellowshipping with others for compromise. We are not to keep company with those who live in disobedience to the Lord's will. That means to have no fellowship with them no matter how much we may agree in many or most matters.
Acts 15:36-41 speaks of sharp contention between two brothers in Christ. Some preachers only teach that the only reasons some should leave a church or separate from others are adultery and false doctrines (if the preacher himself is guilty of). Yes, because if a preacher is caught in adultery and speaking false doctrine you have every right to leave, and never return. But, that is not the only reasons for leaving. Anyone who says only for these 2 reasons is part right and lying the rest. He is not telling you everything you need to truly know. Here in the passage Paul and Barnabas had sharp contention. Many unpleasant words were probably exchanged between them. Paul and Barnabas had to separate before it got too hot between them both. You can read and see for yourself the reason why. It is very important that you understand the serious matter between them (If l preach someday l may preach on such things).
Barnabas wanted to take John Mark and Paul disagreed. The disagreement and the sharing of probably unpleasant words caused them to part in different directions. No doubt, the Lord used both these men greatly too to fulfill His will. All were Godly men and had no choice but to separate.
Reading 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, we see separation from fornicators, idolaters, covetous and the extortioners (verse 10). Unfortunately, even born again Christians can become these things that sadden our Lord thru their unrepentant sins. Verse 11 says, ''if any man that is called a brother'' does not mean that he is a true brother in the Lord just because they be called a brother. Many call themselves brothers. Many are too, yet many are not. The verse does refer to those in Christ's. But, to keep separate from them is important.
Much study in done on this short chapter. Verse 13 says, 'But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away among yourselves that wicked person.' The wicked are not saved so it is easy to see those who cause divisions. Many Christians also cause divisions. This verse also refers to the godly. If l was a fornicator, all of a sudden do you think any godly person would want to associate with me? If l lied, or stole? Most certainly not. I would not even fellowship with the ungodly or godly in these areas. We are not to. Ephesians 5:11 says 'And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.'
In 1 Corinthians 9:18, Paul speaks of not abusing his power in the gospel. Are you an abuser of God's Word? l have heard it. l have been there to see it happen. l know some who do this in my 55 years of life. The young preachers have not the wisdom to truly know such things now till they get older. This is fact, too. Some may see but your eyes will be truly opened ONLY if you would seek the Lord's face on EVERYTHING through much prayer in every matter. The Lord has opened my eyes to such things. Being an abuser of the Word of God is lying behind the pulpit. Every preacher lies. Every church goer lies. Every parent lies to their children, and every child lies to their parents. This continues on and on. It is bold, cold, hard fact. No one is exempt in this. Everyone lies to everyone. He who says he does not is the biggest liar outside of hell itself. Hell hath enlarged itself and is growing due to many unrepentant people who hate and reject God. The Christian himself/herself lies to God too as he/she abuses what the Lord has allowed him/her to have. This is true for all. So, if you would get upset and annoyed, it only tells me you are convicted. If you say otherwise, you are a liar and an abuser of the Word of God. I lie, too. We all do. I know some who abuse the position the Lord has put them in. They are the ones who say you have to believe what the church and they believe. l have been told this. l have been accused of lying by so called Godly people. Did I? No, I did not. I have before. We all have, but I vowed to my Lord that I will not abuse the power He gives me to preach. I have no reason to. To lie is to say we are born sinners, that the Christian is wicked and not righteous, that babies are born heathen degenerates, rapists, sodomites, adulterers, baby killers, pedophiles, born in porno rings, gang shooters, murderers, fornicators, etc. The list goes on and on.
Abusing the Word of God is not to preach the full counsel of the gospel, not preach on sin and name it, and preach against what it truly speaks. It is to compromise and tickle the ears of people to speak good things to them. It is not to offend them or make them mad at preachers. Paul did not abuse the Word of God after he got saved and neither should anyone of us. But today, most are very weak. It is a shame why God does not call youth to be preachers. He can't trust their teachers, and them also later in life if the Lord allows them to preach.
2 Timothy 4:1-4, Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Peter 2:1-3 speak of lying, false doctrine, and perverting the gospel. These texts are good to read and study. It warns us also not to fellowship with those of so called like faith if they teach doctrine of devils and lie to deceive the people. It is very sad that you can see most of them as televangelists on tv. Very few are there that are not after the big buck. Believe it or not, Joyce Meyers is a wicked woman and a Jezebel-teaching man behind the pulpit. This woman is a multi-multi millionaire (only money she loves), a deceiver, a false teacher and seducer too. That frizzy-haired, sissy Joel Osteen is a heathen. He believes contrary to the Bible. He is not a true Christian because he belongs to another religion and rejects much or most of what the Bible has to say. A smiling idiot, Benny Hinn, lies, is a deceiver of people, and false minister. Charles Stanley preaches not on sin or does he condemn it. He teaches and does not preach. He only uses his perversion the NKJV, which is evil. There are so many well-known others, too. Many sodomites are allowed to speak and be ministers. They are an evil entity, are at enmity with God and are an enemy of God, too. Check this out and the revelation will shock you. They sadden the Lord. Does it anger and sadden you? Islam, Catholicism, Buddhists, New Agers, Lutherans, Calvanists, Mormons, Russellites, Black Muslims, etc., all these are religions and have not the Lord Jesus Christ of the KJB has. They do not know the true LORD JESUS CHRIST. Some cults pretended they do. Others have their own gods and their own jesus (small and big, black and white) which are false and evil, very vile and wicked in the eyes of God. I have the LORD JESUS CHRIST of the KJB and he is my Saviour, not what one of the heathen religions say of him. Their gods are idols and MY God hates that.
So, there are many reasons why we are not to fellowship or even associate with other Christians. There are several reasons, too, to leave a church if leader/s would lie, adulterer, fornicator. Leave also for the following reasons: if their will goes against God's will for your life, are contentious, are abusers of God's Word, are disobedient, are perverts the gospel, and are false teachers. There is probably more, too, but l came up with some main ones which are vitally important. You keep separate from them and leave the church if the things mentioned above are taught on. It is up to you if you want to stay and be grounded in false doctrines, the likes of them and become weaker. Or, you can leave and be stronger on your own, which is what it comes out to be at times, too. If the Holy Spirit does not bear witness with your spirit in what is taught, good chance you are not being taught true Bible and good sound doctrine. Even preachers are not taught this by their teachers. But, the proud will argue with it. When you know you are right you need not argue, which is why l will not argue. It's not worth it stooping to their level.
Walking with God is more important than walking with others. When you have a walk with God that is undefiled and without spot, then will you be able to walk with other sisters and brothers in Christ. Then you will be able to get along with them even if you have not keep company with them. It's a shame that so many are too proud and stuck on themselves that they ignore other Brothers and Sisters by not even saying hi to them in passing. They are so Bible based that they abuse the Word of God. I will say hi to these proud people when l see them. But, I will not invite them to my place as it will weaken my walk with the LORD if l would allow them to influence me in ways which are ungodly. If they would try to make me compromise, give in to them and their beliefs, and not follow what my LORD GOD has told me in order to obey and walk with Him, then they are definitely off me.
Too often, we think so highly of ourselves that we are always right and every one else is wrong. I am wrong a lot. Will you admit you are? Or you too proud to do so? Most will not humble themselves in front of others. l have had to in front of other Christians and even the ungodly. But I have much to say and will give verses to show who we are not to walk or associate with. Remember, consider others above yourself. Anyway, you can talk with them without agreeing with them. This is true. We can and are able to do this. Jesus Christ was a friend of Publicans and sinners. We need to be like Him in this manner also without compromising and giving in to deceit and lies fed by others who are Christians or ungodly.
In Kings 13:11-22 (you read the entire chapter), you will see plainly that it talks about people I mentioned, and the consequences of their actions. I make this short as possible and let you read and study this. Thing is: here the old prophet wanted fellowship with the prophet of Judah. Reading on, the old prophet claimed he heard a word from the Lord when he didn't and he told a lie to the prophet with no name. Instead of obeying the Lord's will, the man of God gave in to the other man's will by fellowshipping with him. A lie was told that was NOT God's will. The man of God gave in to him, thinking he really heard from the Lord when he did not. Moral lesson of this section: God's punishment results when a lie was told, and man's will went against the Lord's will. When you know the Spirit beareth witness with your spirit in a matter, and someone else tells you different as to make you give in and obey them, you are setting yourself up for a fall. You will miss out on possibly the biggest blessing God intends to give to you. Also, there is disobedience here. Obeying man over the will of God will be detrimental to you. It will mean the difference in God's blessing for you and your life or fellowshipping with others for compromise. We are not to keep company with those who live in disobedience to the Lord's will. That means to have no fellowship with them no matter how much we may agree in many or most matters.
Acts 15:36-41 speaks of sharp contention between two brothers in Christ. Some preachers only teach that the only reasons some should leave a church or separate from others are adultery and false doctrines (if the preacher himself is guilty of). Yes, because if a preacher is caught in adultery and speaking false doctrine you have every right to leave, and never return. But, that is not the only reasons for leaving. Anyone who says only for these 2 reasons is part right and lying the rest. He is not telling you everything you need to truly know. Here in the passage Paul and Barnabas had sharp contention. Many unpleasant words were probably exchanged between them. Paul and Barnabas had to separate before it got too hot between them both. You can read and see for yourself the reason why. It is very important that you understand the serious matter between them (If l preach someday l may preach on such things).
Barnabas wanted to take John Mark and Paul disagreed. The disagreement and the sharing of probably unpleasant words caused them to part in different directions. No doubt, the Lord used both these men greatly too to fulfill His will. All were Godly men and had no choice but to separate.
Reading 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, we see separation from fornicators, idolaters, covetous and the extortioners (verse 10). Unfortunately, even born again Christians can become these things that sadden our Lord thru their unrepentant sins. Verse 11 says, ''if any man that is called a brother'' does not mean that he is a true brother in the Lord just because they be called a brother. Many call themselves brothers. Many are too, yet many are not. The verse does refer to those in Christ's. But, to keep separate from them is important.
Much study in done on this short chapter. Verse 13 says, 'But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away among yourselves that wicked person.' The wicked are not saved so it is easy to see those who cause divisions. Many Christians also cause divisions. This verse also refers to the godly. If l was a fornicator, all of a sudden do you think any godly person would want to associate with me? If l lied, or stole? Most certainly not. I would not even fellowship with the ungodly or godly in these areas. We are not to. Ephesians 5:11 says 'And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.'
In 1 Corinthians 9:18, Paul speaks of not abusing his power in the gospel. Are you an abuser of God's Word? l have heard it. l have been there to see it happen. l know some who do this in my 55 years of life. The young preachers have not the wisdom to truly know such things now till they get older. This is fact, too. Some may see but your eyes will be truly opened ONLY if you would seek the Lord's face on EVERYTHING through much prayer in every matter. The Lord has opened my eyes to such things. Being an abuser of the Word of God is lying behind the pulpit. Every preacher lies. Every church goer lies. Every parent lies to their children, and every child lies to their parents. This continues on and on. It is bold, cold, hard fact. No one is exempt in this. Everyone lies to everyone. He who says he does not is the biggest liar outside of hell itself. Hell hath enlarged itself and is growing due to many unrepentant people who hate and reject God. The Christian himself/herself lies to God too as he/she abuses what the Lord has allowed him/her to have. This is true for all. So, if you would get upset and annoyed, it only tells me you are convicted. If you say otherwise, you are a liar and an abuser of the Word of God. I lie, too. We all do. I know some who abuse the position the Lord has put them in. They are the ones who say you have to believe what the church and they believe. l have been told this. l have been accused of lying by so called Godly people. Did I? No, I did not. I have before. We all have, but I vowed to my Lord that I will not abuse the power He gives me to preach. I have no reason to. To lie is to say we are born sinners, that the Christian is wicked and not righteous, that babies are born heathen degenerates, rapists, sodomites, adulterers, baby killers, pedophiles, born in porno rings, gang shooters, murderers, fornicators, etc. The list goes on and on.
Abusing the Word of God is not to preach the full counsel of the gospel, not preach on sin and name it, and preach against what it truly speaks. It is to compromise and tickle the ears of people to speak good things to them. It is not to offend them or make them mad at preachers. Paul did not abuse the Word of God after he got saved and neither should anyone of us. But today, most are very weak. It is a shame why God does not call youth to be preachers. He can't trust their teachers, and them also later in life if the Lord allows them to preach.
2 Timothy 4:1-4, Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Peter 2:1-3 speak of lying, false doctrine, and perverting the gospel. These texts are good to read and study. It warns us also not to fellowship with those of so called like faith if they teach doctrine of devils and lie to deceive the people. It is very sad that you can see most of them as televangelists on tv. Very few are there that are not after the big buck. Believe it or not, Joyce Meyers is a wicked woman and a Jezebel-teaching man behind the pulpit. This woman is a multi-multi millionaire (only money she loves), a deceiver, a false teacher and seducer too. That frizzy-haired, sissy Joel Osteen is a heathen. He believes contrary to the Bible. He is not a true Christian because he belongs to another religion and rejects much or most of what the Bible has to say. A smiling idiot, Benny Hinn, lies, is a deceiver of people, and false minister. Charles Stanley preaches not on sin or does he condemn it. He teaches and does not preach. He only uses his perversion the NKJV, which is evil. There are so many well-known others, too. Many sodomites are allowed to speak and be ministers. They are an evil entity, are at enmity with God and are an enemy of God, too. Check this out and the revelation will shock you. They sadden the Lord. Does it anger and sadden you? Islam, Catholicism, Buddhists, New Agers, Lutherans, Calvanists, Mormons, Russellites, Black Muslims, etc., all these are religions and have not the Lord Jesus Christ of the KJB has. They do not know the true LORD JESUS CHRIST. Some cults pretended they do. Others have their own gods and their own jesus (small and big, black and white) which are false and evil, very vile and wicked in the eyes of God. I have the LORD JESUS CHRIST of the KJB and he is my Saviour, not what one of the heathen religions say of him. Their gods are idols and MY God hates that.
So, there are many reasons why we are not to fellowship or even associate with other Christians. There are several reasons, too, to leave a church if leader/s would lie, adulterer, fornicator. Leave also for the following reasons: if their will goes against God's will for your life, are contentious, are abusers of God's Word, are disobedient, are perverts the gospel, and are false teachers. There is probably more, too, but l came up with some main ones which are vitally important. You keep separate from them and leave the church if the things mentioned above are taught on. It is up to you if you want to stay and be grounded in false doctrines, the likes of them and become weaker. Or, you can leave and be stronger on your own, which is what it comes out to be at times, too. If the Holy Spirit does not bear witness with your spirit in what is taught, good chance you are not being taught true Bible and good sound doctrine. Even preachers are not taught this by their teachers. But, the proud will argue with it. When you know you are right you need not argue, which is why l will not argue. It's not worth it stooping to their level.
God bless you all. My prayer is that the Lord will bless message this to someone. Maybe some get mad. This tells me conviction is setting in.
(c) Mike Carey; January 21, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Some Questions To Ponder, Part 3
Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Proverbs 4:26
Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, [that] thou canst not know [them]. Proverbs 5:6
This is a continuation of the previous parts as it is hard to get time to do such things. Now l have a little to spare to possibly finish this. Again this was done in 2008. I have done some editing too in this final section. Here they are:
- Why is no one being convicted of their sins and wickedness these days? Because they have lost touch with God.
- Why isn't the power of conviction on people these days? Because all have resisted, grieved, quenched the Holy Spirit and people love their sins more than they love an intimate friendship with Jesus Christ, our Lord.
- Why are hypocrites behind the pulpits sending people to hell instead of preaching the whole council of God, the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, in a convicting way to slam home hard convicting truth, to humble the heathen to repentance, to confess their sins, accept Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to convict them in being saved?
- Why have we no tears for others around us who are lost and going to hell? Do we not care? Are we not concerned? Do we have no compassion for them? Why are we so oblivious to those around us that they need Jesus more than we ever could imagine? Is it true most of the time we are too comfortable within ourselves that we feel we have no need of the lost?
- Isn't it true we are comfortable in a way with how we live, our lifestyles, our refined manner, that we care not about the things of Christ and heaven the way we should?
- Why do we paint each other different colours in a way to bring a proud honour on ourselves and yet fail to realize and understand the simplicity of human life and the need for all humans to live the way we should before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?
- How do we expect God to fully bless us and answer our prayers if we continually grieve Him, resist Him and not allow Him to take first place in our lives to accomplish HIS will for our lives?
- Why do we not have deep heart trouble enough to be burdened with those we call "friends" in the church?
- Are we too self absorbed with the wickedness of this world to think all is ok when the whole world in actuality is going to hell?
- Do YOU love God? Do YOU love Jesus? Do YOU love the Holy Spirit? Why do you say I love, love, love, love Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit, yet live in total rejection and disobedience to them by blaspheming them, cursing them, doing and saying things that hurt them? At the same time never humbling yourself on your knees and face to admit your sinfulness to our gracious Lord God and confess your guilt, repent of it all, turn from it, and ask our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you? You know why? Because you are wicked and deceitful in heart. Your conscience is cold and calloused. Your hands are unclean and defiled. Your heart is not pure but hard with no feeling nor any conviction in you. Instead of the Holy Spirit indwelling in you, the spirit of darkness is in you.
- Are we that weak in faith that we can't become stronger if only we trust in Almighty God for everything? Why do we trust in the authority of man when we can trust in the power of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ for all our needs?
- Why can't we open our mouths and say "I'm sorry", "I admit I made a mistake", "if you please", "thank you", and "I love you" in a humble way with a tear in our eyes, instead of being too big of a person and too filthy prideful? And arrogant? And ignorant? And foolish? Why can't we all get along? No one ever will or can, but we could.
- Why do we have cram down each others throats our own philosophies, our own opinions, our own ways or how others should do things and live, when we should be helping each other; and learning and teaching good Godly values, morals, and character to others?
- Why do we need to have a say on everything that is said, instead of just showing some grace and a little kindness? Time we shut up for a change.
- I love God, do YOU? I love Jesus, do YOU? I love the Holy Spirit, do YOU? You do? How do you love all of them? Are you too prideful and contentious to do so? Are you too vile in your lusts to know how to? Or maybe you're no Christian at all and have never trusted and believed in Jesus to be your own personal Saviour. Think about this.
- Are we that rebellious that we can't give in to our Lord God and commit our lives to Him? Are we that ignorant that we'd rather believe in and trust in our own selves to get where we're going and not Him? Are we that disobedient that we can't even accept His final word in and for our lives?
- Do we live in such a state that our minds are set on what we think is good, Godly, and right, yet we can't and won't be dependent on Christ our Lord and have the mind of Christ, if saved?
- Why do we have a heart for the things of this world yet not convicted to lay up treasures in heaven?
- Has God humbled you lately? Has He smashed your hard heart and driven you to your knees before His awesome presence? Have you bowed before Him at an altar, sitting with tears streaming down your face with your head in your hands? (January 2012, I did today. Will you?) Have you given in to Him in a way that you feel the terrible burden in yourself that you have no choice but to cry out to Him in desperate need of our Saviour?
- Are we that prayer-less that we can acknowledge our God in heaven for His mercy He has shown to us? Why haven't you spent time in prayer with God? Why do you talk so little to Him? Why do you ignore the one who made you? Why can't you just allow Him to have control over you? Do you know what hard heartedness mean? No feeling and so sit there like a bump on a log too stubborn and pigheaded to fall down before our Lord and Saviour who is worthy to be praised and worship by you, ALL OF YOU.
- Why do we say I love you God yet don't mean it? Why do we say I will surrender to You Jesus as I give You my all, yet our ALL has NOTHING to do with Him? Why are we not moved nor feel deep conviction and have no heart to follow, trust, obey, live as we need to for Christ our Lord?
- Why are we so complacent and stagnant that we smell and reek of raw sewage? Are we that stale and dirty that we feel not the need to be cleansed by Jesus' blood everyday? Why are we not confessing our sins to Jesus each day? Why are we not being in heartfelt repentance to Him? Why are not turning from our filthy sins? Why are we not asking for God's forgiveness so we can get right with Him once and for all? WHY? WHY? WHY?
- Why is it that Jesus says 'If ye love me, keep my commandments'? Why is it that we don't? Have you held Jesus in your arms lately? He holds some of you, but are you holding Him? Well... are you? Or are you too full of pride? Are we really filled with the Holy Spirit or are we really filled with... OURSELVES? Have you been in a drunken state for Jesus or a drunken stupor for your lusts?
- Are you receiving what God has to offer you or rejecting it all for the satisfaction of others? Are you being led by the loving outstretched arm of Christ our Lord or led astray by the intimidating hand of the world?
- Why is it we sing 'Sweet Hour Of Prayer', but we won't devote that much time in prayer each day? What is one hour anyway? Why do we pray to God and talk to Him, yet not pray with God and talk with Him? There is a huge difference. When you don't know what to say to God, I believe He would love to hear you say 'have mercy on me a sinner' and 'I love you.'
- Do you know God says to you, "I love you", "I can and will convict you", "I can make you worship me", "I can take your life at any time", "I can make you do anything I want you to, but I won't"? Do you know God says, "I will be your friend"? "Please don't deny Me. Please be mine.", won't you?
- Do you know God says: "You break My heart when you sin"? "When you curse Me"? "When you reject My free gift of eternal salvation"? "Why do you turn your back on Me, can't you see my tears for you?" "Your heart may not weep for Me, but you know My heart weeps for yours"?
- Do you know God says: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"? So why don't you? God also says: "DO I not mean enough to you that you won't kneel before Me and worship Me the way you should"? God also says: "I made you to glorify Me and worship Me, yet why don't you? You claim you love Me".
Final thought...
- Do you know God says, "You talk a good talk and talk about praying to Me, thanking Me, talking to others about Me, but do you know all that you say. Your talk, your prayers, your walk is meaningless to me and shallow because your heart is not in it, and your pride overtakes your humility? Hypocrites!
When all else fails, just think of all He has done for you and give Him thanks in EVERYTHING.
© Mike Carey; January 14, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)