Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Do Not Forsake Others


Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  Hebrews 10:25  

As the new year approaches, l am very bothered by our ineptness of keeping in touch with others. l chatted with a man l know and have not talked with for months on end. I realize that it is important for us all to get back in the thick of things by keeping in touch with our loved ones more often - either family, relatives or friends. We also must not forsake and ignore those we love and keep in touch with.

When l was growing up as a young boy in the 60's, a day never went by when someone was not at my place to see me or my family, and vice versa. We went out and had plays with the neighbors and I had a ball. l also hung around with the boys and we fought. I went into the woods, too. I loved biking and climbing. Many times, I got dirty.

When l looked back, l loved those moments which were more than l could count. Now, almost 2011, l see the exact opposite. We are more useless and careless because we let the days go by without hardly even taking time to talk at any length of time with those we know anymore. This is very sad. l pray those happy days will come back before the Lord does, as we need each other all the more. Even our own families, we forsake them by spending more time watching some stupid football games or by getting busy with the internet. In addition, we are too busy with anything that comes up even with the short life the Lord has allowed us to live. If the Lord tarries, we should need to re-evaluate OURSELVES and not others. We should see our need to spend more time with our love ones rather than sit in front of a television or computer screen for hours on end. We should spend more precious times communicating with our families even for short talks only. Much more, sit with them and have a heart to heart talk. We need this to strengthen the family and be able to survive this evil, wicked, foul and vile world that smells heathendom and liberalism.

It is sad when we are more consumed about our own lives than taking the precious moments to give time to others who need it. We even submit ourselves to our own selfish and desirous pleasures. It is equally even sadder and worse when we don't fellowship with fellow Christians though we see the day approaching of the soon to be Lord's return, amen and amen. What a state we are in. We constantly struggle so much with all the wants and so called needs of this materialistic world. We want the "wants" for Christmas, but we keep our eyes closed to what is really around us - the need for fellowship. We should desire to be with our families and with the church. We should not neglect them. The church is a spiritual refuge for us. We are not to complain, too, when a loved one wants to talk about non-vitally important things. Being together and having a listening ear to someone are best traits we carry on through life.

We just got over Christmas, but l will ask you, what did you do for the Lord Jesus Christ this Christmas? Did you do for Him that He expects out of you? Did you try to win a soul for Christ? Did you weep with someone, a family member, due to some bad words that may have been said unintentionally? Did you go to the church house to be with other believers and pray with them? Did you keep them in your prayers every day when the Lord God allows you to live? Did you greet your neighbor next door for Christmas or send a Christmas card to someone the Lord lays on your heart instead of ignoring him, thinking he is not worth your time?

As the new year approaches what do you say, "we try our best to love our neighbors more"? What do you say to us - being more loving to our own families more often? What do you say to church goers - going to church more on a regular basis, be with other believers and not opt out to leave after the service is over; but STAY, fellowship after wards and truly see how each one is doing? Are you encouraging and lifting up those you know are in real need? Even those who are not in need still need a friend and someone to talk with. One of these days, a dear family member will die and you will travail horribly as you wish you have spent more time with him? Will you surely lament for his soul, if unsaved, because you never led him to Christ.

Even writing this, the Lord is convicting me on many things that l am so guilty of. I know all of you are guilty in some ways, too, of not doing what our great and loving God expects of us. We need to make it a point to not neglect the church, family, close friends, nor those at church. We will not cry for help, nor plea for salvation from the Lord's heart not unless we listen when He convicts till we do something to bring lost souls to Him.

Do not forsake each other when others need you the most. I felt l needed to write this as l have seen at this time of year, right at Christmas, the true needs of those that need us the most and who truly need the Lord in their lives. Let's pray more for everyone around us, ok?

I love you and pray for you all without knowing who you may be. A saved or lost sinner, makes no difference, rich or poor, happy or bitter, loving or hateful, black or white, race is no difference. Let's make an effort to do the Lord's work to encourage others, be together more often, and make the devil hate us more as we live for our mighty God.

May our sweet Lord Jesus Christ have His way with you all, and lead you into a submitted and obedient life with Him. May your life be joyous, content, happy and full of the Lord's peace, goodness, and holiness. That His conviction will keep you against His bosom, trusting in Him every day.

Happy New Year to all!

(c) December 26, 2010; Michael Carey

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Monday, December 13, 2010

Things Gained or Lost

http://www.photosforsouls.com/nature.html

 Reference:  Jeremiah 5:1-6:30

God tells us that He will use a foreign power as His instrument of judgment against His people. He did  this when He sent a mighty ancient nation to invade Judah, destroyed its crops, livestock, and overrun all its walled cities. I had picked out verses of Jeremiah 5:1-6:30 to make a short mention on this after a brief summary. 

As we see, God's judgment is on both Judah and Israel.  Many verses in the great book of Jeremiah also dealt on backsliding and backslidden Israel.  At first, the Israelites ignored and laughed at the great prophet, but  soon enough seemed to revolt when Jeremiah preached to them.  Yet, God had, does and will always have the final say in all things no matter who is backslidden or refuses to go forward and live for Him. This book is my favorite and Jeremiah is my favorite major prophet. The Lord deals with me much in reading this book. 

Now, let us look at the verse the Lord gave me. Jeremiah 5:25 - Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you.

(To save much time and deliberation, you will also need to read the whole chapter 5 plus chapter 6 as the above brief summary describes both chapters.  Pray the Lord will show you what is needed for you to know.)

That verse is great to me because it tells me that our iniquities, sins, transgressions, and constant breaking of the Lord's commandments have turned us from the Lord God.  He faithfully gives us life, new breath each day,  and renewed personal revival inside us, too. He gives us the physical power to go on everyday to do the things He required us to do as His followers. Yet, because of these, we have turned from our Lord who has liberally given us ALL good things.  He has lovingly given us so much, but we turn our backs on Him despite who He is.  What He has done for us, and for what He has given us, we should be ashamed to ignore. Our wickedness,  constant sins and transgressions have kept the Lord God, "the Holy One of Israel", from giving us the blessings that He wants us to have. Our rebellion, constant unfaithfulness, needless complaints, and nasty dispositions have separated us from the Holy God who wants to bless us.  Because of the reasons above, He holds back much from us. He will deal with our backslidings as well.  We will suffer the great and terrible consequences of our unconfessed sins if we would not come before His throne of grace and ask for mercy. We must submit and be subjected to His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins and vileness. He will convict us terribly if we would refuse, deny, reject and disgard Him.  He is  holy, just, righteous, faithful, loving, merciful, full of truth, and full of grace.  But, He is also full of anger and wrath if we would dare to abuse  Him daily.  

Friends, yet we take ALL God did for granted.  HOW DARE US to do these to the one who gave His life for our rotten lives.  It should of been each one of YOU and me on that cross!  GOD will destroy all those whom He has given so much, yet refuse and reject His Son Jesus Christ till death.

Our wickedness, stinking pride and putrid sins will keep the Lord back from giving us all He loves to give us.  He  does want to bless and give us much so that we can give back even more to Him. Are you a follower of the Lord?  Are you a doer? Do you give yourself to Him as the ultimate sacrifice? 

The best thing you can give to the Lord is YOU to HIM each day.  Live a surrendered, holy,  and acceptable life to Him, if you are saved. Give yourself as a living sacrifice to the Lord in heaven.  Let Him use you the way He wants to so that you can be better equiped in serving Him all the days of your life.

Do you want the devil to overrun you?  Do you want to live for him and sin, without any remorse and conviction from the Lord? He will quench His Holy Spirit in you if you would backslide till your death.  When You call upon Him, do not be surprised.  He will not respond. 

Yet, there is always hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  Those  who are in the sewers of the gutter can still be saved.  God can take them out from there and bring them to heaven after  their acceptance (John 3:3), repentance (Luke 13:3,5), belief (Acts 16:31, John 3:16,17) and verbal admittance (Rom.10:9). It is just a matter of losing one's pride.  Stop thinking you will get by with good works.  The God-approved ones come only after salvation.  

I  pray the Lord will bless those who are serving Him faithfully.  l also pray for those who are not saved yet that they will be convicted.  I pray, too, that they would allow the Lord to save them because only Jesus can make them enter heaven and miss going to Hell, in Jesus name.  Amen.

(c) December 12, 2010; Michael Carey

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Happy News: New Website For Caremikenluisa!

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentation 3:23

Friends, we have a new website - Twosome Faithfulness.  This is a dream-come-true for us because we have been longing for one (and free!) we can consider truly ours.  The dream has been there ever since we have discovered we, too, can write a blog.  We are just starting so that the discovering of better things for the website in lieu of another by surprise is very exciting.

Come and visit us at www.caremikenluisa.webs.com. Watch how we do things there from scratch (and without  background of virtual "science" and the internet).  See you there soon!

God bless us all.

                                              Mike and Luisa

Monday, December 6, 2010

Someday Soon We Go

adirondackbaptist.org
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  Matthew 28:19,20
 
This song touched my heart because it reminded me that one day soon, at God's appointed time, couple Mike and I will go to where He would lead us to share the gospel to anyone who would listen. Thanks for your continued prayers...

THE REGIONS BEYOND

To the regions beyond I must go, I must go
Where the story has never been told;
To the millions that never have 

heard of His love,
I must tell the sweet story of old.

Refrain
To the regions beyond I must go, I must go,
Till the world, all the world,
His salvation shall know.

To the hardest of places He calls me to go,
Never thinking of comfort or ease;
The world may pronounce me 

a dreamer, a fool,
Enough if the Master I please.

Refrain

Oh, you that are spending your 
leisure and powers
In those pleasures so foolish and fond;
Awake from your selfishness, folly and sin,
And go to the regions beyond.

Refrain

There are other “lost sheep” that the 
Master must bring,
And to them must the message be told;
He sends me to gather them out of all lands,
And welcome them back to His fold.

Refrain

(c) December 6, 2010 - Luisa Mercado

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Love Email: Unforgettable Message To A Family

ehow.com
 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 2 John 1:12


This was an email I sent to my Tito and Tita last December, 2009.  I am sharing it with you in the hope that you will be blessed by the words as some did. Here it is:

"Blessings to you all from the Most High God who personally gives us everything we need according to His will for us.

Happy thanksgiving everyday to Jesus Christ who gave His life to save us from sins, and if each one of us would truly accept Him personally and heart-fully as our personal Savior and Lord, we would have the assurance of everlasting life with Him in heaven.

With the Holy Spirit who gives us daily guidance to do right from wrong, let us truly listen to Him always.

In everything we give our thanks, in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen."

Happy reading! 

Note:  Tita had undergone a bypass surgery (heart) a few years ago while Tito had his last September, 2010.  All operations were successful, thanks God!
 
(c) November 23, 2010 - Luisa Mercado 

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Rejoicing Still

firstassemblyng.org
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philip. 4:4

This beautiful song, sang in four voices by my pastor and his family at the church this morning, really filled my heart with awesome gladness.  I immediately got a copy of the lyrics in the internet so that I can share it with you.  The lyrics in red tells you and me that God purges us to refine us so that we will come out purified as gold.

Let us then rejoice, friend, for the testing of God will make us  wonderfully perfect!  

God bless...
O Rejoice in the Lord
God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.
O Rejoice in the LORD
He makes no mistake,
He knoweth the end of each path that I take,
For when I am tried
And purified,
I shall come forth as gold.


(c) November 21, 2010 - Luisa Mercado 

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Christ's Love: More Than Enough

clearlyistamp.typepad.com
 
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

What persuaded me to write something about the verses above was because I was touched by my best friend's acceptance of the realities of life.  It was a true-to-life experience of a real Christian facing life's bigger challenges  in her home, at work and in the ministry with non-believers that God had called her to perform.  I learned from her, too. I called "her"  ministry deserving a crown in heaven.  Honestly, the way I  assessed the situation, it required God's hand for her to move the high mountains.

The way she wrote the words in her somewhat mixed vernacular dialect (mind you, friend, she is a very good English professor) was quite funny (she used bulldozers, dump trucks, backhoes, etc.), but the message behind it was very deep.  For her,  the problems were all processes to beautify the highway of life.  

Friend, I hope, as a true Christian, you too will learn to smile at the truckloads of problems and difficulties you may be facing today.  This life is not at all full of happiness.  Maybe the people you love most may fail you greatly.  Your home may not be conducive to your growth as a Christian.  Your job may not be accepting you for your very good intentions even when you have done your best.  Others may be hard on you even when you try to reach them for Jesus.  Yet, God  has always said in His word that no one  "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39b)."  Oh, what a promise!

(c) November 16, 2010 - Luisa Mercado

Monday, November 15, 2010

Mastering Forgiveness

wendyusuallywanders.wordpress.com
Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?  But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Psalm 130:1-4

Below was what I wrote on facebook just a few days ago because I felt it in my heart that I should have said this many years ago to a lot of people whom I had erred (knowingly or unknowingly) or had erred me, too.  Sometimes I tend to forget that beyond all the pride and ego I could possibly master, it is still more Godly and humanely to ask forgiveness and to forgive. Has not God forgiven me too?


"Forgiving, forgetting, letting go and even asking forgiveness for the wrong things we've done in the past to people we met but had forgotten to say these things wholeheartedly.

God bless us."

 

(c) November 15, 2010 - Luisa Mercado

Monday, October 18, 2010

Thinkers' Thoughts


THE PULPIT IS RESPONSIBLE: Brethren, our preaching will bear its legitimate fruits. If immorality prevails in the land, the fault is ours in a great degree. If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the public press lacks moral discrimination, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible for it. If the world loses its interest in religion, the pulpit is responsible for it. If Satan rules in our halls of legislation, the pulpit is responsible for it. If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away, the pulpit is responsible for it. Let us not ignore this fact, my dear brethren; but let us lay it to heart, and be thoroughly awake to our responsibility in our responsibility in respect to the morals of this nation. --Charles G. Finney, December 4, 1873

It would be a godsend if the Church would suffer persecution today; she hasn't suffered it for hundreds of years. She is growing rich and lagging behind. Going back.” --The Need for Revivals, from "Billy Sunday: The Man and His Message" by William T. Ellis, Philadelphia: John C. Winston Co., 1914

“I've stood for more sneers and scoffs and insults and had my life threatened from one end of the land to the other by this God-forsaken gang of thugs and cutthroats because I have come out uncompromisingly against them.” --Billy Sunday

“I'm against sin. I'll kick it as long as I've got a foot, and I'll fight it as long as I've got a fist. I'll butt it as long as I've got a head. I'll bite it as long as I've got a tooth. And when I'm old and fistless and footless and toothless, I'll gum it till I go home to Glory and it goes home to perdition!" --Billy Sunday

Selected article from Couple's Nest Volume 2

Friday, October 15, 2010

Focus: Lessons From Charles G. Finney

(Some people commented on the authenticity of this preacher on focus because of "undesirable things" they read about him.  Others remain to respect him for what he truly represented in the faith despite  various controversies.  Our purpose is to let you read about the truthfulness of his observations because, honestly, when Mike and I read them, we were moved to share them with you.)

Mike and I saw this on  Biblebelievers.com and thought of sharing these lessons from Charles G. Finney with you as they are very profitable to every true believers of Christ especially to the pastors, ministers, evangelists and preachers.  Happy reading!


Biblebelievers.com

HOW TO PREACH WITHOUT RESULTS

By Charles G. Finney


  1. Let your supreme motive be to increase your own popularity -- then, of course, your preaching will be suited for that purpose, and not to convert souls to Christ.
  2. Avoid preaching doctrines that are offensive to the carnal mind, lest they should say to you, as they did to Christ, "This is a hard saying, who can hear it?"
  3. Make no distinct points, and do not disturb the consciences of your hearers, lest they become alarmed about their souls.
  4. Avoid all illustrations, repetitions, and emphatic sentences that may compel your people to remember what you say.
  5. Avoid all heat and earnestness in your delivery, lest you make the impression that you really believe what you say.
  6. Address the emotions, and not the conscience, of your hearers.
  7. Be careful not to testify from your own experiences of the power of the Gospel, lest you should produce the conviction upon your hearers that you have something which they need.
  8. Do not awaken uncomfortable memories by reminding your listeners of their past sins.
  9. Denounce sin in general, but make no reference to the specific sins of your present audience.
  10. Do not make the impression that God commands your listeners here and now to obey the truth.  Do not let them think that you expect them to commit themselves right on the spot to give their hearts to God.
  11. Leave the impression that they are expected to go away in their sins, and to consider the matter at their convenience.
  12. Dwell much upon their inability to obey, and leave the impression that they must wait for God to change their natures.
  13. Preach salvation by grace, but ignore the condemned and lost condition of the sinner, lest he should understand what you mean by grace, and feel his need of it.
  14. Preach the Gospel as a remedy, but conceal or ignore the fatal disease of the sinner.
  15. Do not speak of the spirituality of God's holy law (by which comes the knowledge of sin), lest the sinner should see his lost condition and flee from the wrath to come.
  16. Make no appeals to the fears of sinners, but leave the impression that they have no reason to fear.
  17. Preach Christ as an infinite amiable and good-natured being, but ignore those scathing rebukes of sinners and hypocrites which so often made his hearers tremble.
  18. Admit, either obviously or casually, that all men have some moral goodness in them, lest sinners should understand that they need a radical change of heart, from sin to holiness.
  19. Say so little of hell that your people will think that you do not believe in its existence yourself.
  20. Make the impression that, if God is as good as you are, He could not send anyone to hell.
  21. Make no disagreeable references to the teachings of self denial, cross bearing, and crucifixion to the world, lest you should convict and convert some of your church members.
  22. Do not rebuke the worldly tendencies of the church, lest you should hurt their feelings, and finally convert some of them.
  23. Do not rebuke extravagance in dress, lest you should make an uncomfortable impression on your vain and worldly church members.
  24. Encourage lots of church socials, and attend them yourself.
  25. Make it your great aim to be personally popular with all classes of your hearers.
  26. Aim to make your hearers pleased with themselves and pleased with you, and be careful especially not to wound the feelings of anyone.
  27. Especially avoid preaching to those who are present.  Preach about sinners, but not to them.  Say "they," and not "you," lest anyone should take your subject personally and apply it to their own life, securing the salvation of their soul.

Church Affiliation: A Crucial Choice

westshorechurch.net
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:15

Mike and I go to different churches.  He attends the Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Nova Scotia, Canada while I go to Bethany Baptist Church in Cantilan, Philippines,  It is quite a long distance apart.  In fact, we are half-a-globe away!  Yet, we do fervently believe we have attended churches that belong to the true and living God.  In other words, we are one in worship, united in Christ, one in the Holy Spirit, and someday we will go to heaven together with other believers.

As I was reading the Amazing Grace Baptist Church tract, I began assessing my church if it qualifies.  I was very happy it did!  Praise God! It is not because I want to fit in to Mike's choices, but that the criteria are based on the word of God, the Authorized Bible.  It must be otherwise it is not God's true church! 

Friends, here are the criteria (Choosing a Church by the Amazing Grace Baptist Church, Bridgetown, NS, Canada).  Assess your church (i.e. pastors and leaders, too) in relation to YOU attending the services:
1.    They clearly teach how to know for sure that I am going to heaven when I die. (1 John 5:13)
2.    I can easily apply the preaching to my everyday life. (Colossians 1:9,10)
3.    All teaching is from the words of God, not man's words. (1 Corithians 2:4,5)
4.    A life of holiness and conformity to scripture is taught and shown by example. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
5.    There is a demonstration of love and compassion among the Christians. (1 John 3:14)
6.    There is an intangible Holy Spirit that ministers to my heart. (Romans 8:16)
7.    There is an abundance of sound teaching and Bible doctrine to feed me spiritually. (Acts 20:28)
8.    They believe the same Authorized Bible that I can read in English (we have vernacular version based on Authorized Bible) is God's final authority in all matters. (1 Corinthians 14:9)
9.   People are routinely given an invitation to come to Christ and submit their will to God. (Matthew 11:28)
10.  Sinners are regularly warned of eternal suffering in Hell for all who reject Jesus Christ as their Saviour. (Ezekiel 33:8)

Friend, be honest with yourself.  Assess whether the Bible clearly states what your practices in the church are.  If they do not follow what the Bible teaches, then you know you are taught differently, too.  Then, you know exactly where YOU might go when you leave this world.  What really matters most is how each of us will stand before God when the time will come.  Make your choice now before it is too late.  

From Couples' Nest, Volume 2
(c) April 2010, Luisa Mercado

Which One Are You?

From Couples' Nest, Volume 2

gardenofpraise.com
And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. Luke 17:19

As I was reading my Bible this morning, I came across Luke 17:11-19. The LORD then stopped me and did not allow me to go any further till I settled what I needed to get right with Him. Conviction set in greatly that when I wrote what  happened in my personal diary, what He had done and how I saw myself in that passage, I decided to share a bit with you, but not all as it is between Him and me. What I am sharing you now is just a few thoughts of the goodness, mercy, and grace of our LORD that we tend to overlook and take for granted.

If you read what I learned with your heart into it, you will be touched. What I saw were 10 lepers ALL cleansed, yet only one turned back to give Jesus the glory and thanks due Him. You see, all ten had to walk afar off from people due to their disease. They had to restraint themselves so as not to contaminate others. They lifted up and protrude their voices above normal tone to communicate with people. They did these for Jesus to hear them and He heard their plea of mercy.

But, after their faith had made them whole, who came back? Did all ten to thank Jesus for what He had so mercifully done for them? Did they made effort to glorify Him and shout the victory in Jesus for the great miracle that Christ the Lord had done for them? NO! Nine out of the ten left, went their good old merry way and took for granted what Jesus had just done for them. Don't you think after such a miracle, they all would of returned to give Jesus thanks and fall at His feet as one did?

So I ask you, which one are you? Are you 9 of the ten that the Lord has given everything? The you who constantly accept what He gives you, yet you NEVER return to Him to give Him the glory due Him? Do you give Him the thanks that He so faithfully deserves? Do you glory in yourself, your own lusts and indulgences and never give one iota thought of what God Almighty has done in your life? Do you get on your face to cry out to God and thank Him for the life He has given you by not throwing you in Hell yet? Do you even give Him one moment of your time in prayer each day, or do your bible studies on a regular basis? Or do you do so little that you think you are good and righteous enough to get by each day with reading and praying as little as you can, making yourself to be a spiritual giant for our God?

Now, about the one that returned, he came running back all excited, happy and thrilled to the bone because after he had gotten healed by the Lord Jesus, he acknowledge His greatness and went out to proclaim the name of Jesus to others. I saw in this one cleansed leper that he witnessed to others about what Jesus had done for him. I am sure he led many others to Christ by testimony. He was once spotted by the blight of sin and disease, he is now clean. I myself personally believe this one who 'turned back' with a loud voice, glorified and thanked Jesus at HIS FEET; probably in tears and his heart full of joy, is in heaven now.

So again which one are you young man or woman? Are you the one who glories, thank and praise God every day for ALL He has done for you? Or are you one of the nine who has been given everything by the grace of our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, yet ignore His goodness and mercy? Do you just live for yourself portraying as a just and righteous person who THINKS you walk with God, if saved? Or if you are not saved and born again, you may have that same attitude like many do, yet proclaim "saved" as they do.

In this great passage I can see our Lord Jesus Christ's great compassion as He healed the lepers. I saw His abounding grace as He decided to give to them all , even to the 9 who never returned to give Him glory, thanks and reverence. I saw the Lord Jesus' righteousness as He did not condemn those who did not return to give glory due to His holy name. I saw His mercy which He did not have to give, but He did because He knew they did not deserve it, yet He still gave to them His healing. I saw His goodness as the Lord Jesus immediately saw their desire and need to be made whole.

Though Jesus never had to do anything for them, yet, He chose to show them His unique goodness by allowing the bondage they were in to be released and cleansed. I also saw Jesus as He is the only one who can cleanse anyone who is under the chains of the self life. These lepers were under a chain of heaviness after which Jesus Christ lifted it off them. They were relieved and though the others may have been thankful in some little ways, they were not really like the one who returned. I felt this man who returned was convicted and he loved Jesus in a way that he was so excited when he thanked and glorified Him.

What about you friend? Do you want to have a walk with the Lord each day and have His blessings pouring down on you ? He can give you much. If you have never trusted Jesus as your personal Saviour, you will never be released from the bondage of your sins together with the chains of this old world. It's carnality will drag you down into an inferno of hellfire. You shall never see the face of the One who can save you from such a fiery, tormenting place.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will give you peace, happiness and joy. After salvation, you will still go through trials and bad times. Never listen to fake televangelists who say you will never go through any bad times anymore. They will just lead you astray. Listen to people who know better, even if they speak in biblical truth and hurt your ego. They do mean well and you will be directed to the truth.

Yes, as a Christian, we will all go through many trials, and will be tested by the world or by God Himself. We all go through things that are unpleasant, but that does not mean God is not with us. He is there with us through everything. We just need to keep our faith and trust in the Lord to help us through all things. He will help us in our walk each day with Him.

John 3:16, probably the greatest verse in the Bible on salvation, tells you that 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.' God is where you are, the distance between the floor and your knees. Your religion, works, penance, or keeping His commandments will not save you. Only trusting in Jesus as your personal Saviour can. You will be delivered from a hell, and saved by the blood of Christ to be with Him in heaven forever.

My prayer is that the Lord will convict those who read this, and will do a miracle in saving a dear soul from the pits of hell. He will give that person His grace and that person will make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. He will be cleansed from the chains of sin and be renewed in soul, mind, spirit. He will call on the name of the LORD in humility and tears, and have a life that is committed in serving our risen Saviour. He will turn from all sins and live for Jesus Christ.

If you come to be saved, please drop us a line here on our blog. We love to hear how the Lord delivered you, how you are serving Him and all the blessings He is giving you.

God bless us!

(c) August 2010, Michael Carey

Stroke Victim: My Love and Life Story

 

Me, before the stroke.

 

Me, a year after the stroke.

Me, now attending church and happier, too. 

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14
 
Friends, I want to share you my own story of coping as a paralyzed stroke victim in a place where there is no medical help for poor patients like me to get better except for strong determination and acceptance of my destiny,  the encouragement of a very dear one despite the ups and downs of the love relationship, plus the support of family and friends.  Best of all, I have the most powerful God to back me up!

My story:
I was a stroke victim and paralyzed for more than 3 years now (more reason was stress due to studies and my blood pressure went up). Based on me , I am more or less 80%-85% well because I can walk now and do some light work at home, go to the grocery store on my own, etc. than when I started as a bed-ridden patient. I am half-body paralyzed, right side, with little movement in the arms and hands but not opening the fingers (I can close them though). I can talk with a slur but still understandable.

I was a college teacher before the stroke (but no insurance as my length of service did not warrant the pension payment due to teachers serving qualified years of service). How I wish to undergo a speech therapy (perhaps on aid through a foundation or groups ) so that I can work online as a teacher-tutor and earn something for my daily needs.

At 43, I am still single, and living with my sister's small children and a house help (she and her husband are not with us for financial reasons). We are not financially stable so that I am not able to get the regular medical treatment I need. My last medical treatment in the hospital was more than two years ago and the daily complete medicine intake plus physical therapy were 6 months only immediately after the stroke (again due to finances). The only medication I get now are anti-hb tablet (1 variety only) and multi-vitamins given by my uncle from USA plus some mixture of herbal medicine as tea, green tea and non-fat milk that I drink every morning. I eat meat sparingly, usually boiled or broiled chicken without the fat. In other words, I am on a healthy diet. One thing I do twice a week is hot-stone and shiatsu combined massage from a trained lady friend in reflexology. It's the only thing I can afford paying (in my country, services like this is affordable). I am a Christian and truly believe God would heal me soon.

I have a more than five years boyfriend overseas (our relationship goes beyond the stroke). He is poor and a true Christian also. Our only means of communication is chatting through the internet or calling by phone (and he cannot understand me except when I laugh and say I love you). We saw each other personally once - three years ago. I quarreled with him many times to free him. Yet, he still wants to marry me next year despite everything.

Honestly, a lot of my friends consider my life as worth telling. There is only one thing I could tell about all these. God is amidst all these. One day, He will finish my story and it must be good. Why? I believe I am favored by Him!
From Couples' Nest Volume 2
(c) August 2010, Luisa Mercado (mermalu, lifebeyond)
 

Thursday, October 7, 2010

You... Diligent Preachers?


Proverbs 27:23-27 says:  Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.  For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?  The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.  The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.  And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.

I like these verses as they tell me of farming, the farmer, what he owns and how he endures.  It tells me how diligent and persistent he is in tending his livestock and in his care of them.  He looks to his herds with much delight and satisfaction as he knows they will be protected under his watchful eye. He knows, too, that his riches may not last long because sooner or later he will sell all his flocks, earn from them, but may not use the income on good purpose. When he will squander it all, then he has nothing - not even the flocks that he once had. 
                          
The same is true with the Preacher.  He looks to the state of the flock (the congregation) and realizes that when he looks too well to the “status” of the herd in the church (income from the people), he soon finds out that his “payment” will not last forever.  The following generations may give less than what the previous generation so willingly once gave. The giving will  not last forever.
                           
I will break down the rest of the verses to help you understand how l perceive what is going on here, in a Biblical sense, with the help of the Holy Spirit.  l believe this may be right.  Here they are:
  • The hay appeareth is the LORD Himself in all His  glory revealing Himself to us through His Holy Word, convicting us thru the Holy Spirit, humbling us and allowing us to see our need for Him.
  • The tender grass sheweth itself, ass sheweth itself, l believe are new Christians and babes in Christ Jesus, who just received salvation and have been born again by the Spirit of God.
  • The herbs of the mountain are gathered  l believe are those Christians who were once backslidden, have run back in the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to be sheltered once again and kept in safety till He comes again, that blessed hope we look forward to so much.
  • The lambs are for thy clothing l feel is the precious blood of Jesus Christ that clothes us each day from sin, protects and preserves us, and keeps us safe from the snares of Satan.

Verse 27 tells me of the lost who will have enough to sustain their needs and have nothing in the end.  But, that verse tells me of the saved that he will have enough milk (Word of God) to last.  The saved (the sheep), too, will be supplied by the goats (unsaved) in ways they don't realize or fully understand. The household and maidens (those who are saved) will receive enough to live off from the unsaved that may live in the same house with other maidens who may be unsaved.  Not all are saved in each household.

These are just my thoughts on the mentioned verses of the Scripture.  Friends, especially the preachers, l pray the Lord will bless you all and keep you in safety.  With a reliance and dependence on HIM, you will not go wrong.  Your life is a never ending battle as the Devil is against you and hates you, so be wary and let your thoughts and heart be of one accord with GOD Almighty.  He will sustain you each day till you see Him face to face.

(c) October 2, 2010, Michael Carey

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

From "Couple's Nest" To "Write!", We Are Going Even Better

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.  2 Corinthians 3:18