READY TO OBEY HIS GREAT COMMISSION?

BE HIS DISCIPLE FIRST...

Luke 14:25-27

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother , his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, even hiS own life- he cannot be my disciple…. Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciples.”

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother , his wife and children, his brothers and sisters, even hi own life- he cannot be my disciple.”

- This is not about “hating” or getting angry or becoming allergic with your family and loved ones. It doesn’t also mean to abandon them! That’s silly. God is love, and He surely doesn’t want you to hate anybody especially your family. In this verse, God just wants us to be reminded what life is all about. He should come first. He is above everything. Hence, before we please anyone around us, God should be pleased first. If pleasing other people, including your family, will not please God, then you should get over it. Everyone and ourselves should come next to Him. Life is not about you, it is all about Jesus.

“He cannot be my disciple.”

- If we claim that we are a follower of Christ or if we consider Him as our discipler, it should show in our way of living. Do we put Him fist above all things? Do we pause for a while to ask Him before making a decision?

“Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciples..”

The cross is the sign of our redemption from sins through Christ. In any way we look, the cross will remind us how sinful we are but the grace of God has washed us from being sinful. Everyday, we should carry this cross. The weight of the cross- the burden of the sins of this world- we have to carry them as a burden not as a comfort or pleasure. It is easy to live in this world if we are conformed to its pattern. In contrast, it will be hard to carry the cross- the sins of this world. We belong to God not to this world. As aliens, strangers, foreigners in this world, knowing that everything is temporary, it will be hard to conform, that is- if we hate sin. The true disciple of God hates sin (but love the sinners, that’s why God love us) [I used “love” not “loves” because God, refers to the trinity- Father, Son, Holy Spirit]

ARE YOU A DISCIPLE OF GOD?

ARE YOU READY TO OBEY HIS GREAT COMMISSION?

Spiritual Leadership

Book Review - SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP - J.Oswald Sanders

The book Spiritual Leadership by Sanders has a lot of eye-opening principles to tell. Indeed, the true rewards of being a leader are not richness, fame, position, great friends or any good things on earth. When you are a leader, according to Sander, it costs you suffering, loneliness, stress, persecutions and a lot more. To be greatest in the kingdom of God, one should be the servant of all. It is not mere martyrdom, it is the expression of grace and unconditional love, which God has already taught us when He went down to earth and redeemed us from sins.

Real leaders are in short supply, Sanders said. Many are called but few are chosen. Few wanted to respond to the call because it is too costly to follow God. That is, “expensive” in earth-bound richness and happiness. Only few understand that greater richness and happiness are promised when we follow Christ. And it takes wisdom to understand this.

Humility – Sanders pointed out that God has made it clear to James and John that high position in the kingdom of God is reserved for those whose hearts- even in secret places where no one else probes are qualified. God hates people who focus on position just like what happened to a group of Levites who rebelled against God and Moses because of jealousy in power. Leadership is neither about position nor power, it is about service to God. In our church, it is never about getting a position though most of us are youth, we don’t focus on labels or anything. Glory to God. “It is God who will give these places to those for whom He has prepared them.”

Being a leader sent by God, one has to undergo training to be completely qualified. It is said that no one is too weak to serve God because in every man’s weakness, God’s mighty and limitless power is made perfect. As Sanders explained, an ambassador for Christ needs to learn how to be qualified socially, morally, and mentally. God inspects the leader’s heart, where everything is coming from.

The perfect example of discipleship is what Jesus did. It shows even at this very moment. Christians are everywhere, burning for Jesus. If not because of Jesus’ effective and efficient leadership and discipleship, we might not be experiencing the fire in us today. The leadership of Jesus continued for years. For a long period of time, many disciples, however, have committed inefficiency. I personally still have problems with effectiveness and efficiency. Leaders commit mistakes. They are imperfect but undergoing the process of being perfected. God wants faults and failures to be corrected. He wants us to learn. In our church, we have a meeting called “bull session” wherein we practice rebuking with God’s love. We learned how to help one another by pointing the mistakes of one another in a constructive way. Then, we pray together often.

Nehemiah, a prophet and instrument of God rendered an example to the encouragement to his people. He faced weaknesses and remained faithful to God. Prayerful life is his lifestyle. It is great to know that Sanders emphasized the true necessity of prayer, which Jesus Himself had given example with. Truly, all Christian leaders should be prayerful as the Son of God. If it is not necessary, Jesus would have not cared to waste time in praying. A prayerful leader like Jesus surely endures the perfect but painful will of God. “The goal of prayer is the ear of God”, Sanders.

The Spiritual leadership by Sanders is truly a helpful tool that every Christian leader should read. It contains the right insights needed by a Christian leader who seeks an example to follow. In other words, this book is a Christ-centered book. He is the exact model for leadership. Many biblical characters were also used mightily by God but none of them is as perfect as Jesus. Everyone had flaws in their leadership but not God Himself.

Honestly, I have not yet finished reading the book; however, it is my goal to finish reading it because I believe, God has a lot more to teach me about Spiritual Leadership.

Love Songs for Jesus

Love Songs for JESUS -Audio CD

by chibi

is now available @

lulu.com

As long as I live

“As long as I live, I want people to see how strong God is in my life!”

I was reading through my old blogs and found myself teary-eyed as I read this. Truly, I want this to be my greatest goal in life. I want people see a great God in my life. No matter how small I am, no matter how many times I fail, no matter what flaws I have…Where I am weak, then I am strong, because I know, even if I am as dirty as a mud or as useless as a trash, God loves me. I am His child, that’s who I am.

It is my goal, to please Him (please-PLS Him- Praise, Love, Serve Him).

Usually, after setting a goal in life, we become ready for a mission to carry out that goal. Earlier, I was reading PDL again and was browsing the last part, about mission. Rick Warren said ministry is our service to the believers and mission is our service to the unbelievers. Momentarily, I was asking myself, where should I focus, ministry or mission? Inside the church or in the field? Silly questions!

I know, ministry and mission will always be part of our Christian life. These are parts of our purpose on this earth. We are given gifts to share for ministry and we are called and sent to become witness of God for our mission. In the church or outside with the unbelievers, we are given the opportunity to serve and bring glory to God. Our missionfield is everywhere! House, school, office, boarding house, park, parking lot, mall, everywhere! As long as there are people brought on our way, we are called to be witnesses of God.

For the past weeks, I have been getting revelations from God about missions. Just look at my last post, about the great commission. This is the time that I realize how blessed I am to be called a witness, a commissioner, a messenger of His great news to the world. It is my honor to be part of His work in this world. I was invited, so are you! Let’s work together as a team, as one body- of Christ.

Our mission is mandatory. We have to move. True, the great commission is a great commission. It is not a great suggestion. It was not given as, “Go therefore I suggest you to make disciples of all nations.. la la la la…” But it was said, “Go set forth and make disciples of all nations…” It is a command, and once we don’t go and live the mission, we will live in disobedience. Wherever you are right now, you are in a missionfield. Make sure the next person whom you will talk to after this moment will see how great God is in your life.

Great Commission

I had a terrible headache last saturday and wheew, I had to blow again. I have been like this since grade 1 but praise God because I'm getting better than before. When I was just 7 until 12, It was almost everyday that I am attacked by severe migraine. I can still remember my teacher who patiently cleans the floor each time I accidentally vomit it down. I know later on, God will heal me completely.

I was not able to meet my fellow servants that night but I was given the chance to watch MMK. I was really touched by that christian teacher who has given much for the street children. He said, "I cannot keep my eyes shut for these kids who need my help..", Momentarily, I asked myself, "can I keep my eyes shut for the unbelievers who still need our help". If many will remain detached from God, we know where they are going eternally. I thank God for the encouragement I have received through that tv program.

The next day was sunday (yesterday). I want to thank God for the strength He has given me. I and carla went with my brothers and sister for the ministry visit in Lacag, Daraga. The message God has given for the 2 BS were "the last days" and "God is love". It was really a connected message from the night's "evangelism call".

In the afternoon, God has enabled me to prepare for the sharing of word for the sunday service in anislag. I arrived there at 3:30 pm. Praise God for the message He has delivered - Great commission. It was really God's revelation to me as connected to what He has let me experienced days before sunday.

At night, I was able to attend the adult service as well. Just the same, the day ended with the message about salvation of other people in the last days. It was like a day telling me that I need to get more serious about my business with God. We are living the last days, and we don't know when and how He will arrive.

MOSES

1. What preparations did he undergo before he was called to lead?

Before Moses became the Jews' liberator, he was raised as an Egyptian prince. Along his 40 years stay in the kingdom, he has learned to have vision and has also earned courage to lead a revolt.

He has also been lead to the Midian for another 40 years, when he ran away because of the Pharaoh’s command to have him killed because of what he has done with an overseer egyptian. There in the wilderness, he has learned the other side of living. From being a prince, he became a shepherd.

Moses has experienced both worlds, abundance and scarcity, which he both needed later when he led the Israelites out of Egypt.

2. How did God utilize this leader’s SERVE profile to undertake his mission/task?

spiritual gifts

Moses has giftings in leadership, shepherding, and prophecy. God used all these to let Moses endure the unending trials faced in leading the 600,000 Israelites who do nothing but to complain all their way to the promised land.

experiences

Moses had 40 years of experience as a prince and 40 years of shepherding in Midian. He has got enough experience on both ends. God used his experience in the kingdom to easily penetrate and influence. God also used Moses’ experience in Midian as a shepherd to His people (Israelites).

relational style

Moses shows a deep commitment to fighting injustice and his concerns are not parochial. I remember when he intervened when a non-Jew oppresses a Jew, when two Jews fight, and when non-Jews oppress other non-Jews.

vocational skills

Moses became a shepherd in Midian, where his skills I shepherding was utilized by God when he led the Israelites out of slavery.

Enthusiasm

I remember Moses’ was diligently chiseling the two stone tablets, which God asked of him. This is clear presentation that Moses is eager to serve God and ready to obey His commands, although sometimes, he stutters.

3. Moses faced the following difficulties/conflicts in his leadership:

• Disobedience- the episode in Numbers 20:2-13, where Moses was striking the rock instead of speaking to it, that is generally offered as the explanation for why God punishes Moses and forbids him to enter Israel.
• Doubt- In Numbers 14, "Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembled congregation of the Israelites." It is when Moses sent the 12 head of the tribes to spy on the land they are going. 10 of them reported negative information.
• Lack of faith- Moses stuttered even at the onset of his calling. He was not submitting his weakness to God.

Although Moses was a good leader, he did not finish well. He was not able to enter the promised land. It is because of his disobedience and pointless stuttering.

God can use anybody. Even the weakest dumb on earth. "We can be weak... but God is strong!"

JUDE

February 11, 2010

"Be merciful to those who doubt..." This verse refers to those who are confused. Confused about the truth.

I always remember my family with this verse. I am the first convert and my family is still a devoted RC today. I don't have anything against them and our former religion, like I always say, it's not about religion. It is about our relationship with God. I have nothing against the catholics too because most of them are really devoting quality time for God. Indeed, spirituality has nothing to do much about religion. Closeness to God is a personal response to His call not to the religion's call. God will never talk about religion when we come face to face with Him.

Nevertheless, I am thankful to God for using my family to be whom I am today. I am stronger and still in the process of maturity. I should not worry because I believe, God has a plan for my loved ones. Not my way but His.

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3 John

February 10, 2010

I personally am glad to read this book. Gaious is just like anyone of us.We used to be the disciples of someone older (though not always that way) in Christian service and we know the truth about the gladness of our discipler once he sees that we are continuing in Christ. Just like our parents who experience lavishing joy when they see us at our best condition in life. For me, it is a realization in a way. Not to boast or lift myself up, but I see Gaious in myself in a way. I believe as a blessing to my mentor/teachers. I find ways to do well (to the best of my ability, in class/church perhaps). Hoping that everything I do will please God. I believe, God wants to bless my teachers/mentors by supporting me in such objective. As an encouragement to my teachers/mentors, who help me know God more, I try to do good in every way I can. It’s among the best rewards they can have.

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2 John

February 10, 2010

v.7 “Many deceivers, who donot acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh , have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist..

v.10 …. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him..”

There are just lot of deceivers out there, who were once described as roaring lions getting ready for someone to devour. Verses 7-10 say that we should not welcome them and accept what they teach. For me, this is not literally about letting them in to your house and offering them something to eat. The house may stand for our body or our hearts. If we take their teachings and let them manipulate our thoughts and felings, then we will share their wickedness. I guess it is ok to talk with them, but we need to make sure that we are prepared to stay alert about hearing the false teachings and make sure that we stand for the truth, not to have the intention to have a debate with them but to remain in Christ, our mind and heart, even if they seem to inject false teachings in us. They might be sinning against God, but we should not hate them. We should hate what they are doing by not accepting their teachings.

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1 John- Chapter 5

February 9, 2010

LOVE for GOD is seen in our obedience to Him. He said in Joh 15, “If you love me, you will obey my commands” I agree with Bro.Greg about not considering obedience as a burden in our Christian life. Obedience to God is our joy. Honoring Him is our desire. We should be very glad to know that we, dirty muds, are called God’s children, and are privileged to serve Him, the King of kings.

Everyday is a new privilege to know Him more, and turn our backs to idols, which trap us into knowing the false Christ that this world introduces.

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1 John – Chapter 4

February 9, 2010

When we became Christians, we accepted God, we have Him in us. Because of that, we have gradually learned how to love because “God is love”. As we walk in step with Him, we learn more about His way of loving people. He teaches us the true means of loving people. Not just through words but through actions. I can only imagine when the world accepts God, it will be a planet of love for us. Nonetheless, because of the abuse of free will, the world refuses to be one with God, andso, true love from God is not experienced by everyone at all. Only those who choose God experience true joy and love.

1 John – Chapter 3

February 9, 2010

I cant help but think about the not-so-easy tasks of pastors as I listen to Bro.Greg, talking about 1 John Chapter 3. Pastors need to learn how to truly love and obey God. As shepherds, pastors face the unlovable sheep in the field. “Loving the unlovables”.. and perhaps, nurturing them even if oftentimes, some “black” sheep go their own way. Pastors need to call them back, sometimes forcing them by using a hook. The challenge is they must learn to do it with pure heart, doing it because of the unconditional love for the lost sheep. True pastors will naturally correct their sheep without condemning them. A pastor oversees the flock and it takes fervent love for each sheep so as he understands the value of each each member in the flock. When one sheep runs his temper out, he should extend his rope further and be more patient- one important ingredient of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. True love and obedience will show, especially to pastors who are daily tested in faith, facing every challenge in praise to the Lord.

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1 John Chapter 2

February 9, 2010

“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.” -9

This is a common problem to Christians today. Everyday is a test not to judge people, gossip around, criticize, and even condemn others for their faults. We tend to fall into the temptation of hating our neighbour, sometimes unknowingly. This shouldn’t be. If we truly see the light and truly are in the light, we will have this important ingredient of the Holy Spirit’s fruit- Patience. We should therefore be wary about how we act and feel. We might get deceived by our emotions. We should be slow to anger as James said.

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1 John Chapter 1

February 9, 2010

“God is light..” Christian living should be walked in the light. We should be always alert about loopholes, which will trap us in darkness. False teachers are among the biggest deceptions or baits that leas us astray. We need to be alert of the different deceptive attacks of the evil. We should always walk in the light. Walk with Jesus. Not just follow Him but walk IN STEP with Him so we won’t be distracted. Focus on God so we won’t not stumble.

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2 Peter- Chapter 3

February 8, 2010

It is God’s desire to have us with Him eternally. “He is patient with you,not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

“With the Lord a day is like a thousand Years and thousand year is like a day.. “ God is omniscient and omnipotent. He is eternal and a thousand years or so is just nothing to Him. He is in control and no matter how impossible a thing is, He is able to make it happen. Even the impossible salvation of an impossibly saved bad person. He can do things that a man can do in a thousand of years. God is eternal and we do not just have any idea what kind or how large the “measuring devices” He is using.

Peter encourages us all to think about the judgment day again. He introduces more wisdom about salvation. We are enlightened that we have to work out our faith and aim to be spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him.

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2 Peter – Chapter 2

February 4, 2010

Remaining attached to God

More and more antichrists show off in the world today. Chapter 2 of 2nd Peter verifies to me the existence of the many false teachers around. We need to be always aware of these false teachers that may just bite us if we do not keep ourselves alert. For worse, if we fall into temptation, and rely on our own understanding (not on God’s viewpoint), we might just be one of these false teachers too.

Today, it is very evident that false prophets poisin the minds of the weak. This stands for the awakening of the minds of Christians to do something about it. We needto remain attached and focused in God, and to rely only on Him.

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2 Peter- Chapter 1

February 4, 2010

Focus on Eternal things


This chapter reminds me the necessity to be always reminded that everything I have is temporary, just as what Peter said; “I think it is right to refresh your memoryas long as I live in the tent of this body..” Peter always talks about the coming of Jesus Christ and he keeps on reminding that we need to be prepared because taking off from this earth might come any time. This reminder is made more foreceful because it was seemed to be written by Peter his death. I believe I needed to read the book of Peter because as a Christian, everyday should be a reminder for me to look at this life as temporary and look at more important things- eternal things.

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1 Peter –Chapter 5

February 4, 2010

Clothing oneself with humility


In this chapter I have been again reminded of God’s desire for us to live a humble life. “Clothe yourself with humiliy..” In Philippians it was said as “Wear your apron of humility..”.

Apron- worn by people serving in fastfood chains or restaurants. This reminds me that God wants us to serve just like how these servants in the eating areas do. We prepare their food and serve them on their tables. Just as how we need to share the word of God to them for spiritual digestion.

Humility is also what it takes for us to wholeheartedly share the sufferings in Christ. Without the spirit of humility, we will never be willing to submit to God.

Peter was talking about humility, sufferings and judgment, and these gave me the idea of what he really wanted to emphasize. Maybe, he was just reminding us that it is normal to suffer in Christ’s name, and remain humble while in it, because in time, God will be laying down His judgment, where there will be rewards for the faithful ones. Nonetheless, I decide to be faithful to Him not because of the rewards to come but because of the joy I find while serving God and His people. I don’t like to focus on the idea that I am eager to look forward to that time that Ill be paid for what I’ve done. Not at all.

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1 Peter – Chapter 4

February 4, 2010

Sharing Christ’s suffering


A reminder that Christian life is not easy at all. Like a runner in a race, it will be exhausting but as we run the last lap and approach the finish line, we know, there’s a prize. And it is being with the King of kings.

Our willingness to suffer with Christ will equip us with the power to conquer sin. As God wants us to be molded to perfection, we too should be available for His “training” on this earth. Persecutions and other parts of the “perfecting” process will let us grow in the likeness of Christ.

Christ suffered even though He is sinless. And up to now, the world still wants to hurt Him through us- His followers. This truth doesn’t bother me at all, instead, it inspires me to move on because I believe in Jesus, I and other Christians can get through all persecutions.

As I wait on Him, I will praise Him, serve Him, love Him, and share His sufferings. He has given me a lot and it will be my joy to give them back to Him. He is my king and He deserves everything I have.

The seventh verse reminded me of the gifts He has given me. I am inspired to maximize them better for Him. And while I am doing things to glorify Him, I am eager to discover more about the gifts that He will soon show me. Nonetheless, I ask God that this eagerness will not push me to do things by my own but instead, depend on Him at all times.

Christ suffered for my redemption. He has ransomed me. This is the greatest gift I have ever received. Even if I put together all my talents and skills and offer them to Him, it wont make the same value as His gift of salavation to me. Nevertheless, I believe that God will take all of these and will be happy. It is my desire that each day, God will take all of me. That’s why everyday, it is more of Him and less of me.

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1 Peter – Chapter 3

February 4, 2010-02-09


Loving One Another


“You must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another. “ v.8

There’s a lot of reminders in chapter 3 about how we are going to serve God while we are in His church. We do not just need our hands to work, but also (most importantly perhaps) our hearts. In this verse, I am reminded that we need to be united in love with one another in the name of Jesus Christ.

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1 Peter – Chapter 2

February 4, 2010


Living the Christian life (Christian sufferings)


The 2nd chapter of 1st Peter taught me that truth about Jesus’ suffering, which I ought to imitate as His follower: “submit yourselves to your masters and show them complete respect, not only to those who are kind but considerate but also to those who are harsh. – v.18 God has faced more than enough in the hands of people.

Jesus suffered but He remained humble and forgiving. I too must learn to be like Him. “When He was insulted, He did not answer back.” V.23

The prophets are right when they said Christians will soon face persecutions wherever they go. These sufferings in our Christian life do not intimidate me but rather, fortify my faith because more and more, God’s word is proven true in our very eyes.

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1 Peter- Chapter 1

February 4, 2010

Everything is temporary

The first chapter of peter is like a big eye-opener for me. For a fact, this is the first time that I am given the prompting to read the book (considering its brevity, I have not read the whole book in the past). Maybe it’s because I always look at Peter as someone who denied Jesus 3 times. It’s his “trademark” for me. But now, I’m over it.

I see that Peter has a lot to say to urge me to get more serious about my service to God, while enjoying it. His call to a holy living really inspired me to do better for God. “Be holy because I am holy..” v.16

Again, I was reminded that everything is temporary, and that I have to maximize all I have for God’s glory. We are like tourists in this place, soon we will leave and go to our true home, with Him. We don’t have all the time to spend here, so we need to prepare and pack up the things that we need before we leave. These things are the ingredients of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which God Himself provides.

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James – Chapter 5

February 3, 2010


Being Wise With Wealth

Chapter 5 of James is about handling wealth. This Chapter does not condemn our desire to be rich and prosperous but it definitely condemn the mismanagement and abuse of wealth.

“Do not hoard it..” – v-3 God doesn’t want us to collect wealth and see piles of them for the sake of satisfying our eyes with the richness we have produced. That’s silly and selfish. God doesn’t have anything against being wealthy, He is against our intent to love wealth, which is dangerous.

All material things that make a person wealthy can fade away in time. “Your wealth had rotted, moths have eaten your clothes, and your gold and silver corroded.” V.2-3.
What good can it give if we just hoard wealth just to satisfy our selfish desires?

We can have money, but don’t let money manipulate us. We need to learn how to manipulate money. We work for it and we should not waste it. Do not just spend it selfishly for ourselves. “You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter.” V.5 There are many people and most especially, churches, that need financial help.

Fact: 800 million people are malnourished, 1 billion are overweight.. Just imagine how selfish most people are.

James – Chapter 4

February 3, 2010

Avoiding Arguments
Managing Conflicts


Chapter 4 of James teaches us how to handle or as much as possible AVOID arguments. It is still about being responsible with what we say and act.

Conflict-one of the main things talked about in chapter 4, should be handled properly. It is a natural thing in this world and we obviously cannot control or prevent it. I remember Rick Warren saying in PDL, “sometimes we need to create conflict” so as to solve a problem. The important thing about it is that we will need to learn how to manipulate conflict and not the other way around.

Conflicts are often created due to our different desires and most likely, they become worse due to the prevalence of evil desires of people. “You want what you don’t have..” v-2 “You long for what others have..”. We tend to move around and try to control things so that our desires are satisfied. James rebuked us for doing these.

PRIDE- James emphasized our natural desire to impress, which also leads to conflicts. Most of us think that we can do things on our own, but often, we just end up frustrated. “You do not have, because you ask with wrong motives..” We need to learn how to ask God for things not in a selfish way.

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James - Chapter 3

February 2, 2010

Tongue

As maturing Christians, it is our responsibility to control our speech. James emphasizes that it is necessary to prove our faith by what comes out of our lips. He encourages us to be watchful of our words for our tongue may just reject the faith that we seem to be claiming.

Tongue is the center of our behaviour. What we feel often blurts out of our mouth. When we feel bad, bad words usually come out, and there might be people who get hurt. We should be very careful and responsible about this. We need to be disciplined in our speech.

We need God’s wisdom to understand how to talk about things before we open our mouth. If we have God’s viewpoint, then we are on the right track. God’s wisdom will save us from sinning through our tongue. The spirit of self control comes from God.

Our mouth is like the rudder of a ship. When it goes the wrong way, we are in trouble. We tend to say wrong things at the wrong time, and that is a big challenge to us, maturing Christians.

To overcome the temptation to speak hurtful words, we need to cleanse the source of emotions – HEART. “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.”- Mt.12:34

Prophet Ezekiel once said we need to get a new heart and spirit to rid ourselves from the wrongs we have done. And for us to get the new heart and spirit, we need to ask God for help. God will generously give wisdom so we will understand things before speaking.

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James – Chapter 2

February 2, 2010

Treating People Right
Doers of the WORD (not just listeners)

The second chapter of James tells us how to show that we are truly the children of God. We should not judge and it is important that we remember Christ’s second commandment to us : “ Love thy neighbour as thyself”.

We are not the Judge, God is. In the end, all of us will stand before God and we will be judged according to how we lived our freedom. Did we use our freedom to pursue God and being like Him? Or did we just abuse it and maximized it for our own selfish satisfactions?

Faith is an invisible thing. It needs to show that others will be inspired and encouraged. After all, it is our task to carry each others’ burden, and to keep ourselves to be an encouragement to others. It will show that we are obeying God. It is what He wants us to do. If we have faith, we will do what He wants us to do. Faith is a trust, which produces compassionate actions.

Faith and Love to God
Not mere emotions.. but actions..

“Love one another as I have loved you..” Jesus said

If we love Him, we will obey Him. (Jn 15) It will show in our actions.

BCCL, Legazpi

GCUM

General Epistles

submitted to Ptr.Greg Evans

James – Chapter 1

February 1, 2010

Overcoming Temptations
Managing our Speech

The book of James is a very interesting book for maturing Christians (considering all Christians are on their way to Christ-likeness). In this book, I have learned that James doesn’t have the intention to reject Paul’s teachings but rather, tell the gentiles about the practical ways to move forward. For me, the main theme of the book is MATURITY.

Maturity may mean being sensitive not just with God’s voice but with the feelings of people around us as well. Our actions verify the kind of faith we have. Being Christians and ambassadors of God, we need to do well in the eyes of God and men. As I recall God’s great commission to us, “Go and make disciples of all nations.. teaching them to obey.. baptizing them..” – Mt.28, It will be impossible for us to be obeying God without letting other people see that the God we obey should be the God they should solely obey too.

James has also given me the idea that we need to be responsible of what we say as well. As Christians, we are peacemakers, just as our Father in heaven.

Chapter 1 emphasizes that on our way to Christ-likeness, we need to ask God for two important things: Faith to endure and wisdom to understand.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your Faith develops perseverance.”

Problems are inevitable and unpredictable. We are constantly on a defense (and probably offense) while we are in the battleground. James said, “we have to rejoice”, because in the end it will just help us grow better than before.

Problems of temptations will fortify our patience. Like clay, we are being molded by God so as to be formed perfectly in the end. Imperfections are eliminated. Most of us are short-tempered, considering that we are living a fast-paced generation. In this trying time, God wants us to learn how to be patient.

“.. That you may be mature and complete,. Not lacking anything..” We are in the road to Christ-likeness. It is God’s main purpose in our life. God wants us to profit from our trials. Every challenge we overcome, we grow. Through it all, we will reveal how victorious God is in our lives.

SELF-CONTROL- God wants us to be disciplined. “Slow to speak… slow to anger..” We have to be calm and have a relaxed attitude. Most of our problems come from our quick response, without thinking what to do or say. We need to ask for God’s wisdom, and it takes self-control to pause and wait for His provisions.

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BCCL, Legazpi

GCUM

General Epistles

submitted to Ptr.Greg Evans