Our life is in Your hand

 'O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" Says the Lord. "Look as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!"

 J E R E M I A H 18 : 6

God know how to bring salavation to your family, your friends, your community, and your world. Accordingly, He looks for those who will allow Him to shape them into the instrument He require to do His divine work. Clay has no plans of its own, no aspiration for service, nor reluctance to perform its given task. It is just clay. Moldable, pliable, totally submissive to the will of His Master.

    A times we are excitedly to announce to God: our Life to Him, He give us strenght and joy, gave your best serve Him." At other times we inform Him, "our weaknesses are, so I know which tasks I'm not characteristic of clay. God is not limited to working with our strenghts ( 2 Cor. 12:9-10 ). He can mold us into whatever kind of instrument He requires. When God's assignment demands, humility, he finds a servant willing to be humbled. When His work requires zeal, he looks for someone He can fill With His Spirit. God uses holy vessels so He finds those who will allow Him to remove their impurities. It is not a noble task, being clay: "There is no glamour to it, nothing boast worthy, except that it is exactly what almighty God is looking for compliant, moldable, yield clay.

   If your tendency is to tell the Father what you can and cannot do for Him, submit to His agenda and allow Him to shape you into the person He wants to be. Like a clay: the lyric of a song To worship our Lord: 

Chorus:        

O house of Israel 

Can i do with you as this potter 

We are the clay within the potter hand

Our life is in your hand

O house of Israel

Coda:              

Halleluiah, halleluiah ( 2x )

Verse1:           

He looking for those that allow Him

To mold them were he could be

And reshape them into His will 

He want us to be like a clay

He breathe on us and we have life

Bridge:            

God knows how to bring salvation ( 3x )

Verse 2:         

To your family your friend

And your community

And your world

Jesus our savior

And my king

        

       

        

"THE SECRET THINGS"

The Bible describes this limiting fence in 

Deuteronomy 29:24-29:

       

  All nations would say, why has the Lord done so to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?" The people would say: "because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them of the land of Egypt; for they went and "His revelation is our most precious treasure. However, what He has kept to Himself is none of our business."

Worshiped them, gods that they did not know and that He had not given to them. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against this land, to bring on it every curse that is written in this book. And the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger, in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day." 

   The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.'" Moses was speaking of the wrath of God that would be poured out on the land should the people fall into sin. In response to such an act of providence, he said, future generations of Israelites and foreigners would ask, "Why?" They would supply their own speculations to the reason for God's actions. But as Moses went on say, the secret things belong to the Lord. By contrast, he said, God's people posssess what He has revealed to them; it belong to them; it belongs to them and to their children. They are to delight in this knowledge as in a prize possession. It is their richest heritage to pass it on, for these revealed things are given to them that they might give to God their obedience. What are the secret things that remain hidden from us? There are several things that may be included in the list. 

  In the first place, there are aspect of God's own nature that remain shrouded in mystery. How He governs His creation by a sovereign will that works through human agents without destroying their volition or responsibility is one such mystery. This mystery may be unraveled for us in heaven, but only if God is please to move the fence for us at that time. Even in heaven, some mysteries will remain creature forever. And as long as God is God and we are creatures, there will be limits on our understanding of Him. In present state, we are forbidden to look upon the face of God. Though we live before His Face, His face remains invicible to us. We recall Moses attempt to glimpse His visage in Exodus 33:17-23:

  So the Lord said to Moses, 'I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.' And he said, 'Please show me Your glory.' Then He said 'I will make all My goodness pass before and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and i will have compassion  on whom I will have compassion. But He said, 'You cannot see My See my face: for no man shall see Me, and live.' And the Lord said, 'Here is a place by Me, and you stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but my face shall not be seen.'"

  After Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise and consigned to live out their days east of Eden, sentinels were placed at the entrance to the garden, angels and aflaming sword, stationed there by God to ensure that no fallen creature would trespass in the place. Part of the boundary to Eden is the hiddenness of God's face from our eyes. It is forbidden sight as long as we remain impure. The problem is not the weakness of our vision. It is moral problem. The future promise of seeing God is given to the "pure in heart." The beatific vision is restricted to those who have been glorified in heaven.

  A second "secret thing" is the future. Though God has been pleased to reveal much about His plans for our redemption, there remains much about our personal futures that He has not revealed. Furthermore, He prohibited us from gazing into future things about which He is silent. Our desire to know the future fuels the horoscpoe industry, and keeps palm readers and tarot card shark in business. These things were emphatically forbidden in the old testament, and consultations with sorcerers, witches, necromancers, and so forth were considered heinous crimes. The ouija board is the modern version of these ancient attempts to pry into secret things. Finally, there is that forbidden territory of knowledge that has to do with our own entertainment. We might call this "carnal knowledge." The alternative to such carnal knowledge is found in Paul's exhortation to the Philippians: "Finally. Brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is He he established a fence that guards his unrevealed thoughts and plans from prying and snooping noses. anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. The things which you learn and received and heard of me, these do and the God of peace will be with you" ( Phil. 4:8-9 ).

          

         

        

"Jesus, My Friend"

     "A friend loves at all times."                                         -----Proverb 17:17

     "Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person.

       Having neither to weight words nor measure thoughts but pouring them 

       all out like chaff and grain together certain that a faithful hand will keep 

       what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away"  

                                                                                                   --George Eliot        

If you have a friend like that, you have a treasure. Someone with whom you can peel back the layers of your heart, knowing that he or she will handle tenderly and lovingly everything that's revealed.

      That's why I consider Jesus to be my friend. Of course, there used to be times in prayer when I would get tongue-tied over whether or not I was praising Him property. I would measure far too carefully my words, wondering if my prayer was progressing the way it should in a tidy order of adoration, confession, thankgiving, and supplication. Sometimes I just gave up in frustration.

       All the while, Jesus must have been waiting for me to simply peel back the layers of my heart and openly share a tumble of thoughts and confessions, like chaff and grain. He wanted to assure me that with His faithful hand He would keep what was worth keeping in my prayer and gently blow the rest away.   

 

       Jesus is a friend with whom you can feel safe.      

        Oh, the comfort of feeling safe with you, Jesus. Thank You for 

        Inviting me to pour out my thoughts to you in a tumble of praise

        and confession, thankgiving, and petition. I praise You for being

        a true friend who loves at all times.          

"STAND WATCH AND PRAY"

"And what I say unto you I say unto all, watch." Mark 13 : 37

   Some people sit idly as life passes them by while others intently watch what is happening around them for the purpose of learning lessons that can be applied at another time. We can learn much by watching. If you want to learn a valuable lesson, go to a shopping mall, find a comfortable seat, and watch people. Sometime take order to eat and watch them too. You will observe every imaginable attitude possible without ever talking to a soul. One attitude will show crankiness, another's will portray happiness, and another's demeanor will say, "I'm meaner than the devil and twice as ugly. LEAVE ME ALONE!" You've seen what I'm talking about. But don't misunderstand me, I am suggesting that the observer sit there, in the mall, with the intent of learning something.

   We, Christian are admonished to be observers: to  watch. In ( Verse 35 ). Jesus told us to "Watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming." This watching is more than just seeing events take place without any personal involvement. This watching is the pinnacle of personal involvement.

   We are to actively observe the spiritual climate of our generation in order to be ready for the Lord's return. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told his disciples to "Watch and pray" ( Matt.26:41). Here as well, Jesus was requiring more that casual notice of events of the day. He gave the command, "Watch" and the command, "Pray." He didn't say to watch others pray, or watch while others are praying, or even do all the watching and no praying. No, the Lord was very specific in his instructions. He requires active participants in His Body.

    To some of us, the idea of watching and praying is the combined act of praying with our eye open so we can watch what is happening in the room while we are praying. Now don't misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong with praying with your eyes opened, especially if you are driving your automobile at the same time but in God's Word " watch" means far. More than just seeing casually noticing or catching a glimpse of what's going on aroung us. "Watch" literally means to be spiritually alert, to be guard or to say awake for military purposes.  We are commanded then to come fogether with the intent of Biblically watching as if on guard, to be spiritually alert, ready to discerning, ready, and actively participate in what God is doing. God wants participants, not just spectators, in what the Spirit of God is doing in this day and age to come. Do you believe that? Are you a spectator or participants?

   One of my task of this twenty one day fast is the door post stand,  watch and pray. The watchman job is vital. Like an old days, seeing an approaching army left resident of an ancient city precious little time to flee or to prepare for battle. Everyone's life depended on the alert watchman as he peered into the horizon for the earliest glimpse of an approaching threat. It was critical that people be alerted as soon as possible to what was coming. But this time is different it is about watch and prayed. For incoming revival conference. Watchman for yourself, your friends, and your (my) church family. It is essential for me to be attentive to what God is saying. It may be that a friend is in crisis and needs God's Word. God holds His watchmen accountable for their diligence. Your diligence will benefit you and. Those around you as you heed God's warning and follow His commands.

"Obedience I must Learn"

              "Though He was a Son, yet He learn obedience by the 

             things which He suffered. And having been perfected. He 

           become the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him."

                                        HEBREWS 5 :8-9

           In his letter to Christian in Galatia, Paul tried to get them to understand the inner conflict that all who belong to Christ will experience. The battle is between "the flesh" ( our sinful human nature ) and the Holy Spirit who lives within us ( Galatian 5:17 ).

           Because our self-centered nature wants its own way, it fights the rule of Christ within us. So we often end up doing our will rather than God's will ( verse 17 ). There is a positive aspect to suffering. We all endure suffering to some degree, but the good news is that through it we can become like Jesus. Are you willing to pay whatever price is neccessary in order to become like our Lord. There are something that God can build into your life only through suffering. Even Jesus, sinless Sin of God, complete only after He had endured the suffering His Father had set before Him. Once he had suffered, He was complete, mature, and perfect savior through whom an entire world could find salvation. If you become bitter over your hardships, you close some parts of your life from God. If you do this, you will never be complete. Some places in your soul can be reached only by suffering. The spirit of God has important things to teach you. But you can only learn lessons in midst of your trials. King saul was made king without ever enduring hardship, but he never developed the character or maturity to handle God's assignment. David spent year in suffering and heartache. When he finally ascened the throne. He was a man of God's own heart. Can we be same as David that our God see us and be as God's own heart? In the book of James say if anyone suffered prayed! Once I prayed in desperation, "Lord, please show me how to overcome!" ( Verse 16 ) the Holy Spirit reminds us to read his word. "Walk in the Spirit." I kept reading, and came to recognize my own "work of flesh" my envy, anger, hatred, and selfish ambitions. (Gal.19-21). I asked for forgiveness, and I came to understand that i have been crucified with Christ (Gal.2:20). The power of sinful flesh has broken (Rom.6:6-7) we must learn obedience to overcome our suffering. Remember  we are in a winning side!! We face trial and temptation everyday just remember his goodness. Don't resent the suffering God allow in your life, Don't make all your decision and invest everything you have into avoiding hardship. God did not spare His own Son. How can we expect Him to spare us? Again i say learn obedience even when it hurts!

"Straight ahead"

 It is God who arms me with strenght and makes my way perfect.

 2 Samuel 22:33

   The  sun is barely up and that annoying alarm clock is blaring in your ear. Groggily you reach over and fumble around until you hit the snooze button.

just a few more minutes, you think, and then I can get up and face the day.

the alarm sounds again. You know you can't put it off any longer. It's time

to face the inevitable. It's time to wrestle another day to the ground.

     After a couple of cups of coffee, your brain is finally humming. Now the 

question is, which of today's tasks should you tackle first? Before you begin

your work, you might seek inspiration from this prayer, written by Jacob 

Boehme, a German shoesmaker who was born more than 400 year ago:

    Rule over me this day, O God, leading me on the path of righteousness. Put your word in my mind and your

 Truth in heart,that this day I neither think nor feel anything Except what is good and honest. Protect me from all lies

And falsehood, helping me to decern deception wherever I meet it. Let my eyes always look straight ahead on the Road you wish meto tread, that I mightnot be tempted By any distraction. And make my eyes pure , that no false desire may be awakened within me.'"

A day without distraction, focused only on the important. A day viewed through pure eyes.

A day marked by goodness and honesty.

A day of clear direction and no deception.

A day without falsehood and lies.

A day in which God's Word rules our mind and His truth Reign in our heart.

Now that's a day worth getting up for! That's a day worth Embracing. Fully, from the first second.

"THE WORLD IS WATCHING"

                      "When he had called the people to himself with his disciple also"

                                                         Mark 8:34-38

        He said to them, "Whosoever desires to come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's sake will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gain the whole world but lose his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of my words in this sinful and adulterous generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his father with his holy angels." 

                      1Corinthian 1:17-18 

      "For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Gospel. Not with wisdom of words lest the cross of christ should be made to no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,?but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

       The Apostle Paul was determined to know only the Lord Jesus Christ and him crucified. Consequently, we can never have too much teaching on the cross because the cross of Christ is the central theme of christianity. Without Jesus Christ and the cross that he hung on for you and me, there would be no Christianity. Without the cross there would be religion but no possibility of relationship Without the cross there would be philosophy without reality.

       Theology has a tendency to make simple things complicated. But the cross of Christ will always make complicated things simple. When we truly understand the cross, we understand the importance of that intimate relationship with Christ to our individual Christian lives.

       The people in your community were asked about christians who live there, what do you think they would say? Would they say they recognize christians by their love, or because of something else?

       Consider these two true situations: In one small town a restaurant decided to close on sunday nights because the staff refused to work for the after-evening-church crowd. The people who came from church were rude, messy and left small tips.

        In another town, the manager of a store that sold concert tickets reported that some of the rudest people she had ever met were several who had bought tickets to hear a well-known Christian singing group. Sometimes we don't realize it but the non-Christian world is watching us. Our neighbors and acquantances and others we encounter notice our behavior. They know that if we claim to be followers of christ we are supposed to be kind and compassionate. They know that our lives should reflect love and Christlikeness (John13:35; 1John2:6) they know that we shouldn't be so busy with our own interest that we don't love other people. Let's make sure the people who are watching our lives will want to get to know our Savior.

       The vast masjority of the preaching and teaching on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ deals with the aspect of what the Cross has done for us. Now certainly we need to understand this, but there is so much more. Central to our walk with God is the understanding of just what the cross will cost us. We must deny ourselves. Now I want to emphasize that if we are not careful we can get completely off balance in this issue Jesus did not say that in order to follow him we must deny ourselves things. Denying ourselves things in and of itself is not a sign that we are following Christ. Aesthestic Monks throughout the Dark Ages denied themselves just about everything. Yet they had very little understanding of the meaning of a personal relationship with Christ.

       Poverty is not spiritual. As a matter of fact, if you want to get scriptually accurate on the subject, poverty is considered a curse in the Word of God. Why would we call poverty a blessing or sign of spirituality when God clearly says that it is a result of the curse of the law?

       Denying "self" is what we are to deny in order to follow after Christ. We need to realize that the grace of God is what has made salvation available to us and not anything that is our flesh. Paul clearly admonished the the Galatians for this very error. They tried to complete through fleshly activities the very work that Christ accomplished through the spirit on the cross.

       Paul said he rejoiced in his suffering because he knew that by them he was able to participate in the suffering required. To bring others into Christian maturity.( Col.1-24 ).

       We tend to want to go immediately from "denying ourselves" to "following Jesus." But you can never follow Jesus unless you have first taken up your cross. (Matt.16:21). You will never be able to endure the suffering of the cross unless you have first been convinced that Jesus is the Christ. Once you have settled your relationship with Christ, He will introduce you to your cross."

"Teachable spirit"

         Now a certain Jew named apollos. . . an eloquent man and mighty in the Scripture, came to Ephesus.this manhad been instructed inthe way the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taugh accurately the things of the Lord.                                                                      'Act 18:24-25

        Luke tells us only that paul spends "some time" in Antioch following the Completion of his second Journey. But he is soon on the move again, following the initial course of his second mission through Gallatia and Phygia. There he likely visits the churches founded on his first trip, those in Derbe Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch. His work in these young churches consist of strenghtening all the disciples."

        Meanwhile, in a small sign of the gathering and reach of the church a skilled speaker and expositor of Scripture appears in Ephesus. This man, Apollos is a Jew from Egypt. City of Alexandria, a major city of the Roman Empire, a major center for Jews of the dispersion, and a great seat of learning. Apollos apparently has been well-educated and has received advance training in the interpretations of Old Testament writing, he is learned, eloquent, and "mighty in the Scripture." However, he also has been "instructed in the way of the Lord." Where did he hear the Gospel? Did one of the Egyptian Jews who were in Jerusalem at Pentecost ( Acts 2:10 ) believe and take the Gospel back to Egypt? Luke does not say, but Apollos' evident faith indicates that the Gospel may have reach the Nile by this time.

       Apollos comes proclaiming the faith accurately and with great fervor in the Ephesian synagogue. However, there ia a flaw in his doctrine he knows only the baptism of John. "John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance, not a baptism of faith in Jesus Christ," although Apollos accurately articulated the facts about Jesus...he was not familiar with the work of the Holy Spirit, the progress of God's kingdom, and the way of God." Aquila and Pricilla, who had been left by paul in Ephesus (18:19 ), take Apollos under their wing and explain to him the way of the Lord more accurately. Apollos shows himself to be teachable spirit, receiving instruction even from a tentmaker and a woman.

        Perhaps having heard of the work in Corinth from Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos then sets his heart on ministering in Achaia. So Aquilla, Priscilla, and the other believers in the developing Ephesian church send him with letters recommending him to the believers in Corinth.?and he fulfills their expectations, helping the believers there by refuting the Jews' interpretation of the Scripture.

        Apollos' willingness to received instruction from fellow believers is an example for us. None of us will ever grasp the truths of God perfectly in this life. But in God's  providence, all of us have better or worse understanding of the faith. Thus , there are some we can teach and some who can teach us. Be willing to teach and be taught.

        Willingness to received instruction only those whose heart are right with Him and placing them where they can make difference for His Kingdom. Some of the great missionaries in history did not live long lives, but their lives dramatically affected eternity. God continue to seek those as responsive like Apollos has a teachable spirit. Have you seen the Activity of God around you? What is God presently inviting you to do? How are you responding?

"Talk with the Creator"

     " Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord; those who obey his

                           orders have good understanding."

                                              Psalm 111:10

     There is literally nothing that i have ever wanted to do, that I asked 

the blessed creator to help me do, that I have not been able to accomplish.

It's all very simple if one knows how to talk with creator. It is simply seeking

the Lord and finding him." These are the words of the great scientist, George 

washington Carver, the American botanist who literally rebuild the Southern 

agricultural economy after the civil war.

    Born a slave, Carver eventually  became head of the Agriculture Depart-

Ment at Tuskeggee Institute in Alabama. He develop more than three hun-

dred uses for the peanut and dozens of products from the sweet potato 

and the soy bean. Much of Carver's research was conducted in his labo-

ratory which he called "God's Little Workshop."

    No books are ever brought in here," he said, "and what is the need of 

book? Here I talk to the little peanut and it reveals its secret to me. I lean 

upon the 29th verse of the first chapter of genesis. 'And God said, Behold 

I have given you every herb bearing deed which is upon the face of all the 

earth, and every tree in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you 

it shall be for meat.'"

     Carver had a habit of seeking the early in the morning. He rose at four 

o' clock everyday and went into the woods to talk to God. He said, "There

He gives me my orders for the day. I gather specimens and listen to what 

God has to say to me. After my morning's talk with God I go into my

Laboratory and begin to carry out His wishes for the day.'"

      You can begin each day asking your Creator what He would have you 

do that day and how He would have you do it! If you are facing challenge, 

God can reveal a new perspective. If you need inspiration, God can stir you

up. If you feel younare in a dead-end situation, God can show you His way

out. 

      Seek your Creator today! He desires your fellowship and he wants to 

give you the answers you need.

THE FIRST SUNRISE SERVICE

      I will sing and give praise, Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and 

                               harp! I will awaken the dawn.

                                    Psalm 57:7-8 NKJV

     The year was 1909, and the place was Mount Roubidoux in calif-

ornia. In the valley at the foot of the mountain was Mission Inn. Here, 

staying. As a guest, was Jacob Riis, the famous social crusader and 

the father of slum clearance in New York.

     As Riis looked up at the crest of Mount Roubidoux, he caught a 

vision. At the Inn's evening song service, he shared his thoughts with 

Frank Miller, proprietor, and the assembled guest:

    " Isee in the days to come an annual pilgrimage call 

       it what you will winding its way up the step of Mount 

       Roubidoux, climbing ever higher toward the cross 

       that crowns the summit, where the bell peals out its 

       Message of peace on Earth and goodwill to men, 

       And gathering there to sing the old songs that go 

       Straight to the hearts of men and women."

       Riis spoke as a prophet, but even he could never have a dreamscape 

how soon  his words would come true. The next sunday was Easter,

and Miller decided to make its observance memorable. He  invited

one hundred of its guest and friends ( Riis had left by then ) to climb

Roubidoux. And hail the breaking of the holy day with a simple but

Impressive.

      In the light of the Easter dawn, the first sunrise service on record 

was held by those one hundred "pilgrim." Today easter sunrise services

are yearly tradition for Christian around the world. While not everyone

can greet this holy day from the top of a moutain, just just praising 

God  while watching the first rays of the dun appear over the horizon

can make one's spirit rise. Even when the day is overcash. There is 

something wonderful about watching God's beams of light break 

Throught the clouds to warm the world.

        There no need to wait to wait for Easter, however. You can make 

Any day a Holy day dedicating it to  the Lord.  Why not set your alarm

so you can enjoy your own private "sunrise service tomorrow morning!

A Fearless Refuge

There is a river whose stream shall make glad the city of God, the holy

 place of the tabernacle of the Most 

High.

Psalm 46:4

     One of the main themes in David's psalm is God as the refuge of the church. The hope of God's people was that His presence was with them. They had this hope during their Exodus from Egypt, and it sustained them during the Babylonian exile. Our studies in Isaiah have turned often to this point as the prophet has remained the people that though nations might fall around them, though the gates might break and the walls crumble, God would be their refuge. While pagan nation put their trust in bulwarks and armies, the people of Israel were to put their trust in God alone.

      Psalm 46 speaks of this theme with beautiful imagery: "God is our refuge and strength, very present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its water roar and be troubled, though the mountain shake with its swelling. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us ; the God of Jacob is our refuge."

      The gentless of the river is contrasted here with the roar of the sea. For Jewish people, the ocean was a terrible thing. Huge monsters were said to rise from its depths. Great gust of wind would blow i from the sea across the desert region, bringing devastation to crops and because the Jew never had a port, other nations that had seafaring trade became powerful and rose up against them. In contrast to the ocean, the Jordan River was a source of delighted  It ran though the country, providing food and water.

      David used this geographic situation to depict the comfort we have in God. Though the sea the troubles of this world rages about us, the river God Himself provides for us and protects us. He is like the Jordan River that brought food and water to the Jews. He is our strenght, our refuges and our provider. Because of Him, we will never be moved. Though the nations rage like ocean, the Lord will protect His Holy City. Let us then be still and know that He is God, our refuge and our strength.

      In Act 5:29 that we ought to obey rather than man he gives all things, for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 timothy 1:7 fear of people does not come from God. And in psalm 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits: 

     A soldier was standing at attention during a parade drill when he waved to one of the spectators. The drill instructor went over to the young man and growled, "Soldier, don't ever do that again!" But as his company marched past the reviewing stand the young man waved a second time. When the troops got back to the barracks, the drill instructor barreled in and barked at the soldier, "I told you not to wave! Aren't you afraid of me?" "Yes sir," the private replied. "But you don't know. My mother!" Fear causes us to stop and question what God has clearly told us to do. Perhaps we were confident in our obedience until persecution came; now doubt whether we heard God correctly. Most fear is fear of the unknown. We do not know what lies ahead of us, so we become apprehensive. Our imagination can magnify problems until they seem insurmountable. We need s sound mind to see things in proper perspective just as King David was. The very best thing is He didn't leave us an orphan. That is why God gave us His Holy Spirit, to enable us to see thing as God sees them.

         Our God is our refuge and strength, the very present help in trouble. Speaking of trouble apostle paul was asking fo prayer.The apostle Paul may be considered one of the most bold and courageous ambassadors of the Gospel, but even he got butterflies in his stomach. In one paragraph, he twice asks for prayer for courage in sharing the truth of the Gospel. How odd to think that even the great apostle felt fear. If He need prayer how much more about us? "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should." ( Ephesians 6: 19-20 ). All those imaginary in psalm 46:4 will be steal from us if we would not prayed. ( John 10:10).

"God's will Revelation Is His Invitation"

       All the inhabitant of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; no one can ward off His hand or say to Him,"what have You done?'" ( Dan.4:35 ). Surely there is mo more magnificent proclamation of the sovereignty of God in all Scripture. Its implications for all humanity are stark and unmistakable: God does what He wills, in every situation, in every human heart.

       Remarkably, this statement issued from the mouth of a pagan king. Yet many who call themselves christians seem most disturbed and angry at such a statement. Their objection follows these lines: can God be sovereign and man still have accountability for his action?

        Scripture says yes : '"For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both and Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentile and the peoples of israel, to do whatever your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur'" ( Act 4: 27-28 ). Would any Christian argue that the death of Jesus was not foreordained? Would any Christian argue that God didn't hold those responsible for this death culpable? Here we have God acting in wisdom and sovereignty, and man acting in spite and folly, and yet God is not charged with coercion any more than man is charged with caprice. Why is this concept, so clearly expresses in scripture, so hard to apply to the heart of fallen man?

         The unbeliever has no desire for God; indeed, he rejects and suppresses all that he knows of God, and encourages others to do likewise ( Rom. 1:18-32 ). Thus, he freely chooses to reject the truth he has. And yet, God appointed him to this end ( Rom. 9: 15-24 ). Does this make God unrighteous? Does this make man free from guilt? Not according to scripture. Paul makes the case plainly: God is righteous in all he does ( Rom. 9:14 ), and He has the right to do what He wills with His creatures.

        When we stress the sovereignty of God in savaltion, we never do so out ghoulish delight in the condemnation of the wicked. One often-overlooked phrase in Roman 9 makes God's mercy in salvation clear: "or does not the potter have a right over clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and  another for common use?" (Rom. 9:21). We were all of the same sinful lump toll the Potter chose to separate us to eternal life

        We laud God's sovereignty precisely because it is here that we find the majesty of grace and the certainty of salvation.The One who chose us will never let us fall away ( John 10:27-29 ). What greater theme can there be in all scripture than the sovereignty of God? Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7 Chtistian spend much time talking about " seeking God's will," as thought it were hidden and difficult to find. God does not hide His will. His will is not difficult to discover. We do not have to plead with God to reveal His will to us. He is more eager to reveal His will than we sre willing to receive it. We sometimes ask God to do things He has already done!

       The people of Amos's day became disoriented to God and to His desires. God had revealed His will, the problem was that they had not recignized it or obeyed it. Amos declared that God does nothing in the affair of humanity without seeking one of His servants to whom He will reveal His activity. Tragically, there are times when no one is walking closely enough with Him to be receptive to His word   ( Isa. 59:16, 63:-5; Ezek 2:30-31).

        Jesus walked so intimately with his Father that He was always aware of what the Father was doing around Him ( John 5:19-20 ). Jesus said that if our eyes are pure, they will see God and recognize His activity ( Matt. 6:22 ). If we are not seeing God's activity, the problem is not lack of revelation. The problem is that our sin  prevents us from noticing it.

         When God is working in your child's life or when He is convicting your coworker, He may reveal His activity to you. His redemptive work . Be alert to God's activity around you. He will reveal his  activity to his  servant. If your spiritual eyes are pure, you will be overwhelmed by all that you see God doing around you!

       

"I'M NOT OLD"

        "The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tonque, 

         to Know the word that sustain the weary. He wakens me 

           morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one 

           being taught."                                          Isaiah 50 : 4

                                    

        On the evening before D-Day during World War II, the captain of a navy

vessel called his men together to prepare them for crossing the English channel.

He knew they were filled with anxiety and weary, so he tried to encourage them

by saying, "When you stop to think about it, fear is a very healthy thing." A third-

class yeo-man spoke up,"Captain, if what you say is true, I'm the healthiest man 

in the entire navy!"

        I admired people who say "I'm not old" they had fire in a tonque always 

know's to say, they have the boldness, always waken of the word of God. 

It say morning by morning always tune to the source and their ear waken to 

listen. it is a chain of command given by the sovereign Lord when to say it,

and where these are folks who encourage with thoughful words straight from 

the heart. For them it comes naturally.

       But for you, it can come supernatural. If you weren't born with the gift 

Encouragement God can teach you. There's no better instructor than the Lord 

Himself, because He wrote the lesson in Isaiah 50 : 4.

       God, the all-time great Encourager, says He will give you His word to 

sustain that around you. Psalm 103:1-5. He even wants to show you his 

benefit. What are this benefit? Healing i always claim this verse 5.

       Blessed the Lord O my soul ; and all that is within me bless his Holy name. 

first thing in the morning those who may need an encouraging word this is it 

He'll teach you who to be on the lookout for, such as a neighbor who just 

received a bad medical report,

 a co-worker who didn't get the promotion, or a family member who feels hurt 

and neglected. And what does God require of your, His student? "listen like one 

being taught." That means active listening, not passive. It means cooperating 

with the Lord when He nudges you to such a kind word to an unsuspecting 

friend. Folks all around you are facing failure; you can add richness and meaning 

to theirs lives as you offer supernatural encouragement. Speak this words who is 

beside you and say," i'm not Old." I woke up! I lifted my arms! To you Oh Lord!                           

      Let us empty our self this twenty one day fast and prayed to hear His voice's 

it is directly given to us through exercising our prayer, and listen like being taught 

because faith comes hearing and hearing His word.

      Today ask God to show you that special person who needs 

       word of hope. Ask the Lord to give you His words and then 

       keep your eyes open through the morning and afternoon. It

       may be someone who is discouraged about his job. Remind 

       him of past success it may be your spouse who feels over-

       whelmed with the workload how about an extra hug? Encour-

       age others costs no more than a bit of time and effort, who 

       can put a price on its value?

       

       Sovereign Lord, please give me an instructed tongue. Awaken

       me and teach me how to listen. Help me to look for those who

       Need Your help. I'm ready I'm not Old.

It is You my Lord

C       "Blessed are they that  keep his testimonies,

          and that seek him with the whole heart."

                             Psalm119:2

        Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and 

that seek him with the whole heart. The 2 verse as we 

read Psalmist, free will that comes in having nothing to 

hide. Your word i have hidden in my heart, that i might 

not sin against you. Living a life of integrity allows you 

this freedom. Our integrity is measured not by what 

you say about yourself but by what people say about 

you. There was a war movie i see epic story. the line he 

spoke man invented conscience. Sure, we all have and 

it's not a good feeling. But we should be thankful for 

our conscience and reload it and hide at in our heart, 

it is you my Lord that helps us to make good choices 

or correct the bad ones.

         But how does conscience know what to make us 

feel guilty about? Where does it get its information? 

Much of it comes from our upbringing or from society. 

That's why it is vital to know the Bible. It gives us God's 

view of right wrong and word of our testimonies.

       A young man who had been a christian only a short

time was sent to asia for military assignment. He was 

surrounded by temptation and open invitations to sin. 

No one knows back home that would ever know. When 

he got back to the states, he said, "I'm so glad he hide 

it in my heart that I am a living testimony that verse 11

sayest, your word have I hid in mine heart, that I might 

not sin against you that i can say "It is you" my Lord.

I prayed that you will enjoy this song i write not for you

but, to our Lord to exalt His name on beyond our 

conscience and connect to him.

 

Title:          It is You 

1.               Let there be light 

                  and there was light               

                  In You i will abide 

                  your word is alive

                  It is you 

                  i gave my praise 

                  because of your love 

                  and the goodness of the

                  Lord be upon us today

                  He is justly yes justly

                  In all his ways

Chorus:      It is you Jesus it is you my Lord

                  I'll surrender my whole life to you

                  It is you Jesus it is you my Lord

                  I surrender everything to you

2.               Because of you i am revived

                  You touched my life

                  Because of you i gave my praise

                  Because of your love

                  In His presence your holy presence

                  I will never be the same

                  I will praise you and worship you 

                  My King!