"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!