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."