Satisfaction.

FOR MEN. ...and I guess for women also if you really want to read it?

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Recently, one of my buddies enlightened me regarding his struggle with lust and pornography.  I gave it some thought as to how I could support him by tackling one of the biggest root problems (in my opinion) that causes it.  So in essence, this is an article for him. ...and I guess all the guys out there too!

I believe that our struggles with lust and pornography stem from the fact that we lose sight of the hope and satisfaction that we have in Christ and so we turn away and trade it for a very temporary satisfaction.  Yes, there are many temptations as guys due to the way we are hard-wired but if we're so satisfied with GOD, why do we need other things to fill our lives?  It's common knowledge that where this is sin, there cannot be holiness and where there is holiness, there is no sin at all.  Indulging in this sin is a tradeoff between a temporary satisfaction and an eternal satisfaction.  I'll liken it to the analogy where a child is presented with two options from which to choose from: 1) One piece of candy right now or 2) Five pieces of candy tomorrow.  So often we are like the child that will choose the one piece of candy right now because we fail to see the rewards we will reap in waiting.  In the same way, we should wait upon the LORD and find satisfaction in Him alone.

"But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst." -John 4:14

1) Seek to be satisfied in everything GOD has to offer.  Sex is a beautiful thing that has been corrupted not just by the media and the world around us but by ourselves and our own choosing.  As a single man, I may fall and have urges to be satisfied outside of Christ but sexually speaking, the time when the need is to be fulfilled is when I'm married to a woman of GOD.  What more do we need than Christ and knowing that His will is perfect?
2) Spiritual discipline.  In the same way that we approach GOD in prayer and read our Bibles daily, us guys must avoid these types of temptation when possible and keep our minds ever focused on whatever is pure, lovely, noble, etc.  As much as GOD is willing to help us fight these battles, we must initiate the fight!
3) Flee from sin.  In James 4:7, it talks about how the devil himself will flee from you if you flee from him.  In the same way, draw near to GOD and He will draw near to you.  If you don't actively run away from it, it will chase you and eat you up.

Reorientation.

"Repentance requires a fundamental reorientation toward GOD."

I was listening to a sermon about biblical manhood by Dr. Tony Evans.  He was trying to illustrate the fact that a wrong orientation leads to other problems with the following short story.

Essentially, he took his car in to the auto repair shop one day and he was told that his tires had been worn out unevenly.  The mechanic proceeded to tell him that it was because his tires weren't aligned properly.  He could continue to replace his tires very often but they would still erode at a different rate.  No matter how many times he replaced the tires, the problem would still be there.  So what does this mean?

It means that if our orientation is wrong, no matter how many times we try to run away from our sins/problems our "conquer" our sins/problems, they'll still keep on appearing.

Our orientation should be towards GOD and in pursuit of Him fully.  In our initial repentance, we should have fully tuned in to GOD and tuned out to the rest of the things in this world.  I grudgingly must admit that I have turned away and orientated myself to the world (an exact 180 degree opposite to the ways of my Father) and, as a Christian, if that has occurred in your life also, I URGE you to repent and turn back to the way of life and not of death.

When I first believed, I was given a new life and a second chance.  I made the vow to change my old habits and to surrender ALL to Christ at the foot of the cross.  With this new life, I don't want to model it after my old one because I know that this new life is much better than any life I can live.

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Father,


I give thanks for awakening me from this slumber of DEATH.  You have called me from the grave and now I have risen with you from it!  Oh, PRAISE YOU!  Would I turn my eyes upon you so that all the things of this world will be a blur to me for all I will ever need is you for you satisfy me fully.  I pray that you help me orient myself towards you and that I would only walk on the narrow path and never stray from it!  Yes, this world has SO much to offer but it pales in comparison to the glory that is to be revealed in Jesus Christ.  Would I only chase after what matters and what is important.  Would you come and meet me!  For you said that if I seek you, you will come.  Father, would you bless me and strengthen me for you ARE the Rock on which I stand and you ARE my foundation.


I praise you and in his name I pray,


Amen.

Surrender.

Father,


I will praise you through all the storms life can throw at me.  OH, there is so much freedom in surrender!  Though I don't know the future, you hold it and it's in this that freedom is gained.  My surrender is full and complete.  I wish to lay it all down and throw it all at your feet so that there isn't a worry in my heart.  For just as you watch over the birds of the air, I know that you care for me also.  GOD, in my temptations I will run to you.  As I flee from these temptations, I know that they in turn will run away from me.  Through your strength will I no longer be mired in my sin.  This is another part of the freedom that you give to me!  Daddy, come and rescue me.  Save me and reveal your hand for I trust in you.


In Jesus Christ's name I pray,


Amen.

Patience.

Father,

I'm running out of patience. I've waited for a year already and I just can't take it anymore. I know that I'm normally very patient but I'm just running out of it right now. I need you to grant me patience and I need you to capture my heart. In the same way Jacob passed his 7 years by enraptured by his love for Rachel, I want to be so madly and deeply in love with you so that it doesn't even matter how long I wait. Grant me patience and love, Father, for it truly is hard.

In Christ's name I pray,

Amen.

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"So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her." -Gen. 29: 20

I realize that my patience isn't enough. I pride myself on my ability to wait for things and my ability to be patient but my patience just isn't enough. I don't know how many more years I'll have to wait until I meet or find my "Rachel" but I want these next few years to be spent in love with my future spouse and more importantly, GOD. I want to be so captured by my love for GOD that I'm reluctant to get married and give myself over to someone. I just don't believe in my own patience anymore 'cause clearly it isn't enough and I need more of GOD's.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... A time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend." -Ecclesiastes 3: 6,7

There is a time. Maybe it's the time for me to throw it all away or maybe it's a time for me to hold onto it. Maybe it's time for me to RIP it out and to tear it to pieces or maybe it's time for me to remake it. I don't know. All I know is that GOD has His timing and that His will is going to be done. The future is uncertain but I definitely know who holds it.

Identity + Love.

"If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." -Romans 6: 5-7

I've been sitting in front of my laptop thinking about how to start this little blurb for a while. The overall thought came to me in the shower (yes, I begin the majority of my large thoughts in the shower) but I really don't know how to start it so I'm just going to state it plainly and simply at a specific level.

I don't want my wife to be attracted to me because she thinks I'm good looking, athletic, talented, smart or anything else. I want her to be attracted to me because I'm a GODLY man. In the same way, I want to be known first and foremost as a GODLY man. As it says in the passage from Romans, I've died with Christ. My old self and it's sins are gone. Along with that, my old nature and my old identity. This new identity that I have is in Christ and that's why I want to be known as a GODLY man who follows after his Saviour and Friend. My priority is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and to live on this earth like he did. Though I cannot possibly live up that high of a standard for I am man and not man and GOD, it's by his example that I live.

Because of my changed nature, I want to be known through my changed nature. I want to be known as a man of GOD who SEEKS after His heart. It's not my will that I seek anymore but it's His will. I'm not forced to hand over my will but I WILLINGLY hand over my will. Sometimes it's hard to but when I get a glimpse of the glory of GOD in His plans for me, it becomes easy to hand it over. There will be times where I have to hand it over in faith for I know that He loves me but those are the times where GOD's glory is revealed.

If you know me well, one of my favourite passages in the Bible is Psalm 23. It's a very comforting passage but I've recently learned a whole new meaning to it within this year.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul." -Psalm 23: 2,3

The part that gets to me all the time is that GOD has to MAKE us lie down sometimes in things that are good for us. We don't recognize the green pastures and so he has to MAKE us. The beauty lies in the fact that GOD loves us and has the best for us EVEN in our foolishness. We don't want to go for His will, we don't want to settle for His will and yet He still makes us lie down in those green pastures. It's only when we lie down do we seen the "green-ness" of it and the peace and calming of the waters leading to the restoration of our souls.

It's beautiful. The unconditional love of GOD is beautiful.

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Note: I totally just changed topics as I flowed from one to another. I really didn't intend to do it but I'm glad I got to share it. It's been something that I've been being reassured of for the past little while and I do hope it benefits whomever is reading this! Praying before writing this led to the moving of the Spirit.

Woman of GOD.

Disclaimer: The title is indeed what I'm going to be writing about but I have in no way, shape or form become a woman. JUST SAYIN'.

Reading from Genesis 24, we see the story of Isaac and Rebekah. As a young man, these love stories in the Bible are kinda exciting, I guess but there's more to LEARN from this than to be excited about this. I'm going to start off with the sharing of GOD's promise. GOD initially promised Abraham (Isaac's father) that he would be the father of many nations and that promise, by the very nature of it, extended to Isaac.

"He replied, 'The LORD, before whom I have walked, will send His angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you can get a wife for my son from my own clan and from my father's family." -Gen. 24:40

In this context, this is the reassurance of GOD that He had already paved a way for Isaac and had prepared a woman for him already. In the same way, GOD reassures us that, somewhere on this earth, He has prepared a spouse for us already. Though he/she may be distant and unknown to us at the moment (like Isaac in Hebron and Rebekah in Canaan) or someone that we know right now, GOD has someone set aside for us so we need not worry!

The next couple of things I want to go through has to do with the qualities/traits that a guy must seek in a woman and that a woman of GOD must seek to gain. Before reading through Genesis 24, I must admit that I thought the only instructions for a woman was located in Proverbs 31 but I was surprised that the details of a fitting woman would be found here too!

"Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful." -Gen. 24:21

When I first read this verse, GOD humored me a little by saying how creeper-like this is. BUT it's true. As a young man, I have to examine a "potential" very carefully and see if this is the one who GOD has brought into my life to stay. I have to examine a woman, watch how she interacts and get to know her better in order to know whether or not she is "the one". Just by watching how she interacts with her friends, family, acquaintances, etc., you can get a pretty good idea of the person she is.

"The girl was very beautiful, A VIRGIN; no man had ever lain with her." -Gen. 24:16

"'He is my master,' the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself." -Gen. 24:64

These two passages deal with purity. As a Christian young man, I do very well hope that I marry someone who has kept themselves pure and a virgin for me. BUT in doing so, I have to keep myself like that for her also. In the 2nd passage given about purity, Rebekah knew that she was going to marry Isaac but yet she veiled her face just as she was about to meet him. I do believe that we can apply this to dating. Though we (should) date for marriage, that doesn't mean that we let our purity slip away. It means that even though we might have been dating someone for years, engaged or about to get married, the purity HAS TO remain there 'til the marriage occurs. This purity isn't just sexual purity but also an emotional purity. For all the men out there, once girls get emotionally attached, they PHYSICALLY become attached as well and that's a necessary danger that we need to avoid.

"After she had given him a drink, she said, 'I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have finished drinking.'" -Gen. 24:19

Very simply, this displays the kindhearted character that the woman must have. She must be willing to serve and to go BEYOND that. Obviously, in a marriage, the man and the woman both serve each other but this extends to outsiders too. I don't just want my spouse to be kind and nice towards me, I want her to be kindhearted overall! Speaking as an individual, it's really attractive when a girl is kindhearted even to people whom others may despise or those who might not be seen as easily befriendable.

"And she added, 'We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night.'" -Gen. 24:25

This refers to her hospitable and generous traits. In this, Rebekah demonstrates it by inviting a complete stranger into her house (she lived with her family) because he needed a place to stay the night. In this, you should understand that they had a very different culture from the culture we have today so this is more acceptable than it seems to be right now. Back to the topic, this relates to the kindness and caring mentioned before.

"The girl ran and told her mother's household about these things." -Gen. 24:28

You might not see what's the importance in this but the woman has to have strong family support/ties. She needs to get along well with her family and hold them in a position of importance. Rebekah, upon the proposal of marriage, immediately ran to consult and tell her mother's WHOLE FAMILY. She didn't run to tell her friends first or whatnot but told her support first. If the woman doesn't get along well with her family or even respect them, how then can she run a family herself in the future?

"So she became his wife, and he loved her' and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death." -Gen. 24:67

She needs to be able to comfort. Just as the neck supports the head, the woman supports the man in a marriage. Once Isaac and Rebekah said their vows to each other, she replaced his mother Sarah as the most important woman in his life. Obviously when Sarah died, there was a lot of grief but Rebekah, being the woman that GOD had placed in Isaac's life, was able to comfort him and SHARE this time of sadness with him.

"Laban and Bethuel answered, 'This is from the LORD.'" -Gen. 24:50

When you find that woman, GODLY people will approve of this as they see that it's from GOD. It's not just something that you realize GOD has put into your life but something that others realize that GOD has put into your life. As a part of the body of Christ, people are going to realize that there's something special that GOD has blessed the two of you with and that it is truly from GOD. The fact that other people can see it too is a reassurance but not the primary indicator. Two people shouldn't get married because people can see them together but they should get married because it is GOD's will. Like I said before, this approval is ONLY the reassurance.

Going back in a full circle to the beginning, GOD has someone prepared for each and every one of us (with exceptions of those who GOD knows have the ability to stay single for the rest of their lives) and we need not worry. All these traits are going to be found in my future wife and GOD has assured me of that. Where she is and what she's doing at this moment, I don't know but I trust that GOD is taking care of what will be mine.

"LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You GUARD all that is mine." -Psalm 16:5

Satisfaction guaranteed.

"And I - in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness" -Psalm 17: 15

In wanting GOD to satisfy us means that we no longer need to be satisfied by the things of this world or by anything that we can do for ourselves. There are so many times where I yearn for something that frankly won't matter eternally. In a personal sense, ASKING GOD to satisfy me means that I want Him to fill me up completely so that I won't want anything from this world. More specifically, I want my intimacy with Him to be so great that I will no longer fall into a lust for the flesh. Where there is light, there cannot be darkness.

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Father, I want you to satisfy me in all ways, shapes and forms. I want you to satisfy EVERY aspect of my life. To have you is to have something that is greater and BETTER than the world. Not just what the world has to offer BUT the whole world itself. I know that you alone are the only one that can truly satisfy me. GOD, I put you first and I want you to stay first. Convict me and deliver me from temptation, Father. When I am truly satisfied, I will no longer struggle with these things. It's just that I'm still working on handing over the keys to every door in my heart. I want you to take these keys from me, Daddy. Just take them. It's hard for I'm giving up ALL control even in the darkest regions of my life but I know that you'll make those places brighter and better. I pray this in with the assurance that you're listening to my prayers. In Jesus Christ's most Holy and precious name, Amen.

"The gospel is ours to PROCLAIM, NOT to edit."

Bible study: Ephesians 4 (Part #1)

Segment 1: verses 1,2

"I therefore, a prisoner for the LORD, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love..."

Paul states that he's a prisoner for the LORD for one very simple reason: he's in jail because he proclaimed the gospel. When I was reading this passage, I misread "of" instead of "for" and I thought that Paul meant prisoner for the LORD in the sense that he had given up all of his will to GOD. Shows how important it is to read the Bible carefully, eh? As Christians, we're called to be sons and daughter or the most high and to be imitators of Christ. To be called to something so prestigious also means that we must set ourselves apart from the rest of the world! Paul then lists a list of traits in which we must learn to acquire. These traits aren't easy but that is what we seek, is it not? He ends off with "bearing with one another in love" because, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we must bear with each other OUT OF love simply due to the fact that we're not easy to love sometimes. ...or most of the time.

Segment 2: verse 3

"eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call - one LORD, one faith, one baptism, one GOD and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

THIS is our call to unity. Since we belong to one GOD, we are to be one with each other for a body cannot function without a co-operation between its parts. This is also our call to keep peace with each other. Though we have many different denominations, views, etc., we still worship that ONE GOD. It also brings into play the fact that we must encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ as the body cannot grow unless ALL of it grows.

Segment 3: verses 4 - 10

"But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)"

First and foremost, grace was given to us in the form of Jesus Christ that we may be saved. Simple. Paul then quotes Psalm 68:18 and it's there that it states that GOD gave GIFTS (emphasis on the plural) to men. Not only was he risen from the dead to give us the gift of eternal life, but he also rose and gave us other gifts. Gifts among which are gifts of the tongue and of prophecy among which prophecy and teaching is greater. The extremely interesting bit in this part is that Paul seems to add his own footnote into his letter as we would when reading our Bibles. He thoroughly explains the ascension as, I now realize, it is an important part. He elaborates on this as it contains one of the keys to the gospel. GOD came onto earth as man and GOD to die for our sins BUT He also conquered death and rose from the grave.

Segment 4: verses 11 - 16

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of GOD, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

As mentioned before, we were given gifts (ALL of us) so that we could mature as a body of Christ. The two keypoints here are MATURITY and UNITY. Maturing together as one. Paul states many ways that our faith can be swayed but with it, the promise that, once we mature, we will no longer be swayed by these things! When we mature in Christ and grow in the TRUTH, our foundation becomes more and more solid. The things of the world will also grow dimmer and dimmer as we seek GOD. BUT when we see a brother or sister being swayed by these things, we MUST speak the truth to correct them but we must do it in LOVE. A good thing to remember is that we must do all things out of love (greatest commandment, second greatest commandment). As the body, we are also called to build each other up. I remember that one of the songs I sang as a little kid in sunday school went along the lines of "Encourage one another, and build each other up, UP. Build each other up, Up! Build each other up."

Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters to remain rooted in Christ and to grow with each other OR help each other grow!

Straight up, man it up.

Recently, I've been learning a lot about "man-ing" things up. As a guy, I've realized many things about upholding my part in a relationship (even thought I'm not in one or will be in one for the foreseeable future). There are many things that I've learned experientially in terms "man-ing" things up and taking responsibility. Though these things are important, the Biblical aspects of being a man in a relationship and the consequences are more important.

Reading from Genesis, there are two very good examples of what not to do right off the bat. The first example comes from Genesis 2, 3 (Adam and Eve) and Genesis 16 (Abram and Sarai ...and wait for it, Hagar).

Let's go through the first example of what not to do with Adam and Eve first.

[Just a bit of background before we begin. Genesis is an extremely chronologically ordered book. There are sections of it that are pure lineage trees (ex: Genesis 10) and so the order of events shown are believed to be chronologically in order.]

In Genesis 2, GOD creates everything and then He creates man in the garden of Eden. He gives Adam a very specific set of instructions regarding what he can eat and what He cannot eat. It says:

"And the LORD GOD commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in that day that you eat of it you shall surely die." -Genesis 2:16, 17

Shortly after GOD gives this command to Adam, He notices that Adam's in need of a helper and then creates Eve out of Adam. I'm not going to expand on this but notice that Adam NEEDED help, and in the same way, MAN NEEDS WOMAN. Also, she was created to HELP the man but the man is still needed. I know that in our society, this seems very much sexist but it's just Biblical and I believe that there should be no apology for Biblical principles. Using a head/neck analogy, the man is the head and the woman is the neck. In this, the head cannot function without the neck and the neck cannot function without the head. Though they don't have the same function, they both have a very important purpose.

Let's talk about the fall of man. Essentially, the serpent gets Eve to eat of the fruit and she then passes the fruit onto Adam who also eats of it (simplified, I know!). The point I want to bring out is that GOD tells Adam not to eat of the fruit BUT EVE WASN'T CREATED YET. There are so many times that, as a guy, I'm like "Man, Eve royally screwed us all over 'cause she fell and then got Adam to sin too" but that's wrong. Yes, Eve did screw up but as to why the serpent was able to deceive her and to play around with the technicalities of "Did GOD actually say YOU shall not eat of any tree in the garden?" and "You shall not surely die. For GOD knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened..." (Genesis 3: 1, 4) because, I believe, Adam wasn't clear with his words when telling Eve that she shouldn't have eaten of the fruit. If he had been specific in relaying GOD's instructions to him, she wouldn't have been tempted as easily and also would've been stronger in her defense towards the serpent.

So what do I take away from this as a guy? As the (hopefully future) boyfriend and head of a family, I have a very important job to be straightforward towards my significant other and also very transparent on my theology and beliefs so I can relay what I learn towards her. It also means I have to guard her heart and to not allow her to sin whenever I can. If she is shaky in her faith and/or her theology, I need to make sure that I'm there to correct and rebuke in love. That was Adam's job and that's where he failed.

Now onto the second point about Abram and Sarai. Very clearly, one of the obvious lessons in this is to not divulge in polygamy for it causes much trouble and strife. As I was listening to an interview yesterday, polygamy was acceptable in the Bible but it always resulted in a lot of difficulty for the family as a whole. Therefore, whenever some states that the Bible allows polygamy, this is a counterargument as polygamy was socially acceptable but the Bible illustrates the fact that polygamy does not end well.

So the background for this is simple. Abram and Sarai were promised children by GOD but they had begun to reach an old age and still had not given birth to any children. Sarai then devises a plan to "solve" this problem by telling Abram to sleep with her maidservant, Hagar.

"And Sarai said to Abram, "Behold now, the LORD has prevented me from having children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her. And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife." -Genesis 16:2, 3

First of all, WHAT. How do you possibly let your husband sleep with another woman to give YOU a child? That can't even begin to make sense but that's not the point. The point is that Abram was weak spined and gave in to his wife. He didn't hold his position on this very black and white matter and, instead, became very grey on it. I'm convinced that Abram knew that it wasn't the right thing to do as he had a very close walk with GOD. Even though his wife failed first and didn't have her faith in GOD set right, he still gave in and, as the man, should've just said "no". As a man, the responsibility to correct and to be the strong one who's black and white on all matters lies in me. Even though my significant other may want to sin or propose something sinful, it is up to me to say "no" and reject that notion. I have to be black and white and have anything that I'm remotely shaky on or reply with "but..." statements.

There's still a lot I have to learn about being a man in a relationship as this is all new to me but I do believe that GOD is teaching me and growing me in His likeness more and more each day.

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Father,

I give thanks that you provided these examples, these great men for me in the Bible. You show me that great men fail also! I know it's okay for me to fail as long as I learn. GOD, would you continue teaching me these things so that I can eventually learn to be a husband one day. Help me to learn to guard her heart. ...especially from me. Again, I thank you for these truths and I pray that you continue working in me.

In Jesus Christ's most Holy and precious name,

Amen.

The Arabs.

Father,

As I read through these articles, my heart cries out to you for my brothers and sisters in the Arabian countries and especially Iran. The day when you come back is drawing near. My brothers and sisters there stand firm in their faith while risking life and limb. Would you watch over them, Father! If you don't see the tears streaming down my face for them, would you see their suffering! Keep them strong and be with them. Give them courage as they turn in the face of all they know and of all their family and friends. I'm thankful that I live in persecution so minute compared to this. Thank you, Father. GOD, you are going to be glorified there, I know it! As one body, we cry and we rejoice when they cry and they rejoice! KEEP THEM, O GOD. Watch over your sons and daughters; DELIVER THEM. I don't why I do, but I feel their pain when I read of this. As part of the body, I feel the pain when they feel the pain. I know I'm not there but Father, deliver your children. They have a purpose on this earth as do I but as much as it would be "nicer" for you to take them back now, you have a purpose for them. GOD, my heart breaks for these brothers and sisters. Keep them strong, SO strong!

O Almighty GOD, you are sovereign. You are our strength. You are GOD. You are our refuge and our solid rock. Protect them and watch over them.

In Jesus' most holy and precious name,

Amen.

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http://www.barnabasfund.org/Saudis-grand-mufti-calls-for-destruction-of-all-churches-in-Arabian-Peninsula.html

http://charismanews.com/world/33002-iran-sees-explosive-church-growth-sparks-of-revival?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Delicious%2Fchristianheadlines%2Fpositiveheadlines+%28Christian+Headlines+-+Positive+Headlines%29

Prayer.

Father,

YOU are King over the storm. You calmed the storm with ONE word. Are you not all-powerful, all-knowing and present everywhere? I will bless you in suffering, I will bless you in thanksgiving, I will bless you in difficulty and I will bless your name UNTIL I RUN OF OF PLACES TO BLESS YOU.

You alone are my strength, my sword, my shield and my deliverer. My hope lies in you and you alone. Would your will be done on this earth as it is in heaven.

In the name of my sacrificial Lamb Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Psalm 3&4 - Excerpts.

"Many are saying of me, "GOD will not deliver him."" -Psalm 3:2

Father, I pray for deliverance. I know your power is far greater than I could ever imagine. I know you will deliver for you are my GOD and I am your child.

"You bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill." -Psalm 3: 3,4

GOD, you lift my head up when I am down and you bring LIFE to me. I cry out to Father, I cry in your presence that you will save me; that you will deliver me. You will answer me, I know you will. Father, hear the cries of your child and deliver.

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me." -Psalm 3:5

I gave thanks, LORD. I give thanks for every breath that I take, every ATP synthesized in me and every neuron that is firing right now is because of your grace and your love. You sustain me, LORD GOD. You sustain me and you have me arise each new day to see your glory.

"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous GOD. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer." -Psalm 4:1

May my cries not be falling on deaf ears. I don't just want you to hear me but I also want you to answer me! Speak LORD, I am listening. WILL YOU ANSWER ME?! ...have mercy on me, Father. Have mercy and hear my cries.

"How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?" -Psalm 4:2

Father, I pray for the blind. I pray for the hard hearted. WHY ARE THEY REJECTING THE TRUTH? It's so obvious and it's right there. There is none other but Jesus Christ who will save you from eternal damnation. Father, I am angry. This makes me upset. I pray for their souls. Save them. You came to save the lost. SAVE them.

"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." -Psalm 4:4

Righteous anger. Not foolish anger. GOD, I will not sin with your help in my anger. In the raging storm there is peace. I will meditate on your word day and night even as I lie awake in bed. In the dawning hours of the day I will praise your name but above all, I will be still and I will be silent. Listening each and every day. Would you tear apart my heart to make room for you and would you tear it open so that your glorious light will shine into the darkness.

Amen.

A blessing and a curse.

"The LORD declares: Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained." -1 Samuel 2:30

Simple? Simple.

The great things YOU have done

GOD is good. All the time? Yes, all the time but especially right now. It might be a bit pre-mature to celebrate for this but I WILL still rejoice in all circumstances. I vow to praise His name and to bless at all times.

"But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works." -Psalm 77: 11-12

Many times when I pray, I recall GOD's past promises to the children of Israel, His prophets, His disciples, etc. but there aren't many times when I recall the GREAT works that GOD has done in my life. I pray on the promises of other people but how often do I pray recalling the great things that He has done in my life? I think it's something to remember to include in my prayers 'cause GOD has been nothing short but miraculous and awesome in my life.

One more thing, EVERYTHING that GOD has done in my life was, is and will be undeserved. Even through my failures, my sin and my shame, GOD doesn't JUST love me but He is GOOD to me also. His ultimate gift of love is most undoubtedly undeserved but ADDITIONALLY, He gives me things that I am not worthy of even asking for!

Praise the LORD in all circumstances and I will remember to rejoice even in times of toughness and purification through trials. Bless His Holy name.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His Holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." -Psalm 103: 1-2

In Awe of YOUR Sovereignty.

Father, Shang Di, El Shaddai, Yaweh...

How is it possible that your sovereignty could reach so far? How could you extend your love towards the Chinese with such intricate planning and in such an obvious way? GOD, you are love, you are love. The sheer fact that the message of salvation is INGRAINED upon my language shows your utmost sovereignty. I rejoice for this plan you set in motion at the beginning of the world has come through EVEN UNTIL TODAY. Oh, how much more your plans would work for my short life. When it says that all creation cries out your name and praises your name, it included the characters of the Chinese and our cultural traditions. Father, you are sovereign. You are the GOD of the Chinese and would you FUEL this revival. You are the GOD we Chinese seek and in all our superstitions and rituals, they point to you - they point to the truth. GOD would you reveal yourself to them as if you could be revealed more clearly than this! Would you do your work in China and call your people to be sent forth into other nations. Would China be a nation dear to your heart and in whom you would be well pleased. GOD, your exhibited sovereignty never fails to amaze me.

In the name of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins,

Amen.

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POWERFUL sermon whether or not you're Chinese: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA-AkJzpKmg&feature=youtu.be

Prayer.

Dear GOD,

Please give me enough patience to wait for YOUR answers to my prayers. And if what I'm asking is not aligned according to YOUR will, please have YOUR way. I know that YOU have better plans for me, much better than I could even pray for.

In Jesus' most HOLY and PRECIOUS name,

Amen.

Thoughts on Acts 19 - The Ephesian church

• "And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into John's baptism." And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized int he name of the LORD Jesus." -Acts 19: 3-5 Paul challenged the Ephesians with this question because they had never heard of the Holy Spirit. By that leads to the question "Upon what were they saved by?" They answered that they were saved by the baptism of repentance, while enough BEFORE Jesus Christ came, it was no longer enough because Jesus' baptism was one of salvation and redemption. The point being made is that just repenting of your sins is NOT ENOUGH TO SAVE YOU. You have to have full salvation (repentance, belief AND a filling of the Holy Spirit) to save you from GOD's wrath.
• In verses 8-10, it speaks upon the power of the Holy Spirit upon the 12 men who were with Paul. They began to faithfully speak boldly and with wisdom for about 3 years. One thing that stood out to me? They went to Asia! Another thing is that they only moved on WHEN people continued in unbelief and there was no more work to be done. When the unbelievers died and reached the judgement, I wonder what excuse they would present to GOD...
• "But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" -Acts 19:15 So it goes that people saw the success of Paul through the Holy Spirit but some people didn't understand that it was the work of the Holy Spirit and NOT just the use of the name Jesus Christ. YES, the name of Jesus Christ has great power but it's through the Holy Spirit that miracles are done in his name. What happened to these guys? Essentially, the demon they were trying to drive out turned on them and destroyed them instead. The lesson here is that even the evil spirits KNOW Jesus, ACKNOWLEDGE his sheep but will not just stand down upon the mentioning of the name of Jesus without any backing by GOD.
• After the work done by the Holy Spirit in Ephesus, many believed and "came, confessing and divulging their practices." As there were many practitioners of the magic and the dark arts in Ephesus, they came forth and "brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver." This is in stark contrast to the rich young ruler who couldn't give his money away to attain salvation but, in my opinion, even MORE. These magicians used the dark arts for gains of this world that probably amounted to more than what the rich young ruler could do with his money. Also in contrast is the reason for the riot at Ephesus.
• "So the word of the LORD continued to increase and prevail mightily." -Acts 19: 20 It's by GOD's working that we are saved and not but our own power. The thing is that it doesn't say that the WORK of the LORD continued but the WORD of the LORD. The point being made is the power of the Bible. It alone has power to save. Miracles don't HAVE to be performed, GOD's existence doesn't NEED to be proven by a learnt scholar/scientist and no background knowledge is NEEDED for the Bible to be presented and for one to be saved. Thus is the power of the Word.
• To summarize the riot at Ephesus, the silversmiths realize that they're going to lose business because Paul and his disciples are converting people from buying their idols of Artemis. Just three main points here, 1) The silversmiths believed upon where they set their money, 2) GOD delivers and 3) Be careful in encounters with people of other religions. 1) This is fairly self explanatory but also a warning. I have no doubt that the silversmiths KNEW the truth but rejected it solely because it would mean they would go broke and have no money to support their family. If your treasures are in heaven, why would things of the earth matter that much? I understand that they might have to have provided for their families but the GOD I believe in provides. 2) When the townspeople rounded up several disciples, GOD used the towns clerk and gave him a very logical reasoning as to why they should not act rashly towards the disciples. The Bible doesn't mention the status of the man's soul but I have no doubt that he might've been born for that very reason! 3) In the towns clerk's reasoning, he states that "these men here who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess." because although Paul said that Artemis was not a goddess, he still treated them with RESPECT and also was not irreverent towards their beliefs. Yes, there is only ONE true god but that does not mean we are disrespectful towards people whose beliefs are different.

*Written by the grace of GOD through two lunches of timmies. Though lunch is important, man does not live by bread alone and certainly not timmies. Jesus is the bread of life - he said that all that eats of him will never be hungry again.

The grace of GOD each and every morning

[Father, I give thanks. How could one believe that you don't answer prayers? You answer them immediately and so quickly at times! Oh, praise your name! I prayed for you to reveal your graces and your mercies anew to me and not even 5 minutes later you show me one. Ha, if only I had flipped to the wrong page on purpose would I be able to refute you. Daddy, I am but a child A child drowning in your sea of love! I do believe you have the best intentions for me whether it's to allow me to LEARN how to swim or if you're just going to pick me and rescue me for another time. Awesome GOD, what is NOT in your hands? If the Bible was written in today's age, it would say: Not even one particle collides without your knowing and not even one enzyme is denatured without you watching. So great is your love oh LORD that you would love me, a sinner. In Christ's name, Amen.]

I still find it funny have Psalm 119:5 can be logically attached to Psalm 119:71. I don't know how I skipped over a page but GOD, you're doing something here. I don't need a gigantic miracle to believe but GOD, this is enough for me!

Part Aleph of Psalm 119 talks about how to be blessed and that's by living according to GOD's world and by seeking Him with all your heart. It continues in v.5 as the psalmist prays that:

"Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees." -Psalm 119:5

Yes, I wish that I wouldn't stumble and I wouldn't fall so I could come before GOD with a pure heart that is unadulterated by the world that I'm living in.

On the next page, part Teth has a similar core meaning but is phrased slightly different in the sense that the psalmist asks for for a blessing and more knowledge of the word. He/she (it could be a female psalmist but that's very unlikely) refers back to when she was in trials and difficulties and realizes that they were for her own good. This is what is written:

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." -Psalm 119:71

I pray for peace and this peace is what is granted. I go through trial and afflictions that I might learn your decrees! But Father, do not utterly forsake me for you are my life. Water and food I can live without but it's YOU that I cannot live without. You sustain and you give me strength. You ARE the living water!

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3: 22-23

In pursuit of GOD and His love...

Well, I've decided to give up facebook for the time being since it's not glorifying GOD in any way shape or form and it's just eating up my time that I can use in pursuit of GOD and becoming even MORE of a man seeking after His own heart.

What good is it to waste hours upon hours just hitting refresh and seeing what's happenings in other's lives if the end goal of that is not to glorify GOD? Instead of liking posts or commenting, would it not be better to just keep them in your prayers?

I've recently decided to read the gospel of John as to learn even more about Jesus' life and also to learn about his ministry on this earth. He didn't CHOOSE to come himself but he was SENT with a mission from the Father. As I was reading through John, I got to the part where Jesus goes into the temple and flies into a righteous anger. At the conclusion of this passage, this verse appears:

"Zeal for your house consumes me."

This passage comes from both John 2:17 and Psalm 69:9. When Jesus says this in the temple, he quotes the psalmist. Originally when the psalmist writes this, he says this with the meaning to want to seek for GOD and to want to be in His presence forever. As Jesus quotes this, he has the same meaning and intent but a different action as he actually ACTS upon his zeal. His actions are to clean up the temple and to drive out the money mongers and the sellers of specific sacrifices. The important part is that they both seek for GOD's house and, in turn, His presence and His glory.

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"Your love is deeper than any ocean higher,

Than the heavens reaches

Beyond the stars in the sky"

-Kutless, Jesus, LORD of heaven

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him." -Psalm 103:11

Every time I think of GOD's love, I revert back to this one analogy which I love...

In the Biblical times, the heavens were thought of as pretty high and pretty far. When GOD told His people that His love was that great, they realized how high the heavens were above the earth and that His love was just as great! Now, the most modern scientific idea is that the heavens (sky and space) are INFINITELY high above the earth! So what does this say about GOD's love? It not only tells us that His love for us is infinite but that He's all powerful and all knowing because it was in His plans and will that we'd discover the height of heavens! OH, HOW GREAT IS HIS LOVE FOR US!

1 John 4:18

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." -1 John 4:18

[Father, your love is perfect. I know you have the best plans in store for me but why am I still in fear? I know that all my sins are forgiven past, present and future. Would you give me some faith so I will not fear the unseen, GOD. With perfect love there is no fear but I am not perfect, I am far from perfect so Father would this love not originate from me but from you for your love IS PERFECT. Amen.]

I'm in no position to demand anything from the GOD most high, the maker of heaven and earth but I do wish for some reassurance. You give me the reassurance in the form of your word for you tell me that there is no fear in love. Does that mean I'm afraid because my love is imperfect? Yes.

[Creator of the universe and the bringer of life, would you calm my heart and show me what it is that matters. You can bless me anytime you want but I just need to trust you on this one. If you can watch out for the Israelites, you can surely watch out for me. I know I asked you for a sign or some reassurance but why do I need a miracle to believe? Have you not shown me enough already? My faith is weak, Father. I struggle. I'm imperfect. I need you and I need your love. You hold the world in your hands and above that, you hold MY hand. Your will be done. Amen.]

Prayer.

Father who art in heaven,

I need a stilling peace in my heart. I need a quiet and soft peace in my heart right now for unchecked, my heart rages on like a furnace. It could be that I'm utterly exhausted and my body/mind will take no more but GOD, I need some peace right now as the world swirls around me. Emmanuel.

Would you teach me as I would follow, would you send me as I would go and, above all, would I love you as you have loved me. I yearn for wisdom and for knowledge but would they not be my idols for all idols must be destroyed. Wisdom does come for you, the maker of heaven and earth. Knowledge is OF you and comes with the fear and reverence of you. Yes, Father, you have granted me what I know but I yearn for more. What you have given me is a blessing and GOD, I strive to encourage and to edify my brothers and sisters. All praise be to you for you are good for you have used me even though it may be something small.

I don't need to speak in tongues, I don't need to prophesy but Father, I want to teach. I want to lead. It's not my will that is to be done but yours so would that be done. Use me as you wish and would you help me to let go. What doesn't belong in my life is to be let go no matter how hard it is. If it means ruining my life, my goals and my dreams for your glory, then so be it. Would there be nothing that I seek that is of this world but everything I seek be for your kingdom. It's hard to see the light sometimes and it's hard to see something that is unseen but would you reveal yourself to me more clearly each and every day. Would I overflow with your love, O GOD.

In Christ Jesus' most holy and precious name,

Amen.

Shame&Mercy.

[Father GOD, I'd like to say a quick prayer for all those in desperation and need right now. They might not know of your existence but Father, be real to them. Be VERY real to them. Also, would you take this campus into your hands. I know you hold it in your hands already but the prayers going up are steady but few. GOD, this is your kingdom. This is your kingdom. Would you save this place and fill it with your glory. Daddy, this is what your kingdom is going to be built upon. It's going to be built upon those who used to wallow in their shame and those who were dead in their sin. These are the people you are going to save - would you save their souls, oh GOD. Save them. Amen.]

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Reading from Daniel 9.

Whenever I read prayers that have been recorded in the Bible, the first thought that occurs to me is the structure of the prayer. The reason for this is to learn how to pray as a Christian. If we observe GODly men during prayer and their format, I think there is much to gain. I've noticed that the general pattern comes along something like this.

1. Praise (Characteristics of GOD)

2. Admission of sin

3. Requests

4. Praise (Properties of GOD)

*Characteristics as in who He is and properties as to what He does.

"O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you." v.8

I have turned away from your commands and laws, I have not listened. Your cries for me to listen fell upon hardened and deafened ears. I was unfaithful and sought other things to replace you - I sought after idols and things of no worth. I gave up such a good thing for trash. Am I not foolish, GOD? Many times I have been rebuked, by the spirit and by others, but have I listened? No, I have not.

"Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of GOD, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you." v.11b

GOD, does your mercy not endure forever? I stand in shame and in awe but Father, your mercies never cease to amaze me. You could've destroyed me and crushed me like the insignificant creature I am but you chose to give me a second chance, and a third chance, and a fourth chance... The Law is the Law but you chose to have mercy on me, a sinner whom you loved before I even knew you. It's not that you negated the Law but that you sent your only Son to take the punishment for it and let me go. You sacrificed your son so I could go free.

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I come with a humble plea, Father.

Listen to the prayers and petitions of your servant.

Look upon us with favour.

This an empty place; GOD-less.

Light of the world, would you burn in this darkness.

Let us see your glory.

Would you let your face shine on us?