Saturday, July 28, 2007

Growing Older but not Growing Up Again.

As mentioned before, age is no respecter of spiritual growth. You can grow older but necessarily grow up. Have you ever been around children? How about spoiled ones? It is easy to tell apart spoiled children from those who aren't. Spoiled children are used to getting what they want whenever they want it. They are used to whining and complaining to get their way. Parents unwittingly reward this behavior and teach their kids that they can get what they want by whining and complaining. They do this by giving in to their unreasonable demands when children us sulking, emotional bribery as a means to get what they desire.

It is even sadder when grown ups do this and it happens. In Numbers 14, we have our dear friends Moses and Aaron dealing with people who have grown older but have not grown up. They have raised their voices and complained against Moses and Aaron for leading them out of slavery and in the desert on the way to the promised land flowing with milk and honey. The people don't seem to have the patience to see God fulfill His promise to them. They don't seem to want to make the journey. They want gratification and they want it now!

But I love God's reaction. He doesn't give in to their demands taking them back to Egypt. He doensn't even take a vote and see's what the majority wants. He doesn't try to bargain with their immature attitudes. He forgives them but stands firm and gives the right consequence to their behavior stating,

"....I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth, not one of the men who saw my glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times- not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it." (Numbers 14:20-23).

If only more parents would do this with their children. If only more spiritual leaders would to this with over fed flocks. If only more older people would stop whining and complaining. If only... Let's imitate God's example and not reward spoiled attitudes of complaining and whining.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing..."(Philippians 2:14)

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

And a Way we Go!



Well Friends,

I'm off to England now and I just finished packing (At least I hope I have!). It has been a stormy battle but as mentioned before, the battle belongs to the Lord.

I just have some prayer requests, if you can squeeze me in you prayer time. Actually I made a list:

1. Journey Mercies. (Protection over baggage, wallets, passports etc)

2. Good health strength.

3. Blessings on all those who offer hospitality and help to yours truly.

4. Vigilance (the Jet lag can make me a little bit crazzy)

5. Good sound and equipment. (I'm bringing my guitar and hoping find or rent an amp from someone. I've practiced some songs and they are those that are quite hard!)

6. Perseverance. (Conventions can be really exhausting and I don't want to burn out like in 2004)

7. Quality times of personal devotion. (Being with a gang on a rigorous schedule can take a toll on personal devotions which I absolutely hate!)

8. Team SAGC! That we all work in harmony and unity and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

9. Victory over Spiritual Warfare. We are fighting in an unseen battle and I don't want to give any room to the Kingdom of Darkness.

10. Team PMC! That the team stay on the same page and work together and by God's grace it has been good so far!

I'm off and I'm quite tired! I'm going to spend some time with Barlow Girl and Jesus in prayer tonight as well. Blessings all around my friends and I'll keep you posted!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Growing Older but not Growing Up!


One thing I have learned is that it is possible to grow older but not grow up. I'm talking about spiritual growth that is. Spiritual growth is no respecter of age. There are many aged people who haven't grown spiritually. Do you know what they look like?

They are the ones who are quick to point blame when something is wrong rather than find the solution. They are cold, calloused, and loveless. They bicker, whine and complain and they are quick to point out your failures and weaknesses. They are arrogant and believe thatthose who disagree with them are wrong. The world seems to revolve around people like this. At least that is what they think. As mentioned before, these people always think they are always right. They take no initiative to change the world into a better place. Instead, they stand on their high horse and criticize the ones who take the risks, who dare to make a difference.

"Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." (Isaiah 5:21)

(Don't mind the pic. I couldn't think of anything better to put up!)

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Goal Setting

A Goal without a plan is just a wish.

Failure is not reaching your goal, but in having no goal to reach.

Shoot for the moon!!! Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars - Les Brown

Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts - Sir Winston Churchill

Good, Better, Best - never let it rest - till your good is better - and your better is best. - John Furphy

Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand. - Vince Lombardi

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

10%

Industrialist R. G. LeTourneau was an internationally known industrialist living off 10% of his income and giving 90% to Christian work around the world. His humble beginnings started while dropping out of High school at age 14, working some 40 odd jobs and breaking his neck in a car crash and losing his first child at infancy. One would assume after achieving financial success, LeTourneau would be eager to stockpile his wealth for his family and himself.

He had a different opinion saying, "I'm just a mechanic that God has blessed, and it seems He wants me to go around telling how He will bless you too."

Do you find yourself stockpiling blessings? If so, remember that God gives to us that we may give to others. Blessings from God should motivate us to tell others about Him, to share what we have with those who don't know Christ.

From David Jeremiah's, Turning Points Magazine and Devotionals.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Mighty to Save

That is the theme song for SAGC and it is the right song. I just love it! Our team played it today and it rocked! Every time I hear it, I can feel the tangible presence of God Himself.

Well, we have our team ready to go. We need desperate prayer. We have some accommodation and transportation concerns for our team.

Can you pray for us? I know God has not brought us this far for nothing. He is the one who provides.

Please remember us in our prayers. I can feel a little anxious at times but God is still Bigger!

Friday, July 13, 2007

Sermon

I have to preach on Sunday and I'm a little bit flustered. I've got most of the rough draft done but I need prayer as always. I need prayer for coherency and I need to know how to wrap it up.

It has been a long process.

I know God is faithful and thanks for all the encouragement you have given me.

It ain't over yet!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Great Christian Organization!

I just got back from my new job and man, do I love it! It is by far the best organization I have ever worked for. But what makes it so good? Well a number of things. The first is that it is truly organised and everything is done decently and in order.

"But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."

(1 Corinthians 14:40)

"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."

(1 Corinthians 14:33)

It has real time for prayer and bearing each other's burdens:

" Be... faithful in prayer."

(Romans 12:12)

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ."

(Galations 6:2)

It is united in vision:

"Be of the same mind toward one another."

(Romans 12:16)

There is no spirit of competition or selfish ambition with the following results:

"But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth."

(James 3:14)

"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."

(James 3:16)

They listen to the workers!

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,"

(James 1:19)

They treat the laborers with bottomless coffee, iced tea, five alive, and all kinds of snacks!

" Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

(James 4:17)

The team builds each other up!

" Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

(Romans 14:19)

There is more! Tell me! What more can you ask for?

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Bring it On!

I just get a kick out of those Christians have a standard of righteousness that is higher than God's. They are the ones who blow up at you and condemn you for your mistakes after you have repented. The are nothing like Jesus who says,

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

They are the ones who disobey Jesus who says,

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7)

They never encourage or invite you to repentance and restoration the way God does but they are the ones who just what to try to put a wedge between you and the Lord. I got news for you!

" Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.

34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died— more than that, who was raised to life— is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

36 As it is written:

For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Romans 8:33-39)

Jesus will not by taking lessons from you about how to be God! Sorry to break your ego! Actually, I'm not sorry!

No Sacrifice, No Victory!

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship."

(Romans 12:1)

I had a real bad day today! And who hasn't had a bad day? I came back home and wanted to kick back and do something really relaxing. Once the storm calmed down, I did what I love to do to relax and watched a movie. The new Transformers movie has just came out. I was a HUGE Transformers fan as a kid. I used to play with my buddies transformers toys as a kid and had one myself! The show was one of my most favorite Saturday morning cartoons. All the kids on the block loved it! It was back in the day when we lived in Man. and Alpha Dog and I would head down to the basement, pile up on the couch and watch the Autobots vs the Decepticons. Oh, that was real entertainment!

I was also happy to find out that one of my most favorite Christian bands at the moment is on the soundtrack doing the theme song! And the movie was not short on Christian overtones! I don't want to give to much away but there was a WWJD reference and a real emphasis on sacrifice! Not also that but the movie ended with Linkin Parks new song with the chorus stating, "Let mercy wash away what I have done."

Oh, I can go into more detail about the movie but I don't want to give it away! I just want to end by saying that you should watch it! Like Spiderman and Superman, there are some real Christian values brought out of this movie. I'm so glad some movie makers are getting it right for a change. What is even more cool is that these are great quality movies. Go ahead and see if you can see all the Christian messages. I dare you!

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Faithful One


"If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself."
2 Timothy 2:13

We just played one of my favorite songs today at PMC. It is called, "Faithful One." It wasn't the same playing it without GJ! I just love this song. It reminds me of the promise above. Don't you just love God? He doesn't give up on us when we mess up. He doesn't abandon us when we fail. He doesn't get traumatized by our mistakes. He doesn't second guess Himself if we become faithless.

Sure, it hurt God when Peter denied him when he said he wouldn't. (Matthew 26:33) Sure, it hurt Jesus when everyone abandoned Him and he was left saying, "... why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) But you know what? He is still faithful.

He doesn't give up on us! He doesn't write us off! He doesn't abandon us! He doesn't reject us! He doesn't condemn us! He doesn't try to rub shame in our face! He doesn't try that! Is not in His nature because he is a God of love! (1 John 4:16) And it is interesting that we sometimes confess the same sin more than once when we feel these things.

And, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13).

If you don't agree, talk to Peter. After he denied Jesus, he repented. He was restored. He was forgiven. Jesus reached out to this prodigal child! And Peter ended up becoming a real church father! He went on for the Lord. He became a great man of God because didn't reject him or write him off! He won't do that for us either! He is the faithful one!

"He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" (Phillipians 1:6)

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Great Orators!


You know what I just realized? I am not impressed by eloquent public speakers. Probably because I found out that very few of them are real people of God. Sure, the may be able to exegete Scripture, make you laugh, tickle your ears, give you warm fuzzies, understand Greek or Hebrew but I found that very few are true people of God. Some even have a chip on their shoulder.

I realized that I'm really impressed by godliness. People of God who have a deep and sincere desire to see Christ and only Christ glorified, "... And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (Matthew 6:13). They are in touch with their weaknesses, "...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9). They have a heart that is willing to serve rather than be served, "...just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. " (Matthew 20:28). They rejoice and marvel at the wonderful testimony of Christ you carry and know the difference between a genuine testimony and arrogant boasting, "...Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (1 Corinthians 13:4). They respect you no matter how much or little education you have, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:10). They are more concerned at bringing out the best of you and tapping into your spiritual potential rather than get you to covet or praise them for the great things they do, "...Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (1 Corinthians 13:4)

In short they have nothing to prove. In short they are humble. And, the body of Christ is in great demand for more of these people to rise up! I want to be one of them! Don't you?

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Easy Breezy!

I had an unusual conversation with a dear friend the other day. My friend said that ministry is not demanding. I was shocked when I heard that! I recalled the adventures of Paul and who can forget Jesus and many more. More specifically I thought of the following passages:

1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
And who can speak of his descendants?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was stricken.

9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

11 After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied ;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah 53

Oh, and not to mention Paul and:

"Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches."

(2 Corinthians 11)

Well, my friend, tell that to my dear friends. Anyway, my friend my just have allot of pride or is just plain ignorant. Maybe my friend's ministry is not demanding or maybe my friend isn't involved in a Christ centered ministry. Who knows?

I hope my friend will not learn in a traumatic way how demanding ministry is. I really don't! I hate seeing casualties of ministry.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

CommUNITY!

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."

(Acts 4:32)

The booth will be up in full force this weekend. We want this God sized vision to be cast across the world. It will be at WPAC alongside our video drama, worship friends, v-ball and other ministries. I get excited when churches get together and work toward a common vision which is to see Jesus exalted! It reminds me of the early church in the book of Acts. It can happen here! Do you know what came out of this unity and commUNITY?

"There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need."

(Acts 4:34)

I'm so glad that WPAC is breaking the mold to get other denominations and ethnic groups involved in the great work of God. I get nervous when I see ethnic churches get together and become culture clubs instead of a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7). I meet so many people from different parts of India and when they hear about my roots, they immediately comment on how 'we' seem to have churches just for 'us!'

I get annoyed when people emphasize Malus and Puns and Tams etc. at the expense of our identity in Christ when the Bible clearly says, "...there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." (Colossians 3:11)

Well, I better brush my teeth, comb my hair, slap on some deodorant and strap on some fresh smelling clothes if I want to be the aroma of Christ and not get judged by the modern day Pharisees even though the Bible says,

"For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

Thanks for hearing me rant with biblical justification today. Please pray that doorways will open up and vision will not be just heard but owned but most of all for the sermon I have to share in two weeks. I've been looking for the passage and I need pray like crazzy.

Love you all! I'll let you know how the weekend goes. July is intense! See you soon!

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Pray for Me

Hello friends,

I've been walking in the desert for a couple of years now and want out badly. I will sharing a sermon this year and my spiritual life has changed so much. I was walking in the fire of God's presence in my previous sermon but now things are so dry and arid with the occasional oasis.

I need pray! Pray that this message will have a lasting impact on our church! I have such a burdern for good, challenging teaching in our church. I'm tired of tame, ear tickling messages. I want truth! I want to spread truth.

Please pray like the following for me! Please? PLEASE FATHER!

" And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant Davidhave said:
‘ Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.’
“For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 3:23-31)
and
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
(Phillipians 1:20-21)

WPAC Drama

Hey Friends,

Just completed a little drama from PMC to WPAC. Hope you enjoy. It is at:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UOunzAisu_4

Reflections

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
(1 Corinthians 12:9)

I was with some of my dear friends the other day. I was spending some time praying and reflecting with them. I got a little bit thrilled! I recalled the times when I had first met them and their spiritual growth since that time. There was real and substantial growth. I was so pleased to see some of these people grow in their service to God.

Some of them were growing in their ability to serve in the most humblest of tasks. Others were becoming sacrificial servants and put their own time, money and self into things of God that would create a bit of an inconvenience for them. Than there were those starting to take initiative to take on greater and bigger tasks for the savior. I was thrilled.

They have come a long way. It is easy to believe that we spiritual leaders are responsible for changing and transforming these people but we are not. We are called to be faithful, obey and love. I can only reflect and see all my blunders but failure doesn't stop God from doing His work. He is stronger, bigger than our weaknesses and he alone will get all the glory. His power is made whole in weakness. Thank you Jesus!

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Philippians 1:3-6