What do we do about adversity?
Peter tells us what to do about adversity in 1 Peter 3:10-18
1. Referencing verse 14: Don't be terrified.
2. Verse 15: Know that Jesus is Lord, and is in control.
3. Stay positive and tell others about Jesus.
4. Verse 16: Clear your conscience.
This should reminds us that Jesus paid the price, so we would be forgiven.
Full text of 1 Peter 3:10-18:
For he that will love life,
and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil,
and his lips that they speak no guile:
Let him eschew evil, and do good;
let him seek peace, and ensue it.
For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous,
and his ears [are open] unto their prayers:
but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.
And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? and to suffer persecution But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For [it is] better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit.
(KJV)
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Resourceful links for your spiritual journey
Today, I am going to post a "linkroll" of very resourceful links that will help you on your spiritual journey.
Excellent, free Bible software, The Word: http://www.theword.gr/
GoTandem Social Network: http://www.gotandem.com
YouthWorker: http://www.youthworker.com/
CCM Magazine: http://www.ccmmagazine.com/
Christian Music Planet: http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/
FaithFreaks Social Network: http://www.faithfreaks.com
GodTube Video Network: http://www.godtube.com
MyPraize Social Network: http://www.mypraize.com/
That is all.
Excellent, free Bible software, The Word: http://www.theword.gr/
GoTandem Social Network: http://www.gotandem.com
YouthWorker: http://www.youthworker.com/
CCM Magazine: http://www.ccmmagazine.com/
Christian Music Planet: http://www.christianmusicplanet.com/
FaithFreaks Social Network: http://www.faithfreaks.com
GodTube Video Network: http://www.godtube.com
MyPraize Social Network: http://www.mypraize.com/
That is all.
Monday, June 21, 2010
True Worship
Although we have all had our experiences, and we all consider what worship means to us, but is it truly worship? The question that is plaguing some is: "Am I truly worshiping the Lord?"
I have quite a few answers today.
"The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth" (John 4:19-24 KJV).
Worship to some people, seems like an activity. But, it is to be a lifestyle rather, rooted in spending everyday worshiping God.
The more you worship God, the more God will reveal himself to you.
Unlike praise, worship is much more intimate, and characterizes a "oneness" with God.
Worship is primarily rooted in that God is the #1 priority in life. It is not about a place, it is about an intimate experience with God.
The experience is not the same for all people. The experience of another worshiper is different than the experience of yourself.
Worshiping is not about singing, nor is it about praying. It is about spending time in the presence of God, and removing yourself from the world temporarily to allow God to work in your life. It is about being fully connected with God.
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4 KJV).
Worship is centering our whole being on God and giving him thanks, showing our obedience, and honoring him in every way.
It is a private privilege and a public duty.
Also, by reading scripture, and reflecting on how that reveals God in some way to you, is also worship.
Please think about the ways to worship God, and ask yourself: "is this true worship?"
Jason Pfoutz
I have quite a few answers today.
"The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth" (John 4:19-24 KJV).
Worship to some people, seems like an activity. But, it is to be a lifestyle rather, rooted in spending everyday worshiping God.
The more you worship God, the more God will reveal himself to you.
Unlike praise, worship is much more intimate, and characterizes a "oneness" with God.
Worship is primarily rooted in that God is the #1 priority in life. It is not about a place, it is about an intimate experience with God.
The experience is not the same for all people. The experience of another worshiper is different than the experience of yourself.
Worshiping is not about singing, nor is it about praying. It is about spending time in the presence of God, and removing yourself from the world temporarily to allow God to work in your life. It is about being fully connected with God.
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, the four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4 KJV).
Worship is centering our whole being on God and giving him thanks, showing our obedience, and honoring him in every way.
It is a private privilege and a public duty.
Also, by reading scripture, and reflecting on how that reveals God in some way to you, is also worship.
Please think about the ways to worship God, and ask yourself: "is this true worship?"
Jason Pfoutz
Friday, June 11, 2010
Reflecting on the future?
I had a few thoughts to share today in this short blog.
People seem to worry about the wrong things of the future. What do I mean?
A recent author I heard about, said some interesting facts about people's future worries. One of the bigger worries or what people would be looking forward to would be retirement, what to do after work, plans for themselves, etc. But, what are they missing?
Seems people worry about their future for themselves. That is rather self-balanced thought, am I right? Of course. Much peer pressure at work and with friends has coerced some of Christians (and non-Christians) to think about retirement and make a big deal out of it.
However, what do these people not worry about? Their family, in the future. What is my family going to be like in the future. What about health? What is my health going to be like?
What about a long-standing relationship with GOD? I hope that would be a top priority for your future. To stay close to God, would be a goal that everyone should possess.
Let the leader shine in yourself, and show the world who God is. Show your loving side by caring about your family's future, and your own health -- instead of worrying about your retirement/success in the future.
We should be honored by praising our family, and what their future will look like. If someone is battling a sickness in your family or friends, pray for them and consider what their health will be in the future. Consider possible steps to be prepared for those health battles that may plague members of your family.
"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other" (Romans 12:10 NLT).
Also consider how we can do what God wants us to do for the future.
I leave you with this scripture:
"Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other" (Romans 12:3-5 NLT).
People seem to worry about the wrong things of the future. What do I mean?
A recent author I heard about, said some interesting facts about people's future worries. One of the bigger worries or what people would be looking forward to would be retirement, what to do after work, plans for themselves, etc. But, what are they missing?
Seems people worry about their future for themselves. That is rather self-balanced thought, am I right? Of course. Much peer pressure at work and with friends has coerced some of Christians (and non-Christians) to think about retirement and make a big deal out of it.
However, what do these people not worry about? Their family, in the future. What is my family going to be like in the future. What about health? What is my health going to be like?
What about a long-standing relationship with GOD? I hope that would be a top priority for your future. To stay close to God, would be a goal that everyone should possess.
Let the leader shine in yourself, and show the world who God is. Show your loving side by caring about your family's future, and your own health -- instead of worrying about your retirement/success in the future.
We should be honored by praising our family, and what their future will look like. If someone is battling a sickness in your family or friends, pray for them and consider what their health will be in the future. Consider possible steps to be prepared for those health battles that may plague members of your family.
"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other" (Romans 12:10 NLT).
Also consider how we can do what God wants us to do for the future.
I leave you with this scripture:
"Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other" (Romans 12:3-5 NLT).
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Our society versus our relationship
Seems there is a war between the society we live in, and the relationship we have with GOD. In fact, some Christian organizations raise money to research this issue. Most people in former days (2000 years ago) were hostile towards God's word. Now, people are hostile towards Christians and God's word. It is not some serious hostility, as some of the societal beliefs are based on Christianity's values.
The problem we are seeing, is that Christians are not only in hostility, but in sin. What is important is to leave sin, and not become hostile to society. But, rather, draw your eyes to the Lord, and allow him to take care of it.
As it says in Jeremiah 6:10, KJV: "To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it."
Freedom is a spoiled word, now. Whether it is freedom of speech, freedom of choice, etc. In fact, just the word free has been so diluted, that it is hard to tell what is free anymore. Some compare Democracy to freedom. If Democracy were freedom, then that means the definition of freedom has changed. What is the correct perspective? Freedom is an intellectual choice to free the mind from worry, anxiety, and doubt.
So, freedom can be split in to three perspectives. Free will, which is what I described above. Political freedom, which is the state of being free from government oppression. Economic freedom, which is a free market not regulated by the government.
With these multiple perspectives of freedom, people are getting confused as to what true freedom is. It does not take an intellectual mind to understand that our help comes from the Lord, and the Lord wants us to be free. What does that mean? Free from oppression, free from sin, free from worry, free from doubt, and free from unbelief.
Two-minute reading: John 8:31-38
Find your freedom in the perspective of Jesus Christ.
The problem we are seeing, is that Christians are not only in hostility, but in sin. What is important is to leave sin, and not become hostile to society. But, rather, draw your eyes to the Lord, and allow him to take care of it.
As it says in Jeremiah 6:10, KJV: "To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear [is] uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it."
Freedom is a spoiled word, now. Whether it is freedom of speech, freedom of choice, etc. In fact, just the word free has been so diluted, that it is hard to tell what is free anymore. Some compare Democracy to freedom. If Democracy were freedom, then that means the definition of freedom has changed. What is the correct perspective? Freedom is an intellectual choice to free the mind from worry, anxiety, and doubt.
So, freedom can be split in to three perspectives. Free will, which is what I described above. Political freedom, which is the state of being free from government oppression. Economic freedom, which is a free market not regulated by the government.
With these multiple perspectives of freedom, people are getting confused as to what true freedom is. It does not take an intellectual mind to understand that our help comes from the Lord, and the Lord wants us to be free. What does that mean? Free from oppression, free from sin, free from worry, free from doubt, and free from unbelief.
Two-minute reading: John 8:31-38
Find your freedom in the perspective of Jesus Christ.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Anger: "is it because of me?"
One topic in the Christian world/regular world today is anger, and how it can affect relationships. The physical effects of anger can be astonishing. However, the mental effects are even worse.
Anger is a natural feeling for a person when their emotions get past stress point. In other words, their emotions take control of their mind, because of a negative event that has occurred.
Being mad at someone, or at something is a sign of anger. You may have increased heartbeat, blood pressure, and levels of adrenaline/noradrenaline.
Anger has two perspectives. One is active/direct, and the other is passive/indirect.
Difference? Active anger is when someone may see the external qualities of the anger you possess. Passive anger is when no one can tell you are angry about something. Some may erroneously call passive anger, aloof. However, aloof is more about successfully dealing with a situation, without expressing emotion.
Reminds me back to the song, So Long Self by MercyMe.
Anyway, the focus here is, is that being angry is a sign that you need to vent. But, how to do it in a safe way is the challenge. So, here are a few tips, to help you sort those issues.
1. Do not talk to anyone in the state of active anger. Doing so, will cause the anger to speak for you, which is not a good thing. Wait until the anger is passive, then talk to someone about it.
2. When anger is under control, it is considered passive. So, talk to someone else about the situation, if you are mad at a certain someone. Talking to the person you are mad at, even while passive anger is apparent, may re-boil the anger in to an active state. Always have a friend who can be on call at any time, to be able to vent.
3. Get in control of the situation and come up with a solution as soon as possible. No need to let yourself fall off the brink of a chasm. Wake up and find a solution.
4. Get more rest. The more rest you get, the easier life will become. Take a stress-load off your shoulders, and find some good quality rest.
5. Now, anger is a choice. Once you have calmed the anger completely, it would be your choice to get angry, or banish it completely. Once your anger is gone, talk to the person you were mad at, and complete the solution.
I hope this has helped to understand why dealing with anger is important. Keep your relationships alive, and banish the anger.
Anger is a natural feeling for a person when their emotions get past stress point. In other words, their emotions take control of their mind, because of a negative event that has occurred.
Being mad at someone, or at something is a sign of anger. You may have increased heartbeat, blood pressure, and levels of adrenaline/noradrenaline.
Anger has two perspectives. One is active/direct, and the other is passive/indirect.
Difference? Active anger is when someone may see the external qualities of the anger you possess. Passive anger is when no one can tell you are angry about something. Some may erroneously call passive anger, aloof. However, aloof is more about successfully dealing with a situation, without expressing emotion.
Reminds me back to the song, So Long Self by MercyMe.
Anyway, the focus here is, is that being angry is a sign that you need to vent. But, how to do it in a safe way is the challenge. So, here are a few tips, to help you sort those issues.
1. Do not talk to anyone in the state of active anger. Doing so, will cause the anger to speak for you, which is not a good thing. Wait until the anger is passive, then talk to someone about it.
2. When anger is under control, it is considered passive. So, talk to someone else about the situation, if you are mad at a certain someone. Talking to the person you are mad at, even while passive anger is apparent, may re-boil the anger in to an active state. Always have a friend who can be on call at any time, to be able to vent.
3. Get in control of the situation and come up with a solution as soon as possible. No need to let yourself fall off the brink of a chasm. Wake up and find a solution.
4. Get more rest. The more rest you get, the easier life will become. Take a stress-load off your shoulders, and find some good quality rest.
5. Now, anger is a choice. Once you have calmed the anger completely, it would be your choice to get angry, or banish it completely. Once your anger is gone, talk to the person you were mad at, and complete the solution.
I hope this has helped to understand why dealing with anger is important. Keep your relationships alive, and banish the anger.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Relationship
My approach to somehow bring sinners to understanding, as they are confused whom our God really is, and why He wants a relationship with each of us.
Relationships are all about commitment, trust, communication, and interdependent unity. When one of those traits falls off, all of them are disrupted. For example, if a man and a woman are in a relationship, but one of them does not communicate properly; the couple loses trust for each other, is not completely unified, and the commitment is not solid.
Same is with our relationship with God. Let's say, for example, you need help from God. With thorough communication to God, you have the chance to express everything that is concerning yourself. However, if you do not trust God to help you, and trust that he is doing something already, then you lack faith. Shall I repeat a common verse with Christian preachers? "Now faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for', is what you have expressed the need for which you have prayed. 'The evidence of things not seen', is trusting in God that he might do as you prayed, and that he has the ability to do so.
What we are required to understand, is that the intervention of God in our lives must be a top priority. Some of us, including myself, have trouble keeping the same topic on your mind all the time. It takes a discipline to still think of God, while your busy daily life continues. Thanks to God, however, Jesus helped create the ultimate path and the significant expression of love, when he died and resurrected for us. Jesus helps us acquire the appropriate forgiveness, to help us get to heaven. What does forgiveness require? Forgiveness requires repentance, which is first admitting your sin, and asking for the forgiveness.
Some might say "forgive me father for the sins I have done," but not "I have sinned in 'this way' and I need to be forgiven." Admitting your sin helps you to realize what is plaguing your mind, body, and soul. Forgiveness is making sure that your path is staying correct, even though you have slipped and fell. We are God's children, and when we slip and fall, the Lord wants to know what happened. We tell the Lord, and we ask for forgiveness, in hopes to let God know we do not want to take that path again.
Being a child, not so long ago, I had done it myself, but encountered children who would be so guilty of something bad, that they would run to their parents and spill it completely. For example: "I pulled the hose away from the faucet outside and now water is running and I don't know how to turn it off, I am sorry." You see the child first admitted his doing, then said sorry in hoped the parent would not punish the child.
Our relationship with God is most important. But, the Lord expresses not to let this relationship be a secret, but to cause others to gain a relationship with Him as well. We are to "share the love of Christ."
I consider this, what is the point of living if I am living for myself? Let's not put God on the shelf. Our life is as important as our relationship with God, and when we decide we are not going to share it, we are taking it for ourselves and leaving others out. We are to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in that it may save other people as it has saved you.
The Bible reveals keys about why spreading the Word of God is important:
1. John 3:33: "He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true."
2. Phil 2:13-15: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
3. Mark 4:21-25: "And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath."
God's plans for the ones who will do their part in his kingdom are eternal life. Because of Jesus Christ paying the price of sin, we do not have to endure death caused by sin. However, repentance is very important to be able to acquire this wonderful gift.
Our lives are not perfect, and never will be perfect. All of us have flaws: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc. Humans were never perfect, ever since Adam and Eve. They broke perfection, literally.
In fact, perfection scares me. Many rich people say their lives are perfect, because they have all the money they want/need. However, if you were to be friends with this person, rather than acquaintance, you would learn how unperfect this person is, and how potentially disturbed the person can be.
We are forever sealed with sin in this world, so Jesus broke the seal when he died on the cross then resurrected. The Lord attached a new seal to the world, that the already corrupted world could repent and seek forgiveness in the Father, that they might gain eternal life.
My Sensei is Jesus Christ. Not this world. Who is a Sensei? Someone who is truly passionate at seeing one grow physically, spiritually, mentally, etc. through the process of intense training.
My reward is eternal life, not a new Bentley. Why do I want a Bentley, when a normal car will get me to the place I need to go? We are too worried about our image, our space on the Internet, and our adventure in the world.
However, seeking worldly things is frowned upon. Seek the Kingdom of God, be saved, then go out to the world and start helping others get saved.
Your path to Heaven is narrow, so you are not allowed to stretch it. Figure out how to get there without stretching the path, or falling behind. What you say, do, are going to do, and the way your life looks in the future is dependent on your relationship with God.
I hope you would like to be a well-adjusted Christian, who worships his Sensei always, and ignores the world. My Sensei is Jesus Christ, and I am ready for His training. Are you? Get ready, and may the Lord return soon. Bless you!
Relationships are all about commitment, trust, communication, and interdependent unity. When one of those traits falls off, all of them are disrupted. For example, if a man and a woman are in a relationship, but one of them does not communicate properly; the couple loses trust for each other, is not completely unified, and the commitment is not solid.
Same is with our relationship with God. Let's say, for example, you need help from God. With thorough communication to God, you have the chance to express everything that is concerning yourself. However, if you do not trust God to help you, and trust that he is doing something already, then you lack faith. Shall I repeat a common verse with Christian preachers? "Now faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for', is what you have expressed the need for which you have prayed. 'The evidence of things not seen', is trusting in God that he might do as you prayed, and that he has the ability to do so.
What we are required to understand, is that the intervention of God in our lives must be a top priority. Some of us, including myself, have trouble keeping the same topic on your mind all the time. It takes a discipline to still think of God, while your busy daily life continues. Thanks to God, however, Jesus helped create the ultimate path and the significant expression of love, when he died and resurrected for us. Jesus helps us acquire the appropriate forgiveness, to help us get to heaven. What does forgiveness require? Forgiveness requires repentance, which is first admitting your sin, and asking for the forgiveness.
Some might say "forgive me father for the sins I have done," but not "I have sinned in 'this way' and I need to be forgiven." Admitting your sin helps you to realize what is plaguing your mind, body, and soul. Forgiveness is making sure that your path is staying correct, even though you have slipped and fell. We are God's children, and when we slip and fall, the Lord wants to know what happened. We tell the Lord, and we ask for forgiveness, in hopes to let God know we do not want to take that path again.
Being a child, not so long ago, I had done it myself, but encountered children who would be so guilty of something bad, that they would run to their parents and spill it completely. For example: "I pulled the hose away from the faucet outside and now water is running and I don't know how to turn it off, I am sorry." You see the child first admitted his doing, then said sorry in hoped the parent would not punish the child.
Our relationship with God is most important. But, the Lord expresses not to let this relationship be a secret, but to cause others to gain a relationship with Him as well. We are to "share the love of Christ."
I consider this, what is the point of living if I am living for myself? Let's not put God on the shelf. Our life is as important as our relationship with God, and when we decide we are not going to share it, we are taking it for ourselves and leaving others out. We are to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in that it may save other people as it has saved you.
The Bible reveals keys about why spreading the Word of God is important:
1. John 3:33: "He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true."
2. Phil 2:13-15: "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
3. Mark 4:21-25: "And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath."
God's plans for the ones who will do their part in his kingdom are eternal life. Because of Jesus Christ paying the price of sin, we do not have to endure death caused by sin. However, repentance is very important to be able to acquire this wonderful gift.
Our lives are not perfect, and never will be perfect. All of us have flaws: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc. Humans were never perfect, ever since Adam and Eve. They broke perfection, literally.
In fact, perfection scares me. Many rich people say their lives are perfect, because they have all the money they want/need. However, if you were to be friends with this person, rather than acquaintance, you would learn how unperfect this person is, and how potentially disturbed the person can be.
We are forever sealed with sin in this world, so Jesus broke the seal when he died on the cross then resurrected. The Lord attached a new seal to the world, that the already corrupted world could repent and seek forgiveness in the Father, that they might gain eternal life.
My Sensei is Jesus Christ. Not this world. Who is a Sensei? Someone who is truly passionate at seeing one grow physically, spiritually, mentally, etc. through the process of intense training.
My reward is eternal life, not a new Bentley. Why do I want a Bentley, when a normal car will get me to the place I need to go? We are too worried about our image, our space on the Internet, and our adventure in the world.
However, seeking worldly things is frowned upon. Seek the Kingdom of God, be saved, then go out to the world and start helping others get saved.
Your path to Heaven is narrow, so you are not allowed to stretch it. Figure out how to get there without stretching the path, or falling behind. What you say, do, are going to do, and the way your life looks in the future is dependent on your relationship with God.
I hope you would like to be a well-adjusted Christian, who worships his Sensei always, and ignores the world. My Sensei is Jesus Christ, and I am ready for His training. Are you? Get ready, and may the Lord return soon. Bless you!
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