Kicked around long enough!

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Ps 123:3&4 “Mercy, God, mercy! We’ve been kicked around long enough, kicked in the teeth by complacent rich men, kicked when we’re down by arrogant brutes.”

Though I don’t know the true background of this psalm, it does sound like (in today’s world) someone who’s in debt, under financial pressure, and his creditors are swooping in like vultures.

Enough, is enough! That’s a good point to reach. When we’ve come to that place of holy discontent (utter frustration) regarding our “finances” – we can turn to God and ask for wisdom. We can resolve to end the abuse/clutter/disorganisation. Ask Him for a way out. Seek council. Draw up a plan. Take steps. Don't just sit there doing nothing. Move!

Prayer:
Lord – please help me to get a better grip on my life and finances. Don’t let me sink to rock bottom. Let the tide change!!

Joyous Services

Ps 122:1 “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘let us go to the house of the Lord.’”

Going to God’s house is a joyous matter.
– It should be!
And if it’s not = something is wrong.
Generally speaking; this is a great indicator of effective church services – that there is a joy factor involved. Joy for going and joy for having been.

I have a part to play. God wants to use me to bring joy into people's lives. Let's use our time, gifting and influence to ensure that those who attend church with me experience this: the rejoicing … the joy … in God’s house.

Whether I'm the pastor, the greeter at the door, the songleader, the person behind the coffee counter or the one who packs out the chairs, I do it all joyfully, as unto the Lord, knowing that my little bit helps to build His church. Even when I'm simpy sitting in my chair waiting for the service to begin, I can share a smile and friendly "hallo" with those sitting around me.

Prayer:
Father, fill our hearts with Your joy. Help us to bring joy into our homes and our churches.

Death Row

Recently I watched a documentary on the Crime Investigation channel - of people on death row. They had been sentenced to death for some terrible crime they committed. In the story it was revealed that some states in the U.S. now allow family members of the victims to watch the transgressor die.
One mother said she looked forward to that day, and would be standing behind the glass partition with two framed photo's in her hands. One of each of her children that the condemned man had murdered. She wanted him to see the faces of the ones he murdered. She wanted their faces to be the last thing that man sees before he dies.
Others would hold banners with their loved ones names. Some had posters with pictures of their loved ones. Everyone wanted the condemned man to see why he was being punished with death... for these loved ones.

This morning I was reading through John 18-19. It tells the story of how God was sentenced, executed and died a convicted criminal.

Though He had no sin, God allowed Jesus to be condemned as a sinner, and to die a sinners death. When they laid Him on a cross, Jesus said; "No one takes my life, I lay it down."
Just before He died, He must have seen my face, and yours, and He knewthat it was for people like us, people that He loved, that He was going to die.
Jesus had you in mind when He bore the shame and pain of the cross. He would rather taste such a death Himself, than have you die a sinner, condemned to eternal death.

He was condemned so that I could be pardoned.
He died so that I might live.



John 15:3
"No one shows greater love than when he lays down his life for his friends." (ISV)

Must we obey God?

Husband asks his wife, “must I kiss you goodnight?”
Wife answers, “Yes, you must – but not that kind of must.”

She wants him to do it because he loves her.

Must we obey God? Yes! But not that kind of 'must.' It's obedience inspired by love.

Jesus said: "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love."
(Joh 15:10)

Lord, I want to “want” to obey You. Let my love for You grow. Thank You for Your awesome love for me.

Will the real Jesus please stand up?

Matt 24:5 For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.

Jesus said that in the last days there would be many that claim to be the Christ.

Many throughout history has claimed to be the messiah. The only problem was, when they died, they stayed in the grave. Jesus is the only one whose grave is empty because He rose again. And His Resurrection proves that He is the one and only Son of God.

Here's the latest counterfeit.
Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda ,61 himself claims to be the Anti-Christ. He also claims that he is Jesus Christ, the Jesus Christ man ,and the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Jose Luis De Jesus has a million followers, and ordered his members to put a 666 tattoo on their body. (666 the mark of Satan mentioned in Revelation chapter 13.)

He said the word Anti Christ is just a bad translation of new Christ. And 666 is a symbol of new Christ and a mark that you are a Christian. He also said; "Do not put your eyes to Jesus of Nazareth , put it on Jesus after the cross."

'Creciendo en Gracia' is the name of the church organization of Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda. He founded this church 20 years ago. All members have a 666 tattoo on their arms, neck or some other part of their body.

Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda preaches that there is no sin, no hell, the devil has already been cast into hell and earth is already heaven... this doctrine attract many followers.

The believers of Creciendo en Gracia believes that Jose Luis is god.
Pictures of members with their 666 tattoos.

For more info read the wikipedia update here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Luis_de_Jes%C3%BAs_Miranda