ODB: a last farewell (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

July 18, 2010

READ: 2 Timothy 4:6-22

I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. —2 Timothy 4:6

After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, 47-year-old Randy Pausch returned to Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a final lecture to colleagues, students, and friends. The professor of computer science thought that perhaps 150 people might show up. Instead the 400-seat auditorium was packed. For an hour, Randy opened his heart to them in a humorous, insightful, and moving farewell that was focused more on living than dying. Within weeks, the videotaped lecture had been seen by millions on the Internet and later became the seed of a bestselling book. Those facing death often have an unusually clear perspective on what is truly important in life.

The apostle Paul’s last farewell has inspired countless followers of Christ through the centuries. “The time of my departure is at hand,” wrote Paul. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:6-7). Paul’s instruction to Timothy spans the ages to challenge us as well. The letter begins and ends with God’s grace (1:2; 4:22) and in between is a celebration of the unceasing faithfulness of God.

A message from the dying can give purpose to the living. Paul’s triumphant finale, “To Him be glory forever and ever” (4:18), is a message we can all live by. —David McCasland


If we are ready to die, we are ready to live.

ODB: judge not! (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

July 16, 2010

READ: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Judge not, that you be not judged. —Matthew 7:1

When Jesus commanded, “Judge not,” He was not implying that we should be naïve or imprudent. Of course we need to think critically and analytically in this world where we are often confronted with error and wrongdoing. Instead, He meant that we should not be condemning or accusing, a point Paul made eloquently: “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts” (1 Cor. 4:5).

Poet Robert Burns made a similar point, writing of those whose actions are in doubt: “One point must still be greatly dark—the [motive]. Why they do it.” No one knows another’s motives. God alone can bring to light what is hidden in darkness; He alone can expose the intentions of the heart.

Jesus knows the latent forces that motivate others: the cruel beginnings, the fear, the disappointment, the broken heart, the sin that is resisted. Moreover, He is working in every submissive heart to bring it to maturity. Thus in the end—quite often contrary to our expectations—He will bring praise to those He has brought to completion.

The Lord alone can try the heart. Until He returns, let’s ask Him to help us examine our own. —David Roper


Be slow to judge others, but quick to judge yourself.

ODB: something better (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

July 6, 2010

READ: Heb. 11:4-7,32-40

All these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.—Hebrews 11:39

Abel doesn’t seem to fit in the first half of Hebrews 11. He’s the first “ancient” listed, but his story isn’t like the others mentioned there. Enoch went to heaven without dying. Noah saved mankind. Abraham started a people group. Isaac was a noted patriarch. Joseph rose to the top in Egypt. Moses led the greatest exodus ever.

Clearly, their faith was rewarded. By faith, they did what God asked, and He poured out blessings on them. They saw God’s promises fulfilled before their eyes.

But Abel? The second son of Adam and Eve had faith, and what did he get for it? Murdered. That sounds more like the folks in verses 35-38, who found that trusting God doesn’t always lead to immediate blessing. They faced “mockings,” “imprisonment,” and being “sawn in two.” “Thanks, but no thanks,” we might say. We would all prefer to be heroic Abraham instead of someone “destitute, afflicted, tormented” (v.37). Yet in God’s plan, there are no guarantees of ease and fame even for the devout.

While we might experience some blessings in this life, we may also have to wait until “something better” (v.40) comes along—the completion of God’s promises in Glory. Until then, let’s keep living “by faith.” —Dave Branon


What is done for Christ right now will be rewarded in eternity.

ODB: true freedom (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

July 4, 2010

READ: Galatians 4:21–5:1

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free. —Galatians 5:1

In 1776, the 13 British colonies in North America protested the limitations placed on them by the king of England and engaged in a struggle that gave birth to a brand-new republic. The infant nation soon adopted that now-famous document known as the Declaration of Independence.

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Lord Jesus cried out on the cross, “It is finished,” proclaiming the believer’s “declaration of independence.” All of humanity was under the tyranny of sin and death. But Christ, the sinless One, took our place on Calvary and died for our sins. Having satisfied God’s righteous demands, He now sets free for eternity all who trust in Him.

Paul wrote, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13). Romans 8 assures us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus . . . . For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (vv.1-2). Galatians 5:1 urges all who have been redeemed to “stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.”

We are thankful to God for any freedom we enjoy in a nation. But above all, believers everywhere can praise Him for the freedom that is found in Christ! —Richard De Haan

Our greatest freedom is freedom from sin.

ODB: bearing the name (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

July 2, 2010

READ: Acts 11:19-26

The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. —Acts 11:26

Hans Geiger, Marie Curie, Rudolf Diesel, Samuel Morse, and Louis Braille share something in common. They all invented or discovered something significant that bears their name. Their names, along with many others, appear in the “Encyclopedia Britannica’s Greatest Inventions,” a list of “325 innovations that have had profound effects on human life.”

We who follow Christ bear His name. In Luke’s record of the early church, he said: “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Later, Peter urged the early believers not to be ashamed of suffering as “a Christian” (1 Peter 4:16). The term Christian, once directed at Jesus’ followers in scorn, was embraced by them as a badge of honor, a mark of allegiance to Him.

E. M. Blaiklock, former Chair of Classics at the University of Auckland, wrote that in the first century the term Christian had “a certain appropriateness, for it implied loyalty and acceptance of a person, and that person, the Messiah (Christ). . . . The true modern use of the word follows the same tradition. . . . The Christian is one who accepts, with all its implications, the lordship of Jesus Christ.”

As followers of Christ today, we gladly bear His name as our Savior, Lord, and Friend. —David McCasland

Don’t be a Christian in name only.

ODB: a snail’s pace (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

July 3, 2010

READ: Romans 5:1-5

Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. —Romans 5:3-4

One of my earliest childhood mem- ories was watching snails in our backyard flower garden. I was fascinated by this little creature with a shell, a slimy little tummy, and tiny eyes that turned like periscopes. But what really seemed unusual was how slowly a snail travels.

How slow does a snail go? One study clocked a snail at 0.00758 miles per hour—or 40 feet in one hour. No wonder we use the phrase moving at a snail’s pace to mean “slow.”

Although a snail does move at a “sluggish” pace, one virtue it does possess is perseverance. The great 19th-century preacher Charles Spurgeon wryly observed, “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”

According to the apostle Paul, perseverance is a key component in character development. He explained that “tribulation produces perseverance” (Rom. 5:3). And upon that building block go character and hope (v.4). The original Greek word translated “perseverance” means “steadfastness, constancy, and endurance.” It was used of believers who endured in their walk of faith despite many painful trials.

Have setbacks slowed you down to a snail’s pace? Be encouraged. God doesn’t ask for a fast finish. He expects persevering progress. —Dennis Fisher

Great achievement requires great perseverance.

ODB: rescued (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 30, 2010

READ: Colossians 1:12-22

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. —Colossians 1:13

ASouth African man surprised nine men robbing his home. Seven of the robbers ran away, but the homeowner managed to shove two into his backyard pool. After realizing that one of the robbers couldn’t swim, the homeowner jumped in to save him. The Cape Times reports that once out of the pool, the wet thief called to his friends to come back. Then he pulled a knife and threatened the man who had just rescued him. The homeowner said, “We were still standing near the pool, and when I saw the knife I just threw him back in. But he was gasping for air and was drowning. So I rescued him again.”

In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul wrote of another rescue:God the Father had saved them from the domain of darkness. This rescue occurred at the death of Christ, but also at the Colossians’ conversion. The imagery Paul used (1:12-13) suggests that believers have been rescued from the dark reign of Satan by being transferred as free people into the peaceable rule of Christ. By Jesus’ death, believers become free citizens in the kingdom of light.

The appropriate response to such amazing grace is to show joyous gratitude by offering God acceptable service with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28). —Marvin Williams

Through the cross, Jesus rescued and redeemed the rebellious.

ODB: paul’s heart (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 29, 2010

READ: Philippians 1:12-21

With all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. —Philippians 1:20

According to a long-held Christian tradition, the apostle Paul was beheaded and buried in Rome around ad 67. In 2009, scientists conducted carbon dating tests on what many believe to be his remains. While these tests on the bone fragments confirmed that they date from the first or second century, positive identification re-mains in question. But no matter where Paul’s bones rest, his heart lives on through his letters in the New Testament.

While imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Philippi about his purpose in life. He spoke of his “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. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:20-21).

As we read Paul’s words today, they challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we as passionate as he was about Jesus Christ? Is it our goal to honor Him in our everyday life?

Long after we’re gone, those who knew us will remember our hearts. May we, like Paul, create a legacy of hope and encouragement centered around Jesus Christ. —David McCasland

We are Christ’s “letters of recommendation” to all who read our lives.

ODB: toxic living (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 28, 2010

READ: 1 Samuel 13:7-14

Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord.”—1 Samuel 13:13

Picher, Oklahoma, is no more. Inmid-2009, this once-bustling town of 20,000 went out of business. In the first quarter of the 1900s, Picher was a boomtown because of its abundant lead and zinc. Workers extracted the ore, which was used to help arm the US during both World Wars.

The town faded as the ore began to run out—but the biggest problem was that while the lead and zinc brought wealth, they also brought pollution. Because nothing was done to deal with the pollution, Picher became a toxic wasteland, and the government condemned the land.

What happened to Picher can happen to people. Prosperity can look so good that it’s hard to think about possible downsides. Actions that are detrimental to long-term spiritual health are accepted, and unless the problem is corrected, destruction follows. It happened to King Saul. He began as a good king, but in seeking success he failed to see the damage he was doing. Turning his back on God’s commands, he acted “foolishly” (1 Sam.-:13) and lost his kingdom (v.14).

In our attempts to find success, we need to watch out for spiritual pollution that comes when we fail to follow God’s clear scriptural guidelines. Godly living always beats toxic living. —Dave Branon

No one can be a real success without God.

ODB: guilty of plenty (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 26, 2010

READ: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

The grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant. —1 Timothy 1:14

Aman was filling out a job application when he came to the question “Have you ever been arrested?” He wrote, “No.” The next question, intended for people who had answered “Yes” to the previous question, was “Why?” The applicant answered it anyway: “I never got caught.” He evidently knew he was guilty of plenty!

So was the apostle Paul. He knew he had personally done wrong and sinned against God. He wrote, “I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man” (1 Tim. 1:13). He even called himself the “chief” of sinners (v.15).

We too were once separated from the Lord because of our sin and were considered His enemies (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21). But when we confessed our sin and acknowledged our need for His forgiveness, He cleansed us and made us new.

Those of us who have known the Lord for many years may have the tendency to forget what we’ve been rescued from and forgiven of. Sharing about our past and current failures and giving praise to God for forgiveness will help us not to come across as “holier-than-thou” to people who don’t yet know the Lord.

The truth is we’ve all been guilty of plenty, and God deserves the glory for His mercy toward us. —Anne Cetas

Grace is everything for those who deserve nothing.

ODB: the right people (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 25, 2010

READ: 1 Corinthians 12:7-18

God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. —1 Corinthians 12:18

The film Miracle tells the true story of the 1980 US Olympic ice hockey team as it marches to an improbable gold medal. At the outset of the story, coach Herb Brooks is shown selecting the players for his team. When he gives assistant coach Craig Patrick a list of names he has chosen, Craig says in surprise, “You’re missing some of the best players.” Brooks responds, “I’m not looking for the best players, Craig—just the right ones.”

Brooks knew that individual talent would take the team only so far. A willingness to fit into his style of selfless play would be far more important than talent. Clearly, team success, not individual glory, was the priority.

The biblical call to service has a similar emphasis. In God’s purposes, each believer does his or her part, but the results are team-oriented. After explaining the wide differences in the spiritual gifts of believers, Paul says, “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” (1 Cor. 12:7). When we use the skills God gives us, His purposes are accomplished, and He gets the glory. In God’s service, it’s not about being the best, the most talented, or the most gifted. It’s about being the right people—the ones God “set . . . in the body” (v.18)—joining together to serve the same team. —Bill Crowder

There are no unimportant people in the body of Christ.

The Paradise Band Concert @ Metro Tabernacle A/G Church

Hey,

The Paradise Band from Australia will be coming to Metro Tabernacle A/G Church for Worship Workshop and Concert as well to promote their new album ''One Heart''.

Paradise Band is the music & worship label of Paradise Community Church in Adelaide, South Australia. Worship & Creative Pastor, Mark Anderson, and Music Pastor, Daniel Thornton, lead a superb team of singers & musicians that have released multiple albums & toured extensively. They believe God created music & have actively cultivated a place where gifted musicians, singers & songwriters can develop into great praise & worship artists.

Their music team have had the opportunity to put on many great events including Influencers Conference, musicals, concerts & worship events. Some of their recent highlights include one of their worship vocalists Guy Sebastian becoming the inaugural winner of Australian Idol & the Paradise Christmas Carols which sees crowds in excess of 25000 each year.

In recent years they have produced many church albums which have brought great success throughout Australasia & ministered to thousands of people with a fresh sound of worship.

So, do come and enjoy the time of praising God with them.

Workshop:-

Venue: Metro Tabernacle A/G
Date: June 25
Time: 7.30 pm
Address: 1, Jalan Samudera Utama, Taman Samudera, Batu Caves 68100 Selangor, Malaysia (contact 03-61891322).

Concert:-

Venue: Metro Tabernacle A/G
Date: June 26
Time: 8.00 pm
Address: 1, Jalan Samudera Utama, Taman Samudera, Batu Caves 68100 Selangor, Malaysia (contact 03-61891322).

God bless,
Ezra

ODB: winners all (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 24, 2010

READ: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7

When the Los Angeles Times covered a 2008 conference championship soccer match between two Christian schools, Azusa Pacific University and Westmont College, it was about far more than winning the game. Three days earlier, a wildfire had swept through the Westmont campus, destroying several academic buildings, faculty homes, and student rooms. Unable to host the game, the rules required Westmont to forfeit. Instead, Azusa invited their opponents to play at their campus where they welcomed Westmont fans with free admission and lunch.

On the field, Westmont won an emotional 2-0 victory, while Azusa Pacific won admiration for their good will. LA Times reporter Bill Plaschke wrote: “Rarely in Southern California sports has there been a better show of sportsmanship than this, Azusa Pacific sacrificing its chance at a title defense to give Westmont a fair shot at taking it. As impressive as the resilience of the conquerors was the kindness of the conquered.”

So often, we think only of money when the Bible calls us to give willingly and bountifully “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Giving others a chance and offering hospitality to those who hurt is generosity that makes winners of everyone involved. —David McCasland

The manner of giving shows the character of the giver more than the gift itself.

ODB: briers and buttercups (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 23, 2010

READ: Acts 14:1-22

We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. —Acts 14:22

The buttercups in our backyard were unusually bright and beautiful due to the generous amount of spring rain God sent our way. I wanted to take some pictures of them before they faded, but I had trouble getting close enough because they were growing in a very soggy wetland. One sunny afternoon, I pulled on a pair of boots and trudged through briers and brambles toward buttercup bog. Before I got any pictures, I got muddy feet, multiple scratches, and numerous bug bites. But seeing the buttercups made my temporary discomfort worthwhile.

Much of life is about “getting through” the trials and troubles that are inevitable in our sinful world. One of these trials is persecution. The disciples certainly found this to be true. They knew the good things that Jesus has ready for those who follow Him, but they met harsh resistance when they tried to tell others (Acts 14:5).

Those of us who have chosen God’s way, and who know from experience that it’s “a more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31), will persevere even when we have to go through danger and difficulty. By doing so, we show others a beautiful picture of God’s peace, mercy, and forgiveness. The joy that awaits will make our temporary discomfort worthwhile. —Julie Ackerman Link

Earth—the land of trials; heaven—the land of joys.

ODB: no one remembered! (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 22, 2010

READ: Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

He by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man. —Ecclesiastes 9:15

In a commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:15, Martin Luther cites the story of Themistocles, the soldier and statesman who commanded the Athenian squadron. Through his strategy, he won the Battle of Salamis, drove the Persian army from Greek soil, and saved his city. A few years later, he fell out of favor, was ostracized by his countrymen, and was banished from Athens. Thus, Luther concludes, “Themistocles did much good for his city, but received much ingratitude.”

The crowd, for some reason, seems to ignore or quickly forget the good that the poor and humble man accomplishes through his wisdom. No matter. “Wisdom is [still] better than strength” even if “the poor man’s wisdom is despised” (v.16). It’s better to be a quiet, honest sage who, though forgotten, leaves much good behind, than a swaggering, strident fool who, though many applaud him, “destroys much good” (v.18).

Accordingly, what matters in the end is not the recognition and gratitude we receive for the work we’ve done, but the souls of those gentle folk in whom we’ve sown the seeds of righteousness. Put another way: “Wisdom is justified by all her children” (Luke 7:35). Whom have you influenced through your wise and godly wisdom? —David Roper>

A wise person sets his earthly goals on heavenly gains.

ODB: an imaginary threat (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 21, 2010

READ: Genesis 33:1-4

Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him. —Genesis 33:4

Last spring the window to one of the rooms in our house was repeatedly attacked by a robin. The bird would perch at the base of the window, ruffle its feathers, chirp loudly, and then fly headfirst into the glass.

I did some research and learned that robins are territorial. While nesting, they drive out any competing robins. This bird apparently saw its reflection in our window and thought it was another robin. The threat was not real; it was only an illusion.

In the Old Testament, we see an instance when Jacob imagined a threat that wasn’t really there. Years earlier, Jacob had stolen his brother Esau’s blessing by their father. Now, after many years of separation, they were going to meet again. Jacob thought Esau would harm him, so he sent gifts ahead as a peace offering of sorts. Then, when he saw Esau approaching with 400 men, Jacob panicked. Yet what Jacob thought was an attack force turned out to be a welcoming committee. “Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept” (Gen. 33:4).

In interpersonal relationships, we sometimes misinterpret a situation. We must ask the Lord for discernment so we don’t miss a friendship because of an imaginary threat. —Dennis Fisher

Don’t be afraid of a presumed enemy, but trust in the Lord to make a new friend.

ODB: thanks, dad (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 20, 2010

READ: 1 Thess. 2:1-12

We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children. —1 Thess. 2:11

In the US, more long distance calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day. But on Father’s Day, the most collect calls are made. It seems that children still depend on their fathers to provide, even when they are far away from home.

Fathers are needed and wanted for much more than financial help. While 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 is primarily directed toward church leaders, Paul talks about how their role is similar to a father’s. He states: “You know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.”

Exhorted is “to call near.” It is easy for fathers to think that all that’s required of them is to bring home a paycheck. But children need their close encouragement.

The word comforted is “to console.” Nothing is more valuable to a child than the time given by a father to listen and talk. Without constant relating, relationships turn cold.

Charged is “to affirm.” Fathers challenge their children by affirming the truth of God’s Word as they live it out in front of them. And even in failings, they affirm what is right through the asking of forgiveness.

How thankful we can be for fathers who help their children “walk worthy of God” (v.12). —Albert Lee

Good fathers reflect the heavenly Father.

ODB: the brevity of life (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 19, 2010

READ: Psalm 90

The days of our lives are seventy years; . . . yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. —Psalm 90:10

On October 19, 2008, I heard the news that Levi Stubbs, lead singer for Motown’s vocal group The Four Tops, had died at age 72. As a boy, I enjoyed the Four Tops, especially Stubbs’ emotion-filled, passionate voice. I had never met him or heard the group in concert, yet his passing affected me at an unexpected level.

Behind my sadness, I think, was the reminder that I too am getting older. The death of someone I listened to when I was young reminded me that time isn’t marching on—it’s running out!

In the only psalm attributed to Moses, he wrote, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (90:10). Those aren’t words we want to hear. We want to remain forever young, but Scripture reminds us that the years pass and death will one day arrive.

That leaves us to wrestle with two essential questions: Am I ready to “fly away” at life’s end, having trusted Christ as my Savior? And am I using my fleeting days to please the One who loves me eternally?

How are you doing—no matter what your age—with the challenges raised by the brevity of life? —Bill Crowder

You can’t control the length of your life, but you can control its depth.

Skate Church

Skateboarding to the Savior from Angela Grant on Vimeo.

Great video of skatechurch. :)

God bless,
Ezra

Chad Tim@Ramp 48

Chad Tim Tim Ramp 48 Christian Skaters Bible Study from Christian Skaters on Vimeo.

Great testimony by Chad Tim at Ramp 48 during Bible Study (Christian Skaters International Ministry)

God bless,
Ezra

Vampirism: What It's All About and Why It's Against Christianity

Most of us watched all kinds of movies on vampires especially what we known as ''Twilight''. Christians have been influence by those movies and they started to join this new religion or philosophy known as ''Vampirism''.

Vampirism is a practice of 19th century pagans where they believed to have a new immortal live just by drinking blood. The Vampiric pagans belived that they will have more powers and more strength. Rituals are to be conducted for new members and new names will be given. Vampirism believes in new life, death, spiritualism, magic, drinking blood in possession of new powers, psychic and more.

There are few reasons why Vampirism is against Christianity.

1) Vampirism practicing occultic rituals:

There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 18:10-13)

Their ritual is based on Satanic rituals and blood oaths that silently bring them to worship a devil known as Lucifer. Mantras are written by famous witches and occultist and Spell books are been used in every rituals.

2) The Bible commands us to abstain from blood:

And wherever you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal. (Leviticus 7:26)

The blood is known to be the source of life and when that person drinks the blood, that person are consider taking the life away. The Bible tells us not to kill.

It is obvious that Vampirism have a lot of links with Satanism especially on human sacrifices and chalice of blood (its been practice in Vampiric Coven in England, Ireland and USA). DON'T EVER GET YOURSELF INTO THE PRACTICE OF VAMPIRISM.

God bless,
Ezra

Religion vs. Christianity

Something interesting that I got from my friend's note:-

"Why are you Christians always sending missionaries overseas? People have their own culture, their own religion, why don't you just leave them alone?!"

This is one of the most common statements we hear around the world.

"What is so special about Christianity, different from every religion in the world?"

To be sure, this is a very significant question; and probably one of the most significant questions that any Christian could ask themselves: what is so special about Jesus Christ?

Allow me to tell you a story about a man named Lou.

Lou grew up in the nation of Thailand and he was a Buddhist for the first 20 years of his life until he met some Christian missionaries who introduced him to Jesus Christ.

If you were to ask Lou today, "What is so special about Jesus Christ and Christianity, different from every other religion in the world?"

Lou would share with you the following story:

"When I was a Buddhist I felt like I was in the middle of a large lake. I was drowning and I didn't know how to swim. As I struggled to keep my head above water, I looked out towards the shore and saw Buddha walking up to the edge of the lake. I was going under for the third time, when suddenly Buddha began shouting out instructions to me, teaching me how to swim. Buddha shouted, 'Kick your legs and paddle your arms.' But then Buddha said, 'Lou, you must make it to shore by yourself.' As I desperately struggled to follow the instructions of Buddha, I looked out towards the shore again, but this time I saw Jesus Christ walking towards the edge of the lake. However, Jesus did not stop at the edge of the lake. Jesus dove into the lake and He swam out and rescued me! And once Jesus had brought me safely back to shore, then He taught me how to swim, so that I could go back and rescue others!"

You see, this is the key difference between Christianity and every other religion in the world: Christianity is NOT a religion!

What are religions?

Religions are about human attempts to make our lives right with God through our good works, sacrifices, rituals and money. However, Christianity is NOT a religion. Christianity is about God entering human history to graciously save men and women through His Son Jesus Christ. It is only by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and submitting to His Lordship that we will be saved.

A relationship with God will never be found in any religion, because religions only offer swimming lessons to people drowning in the sea of sin. And it doesn't matter how sincere or devout you are in your religious faith and practice, because the sea of sin is eternally immense.

The only hope for men and women drowning in the sea of sin is Jesus Christ. God entered human history in the person of Jesus Christ; He dove into the sea of sin in order to save desperate and drowning people.

If you'll allow Him to take you there, He'll hold you in His loving arms and bring you safely to shore. And after arriving safely to shore, then your swimming lessons begin, so that you can go back and rescue others!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.-Romans 6:23

God bless,
Ezra

Holy Spirit Rain Down

When you are getting down and you need someone to help out, call upon the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit will come and fill you and works in you as long as you are doing something according to His will. God will always there and He will never leave us. Somehow, we don't realized that God works something in you and you did not know what happen. It's all because of the power of Holy Spirit. We are His temple. Ask for anointing and it will be given. Let God works wonders in you.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

God bless,
Ezra

ODB: it’s not fair (from RBC Ministries' blog)

June 9, 2010

READ: Psalm 103:1-10

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. —Psalm 103:10

Not fair!” Whether you’ve said it or at least thought it, you’ve got to admit, it’s hard to see someone get away with something and not get what they deserve. We learn this early in life. Just ask the parent of any teenager. Kids hate to see their siblings get off scotfree for the things they got spanked for. Which is why they so readily tattle on each other. But then, we never really grow out of this. To our way of thinking, fairness means sinners deserve God’s wrath and we, the good people, deserve His applause.

But if God were into being “fair,” we would all be consumed by His judgment! We can be thankful for this: “[God] has not dealt with us according to our sins” (Ps. 103:10). We should be glad, not grumpy, that God chooses mercy over fairness and that He is willing to extend grace even to those who are undeserving and hopelessly lost. And while we are thinking about it, when was the last time we let mercy trump fairness with someone who offended us?

It’s not God’s fairness but His mercy that drives Him to pursue us so that heaven can have a party when we are found (Luke 15:7). Personally, I’m thankful that God has not been “fair” with me! Aren’t you? —Joe Stowell

We can show mercy to others because God has shown mercy to us.

ODB: give me a hand (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 8, 2010

READ: Psalm 9:7-12

Let Your hand become my help. —Psalm 119:173

Recently I was fishing with some friends and waded into a current that was too strong for my old legs. I should have known better; it’s a well-known fact that you can wade into flows that you can’t back out of.

I got that panicky feeling you get when you realize you’re in deep trouble. One more step and I would have been swept away.

I did the only thing I could think of: I called out to a friend nearby who is younger and stronger than I. “Hey, Pete!” I shouted. “Give me a hand, will you?” My friend waded into the current, reached out his strong hand, and pulled me into quiet water.

A few days later as I read Psalm 119, I came across verse 173: “Let Your hand become my help.” I thought of that day on the stream and other days when I have “waded” into difficult situations, overestimating my feeble abilities and putting myself or my loved ones in jeopardy. Perhaps you find yourself in that place today.

There is help nearby, a Friend much stronger than you and I—one whose hand can hold us (Ps.-9:10). The psalmist also says of Him, “You have a mighty arm; strong is Your hand” (89:13). You can call out to God: “Give me a hand!” and He will rush to your side. —David Roper

When adversity strikes us, God is ready to strengthen us.

ODB: a steward of grace (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 7, 2010

READ: 1 Cor. 15:1-11

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. —1 Peter 4:10

Last week I had several opportuni- ties to show grace. I wasn’t perfect, but I was pleased with the way I handled one situation in particular. Instead of getting angry, I said, “I understand how that could have happened. I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes,” and I left it at that.

According to my own grading scale, I deserved a high score. Not perfect, but close. Lurking in the back of my mind (I hate to admit) was the thought that maybe by being gracious I could expect to be treated that way at some future date.

The following Sunday morning our congregation was singing “Amazing Grace,” and suddenly the audacity of my attitude came through to me in the words, “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”

What in the world was I thinking?! The grace we show to others is not our own. The only reason we can “give” grace to anyone is because God has already given it to us. We can pass along only that which we have received from Him.

Good stewards look for opportunities to pass along to others what we have received from the Lord. May all of us be “good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). —Julie Ackerman Link

When you know God’s grace, you’ll want to show God’s grace.

ODB: a hero who healed (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 6, 2010

READ: 1 Peter 3:8-17

Do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. —1 Peter 3:14

Corporal Desmond Doss was the first conscientious objector to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award. A devout follower of Christ, Doss believed that it was not right for him to kill others, but he wanted to serve his country so he volunteered as a medic. During boot camp, his fellow soldiers ridiculed him for refusing to fire a rifle. They mocked him when he read his Bible and knelt beside his bunk at night to pray. But in combat, it was a different story.

During the World War II battle for Okinawa in May 1945, Doss repeatedly risked his life to rescue scores of wounded men. Through his unselfish actions, he earned the gratitude and respect of his former critics and of those whose lives he saved.

In the face of unjust criticism, Peter told his fellow Christians, “Even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’ ” (1 Peter 3:14). He urged them to honor God in their hearts and be ready to give a respectful reply to anyone who asked about the hope within them (v.15).

May our response to a hurting world that’s often hostile to Christ be one that demonstrates God’s love. —David McCasland

To return good for good is human; to return good for evil is divine.

ODB: plausible deniability (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

READ: Psalm 51:1-10

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

Answering media charges of scan- dal and impropriety, the guilty politician responded with the plea, “I have no recollection of those events.” It was yet another attempt of a public figure to apply a strategy called “plausible deniability.” This is when individuals try to create a personal safety net for themselves by seeking to convince others that they had no knowledge of the events in question. Someone else gets blamed and becomes the scapegoat for the guilty person’s wrongs.

Sometimes Christians have their own kind of plausible deniability. We claim ignorance of our wrong behavior, rationalize, or blame others—but God knows the truth. The Bible tells us: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). This is true whether the heart is pure or if it’s a corrupt heart robed in false claims of innocence. We may fool others who see us only on the outside, but God sees the reality of our hearts—whether good or bad.

It is wise, therefore, to humbly confess our faults to the Lord. He desires that we admit the truth (Ps. 51:6). The only way to escape the sin and restore our fellowship with God is to acknowledge and confess it to Him (vv.3-4). —Bill Crowder


We may successfully fool others, but God knows our hearts.

A REMARKABLE THING

I have a friend
I know Him in a wonderful way
He knows me since I'm existed into this world
He saves me
He listens to my cry
He forgives me
He's always there for me
He provide
He died for me

He wants to be with others as well
He wants to see people happy
He wants to see people in joy
No more suffering
No more pain
No more sin could control us
His blood cleanse us
He suffered for us
How great is that?

Will you accept Him?
Will you be His friend?
Will you come to Him?
He died for you
He suffered for you
He listens to you
He wants to give you this life
And His name is Jesus

He's the King of Kings
He's the Lord of Lords
He's our Friend
He's our Saviour
He's our Great Counselor
He's always with us


God bless,
Ezra

ODB: champion marksman (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

READ: Philippians 3:7-14

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:14

Matt Emmons, Olympic gold medalist in rifle shooting in 2004, was set to win another event at Athens. He had a commanding lead and hoped to make a direct bull’s-eye on his last shot. But something went wrong—he hit the target, but he was aiming at the wrong one! That wrong focus dropped him to eighth place and cost him a medal.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he expressed the importance of focusing on the right target in our Christian life. “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” he said (3:14).

Paul used the term “goal” in an illustration of an athlete running a race. Interestingly, the same word was also used of a target for shooting arrows. In both cases, the prospect of winning depends on being focused. For the believer that focus should be a lifetime pursuit of becoming more like our Savior Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 5:22-23).

What is your focus today? Are you preoccupied with getting ahead and making life more comfortable? If you’re a believer, the right target to shoot for is to become more like the Son of God (2 Cor. 3:18). Today make sure you are aiming at the right target! —Dennis Fisher

To make the most of your life, make God’s goals your goals.

EXPOSING CULTS IN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

Read: Matthew 7:21-23

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

The world is getting corrupted slowly day by day and occultic influences began to rise as the world is being introduced with a new ideology known as New World Order a.k.a New Age. This new ideology had slowly influencing people in many ways even in churches where the tradition or liturgy changes into other ways where it would lead people to worship other things.

Take the example of Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The cathedral belongs to Episcopalian Church of Diocese of New York. The cathedral building have masonic influence on it such as ''The Illuminati Pyramid'' and also ''The All-Seeing Eye'''on the pyramid itself. The cathedral itself celebrated ''The Grand Procession Of The Ghouls'' where this celebration is been celebrated by a group of occultists in New York as a ceremony or festival of the ghouls. The ''occult theology'' had slowly influenced the members of the cathedral.

If we are not strong in our faith, we are going to fall as what happens in Episcopal Denomination as the church is weaker and emphasizing on the matter of tradition as their brother, Anglican Denomination is getting solid in the teaching of the Bible and not tradition. If we are to follow the tradition and not taking the teaching of the Bible, the liturgy will become more mechanical but if it turns other way around (the teaching of the Bible and not emphasizing too much on tradition), the liturgy will be in tune and it be known as a vibrant way of worship.

God bless,
Ezra

ODB: day of good news (from RBC Ministries blog YMIblogging)

May 26, 2010

READ: 2 Kings 7:3-11

We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. —2 Kings 7:9

My Australian friend Graham wasn’t born blind. He was blinded by a freak accident at age 9. Yet he never felt sorry for himself. Wherever he went, he shared what Jesus Christ meant to him. His last trip was to Thailand as a practicing physiotherapist. Besides using his professional skills there, he wanted to share the gospel of Christ.

The four lepers in 2 Kings 7 had some good news to share as well. They had stumbled into the Syrian camp and found it deserted. After helping themselves to the food and loot, they remembered the starving people of Samaria, shut in as a result of a Syrian siege. Their response was: “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent” (v.9). So they went and told their fellow Israelites about the provisions.

Despite their physical and social disadvantages, both Graham and the lepers thought about others. They were thankful for what they had found and considered it too good to keep to themselves.

Do you know someone who needs to know what Jesus has done? Don’t make excuses for what you lack in abilities. Instead, share the good news of what the Lord has done for you, and your life will take on new purpose. —C. P. Hia

When we are thankful for what we have, we want to share it with others.

GOD IS WITH US

He gives strength to the weary and adds spirit to the never helpless. (Isaiah 40:29)

There's sugar, there are ants. This maxim seems so real in the lives of those who abandoned his friends at the time of failure. The fact proves that it's easier to make friends at the moment everything is going well, successful, and glorious. But in difficult times; in bankruptcy, failure and suffering, they turned to leave. True friends are those who do not leave her friends even in grief and difficult circumstances.

Exceeding a true friend in the world, God is a true friend to us. He never leaves us in any bad situations. His saying, "I will not leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). When the world is abandoning people who fail, He actually came to help the people who are sick, comforting the bereaved, providing relief to their tired and drawn, heavy load, providing strength to the weary, and adds spirit to the helpless. He is very caring to us!

Today, whether you're needed encouragement from a friend? Even if you can not see Him physically, you can feel His presence with the real. He gave encouragement to us at any time to continue to strive to do my best. He never ignores us. He was always there for us, He loves us. Our lives are so precious to Him, that He gave His life to redeem us. So, Lean fast to Him. He, our friend, the source of our strength .- HA

Step TOGETHER WITH HIM, WE ARE A TRUE FRIEND THEN THERE IS NO REASON TO GIVE IN TO OUR LIVES!

The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

If you think that God is not listening, actually He's listening to you. Just that He remain silent to listen to your cry. He answers everything. He knows your heart wants, He knows your heart does, He listens to your cry. Come to Him, Surrender your life to Him and He will fill you.

God bless,
Ezra

ODB: I shall not want (from RBC Ministries blog YMIblogging)

READ: James 4:1-10

The world is Mine, and all its fullness. —Psalm 50:12

Before they were a week old, the eaglets were fighting over food. Neither was strong enough to hold up his head for more than a few seconds, so the pair looked like fuzzballs with bobble-heads attached. But whenever the parents brought food to the nest, the bigger eaglet was quick to peck down his brother to keep him from getting a single bite. His aggression would have been understandable if food was scarce, or if the parents couldn’t be trusted to supply what he needed. But nothing could be further from the truth. The eaglets were being fed fish many times their size; there was more than enough for both of them.

The greedy eaglet reminds me of our own foolishness when we try to get for ourselves something that belongs to someone else (James 4:1-5). Conflicts erupt because we want something that God has given to a friend, colleague, relative, or neighbor. Instead of asking God for what we need, we try to get what He’s given to someone else (v.2). But God has something good for each of us. We don’t need what belongs to anyone else. And we certainly never need to harm anyone to get what we need.

Our loving heavenly Father has more than enough for everyone. —Julie Ackerman Link

Our needs will never exhaust God’s supply.

ODB: I, me, mine (from RBC Ministries blog YMIblogging)

READ: Philippians 2:1-11

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit. —Philippians 2:3

In 1970, the Beatles began work on a documentary intended to show how their music was made. But instead of revealing the process of musical creativity, the film pulled the curtain back on a display of self-interest and bickering. The band members were more concerned about their own songs than the advancement of the group. Shortly after the project was completed, the group dissolved in disharmony and broken friendships.

It’s an age-old problem. In the first century ad, the apostle Paul feared that the believers in the church at Philippi would fall into the trap of selfishness. He knew that when the desire for personal advancement overrides concern for one another, attitudes quickly become disruptive and divisive.

To counteract this dangerous tendency, Paul wrote, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

What would a documentary of your life reveal? Selfishness or selflessness? We must look out for one another, for selfless concern will prevent division and build unity in our church families. —Bill Crowder

A heart that is focused on others will not be consumed with self.

The Day of Pentecost: Acts 2

Read: Acts 2:1-41

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4)

In Acts 2, we will see the Holy Spirit anoint everyone during Pentecost and everyone started to speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit enabled them. Our Saviour Lord Jesus Christ told us about this in John 14:15 where He promise to send us the Holy Spirit. Let us offer our lives to Jesus for He died on the cross for the sake of our lives to be changed. He wants to give us this LIFE so that we could have a relationship with Him, by this LIFE we could go into Holy of Holies, we can worship Him anywhere for He is omnipresent and He is there for us. He listen to you when you cried. He knows you from the day you were born and He wants you to have this LIFE. Even though you are to be called Christians but you found nothing in your own life, He wants to give you this LIFE. In this LIFE, He will send His Holy Spirit to guide us and to fill us.

If you are ready to have this LIFE, read this prayer:

"Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe in you and that your word is true. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he died on the cross so that I may now have forgiveness for my sins and eternal life. I know that without you in my heart my life is meaningless.
I believe in my heart that you, Lord God, raised Him from the dead. Please Jesus forgive me, for every sin I have ever committed or done in my heart, please Lord Jesus forgive me and come into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior today. I need you to be my Father and my friend.

I give you my life and ask you to take full control from this moment on; I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ."

Amen.

If you have read this prayer and invites Him into your heart, He is there for you. Welcome into the family of God.

God bless,
Ezra

ODB: Secondhand Faith (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

Just want share this with you.

May 19, 2010

READ: Judges 2:6-12

Another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. —Judges 2:10

When I was growing up in Singapore, I remember that some of my school friends were kicked out of their homes by their non-Christian parents for daring to believe in Jesus Christ. They suffered for their beliefs and emerged with stronger convictions. By contrast, I was born and raised in a Christian family. Though I didn’t suffer persecution, I too had to make my convictions my own.

The Israelites who first entered the Promised Land with Joshua saw the mighty acts of God and believed (Judg. 2:7). But sadly, the very next generation “did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel” (v.10). So it was not long before they turned aside to worship other gods (v.12). They didn’t make their parents’ faith their own.

No generation can live off the faith of the previous generation. Every generation needs a firsthand faith. When faced with trouble of any kind, the faith that is not personalized is likely to drift and falter.

Those who are second, third, or even fourth generation Christians have a wonderful legacy, to be sure. However, there’s no secondhand faith! Find out what God says in His Word and personalize it so that yours is a fresh, firsthand faith (Josh. 1:8). —C. P. Hia

If your faith is not personalized, it’s not faith.

God bless,
Ezra

Live Event Update From RunNat!

Hey, here's some updates for RunNat (via Facebook).

It's finally happening. RunNat2010 is taking place this Saturday, and there will be live event telecast right here on RunNat Facebook Page. We are encouraging all participants to update us on their run and progress through facebook so that everyone nationwide can know what is going on. Imagine all the updates coming in from every corner of Malaysia? The impactful prayer run that will take place to transform this nation... all Glory be to God.

Whether you are running, supporting, volunteering or simply praying from home, you can send in your updates through the following channels.

• RunNat Facebook Page (publish from your profile by adding @Run For The Nation in your status update or publish your updates on our Facebook Page directly)
• Twitter (published from your Twitter account – just add #runnatmalaysia before typing in status updates)
• Email (send updates to runnat2010@gmail.com)
• SMS (send updates to 016-607 0460)

You can send us updates in form of photos, videos, one-liners, testimonies, anything. We believe there will be breakthroughs through RunNat. We believe God will bless you as you bless Him with prayer and intercession. Share the great things that God is doing in you and through you, and encourage all the Christians in Malaysia. God is working in our midst.

See you guys at the starting line.

And see you guys on Facebook.

ODB: triumphing over giants (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

Yesterday's post from YMIblogging

Posted: 17 May 2010 09:01 AM PDT

May 18, 2010

READ: 1 Samuel 17:33-50

The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. —1 Samuel 17:37

In 1935, the debate team of Wiley College, a small and unranked black school in Texas, unexpectedly defeated the all-white championship team from the University of Southern California. This was a classic case of the unknown triumphing over a national giant.

When ancient Israel was in peril at the hands of the Philistines, there was a boy named David who actually triumphed over a giant (1 Sam. 17). The armies were drawn up on opposite sides of the Valley of Elah. They were probably afraid of one another and decided that the outcome of the battle should be determined by a battle of champions. The Philistines offered Goliath, a giant (about 9'9"), but Israel could not find anyone who was worthy or brave enough to fight. David heard of the dilemma and appealed to Saul to let him fight Goliath (vv.32-37). Saul was reluctant, but he agreed. David, armed with five smooth stones (v.40) and unswerving faith in the Almighty God (v.45), triumphed over the Philistines’ national champion.

We all face giants in our lives—worry, doubt, fear, sin, and guilt. But with limited and unlikely resources and unswerving confidence in our all-powerful God, we too can triumph over them. —Marvin Williams

God gives us courage to challenge our giants.

If you watched a movie called ''Facing The Giants'', it teach us about how we managed to do things when God is with us so I encourage you to watch that movie.

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? —Psalm 118:6

God bless,
Ezra

PS: I added some of it.

God's Origami (from RBC Ministries blog - YMIblogging)

READ: Romans 8:22-30

We are [God’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. —Ephesians 2:10

Not long ago, I attended a class in origami, where I learned that the term comes from two Japanese words that mean “folding paper.” In this process, a piece of paper is transformed into a bird or other unique shape by a series of geometric folds and creases.

Our facilitator was Hitoshiro Akehi, a Japanese brother in Christ. As we folded our paper into different shapes, Mr. Akehi shared some of his life experiences. The youngest of 11 children, he was raised by his mother after his father died during World War II. Through many twists and turns, his family came into contact with missionaries. As a result, many of his family members became Christians.

As I refashioned a simple piece of paper into a beautiful new form, I thought of how God shapes us. First, He uses circumstances to bring us to our knees and to Him. Then, by grace He continues to use life’s twists and turns to reshape us into more Christlike persons, “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29).

Has your life taken an unexpected turn? Remember, in the hands of our Creator and Redeemer, we are “[God’s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:10). We are His unfinished works of art. God can use the twists and turns in our lives to make us more like His Son. —Dennis Fisher



Christians are God’s works in progress.

The ascension (from RBC Ministries blog - YMIblogging)

READ: Acts 1:1-11

While they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. —Acts 1:9

When the husband of my longtime friend and publishing colleague collapsed and later died, there was no doubt that life had slipped away from him. There were witnesses. The same was true when Jesus died. But three days later, Jesus was raised from the dead! We have no doubt that this is true because there were witnesses who later saw Him alive.

When we gathered for Dave’s memorial service, we read familiar passages of Scripture that affirm our hope that he is now enjoying new life in heaven. But we claimed these promises by faith because none of us witnessed Dave go to heaven. There was, however, a witness who saw Jesus in heaven. Not long after witnesses saw Jesus ascend (Acts 1:9), Stephen saw the heavens open “and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” (7:56). One of the reasons we know that Jesus spoke the truth about going to prepare a place for us (John 14:2) is that He has been seen alive in heaven.

When a loved one goes ahead of us to heaven, we feel as if we’re being pulled in the opposite direction—down into an abyss of sadness. Yet, because God kept His promise to raise Christ and take Him to heaven, we can trust Him to do the same for all who love and follow Him. —Julie Ackerman Link

The promise of heaven is our eternal hope.

God bless,
Ezra

ODB: charlie’s list (from RBC Ministries blog - YMIblogging)

Few things to share with you.

May 15, 2010

READ: Psalm 119:9-16

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.—Colossians 3:16

When Charles Hayward died last May at the age of 87, he left a legacy for his children and grand-children. He and his wife Virginia had faithfully served as missionaries for many years both in India and South Africa. But at age 73, he began to select and memorize portions of Scripture so he would “finish well” with his mind full of God’s truth.

He called his project, “The Whole Bible Memorization Plan.” His children call it, “Charlie’s List.” Charles chose a theme verse (Col. 3:16), at least one verse from each Old Testament book, at least one from each New Testament narrative book, and a verse or verses from each chapter of the New Testament Epistles. He began with Genesis 15:6, “He believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” and ended with Revelation 22:17, “Let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

All in all, Charles committed 239 verses to memory. He reminds me of the psalmist who wrote: “Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (119:11). Like Charles, the psalmist meditated and delighted in God’s Word (vv.15-16). What better goal could any of us have than to fill our minds with God’s truth. —Cindy Hess Kasper

Memorizing God’s Word is like planting seeds that bear the fruit of a righteous life.

A Song + Prayer

I'll set my mind on You Lord
I'll choose you every time
Focus my eyes on you Lord
And dedicate my life

Here I am use me
Come into my life
I want to be more like Jesus
Until the end of time

This song is a wonderful prayer song and God loves us more than everything. He gave His life for us, so that we could be with Him. It such a wonderful love. We are to be saved by the grace of God.

''For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.'' (Ephesians 2:8-9)

God bless,
Ezra

silence and trust

Here's what I got from my email and just want to share about it. :)

ODB: Silence and Trust - YMIblogging

May 14, 2010

True trust in God stays strong even when He is silent.


READ: John 11:1-10

When [Jesus] heard that [Lazarus] was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. —John 11:6

In one of Joe Morgenstern’s weekly Wall Street Journal columns about movies, he considered the impact of the great film stars in close-up scenes where they said nothing at all. “Movie stars,” he wrote, “can do as little as they do at crucial moments because, having already earned our respect, they can assume that we’re paying attention.” This quality of powerful silence that we admire in actors and actresses, however, can be frustrating or disappointing in our relationship with God when He is silent.

When Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, became seriously ill, his sisters Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus. But “when [Jesus] heard that [Lazarus] was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was” (John 11:6).

Commenting on this passage, Oswald Chambers said: “Has God trusted you with a silence—a silence that is big with meaning? . . . Think of those days of absolute silence in the home at Bethany! Is there anything analogous to those days in your life? . . . His silence is the sign that He is bringing you into a marvellous understanding of Himself. . . . If God has given you a silence, praise Him, He is bringing you into the great run of His purposes.” We can trust our loving Lord, even when He is silent. —David McCasland

God bless,
Ezra

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD (song + lyrics)

This song is such a wonderful song and how great is our GOD who saved us from our sins.

''Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.'' (Psalm 150:6)

LYRICS:

The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

ONE WAY

Found this video when I was listening to One Way by Hillsong UNITED. It's great to see people praise God in their own language. The only way for us is JESUS!! He died for us and He cleanse us with His blood. ALL GLORY TO GOD!!!

God bless,
Ezra

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD

Listen to this song. Think again, what God had done for us? Why we should thank Him?

Simple, because of us, He gave His life by dying on the cross for our sins so that we could be free. He shows His love to everyone. Amazing right? How did He save people? He cleanse us by His blood. How great is He. :)

God bless,
Ezra

PATIENCE, FAITH, HOPE

Be patient. What is patience with God? It means trusting God that He is in control, and being willing to wait with a good attitude for His resolution.

Abraham was a man of faith many years ago; God had promised that He would have a son. Abraham had to wait many years for God’s promise to be fulfilled.

How about you? Are there things in your life that you are praying for...that you want...that you are waiting for? You could complain, and be impatient and unhappy...or you could ask God to help you wait with a cheery attitude. Sometimes that is hard — and you may have to wait for a while to see God provide. But the Bible says “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When God gives us faith, we are able to trust Him to bring to pass what is good in our lives — even if it takes longer than we would like.

While we are waiting on God, it is a great time to build our character. You can ask God to help you be kind to others; to love God; to have a smile on your face; to have a cheerful disposition, even while you are waiting. “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”

So, this week, let us pray that
God will help us wait patiently for Him in what He is doing in our lives
God will protect and care for us
God will enable us to present the gospel to everyone on planet earth


THANK YOU for your prayers. You and I are growing together. God wants us to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus Christ. One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is patience. Let us pray together that God will give us godly character and we will see the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

God bless,
Ezra

STANDING IN THE GAP

This is what I got from my inbox in Facebook so I just want to share about it. :)

Sometimes we wonder,does anything really happen when we stand in the gap to pray? Here's a story and if you type "standing in the gap stories" in Google you will find lots of them.

So I just want to encourage all of you,please don't stop praying and please keep the momentum to pray growing.

Enjoy the story.

Standing in the Gap

1. Her husband is a pastor of a church. He had been counseling a medical doctor who was suicidal and who was at his rope’s end. Alice did not know about this man when all of this occurred.

Alice said she went by herself to Home Depot one day. She said she was just going about her normal shopping when all of a sudden she receives a closed vision from God the Father. A closed vision is a vision that God gives you in your “mind’s eye.” An open vision is where the vision is giving directly in front of you and you see it with wide-open eyes.

In the vision that was given to her by God in her mind’s eye was Alice seeing her husband sitting behind his desk at the church and a man walking in with a gun. Alice gets an immediate knowing from the Holy Spirit that the man with the gun is going to attempt to kill her husband.

Alice then gets an immediate knowing and prompting from the Holy Spirit that she is to immediately stand in the gap for her husband since he has no idea that this attack is getting ready to come his way and to go into intercessory prayer to stop it. Alice said she actually started praying right there in the middle of Home Depot.

She immediately checked out with what she already had in her basket and then went straight home where she got down on her knees to continue the warfare praying. She said she was praying in the Spirit, using both her gift of tongues and natural English. She was quoting battle verses against the man with the gun, against the demons who were operating behind the scenes influencing this man to kill her husband, along with quoting the battle verses directly back to God the Father asking Him to move in on this situation.

She said she continued to pray until she felt a release from the Holy Spirit that she had prayed it through and that God had heard her prayer. She said she felt the burden of the Holy Spirit lift from her and that was how she knew she was done praying. She didn’t say how long the entire prayer lasted, but if I were to take a rough guess by the way she was talking, I would say it lasted anywhere from 15-45 minutes.

2. After praying to God on all of the above, she said she waited awhile before calling her husband. When she called her husband later at work, she asked him if anything strange or out of the ordinary had happened to him that day. He then proceeded to tell her a very dramatic story that had just occurred.

He said he had been working with a medical doctor who had been suicidal and was not making much progress with the man. The doctor was not saved. That day the doctor came into his office and told him a bone-chilling story. The doctor had just come from a motel. He had a gun in his motel and was planning to come over to kill him and then he was going to kill himself after shooting this woman’s husband dead right there on the spot in his office in the church.

However, as the man got ready to leave the motel to do all of this, he all of a sudden “forgot” to bring the gun with him! When the doctor came into the pastor’s office, he broke down and told the pastor exactly what he had just been intending to do. The power of God then moved in on the man and Alice’s husband was able to get the man saved right there on the spot!

The doctor then gave his life to the Lord and apparently God was then able to get the man straightened out. However, one year later the doctor died of natural causes. However, since the man got saved one year earlier in his office, both Alice and her husband feel that this man is definitely in heaven right now.

As a result of Alice’s perfect obedience and willingness to be used by God with this type of heavier prayer assignment – she literally saved three lives that day – the physical life of her husband, the physical life of the doctor, and the spiritual life of the doctor since he got saved that day and thus made it into heaven when he died a year later.

Had Alice not been open to being used by God in this dramatic fashion, both her husband and the doctor may have died that day and the doctor could have ended up going straight to hell. Her reward is the fact that she saved the doctor’s immortal soul from an eternal death had he gone through with what he was planning to do in that motel room. She had also prevented herself from becoming a widow had her husband been killed that day.

I do not think there is any question that it was God who made this man forget to bring the gun with him when he left the motel that day. This is what you call God “running interference” to keep something bad from happening.

RunNat 2010

There will be an event called ''RunNat2010'' or known as Run For The Nation. So, what is RunNat and what is the purpose of this event?

RunNat is a single morning running event that sees Christians praying as they run throughout selected areas in the city or town where the event is held. The Runners are grouped into teams of three and each Team is required to cover a 5km run of a preselected route passing by homes, schools, commercial areas, government buildings, religious sites and other places of interest. As the Team runs, one will lead in prayer while the other two will agree. With the aim to cover most grounds, the Run adopts the relay style by using Prayer Cards in replacement of batons.

RunNat Objectives
1. Pray for the nation
2. Encourage unity in the body of Christ through the participation of Christians from different churches and Christian organizations.
3. To encourage our youth to remember the nation in prayer.

The run will take place simultaneously in the Klang Valley and in the capital city of each of the 13 states.

For more information, please check the website http://www.runforthenation.com/ or email @ enquiries@runforthenation.com

Note: All Runners must confirm their attendance through RunNat's Online Registration at http://www.runforthenation.com/main/php

The Promo Team will be setting up the booths at this locations:-

1) 30th April (Friday)-IMU Christian Fellowship
2) 2nd May (Sunday)- Grace Christian Center
Grace USJ Center
Abundant Church

Don't miss it! Come and join and pray for our nation.

God bless,
Ezra

WOULD YOU CARRY ME?

This is a song that gives me the hope that God is always with us and He will carry us all the time when we call upon His name.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. (Job 19:25)

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him "Immanuel" which means, "God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

Always thank God for everything and having a relationship with God the Father will give you the peace.

God bless,
Ezra

DISCIPLESHIP IS CHRIST IN YOU

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (COLOSSIANS 1:27)

"The heavenly Father's plan from the beginning of time was to place His eternal Son in every believer. If you are a Christian, all the fullness of God dwells in you. Christ's life becomes your life. When Christ lives in you, He brings every divine resource with Him. Every time you face a need, you meet it with the presence of the crucified, risen, and triumphant Lord of the universe inhabiting you. When God invites you to become involved in His work, He has already placed His Son in you so that He can carry out His assignment through your life.

This has significant implications for your Christian life. Discipleship is more than acquiring head knowledge and memorizing Scripture verses. It is learning to give Jesus Christ total access to your life so He will live His life through you. Your greatest difficulty will be believing that your relationship with Christ is at the heart of your Christian life. When others watch you face a crisis, do they see the risen Lord responding? Does your family see the difference Christ makes when you face a need? What difference does the presence of Jesus Christ make in your life?

God wants to reveal Himself to those around you by working mightily through you. He wants your family to see Christ in you each day. God wants to express His love through your life. There is a great difference between ""living the Christian life"" and allowing Christ to live His life through you."

General Confession

I felt disappointed once again because of few things...

My parents were disappointed with me because I didn't discuss with them that I'm going to leave St. Gabriel...

Some more, it's by God's guidance that I'm leaving the church with 2 different purpose:-

1) Learn something with my new church
2) Leadership thing

But, its my fault for I didn't tell them about it...I've against the commandment in the Bible that i have to honour my father and my mother...

But I seek forgiveness from God for what I have done...

To all my SGC friends, I'm sorry for what I have done...plz forgive me...stay strong for the Lord...may His Holy Spirit come and anoint you guys...

To the worship team, plz forgive me...I know I've joined the audition but I didn't tell you guys that I'm going to leave...stay strong for the Lord...continue to praise Him in all kinds of ways and keep up the good work...

To my parents, plz forgive me coz I didn't tell you guys about it...

It's not because I felt unsatisfied with you guys...even though I'm joining the other denomination, my blood still an Anglican...

That's all,

God bless,
Ezra

PS: I won't be free till August...I'll be visiting you guys in September...

9 Jenis Racun Rohani (9 Types Of Spritual Poison)

Di dalam dunia yang semakin dicemari oleh berbagai jenis polusi ini, ada begitu banyak racun yang mengakibatkan berbagai-bagai jenis penyakit. Semakin hari semakin bertambah jenis dan dampak buruknya.

Tetapi dunia ini bukan hanya mengalami pencemaran yang bersifat jasmani saja, ada juga pencemaran yang bersifat rohani. Karena dunia ini semakin dicemari oleh dosa, maka ada pula racun-racun yang bersifat rohani bagi umat manusia. Ini yang seringkali tidak mendapatkan perhatian kita. Apa saja jenis racun rohani itu?

Racun-racun rohani itu antara lain: kebencian, dukacita, kekuatiran, ketidak-sabaran, keserakahan, kejahatan, ketidak-setiaan, egoisme, ketidak-mampuan untuk menguasai diri.
Mungkin dunia menawarkan banyak cara untuk mengatasinya, tetapi tidak ada solusi yang permanen dengan cara2 dunia, karena semua itu disebabkan oleh benih dosa (kutuk dosa) dalam sifat daging setiap manusia. Masalah rohani / spiritual seperti itu, tentu harus diatasi dengan cara rohani / spiritual pula.

Alkitab menawarkan solusinya, yaitu: hasilkan buah-buah Roh, itulah antibodi terbaik bagi umat manusia untuk menghadapi setiap jenis racun rohani tersebut.

“Tetapi buah Roh ialah: kasih, sukacita, damai sejahtera, kesabaran, kemurahan, kebaikan, kesetiaan, kelemahlembutan, penguasaan diri. Tidak ada hukum yang menentang hal-hal itu.” (Gal. 5:22-23)

1. Kebencian, kepahitan, kemunafikan – antibodinya: Kasih.
2. Dukacita, self-pity – antibodinya: Sukacita.
3. Kekuatiran, stress, depresi – antibodinya: Damai sejahtera
4. Ketidak-sabaran – antibodinya: Kesabaran.
5. Keserakahan (tamak), kikir, cinta uang – antibodinya: Kemurahan
6. Kejahatan – antibodinya: Kebaikan
7. Ketidak-setiaan, perselingkuhan, seks bebas – antibodinya: Kesetiaan
8. Kekasaran, suka memaksakan kehendak sendiri, egois, kesombongan – antibodinya: Kelemahlembutan.
9. Lepas kontrol, tidak dapat menguasai diri, dikontrol oleh keinginan daging – antibodinya: Penguasaan diri

Translation:

Inside world increasingly polluted by various types pollution, there so many poisons which resulted various disease type. Increasingly days progressively increase types and impacts bad.

But this world not just experiencing pollution which carnal only, there are also spiritual pollution. Because this world increasingly polluted by sin, hence there are also spiritual toxins for mankind. This often not obtain our attention. What type of spiritual poison?

There are many different kinds of spiritual poison: hatred, grief, worry, instability impatient, greed crimes, instability loyalty, egoism, inability to self control.

Maybe world offers many ways to remedy, but no such worldly remedy could longer lasting, because it is caused by sin within nature of every human. Spiritual things must be overcome in spiritual manner.

Bible offers solution, namely: furit of the Spirit, which is the best antibody for mankind to facing every types poison this spiritual.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, generosity, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, mastery self. No law oppose things that. "(Gal. 5:22-23)

1. Hatred, bitterness, hypocrisy - antibody: Love
2. Bereavement, self-pity - antibody: Rejoicing.
3. Consternation, stress, depression - antibody: Peace
4. Instability impatient - antibody: Patience.
5. Greed (avaricious), miserly, love money - antibody: Generosity
6. Crimes - antibody: Goodness
7. Instability loyalty, infidelities, sex free - antibody: Faithfulness
8. Roughness, likes obtrude own, selfish, conceits - antibody: gentleness.
9. Losing of self control, controlled by desire of the heart - antibody: Self control.



That's all for now.

God bless,
Ezra

Wicca: Satan's Little White Lie

I recommend everyone to buy this book...it could help you to know more about Wicca...

What is Wicca...??

Wicca is a Neo-pagan religion that believes the Horned God (Baphomet) and Triple Goddess...Witches of Wicca believe that they are created by Horned God and Triple Goddess on earth but without power so the Triple Goddess created mantras and magic for them...

Note: Wicca is known as ''Old Religion''

These are the principles of Wicca:

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters.

2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility towards our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that is apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called "supernatural", but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity-as masculine and feminine-and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship. 2

5. We recognize both outer and inner, or psychological, worlds -- sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. -- and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

7. We see religion, magick and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it -- a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft, the Wiccan Way.

8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature. 3

9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and our personal role within it.

10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way," and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.

11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the origins of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by Christian tradition. 4 We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

But, is Wicca a safe religion...?? The answer is NO...!!!

Why...??

1. Horned God is referring to Satan
2. Practices magic and witchcraft
3. Sexual orientation
4. Wiccan rede: Ain't it harm none, do what thou wilt (Satanism: do what thou wilt)

Remember this:

Do not allow a sorceress to live. (Exodus 22:18)

For more info, can check out the book above...

That's all for now...

God bless,
Ezra

....

Disappointment controls me...
Need comfort...
Need someone to be there for me...
Need someone to cheer me up...

Prayer...
Encouragement...
Love...

But I thank God for what He had done...
I'm saved by His grace...
Pray that God will sustain me...

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. (Psalm 118:5)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. (Job 19:25)