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.