2 John

2 John

- MSG v8-9 And be very careful around them so you don't lose out on what we've worked so diligently in together; I want you to get every reward you have coming to you. Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God. But whoever stays with the teaching, stays faithful to both the Father and the Son.

- AMP v8 Look to yourselves (take care) that you may not lose (throw away or destroy) all that we and you have labored for, but that you may [persevere until you] win and receive back a perfect reward [in full].

- AMP v9 Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son.

1 John 5

1 John 5 (Amplified)

- v4 For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.

- v5 Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?

1 John 4

1 John 4

- MSG v7 My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love.

- AMP v7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him].

1 John 3

1 John 3

- AMP v10 By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ).

- MSG v18-20 My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

- MSG v21-24 And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God! We're able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we're doing what he said, doing what pleases him. Again, this is God's command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. And this is how we experience his deep and abiding presence in us: by the Spirit he gave us.

1 John 2

1 John 2

- MSG v4-6 If someone claims, "I know him well!" but doesn't keep his commandments, he's obviously a liar. His life doesn't match his words. But the one who keeps God's word is the person in whom we see God's mature love. This is the only way to be sure we're in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.

- AMP v15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

- AMP v16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]--these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].

- AMP v27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Beloved, your future's secure in Daddy's hands!

1 John 1

1 John 1 (The Message)

- v6-7 If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we're obviously lying through our teeth—we're not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God's Son, purges all our sin.

2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 4 (Amplified)

- v5 As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry.

2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3 (Amplified)

- v15 ... you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].

- v16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),

- v17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 1-2

2 Timothy 2 (Amplified)

- v23 But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels.

- v24 And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong.

Interesting YouTube Videos

Here are some interesting YouTube videos of Pastor Prince & Pastor Joshua (YES, Pastor Joshua is also on YouTube now!!!)

Here's a video of Pastor Prince @ Pastor Peter Youngren's church. It shows Pastor Prince answering a question from audience during Q&A about what happened to people who died before Christ came.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_G7YE3OgKc

Now here's a video of Pastor Joshua @ SIB Grace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3fTbHHOm7s&feature=related

1 Timothy 5-6

1 Timothy 6

- NKJV v6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

- AMP v6 [And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain.

- MSG v6 A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.

Jesus is the Gift

Jesus is the gift that perfectly fits every heart

and it is with His love that all celebration starts.

We rejoice in Him as we remember His birth

and thank God for sending His only Son to earth.

His life led from a manger to a cross on a hill

where He faithfully followed His Father’s perfect will.

He freely laid down everything so that we could live,

and there is no greater treasure anyone could give.

Like a scarlet ribbon His love wrapped around the cross

and He offered it to us all at the greatest cost.

So each time that we give we remember what He’s done

and honor the perfect Giftย—God’s one and only Son.

— Holley Gerth


Merry X'mas to all! =)

1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4 (The Message)

- v11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.

- v15-16 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.

1 Timothy 1-3

1 Timothy 3 (Amplified)

- v8 In like manner the deacons [must be] worthy of respect, not shifty and double-talkers but sincere in what they say, not given to much wine, not greedy for base gain [craving wealth and resorting to ignoble and dishonest methods of getting it].

- v9 They must possess the mystic secret of the faith [Christian truth as hidden from ungodly men] with a clear conscience.

- v10 And let them also be tried and investigated and proved first; then, if they turn out to be above reproach, let them serve [as deacons].

- v12 Let deacons be the husbands of but one wife, and let them manage [their] children and their own households well.

- v13 For those who perform well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves and also gain much confidence and freedom and boldness in the faith which is [founded on and centers] in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13

- MSG v5 Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it...

- NKJV v11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

- AMP v11 Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 11-12

2 Corinthians 12 (The Message)

- v7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

the beloved child whom Jesus loves

last sunday, pastor shared a powerful message, on practising God's personal love for you. :)
for those who weren't there, and for those who were, just want to share some of the nuggets that pastor mentioned. =)

Fruits of practising His love for you:
1) Divine intimacy (John 13:23-26 )

23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.
24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. 25
Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

John, who was depending on the Lord's love for him, was the only one who got to know who was going to betray Jesus. whereas Peter, who boasted of his love for the Lord, had to ask John to ask Jesus who it was. This speaks of divine intimacy with Jesus!

2) Spiritual employment (John 19: 26-27)

26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved
standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to
the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to
his own home.

Peter, who boasted of his love for the Lord, ended up denying Jesus thrice. yet, John was of spiritual employment to Jesus when He was at His darkest times, at the foot of the cross.

3) Spiritual progress (John 20:2-3)

2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.

i never saw this before, but the Bible is really amazing, right up to the very detail.

4) Quick perception (John 21:4-7)

4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea.

5) (John 21:15-22)

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape) Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.”
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (agape) Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.”
He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love (phileo) Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (phileo) You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.

right in the same setting, where there was a fire of coals, Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, was restored by Jesus.
and there are two words for 'love' used in the context. agape (unconditional love) and phileo (to have affection for; to like). beloved, Jesus loves you so much, He comes down to your level of love for Him!

19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” 20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”
22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

beloved, personalise His love for you. John was found following Him without having Jesus tell him to; nevermind the circumstances (especially when you're so sick and tired of looking at them); it's really the one thing needful, to feed on His love for you. and that, is the key to the fullness of God (interestingly, something which i had been asking God for this year) - "to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." and guess what happens when you're filled with His love?

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (ephesians 3:18-21)

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10

- v4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9 (Amplified)

- v7 Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving].

- v8 And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].

2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8 (The Message)

- v1-4 Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province. Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could—far more than they could afford!—pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians.


- v10-12 So here's what I think: The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale. Your heart's been in the right place all along. You've got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it. Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands.

2 Corinthians 7

2 Corinthians 7 (The Message)

- v10 Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.

- v 11 And now, isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible. Looked at from any angle, you've come out of this with purity of heart.

2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6 (The Message)

- v3 Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don't put it off; don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing.

2 Corinthians 4-5

2 Corinthians 5 (The Message)

- v12-14 God alone knows how well we do this, but I hope you realize how much and deeply we care. We're not saying this to make ourselves look good to you. We just thought it would make you feel good, proud even, that we're on your side and not just nice to your face as so many people are. If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you. Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do.

2 Corinthians 3

2 Corinthians 3:17 (Amplified)
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)."

John 8:36
"Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."

Taken from The Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer:

You may ask, "What am I free from?"

You are:

Free from the power of sin!

Free from manipulation and control!

Free from fear of what others think of you!

Free from comparing yourself with everybody else!

Free from competition with others!

Free from selfishness!

Free from legalism!

Free to be an individual!

Free to be you!

Free! Free! Free!

2 Corinthians 2

2 Corinthians 2 (The Message)

v1-2 That's why I decided not to make another visit that could only be painful to both of us. If by merely showing up I would put you in an embarrassingly painful position, how would you then be free to cheer and refresh me?

2 Corinthians 1

2 Corinthians 1 (Amplified)

- v17 Now because I changed my original plan, was I being unstable and capricious? Or what I plan, do I plan according to the flesh [like a worldly man], ready to say Yes, yes, [when it may mean] No, no?

- v19 For the Son of God, Christ Jesus (the Messiah) ... was not Yes and No; but in Him it is [always the divine] Yes.

- v20 For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes [answer] in Him [Christ]. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him [in His Person and by His agency] to the glory of God.

- v21 But it is God Who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated and anointed us [enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit];

- v22 [He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].

--------------------------------
God is stable and always says YES, and He has given us the Holy Spirit has a guarantee for that He will always do just that.

1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16 (Amplified)

The crux of 1 Corinthians:

- v14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us).

- v16 I urge you to pay all deference to such leaders and to enlist under them and be subject to them, as well as to everyone who joins and cooperates [with you] and labors earnestly.

1 Corinthians 14-15

1 Corinthians 15 (The Message)

- v10-11 But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I'm not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven't I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn't amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it...

- v30-32 And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I'd do this if I wasn't convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus? Do you think I was just trying to act heroic when I fought the wild beasts at Ephesus, hoping it wouldn't be the end of me? Not on your life! It's resurrection, resurrection, always resurrection, that undergirds what I do and say, the way I live. If there's no resurrection, "We eat, we drink, the next day we die," and that's all there is to it.

- v58 With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.

He died and He ROSE again

Effects of Denying the Resurrection


29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”[b]
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

Jesus died and rose again as a sign/receipt/promise fulfilled of the entirety of our sins that were judged. so today, we can live our lives with eternity in our hearts. compromise for instant gratification is always easy but we are the righteousness of God in Christ. we live knowing we are righteous, guided by the Holy Spirit, guarded by peace, embraced by His love.

1 Corinthians 13

1 Corinthians 13

- v2-3 ... and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

1 Corinthians 11-12

1 Corinthians 12 (Amplified)

- v9 To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit;

- v10 To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues.

Selene's Super Holy Post (19 Nov 2007)

14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

(Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV)

feeling- to be affected with the same feeing as another, to sympathise with. i love what pastor preached on sunday. we might not have kids but thats how our Abba listens to us, with grace. and when He identifies with our feelings, we are delivered!


Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.

(Genesis 2:15 NKJV)

i love this verse! i love about every verse in the bible. but i love this verse. God created us, divinely appointed and placed us at the right place to tend something that He sustains. this can be your school or your work; know that He ensures that we are at the right place at the right time, we just need to know that we are the righteousness of God in Christ. and 5 verses later, God sees that he needs a helper and creates Eve for him! so while you are just being you, the righteousness of God in Christ, He places you in the centre of His will and gives you a wife (thats for raphael. haha!)

1 Corinthians 10

1 Corinthians 10

- MSG v11-12 These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.

and this is the longest amplified verse I've ever read thus far:

- AMP v13 For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

- MSG v15-17 I assume I'm addressing believers now who are mature. Draw your own conclusions: When we drink the cup of blessing, aren't we taking into ourselves the blood, the very life, of Christ? And isn't it the same with the loaf of bread we break and eat? Don't we take into ourselves the body, the very life, of Christ? Because there is one loaf, our many-ness becomes one-ness—Christ doesn't become fragmented in us. Rather, we become unified in him. We don't reduce Christ to what we are; he raises us to what he is.

- AMP v23 All things are legitimate [permissible--and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].

- MSG v24-25 But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well. With that as a base to work from, common sense can take you the rest of the way.

- AMP v29 I mean for the sake of his conscience, not yours, [do not eat it]. For why should another man's scruples apply to me and my liberty of action be determined by his conscience?

- MSG v30 If I eat what is served to me, grateful to God for what is on the table, how can I worry about what someone will say? I thanked God for it and he blessed it!

- AMP v31 So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.

- AMP v32 Do not let yourselves be [hindrances by giving] an offense to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God [do not lead others into sin by your mode of life];

- MSG v31-33 So eat your meals heartily, not worrying about what others say about you—you're eating to God's glory, after all, not to please them. As a matter of fact, do everything that way, heartily and freely to God's glory. At the same time, don't be callous in your exercise of freedom, thoughtlessly stepping on the toes of those who aren't as free as you are. I try my best to be considerate of everyone's feelings in all these matters; I hope you will be, too.

1 Corinthians 9

1 Corinthians 9

- v24-25 You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.

- v26-27 I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

1 Corinthians 8

1 Corinthians 8 (The Message)

- v2-3 We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions—but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all.

- v11 Christ gave up his life for that person. Wouldn't you at least be willing to give up going to dinner for him—because, as you say, it doesn't really make any difference?

1 Corinthians 7

1 Corinthians 7 (The Message)
Live As You Are Called

1 Cor 7 is about marriage and singlehood, but this portion of Scripture is amazing. When you read it, you'd realise it can be applied to all aspects of your life!

--------------------------------------------------
- v17 And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don't think I'm being harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches.

- v18-19 Were you Jewish at the time God called you? Don't try to remove the evidence. Were you non-Jewish at the time of your call? Don't become a Jew. Being Jewish isn't the point. The really important thing is obeying God's call, following his commands.

- v20-22 Stay where you were when God called your name. Were you a slave? Slavery is no roadblock to obeying and believing. I don't mean you're stuck and can't leave. If you have a chance at freedom, go ahead and take it. I'm simply trying to point out that under your new Master you're going to experience a marvelous freedom you would never have dreamed of. On the other hand, if you were free when Christ called you, you'll experience a delightful "enslavement to God" you would never have dreamed of.

- v23-24 All of you, slave and free both, were once held hostage in a sinful society. Then a huge sum was paid out for your ransom. So please don't, out of old habit, slip back into being or doing what everyone else tells you. Friends, stay where you were called to be. God is there. Hold the high ground with him at your side.

You Were Bought At A Price

1 Corinthians 6:20

- v20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Corinthians 7:23

- v23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

1 Corinthians 6

1 Corinthians 6

- v15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not!

- v16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.”

- v17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

1 Corinthians 5

1 Corinthians 5

- MSG v4 ... Bring it out in the open and deal with it in the authority of Jesus our Master.

- AMP v7 Purge (clean out) the old leaven that you may be fresh (new) dough, still uncontaminated [as you are], for Christ, our Passover [Lamb], has been sacrificed.

- AMP v8 Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with leaven of vice and malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened [bread] of purity (nobility, honor) and sincerity and [unadulterated] truth.

revelation 3:7-9

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,
‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4 (Amplified)

- v7 For who separates you from the others [as a faction leader]? [Who makes you superior and sets you apart from another, giving you the preeminence?] What have you that was not given to you? If then you received it [from someone], why do you boast as if you had not received [but had gained it by your own efforts]?

- v19 But I will come to you [and] shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will perceive and understand not what the talk of these puffed up and arrogant spirits amount to, but their force (the moral power and excellence of soul they really possess).

- v20 For the kingdom of God consists of and is based on not talk but power (moral power and excellence of soul).

1 Corinthians 3

1 Corinthians 3

- v1-4 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?


Envious/jealous believers are carnal believers.

Striving believers are also carnal believers.

Carnal believers are baby Christians.

Therefore, envious/jealous/striving believers are baby Christians, not spiritual Christians.

1 Corinthians 2

1 Corinthians 2 (Amplified)

- v15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].

If you find that your unsaved friends/family are unable to comprehend the reason behind what you are thinking and/or doing, or the decisions that you are making, - why you always go to church, why u on purpose take up a job that pays less - that is a sure sign that you are a spiritual person, and God has let you in on things that only you as His beloved child will know.

1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1

- v7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

- MSG v7-9 Just think—you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.

Romans 16

Romans 16 (Amplified)

- v17 I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties and cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them.

- v18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites and base desires, and by ingratiating and flattering speech, they beguile the hearts of the unsuspecting and simpleminded [people].

- v19 For while your loyalty and obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you well versed and wise as to what is good and innocent and guileless as to what is evil.

- v20 And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with you.

Romans 15

Romans 15

- v4-5 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,

- MSG v4-5 Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all.

Romans 14

Romans 14 (The Message)

- v15-16 If you confuse others by making a big issue over what they eat or don't eat, you're no longer a companion with them in love, are you? These, remember, are persons for whom Christ died. Would you risk sending them to hell over an item in their diet? Don't you dare let a piece of God-blessed food become an occasion of soul-poisoning!

- v17-18 God's kingdom isn't a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness' sake. It's what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you'll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.

Acts 10

he(Peter) said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean. ..
...To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.

the Word empowers

6 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3: 16-17

Romans 13

Romans 13 (The Message)

- v3-5 Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren't there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That's why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it's the right way to live.

Do you see your church leaders as a form of government too?

Acts 7

58...they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
60And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Romans 12

Romans 12

- v3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

- v16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Acts 6

...So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.
Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." ...

....even in the distribution of food you need to be full of the Spirit and wisdom..

..So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Romans 11

Romans 11

- v11-12 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!

Romans 10

Romans 10

- v11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

- v13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

- AMP v17 So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself).

- v19 “ I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation,
I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.”

Acts 5 (ESV)

14...And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

...The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

...Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 4

9If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed,
10then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

29Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

32All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.
33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
34There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales
35and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Romans 8

Romans 8

- v30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

- v33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? ...

- v34 Who is he who condemns? ...

- v35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ...

- v37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Deuteronomy 1:30-32 (NIV)

"30 The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, 31 and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place."

He will carry us through this period of deadlines and tests.

Acts 3

(ESV)
Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!"

...when Peter saw it he addressed the people: "Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?
you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, 20that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22Moses said, 'The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.'

You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness."

Romans 8

Romans 8

- v24-25 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

- v31-32 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

What you hope for will be freely given to you.

Acts 2

32This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.
37Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
38And Peter said to them, "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.
39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself."

42And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
44And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
45And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Romans 8

I've been stuck on Romans 8 for a number of days now. There is just SO MUCH in it, and I wanna take a few days to chew on it.

Just before the very first time I read it last Thursday, I had a barrage of condemning thoughts hitting me, for no apparent reason, at 6.45am, thoughts about my unworthiness to serve in Ministry, thoughts about my crumbled spiritual walls, thoughts about ppl not liking me.

And then I looked up at my screen and saw it -

Romans 8:1
- There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus

Instantly, all the thoughts lifted. And then I asked myself, do those thoughts have any grounds at all? Even if I don't condemn myself, I'm not perfect either. And how do I explain those things that have already happened in the past?

Romans 8:28
- And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

If you really, really believe that ALL things work out for good, then whatever has happened, is happening or will happen MUST be good! It's so easy to look at things negatively. What if we do things radically, and look at things super positively for a change, because we have the grounds of Romans 8:28?

Acts 1

Acts 1:8
"...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Acts 1:22
"...one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection..."

give thanks

recently, ive been in this spurt of looking at the natural and feeling very demoralised by what i see. the more i focused on things i saw, the more terrible i thought it was. somewhere during my epistemology and metaphysics class, God told me 2 things- "selene, learn to give thanks for the little things you see."

1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,
3 On an instrument of ten strings,
On the lute,
And on the harp,
With harmonious sound.
4 For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands.
psalm 92:1-4

secondly, you reign in life by having two things
RECEIVE the abundance of grace and GIFT of righteousness. romans 5:17
reign means to be king, to exercise kingly power and the highest influence.
if how you reign in life does not depend on what you do, then what you dont do will not negate your power to reign in life.

open our spiritual eyes and see that God is for us. if we only look at what is in the natural, we are just like any other person in the world. but if we look at how good our Abba is, that is we know that we are the children of the Most High, deserving nothing less that what we see in the supernatural.

Romans 6

Romans 6:15-23 (The Message)
What is True Freedom?

- v20-21 As long as you did what you felt like doing, ignoring God, you didn't have to bother with right thinking or right living, or right anything for that matter. But do you call that a free life? What did you get out of it? Nothing you're proud of now. Where did it get you? A dead end.

minding mind conversations

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers
3 John 1:2

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You,Because he trusts in You
Isaiah 26:3

Romans 5

Romans 5:1-5
Faith Triumphs in Trouble

- NKJV v3-5 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Developing Patience

- MSG v3-5 There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Romans 4

Romans 4 (The Message)
Trusting God

- v3 ...What we read in Scripture is, "Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and that was the turning point. He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own."

- v4-5 If you're a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don't call your wages a gift. But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it's something only God can do, and you trust him to do it—you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked—well, that trusting-him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God. Sheer gift.

If there's anything you need to watch, you need to watch this.

http://www.wretch.cc/video/
ritahsia&func=single&vid=2282608&o=
time_d&p=0%27%20target=_blank%20

copy the above 3 lines into one line on your browser and watch.

Romans 3

Romans 3 (The Message)

- v28 What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.

proverbs 22:17-21

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you (believe);
Let them all be fixed upon your lips (confess),
So that your trust may be in the LORD;
I have instructed you today, even you.
Have I not written to you excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,
That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth,
That you may answer words of truth
To those who send to you?

just when i told Him i really cannot, Daddy showed me this verse. :) let believing and confessing the Truth be so real in my life.

Romans 2

Romans 2 (The Message)

- v11 ... God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.

- v29 ... And recognition comes from God, not legalistic critics.

Romans 1

Romans 1:16-17
The Just Live by Faith

- v16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

- AMP v16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek,

- MSG v17 God's way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: "The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives."

2 Thessalonians 1-3

2 Thessalonians 3

- v5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

- v13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (The Message)
The Way He Wants You To Live

- v12-13 And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!

13-15 Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

1 Thessalonians 3-4

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
A Brotherly and Orderly Life

- v10-12 "... But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing."

----------------------------------
This is not from the Message. This is from New King James. "Mind your own business" is really written here. And I see this from 2 perspectives - not just getting involved in other ppl's affairs, but also getting other ppl involved in your own affairs.

And this rings true to me, not that I don't care about others, or that I'm anti-social, but rather, we already have the One Who is with us always, and some journeys are meant to be walked alone with Him, and "you will lack nothing".

Also, getting other ppl involved at times can lead to disappointment when you don't get the kind of response/help that you are looking for - ppl can fail you too (John 2:23-25).

nehemiah

And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me

nehemiah 2:7

the heart of the king is in God's hands. your boss, your lecturer will grant you special favour according to the good hand of God upon you

1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2 (Amplified)

- v13 And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it].

The heavens parted....

Just wanna share this fantastic pic which Anil sent to us all in RSM... enjoy!


Think the pic looks very digitalised but somehow the message which companies it (which Anil shared) is pretty cool...

The heaven's parted, and Daddy God says:" This is the beloved son whom I'm well pleased".


... "This is the beloved daughter, (your name), whom I'm well-pleased".
... "This is the beloved son, (your name), whom I'm well-pleased".

the joy of the LORD

"...This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep...
...Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength...
...Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve....
...Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them..."
- Neh 8:9-12
"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. "
-Ps 118:24
"...I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."
- 2 Cor 6:2

Understand this and rejoice!

1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 (The Message)
Convictions of Steel

- v5-6 You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.

Colossians 4

Colossians 4:2-6
Christian Graces

- AMP v5 Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.

v6 Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].

- MSG v5-6Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

Psalms 103:2-5

This is a verse which Minhuey shared with me during my stay at the hospital and it speaks to me... exactly!

Psalms 103:2-5
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.


As I read this verse over and over again to look into the indepth meaning of it.. i heard Daddy God telling me this... why not put Jesus into the verse...


Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits given by Jesus-
Jesus, who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Jesus, who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Jesus, who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.


When I read and saw this, I am so amazed! That night's sleep in my ward was the best and the sweetest! I can just feel that Jesus is sitting beside me, watching over me as I sleep... well tugged in bed.

Colossians 3

Colossians 3 (The Message)
He Is Your Life

Colossians 3 is especially rich.

- v12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

- v15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Colossians 2

Colossians 2
Not Philosophy but Christ

- v6-7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 1

Colossians 1
Preeminence of Christ

- NKJV v15-18 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Christ Holds It All Together

- MSG v26-29 This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.

Philippians 4

Philippians 4 (Amplified)

- v6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

- v13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

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- MSG v21-22 Give our regards to every follower of Jesus you meet. Our friends here say hello. All the Christians here, especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar, want to be remembered to you.

Paul is amazing. He has converted the household of Caesar while in prison, and I believe it's substantial enough for him to have written that.

Philippians 2-3

Philippians 3:12-16
Pressing Toward the Goal

- v12-16 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

There will always be poor people....

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. " It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." John12:4-8

"Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."
- Deu 15:10-11

You Matter To God!

John 10:3
3… he calls his own sheep by name…

Do you sometimes feel like you are just a face in a crowd or a number in a system? You are identified by your identity card number or passport number. Even when you see the doctor, you are called by your queue number. If you feel depersonalised and dehumanised, that is exactly how the devil wants you to feel — that you do not matter much to anyone, especially to God.

But you do matter to God! He calls you by name. He knows what you are going through and where you are hurting. He sees you and cares for you, just as He cared for the people when He first walked on earth.

On one occasion, Jesus crossed all the way to the other side of the lake, even defying the devil’s attempt to drown Him (Luke 8:22–39), because a man who was demonised was calling out to Him for help. Jesus heard him and crossed an entire lake just to go to him. My friend, Jesus came a long way from heaven to come to you. You certainly matter to Him!

Even now, if you have problems in your life, Jesus sees you and He will not pass you by. He will do for you what He did for the woman at Samaria. There was a shorter route from Judea to Galilee, but the Bible said, “He needed to go through Samaria.” (John 4:4) Jesus purposely took a longer route because He wanted to stop by Samaria to speak to the woman who had been searching for things to satisfy her in her life. Now, Jesus has come to offer you the more abundant life too. (John 10:10)

In Luke 5:12–13, Jesus touched the leper and healed him. Although He could heal from afar, which He did for the 10 lepers in Luke 17:12–14, Jesus chose to heal this leper by touching him. The leper had been dehumanised, after being cut off from society for such a long time. Jesus’ personal touch gave him more than a new lease in life — it made him whole.

In the same way, Jesus has a personal love for you because you matter to Him. He calls you by name, sees beyond your every fault and wants to meet your every need!
[taken from daily devotional from church]

something that spoke to me today as i was looking through my email. =)

Philippians 1

Philippians 1:3-11
Thankfulness and Prayer

- v6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

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Philippians 1:12-30 (The Message)
They Can't Imprison the Message

- v15 It's true that some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, they think they'll step right into the spotlight. But the others do it with the best heart in the world.

- v18-21 So how am I to respond? I've decided that I really don't care about their motives, whether mixed, bad, or indifferent. Every time one of them opens his mouth, Christ is proclaimed, so I just cheer them on!

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Philippians 1:27-30 (Amplified)
Striving and Suffering for Christ

- v27 Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel).

- v28 And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.

At the beginning, Paul talks about Christ constantly working in us, perfecting us to the day He returns. Which means that we will never be "perfect", so to speak. There will always be room for growth. But despite knowing that we are not "there" yet (ala being like Jesus), we continue to stand firm and not be afraid of our "opponents and adversaries", whether is it people coming against us because of the gospel, or colleagues/friends at work/school, or even work/stress itself. For if we the more we stand firm, it is a clear sign, proof and seal that God will see to their destruction and our our victory. Come to think of it, what makes you think those who come against us are better than us (and both sides are not "perfect"!) anyway?

Grace Greater Than All Our Sin

even a murderer can be redeemed...
http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11554764/

Ephesians 6

Ephesians 6 (Amplified)
Bondservants and Masters

- v7 Rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men,

- v8 Knowing that for whatever good anyone does, he will receive his reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.

The Whole Armor of God

- v19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),

- v20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.

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The last verse is for me, as an ambassador. =)

A special throne

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." - Heb4:16

If it is a Throne of Grace, then all the wants of those who come to it will be supplied. The King from off such a Throne will not say, “You must bring to Me gifts, you must offer to
Me sacrifices.” It is not a Throne for receiving tribute. It is a Throne for dispensing gifts.....
This is not the Throne of majesty which supports itself by the taxation of its subjects, but a Throne which glorifies itself by streaming forth like a fountain with floods of good things.
-C.H. SPURGEON

Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5:1-20 (The Message)
Wake Up from Your Sleep

- v1-2 Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

- v11-17 Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see....So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.

- v21 Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:1-16 (The Message)
To Be Mature

- v4 You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly.

- v14-16 No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.

Ephesians 4:17-32 (The Message)
The Old Way Has to Go

- v20-24 But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

- v30 Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.

lets trade

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Colossians 1:19-23

lets trade, our lowly positions as sinners for reconciliation to God as the beloved. lets trade, focusing on the flesh for trusting in the guidance of peace by the holy Spirit. lets trade a defeated mentality for a more than conqueror spirit. lets trade all of us, for all of Jesus.

Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3 (The Message)
The Secret Plan of God

- v8 ... I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.

- v20 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.