The more a man is united within himself and interiorly simple, the more and higher things doth he understnad without labor; because he receiveth the light of understanding from above. A pure, simple, and steady spirit is not dissipated by a multitude of affairs, because he performs them all to the honor of God, and endeavors to be at rest within himself and free from all self-seeking.
What is a greater hindrance and trouble to thee than thine own unmortifed affection of heart. A good and devout man first disposes his works inwardly which he is to do outwardly. Neither do they draw him to the desires of an inordinate inclination, but he bends them to the rule of right reason. Who hath a stronger conflict than he who striveth to overcome himself? And this must be our business, to strive to overcome ourselves, and daily to gain strength over ourselves, and to grow better and better.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Imitating Christ - #12
What need have we to be concerned with unessentials? He to whom the Eternal Word (who is Jesus) speaks, is freed of useless opinions. From the Word all things proceed and all creation cries out that He is God - the same who is the Beginninig who speaks to us.
No man can understand the truth nor make right judgements without Him. Only he to whom all things are One, who draws all things to One and who sees all things in One, may be strong in heart and rest peacefully in God.
O my God, You are Truth; make me one with you in perfect love. I am so weary of all I read and hear and see, for only in You is all that I will or can desire. Let all the teachers be silent in Your presence and let all creatures be silent in thy sight, Lord, speak thou alone to me.
No man can understand the truth nor make right judgements without Him. Only he to whom all things are One, who draws all things to One and who sees all things in One, may be strong in heart and rest peacefully in God.
O my God, You are Truth; make me one with you in perfect love. I am so weary of all I read and hear and see, for only in You is all that I will or can desire. Let all the teachers be silent in Your presence and let all creatures be silent in thy sight, Lord, speak thou alone to me.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Imitating Christ - #11
The person who is taught by truth and not by symbols or deceitful words is really blessed and happy, for he learns truth in itself. Our opinions and lack of knowledge often lead us astray, because we do not know the truth as it is.
What Good will it do us to learn many things, the knowledge of which will not help us on judgement day, nor hurt us if we don not know them? It is foolish not to learn those things which are necessary for us and waste our time on those that mereley satisfy our curiousity and hurt us in the end. For if we do so, we have eyes but cannot see.
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding...." Proverbs 4:7 KJV
What Good will it do us to learn many things, the knowledge of which will not help us on judgement day, nor hurt us if we don not know them? It is foolish not to learn those things which are necessary for us and waste our time on those that mereley satisfy our curiousity and hurt us in the end. For if we do so, we have eyes but cannot see.
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding...." Proverbs 4:7 KJV
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Imitating Christ - #10
Nothing is so beneficial as a true knowledge of ourselves, which produces a wholesome self contempt. Always think kindly of others, while holding yourself as nothing; this is true wisdom and leads to perfection.
If you see another commit a grevious sin, or whose faults are flagrant, do not regard yourself as better, for you do not know what you would do if similarly tempted. You are in a good dispositoin now, but you do not know how long you will persevere in it. Always keep in mind that all are frail, but not so frail as yourself.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:3-4 KJV
If you see another commit a grevious sin, or whose faults are flagrant, do not regard yourself as better, for you do not know what you would do if similarly tempted. You are in a good dispositoin now, but you do not know how long you will persevere in it. Always keep in mind that all are frail, but not so frail as yourself.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:3-4 KJV
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Imitating Christ - #9
Remember, the more you know, the more severely you will be judged. So do not be proud of any skill or knowledge you may have, for such is an awesome responsibility. No matter how much you know, realize how much there is that you do not know. Do not be afraid to acknowledge your own ignorance.
Why have an exalted opinion of yourself when you know there are many, even in your own field whose knowledge surpasses yours? If you want to learn anything worthwhile, seek rather to be unknown and to be thought of as nothing.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3 KJV
Why have an exalted opinion of yourself when you know there are many, even in your own field whose knowledge surpasses yours? If you want to learn anything worthwhile, seek rather to be unknown and to be thought of as nothing.
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3 KJV
Friday, June 25, 2010
Imitating Christ - #8
An overwhelming desire for knowledge brings many distractions and much delusion. Many like to be considered learned and to be praised for their wisdom; how much knowledge there is which adds nothing to the good of the soul! To spend yourself on worldly pursuits which do nothing to further our eternal salvation is unwise.
It is useless to spend much time in talking; only a holy life and a good conscience will ease your mind and satisfy your soul, enabiling you to face God with confidence.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things .Philippians 4:8 KJV
It is useless to spend much time in talking; only a holy life and a good conscience will ease your mind and satisfy your soul, enabiling you to face God with confidence.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things .Philippians 4:8 KJV
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Imitating Christ - #7
Knowledge is a natural desire in all men. But knowledge for its own sake is useless unless you fear God. An unlearned peasant, whose contentment is the service of God, is far better than the learned and the clever, whose pride in his knowledge leads him to neglect his soul while fixing his attention on the stars.
True self-knowledge makes you aware of your own worthlessness and you will take no pleasure in the praises of men. If your knowledge encompassess the universe and the love of God is not in you, what good will it do you in God's sight? He will judge you according to your actions. [Kempis]
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge : but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 KJV
True self-knowledge makes you aware of your own worthlessness and you will take no pleasure in the praises of men. If your knowledge encompassess the universe and the love of God is not in you, what good will it do you in God's sight? He will judge you according to your actions. [Kempis]
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge : but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 KJV
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Imitating Christ - #6
JESUS OPENS OUR EYES TO FOLLOW HIM - "Jesus said to [the blind man], 'Receive your sight, Your fiath has healed you.' At that very moment he was given his sight and began to follow him" Luke 18:42
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Imitating Christ - #5
Often think of the proverb: "the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing" Ecc1esiastes 1:8. Be determined to detach your heart from the love of visible things, allowing it to center on those unseen.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV
Monday, June 21, 2010
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN SATAN COMES TO CHURCH?
"... And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority ..., so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes." 2 Cor 2:10-11 [New Living Translation]
We are so blinded to the incursion of our mortal enemy in our churches and our lives that there are times when he walks in and we are not ready to recognize and deal with him. The scripture tells us that he comes as an angel of light. We expect either the horns and pitchfork or we expect a grand entrance of some supernatural presence defying the God of our salvation.
NO SO
He doesn’t come in any of the forms that I just mentioned. Instead he is subtle, endearing and talented. He comes in the prayer room as a person of prayer but after the prayer he sows seeds of discord that wreck the prayer ministry and can seriously affect the overall church.
He comes in the Worship team and challenges the very authority placed over him. He bucks authority, challenges direction, sows disharmony and leads people into disobedience rather than obedience and true worship.
He comes as a servant in the helps ministry but complains about the leaders, speaking about their attitude and their faults. But he never tells you about his, he makes himself seem demure, humble and the victim of the “church.” He calls you and tells you how much he wants to be at church but he can’t because he cannot be with “those people.”
He comes as a gifted individual who endears himself and then sows discord to undermine the established authority of the ministry. He will say, “if I were the leader I would do this or do that.”
He comes as prophet, speaking enticing words. He can be accurate to the letter, sobering to hear but challenging to recognize for who he is. His words seem calming and influencing, you are draw to him because you believe that this is indeed God speaking to you!
Friends, some of you have had calls from the devil, have entertained him in your living rooms and even chosen to have him become your friend. What was his aim all along? iIt was his strategy to separate you from your first love. The Lord Jesus Christ knew the ground in which you should be planted, designed the right place, with the right people – some to encourage and many to challenge you to excellence – but Satan saw you growing, saw your progress and your successes – he heard your confessions and knew that he must undermine your foundation.
So he sent a friend, a confidant, a counselor, a child that you would not recognize as his puppet to destroy what God has begun in you. I have seen this happen on so many occasions, how a good thing begun by the Lord is aborted because someone influences you otherwise.
Dear friends, recognize Satan and his ungodly message. Jesus himself while sitting with Peter, one whom he loved and who was numbered with the disciples said, “get thee behind me Satan” when Peter spoke words that were not consistent with God’s will and purpose for him.
Beloved, what have you done recently that you have recognized the hand of the DEVIL. Be strong and courageous, speak to the devil and tell him to get behind you and move forward with God’s purpose. You will not prosper in the wrong ground, God’s location of your provision has not changed. Walk in humility and say Lord I am returning to my father, for ground “I” have chosen is not the right ground for me.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray for the church today, thank you for the Spirit of Truth that leads us to make the right choices in our lives. Thank you that I always see and react with Godly wisdom to Satan’s device. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
We are so blinded to the incursion of our mortal enemy in our churches and our lives that there are times when he walks in and we are not ready to recognize and deal with him. The scripture tells us that he comes as an angel of light. We expect either the horns and pitchfork or we expect a grand entrance of some supernatural presence defying the God of our salvation.
NO SO
He doesn’t come in any of the forms that I just mentioned. Instead he is subtle, endearing and talented. He comes in the prayer room as a person of prayer but after the prayer he sows seeds of discord that wreck the prayer ministry and can seriously affect the overall church.
He comes in the Worship team and challenges the very authority placed over him. He bucks authority, challenges direction, sows disharmony and leads people into disobedience rather than obedience and true worship.
He comes as a servant in the helps ministry but complains about the leaders, speaking about their attitude and their faults. But he never tells you about his, he makes himself seem demure, humble and the victim of the “church.” He calls you and tells you how much he wants to be at church but he can’t because he cannot be with “those people.”
He comes as a gifted individual who endears himself and then sows discord to undermine the established authority of the ministry. He will say, “if I were the leader I would do this or do that.”
He comes as prophet, speaking enticing words. He can be accurate to the letter, sobering to hear but challenging to recognize for who he is. His words seem calming and influencing, you are draw to him because you believe that this is indeed God speaking to you!
Friends, some of you have had calls from the devil, have entertained him in your living rooms and even chosen to have him become your friend. What was his aim all along? iIt was his strategy to separate you from your first love. The Lord Jesus Christ knew the ground in which you should be planted, designed the right place, with the right people – some to encourage and many to challenge you to excellence – but Satan saw you growing, saw your progress and your successes – he heard your confessions and knew that he must undermine your foundation.
So he sent a friend, a confidant, a counselor, a child that you would not recognize as his puppet to destroy what God has begun in you. I have seen this happen on so many occasions, how a good thing begun by the Lord is aborted because someone influences you otherwise.
Dear friends, recognize Satan and his ungodly message. Jesus himself while sitting with Peter, one whom he loved and who was numbered with the disciples said, “get thee behind me Satan” when Peter spoke words that were not consistent with God’s will and purpose for him.
Beloved, what have you done recently that you have recognized the hand of the DEVIL. Be strong and courageous, speak to the devil and tell him to get behind you and move forward with God’s purpose. You will not prosper in the wrong ground, God’s location of your provision has not changed. Walk in humility and say Lord I am returning to my father, for ground “I” have chosen is not the right ground for me.
PRAYER
Lord, I pray for the church today, thank you for the Spirit of Truth that leads us to make the right choices in our lives. Thank you that I always see and react with Godly wisdom to Satan’s device. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Imitating Christ - #4
How foolish it is to seek and to put your trust in riches that will pass. How foolish to go after worldly honors and to set yourself above others. How foolish to follow the impulses of the flesh, or to covet those things which so soon will cost you a heavy penalty.
How foolish to wish for a long life, but not care whether it is a good life; to be concerned only with the present, with never a thought of eternity and the endless joy that awaits you.
Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! Mark 10:24 KJV
How foolish to wish for a long life, but not care whether it is a good life; to be concerned only with the present, with never a thought of eternity and the endless joy that awaits you.
Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! Mark 10:24 KJV
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Imitating Christ - #3
To be learned and able to discuss the Trinity will get you nowhere if you do not have humility, and therefore displease the Holy Trinity. Lofty words neither save a man nor make him a Saint; only a virtuous life makes him dear to God. It is better to experience contrition than to be able to define it.
To be well versed in Scripture and all the sayings of philosphers will not profit you if you are without God's love and His grace. Nothing matters except to Love God and to serve Him only. The height of wisdom is to set your goal on heaven by despising the world.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3 KJV
To be well versed in Scripture and all the sayings of philosphers will not profit you if you are without God's love and His grace. Nothing matters except to Love God and to serve Him only. The height of wisdom is to set your goal on heaven by despising the world.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3 KJV
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Praying for the Caribbean: CUBA
On September 6, 2008 the Holy Spirit prompted me to begin to pray for the nation of Cuba. The prayer was to focus on these areas:
1. Nation be open
2. Nation be free
3. Powers of darkness you have to leave
4. Strongholds be broken
Please continue to pray with us for our island neighbor.
1. Nation be open
2. Nation be free
3. Powers of darkness you have to leave
4. Strongholds be broken
Please continue to pray with us for our island neighbor.
Imitating Christ - #2
Christ's teaching surpasses that of all the Saints. But to find this spiritual nourishment you must seek to have the Spirit of Christ. It is because we lack this Spirit that so often we listen to the Gospel without really hearing it. Those who fully understand Christ's words must labor to make their lives conform to His. - [Kempis]
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. John 16:13 AMP
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. John 16:13 AMP
Friday, June 18, 2010
Imitating Christ - #1
No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness, saith the Lord (John 8:12). These words of our Lord counsel all to walk in His footsteps. If you want to see clearly and avoid blindness of heart, it is His virtues you must imitate. Make it your aim to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ. [Imitation of Christ - Kempis]
"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."John 8:12 NKJV
"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."John 8:12 NKJV
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