1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (NIV)
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
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Have you noticed all the training resources in 'soft management skills'. At considerable cost, businesses are teaching their staff: people matter more than things; that how you do things matters as much as what you do; how to handle other people's aggression; and how to prevent internal stress from crippling the individual and the business. All good stuff (mostly!), but hardly original. Jesus demonstrated how to do it all perfectly and the Bible has been training the followers of Jesus to live like Him for 2000 years. It is simply normal Christian discipleship.
Today's verse, reminds us that anxiety affects Christians. Even the Apostle Paul admitted to ministering in weakness and fear (cf 1 Cor 2:3): it is a part of our human frailty, our internal corruption and the destructive potential of the world in which we live. But the Christian is commanded to handle it differently. Yes, some people have an easier temperament than others, whether they are Christians or not: but without the certain knowledge of a loving caring Heavenly Father, they have no other resource except themselves. However, the born-again believer is never alone, and has the massive benefit of being able to give all fears and worries to the Lord.
Salvation that comes by Jesus Christ, is not to make us nicer, but to transform our hearts - the very place where fear wants to roost like a vulture. A new confidence comes, not through psychological tricks but simply by knowing that we are loved, and cared for, by God. A teenager once told me, "It is a privilege to be loved by somebody as special as God!" This Christian certainty comes from the objective evidence of the Scriptures and the subjective assurance by the Holy Spirit (cf Rom 8:15, Gal 4:6). But this knowledge needs to be used! If He cares, and He certainly does, then entrust your fears (many of which are lies from Satan to destabilise us) onto the Lord. The verse says every anxiety, not just some, should be deposited with God. Trust Him to resolve the issues behind your anxieties, and then you can get on with your service for Him, unhindered and joyful.
Prayer: Faithful God. Thank You for this invitation to transfer all my anxieties to You, so that You take the responsibility of dealing with them. Help me to keep trusting that you will work in power, to dismiss Satan's lies from my mind and to deal with people and circumstances, so that You will be glorified and that I will know Your blessing. For Jesus Christ's sake, Amen.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
LONG TERM BENEFITS
1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (NIV)
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Peter has just told church leaders not to serve with reluctance, or being greedy for money or power (1 Peter 5:2-3). Such behaviour is the way of the world, inspired by Satan's lies and is unprofitable to God's kingdom. Instead, 1 Peter 5:1 says that suffering is the inevitable pattern for Christ-like leadership; yet there is a wonderful reward, a share in the glory of God.
However closely we seek to follow Jesus, the Bible recognises that devotion and duty alone will not sustain the leader who is weary or staggering under the pain of unjust suffering. We also need the assurance that the Lord sees everything and knows how to reward His faithful servants. Peter started his letter with the promise of an unfading inheritance reserved for those who stay true to Christ (cf 1 Peter 1:3-9), and now he reminds the church leaders that they have an unfading crown of glory awaiting them.
The Lord knows how much leaders need that encouragement. They suffer in many different ways and may often be tempted to retreat to the side-lines of ministry (or even leave the field of battle): this word is for them. Keep on pressing on! That was also Paul's testimony and exhortation (cf Phil 3:12-14). Every church member should also take special care to encourage their leaders rather than criticise. If God is preparing a crown for them, surely they are worthy of respect. It was the same for Jesus, but the cross always comes before the crown; and it will be so for us too. But the great news is that the Chief Shepherd is coming, and will award His crowns. With such certainty, don't give up ... but press on to receive His reward!
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for every encouragement that you give to me, and to the leaders of my local church, to press on - in the certain hope of sharing in Your glory. Thank You for knowing how much I need the incentive of Your Word to sustain me; to keep me from falling away, or dodging my responsibility of serving You. Help me to look beyond the trials and pain which come because I am faithful to You, as I eagerly anticipate the return of Jesus. For His Name's sake. Amen.
THE SPIRITUAL CHAIN OF HUMILITY
1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (NIV)
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
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In the same way that church leaders must accept the authority of the Lord Jesus (cf 1 Peter 5:2-4), younger men should submit to the leaders. Young and energetic men often feel an urge to steal power from their elders: but that is a fleshly impulse, encouraged by the Evil One. Those who are truly spiritual will want to accept the authority that God has placed over them.
The same applies to everybody in the church; there is no virtue in proud assertions or self-seeking. Those who claim to serve the Servant King should want to serve others in the fellowship; to lift them up and to seek their good. Peter saw the trail of pride over the early churches, threatening to destroy the immature fellowships; and alas it is too common a sight today also. The way of the world is to crush the weak. But the way of the cross is to raise the weak by self-sacrificial service.
The principle extends beyond the church to every area of life: God opposes the proud, wherever! It is true in the workshop and the ship; the hair salon and the airport. God's opposition to arrogance does not stop at the church door. His anger is roused by pride on the building site and in the board room, as well as the home and the hospital. But, by contrast, He pours out His grace on all who humbly accept the authority He has placed over them. Test Him out: change your attitude to authority and see how much blessing and grace He will shower upon you.
Prayer: Almighty God. Forgive me for my vain self-assertion, and every action that is motivated by pride. Help me to see how offensive this is to You. May I reconsider my attitude at work and home, as well as in the church, so that You will be glorified and that I can be blessed as you pour out Your grace into my life. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
________________________________________
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
________________________________________
In the same way that church leaders must accept the authority of the Lord Jesus (cf 1 Peter 5:2-4), younger men should submit to the leaders. Young and energetic men often feel an urge to steal power from their elders: but that is a fleshly impulse, encouraged by the Evil One. Those who are truly spiritual will want to accept the authority that God has placed over them.
The same applies to everybody in the church; there is no virtue in proud assertions or self-seeking. Those who claim to serve the Servant King should want to serve others in the fellowship; to lift them up and to seek their good. Peter saw the trail of pride over the early churches, threatening to destroy the immature fellowships; and alas it is too common a sight today also. The way of the world is to crush the weak. But the way of the cross is to raise the weak by self-sacrificial service.
The principle extends beyond the church to every area of life: God opposes the proud, wherever! It is true in the workshop and the ship; the hair salon and the airport. God's opposition to arrogance does not stop at the church door. His anger is roused by pride on the building site and in the board room, as well as the home and the hospital. But, by contrast, He pours out His grace on all who humbly accept the authority He has placed over them. Test Him out: change your attitude to authority and see how much blessing and grace He will shower upon you.
Prayer: Almighty God. Forgive me for my vain self-assertion, and every action that is motivated by pride. Help me to see how offensive this is to You. May I reconsider my attitude at work and home, as well as in the church, so that You will be glorified and that I can be blessed as you pour out Your grace into my life. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Family Health International (FHI) is dedicated to improving lives, knowledge, and understanding worldwide through a highly diversified program of research, education, and services in family health and HIV/AIDS prevention and care. We are seeking qualified candidates for the following position to work in our
Project Director, TB/HIV Program
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Project Director will be responsible for overall project management. S/he will provide technical leadership of a multi-dimensional team that will design and implement various activities for the HIV/TB program in one region of
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
BS/BA and 9-11 years relevant experience with international development programs; or MS/MA in public health or related field and 7-9 years relevant experience. 10+ years experience developing and implementing large-scale complex public health projects and budgets with multiple partners required. Experience working in developing countries or
Offer is contingent upon awarded proposal.
FHI has a competitive compensation package. Interested candidates may register online through FHI’s Global Staffing Database at https://recruiting.fhi.org. AA/EOE/M/F/V/D. Applications to be received not later than July 28th 2009, kindly note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Please submit CV/resume and cover letter including salary requirements.
LEADERSHIP DIVERSIONS
1 Peter 5:2-3 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (NIV)
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
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It is not easy to be a leader, in any field. Although this passage refers to spiritual leadership in the church, the principles also apply in the professions, business, academia and in the family. Indeed, it is amazing to see how modern books on leadership, management and parenting advocate a return to Christian ethics (even if they are not described as such, nor their Biblical origin recognised). Shakespeare was a good observer; he wrote, "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them" (Twelfth Night Act III Scene I). The key question, though, is how do we deal with the challenge?
Christians accept that God is the ultimate authority and that humans merely have delegated authority. In the church, the flock are God's sheep and not the Pastors' - they serve as 'foremen' but not owners. Those who have 'greatness thrust upon them' can either resent their role, or value it as a privileged appointment from God Himself. Spiritual leadership that is resentful is out of order with God. Leaders must not be 'in it for what they can get out of it', but eager to give everything they can (even if they get little in return). Those who calculate their ministry by the money or benefits they receive are hardly fit to be the Lord's servants.
The potential to misuse God's delegated authority to get personal power, is seen in churches as well as businesses, in charities as well as banking. Jesus was different; He demonstrated servant-leadership. He laid down His own life so that others might live. Phil 2:1-13 graphically draws the parallel between Jesus and those who claim to follow Him. Where the church is led by those who live like that, it grows to God's glory. Such people are not weak, but they have chosen to place their strength at the Lord's disposal. Yes, leadership will always be lonely; but if we are willingly submitting to the Lord, we will never be alone.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for reminding me that no human being has ultimate authority. I pray for my leaders that they may serve in a Christ-like way; and where I have responsibility for people, help me to willingly accept the privilege You have given to me. May I not exceed the authority you give me, nor serve You in a calculating way, but as an example to others; following the example of Jesus. For His Name's sake. Amen.
________________________________________
Share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
If you value your free Word@Work, click here to make a donation
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
Your next Word@Work will be sent on Tuesday, July 28, 2009
All the 'back copies' for the series in the Bible books of Mark, Ephesians and James can be found on www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
________________________________________
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
________________________________________
It is not easy to be a leader, in any field. Although this passage refers to spiritual leadership in the church, the principles also apply in the professions, business, academia and in the family. Indeed, it is amazing to see how modern books on leadership, management and parenting advocate a return to Christian ethics (even if they are not described as such, nor their Biblical origin recognised). Shakespeare was a good observer; he wrote, "Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them" (Twelfth Night Act III Scene I). The key question, though, is how do we deal with the challenge?
Christians accept that God is the ultimate authority and that humans merely have delegated authority. In the church, the flock are God's sheep and not the Pastors' - they serve as 'foremen' but not owners. Those who have 'greatness thrust upon them' can either resent their role, or value it as a privileged appointment from God Himself. Spiritual leadership that is resentful is out of order with God. Leaders must not be 'in it for what they can get out of it', but eager to give everything they can (even if they get little in return). Those who calculate their ministry by the money or benefits they receive are hardly fit to be the Lord's servants.
The potential to misuse God's delegated authority to get personal power, is seen in churches as well as businesses, in charities as well as banking. Jesus was different; He demonstrated servant-leadership. He laid down His own life so that others might live. Phil 2:1-13 graphically draws the parallel between Jesus and those who claim to follow Him. Where the church is led by those who live like that, it grows to God's glory. Such people are not weak, but they have chosen to place their strength at the Lord's disposal. Yes, leadership will always be lonely; but if we are willingly submitting to the Lord, we will never be alone.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You for reminding me that no human being has ultimate authority. I pray for my leaders that they may serve in a Christ-like way; and where I have responsibility for people, help me to willingly accept the privilege You have given to me. May I not exceed the authority you give me, nor serve You in a calculating way, but as an example to others; following the example of Jesus. For His Name's sake. Amen.
________________________________________
Share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
If you value your free Word@Work, click here to make a donation
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
Your next Word@Work will be sent on Tuesday, July 28, 2009
All the 'back copies' for the series in the Bible books of Mark, Ephesians and James can be found on www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
JUST THE BEGINNING
1 Peter 4:17-18 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" (NIV)
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
People say that God is love and will never harm His children. That is true. But in the same way that a truly loving father will discipline his children, our loving God disciplines us. However unpleasant persecution may be, it is used by God to refine His people and strengthen those who want to trust Him more. So, for the devoted believer, persecution enables faith to grow. The sad reality is that without problems, we would be inclined to live in our own strength and not by faith in the Lord.
Hebrews 12:4-13 explains this judgement/discipline process. God is determined to get us right for heaven, and that we should be strong to witness to His grace until we get there. But if the pain of persecution is a sign of God's determination to purify His people, what about those who are determined to resist him? Peter says that Christians who endure persecution and purify themselves for God's holy service, are also living out a message from God: to the rest of the church, their suffering shows the urgency to win the lost; and to the lost the message is, if God treats His own people in this way, what about those who refuse to submit to Jesus.
God's determination to "redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good" (Titus 2:14), knows no bounds. He has done everything necessary in Christ so that we may receive His grace. Now, He continues to use even the hatred of the wicked for His purpose: sanctification for us and the announcement of judgement for the ungodly. It is the Lord's desire, and should be ours, that sinners will turn and receive salvation, so that they will not be overtaken by God's judgement (cf 2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, be strong to accept the Lord's discipline: as you do so the church will be made bolder; and the demons will quake, knowing that sinners will see the grace of Christ in you, and will turn to receive His salvation.
Prayer: Loving Father. Although your discipline is hard at times, thank you for using the circumstances of my life to encourage me to purify myself before You. As hard times come (because of my love for You), may my example encourage the church to greater faith, and provide an opportunity for other people to see the grace of Christ - that they might repent and receive Your salvation. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
THE PROCESS
There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi.
As they were studying chapter three, they came across…..
Malachi 3:2-3 (New International Version)
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For He will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men, who will bring offerings in righteousness,
This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.
That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy--when I see my image in it."
One of the things I have realized in life is that the Lord is more interested in who am becoming than how comfortable am. We all want to be vessels of honor that have been purified so that the Lord can use us for His glory. The problem we have is that many of us want the end product but we are not willing to go through the process. One of the things I love about this illustration is the God never takes His eyes of me through the whole process of purification. We must all get to the place where we can say like John the Baptist in
John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease.
Only then will He be able to see His reflection in your life making you a vessel of honor one that has been purified through the fire. There are no shortcuts; we all have to go through the fire to be purified so that He can use us
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Allow God to take you through the fire and remember He has His eyes on you. Be still until He can see His reflection in your life. You are in safe hands.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
TODAYS READING
2 CHRONICLES 23-24
PSALM 19
MATTHEW 26
James Okumu|
HOPE FM | NPC Valley Road
As they were studying chapter three, they came across…..
Malachi 3:2-3 (New International Version)
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For He will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men, who will bring offerings in righteousness,
This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.
That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that he sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy--when I see my image in it."
One of the things I have realized in life is that the Lord is more interested in who am becoming than how comfortable am. We all want to be vessels of honor that have been purified so that the Lord can use us for His glory. The problem we have is that many of us want the end product but we are not willing to go through the process. One of the things I love about this illustration is the God never takes His eyes of me through the whole process of purification. We must all get to the place where we can say like John the Baptist in
John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease.
Only then will He be able to see His reflection in your life making you a vessel of honor one that has been purified through the fire. There are no shortcuts; we all have to go through the fire to be purified so that He can use us
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Allow God to take you through the fire and remember He has His eyes on you. Be still until He can see His reflection in your life. You are in safe hands.
THROUGH THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
TODAYS READING
2 CHRONICLES 23-24
PSALM 19
MATTHEW 26
James Okumu|
HOPE FM | NPC Valley Road
Gods' Miraculous Saving
On Sunday the 19th July 2009 youths from the Friends Centre Nakuru were invited to Njoro Precious Girls School for a Rally. Fortunately they made their way and arrived there safely. They had a very good time and the heavens were opened. But on their way back, Five of them who were driving on a personal vehicle were involved in an accident. The hind tire of the vehicle they were travelling in burst and they lost direction and veered off the road into a ditch. Luckily non of them got injured and they are all safe and sound without any injury. We thank God for this act of saving them and we want to tell the devil that he is a liar and would not have a chance to claim any of Gods' being. You can see the wreckage of the vehicle and the ditch that they plunged into. For sure God is our keeper and lets keep on trusting Him. (Willy, Alex, Shaggy, Niger and Lucy)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Youth Retreat to Hells gate National Park
All the youths are invited to attend this very interesting tour that is going to take place in August this year (2009). All youths are advised to pay a fee of 600/= which will cater for their transport and meals including the entrance fee to the park.
The youths are advised to register with Alex Manyola (0724-477732) and remit their cash to Florence Kidiga who is the church youth treasurer.
All correspondences should be made to David Agala (0721-631048)
Come and fellowship with brethren since the bible the Lord delights in the fellowship of brethren.
The dates will be on15th August 2009 because the monthly meeting youth offfice has planned to have their sports on the 22nd. Be checking on this Blog for your updates and all the youth events.
A Love Story.....you will never be the same after you read
One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah! ... the beauty of God's
creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As
I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me. He asked me, "Do you love me?"
I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!"
Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered
how many things I wouldn't be able to do and thought about the things that I take for
granted.
I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."
Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"
How could I love something without being able to see it?
Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved
God and His creation.
So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love you."
The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?"
How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word
is not merely using our ears, but our hearts.
I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."
The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"
How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me, God wants us to sing from
our very hearts and souls. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is
not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words
of thanks.
So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."
And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"
With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because
You are the one and true God!"
I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "Then why do you sin?"
I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."
"Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble
do you pray in earnest?"
I had no answers ... only tears.
The Lord continued. "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in
times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?"
The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
"Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of
persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses
when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"
"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed
you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word
to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were
closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have
sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your
prayers and I have answered them all. Do you truly love me?
I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse.
What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I
said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."
The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."
I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"
The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never
abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout
with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When
you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be
with you until the end of days, and I will love you forever."
Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have
hurt God as I had done?
I asked God, "How much do You love me?"
The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at
the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.
creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As
I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me. He asked me, "Do you love me?"
I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!"
Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered
how many things I wouldn't be able to do and thought about the things that I take for
granted.
I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."
Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?"
How could I love something without being able to see it?
Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved
God and His creation.
So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love you."
The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?"
How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word
is not merely using our ears, but our hearts.
I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word."
The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?"
How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me, God wants us to sing from
our very hearts and souls. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is
not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words
of thanks.
So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."
And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"
With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because
You are the one and true God!"
I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "Then why do you sin?"
I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."
"Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble
do you pray in earnest?"
I had no answers ... only tears.
The Lord continued. "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in
times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?"
The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
"Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of
persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses
when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"
"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed
you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word
to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were
closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have
sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your
prayers and I have answered them all. Do you truly love me?
I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse.
What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I
said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."
The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child."
I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"
The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never
abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout
with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When
you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be
with you until the end of days, and I will love you forever."
Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have
hurt God as I had done?
I asked God, "How much do You love me?"
The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at
the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
HEART OF WORSHIP CALENDER
- Mombasa mission (Mega Fest) 10th -11th October 2009 fare & Miscellaneous 3000/=
- Worship mission to Embu 9th August 2009 fare 600/= from Nairobi to Embu and Back
- 24th July 2009 Kesha Shabab Friends Church (Nakuru Monthly Meeting)
- 24th July 2009 Kesha Kahawa Monthly Meeting
- 25th July 2009 Wedding of Carolyne Sore @ FIC Ngong' Road
- 26th July 2009 Rally @ Shabab Friends Church (Nakuru Monthly Meeting)
- 2nd August 2009 Shauri Moyo Harambee for Instruments
- 10th -16th August 2009 Nyamira Mission
- 22nd August 2009 Monslavia & Steve wedding
- 29th August 2009 Mercy Khendi & Chilson Vidolo Wedding
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
A MAN AFTER GOD’S HEART
By Pastor Benedict Majimbo
N.Y.A.F.P. Pastor
Nairobi Yearly Meeting of Friends (Quakers)
2nd Samuel 7:18
A heart that prays
- For you to touch the heart of God begin with prayer (Mark 1:35)
- Abraham built the altars everywhere
- Moses was constantly on His knees
- For you to be used by God you need to be down on your knees. You need to humble before God as Moses was humble.
- Don’t defend yourself let God fight for you
- Make every effort to succeed in prayer (2nd Samuel 24:10)
A heart that obeys
- Obedience – faith – complete trusty in God – absence of fear in the promises of God
- Look up and be focused
- Thank God, don’t blame and complain
- Don’t delay when you hear Gods’ voice
- Don’t be disobedient
A heart that praises
- Learn to look for what is good and affirm it
- God never answers why questions
- Search your heart when things go back
- Learn to praise God
A heart that worships
A heart that serves
- Servant hood heart (Psalms 118:1-8)
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Finally A book on Praise and Worship
We now have a book written for the praise and worship teams. Here is a book that will teach us more on how to praise and worship God. The author has been in this ministry of praise and worship for a long time and serves with the Nakuru Friends Center praise and worship team. The book goes for 150/= only. To make an order for the book please contact the following numbers.O720-852183
0723-494168
0729-753938
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