How may one begin to speak of the goodness and the blessings the Lord has for him? I did not expect my God to bring a girl as precious as this along at this point in time. I had not thought of myself as ready or mature, but it seems that I have been prepared for her through this time.
We must remember to be careful and to honour Him, even as we spend time together, for He is the One who weaves lives together best. We must also be careful to not take our eyes off the Lord and only look to each other, for it would grieve Him. We must all eagerly desire God's goodness for us, and trust in His deep, everlasting love for us, and concern for us.
Now I go into the time of learning to treasure, cherish and protect a sister and a daughter of our Father.
*
Over the Public Holiday, I teamed up with Zicong at the gym, and it was very good to have reunited to exercise, and see how each other has grown in the Lord over the past 3 years.
He asked me a question over lunch, on whether I was for evangelism and if I found it difficult to bring people to church.
I told him I didn't like what was being done by those who do evangelism this way, because in doing this they were selling church culture and not the Gospel.
And the church of today is far below the Biblical standard, almost powerless, and heavily impacted by the world's culture. We need to examine the state of the Christian church today, and compare it with the New Testament. Where is the power of the church to impact the community? Where is the power of the Spirit?
We must not be in a hurry to catch people. The Spirit of God is the one who prepares human hearts for the Word of God to be seeded and grown. If we move ahead of time and without wrestling in prayer, and without His Spirit, we will hinder the person.
I think our method should first be to live out the Gospel, preach the Gospel and pray. We need to disciple others.
How much of the Gospel of Christ have we really heard, and how much of the Person of Christ and the character of God do we know.
Bringing people into buildings to sit under the pulpit is of little use, if they are not hearing the gospel and seeing the power of God move in human lives.
What do we use to draw people in? Music, dancing, excitement or the Gospel?
If we give everything other than the Gospel, we are misrepresenting our Christ, for this is the only thing that is of importance. Men come to hear and know the way to be saved.
The disciples of Christ are characterized by our love for one another. It is a different and higher kind of love, that not all of us may have the strength to show. The church community needs to love all its members and practice this broad love on others who are beginning to hunger for truth. There is a need for pliable men who are submissive to God, whose lives become evidences of God's work.
People who come with improper expectations are turned away, but those who come with the genuine thirst that our God and Saviour came to satisfy will also be disappointed and go away thirsty, with no solution to their soul's panting.
We must be careful for we are dealing with human souls that He loves very much. We are accountable to Him for how we build up His people or damage the faith of others and stunt their growth.
For those brothers and sisters who are excited at the goodness of God, instead go into the Word and root yourself in truth and pray for understanding of His message of salvation, that Christ worked to bring to the world, and was promised to Abraham so long ago.
Showing posts with label wife. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wife. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Richness of His Word.
This recess week has begun by a serious study of His Word, because there have been quite many indications leading me to closely study the book of Hebrews in the New Testament.
It is a recognition of a collation of references towards the book, over the weekend that has compelled me to do so.
I have understood that rich understanding and more knowledge will be found if I submit and commence this study.
*
In Hebrews 1, the writer has established the place Jesus Christ, God's Son, above all the angels and all of creation. He is the Object of our worship and praise. He has proper ownership and possession of all things, of everything. He has inherited authority over all things. He is higher than angels, and exalted higher than Satan.
What struck me, was that there was so much coherence and connectivity in all parts of Scripture, that the Psalms, Isaiah, Colossians, the Epistles and the 4 Gospels are in agreement, of the Sonship of Jesus Christ, and His supremacy over all things.
King David understood that the Messiah was to come from his line and be given an unending kingdom. And he recognized that the Messiah was not just a mere man, but he called Him Lord.
In the beginning of Hebrews 2, it is emphasized that where the message carried by angels to God's people are so important that any violation or disobedience will be met with just punishment, it is also emphasized that Jesus is higher and greater than the angels. Therefore His message of Salvation must be taken even more seriously and is to be believed.
In verse 3, it is written: "How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?"
Christ Jesus has been approved by and established into His rightful Kingship by His Father and our Father. At Jesus' Baptism and at His Transfiguration, God has declared that Jesus is His Son with His loud voice from Heaven. God is pleased with His Son, and we are to listen to Him.
*
I must not be puffed up by the knowledge and understanding He has given me, but instead, I must grow in love and faithfulness in relation to my Lord and my God.
He is preparing me for His purposes, and may I cooperate with Him as He teaches and changes me.
I write to share the insight given to me, so that we may understand the secret things of God that He has delighted to reveal to us.
-
Sometimes I am concerned over God's selection of my partner for me. I wonder if I would like who she is, or how she is like, and I am worried I may not like who He has chosen. Then, the Spirit reminds me that I have sinned.
How may I distrust God, who out of His wisdom beyond wisdom as made it so that my wife will be one who is prepared by Him.
Are God's gifts and goodness not acceptable by my standards?
Can my standards be higher than God's? Must God meet my human expectations?
I am to look past appearances and love and not doubt the good things He has in store for me, and for her.
Whenever I meet a girl, I cannot help but wonder if they could be the one. Then I remember that I am no longer to be looking for a wife, but instead I am to wait on God for Him to make known and reveal the woman of His choosing to me.
I am then to treat every single girl with the love and tenderness Christ did.
-
There is a tendency for me to boast, even while I share, to make myself seem a better man than I am.
This is a disclaimer that I am not at all good, even though I am one who loves to be adored and admired.
-
May we live in expectation of His coming, and so live differently, with our eyes rested on Him.
May we not rebel but fulfill all the purposes He has for us in this life.
May we love others in accordance with the love He has taught us,
May we submit to Christ for we are His possessions,
May we value the things above than the things below.
It is a recognition of a collation of references towards the book, over the weekend that has compelled me to do so.
I have understood that rich understanding and more knowledge will be found if I submit and commence this study.
*
In Hebrews 1, the writer has established the place Jesus Christ, God's Son, above all the angels and all of creation. He is the Object of our worship and praise. He has proper ownership and possession of all things, of everything. He has inherited authority over all things. He is higher than angels, and exalted higher than Satan.
What struck me, was that there was so much coherence and connectivity in all parts of Scripture, that the Psalms, Isaiah, Colossians, the Epistles and the 4 Gospels are in agreement, of the Sonship of Jesus Christ, and His supremacy over all things.
King David understood that the Messiah was to come from his line and be given an unending kingdom. And he recognized that the Messiah was not just a mere man, but he called Him Lord.
In the beginning of Hebrews 2, it is emphasized that where the message carried by angels to God's people are so important that any violation or disobedience will be met with just punishment, it is also emphasized that Jesus is higher and greater than the angels. Therefore His message of Salvation must be taken even more seriously and is to be believed.
In verse 3, it is written: "How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?"
Christ Jesus has been approved by and established into His rightful Kingship by His Father and our Father. At Jesus' Baptism and at His Transfiguration, God has declared that Jesus is His Son with His loud voice from Heaven. God is pleased with His Son, and we are to listen to Him.
*
I must not be puffed up by the knowledge and understanding He has given me, but instead, I must grow in love and faithfulness in relation to my Lord and my God.
He is preparing me for His purposes, and may I cooperate with Him as He teaches and changes me.
I write to share the insight given to me, so that we may understand the secret things of God that He has delighted to reveal to us.
-
Sometimes I am concerned over God's selection of my partner for me. I wonder if I would like who she is, or how she is like, and I am worried I may not like who He has chosen. Then, the Spirit reminds me that I have sinned.
How may I distrust God, who out of His wisdom beyond wisdom as made it so that my wife will be one who is prepared by Him.
Are God's gifts and goodness not acceptable by my standards?
Can my standards be higher than God's? Must God meet my human expectations?
I am to look past appearances and love and not doubt the good things He has in store for me, and for her.
Whenever I meet a girl, I cannot help but wonder if they could be the one. Then I remember that I am no longer to be looking for a wife, but instead I am to wait on God for Him to make known and reveal the woman of His choosing to me.
I am then to treat every single girl with the love and tenderness Christ did.
-
There is a tendency for me to boast, even while I share, to make myself seem a better man than I am.
This is a disclaimer that I am not at all good, even though I am one who loves to be adored and admired.
-
May we live in expectation of His coming, and so live differently, with our eyes rested on Him.
May we not rebel but fulfill all the purposes He has for us in this life.
May we love others in accordance with the love He has taught us,
May we submit to Christ for we are His possessions,
May we value the things above than the things below.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
To My Wife.
To the one whom I will love and care for and raise a family with,
I am now, at a time in my life where the Spirit of God has taken hold of me and taught me many things.
He has made me aware of my weakness in the flesh and of the hope held out for me through the work of His Son.
He has cleansed me and given me grace and mercy, which I may stand on.
I have begun to discern that there is richness and security in Him and in His Word, and that those things are not of what we as human beings regard as precious.
I am to become a fully Christian man, who will lead my household in faith and obedience, and teach our children the love and faithfulness of our great God and King.
I am to learn the following and care tenderly for you, lifting our family up to our God.
Ephesians 5
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[c] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
May I be made ready for my bride, to love and to cherish you. I am to preserve all of myself, so I may be reserved for you.
God will teach me; He will not let me remain the way I am now. I wait eagerly for Him to lead me to you and eventually, us to Him.
Amen.
Why I write this, aside from showing off, I need some way to express my longing to communicate with the person whom I will join my life and spirit with. Perhaps she will read this and this will be the means that we are brought to each other; perhaps I may show her this when we begin to know one another.
I almost cannot wait for the timely goodness of the Lord to be given to me.
I must move in step with God's rhythm and not run ahead of Him, without His Spirit.
I am now, at a time in my life where the Spirit of God has taken hold of me and taught me many things.
He has made me aware of my weakness in the flesh and of the hope held out for me through the work of His Son.
He has cleansed me and given me grace and mercy, which I may stand on.
I have begun to discern that there is richness and security in Him and in His Word, and that those things are not of what we as human beings regard as precious.
I am to become a fully Christian man, who will lead my household in faith and obedience, and teach our children the love and faithfulness of our great God and King.
I am to learn the following and care tenderly for you, lifting our family up to our God.
Ephesians 5
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[b] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”[c] 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
God will teach me; He will not let me remain the way I am now. I wait eagerly for Him to lead me to you and eventually, us to Him.
Amen.
Why I write this, aside from showing off, I need some way to express my longing to communicate with the person whom I will join my life and spirit with. Perhaps she will read this and this will be the means that we are brought to each other; perhaps I may show her this when we begin to know one another.
I almost cannot wait for the timely goodness of the Lord to be given to me.
I must move in step with God's rhythm and not run ahead of Him, without His Spirit.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Insights this week.
I will use this place for the purposes of putting out whatever insights I have received from the Lord. May the Spirit of God give whoever reads, the mind of Christ that they may understand, receive greater mercy,love and become greatly blessed.
I am a Christian young man and as a man, temptations stalk me, whether I am equipped to stand my ground in Christ or not. Any day, if I had not gone into prayer to be strengthened in God's presence or have read His potent and powerful Word, I would have been undone. If the Spirit did not chasten me, I would not have been able. Praise be to the Lord who covers His people.
I reflected and wrote the following in my journal as a documentation of my confession unto the Lord that,
The lust of the flesh is insipid and virulent. It derails me from the path of holiness, poisons my eyes, mind, heart, and spirit. It leads me to disrespect a woman' body and only to look to vent my desire on another flesh, with no care for the person's emotions, well-being or tender heart. It dishonours Christ, that I sin against Him out of my self-love, which has no kindness, gentleness or compassion, but seeks to harm myself and another person dear and beloved in the Lord's sight.
I had lust in my heart.
In contemplating sin, or going as far as to plan sin, there is no difference. In my mind and heart, I am ready and bent to do evil, having put off any love or kindness for anyone. Now I just lack the occasion.
All day, I am tempted to lie and deal with others indecently, dishonestly.
I look to be adored, praised and honoured by men (and women). This leads me to make a false projection of outward appearance of spiritual health and wealth.
This stains any good thing I try to do, because my compulsions now have no good motive, but instead for trickery and to gather glory for myself.
I have prejudice for others; I despise peoples and I do not let them matter to me. I reserve very little pity for people both near and far away.
I envy others that are ahead of me in the LORD.
I have no strength or ability to make myself conform to any goodness by sheer will.
Thank the Lord Jesus that the Spirit is stronger than flesh, and I do not use flesh to overcome flesh.
After my confession, I feel the flow of the Spirit again.
We as believers are not meant to be crippled by sin, but to move out in the power of the Spirit.
I need to learn to not look at a woman based on form and appearance, or outward things such as "poise", "confidence" or the like, but on qualities of gentleness, compassion, love, patience. These are the fruits of the spirit.
When I look for the woman I am to love and begin a family with, I do not rely on feelings because they are fickle, or emotions for they do not last. My love for her will be, and a constant. If it changes, it will only grow.
I am to learn how to treat her gently and care for her. I am to grow in my knowledge of her, and to be fully committed to loving and pleasing and protecting her. My love for her must be responsible and not just emotive.
We who are His will be taught by His Spirit and we will not, and we cannot remain the same after we have known Him.
May how am I blessed in the Lord, be the same for whoever reads my writing. Amen.
I am a Christian young man and as a man, temptations stalk me, whether I am equipped to stand my ground in Christ or not. Any day, if I had not gone into prayer to be strengthened in God's presence or have read His potent and powerful Word, I would have been undone. If the Spirit did not chasten me, I would not have been able. Praise be to the Lord who covers His people.
I reflected and wrote the following in my journal as a documentation of my confession unto the Lord that,
The lust of the flesh is insipid and virulent. It derails me from the path of holiness, poisons my eyes, mind, heart, and spirit. It leads me to disrespect a woman' body and only to look to vent my desire on another flesh, with no care for the person's emotions, well-being or tender heart. It dishonours Christ, that I sin against Him out of my self-love, which has no kindness, gentleness or compassion, but seeks to harm myself and another person dear and beloved in the Lord's sight.
I had lust in my heart.
In contemplating sin, or going as far as to plan sin, there is no difference. In my mind and heart, I am ready and bent to do evil, having put off any love or kindness for anyone. Now I just lack the occasion.
All day, I am tempted to lie and deal with others indecently, dishonestly.
I look to be adored, praised and honoured by men (and women). This leads me to make a false projection of outward appearance of spiritual health and wealth.
This stains any good thing I try to do, because my compulsions now have no good motive, but instead for trickery and to gather glory for myself.
I have prejudice for others; I despise peoples and I do not let them matter to me. I reserve very little pity for people both near and far away.
I envy others that are ahead of me in the LORD.
I have no strength or ability to make myself conform to any goodness by sheer will.
Thank the Lord Jesus that the Spirit is stronger than flesh, and I do not use flesh to overcome flesh.
After my confession, I feel the flow of the Spirit again.
We as believers are not meant to be crippled by sin, but to move out in the power of the Spirit.
I need to learn to not look at a woman based on form and appearance, or outward things such as "poise", "confidence" or the like, but on qualities of gentleness, compassion, love, patience. These are the fruits of the spirit.
When I look for the woman I am to love and begin a family with, I do not rely on feelings because they are fickle, or emotions for they do not last. My love for her will be, and a constant. If it changes, it will only grow.
I am to learn how to treat her gently and care for her. I am to grow in my knowledge of her, and to be fully committed to loving and pleasing and protecting her. My love for her must be responsible and not just emotive.
We who are His will be taught by His Spirit and we will not, and we cannot remain the same after we have known Him.
May how am I blessed in the Lord, be the same for whoever reads my writing. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)