raising of hands, crying while singing, silent prayer, singing from the top of your lungs, dancing, serving
The list is limitless on how we can worship God. But which one counts? is there a specific worship style that gets your praises quicker to heaven? Is there favored style by God?
I've been raised in a conservative environment when it comes to worship. When I was young, I can remember the old hymnal days where the song leader (not yet a praise and worship leader)would start of with that familiar phrase "open your hymnals to song number..." then the pianist would start doing its minimum one to two measures of introduction. There was no raising of hands...no looping of songs...it was precise! Did we really worship?
First of all...let's define worship! one online dictionary defined it as an "extreme devotion for a deity" If that's the case then are we extremely devoted to God? I Believe that worship is not just restricted to singing or defined by a one-day-a-week event!
The moment we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we should be worship bound! The only problem is that we don't make it a priority. The Bible says that "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Cor 5:17 NIV) That means that our purpose for life has radically been changed! Our everyday dealings with people, the way we speak, the way we act and the way we decide will now have a higher standard to follow. Philippians 4 listed the things that we should think about...these things should be our checklist before deciding to worship.
Worship is a lifestyle...
If you ask me, we should never look down on people who worships differently from us. We will never know the true content of a person's heart, and you are not sure if God's not hearing them. It's not your responsibility to police other people or even other church's worship style. You should be concerned about your own intentions in worshiping.
The whole point of worship is to lift up and exalt God. We are not here to make each other feel good...we are here to expose the truth of God's word. Illuminate the principles behind each doctrine of the Bible. So if you are culturally influenced to worship the way you are worshiping now, It's not a problem! As long as we understand John 4:24 where it says "God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in Truth." (NIV) Our only prerequisite for worship is that we are Influenced by the Holy Spirit and the only basis is God's unchanging truth!
Monday, January 30, 2012
a new perspective on death
we Christians are very sure of our destiny, and we should be! We are not afraid of where we are going to end up after this life...but death is really not tackled often. People say that dying and leaving this world is just a beginning of something else...some people think of reincarnation, while believers think of a glorious start in heaven. Solomon said it very straight forward in Ecclesiastes 9:3 that everyone joins the dead! Sometimes, we need to face reality head on armed with doctrines and principles we got from studying the Word of God!
I like what Pastor Matt Chandler told his church about dying. Pastor Chandler is a pastor of The Village Church in Texas. Last November 2009, while preparing for thanksgiving, he suffered a seizure and found out that he had a tumor in the right lobe of his brain. He went into surgery 8 days after the incident to take out the mass and run some tests. Results came back...and it clearly stated that he had brain cancer. Chandler is still alive, doing good, and turned his situation into a year long sermon! Here are some excerpts from Pastor Chandler's teaching. Enjoy!
I like what Pastor Matt Chandler told his church about dying. Pastor Chandler is a pastor of The Village Church in Texas. Last November 2009, while preparing for thanksgiving, he suffered a seizure and found out that he had a tumor in the right lobe of his brain. He went into surgery 8 days after the incident to take out the mass and run some tests. Results came back...and it clearly stated that he had brain cancer. Chandler is still alive, doing good, and turned his situation into a year long sermon! Here are some excerpts from Pastor Chandler's teaching. Enjoy!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
blessed submission | tolerated rebellion
It's frustrating to see your dreams put on hold because you're stuck with something that you're tired of doing. You know what you are supposed to do but can't proceed with it because something else needs your utmost attention. Eventually, you can't escape your responsibilities.
The ladies bible study in our church are talking about INTERRUPTIONS in life...a Christian's life is a life interrupted! Well...sometimes, we expect an interruption anytime soon but it never comes. Just like Joseph. Sure...his life was full of interruptions...but I can't help but think how he was during his stay in prison! For years, his life was put on hold...nothing exciting, nothing extravagant...a life uninterrupted!
Sometimes we experience the same thing...it's like travelling a long and winding road...miles and miles and miles of pavement! But before we took on this road, God impressed in us this vision, this dream...but then our excitement quickly turned into frustrations after years of waiting! That's how I felt. I surrendered my life to missions, I took on a missions trip but still God has been silent on where He wants me to go. I expressed my desire to go full time in ministry with people who are dear to me, but some did not share my enthusiasm. Why? Why would God place this burden in my heart and just keep quiet? Then...I sought counsel!
A wise but not so old Pastor and Friend told me this...
"If a vision cannot be contained...your authority will have no choice but to bless you and release you! Sometimes, the reason why we are still where we are is because God is teaching us something...in your case, maybe it's submission" Not in the exact manner, but the thought is the same.
It was a wake up call. Maybe I was complaining too much that I am losing sight of what God wants me to do. I felt ashamed at myself. I was thinking about me...myself...and I! I forgot that it's not about me...it's all about God! Then, I also realized that it was never documented in scripture that Joseph complained...he just waited! And that's what I need to do. Wait. Waiting does not mean not doing anything...waiting should be an active part of the believer.
I am excited with what God has lined up for me. Now I know that it's better to submit and be blessed rather than rebel and just be tolerated!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
FBCYP
I LOVE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AT FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH!
They may not be a perfect bunch of believers...but I love them none the less! They have developed into confident believers with a gratitude gauge that is off the chart! They inspire me to teach and proclaim Christ. Their receptive attitude towards doctrine is the highlight of their lives...it's their dedication that pushes them to maturity! Thank you Lord for bringing me close to these crazy people...It's a privilege to serve with these guys!
Lord I pray that you would bless them with uncomprehending grace...with mercy that extends from everlasting to everlasting...with love that overpowers our selfish desires...with success that is always aligned to your will and plan! Lord...they are precious to me...I hurt when they hurt...I may never know the details of their pain, but you've given me a heart close to them that I understand what they feel. I may never be with them forever, but I will never intently turn my back on them.
FBCYP...thank you for showing me grace! You may not know it...but you have pushed me to maturity! Thank you! I LOVE YOU GUYS!
They may not be a perfect bunch of believers...but I love them none the less! They have developed into confident believers with a gratitude gauge that is off the chart! They inspire me to teach and proclaim Christ. Their receptive attitude towards doctrine is the highlight of their lives...it's their dedication that pushes them to maturity! Thank you Lord for bringing me close to these crazy people...It's a privilege to serve with these guys!
Lord I pray that you would bless them with uncomprehending grace...with mercy that extends from everlasting to everlasting...with love that overpowers our selfish desires...with success that is always aligned to your will and plan! Lord...they are precious to me...I hurt when they hurt...I may never know the details of their pain, but you've given me a heart close to them that I understand what they feel. I may never be with them forever, but I will never intently turn my back on them.
FBCYP...thank you for showing me grace! You may not know it...but you have pushed me to maturity! Thank you! I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
eh bakit...
...malimit nagpapangabot ang magtataho at ang magbabalot?
...may lock ang pintuan ng 24 hours convenience store?
...di mo kayang bumahing ng nakadilat?
...mas ok magpakalbo ang panot kesa magpahaba?
...mas epektib umere ng nakatikom ang bibig?
...nakakakilig minsan umihi?
...nakaharap si Rizal sa bagong Piso?
...napapatakbo ng lumilipad na ipis ang karamihan sa mga barakong lalake?
...walang litro bottle ang yakult?
...natalo ang petron sa talk n text?
...hindi pantay-pantay ang daliri natin?
...Centruy Egg ang tawag sa itlog na sampung taon lang binabad?
...may lock ang pintuan ng 24 hours convenience store?
...di mo kayang bumahing ng nakadilat?
...mas ok magpakalbo ang panot kesa magpahaba?
...mas epektib umere ng nakatikom ang bibig?
...nakakakilig minsan umihi?
...nakaharap si Rizal sa bagong Piso?
...napapatakbo ng lumilipad na ipis ang karamihan sa mga barakong lalake?
...walang litro bottle ang yakult?
...natalo ang petron sa talk n text?
...hindi pantay-pantay ang daliri natin?
...Centruy Egg ang tawag sa itlog na sampung taon lang binabad?
EPAPHRODITUS: Honor men like him
During my morning quiet time, I came across this name who received five verses of recognition from Apostle Paul in the second chapter of Philippians. But what really stuck to me was his commendation in verse 29 where he said "Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him (Phil 2:29 NIV)"
Who is Epaphroditus?
My curiosity lead me to do some minor research and found out that his name was only mentioned in Paul's epistle to the church in Philipi. But some scholars of the Bible also stipulates that Epaphroditus is also Epaphras mentioned in the book of Philemon. Well...I'm not about to get in the middle of this dispute...but whoever he is, Paul has highly regarded him for his attitude and sacrifice!
Epaphroditus' story starts on Philippians 2:20. Paul stated that Epaphroditus will be coming back to Philipi (presumably his hometown) after going through a life threatening sickness. Epaphroditus was sent by the church of Philipi to bring gifts to Apostle Paul (more like a missionary support). They were not graced with courier services in those times and transportation has its limitations. So travelling is definitely a challenge...but Epaphroditus willingly took on the responsibility. I assume that when he got there, he was showing symptoms of his illness, and Apostle Paul urged him to stay. I don't know for how long but long enough for the church in Philipi to worry about him. Epaphroditus then heard that his church back in Philipi is worried about his condition...and out of integrity, he decided to go back because he did not want his fellow believers to be anxious about him. I can imagine Epaphroditus persuading Paul to allow him to go back. I don't know how it all went down (because obviously I was not there) but Apostle Paul confidently said in verse 28 that he is less anxious to send Epaphroditus back to them.
Epaphroditus is like our modern church workers who are committed to their calling...sometimes, we forget to recognize their part in the ministry. We cannot judge their heart for the ministry. Remember Epaphroditus...honor men like him...because they are our brothers with mutual sympathy, fellow workers with mutual duties and responsibilities, and fellow soldiers with mutual dangers...
Who is Epaphroditus?
My curiosity lead me to do some minor research and found out that his name was only mentioned in Paul's epistle to the church in Philipi. But some scholars of the Bible also stipulates that Epaphroditus is also Epaphras mentioned in the book of Philemon. Well...I'm not about to get in the middle of this dispute...but whoever he is, Paul has highly regarded him for his attitude and sacrifice!
Epaphroditus' story starts on Philippians 2:20. Paul stated that Epaphroditus will be coming back to Philipi (presumably his hometown) after going through a life threatening sickness. Epaphroditus was sent by the church of Philipi to bring gifts to Apostle Paul (more like a missionary support). They were not graced with courier services in those times and transportation has its limitations. So travelling is definitely a challenge...but Epaphroditus willingly took on the responsibility. I assume that when he got there, he was showing symptoms of his illness, and Apostle Paul urged him to stay. I don't know for how long but long enough for the church in Philipi to worry about him. Epaphroditus then heard that his church back in Philipi is worried about his condition...and out of integrity, he decided to go back because he did not want his fellow believers to be anxious about him. I can imagine Epaphroditus persuading Paul to allow him to go back. I don't know how it all went down (because obviously I was not there) but Apostle Paul confidently said in verse 28 that he is less anxious to send Epaphroditus back to them.
Epaphroditus is like our modern church workers who are committed to their calling...sometimes, we forget to recognize their part in the ministry. We cannot judge their heart for the ministry. Remember Epaphroditus...honor men like him...because they are our brothers with mutual sympathy, fellow workers with mutual duties and responsibilities, and fellow soldiers with mutual dangers...
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
discerning the voice of God
I wonder what it was like hearing God's voice audibly...I always imagine myself situated during the Old Testament era where God would literally speak to His people...not that there's any chance that God would pick me out from the crowd just to start a conversation...I'm just amazed at the fact that God actually voiced out things to His chosen people...words...phrases...sentences were formed from the same being who spoke the world into existence!
There's one story in the Old Testament where God conversed with a young boy named Samuel...God called Samuel three times before Eli, his mentor, realized that God was the one calling Samuel. I don't know about you, but I would be pretty freaked out if I heard someone call out my name three times and the only person in the room would deny it was him. But Samuel was not afraid, he just had no clue who it was because the Word of the Lord was not yet revealed to him (I Samuel 3:7). Then Eli instructed Samuel that when he hears his name again, he should respond with "SPEAK LORD, your servant is listening!" Sure enough, God called him again and he was given a revelation...a revelation that was painful to bear! I won't tell you what happened, you have to read it yourself at I Samuel 3.
There's really something about God taking time to talk to His people that gives me the HOLY GOOSEBUMPS! But I'm also saddened by the reality of how we snob the leading of God in our lives. I know that God does not communicate to us audibly, but think of the love He invested for us to enjoy the freedom and privilege of gaining Biblical truths!
We have the responsibility of intently listening for God's loving instructions. We have to make a conscious effort to take a position of humility and accept whatever God wills for us! Spiritual discernment is a must for every bible believing Christian who wants to have a closer and deeper relationship with God!
So...do you know what God wants you to do? can you discern the voice of God from your own selfish desires?
There's one story in the Old Testament where God conversed with a young boy named Samuel...God called Samuel three times before Eli, his mentor, realized that God was the one calling Samuel. I don't know about you, but I would be pretty freaked out if I heard someone call out my name three times and the only person in the room would deny it was him. But Samuel was not afraid, he just had no clue who it was because the Word of the Lord was not yet revealed to him (I Samuel 3:7). Then Eli instructed Samuel that when he hears his name again, he should respond with "SPEAK LORD, your servant is listening!" Sure enough, God called him again and he was given a revelation...a revelation that was painful to bear! I won't tell you what happened, you have to read it yourself at I Samuel 3.
There's really something about God taking time to talk to His people that gives me the HOLY GOOSEBUMPS! But I'm also saddened by the reality of how we snob the leading of God in our lives. I know that God does not communicate to us audibly, but think of the love He invested for us to enjoy the freedom and privilege of gaining Biblical truths!
We have the responsibility of intently listening for God's loving instructions. We have to make a conscious effort to take a position of humility and accept whatever God wills for us! Spiritual discernment is a must for every bible believing Christian who wants to have a closer and deeper relationship with God!
So...do you know what God wants you to do? can you discern the voice of God from your own selfish desires?
Monday, January 16, 2012
what matters most?
a question left unanswered by a poverty stricken family whose father is left with a decision to keep his children and leave a heritage of misfortune or give them up to the welfare system of the state to "somehow" guarantee a better future.
an inquiry hated by people who were educated to cure the sick and save lives but sometimes are given the task of choosing a life over someone or lose them both.
a gut wrenching reality to a grieving family whose loved one is nearing the end of his life and they are given the option not to revive once his heart stops...or prolong the patient's stay in this world hooked up to machines with no guarantee of a normal life
If only decision in life are as easy as choosing what to wear, or what to eat, or what channel to watch. If only the level of difficulty of life's choices would stay below our expectations. But then, if God did not give us the ability and the opportunity to gain discernment on what matters most, then we would never appreciate the value over the things we posses....nor the value of the relationships we have.
Sometimes God would take us to a fork in the road to face a very painful decision and the first thing we'll notice is how much adjustment we would have to endure or the hassle of change...small or big, it won't matter because there will always be something different. Then we start to whine and complain...we are actually gearing up for a life of bitterness! We fail to realize that in every decision we make, God allows a certain amount of grace that would help us get through this phase in our lives.
As a phlegmatic melancholic, I dread being given options...the only time i have decided for myself is because my patience ran out...other than that, I would bounce back the decision to whoever asked me. I can discern the value of something or someone, but it's hard for me to justify (within me) the importance of one thing from the other. I tend to see everything as equal...I'm not an ideal optimist...I'm just apathetic! And that's where we Christians get trapped.
We tend to always see everyone with an equal eye...pretty soon, our service to our certain ministries becomes monotonous and uninteresting to us. We develop a routine out of apathy. Then, we could no longer answer "what matters most?" Once this happens, a little threat of change would seem a catastrophe of gigantic proportions!
Let's guard our hearts. Let's keep our intentions pure. Let's get our motivation from the absolute truth. With these, we can develop a conscience that can honestly answer the question of "what matters most?" with full confidence. Knowing that the standards you have developed through the learning of God's word will give you the Spiritual Self-Esteem to differentiate and discern God's will for us!
an inquiry hated by people who were educated to cure the sick and save lives but sometimes are given the task of choosing a life over someone or lose them both.
a gut wrenching reality to a grieving family whose loved one is nearing the end of his life and they are given the option not to revive once his heart stops...or prolong the patient's stay in this world hooked up to machines with no guarantee of a normal life
If only decision in life are as easy as choosing what to wear, or what to eat, or what channel to watch. If only the level of difficulty of life's choices would stay below our expectations. But then, if God did not give us the ability and the opportunity to gain discernment on what matters most, then we would never appreciate the value over the things we posses....nor the value of the relationships we have.
Sometimes God would take us to a fork in the road to face a very painful decision and the first thing we'll notice is how much adjustment we would have to endure or the hassle of change...small or big, it won't matter because there will always be something different. Then we start to whine and complain...we are actually gearing up for a life of bitterness! We fail to realize that in every decision we make, God allows a certain amount of grace that would help us get through this phase in our lives.
As a phlegmatic melancholic, I dread being given options...the only time i have decided for myself is because my patience ran out...other than that, I would bounce back the decision to whoever asked me. I can discern the value of something or someone, but it's hard for me to justify (within me) the importance of one thing from the other. I tend to see everything as equal...I'm not an ideal optimist...I'm just apathetic! And that's where we Christians get trapped.
We tend to always see everyone with an equal eye...pretty soon, our service to our certain ministries becomes monotonous and uninteresting to us. We develop a routine out of apathy. Then, we could no longer answer "what matters most?" Once this happens, a little threat of change would seem a catastrophe of gigantic proportions!
Let's guard our hearts. Let's keep our intentions pure. Let's get our motivation from the absolute truth. With these, we can develop a conscience that can honestly answer the question of "what matters most?" with full confidence. Knowing that the standards you have developed through the learning of God's word will give you the Spiritual Self-Esteem to differentiate and discern God's will for us!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
THANKS!
my 27 years of existence I owe to God...Who did not hesitate to bring me to this world knowing my failures and defiant attitude...my disobedient and arrogant tendencies...everything bad about me He knew beforehand but still I live...Thank you Lord!
I was guided by parents who purposed to use the Scriptures as their basis in raising their children. Parents who are not perfect but was a target of grace nonetheless. They taught me how to love because God has first loved us. They taught me the importance of obedience and honesty...respect and honor...compassion and grace...I have been a product of God's amazing grace through my parents! Thank you God for my parents!
I grew up with two sisters who has annoyed me since the beginning of their lives! I was jealous of the attention they were getting at first...but now that we've grown and matured, I appreciate their reception to Bible Doctrine. Now, instead of being irritated and annoyed, I rejoice because they have the same heart towards ministry that was instilled to us by our parents. They are a reflection of God's grace...Thank you God for Eunice and Steph!
My life mostly revolved around people who are oozing with grace...people who shared the same faith and belief as I do. My doctrinal principles and references are a direct result of the dedication of Doctrinal Oriented people who illuminates the Word of God through the Local Church! Thank you God for Faith Baptist Church - South Metro and the leadership of this church.
My love for teaching is also a grace gift from God. The more I teach, the more I fall in love with doctrine. My teaching skills were developed in Church while teaching the Young People. I've always enjoyed teaching to young people who are overtly receptive. My good times and bad times in teaching, I've shared with the young people of our church. Thank you God for the young people of my Church!
Love...personal and impersonal is a vital part of the Christian Way of Life...People has shared their life with me and vice versa. Sharing the most intimate details of life with confidence and doctrinal relevance. The relationships that developed have been tried and tested...some are not as intimate as before but still as important as ever. If there's one thing that I have picked up from doctrine its this: LIFE IS BETTER LIVED WITH RELATIONSHIPS THAT HAS THE SAME FOCAL POINT...GOD! Thank you God for Friends
Then...there's the personal and intimate aspect of love that has been a sensitive topic for me for the past few years. But I've decided to not let something that was originally designed by God as a source of Grace, be a source of worry and stress. God has allowed me to grow and learn from every situations in my life...Every stupid and self-inflicted hurt and pain pushed me to a closer relationship with God...every divinely ordained discipline taught me valuable life lessons. I'm not claiming that I've earned what I am enjoying now...it's still grace...but for me not to enjoy something that God has allowed is ingratitude and arrogant. So yes...I am enjoying my life with someone God has allowed in my life...and in God's right time, I will be sharing my life with her for the remainder of my life in ministry. Thank you God for Neth!
Everything I owe to God...What I am now is because of the equal privilege and opportunity God has given me to enjoy the growing stages of my Christian Way of Life. Doctrine has never been real to me till now. I've been studying doctrine since I was 17 and never thought that the sweetest realizations would start after 10 years! Thank you Lord fore everything you've done...everything really boils down to grace.
Here I am Lord...use me!
I was guided by parents who purposed to use the Scriptures as their basis in raising their children. Parents who are not perfect but was a target of grace nonetheless. They taught me how to love because God has first loved us. They taught me the importance of obedience and honesty...respect and honor...compassion and grace...I have been a product of God's amazing grace through my parents! Thank you God for my parents!
I grew up with two sisters who has annoyed me since the beginning of their lives! I was jealous of the attention they were getting at first...but now that we've grown and matured, I appreciate their reception to Bible Doctrine. Now, instead of being irritated and annoyed, I rejoice because they have the same heart towards ministry that was instilled to us by our parents. They are a reflection of God's grace...Thank you God for Eunice and Steph!
My life mostly revolved around people who are oozing with grace...people who shared the same faith and belief as I do. My doctrinal principles and references are a direct result of the dedication of Doctrinal Oriented people who illuminates the Word of God through the Local Church! Thank you God for Faith Baptist Church - South Metro and the leadership of this church.
My love for teaching is also a grace gift from God. The more I teach, the more I fall in love with doctrine. My teaching skills were developed in Church while teaching the Young People. I've always enjoyed teaching to young people who are overtly receptive. My good times and bad times in teaching, I've shared with the young people of our church. Thank you God for the young people of my Church!
Love...personal and impersonal is a vital part of the Christian Way of Life...People has shared their life with me and vice versa. Sharing the most intimate details of life with confidence and doctrinal relevance. The relationships that developed have been tried and tested...some are not as intimate as before but still as important as ever. If there's one thing that I have picked up from doctrine its this: LIFE IS BETTER LIVED WITH RELATIONSHIPS THAT HAS THE SAME FOCAL POINT...GOD! Thank you God for Friends
Then...there's the personal and intimate aspect of love that has been a sensitive topic for me for the past few years. But I've decided to not let something that was originally designed by God as a source of Grace, be a source of worry and stress. God has allowed me to grow and learn from every situations in my life...Every stupid and self-inflicted hurt and pain pushed me to a closer relationship with God...every divinely ordained discipline taught me valuable life lessons. I'm not claiming that I've earned what I am enjoying now...it's still grace...but for me not to enjoy something that God has allowed is ingratitude and arrogant. So yes...I am enjoying my life with someone God has allowed in my life...and in God's right time, I will be sharing my life with her for the remainder of my life in ministry. Thank you God for Neth!
Everything I owe to God...What I am now is because of the equal privilege and opportunity God has given me to enjoy the growing stages of my Christian Way of Life. Doctrine has never been real to me till now. I've been studying doctrine since I was 17 and never thought that the sweetest realizations would start after 10 years! Thank you Lord fore everything you've done...everything really boils down to grace.
Here I am Lord...use me!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
old self - new self
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like the God in true righteousness and holiness." - Ephesians 4:22-24
Everyday is a battle to not conform to the world and forget about the old sinful ways that we have been accustomed to. Once we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and we have accepted the truth that Jesus is the only way, truth and life...the struggle intensifies. Doing what is right becomes a lifestyle rather than a guideline. Our standards for morality acquired an eternal value. Sin is never an option. Easier said than done.
As I step into 2012 and look back at 2011, I see God's grace all through out! Yes, I have failed...many times...but not once did God withhold His Grace and Mercy to me. I am a product of God's undying compassion...I am not proud of failing, but because of these failures, I have learned to appreciate God's provisions!
I am not going to make and resolutions...but I am going to stick with God's revelations! If there's one thing we need to do this 2012, is to know and understand more about the God who has created us and showed us love! Even while we were still operating in our old self...sinful ways without grace...God has shown love with a provision for us to acquire a new self...grace filled and always forgiven!
Happy New Year People!
Everyday is a battle to not conform to the world and forget about the old sinful ways that we have been accustomed to. Once we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and we have accepted the truth that Jesus is the only way, truth and life...the struggle intensifies. Doing what is right becomes a lifestyle rather than a guideline. Our standards for morality acquired an eternal value. Sin is never an option. Easier said than done.
As I step into 2012 and look back at 2011, I see God's grace all through out! Yes, I have failed...many times...but not once did God withhold His Grace and Mercy to me. I am a product of God's undying compassion...I am not proud of failing, but because of these failures, I have learned to appreciate God's provisions!
I am not going to make and resolutions...but I am going to stick with God's revelations! If there's one thing we need to do this 2012, is to know and understand more about the God who has created us and showed us love! Even while we were still operating in our old self...sinful ways without grace...God has shown love with a provision for us to acquire a new self...grace filled and always forgiven!
Happy New Year People!
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