Keep Strokin'!

17 October 2007

Keep strokin'!

"Let us go over to the other side." Mark 4:35 NIV

Sometimes you only learn to swim by getting thrown into the deep end. When that happens you discover that: (a) if you let it, your fear will take you under; (b) you can only tread water for so long; (c) when you get to a certain point there's no turning back, you have to keep going. It's fatal to stop or give up in the middle of the process; (d) what God has put within you (the air in your lungs) will sustain you and keep you afloat if only you learn to relax, trust God, and keep strokin'! If you're really serious about getting to the other side - you've got to take what's in front of you and keep pushing it behind you. In other words, keep strokin'! You might be crying while you're swimming, but keep strokin'. Your heart may be about to come out of your chest, but keep strokin'. It's when you feel backed into a corner with nowhere to go, that you've to reach down, take hold of what God put within you, and keep strokin'. "The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force" (Mt 11:12). Notice the word "violence" - sometimes you have to rise up in faith and fight your way through, confident that God is on your side. The waters you're in don't determine your destiny; they can either carry you over or take you under. Your faith has got to rise up and fight your fear. If you quit, God can do nothing more for you. So whether you're doing the breaststroke, the backstroke, or some other kind of stroke nobody's even heard of - keep strokin'!

Unrealistic Expectations

Unrealistic expectations

"Don't do...good deeds...to be admired." Matthew 6:1 NLT

When you do something nice for somebody, expecting the favour to be returned, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Jesus said, "When you help someone...do it - quietly and unobtrusively" (Mt. 6:3-4 TM); "Your Father knows what is done in secret, and He will reward you" (Mt 6:4 CEV). There are certain things everybody has a right to expect, like common courtesy and respect. But too often we place expectations on other people that aren't their responsibility to fulfil. Then when they don't meet our demands we act hurt and disillusioned, when in reality it was our own misguided assumptions that caused the problem. A well-known counsellor says, "Many of us have unmet needs from the past...we want others to fulfil our desire to be loved unconditionally...some of us are so needy we drive people away." Husbands and wives are famous for holding each other account-able for things they need to work on personally. It's not fair to expect another person to 'fix' you, or change your life, or suddenly become who you want them to be in order to make you happy. That kind of behaviour just causes stress, resentment, hostility, and an unhealthy dependency you'll end up dealing with later. Another problem is expecting others to read your mind when you haven't taken the time to spell out your expectations. How can you blame somebody for not doing something they didn't know you wanted? Understand this: people aren't your answer, God is. If He chooses to use a certain person to bless you He'll do it; if not He'll use somebody else. So examine your thinking today and ask God to reveal and remove any unrealistic expectations you're living with.

Practice self discipline!

05 October 2007

Practice self discipline!

"For a servant...discipline is needed." Proverbs 29:19 NLT

Solomon said, "It is better to have self-control than to conquer a city" (See Pr 16:32 NLT). So, how are you doing when it comes to self-control? Here are some nuts-and-bolts things you can start doing to make it more of a reality in your life. (a) Begin your day by doing the hard things first. If you get sidetracked, make yourself go back and complete them. For example, make your bed, pick up your clothes and wash the dishes; don't make extra work for others: "Work hard at whatever you do" (Ecc 9:10 CEV). And don't start several projects at once; do one thing at a time. (b) Discipline yourself to be punctual. Tardiness is a hard habit to break. To conquer it you must be willing to call it what it is - inconsiderate, selfish behaviour. (c) Plan ahead. Everything takes longer than you think, so don't wait until the last minute then rush around like a chicken with its head cut off. Living under the gun can give you ulcers, whereas allowing yourself extra time is good for your health and brings peace. (d) Accept correction from those who care about you without sulking or retaliating. The Bible says, "Wisdom is found in those who take advice" (Pr 13:10 NIV). If you're wise you'll welcome feedback and seek counsel. Gandhi once said, "There's always a limit to self-indulgence, but none to self-restraint." So ask God to help you control your unruly thoughts, feelings, desires and behaviour. Identify unmanageable areas in your life, ditch the excuses, face the truth even when it hurts, refuse to feel sorry for yourself, and set a few attainable goals. In other words, "Learn to sense what is vital... and of real value" (Ph 1:10 AMP).

Soulfood Bible Readings 1 Sam 14-15, John 1:14-28, Ps 63, Pr 22:17-23

Letting go of the Past

Letting Go of the Past

READ | 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

John Newton worked in one of the vilest businesses of his day—slave trading. But later, after receiving Jesus as his Savior, he penned the now-familiar words to "Amazing Grace" as well as these lines: "In evil long I took delight, unawed by shame or fear; 'til a new object met my sight and stopped my wild career." Faith in Christ separated Newton from his dark past. The hope of a bright future is also ours if we accept God's offer of a new beginning.

No sin is so great that God will not forgive. Certainly some sins wreak havoc on our life as the consequences are played out. We will have to deal with whatever fallout our wrong choices bring, but we do not have to live with guilt and shame. And when there are repercussions, we don't have to face them alone.

First, we must accept responsibility for our sin. Confession and repentance mean we must drop our guilt burden at the foot of the cross. Only when we are willing to lay aside the sin and its accompanying shame can we take the second step—accepting forgiveness. We could never do enough to earn God's pardon, so He freely offers mercy to anyone who will receive it. Christ's death at Calvary bought every person a life free from the weight and wages of sin, but each individual must accept that salvation gift for him- or herself.

Our newfound liberty is maintained by taking a final step—believing we have a new life in Christ. If we will face our sin, accept forgiveness, and look toward the future, we cannot be weighed down by wrongs of the past.

Get on the bus!

25 September 2007

Get on the bus!

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you." 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

When it comes to the Christian life, God promises no bed of roses on the battlefield and no carpet on the racetrack; just a checkerboard of adversity and advancement! His Word says, "Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain." So the word for you today is - get on the bus!

Can others see Jesus in you?

Can others see Jesus in you?

"Let us go with you, for we have heard...God is with you." Zechariah 8:23 NIV

God told His people through the prophet Zechariah, "Many...shall...seek the Lord... saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you'" (Zec 8:22-23 NRS). God's presence changes everything! When it shines through your life others are drawn to what they can see and sense. It happened to a short-order cook named Nicholas Herman. Dissatisfied with his life, he worried constantly about whether or not he was even saved. Then one day as he studied a tree he was struck by the same truth that David talks about in Psalm 1:3, that the secret to growing Spiritually lies in being rooted and grounded in something (and someone) deeper than yourself. So Nick decided to make his life an experiment in what he termed "the habitual, silent, secret conversation of the soul with God." These days he's better known as Brother Lawrence, the name his friends gave him. Chances are you've heard of him and his writings. Although he spent his life in obscurity working in a kitchen, how he interacted with God has made people around the world long to know God like he did. His friends said he "found God everywhere...as much while repairing shoes as...praying with the community." And after he died they compiled a book of his letters and conversations called Practicing the Presence of God. It's one of the most widely read books of the last four centuries. Jesus said, "If I am lifted up...I will make everyone want to come to Me" (Jn 12:32 CEV). So the more you allow Him to express Himself through your life, the more others will be attracted to Him.

A Mother's Prayer

A Mother's Prayer

"I prayed for this child...now I give him to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28 NIV

Mum, here's a prayer for you to pray: "Lord, help me to give my children the best - not of things, but of myself, cherishing them on good days and bad, theirs and mine. Teach me to accept them for who they are, not just for what they do; to listen to what they say, if only so they'll listen to me; to encourage their goals, not mine. Let me give them a home where respect and integrity are the cornerstones, and there's enough happiness to raise the roof. May I give them the courage to be true to themselves; the independence to take care of themselves, and the faith to believe in You. May I discipline them without demeaning them, demand good manners without forgetting my own, and let them know they have limitless love no matter what they do. Let me feed them properly, clothe them adequately, and have enough to give them small allowances - not for the work they do, but the pleasure they bring. Let me be moderate in all these things, so that the joy of getting will help them discover the joy of giving. See that their responsibilities are real but not burdensome, that my expectations are high but not overwhelming, and that my praise is thoughtful and given when it's due. Help me to teach them that excellence is work's real reward. And when it comes - let me revel in each honour, however small, without once pretending that it's mine - my children are glories enough. Above all, let me ground them so well in Your truth that I can let them go. In Jesus' name, Amen!"

The purpose of our trials

The Purpose of Our Trials

READ | 1 Peter 4:12

Some believers like to portray their lives as perfect and carefree. But in reality, being a Christian isn't always easy. In fact, sometimes we'll experience trials that truly test our faith and ability to trust in God.

In today's passage, Peter refers to times of testing as "fiery ordeals." He says we shouldn't be surprised when hardships come our way. It's important to remember that God has a purpose for our trials and will see us through each step of the way. But the question is, What purpose does God have for the trials we face?< br/>
First, the heavenly Father will sometimes use painful experiences to cleanse and purify His children's lives. Trials drive us to the Lord. Then, as we begin to focus on Him, we start to see things from His perspective and often become more aware of our sin.

Second, the Lord at times allows difficulty in our life as a way of testing us—He might be trying our faith, endurance, or devotion to Him. He uses such experiences to reveal something about our spiritual development and to strengthen our faith.

Third, God uses suffering to demonstrate His power to sustain us. When He brings you through difficult times, He glorifies Himself. In turn, this encourages others when they experience trials, because they have witnessed God's sustaining power in your life.

Ultimately, hardships strengthen our testimony. In the midst of adversity, we might feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But once the storm has passed, we can often look back and see the Lord's providential hand carrying us through.

Caring with our conscience

Caring With Our Conscience

READ | 1 Corinthians 8:9-12

How do you approach your decisions— by thinking primarily of yourself? Or do you consider how your actions will affect the faith and lives of others? Just as we have to discipline our conscience for it to grow stronger, we must use discernment to avoid wounding a weaker believer.

Some Christians never stop to think that their choices can weaken or destroy someone else's faith. They justify their behavior, saying God doesn't convict them for it. While they don't necessarily indulge in sinful acts, their spiritual defenses have grown strong enough to let them do things they wouldn't have done in the early stages of their spiritual walk. These believers fail to realize that younger Christians are watching how they live out their faith. When "weaker" ones follow the example they see, their ship of faith may capsize because of a conscience that is troubled or confused rather than strengthened.

Paul blames the "stronger" Christian for these shipwrecks. He says we're responsible not only for our actions, but also for the effect of those actions. In the end, we are to care more about the "brother for whose sake Christ died" than about our own wants or desires (1 Corinthians 8:11).

Because our faith is on display before the world, God promises rewards but insists on responsibility. One of the rewards is freedom from condemnation. But that freedom doesn't mean license to do as we please without considering those who watch our example. Through the Spirit, we must discern the greater good and act on it.

Our Treasure

READ 1 John 2:15-17 God owns our treasure, regardless of what we consider "valuables." Material goods, talents, and time actually all belong to Him. Our responsibility is to manage and wisely invest whatever treasure He provides. And we are to help meet our own needs by using whatever the Lord provides from His unlimited "storehouse." For example, Philippians 4:19 tells us, "God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Some people interpret this as license to wait idly upon the Lord. But Scripture also speaks of laboring for six days and resting on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:9-10). Many of our basic needs are met through a job, so it's wise to invest our time and talents in gainful employment. Furthermore, the Lord wants us to use our resources to aid others, whether their poverty is financial, spiritual, or emotional. The best way to be helpful is by promoting God's work in our community and around the world. Jesus commanded that His followers preach the gospel and disciple newer believers. A portion of our time, talent, and money should be devoted to reaching the lost, because there is simply no greater need. The Lord's work also includes seeing that bodies are clothed, stomachs are full, and hearts are mended— these, too, are worthy biblical causes. God's resources do not belong to us. The treasures He places in our hands should be held lightly and invested wisely. To be good managers of what the Lord has given to us, we must be willing to give easily.

God's Mysterious and Powerful Ways. . .Proven!

For all those who doubt.

There truly is a God and how loving He is, for He is willing to show us HOW and WHY He loves us.

This morning during Rev. Ashur Lazar's Sermon (at the St.Hurmizd Cathedral, Sydney), he told a story to amazed Parishioners. It was of an event which unfolded on Friday evening.

On Friday 7th of September, an intruder jumped the front fence of the St. Hurmizd Cathedral, armed with an arsenal of tools, with the intention of breaking into the Church. This man was described as an 'Islander' or 'Kiwi'.

While the man was negotiating the lock of the front doors of the Church, he noticed a figure standing 'behind' the Statue of Raban Hurmizd, to the intruder's right side. This figure was described as wearing all black, with a black hood covering its head. The figure approached the intruder, who had frozen.

The hooded 'man' told the intruder that ". . .you cannot do this, it won't happen. . .".

The next morning, the intruder visited the Cathedral, approached Rev. Ashur Lazar and asked him if he was the Priest. Rev. Lazar then took the man upstairs so they could speak in private.

The man then explained to Rev. Lazar that it was him who attempted to break into the Church. He told the Priest that he had with him many tools to help him break any lock, but he did not succeed. He told the Priest that he had $10 with him and wanted to place that into the donation box inside the Church and he also wanted to pray. Rev. Lazar was more than happy to allow the man to do so.

After a short period of time, Rev. Lazar noticed the man sitting in the far corner of the Church, head in hands, praying.

May God bless this man, who was approached by a dark clothed figure from the shadows. This man has now been brought into the light and I pray that the Lord keeps him there and guides him to live a life for Christ.

This is yet another inspirational story of how God can work in peoples' lives. We, as Christians never doubt His myterious ways, but how much more encouraging is it for us to hear such stories. It delights us even more and fuels our Spirits.

Love one another

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil 2:2-5 NASB)

3 Reasons why you need Jesus

1. Firstly, because you have a past
You can't go back, but He can. The Bible says "Jesus Christ the same yesterday,and today and forever." (Heb 13:8). He can walk into those places of sin and failure, wipe the slate clean and give you a new beginning!

2. Secondly, because you need a friend
Jesus knows the worst about you, yet He believes the best. Why? Because He sees you not as you are, but as you will be when He gets through with you. What a friend!

3. Thirdly, because He holds the future
Who else are you going to trust? In His hands you are safe and secure, today, tomorrow and for all eternity. His word says: "For I know the plans I have for you...plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen." (Jer 29:11-13)

Waiting for God

Learning to wait upon God.

People generally think 'waiting' is sitting around doing nothing. Thats not what the Bible says about waiting. Waiting upon the Lord is a positive active decision.

Psalm 62:1 - My soul waits in silence for God only;

Psalm 62:5 - My soul, wait in silence for God only,

Waiting for God means to 'pause' and wait for further instruction. You don't make a decision until you receive word from God.

The wisest thing to learn is to learn when to act, when to stop, when to be quiet. when to wait, until God gives us direction. Most people in life get into trouble when they refuse to wait upon God. This is because it is one of lifes most difficult lessons to learn, waiting upon someone i cannot see, waiting when i cannot hear anything or cannot see what is going on, especially when everybody is shoving you along and telling you to "do something" and "move on, get something started"

When God doesn't tell you to move, you better not move. You have to stay in your present position and wait for God. You need to learn to
listen to God. if i dont know how to listen to God or how to hear Him, how can i know when to move and when to wait. Learning to wait and learning to listen go hand in hand.

You need to know how to hear Him.

Wait, just wait, be silent and wait. Don't move until God gives you directions.

Psalm 62:8 - Trust in Him at all times O people;
Pour out your hearts before Him;
God is a refuge for us.

The power belongs to God, He says in times of storms, don't try to manipulate your circumstances, don't rush out, just wait. He says He is our salvation, our rock, our stronghold, our refuge, our hope, everything we need. Trust in Him always as He will act on our behalf and when He does, we will see a demonstration of His power.

Wait on Him.

Gossip

Our words should be healing words, not words that hurt or destroy. You and I don't have the right to gossip about someone, using our God given speech to discourage or divide someone else, it is evil on the throne. We need to be careful what we say, as it might be received in a different way to which it was intended. Control your mouth.

 

One of the greatest gifts we have received from God is speech. We are able to communicate many things with people, but especially God. We can sing praises to our Lord and spread His word. It can be a great tool for good, however like most things in this world, it can be a damaging weapon used for no good. We can cause all kinds of difficulty and hardship with our words. It is just a matter of how we wish to use the words of our mouth.

 

Gossip is malicious talk about someone with the intention or desire to hurt them in some form or fashion. When you think about Gossip and its nature, you need to see what its travelling companions are. What goes along with Gossip.

 

Romans 1:18

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,"

 

God describes mankind, the wrath of God has been revealed against all unrighteousness. God describes the fallen nature of man.

 

Romans 1:24-29 

"Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,"

 

This is what people do, they move in a certain direction sinning against God and they keep doing it over and over. Long enough, time comes when no body knows whats going on anymore. These people give themselves over to a certain lifestyle not caring about the consequences.

 

Look at the company Gossipers are in! They are placed in a category where none of us would like to be in.

 

2 Timothy 1:5

"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."

 

There you go! Gossip is right in the middle of these terrible lists. In the eyes of God, Gossip is a sin He detests, we have no right to bring anyone down.

 

9th commandment: thou shalt not bear false witnesses. Most Gossip is lies that have been disguised to sound better and look better to make people feel better.

 

So why do people Gossip?

 

1. Pride - there are some people who like to be 'in the know' so that they can feel good about themselves, make them feel important. If they can pass on some information that you dont know, it lifts them up.

2. Bitterness, hostility and anger in their hearts - they cant keep anything in their hearts. They can't hide bitterness, hostility or anger towards someone. Their motivation is to vent something that is on the inside of them. When someone doesn't like themselves, they are very prone to being a Gossip because you cannot stop at tearing yourself down, you have to find something else to shoot at even though the truth is you are shooting yourself in the foot. Life has just done them dirty, they feel mistreated by life and they question God as to why others are happy when they are not.

3. Low self esteem - some people are not happy until they have pulled others down to their level. "if i cant be up where you are, im going to do something to pull you down to where i am because i dont want you feeling better than me" If thats the only way you can increase your self esteem, you are only hurting yourself. Their motivation could be jealousy, a jealousy of the other persons realtionships, possessions, opportunities or positions in life. This jealousy fuels their mouths to speak out in lies and become a Gossip.

4. Influence - lets say you are talking to someone and a third person steps in and says "let me tell you what I heard". You bring in other people to the story.

 

Have a pure heart!

 

Satan has you exactly where he wants you. His purpose is to divide, discourage and destroy us. So when we act in that form of dividing, discouraging and destroying, we are doing Satan's work for him. Gossip is the devil's language.

 

Gossip is a cowardly act. God condemns it. Not willing to face a person and share your heart, instead you go behind their back and fire an arrow at their character. It does not fit who we are and its a shameful testimony to the Kingdom of God.

 

Cautions:

 

Prov 20:19 - He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets,
         Therefore do not associate with a gossip

 

Prov 11:13 - He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets,
         But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter

 

Eph 4:29 - Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

 

--
 

Our name......again!

This is yet another passionate and emotional cry to my people. Please read and take note. For those who take offence to something I have said here, you can email me and try to justify your arguements. I will gladly reply.

Please, to anyone who is reading this. Please stop calling us "Christian Assyrians."

I have seen this term thrown around many times recently, especially on Assyrian websites. Who decided to use this name?

We are Assyrians. That word alone, that description, the reference to any Assyrian out there in the world should automatically warrant a Christian branding. By using the name Assyrian, we are identifying with the first Christians of civilisation, that is a fact no one can deny.

Also, might I add, that we, Assyrians, are much different to other cultures ie. Egyptians and Lebanese. While these 2 nationalities can be split down the middle into either Muslim or Christian, the Assyrians cannot.

I am not interested in any 'statistic' which shows me that there are Assyrians of other religions out there. I will not accept nor believe, be it on my death bed, that there are Assyrians who have converted to Islam of their own free will. That is just outright ridiculous.

So you see, by using the term Assyrian Christians, you are clearly implying that there are Assyrians of other religions! We were called Assyrians from day one, hence our name should remain as it is. There should not be a joint name such as Ashur Chaldo, our language should not be called Neo Syriac Aramaic or Judeo Palestinian Aramaic. We should not bow down to anyone who throws a label on us. No we should not accept it.

I would also like to make another point. To anyone who shouts with pride "Christ spoke our language" let me say this: If you call yourself a true Assyrian and a true Christian, dont be a hypocrite. You should know perfectly well that Christ was capable of speaking any language. Did he not have the ability to create languages? In fact, I would even go as far as asking you: Did he not create ALL languages? Yes, Christ spoke Aramaic when he was of flesh on Earth, but dont sit and claim he spoke Aramaic when you know nothing of the language or you cant speak, read, write or understand Assyrian. Do not open your mouth if you do not know your own language.

On a side note, its interesting to see that a few individuals, a few, who seem to do a lot of talking these days, who seem to talk themselves up as Chrisitans, are off learning other (Non Assyrian) languages. To you I say this: You are a disgrace and should not even call yourself Assyrian. Bold statement? Maybe, but i can justify my words. How and why would you go and learn another language which is not your own when you dont even know your own language? What thought process did you undergo to decide that you would much rather go and learn a foreign language but not your own? Why not learn Aramaic? And i dont mean being able to read a few lines. Im talking about knowing it. Knowing its grammar, understanding what you are reading, where the words originated from etc.

If you are a true Assyrian and a true Christian and are interested in these things, learn Aramaic! (or even Akkadian if you think you are up to it) Learn it properly and not a half assed job at that. What purpose is it for me to know another language but not my own? It is only to boast to others when telling them you study another language but you can so easily be jammed if the other person asks you "Oh ok so that means you know Aramaic and Assyrian?" What will you reply then?

Please be very careful when referring to who we are. Do not listen to the media who will call us Iraqi Christians or Assyrian Christians. We are Assyrian. No ifs or buts, its not a question open for discussion and its not a technical term. Its plain and simple, dont let this dirty world distort your vision.

To those I referred to earlier as being hypocrites for not knowing their own language prior to studying others, I would like to say with love and respect: If you dont know your own language and cherish it and maintain it, how can we pass it on? How can we document it and pass it onto the next generation? How can we prove that this beautiful language once existed? If we are all off studying foreign languages and marrying non-Assyrians, what does the future hold for this language and its people? Thats where I am coming from.

God bless

JI

Relationships (and Marriage) - Part 1

How do you become the person God wants you to be?

The problem is that most people look and wander for something and can never figure out what it is. The reason why those people will never achieve what God wants them to be is because they are looking in the wrong places and making the wrong choices. The choices we make in life determine whether or not we find happiness, success or failure, contentment and triumph over our adversities.

We need the right relationships in our life, if you and I are going to be the person God wants us to be.

Relationships are what life is all about, relationships with God and with each other. We don’t measure the value of those relationships be it positive or negative. Most of the time we might be in a relationship for a long time and never think about it. We all have relationships, with our friends and families.

God said in the Garden of Eden that it is not good for man to be alone, he needs a partner, that is a relationship. God has made us dependent on Him but also to need each other and when we talk about relationships, we talk about connections. That is, you are connected with people, emotionally as well. The issue is what kind of connections are they?

Do I have relationships that I believe will help me become who God wants me to be? Do I have relationships in my life that do not promote me to be who God wants me to be? Or do these relationships make me slip away from knowing God and being who He wants me to be?

The truth is that we won't make it anywhere in this life alone. We need each other to reach the place God wants us to be. Remember, man cannot build his house alone, he needs others to help him.

There are only a few things we accomplish on our own, but we are all dependent on each other. That is God’s will.

Noah had great relationships with his family in order to convince them to help him build the ark. They didn’t know what an ark was and especially didn’t see the purpose of it since it had not rained back in that day. Noah’s relationship with his family helped him convince them that God had commanded him to build an ark.

God’s plan for us is to build Godly relationships during our lifetime.

The kind of relationships we need to be where God wants us to be:

• Build our confidence. In God and ourselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.")


• Motivate us, to do our best.


• Encourage us in those moments that we are discouraged.


• Stimulate us to greater creativity. See within us the potential we have.


• Energise us when we are weary. How? If I feel a little down, ill call my friend and say “lets go and eat” I won't be so much interested in eating, only to be in their company to listen to them and talk to them so that my problems seem distant.


• Comfort us when we are hurting. We need someone else’s strength, empathy or sympathy.


• Defend us or criticise us. The more Godly you live the more criticism you will receive. We need those people who will defend us, who know us for who we are, believe in us, know the truth about us, not what others believe about us.


• Forgive us. We need those people who will forgive us when we falter and sin. God forgives us, but we need those strong people who can forgive us.People who love us when we are unlovely. They understand who we are even in our bad moments.

God loves us when we are unlovely. We are grateful He doesn’t only love us when we are good. We need those people who will accept us as we are.

Relationships (and Marriage) - Part 2

We can’t change anybody. If you want to marry someone who is a drunk and you believe that you can change them, you can’t. Only God can. It is not up to you to change them, your responsibility is only to live a Godly life. If you are marrying someone for the purpose of changing them then you are marrying them with the wrong intention. If you are marrying someone and you already have in mind something you don’t like about them, then you better stop and ask yourself if you are ahead of God’s schedule.

We need someone who can confront us when we are wrong. We need someone who can tell us that we hurt their feelings. We need to be told when we are wrong. If it is done in a Godly manner then it is easier for us to accept.

We need someone who can serve us. This means someone who can see us in our time of need and is willing to come to our aid and rescue us in that time of need. Many people have the gift of service. We all need to be servants in one way or another willing to be there for people.

We need patient people. We need people who can be patient in us when we are difficult. We need that person to understand us when we are going through a trial and not get upset because we are not ourselves on that particular day. We need the empathy from these people.

Do you have anyone in your life, one person, whose goal in their life is to build you up, to motivate you, to encourage you, to stimulate you in your creativity, to comfort and love you. Someone who is patient with you and can confront you. Do you have anyone in your life that can match this list?

Do you have anyone in your life where you are that person? Do you have that relationship with someone where you want all this for them?

Or are you self centred and just wanting someone to be there for you and bring you happiness and contentment? If so, you will never be the person God wants you to be UNTIL you are willing to be that same kind of person to someone else. If you have all these qualities with someone and your relationship with them works both ways, do you know that is the greatest treasure that you can have? Nothing in this world can match that genuine relationship within you. When you think about this person it makes you want to smile because you know who they are and you know what they think about it and no matter what criticism you receive they will stand for you and it makes you feel that you will do the same.

You know this person is the man or woman they ought to be. We need to bring people to a point where God wants them to be. But a lot of people will live their life in denial, lying to themselves and living life as their true self.

It doesn’t matter who you are there is nothing in life you can do alone. Anyone who says “Yes I have everything I don’t need anyone” or “I don’t need anyone in my life as long as I have all these things” Well guess what? You are living in a world of deception. You need people! Relationships, Godly relationships, so you can achieve the things He wants you to achieve, that’s the only way you will be happy. We can look at celebrities and billionaires, look at their marriages and relationships, all the divorces and problems, look at their lifestyles, there is no contentment there. Why? Because their relationships are so messed up, they do not have God in their lives.

Relationships (and Marriage) - Part 3

Negative relationships

These are the other kind of relationships, not positive influences in our lives.

They:

1. Dim our vision. They cause us to be in denial. “I know this is what I should be doing BUT…..”
2. Discourage us from truly and really wanting to be that Godly person.
3. Drag us down. “Well ok, I guess that’s not what God really wanted for my life” when you actually know it was. Or you say “Well I guess I will never probably become anything.” They derail you in your thinking until you give up. It defeats you.

Solutions

1. Pray for God to change the other person(s). They won’t always change, when someone doesn’t want to change, very seldom will God make them change, its free will.
2. You can give up your goals and dreams. You can give up your desire to be a Godly person and the things God wants you to achieve.
3. Separate yourself from that relationship. This could be a job you are in, a loving relationship with a person, a friendship or maybe you are married to someone.

You may be in a relationship with a person who does not have your goals, not interested in your life, your future but only in them selves. I am NOT saying you should divorce a person because of that. I am saying you should FACE that relationship and deal with that relationship. I am saying God can take the most difficult relationships and when we put our faith and trust in Him we can endure far more than we could ever realise we could.
4. We can persevere and determine to be the person that God wants you to be and you can achieve the things God wants you to achieve by His help and His strength no matter who you live with or what the relationship is. You are trusting in God and not giving up in failure. Your trust in God that He will use all the criticism, difficulty and hardship to make you a Godly man and Godly woman.

But, of course, it would be far better to have the right relationship. So, before you get married you need to sit with the other person and work out:

- What are their goals in life?
- Where they are headed in life?
- What do they want to achieve in life?
- What do they want to accomplish in life?

Some will say that “I want to marry and be happy and have kids.” Well ok that doesn’t take too long does it? Then what? Kids go to school and now you are a grandparent, now what?

You need to sit down and do some long, serious, Godly hard thinking and find out who this person is. What are their goals, where they are headed, why they want to marry? If you can’t say with a whole Godly heart, listening to God that I do believe I can link myself with this person because we have mutual goals and we both want to achieve what God wants us to achieve. We are committed to each other till death.

We want God to accomplish His purpose in our life, we want to build up each other and comfort each other and stimulate each other, motivate each other and all the other others! Not just “I think I am in love.” That’s not enough, there has got to be something stronger and deeper, a foundation. Built on what? The truth of the word of God, when it is built on this, you have a far better chance of making it work. Why? Because God lives inside of you. How? Whatever circumstance, situation and relationship, if you are to respond to Him in the correct fashion, He will turn it to your good no matter what, no matter what!

Relationships (and Marriage) - Part 4

Ok so what should I look for in a relationship? What type of people will help me be the person God wants me to be.

Remember these and ask yourself if someone has these qualities and if you are willing to be the same to them.

The person must have:

1. Godly character. Their beliefs and their behaviour will be consistent with the word of God.
2. Committed to you. A person who is committed in helping you become your best in life.
3. Genuinely loves you. They love you because you are you. Not because you are only there for them and they not for you, that is selfish and unGodly. They genuinely love you for who you were when they first met you and not how they picture you in the future according to how they want you to dress, speak, walk and live. If you change your look, dress, talk, lifestyle for this person, then it is not genuine, especially if they allow it! Genuinely loving someone means you accept them for who they are and you want to push them forward to be that greater person, where God wants them to be.
4. Always looking out for your best interest. You will be doing the same for them!
5. Wise counsel. Godly counsel, their advice is for your best interest, no matter how much the truth hurts. If it is according to God’s word, then it is wise. They are honest with us even when it hurts. It would be foolish to link your life to someone whose opinion or judgement you won’t even consider! What’s the point?
6. Faithful to you, when you’re right or wrong, when everyone else has left you, your friend is still there and says to you “Hey buddy I’m here for you through thick and thin.”
7. Give them selves to you. Their time, interest, efforts, willing to help someone in times of need.
8. Prays for you! Not “God bless him.” We need people who can pray for us “God convict him, God show him the truth.” Is there anyone in your life that prays for you at the moment, everyday? The greatest asset you and I have on the face of this Earth is when people call our name to our Father, to the living God! Asking on your behalf. Sacrificing their prayers in order to pray for you. What does that say about that person?

Are the relationships you are in, intimate and otherwise, do they match the things on the list you have just been given? Are they building you up? Encouraging you? Matching the items on the list? Are these relationships trustworthy? Are you becoming a better person? You make the choice.

Do you have a say, opinion in your relationships? Are you worth something to the other person? Or are you living only to impress the other person constantly and receiving nothing in return?

Can you confront the other person and be honest with them?

All good relationships begin in one place. That’s JESUS. Personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. You recognise you are full of faults and sins, disobedience and rebellion. You believe the testimony of the word of God that Jesus went to the cross and paid your sin debt in full and if you ask him to forgive your sins, he will forgive you and cleanse you. You will grow in your relationship with Him, trusting him as your Savior, this is how you begin to develop good, healthy, Godly relationships with people.

Why kill Christians?

Someone please give me an answer................



JI
--

The Assyrian Umbrella

When you think of an umbrella you think of something or someone taking cover underneath it, most likely from the rain, although i have seen some people using it as protection from the sun. Whatever makes you happy i guess.

This essay isnt about umbrellas, its about, yes what else, the Assyrian nation. Umbrella, or Metalta / Shamsiya, as its called in Assyrian, is only used in a metaphorical sense.

I would like to start by sharing with you an email my dear friend sent me the other day, this was my inspiration for this essay. The email read the following:

Dr. Bahnam Abu al-Soof, Professor of Archaeology in Baghdad University.

“All the inhabitants of the villages which are called Chaldean--TelKeif, Alqosh, Batnaya, Telesqoof,
Karamles, Qaraqoush, and others—no connection with the Chaldeans of antiquity. Today’s Chaldean term
is new to us, it came from the west, and from Rome precisely. You people, the inhabitants of the above
mentioned villages are originally Assyrians, descendants of the Assyrians of antiquity. I, for example, was
born in Mosul, and belong to the Chaldean Church, yet I am Assyrian and we all are Assyrians, being
Syrians, Chaldeans, or Maronites.”

Now i know most of you are thinking "Here we go again." Thats fine, but bare with me for a second. Here is the issue: Most Chaldeans think that Assyrians say "You're all Assyrian" out of pure arrogance and ignorance. This, fortunately isnt the case. The way i can prove it is by saying that 10 years ago there was none of this talk of what we should call ourselves or which village we're from etc. I had friends back in the day who were only known as 'Assyrian' who had different accents/dialects. Respect was all around cos we sat under the one umbrella.

These days im afraid to say, thanks to the recent situation in Iraq, all these specific villages have formed their own little political and social parties and associations and our Chaldean brothers have seperated from the Assyrian name to basically form their own nationality. We now have organisations such as Barwar Society, Camp Gelani and Habbaniya Society just to name a few. This automatically creates a sense of isolation for any one person who has not originated from that particular village.

Now this is where the history lesson begins. Historically and Biblically we were all born Assyrian. We had one language and one dialect until we thought we could put one over God so we decided to built a Hotel with a penthouse so we could climb into the clouds. Hence the creation of languages. God created all the other languages in that region so those people opposing him would be confused and not be able to communicate with each other. It seems that to this day we are still confused.

Being Tyaraya, Marbushnaya, Urmishnaya, Jilwaya, Tkhumnaya, Chaldaya or Nochiyaya, does not in any way mean that that is your nationality. It only stipulates the region of Assyria / Bet Nahrain you or your family are from. This same rule also applies to our Chaldean brothers and sisters and as the above quote mentions, it was a name given to those people by the Romans. Fair enough

Try explaining this to all the Assyrians and Chaldeans who are drowning in their own pride. When you meet another Assyrian person for the first time, how long does it take for them to ask you "Which milat are you from?" And when you answer "Im Assyrian" they get angry! Go figure. Its very simple, all you need to do is grab an ancient map of the Assyrian region. All the British maps are very well respected and accurate aswell. You can clearly see all the villages and towns of Assyrian, Chaldea to the south. Again, correct me if im wrong.

So if i apply this rule of origin which these people have created, I cannot say im from Sydney. Ill have to emphasis which suburb im from. I had someone last year forcefully tell me that all Tyarayeh are not actually Tyarayeh, this person told me with the utmost belief and arrogance that they are Ashetnayeh in denial, they are Ashetnayeh but "they just dont know it." Hmmm really? Thats interesting, cos the last i heard, Tyareh (which was divided into Upper Tyareh and Lower Tyareh) and Ashita were 2 different areas, but then again, im sure im wrong.

This is the arrogance which im talking about. People like this are the epitomy of why Assyrians to this day have not progressed. We are too involved and focussed on which tribe is the best. We are too worried about which tribe speaks the correct form of Assyrian, without realising that we have the most beautfiul language in the world simply due to the fact that we have so many dialects, not forgetting our brothers and sisters from the Tur Abdin / Midyat region, the Suryoyo Oomtanayeh. God bless them.

When i was in the company of a few people who spoke a different dialect of Assyrian to me, they actually laughed at me when i started speaking Assyrian. Literally laughed at me and told me i spoke "funny." I looked around the room for some respect, maybe it was there, on the wall or under the couch, but i couldnt find any. Surprise surprise! Now when you do your research, which i have, when you study your history and read credable and respected sources of Assyrian information, these particular people who lived in the mountains have been described as the most illiterate and uneducated Assyrians. (ref. The Assyrians of the Van District, During the Rule of the Ottoman Turks, M.Y.A. Lilian, 1914) This is because they were surrounded by the Turks and Kurds in northern Iraq and did not have schools until the early to mid 1900's when the ArchBishop of Canterbury's Mission to Assyria, built a few schools. So these specific people were taught their own language by the English! Even the Maliks, which these people held in such high regard to this day, were also illiterate and uneducated. Anyway, moving on.

Another issue i have with this type of Assyrian is the whole Qapala (Cane) and Khumala Wear(feather clothes). Im sorry, but this is NOT the clothing or tradition of Assyrians. The Assyrians of Baghdad and Urmi certainly didnt wear these clothes. They also didnt swing Qapaleh and Swords at weddings. Isnt it a coincidence that these feather clothes look very simliar to the Kurdish clothes? But yeh i guess they stole it from us. Its just another example of how the proud force their opinions and thoughts upon others. Even our music has now adopted the whole Tyareh wording and dialect.

For those who know me know that im not 'racist' and that i am totally 100% Assyrian focussed and educated. This is purely my opinion based on my own frustration and facts, from the deep love i have for my Assyrian nation, wanting it to grow and advance, not move backwards. We continue to shoot ourselves in the foot, wanting a piece of the pie, every suit wearing father wanting a larger slice than the next person.

A common excuse we hear is that "We dont have a country." Yes we dont, a 3 year old child can tell you that. Assyria doesnt appear on any world map. We're used to that. But again, where my issue stands is that we have formed communities in cities worldwide. Sydney, Melbourne, Chicago, Modesto, San Jose, just to name a few. These are our 'countries', or they should be considered as such. If we cannot make it work in these cities, how on Earth can we make it work in Iraq? To me, it just does not make sense. But im sure im wrong, again. With the thousands of Assyrians we have in these respective cities, we should have by now emerged as a respected and intelligent race, forming positive relations with each other and developing a powerful voice in the name of the Assyrian nation. Instead, in Sydney for example, we form over 22 different political associations. Now again, correct me im wrong, logically speaking we would be much stronger if we gathered 22 associations worth of strength and rolled it into one. But what do i know.

Let it also be highlighted that the majority of Assyrian literature was published and compiled in the city of Urmi, Iran (as well as Tehran). They had the resources and ability (and some say intellect) to complete such projects. However, the majority of the Assyrian Church of the East's books were put together in Baghdad, Iraq.

So to have someone who is of my own blood, laugh in my face when i speak my mother tongue, is the most disrespectful and hurtful thing to do. It is only within our own Assyrian community where you will find such a thing. Sitting eyes wide open jaw dropped listening to me speak a different accent of Assyrian as if i was from another planet, astounded, was a very awkward position to be in because it was purely unexpected. But thats fine. So how can we all live together if by some miraculous manner we are given land in Iraq.

This brings me to another point. We are 'fighting' for our rights in Iraq claiming we are the indigenous peoples of that land. Now again, if you have done your research and studies, and i mean proper deep studies of Assyriology, you would be aware of the Assyrian border and which areas it covered. So our political fathers are basically saying that as Assyrians we are entitled to rights and land in Iraq. Thats great. But on the other hand they are indirectly and unwittingly saying to Assyrians that only Assyrians of Iraq are welcome. So if you are an Assyrian from Iran, Syria, Lebanon or wherever else, its not your land. Assyria, in its original days, covered not only Iraq, but parts of Syria, Turkey and Persia. Again, correct me if im wrong.

On a brighter note however, i can say that there are young Assyrians striving to produce positive works for their nation. Nicholas Awde, Nineb Limassu and Nicholas Al Jeelo have released an outstanding book called Modern Aramaic Dictionary & Phrasebook (Assyrian/Syriac). As the title suggests, it is not just a dictionary, it is also a phrasebook. Basically if you travelled to an Assyrian language speaking country, this book would be an essential item to have in your possession. It is created by 3 respected young Assyrian men, educated and learned in the Assyrian language, most noteably Nineb Limassu, an Assyrian Lion from the UK. Job well done and may God bless all 3 of you.

So what am i trying to say? Basically im asking everyone to forget which village their parents are from. It means nothing and is totally irrelevant to ones life and especially their spiritual salvation. I would love to see the youth, who have the power, to come together and work together with no tribal pride. We should all look at the Assyrian youth of Denmark and Sweden as examples. Their interaction with each other and with the Assyrians of London, UK is something we should be proud of. Youth conferences and seminars are the norm, as well as 2 well developed websites and 24 hour online radio stations. The difference between them and the Assyrians of the west? Well in a nutshell, the European Assyrians only have pride in the Assyrian name, be it Urmishnaya, Nochiyaya, Syrianaya (Suryoyo), they all live under the one umbrella, the Assyrian flag.

Support Assyriska!

JI

What is a true Christian?

(This is an essay written by myself. Please read it when you have some time to spare.)

There are more than 400 sects and denominations calling themselves "Christian." They all have somewhat different beliefs and practices. Even so, every one of them is named after Jesus Christ. Partly due to this, many non-Christians scoff at the idea that Christianity is directly inspired by God.

True Christians can see the Holy Spirit inside another true Christian. True Christians can see Christ living inside other true Christians. This is not only an honour, but it is the perfect sign of God's love and will. It is not enough having read the Bible, preaching every word and showing how knowledgeable you are if it isn't applied to your own life. If your current actions and personal history tell a story of bad decisions, hurt, pain, cheating and lies, yet you preach the word of God, can you call yourself a true Christian? Christ is to be living inside a true Christian, so would your dark and deceptive actions be that of Christ? Highly unlikely.

A true Christian, will have God's love flowing through him like "rivers of living water" (John 7:38-39). As he/she deeply studies the Bible and feeds on it, and as he fervently prays to God every day on his knees for the spiritual strength, faith, guidance and love he/she needs, the true Christian grows spiritually.

It is obvious that millions of professing Christians never change! They may have "grown up" in a particular Church or they may have "accepted Jesus" in some evangelistic meeting. But in most cases, the "Christ" they have accepted is not the true Christ of the Bible! In most cases, the "Gospel" they have been taught is not the Gospel of the Bible! Far too often, it is just an incomplete message about the person of Jesus Christ – teaching that the only thing we need to do is "believe" that He died for our sins.

These people, in most cases, unwitting victims of Satan's deception, are not told that Christ must live in the same kind of life within them that He lived as a human being almost 2000 years ago. Paul was inspired to warn us about false Christianity, which was already beginning in his day: "For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you may well put up with it." (2 Corinthians 11:4)

Sadly, most of us have "put up" with the kind of empty version of the gospel, because it lets us feel comfortable in our sins. It is a kind of "cheap grace" (as Bonhoffer put it) that by neglecting God's Law tempts its adherents to "crucify again for themselves the Son of God" (Hebrew 6:6).

But the true Gospel tells Christians to grow and change, to develop the very character of God (1 Peter 1:15-16). The true Gospel tells us we are to be Kings and Priests in the soon coming Kingdom of God (Luke 19:11-19).

Grow and change? This is the application of God's word to ones own life here on Earth. In simple terms, do not make the same mistakes over and over again without realising why it is happening. Do not bring trouble into your lives without understanding who is responsible. If you know the true Christ, the true Gospel, it will be applied to your life and your experiences will be much more positive.

As we actively surrender to allow God, through His Spirit, to build His very character within us, we should genuinely become better, kinder, more loving neighbours. We should become better, wiser, more dedicated workers of professional people. We should become more thoughtful, loving and patient fathers and mothers, husbands and wives. We should become more zealous bond slaves of Jesus Christ in the great work of His true Church, proclaiming the Truth to all.

Therefore, knowing the 'real' Christ, living as a 'true' Christian, means we should be kind and loving to one another, respectful and honest, not as the world teaches deception and lies. For if you claim you know Christ, this would mean you do not deceive or lie to people, it would mean you take responsibility for your actions and 'grow' as a human being.

Paul wrote: "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). That is what true Christianity is all about, not merely believing in Christ, but having the living Jesus Christ living within us by the power of the Holy Spirit! That is what gives us the spiritual strength and love to live by God's law. It is not our strength, it is Christ's strength, His power and His spiritual love placed within us by the Holy Spirit!

For Christ lives within the true Christian. That is the key!

Step by step, each of us must "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18 ). It is not accepted by God if you call yourself a Christian yet you are not growing as a person. If your life has been the same over the past 12months or 3 years and have been attending Church and reading the Bible, but have not bettered your life, I would be asking myself some serious questions.

Through God's help and His Spirit in us, we are to surrender ourselves daily to let Jesus Christ live His life in us. Since Jesus Christ bought and paid for each of us by shedding His own blood, true Christians need to realise their responsibility to seek God's will daily in everything they think, say and do.

Of course we will all stumble at times, falling short of the goal of letting Christ live in us. One must not be discouraged by this. When we slip up and repeat old mistakes, or make new ones, if we are truly repentant and confess these sins to God, He will forgive us. Further, as John stated (1 John 1:8-9), God will cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Overcoming, then, takes time. It does not happen all at once. That is why we must never get discouraged and give up.

JI - 28/01/07


--

Fruits of a Christian

Fruits of a true Christian – (this is an excerpt from an article written for 'Tomorrow's World Magazine')


For the true Christian, God becomes the centre of everything. The genuine Christian is really God-centred. He will want to please God in all his thoughts and actions. He will constantly remember that God is his Father and that Jesus is his Savior. Therefore he will not be looking for clever trick arguments to "get around" keeping God's commandments or His inspired Holy Days.

Rather, he will "feed" on Christ by constantly studying and drinking in the inspired World of God, the Bible (cf. John 6:56-57). He will learn the habit of seeking God in earnest prayer as Jesus did (Mark 1:35). In all of this, he will learn to "walk with God" – to have his thoughts and actions more in tune with God and Christ every day of his Christian life.

A genuine Christian will also be led by God's Spirit to "love his neighbour as himself." He will strive, with God's help and guidance, to be kind, loving and giving. The real Christian will seek to live by Christ's instruction: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

A genuine follower of Jesus will strive to be a "giver", to help, serve, encourage and lift up his fellow human beings. He will put his whole heart into helping to give God's precious Truth to others. As Daniel wrote: "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).

In his own life and personality, the Christian will, more an more, manifest the spiritual "fruit" that Paul described: "but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Through Christ's Spirit living within him, the true Christian will demonstrate love, a sincere, out flowing concern for all men – and warmth and affection for all those around him. The true Christian will always have a deep and abiding love for God and for Christ, his Savior. He will appreciate forever the fact that Jesus Christ came down to Earth to suffer, to shed His blood and to die in order to reconcile us with God. So the genuine Christian will have an everlasting feeling of love and loyalty to Jesus Christ!

Furthermore, true Christians will experience inward joy and peace, which are priceless. As the Apostle Paul wrote: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). All Christians will grow in the spirit of kindness, longsuffering, goodness and gentleness and that above passage describes.

Another vital fruit is faith, the spiritual strength to trust in God and demonstrate commitment to that trust in every area of life. As King David was inspired to state: "But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as a shield" (Psalm 5:11-12).

The final fruit of the Spirit is self-control, the spiritual strength to master one's sins and lusts in order to obey God. Again, if you truly surrender your heart, mind and will to God, accept Jesus Christ and are baptised in His name, you are promised the power of the Holy Spirit give you this kind of strength and self-control.

Through God's Spirit, He gives us the power to obey His commandments. And our obedience shows that we have that Spirit.

We shouldn't expect perfection in our lives, on the contrary, we should expect trials in our lives which will help us grow. We have already learned that we are to grow in grace and in knowledge, so these will be applied to our lives. The true Christian life is on of overcoming and growing to become more like Jesus Christ, even in our innermost thoughts and desires.

But for true Christians, the magnificent future makes all the trials, tests and "growing pains" more than with it (cf. Romans 8:18 ).

JI


--

The Beggars on DVD

Ok so i might be a little behind cos this was filmed in July 2006 in London (live on stage). It only got released in Australia in the past month or so.

So anyways for those who havent heard of it im obviously going to recommend you watch this. Not just cos its Assyrian, but because it actually tells a very powerful story. By the way someone from AVN makes a special guest appearance in the opening sequence, but i wont mention who!

Behind the typical Assyrianised one liners from Sami Yako hides a strong yet sometimes controversial political message. Sami Yako has obviously constructed the sceenplay with a lot of thought, more than usual it seems. Its a shame that the audience on this night was very small, the hall was only half full/empty, so i dearly hope every Assyrian grabs it on DVD.

The 'Beggars' refers to the Assyrians in general, but the drama is in relation to the perspective of Assyrians living in our homeland today. Yako calls us 'Beggars', but more so in a metaphorical sense and not in a streetwise sense. The story revolves around 3 Beggars who share a small piece of land in the streets, against it seems, the governments wishes.

To pass time, the Beggars engage in Assyrian conversation surrounding various issues effecting Assyrians today. Now the delicate truth is that alot of Assyrians who watch this drama will believe Yako is taking 'Swipes' at his own people. Well you see, he actually is, but its the true romantics who will actually take light of his words and the meanings behind them. There is also potential for some to be offended by the Church comments. Regardless, you cant deny the fact that Yako is looking to grab his audience by the neck and shake them up a little bit.

However, cleverly, the balance of power is restored at all times as Yako's character Chaba represents one arguement and Mirkoo is more your traditional Assyrian. The government Officials are also an intelligent inclusion. They play pivotal roles in a Q & A session and this is where Yako's political message truly lifts its beautiful face above water, not that it was ever sinking mind you.

Its a shame it has a sad ending, however its yet another strong highlight of just how serious our fight really is.

As i said, i strongly suggest every Assyrian watches this. Not because it provides entertainment and guaranteed laughter, but for what its really about, Yako holds up a mirror to the Assyrian commmunity and makes some very strong points. Please buy it!

JI

Unity?

Disclaimer: Im not taking sides here, im all for Unity so relax. Im just asking questions and would like to know peoples opinions.

Hi everyone,

In light of recent events surrounding the word "Unity" ,which has been thrown around like a rag doll, i thought i should ask a couple of questions, to see what the true meaning of Unity is.

I have to admit that the recent gathering in the name of "Unity" was fairly historical due to the fact that many of those people have not been in the same room or vicinity for a very long time. Sometimes in life, in order to gain something good/positive, we have to endure something a little painful, but the end result is beneficial to all.

Now here is the glitch and im sure most of you are intrigued to know the answer. Wouldnt it have been much more beautiful and beneficial to the cause of the Assyrians and to this newly founded word of "Unity", if ALL Assyrian 'sides' were represented? I mean that is what Unity is all about isnt it, gathering parties which until a certain time have not engaged in meaningful dialogue and interaction. It would have been nice to have some ACOE Church representatives present, be it Priests, Deacons or even Committee members.

Now my question is this. I know that some people out there will say "They were invited", however i know of no official/formal invitation sent to the ACOE or its clergy. This isnt a rumour as im sure some of you will claim. Since in the past the ACOE has had dialogue with the Ancient Church of the East, im sure someone would have been sent to this historical meeting to represent the ACOE. Also, for those of you who say ACOE has never made an effort, try this on for size. The ACOE were regular attendees of the Assyrian Youth meetings which took place on weekends between Fairfield Youth Network leaders, the Chaldean Church and Mar Zaia Church. Father Genard was always present with a few other ACOE members along with Qasha Benyamin and Deacons from the Mar Zaia Church. This was in 2006 and will be continuing this year also.

It seems to me personally, that this "Unity" banner does not welcome the ACOE due to animosity or whatever label you wish to place on it. It seems this "Unity" agenda does not include in anyway the ACOE. Is this based on assumptions? Is this based on a "They wouldnt come anyways" excuse? (Its not like your are inviting people to your wedding knowing they wont come anyways, but hey it would be nice just to invite them so they dont complain.) As we all know, assumption is a very dangerous tool to have in your arsenal.

The other issue i have is this. Recently a few teachers of Mar Narsai Assyrian College, drafted a proposal to Assyrian and Fairfield LGA (Local Government Area) businesses asking for support (financial or otherwise) for a health program for the School, which would see the money/products go towards a breakfast program for the young kids to ensure they receive a healthy breakfast. The response was great and overwhelming and many thanks go out to those who donated. However, an Assyrian Social Organisation (who wont be named) received the letter, tore it up and told people "Were not helping them cos its for Mar Meelis."

Fair enough, however, no where on that document/proposal did it state the name of any Clergy. It was a School initiative for the children but i can see why some Assyrians would think Mar Meelis would pocket the money, paranoia and ignorance are illnesses many cant brush off. So if this well known established Assyrian social organisation who is vocally in support of Mar Bawai reacted in this fashion with those words (and again this is no rumour), my dear friends i ask you where is the Unity in that? Is this simply just another case of a few rogue 'haters' who take it upon themselves to ruin the Unity parade? (Similiar to the recent post about the disturbing threatening letters) Are these just a few people who dont care for the greater good?

If Unity is what everyone is striving for, these little niggly issues need to be swept away, not under the carpet, but totally eroded. This Unity vehicle will soon run out of petrol if efforts are not made to include EVERY Assyrian organisation, be it Religious, Political or Social. Lets see how far people are really willing to go to bring everyone to the table.This rift between '7' and '25' has been long time standing (personally i think everyone should build their bridges and get over it), ever since i was a child, so it will take massive efforts to change Assyrians' hard headed mentalities but yes, bringing everyone into the same room with effective mature communication avenues is a great start, but as i mentioned earlier, it would be great if everyone was there or else there is no point.

To finish off id like to say that Unity is only achieved if you show respect. If you resort to threats (verbal and physical), name calling, swearing, arrogance and hatred, then there isnt much hope is there? So if you sit there and swear at Church clergy or call them names or write letters of threats and insults, where is your intention of Unity? Cos as hard as i look i cant see it. I have seen alot of on this Forum in particular which saddens me cos its not our Fathers that are doing it, but us Youth. I have also seen it in documents, letters, emails and faxes. If everyone shows love to each other, then yes, thats the platform for Unity, thats the foundation for the first steps.

Showing love isnt 'Gay'.

Thanks
JI

Pleasing and serving God

In order for us to serve and please God, we must first understand that it is an honour to be wanted by God to work for Him. It is our duty to exhaust our lives for Jesus. We are to be living sacrifices, we are to spend and to be spent.

He took you out from the world, now He will take the world out of you!

2 Corinthians 6:17
"Therefore come out from them and be seperate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and i will receive you." (NIV)

The above verse tells us to walk out from among the sinners, yet not be one of them. We are told to 'shine' in society and stand out from the crowd while doing God's work.

Some people get the impression that this means we are not supposed to associate in any way with unbelievers. Yet Mark tells us:

Mark 16:15
"Go into all the world and preach the good new to all creation."

Mark 16:15 is possible one of the clearest verses in the Bible in regards to evangelism. We as Christians are expected to go out into the world and preach the gospel to those who are in need, living in darkness, to bring them closer to God so that they too may change their lives.

Jesus is our sanctification. He supplies the grace for our sanctification.

The gospel is a well of living water within us that transforms our very lives and then springs forward so that we may impact the lives of others. We are not meant to take the gospel as a set of rules, regulations and laws, but rather to see it as a loving response in the relationship we have with our Lord.

How do you apply the above scriptures to your daily life?

Stop now for 5 minutes and think of a time when you passionately gave yourself to a project/cause in order to satisfy God.

Phillipians 2:13
"For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

Matthew 7:20
"Thus, by their fruit you will recognise them."

How does it make you feel when you read that God wants you to work for Him?

Has there been a time in your life when you have been asked "Are you a Christian?" or has someone seen the Holy Spirit within you, without you even speaking a word?

Have you been treated differently by society because you are a Christian or because you strive to live honestly and cleanly according to Gods will?

God didnt save you so He could use you. He saved you because He desired to KNOW YOU intimately and for you to KNOW HIM intimately. That is the REASON you were created.