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)