Friday, 29 March 2013
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Ant Quality- 1st Part
Ants are social insects. In many ways, they can outwit, outlast, and outplay humans. Their complex, cooperative
societies enable them to survive and thrive in conditions that would
challenge the individual. Especially, the spiritual one. Here are 10 fascinating qualities about ants that just might convince you to take their examples and apply them in your life. They are:
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise( Proverbs 6:6)
Today, let us analyse the first two qualities of the ants: being WISE and INTELLIGENT.
The ants are so wise , that they only gather food in harvest time. They are not idle in the days where everyhing is fine. They go everywhere to fetch anything that can be eaten and store them in their nests. And so, when winter comes, the ants are not starved. They lay in their nests and have plenty to eat.
Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer (Proverbs 30:25)
Intelligent. How?
Ants are the most successful species on earth. They have survived and thrived for millions of years; they have conquered and colonized every continent and environment. Ants can be found in burning deserts, in jungles, and in cities. Ants exhibit many behaviours consistent with intelligence and civilization: they build cities, farm, communicate, and accomplish tasks through collective, highly organized goal-driven behaviour.
But, the butterflies are much prettier than the ants. They have beautiful wings but are poor. Why? Because they are not as wise as the ants. They fly among the flowers and enjoy themselves during summer. They never think of gathering food for the winter. Foolish they are, because they have no colony or place to reside. They only keep flying, going from place to place very contrary the ants.
But what happens when winter comes? The poor butterflies all die, while the ants still live.
The same happens in the lives of many people. They enjoy the pleasures of this world like the butterflies, do everything that pleases them, but forget that they have a soul. They forget that the soul needs care. They forget that one day the body will die but the soul never will. Where will my soul go when I die? They are not wise enough to consider this question. When they are still alive and everyting is favorable, their only motive is to do whatever they want, contradicting whatever Gods says and sins in every way. They are conformed to the world and its ways. These people are foolish to think that winter too will be favorable. But what they don't know, they shall suffer death in the pit of fire like these butterflies.
The wise and the intelligent are only those who care for their soul and get prepared for winter. Winter period, good people,is Death. They thrive though hard to maintain their body, mind and spirit pure before God, away from sin. They resist their flesh, the desire to enjoy their freedom, will and the pleasures of this world. They overcome the temptations the evil put in their way. They think of the time to come. They are WISE to seek God, his presence and will, and to obey his word. And, INTELLIGENT, in knowing how to build their spiritual life on a solid defensive foundation in communication with God. Happy are they because they shall not suffer death.
"The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death." ( Revelation 2:11)
The wiseness of the ants can also be contrasted to the parable of the 10 virgins who was judged by their wiseness( Matthew 25):
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
So, people of God, are you an Ant or a Butterfly? The wise virgin or the foolish one?
Winter time is near, and the bridegroom is coming. To fetch everyone? No, only those who were wise enough to take care of their soul and awaits his coming.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.( Revelation 3:11)
Tomorrow we shall talk on the next two Ant Qualities: Hardwork and Strength
God bless you, Thash
- Wise
- Intelligent
- Hardworker
- Strong
- Perseverant
- Cautious
- Defensive
- They build relationships
- Patient
- They love team work
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise( Proverbs 6:6)
Today, let us analyse the first two qualities of the ants: being WISE and INTELLIGENT.
The ants are so wise , that they only gather food in harvest time. They are not idle in the days where everyhing is fine. They go everywhere to fetch anything that can be eaten and store them in their nests. And so, when winter comes, the ants are not starved. They lay in their nests and have plenty to eat.
Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer (Proverbs 30:25)
Intelligent. How?
Ants are the most successful species on earth. They have survived and thrived for millions of years; they have conquered and colonized every continent and environment. Ants can be found in burning deserts, in jungles, and in cities. Ants exhibit many behaviours consistent with intelligence and civilization: they build cities, farm, communicate, and accomplish tasks through collective, highly organized goal-driven behaviour.
But, the butterflies are much prettier than the ants. They have beautiful wings but are poor. Why? Because they are not as wise as the ants. They fly among the flowers and enjoy themselves during summer. They never think of gathering food for the winter. Foolish they are, because they have no colony or place to reside. They only keep flying, going from place to place very contrary the ants.
But what happens when winter comes? The poor butterflies all die, while the ants still live.
The same happens in the lives of many people. They enjoy the pleasures of this world like the butterflies, do everything that pleases them, but forget that they have a soul. They forget that the soul needs care. They forget that one day the body will die but the soul never will. Where will my soul go when I die? They are not wise enough to consider this question. When they are still alive and everyting is favorable, their only motive is to do whatever they want, contradicting whatever Gods says and sins in every way. They are conformed to the world and its ways. These people are foolish to think that winter too will be favorable. But what they don't know, they shall suffer death in the pit of fire like these butterflies.
The wise and the intelligent are only those who care for their soul and get prepared for winter. Winter period, good people,is Death. They thrive though hard to maintain their body, mind and spirit pure before God, away from sin. They resist their flesh, the desire to enjoy their freedom, will and the pleasures of this world. They overcome the temptations the evil put in their way. They think of the time to come. They are WISE to seek God, his presence and will, and to obey his word. And, INTELLIGENT, in knowing how to build their spiritual life on a solid defensive foundation in communication with God. Happy are they because they shall not suffer death.
"The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death." ( Revelation 2:11)
The wiseness of the ants can also be contrasted to the parable of the 10 virgins who was judged by their wiseness( Matthew 25):
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
So, people of God, are you an Ant or a Butterfly? The wise virgin or the foolish one?
Winter time is near, and the bridegroom is coming. To fetch everyone? No, only those who were wise enough to take care of their soul and awaits his coming.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.( Revelation 3:11)
Tomorrow we shall talk on the next two Ant Qualities: Hardwork and Strength
God bless you, Thash
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Keys of death
Jesus made the way for our spiritual immortality by giving his life on the cross. As death can no longer affect him, it can no longer affect the true christian either ;The one reborn in him with the mark of the Holy spirit.
Today, let us seek sincerely the presence of God.
God bless you.
A living Sacrifice
When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you
sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them
to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?"
says the Lord Almighty. (Malachi 1:8)
At that time, the people were giving sacrifices, but they gave the worst of their flocks. The ones that were less valuable, that they would not be able to sell nor eat as food. They were aware that God demanded from them the best they had, but because they could not see him they did not pay attention to what they were offering. They thought that it was a waste to do so. Some gave by obligation and they forgot that at that time sacrifices to God was for repentance,praise and communion with God.
God compared this situation with how they shall offer something to the Governor. At that time, a governor was ruling the country. To please him, they would offer him gifts. So, they would not dare to give them a defective gift or the worst they found. This would insult him and the honour that should be given to him.
Let us contrast that situation with what is happening nowadays.
Today the sacrifice that God asks from us is our LIFE.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
But, how many people today are behaving like the ones of the book of Malachi?
How many people are giving only 50% of their life on the altar and are retaining the other 50%?
How many people are sacrifying only what they think is right and denyingwhat God is asking from them?
How many are still conformed to this world and is hesitating to be 100% converted
The problem of these many people is that they do not BELIEVE. They doubt the POWER of the lord and what is wriiten to bless their life. They are unwilling to take the risk of giving their life fully on the altar fearing not to see the result. They do not trust in God's presence but are accounted to his invisiblity. What lacks in these people is FAITH. Hebrew 11:1-4:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did.
By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
They sacrifice only part of their life and what is easy. Maybe they are faithfull in giving the best in the tithes and offerings, but forget to clean their heart or vise versa. Or maybe they give the tithes, have a clean heart but refuse to abandon the friends, the girlfriend/boyfriend of the world. Or maybe abandon the friends, have a clean heart, give the tithes, but is unable to stop smoking.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." (Matthew 23:23)
These people are Hypocrites, they want the 100% of God in all aspect of their life but refuse to sacrifice their life fully on the altar. They love it and fear of losing it.
Let me tell you, good people, that God hates this type of sacrifice. Because he is the Lord Almighty, everything on this earth belong to him. When Jesus gave his life on the cross, he did not only gave one leg or an arm. His whole body was crucified. He gave everything to save us, eventhough that was hard and reluctant to his own will and flesh.
But how hardhearted from our part to give only 99% of our own for him? Without forgetting giving 100% of our life is never in vain, we only benefit from it.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. (Matthew 16:25)
So, good people, do not fear to lose your life. Instead give everything of yourself to the Lord. You shall be filled with his presence and receive the greatest reward which is Your Salvation.
God bless you, Thash
At that time, the people were giving sacrifices, but they gave the worst of their flocks. The ones that were less valuable, that they would not be able to sell nor eat as food. They were aware that God demanded from them the best they had, but because they could not see him they did not pay attention to what they were offering. They thought that it was a waste to do so. Some gave by obligation and they forgot that at that time sacrifices to God was for repentance,praise and communion with God.God compared this situation with how they shall offer something to the Governor. At that time, a governor was ruling the country. To please him, they would offer him gifts. So, they would not dare to give them a defective gift or the worst they found. This would insult him and the honour that should be given to him.
Let us contrast that situation with what is happening nowadays.
Today the sacrifice that God asks from us is our LIFE.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)
But, how many people today are behaving like the ones of the book of Malachi?
How many people are giving only 50% of their life on the altar and are retaining the other 50%?
How many people are sacrifying only what they think is right and denyingwhat God is asking from them?
How many are still conformed to this world and is hesitating to be 100% converted
The problem of these many people is that they do not BELIEVE. They doubt the POWER of the lord and what is wriiten to bless their life. They are unwilling to take the risk of giving their life fully on the altar fearing not to see the result. They do not trust in God's presence but are accounted to his invisiblity. What lacks in these people is FAITH. Hebrew 11:1-4:
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did.
By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
They sacrifice only part of their life and what is easy. Maybe they are faithfull in giving the best in the tithes and offerings, but forget to clean their heart or vise versa. Or maybe they give the tithes, have a clean heart but refuse to abandon the friends, the girlfriend/boyfriend of the world. Or maybe abandon the friends, have a clean heart, give the tithes, but is unable to stop smoking.
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." (Matthew 23:23)
These people are Hypocrites, they want the 100% of God in all aspect of their life but refuse to sacrifice their life fully on the altar. They love it and fear of losing it.
Let me tell you, good people, that God hates this type of sacrifice. Because he is the Lord Almighty, everything on this earth belong to him. When Jesus gave his life on the cross, he did not only gave one leg or an arm. His whole body was crucified. He gave everything to save us, eventhough that was hard and reluctant to his own will and flesh.
But how hardhearted from our part to give only 99% of our own for him? Without forgetting giving 100% of our life is never in vain, we only benefit from it.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. (Matthew 16:25)
So, good people, do not fear to lose your life. Instead give everything of yourself to the Lord. You shall be filled with his presence and receive the greatest reward which is Your Salvation.
God bless you, Thash
Monday, 25 March 2013
PARABLE OF THE SOWER- LAST PART
"And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold." Luke 8:8
Here, the seed fell on good soil. Soil which is neither hard, rocky,nor thorny. It is productive, soft and perfect to receive the seed deep and let it grow into a fruitful plant.
Let us see how Jesus explained this parable. In luke 8:15 he said,
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
So, people of God, here is the reason why some people bear the fruits of the word of God in their life while others don't. This is only because the heart is different. The good ground is the sincere heart, the one who is humble, and free from sin. It only absorbs the word of God, let him grow fruitfully with care and prevent it from being uprooted by the evil.
The listerner having this kind of heart is the one who hear and practice the word of God, the one who have roots and resist temptations. He preserves what he sowed,and waters his seedling until it grows into an adult plant full of good fruits.
This person has a pure heart which makes of him a sanctified person; free from sin. Only the heart defines who a person is. If he is really a person of God, sanctified or a sinful one. Matthew 15:19 says:
"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.
Here we are defining a sinful person who have their sown along the hard path, in the rocks, and among the thorns.
But what defines a person who received it in the good ground? The good spiritual fruits he bears eventually...
But WHICH GOOD FRUITS?
"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone, but if it dies, then it bears much fruit."
while in 1 Corinthians 15:35-36, it is explained:
But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.
So, people of God, one of the good fruit is to die for this world, repent from all what you did wrong and reborn in Christ with a new life.
"God will increase the harvest of your righteousness" in order for us to be "filled with the fruit of righteousness" (Phillipians 1:11)
This means that we must live in reconciliation and peace with God and the people around us. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:17-18).
This person avoid fighting, quarelling and all fleshy desires against others. He lives in and for justice. He is right in his ways because he is in peace with himself, God and the people around him.
And in John 4, 35-36 it is explained:
You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!
This person brings others to Eternal Life.
Matthew 12:33-37 gives us a clear explanation:
“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
So, good people, here are the fruits of the good and honest heart. But how to get such a heart?
The only way is to live in humilty and being sincere to yourself. First recognise that your heart is corrupted. Then, comes the step to change it and search your dependance on God, his help and his presence.
This is the way to get your place in the Kingdom of God.
God bless you, Thash.
Here, the seed fell on good soil. Soil which is neither hard, rocky,nor thorny. It is productive, soft and perfect to receive the seed deep and let it grow into a fruitful plant.
Let us see how Jesus explained this parable. In luke 8:15 he said,
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
So, people of God, here is the reason why some people bear the fruits of the word of God in their life while others don't. This is only because the heart is different. The good ground is the sincere heart, the one who is humble, and free from sin. It only absorbs the word of God, let him grow fruitfully with care and prevent it from being uprooted by the evil.
The listerner having this kind of heart is the one who hear and practice the word of God, the one who have roots and resist temptations. He preserves what he sowed,and waters his seedling until it grows into an adult plant full of good fruits.
This person has a pure heart which makes of him a sanctified person; free from sin. Only the heart defines who a person is. If he is really a person of God, sanctified or a sinful one. Matthew 15:19 says:
"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.
Here we are defining a sinful person who have their sown along the hard path, in the rocks, and among the thorns.
But what defines a person who received it in the good ground? The good spiritual fruits he bears eventually...
But WHICH GOOD FRUITS?
- The fruits of REPENTANCE and REBIRTH
"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone, but if it dies, then it bears much fruit."
while in 1 Corinthians 15:35-36, it is explained:
But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.
So, people of God, one of the good fruit is to die for this world, repent from all what you did wrong and reborn in Christ with a new life.
- The fruits of RIGHTEOUSNESS
"God will increase the harvest of your righteousness" in order for us to be "filled with the fruit of righteousness" (Phillipians 1:11)
This means that we must live in reconciliation and peace with God and the people around us. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:17-18).
This person avoid fighting, quarelling and all fleshy desires against others. He lives in and for justice. He is right in his ways because he is in peace with himself, God and the people around him.
- The fruits of THE LOVE TO SAVE OTHERS
And in John 4, 35-36 it is explained:
You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!
This person brings others to Eternal Life.
- The fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT
- The fruit of OUR WORDS
Matthew 12:33-37 gives us a clear explanation:
“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
So, good people, here are the fruits of the good and honest heart. But how to get such a heart?
The only way is to live in humilty and being sincere to yourself. First recognise that your heart is corrupted. Then, comes the step to change it and search your dependance on God, his help and his presence.
This is the way to get your place in the Kingdom of God.
God bless you, Thash.
Saturday, 23 March 2013
PARABLE OF THE SOWER- 3RD PART
Here comes the third type of path where the seed can be thrown. Let us see the result of having a heart similar to what we will explain.
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. (Luke 8:7)
At this point, the soil is neither hard nor storny, it is soft and productive.But, it is not pure because it contains several kinds of seeds. It is therefore a mixed vegetation in which the seed is mixed with thorny plants. These spines were probably not apparent when the farmer sowed. Over time, they have developed to invade the entire field. The seed had germinated but it was literally choked by the thorns which grew much stronger.
In verse 14, Jesus explained this parable:
The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
This reaction to the word is perhaps the saddest. Here the Word of God has reached its goal, the heart of man, but it is stifled before it can has its effect in the person life. Stifled by what? The worries of everyday life, its pleasures, career and material things. The things that affect our spiritual life and prevent the word of God to be manifested in our life. Maybe the spiritual life of the person is not completely extinguished, but it remains as it is. It doesn't mature nor bear the fruits that Jesus wants. And what does God do to every branch that doesn't bear fruits?
John 15:2 and 6 tell us:
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (V 2)
If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (V 6)
This shows us that those who do not bear the fruits are thrown into the fire and burned. So, people of God, you who listen to the word of God and let the pleasures of this world take upon you, do you want to be burnt into this fire?
How many christians started well and later fell because of the traps of evil and the pleasures of this world and their flesh? What is the end of these people? Do you think they shall inherit the kingdom of God?
No....
Today, is the opportunity for you who are in this situation, to leave behind the greed for this world and do not let anything take over your spiritual life.
God bless you, Thash.
Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. (Luke 8:7)
At this point, the soil is neither hard nor storny, it is soft and productive.But, it is not pure because it contains several kinds of seeds. It is therefore a mixed vegetation in which the seed is mixed with thorny plants. These spines were probably not apparent when the farmer sowed. Over time, they have developed to invade the entire field. The seed had germinated but it was literally choked by the thorns which grew much stronger.
In verse 14, Jesus explained this parable:
The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
This reaction to the word is perhaps the saddest. Here the Word of God has reached its goal, the heart of man, but it is stifled before it can has its effect in the person life. Stifled by what? The worries of everyday life, its pleasures, career and material things. The things that affect our spiritual life and prevent the word of God to be manifested in our life. Maybe the spiritual life of the person is not completely extinguished, but it remains as it is. It doesn't mature nor bear the fruits that Jesus wants. And what does God do to every branch that doesn't bear fruits?
John 15:2 and 6 tell us:
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful (V 2)
If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (V 6)
This shows us that those who do not bear the fruits are thrown into the fire and burned. So, people of God, you who listen to the word of God and let the pleasures of this world take upon you, do you want to be burnt into this fire?
How many christians started well and later fell because of the traps of evil and the pleasures of this world and their flesh? What is the end of these people? Do you think they shall inherit the kingdom of God?
No....
Today, is the opportunity for you who are in this situation, to leave behind the greed for this world and do not let anything take over your spiritual life.
God bless you, Thash.
Friday, 22 March 2013
PARABLE OF THE SOWER- 2ND PART
Today let us analyse the second type of path where the seed, that is the Word of God can be sown, and what is the result.
And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.( Luke 8:6)
The explanation that Jesus gave us for this part is in verse 13 of the same chapter:
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
In this case, the soil is soft and moist. It is suitable for rapid germination. But unfortunately it lacks depth. There is only little soil found there. Growth of the seed is soon stopped by the rock that lies beneath. The first heat of the sun, it dries out because it has no root, which should have provided water and minerals it needed.
This means that the listener's heart is sensible enough to hear and absorb the word of God. It germinates that is the person put what he hears into practice. But, because this person do not have a solid spiritual foundation and a true encounter with God, whenever tribulations and persecution come,and he is being scorched by the heat of the sun, he stops putting what he heard into practice. Instead he desists and fell. He forgets what he heard only because the seed was sown and no roots were grown ; he believes only for a while, when everyting is good. When situations become tough, he discourages and abandons. The word of God withers in his heart.
He is the foolish builder. He builds his house on the sand. Matthew 7: 24-27 gives us the difference between the wise and the foolish builder ; and the result of how they construct their house that is their spiritual life:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
So, people of God, maybe you are the one who heard the predication and receive it with joy. But when persecutions come and the wind blows contrary to your way, you desist and fell into evil's trap. Maybe you are living with an illusion thinking that walking with Jesus is like walking through the flowery road. No, walking with Jesus is hard, this needs sacrifice.
The truth is that your faith is emotional. You receive the word of God with Joy like Jesus said but you put it into practice only in good situations. In fact you never had a true encounter with the Lord Jesus. You think you are born of God, but you never were. Maybe you were mistaken and you are still living in illusion.
To know if you are this type of listener, identify yourself and look at your attitudes. What is your reaction when temptation come? Is it that you fall again?
If so, today is the opportunity to change this situation. Search this true encounter with God and you will rise.
This is a personal experience.
God bless you, Thash
And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.( Luke 8:6)
The explanation that Jesus gave us for this part is in verse 13 of the same chapter:
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
In this case, the soil is soft and moist. It is suitable for rapid germination. But unfortunately it lacks depth. There is only little soil found there. Growth of the seed is soon stopped by the rock that lies beneath. The first heat of the sun, it dries out because it has no root, which should have provided water and minerals it needed.
This means that the listener's heart is sensible enough to hear and absorb the word of God. It germinates that is the person put what he hears into practice. But, because this person do not have a solid spiritual foundation and a true encounter with God, whenever tribulations and persecution come,and he is being scorched by the heat of the sun, he stops putting what he heard into practice. Instead he desists and fell. He forgets what he heard only because the seed was sown and no roots were grown ; he believes only for a while, when everyting is good. When situations become tough, he discourages and abandons. The word of God withers in his heart.
He is the foolish builder. He builds his house on the sand. Matthew 7: 24-27 gives us the difference between the wise and the foolish builder ; and the result of how they construct their house that is their spiritual life:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
So, people of God, maybe you are the one who heard the predication and receive it with joy. But when persecutions come and the wind blows contrary to your way, you desist and fell into evil's trap. Maybe you are living with an illusion thinking that walking with Jesus is like walking through the flowery road. No, walking with Jesus is hard, this needs sacrifice.
The truth is that your faith is emotional. You receive the word of God with Joy like Jesus said but you put it into practice only in good situations. In fact you never had a true encounter with the Lord Jesus. You think you are born of God, but you never were. Maybe you were mistaken and you are still living in illusion.
To know if you are this type of listener, identify yourself and look at your attitudes. What is your reaction when temptation come? Is it that you fall again?
If so, today is the opportunity to change this situation. Search this true encounter with God and you will rise.
This is a personal experience.
God bless you, Thash
Thursday, 21 March 2013
PARABLE OF THE SOWER- 1ST PART
While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. (Luke 8: 4-5)
This parable was announced by Jesus in order for his disciples to know about the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Here the farmer is GOD through the one preaching, the seed is HIS WORD and the path (ground) is the HEART of the one listening. The heart of men of different types represent the four different kinds of ground (place) where the seed is sown. Jesus through this wanted to show us what were the results of sowing in these paths. What we must consider are three points:
- The seed is the same for everyone : It is the ground that varies
- The growth of the seed depends on the type of ground (place) ; the quality of the heart of the one listening
- There are different ways of receiving the word of God in our heart but only one pleases God and let us inherit his kingdom : The one bearing the fruits
So, good people. Let us consider the 1ST PLACE where the seed is sown.
The seed fell along the path. This means that the that the ground was too hard for the seed to germinate, that's why it just fell onto it and was trampled on by passers. It remains on the surface of the ground and become easy to be picked by hungry birds. This is why we often see birds fluttering around a farmer who is seeding. These birds are just waiting for the right time . Obviously, these seeds do not survive very long.
- "some fell along the path, it was trampled on, and the birds ate it" Luke 8:5
In luke 8:11 -12 Jesus said:
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
This type of listeners are characterized by a hardened heart. When the word is announced to them it is as if it passes through one ear and leave through the other. The word flow on their lives withot penetrating. The heart of these men is as hard as the floor of a path so that the seed has no chance to germinate. The evil, like the birds come and easily pick away the word of God which never penetrated the heart of these people. They are the easiest prey to satan.
They may regularly attend church and hear the word of God, but this has no effect on their hearts. Certainly, they have acquired some knowledge of the Bible, but they do not understand. These kind of people do not seek to obey nor repent: but are here only to ask from God. They are willing to receive but not to give. Their attitude combining to that of the evil surely will never make the seed to germinate.
For this people's heart has grown dull and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’Matthew 13:15
So, good people, let us analyse this first situation. If you have a heart like we just talked, today maybe is the last opportunity for you to change it. And im sure you gonna be the one victorious and at the end inheriting the Kingdom of God.
God bless you, Thash
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
You are what you eat
So people, what kind of food are you eating everyday?
Are you having a balanced and healthy diet or you are intaking an unbalanced one? Are you taking the nutrients your body need to maintain a good health or are you excessing in pleasing your mouth in eating what cause diseases?
Eating too much calories, fatty foods and carbohydrates everyday surely leads to diseases like heart problems and obesity. Health is deteriorated. But eating a balanced diet with all the good nutrients help in having a very fit and good health.
From this point of view, can we connect food and holiness?
Eventually, Yes. Foods, whether it is physical or spiritual , are always classified into two types: GOOD and BAD.
But, the question is, what type of spiritual food we are consuming? A mother will never give her children unhealthy food, instead she will take care of their health and even though that doesn't please them, she will insist. It is the same for God. God wants his children, that is us, to be healthy and fit. He wants us to eat what is appropriate for body for us to benefit from it.
All this means that we must keep away from all what is bad for our spiritual health : The sinful menus.
But we must control our envies, will and not having the eyes bigger than the stomach. In other words, keep away from the sinful world and obeys the follow the instruction of God and be obedient ; living a sacrificial life.
But are we obliged? Absolutely not. The choice is given to us. We choose what to eat.
When you go to the supermarket to buy food, we, as intelligent people,we, first look at the ingredients and labels. We see whether the ingredients are good, whether they are appropriate for the health., because we don't know what they put in it. We even consider the expiry date. We take time to consider these points before consuming it.
So, people of God, concerning your spiritual life, are you taking the time to analyse the ingredients of your spiritual food intake. Will these keep you healthy or make you ill? You need to analyse your own life and keep away to everything that harm your spiritual life.
No one loves to fall ill or die of a disease. Do you want to die spiritually?
Falling ill or dying spiritually means SUFFERING and NOT BEING SAVED.
The choice is yours.
My advice is to take time and analyse what is good and wrong; clean and unclean. Abandon the life of sin: adultery, fornication, immorality, calomny, jealousy, lies, negative thoughts and feelings, pride, hatred, etc...But to whatever is not written, your conscience is here to help you discern between what pleases God and not. Take this opportunity to detoxify your interior, your life and your conscience. Let God be the chef of all what you gonna eat. Maybe today is your last chance to avoid getting a disease and die ; Maybe today is your chance to be SAVED and conquer what God wants you to have; SALVATION, JOY, and PEACE.
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” (1 corinthians 6:12-13)
God bless you, Thash
Exercised Faith
"I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet " (Revelation 1:9-10)
Today let us analyse John situation. He was a man of faith and because of the word of God, he was thrown on the island of Patmos. He was an upright man and face many injustices because of the Romans.On this island he was left alone and faced the harsh situations. Maybe John was thinking why is was thrown there for he was so faithful to God. Maybe he asked God so many questions why he was so much suffering. In other words,maybe, he did not stop asking God questions.
We see that in his difficult moments he seeked God only and he was angry. But he was IN SPIRIT : "On the Lord's day I was in spirit" and it is in those particular moments that John received the vision of the future. It is then that he received the revelations of God.
So Good people, we who are in spirit we are no different from John. Rejoice of the persecutions you are facing or will face because of your faith. Persevere to conquer your salvationa and resist till the end. Don't desist, because it is only in tribulations that we are able to hear better the voice of God. It is then that we are much more in spirit.It is by these isolated moments that we exercise our faith.
John was suffering on this island, and he humbles himself in spirit. So, we must humble ourselves. It is then that God talks to us, reveals us his will and directs us. It is when we are most humiliated that we are able to hear him. The result is that we become stronger and stronger with an invincible faith.
The advice for today is to rejoice in persecutions and humiliations and ask God to speak to you.
God bless you, Thash
Monday, 18 March 2013
I tell you, in...
“I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left.” Luke 17:34Are you the one who will be taken or left behind?
1% doubt only means that you are 100% not going to be taken. Let us analyse our life and be prepared for this day as if it shall be today itself. We are the one who make ouselves be elected. How? By making our ears spiritual, sensible to the word of God to hear and respond to the truth. By obeying and leaving the life of sin. As God announced in Philipians 2:12-13:
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
So, let us make today & everyday a day of sanctification and wait for that night.
Let us be chosen…
“For many are called, but few are chosen” —Matthew 22:14
God bless you, Thash.
REPENT
All of these are only the beginning pains of the end.” Matthew 24:8
Why God is allowing all these to happen? he is only giving you a chance to repent. These apocalypstic signs are already written to happen in his word.
Believe in it, and REPENT. The end is near.
“He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.”Revelation 2: 11
You, who overcome this world and sin by following Jesus, you will not be hurt by Eternal death in HELL. To those who rebel to the word of God will be burnt in the Lake of fire
MATTHEW 24
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2 “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains.
9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Be prepared, God bless you.
Thash
Diamond
DIAMOND is the ultimate gemstone having many characteristics. Some are:
- It is the hardest material (that is very strong)
- Transparent
- Brillant
- Expensive and rare
- Pure in nature
- Beautiful
Henceforth, people of God, in order to please God me must actually be like these diamonds. God wants us to be valuable. Is it impossible? In fact, it is absolutely possible if we really want to it. How?
Let me explain pointwise in the order of the above characteristics.
- Diamond is the hardest material known. It is known for its toughness and strength. The are used as metal cutters in industries. Actually to have this measureless value, we need to be strong and courageous to face anything that come to our way. Toughness works with resistance. So, by being resistant we are being strong. We need to be tough, sharp to cut off all evils from our life. Radical to everything that come to oppose our faith and wears off all struggles without being broken. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
- Secondly, like diamonds, we need to be transparent. We must not show something that we are not, pretending in any way only to draw attention. We need to be sincere to ourselves and to our surroundings. This is what makes us different. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
- Diamond is brillant. When something is brillant, it means it is reflecting light. The more brillant it is, the more light it is reflecting. So, for us to be brillant, we need to reflect the light of God. We must be filled with God’s presence and illuminates in this world. Psalm 97:11 Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.
- Diamonds are really very expensive and rare :so shall we be. We must be different from others. Not being conformed to this world ;in our ways, manners, character, fruits, etc. We must not be the easy- type person who accepts anything without discerning the good an the bad. We must be cautious and difficult. Not in the way to be repellant but in the way to attract others to become like us. Not to draw attention, but to make others see HIM through us. Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
- Pure in nature. Scientifically being pure means being free from any impurities and mixtures. But how can we be pure? We as spiritual beings we are divided into the three: Body, soul and spirit. So, to be pure we need to have a clean body, a clean soul and clean spirit. This means that we need to honour with our body and sanctify our flesh, we need to have clean heart free from hatred, egoism, jealousy, calomny, negative resentments,etc. We cannot be pure if we are still filled with impurities which come directly from hell. To be pure, we need to be filled with the Holy spirit. Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
- Diamonds are beautiful. Extraordinarily and mind-blowingly wonderful to the sight. So, how can be beautiful? We must keep in mind that spiritually speaking we are not talking about physical appearance here. To be beautiful in order to bear the value of a diamond,we need to be beautiful INSIDE. Internal beauty automatically reflects externally. The beautifuls are those who have a beautiful heart, those who are beautiful in their ways, attitudes, reactions towards others. A beautiful person is filled with love, joy and peace. So shall we be!! 1Peter3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
So, people of God, if you really want to be like a diamond and be so valuable, you must want it and search for it! Good luck!
God bless you, Thash
Sight
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. John 9: 39
Good people, Jesus came into this world to open the eyes of those who are spiritually blind. He came to bring light to those who are in darkness of sin and ignorance BUT who have a desire to change and seek illuminations for their life. Those who are humble to realise their miserable life and decide to change and find in Jesus christ the only way of grace and salvation.
BUT, he also came to those who THINK they are in light but are NOT. Who are proud to think that they know everything and harden their ears and hearts to the word of God. They think they are the key of knowledge and divinity that they are better than others; like the Scribes and the Pharisees. Their question to Jesus showed it in verse 40:
Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”
Jesus came for those who know the word of God and do contrary. Those who pretend to make proper use of it and abuse of God’s mercy. He came to snatch from them the TRUE LIGHT and make them blind.
So, people of God, whoever we are, Let us humble ouselves everyday and asked God to guide us, make his will in our life, help us understand his word and not be like the scribes. But to realise our mistakes, to repent sincerely, even though we have a very long christian life experience. Let us analyse ourselves and make us the one God wants us to be!Because our main objective on this Earth is not to make us be honoured, but to gain salvation and be honoured with the crown of life.
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4
God bless you
Fear of God
This verse clearly shows that there are many from “those” who can destroy our body but only “One” who has the power to kill our soul. What does this mean?
“Those” here refers to Men and “One” to God. But if God has the capacity of killing the soul, why are there so many people who say that the Soul is Immortal?
Let me explain. Good people, this parable means that only God can either grant Eternal life or take it away. He can also revive those who are spiritually dead. So here, God is telling us to not fear what men, this world can do to us. To not fear the persecutions. To not fear the sacrifice we need to make, how much we need to be hurt, how much we need to disobey our own will, how much we need to sanctify our flesh, our needs, how much we need to be humiliated. Because all these can only destroy the body but cannot the soul of the One truly converted in Jesus Christ.
Because the more we are humiliated and resisting, the more we grow in faith, the more we are exercising to protect our soul. And it is then that we know the Real God; It is then that he manifests himself;only in our difficult situations where the world and those there are trying to knock us down.
BUT, the only thing we need to fear is God not granting us Eternal life, whereby our soul is thrown in the pit of fire. Fearing his fierceful Judgement and Eternal Death. Why the verse in Matthew 10:25 mentions the body? Its only because there in hell we shall feel everything that we are feeling here on earth. The Body is still the same.
So,people of God, our only main objective is to struggle to find Eternal life, struggle to do nothing that can snatch from us our crown: that is do nothing that is contrary to God’s word. To fear not to get or lose salvation.
Henceforth,for us to inherit the kingdom of God, we need to abandon the life of sin and confess Jesus Christ in this world. Do not fear how much you will need to sacrifice, lose, how narrow path you must travel,how much you would be persecuted, how long the journey shall be and how heavy the cross would be. Only focus to the only destination: YOUR SALVATION.
1 Samuel 12:14,15:
“If you fear the Lord and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the Lord your God–good! But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers.”
Supernatural Love
Publicans, at the time of Jesus, were traitorous exortioners and almost by definition dishonest and heartless. They were the most despised people at that time and were considered thieves. But still as sinners as they were, there still exist love between them. But, what type of love?
Natural love, just, ordinary and self-centered. The love of the world.
Here, Jesus teaches us that when we love only those who love us, we are loving with the sinners’ type of love and this bears no Heavenly reward. Those who wants to make a difference and receive the reward from God, have to love in a different way with a different kind of love: SUPERNATURAL LOVE.
This type of love can only be understood by those who experienced the LOVE OF GOD. The love of God, good people is indiscriminate,perfect, everlasting, sacrificial, pure, strong, measureless and wonderful. This is the love that God wants his children to have not only for those who love us but Mainly to the people who hate us, persecute us, do injustices to us, lie about us, and hurt us. For us to be like him and find perfection like he mentions in Matthew 5:48:
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Those who are unable to love in this way, have not yet known Jesus, 1 John 4:8 mentions:
”Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
So, people of God, let us today truly search the presence of God in our life. Have and encounter with him and be filled with his Holy spirit. This is the greatest reward that one shall receive. Let us love unconditionally and undiscriminately.
” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”, Matthew 5: 44
Let us do this prayer together.
In faith, Thash
Being Watered
Caring for others, giving a blessing and giving some of his time to those who need it always brings joy.
This is one of the values that a Virtuous Woman has: “She reaches out to the poor, she reaches out to the needy” and ”her lamp does not go out at night.” She is just filled with peace, happiness and is fully enriched. She illuminates with God’s grace.
Henceforth, let us be the one who waters…
Thash
Your Value
Sparrows were the cheapest commodity sold in the markets as food for the
poor. Yet, as worthless as sparrows were to people, God watched over
them. The scope of God’s attentive care of his Creation is so great that
even an insignificant sparrow cannot die without him being aware. So
good people, do we not worth more that these sparrows???
Here, Jesus assures that we can trust God’s sovereignty in our protection. He promises that God will closely watch over us during harsh situations and periods of persecution. You need not fear what the World can do to you but believe how the power of God can be manifested in your life.
Here, Jesus assures that we can trust God’s sovereignty in our protection. He promises that God will closely watch over us during harsh situations and periods of persecution. You need not fear what the World can do to you but believe how the power of God can be manifested in your life.
Touch-me-not
Plants are sensitive to any changes in the immediate surroundings. They often react to these changes in a way beneficial to themselves. An example is the: Mimosa pudica plant: the Touch-me-not plant.
When this sensitive plant is touched, its leaves automatically fold up. Such a change or external influence is called a Stimulus. The reaction of the plant to the stimulus is known as a response.
Good people, this also applies to our spiritual life. We are far better than plants because we have an intelligence, faith and the Holy Spirit to guide us.
We must be like this plants, sensitive to identify the attacks and wiseness of the Evil. Know how to resist the stimulus of Satan and Respond to protect your faith. In the same way as when you touch something hot you move away, do the same thing when you are close to temptations. The Evil will flee from you.
Like the bible says:
”Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7)
God bless you, Thash
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