It is all about Him

Really, it is not who I do all things. I need to depends on Him, so that I will not be discouraged or

proud.

Thank you Lord for being my God.

"......

The rains like sin in many ways
Itll come any time of day
You cant avoid it, even if you try
All we got to do is try to stay alive
But we got the Son on our side
Makes is easy for us, to improve our lives
He is here for us, when dont care why,
When we cry,
When we die,
When were livin a lie,
And all I wanna do is run to You, but
Its so hard when the rain comes through, and
Even though I slip and slide
You are there to pick me up every time. (now)

......"

Ephesians 6:13-14

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

(v13, NIV)

So, we must put on the whole armor of God. We can't just put on the helmet and think we're okay. What about the rest of the armor? The rest of our body is left unprotected; we can't go into battle like that. Now may not be the evil day. You may be living in comfort or without worry or care. However, trials and tribulations will come. You can't run from it, everyone faces troubles. So, when it comes, putting on the full armor will allow you to stand your ground. Prepare yourself.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

(v14, NIV)

The first piece of armor Paul lists is the belt of truth. Now, the word of God is truth; however, I don't think the belt is the word of God. The sword of the Spirit is the word of God and it doesn't really make sense to have two piece of armor represent the same thing. The belt of truth is truthfulness. We need to remain truthful.

How does truthfulness protect us? Truthfulness protects us from hypocrisy. The Pharisees were the epitome of hypocrisy. Whenever I think of hypocrisy, I think of the Pharisees. They did not have it right and were called on it by Jesus. However, there is also a lot of hypocrisy nowadays. This is especially apparent among those who call themselves Christians. There are many people who have turned away from Christianity because of the hypocrisy they see among those who call themselves Christians. It is true that everyone is a sinner, even Christians. However, the mere fact that so many are turned away because of an inconsistency between our actions and what we preach reveals a serious problem. This means that we as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ need to have a sincere desire to actually walk the walk. There are many who just want to look like a Christian, but that simply isn't truthful. That isn't truthful to themselves and that isn't truthful to others.

There are other aspects to living truthfully. Do you live as if you know the truth about the future? What I mean by that is, do you live knowing that we will all die and that we could die at any moment? Most people ignore this truth and live as if they would live forever. That's not living truthfully. Do you live with the truth of your actions? What I mean by that is do you live truthfully accepting the choices you've made and the consequences of their actions? Some people live as if their situation in life has absolutely nothing to do with the choices they have made in life. Do you live truthfully accepting and understanding your true relationship with God? There may be a measure or a gauge determining the level or degree of your relationship with God. However, there are some people who pretend that their relationship with God is great when it really isn't. Do not deceive yourselves.

What is the purpose of a belt? A belt holds up your pants. For me, I put my cell phone pouch on my belt as well. Unfortunately, the other day, I lost my cell phone. Somehow, it fell of my belt. In hindsight, it wasn't such a surprise because the belt I use is actually really crappy. In fact, it's an old Tim Horton's belt. It's quite flimsy and the phone pouch can easily fall off. I guess it's surprising that it took this long for it to fall off. Fortunately I found it and have been able to retrieve my lost cell phone. Regardless, the belt has a few purposes. It also helps to keep my shirt tucked in should I choose to tuck in my shirt. With regards to the armor, I've heard it taught that the breastplate would be tucked into the belt along with a tunic that the person would wear. In addition, the sword would be tucked into the belt as well. I'm guessing the sword would be sheathed while held by your belt, otherwise you may cut yourself. Regardless, it seems to hold most of the pieces together. In the same way, the belt of truth holds the armor of God together. Without truthfulness, everything falls apart. Without truthfulness, why would anyone believe us or listen to us. Not that it's important for others to listen to us, but it may also be a reflection of our lives. In addition, we would be found to be hypocrites and maybe not even a child of God. Take up the full armor of God, and this includes the belt of truth.

Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

(v12, NIV)

We humans are made of flesh and blood. God made us that way, and we are frail and fragile. Life comes and goes and we can easily see in the world around us how easy it is for life to be taken from us. However, we struggle not against simply flesh and blood, but far greater things. Here Paul lists the things in which we struggle with and against. We struggle against rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. That sounds a lot scarier than simply flesh and blood.

We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

(Romans 7:14-20, NIV)

In Romans 7, Paul talks about this sinful desire that is within us. There is nothing good living in us, but it is our sinful nature. We battle against our own sinful desires which desire us to do things against the nature of God. However, the bible also talks about the way in which we are tempted by the devil. Which is it? Are we dragged along by our sinful nature, or are we tempted by the devil? Maybe they're both one in the same? Or maybe they both work together? Perhaps it's sometimes one and sometimes the other. Regardless, there is a battle to be fought and we are servants of the living God. There are massive forces against us, so we must prepare to face them. To enter without preparation would be like taking the exam of a difficult course in which you are not enrolled in and have not taken before and have no prior knowledge of the subject matter at all. I realize that going unprepared into an exam may be a poor choice for an analogy since there are many "success" stories about this. However, most of those stories I believe the person had at least some preparation, regardless of whether they'll admit to it or not. There may have been courses they attended throughout the term, or homework they did prior. Maybe they already took the course or had past knowledge of the subject matter. Maybe they did in fact cram a few hours before the exam. However, this battle in which we are facing is against such opposition that is greater than any difficult exam you have ever taken or could ever take. Therefore, prepare yourself. We draw from his strength, and it is through his strength in us that prepares us for these trials. We cannot succeed apart from him.

each day have enough trouble of its own

As each day goes by it been just getting frustrating one after an other. To the point where I even don't know whats going on or identify the problem to these frustrations. God never leaves his children he always will frustrate the plans of the wicked and watches over the righteous. I flt these pass few days I been floating around not really keeping in line with devotion; on and off. I always find myself trying to get back to God because I really need him not make my situation better but to go through the frustrations. There are time I felt God's strength helping to keep up but other times I am really frustrated and don't what to do.
Yesterday as I came back from my friends house I was asking myself why am I frustrated? Did i do anything wrong to deserved this or something? But then a passage pop in my head Matt 6:25vv about "not worrying" as went back to read this passage I am reminded:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matt 6:33-34

Seek His Kingdom and his Righteousness first, do not worry what life throws at you because there is enough troubles already. I myself seem always to look at myself and my problems but I forgot to look at God's kingdom whats he's doing and how allowing to be use by him. And his righteousness, the very thing that makes me righteous, not that I do things righteous but it Christ in me that does the righteousness. To have this happen it takes action, am I putting myself in the position to use by God? God does forgive us and change our hearts but it ask us to take action and respond; a repenting heart. We will all be challenge by this as Christians, in one hand you can say, oh can this lead to works? But really if you desire more then just a feeling of being right with God and seek that treasure or that pearl that people will trade everything to get (Matt 13:44vv), what will you do? Be Faithful in what God has give you in this life and use it to reflect his glory.

1 Samuel 19-20 -- Jealous & Anger

"Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare."

Proverbs 22

Even David was a loyal servant of Saul., Saul was jealous of the recognition that David received for his achievements, and he tried to kill him. An evil spirit came upon Saul. When Saul's son Jonathan talked well for David, Saul's anger exploded, and even he tried to kill his own son. Here we see the power of jealous, and anger. This is the work of the evil spirit and sometime it is uncontrollable when the evil spirit is in us. Guard your heart and spirit well, for it is your life!!

"Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Hold on to instruction; do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked ..... the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble."

Proverbs 4

Ephesians 6:11

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

(v11, NIV)

Apparently, the devil has schemes. These schemes are against you and you'd better watch out. He is scheming to cause you to stumble in sin and be separated from God.

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

(Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV)

Earlier in Ephesians 4 Paul warns us to not give the devil a foothold. I get the idea of wall climbing. Apparently, we are the wall and the devil is climbing us. When we sin and are tempted and fall further away from God, this provides the devil with footholds in our lives so that he can more easily climb us. In climbing us, the devil masters us. From this I am reminded of how we can easily fall deeper and deeper into our sin. Giving a small amount of leeway to sin eventually grows and grows without us knowing. Little "white lies" slowly become more frequent and it becomes easier to do.

We must be aware and prepared for these schemes of the devil. Fortunately, God provides us with a means to stand against the schemes of the devil. First of all, in the last verse, Paul instructs us to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. It is from God that we draw strength and it is only in his strength that we are truly strong. God provides us with armor to wear. God isn't just going to send us into battle without properly equipping us. He provides the armor, so we must put it on. Not only that, but we must learn how to wear or use each piece of this set of equipment God provides.

As servants to the most high and in submission to him, we are to carry out his instructions. We are soldiers carrying out his command to go out into battle for him. Therefore, it would only make sense to properly equip ourselves. God provides the equipment, we must put it on. Who ever heard of an army going into battle without being properly dressed? When you go out to do something, you dress or prepare yourself for the task at hand. A firefighter doesn't go fight fires in swimming trunks and a professional football player doesn't play a game in pajamas. A firefighter dresses up with the proper clothing, equipping himself with the required tools to fight fires. A football player equips himself with protective gear and proper attire for the game. In the same way, as soldiers in the Lord's army, we should put on the full armor of God. We are tasked to serve the Lord and we should equip ourselves accordingly.

Ephesians 6:10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

(v10, NIV)

There are different ways in which people are strong. At first, you may think of people's physical strength. Some people are just big people who can overpower you with their muscles; Zangief or Hulk Hogan comes to mind. It could be more than physical muscles, but maybe it's simply power. Someone may have a powerful influence over others, a commander or a leader of men. Maybe there is a strong weapon that is extremely powerful. Tell me, who is the strongest? "...and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength" (1 Corinthians 1:25). In chapter 1 on 1 Corinthians, Paul is talking about God compared to men. In particular, it compares God's wisdom to the wisdom of men, and God's power to the power of men. God is so strong that even his weakness is stronger than men. There are probably other better verses to display God's strength, but this is the first that came to my mind.

We are to be strong in the Lord. He is the strongest of anyone or anything you could find. It is in him and in his mighty power that we are strong. We ourselves are not strong, merely ones who draw from his strength. This strength allows us to do many things.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

(Philippians 4:13, NIV)

One time I saw a lovely decoration with this passage inscribed on it. I think it said "Success" and underneath it listed this passage. Unfortunately, that is greatly misleading. When I think of success and I'd venture to say that when most people think of success, they think of money and wealth and climbing the corporate ladder. However, when Paul wrote this, he was not thinking of any of those things.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

(Philippians 4:10-13, NIV)

As you can read this larger portion of Philippians chapter 4, Paul is not talking about success as many would think of success. He's talking about persevering and succeeding through difficult times and hardship. One way in which we are strong in the Lord is from drawing on his strength that he provides to endure difficulties we encounter. God's power is great; do not worry for a lack of power on his part. Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

1 Samuel 18 - Road to Success

In everything he did he had great success, because the LORD was with him. (v14)

When looking at David early life, he was a pretty successful guy, even base on the world standard. David was a person that many people like. Jonathan loved him as himself and willing to take off all the best he had and offered to David (v3); all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns (v15); Saul's daughter Michal was in love with David (v20). David met with more success than the rest of Saul's officers, and his name became well known (v30).

The question is what make David become so success? Some may say because he was lucky since the day when he defeated Goliath. Some may say his characters and abilities he had, like the ability to play music, his skills and wisdom to react on situations, etc. The world probably tells us that the key to success is hard work, knowledge, plus a little bit of luck. They maybe true, and I can't deny that they are wrong; the world is partially right; but the Bible said because LORD was with him (v14). The Bible have mentioned it many many many times and amplisize it many many times: because the LORD was with him. Not because the outward appearance, but because the LORD was with him.

This is how a person look like when the Lord was with him. David was a humble person. He never boost about his success. Also, David had a pure clean heart to the Lord. When we look back to chapter 17, the reason why David went and fight Goliath was not because he though he could win Goliath, but he couldn't stand stand how Goliath had defy God. He said "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"

David loved the Lord and had great faith in the Lord. This is the key to success.

"man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16)

Compare with Saul, a person without God was full of evil, jealous, revenge, sensitive to criticisms, evil traps and plan, and etc. (v8) (v25)


May God and the Holy spirit be with us. May He show us the way to success according to His eyes. Hold on to what you have. Be strong and courageous!! And you will definitely be successful. Only be careful how you define success thoguh. Don't be deceived by the world.

Ephesians 6:9

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

(v9, NIV)

The last few verses have just finished talking about slaves. In the last verse, Paul mentions that as slaves, we serve wholehearted as serving the Lord because the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does. This is the way in which the Lord treats everyone. So here in verse 9, when masters are instructed to treat their slaves in the same way, this "same way" is referring to the way in which God treats each and every one of us. We are all in subjection to God; similarly, slaves are in subjection to their masters. So, masters should treat their slaves in the same way.

Masters, be careful how you treat your slaves. Remember that God is master to both slaves and free. God is over and above those who are masters and those who are slaves. As a master, you are not the ultimate authority. You too are in subjection at least to God. If you treat your slave or slaves harshly, how do you expect God to treat you? God will not favor you for any arbitrary difference between you and others. God will not favor you because you are wiser or richer or better looking than someone else. He will show no favoritism, so do not hope for that.

1 Samuel 17 - Recieve Power from the Lord

The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. (v37)

You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty (v45)

When David defeated Goliath, he was only a boy and when everyone thought he was crazy and out of his mind, David strongly have faith in God because David believed in His power. This is also another example that when you truly carry God's work, it usually seems crazy.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain" Matthew 21

This is the truth, and then people at church will keep debating what is the actual context of this verse, perhaps it doesn't make human sense to them so they doubt? Have faith and do not doubt, this is the only way that God will listen to prayer. Our whole life is a lesson of faith, especially when things doesn't make sense. And then it is a lesson of surrender and humanity. All these are to make God looks good.

Yes, there is time that people will think that we are crazy, but hold on to what you have, and this is only a small test from Him, and then He will be back soon and rescues us. Be strong and courageous!!

Ephesians 6:6-8

Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,

(v6-7, NIV)

When we only work hard when others are looking at us, we are not "good" workers. If you employ someone, I would assume you would like your employee to work hard regardless of whether you're watching them or not. Sure, there are certain jobs that require supervision and are by nature exceptions to this rule. However, if someone only works hard when someone else is watching, they're not a very "good" worker. These workers are simply people-pleasers, only paying eye-service to those who are watching. However, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ know that God is watching us regardless of whether other humans see our actions or not. We should be working hard regardless of whether our master is watching or not. We are slaves of Christ, so we should work hard for Christ and not for men. This serving should be genuine and from the heart.

because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

(v8, NIV)

There is a lot of uncertainty in this world that we live in. The weather has a level of uncertainty to it. Even with our advanced technology in forecasting the weather, their weather predictions are sometimes wrong. There are things like gambling and the stock market that has a level of uncertainty in it. You don't know if your investment will result in a profit or not. We do know that in God we can find certainty. Here in particular Paul says that God will reward us for the good that we do. God sees all, and the things we do will not go unnoticed by him.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

(Galatians 6:7, NIV)

Here in Galatians, this is with reference to sowing to the sinful nature or sowing to the Spirit. However, some people shamefully believe and try to get by life lazily. They try shortcuts, including sowing to their sinful nature. They do these evil things, but believe they can still attain riches and glory and eternal life. However, God is not mocked by anybody. In fact, it is impossible; God cannot be mocked. What you reap is what you sow.

Since God will reward us for the good deeds we do, we should work hard. This is why we work hard. We do not work hard for earthly treasures that will pass away, but for things that do not pass away.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

(Matthew 6:19-21, NIV)

This made me think of this passage. We aren't investors of present wealth and treasures. These kinds of things will pass away eventually. However, we should invest in treasures in heaven. Treasures in heaven do not succumb to rust and decay. It makes sense.

We work hard as if working for the Lord and not for men. We work hard whether anybody is looking or not, still knowing that God is an all seeing God. We genuinely work hard, wholeheartedly.

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

(Colossians 3:18-25, NIV)

Here in Colossians there is a similar set of verses to those found in Ephesians 6. It's somewhat of a shortened version, but the main parts are there. Wives submit to your husbands and husbands love your wives. Children obey your parents in the Lord. Fathers, be careful of your instruction and power over your children. Slaves obey your earthly masters. Serving the Lord and not men will result in a reward from God for your work.

1 Samuel 16 - the LORD looks on the heart

"man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (v7)

How much have we focused on our appearance, including our physical appearance, our education, our experience, etc. How often we have judged ourself, and others by the outward appearance?

Let us remember that our Father looks on the heart because this is what last forever.

"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." 1 John 2

""All men are like grass,and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."

And this is the word that was preached to you" 1 Peter 1

Ephesians 6:5

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

(v5, NIV)

Paul's progress through addressing roles in submission or requiring submission has finally reached slaves. This is probably what most will think of when they think of submission. Someone who is a slave or a prisoner is definitely in submission to their captors. Apparently, it was common for people to be slaves or have slaves back then. Therefore, it was likely that some who have begun to follow the Lord Jesus Christ were in fact slaves. I'm guessing that some may have thought it wrong for them to be slaves. Some may have thought or questioned God as to why he would allow us to even be slaves? This is taken to the broader question of, "Why would a loving god allow suffering?". This question is found all too often in our North American society that focuses on God's love. It is true that God is love, but that isn't all that God is. Regardless, these slaves may have been not obeying their masters, somehow believing that their disobedience to their masters was justified. Paul clearly instructs them to obey their masters.

How do we obey Christ? We should obey him with respect and fear. He doesn't want us to give him lip service. Our obedience should be out of a pure heart and a sincere desire to obey him. God can tell if you're sincere or not. Why would you offer up to him halfhearted obedience when he demands the best? I'm currently reading the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, recommended and given to me by John Lam. "It's not about love." - John Lam. It's about God's love for us. In this book, Francis Chan talks about how we often feel its okay to give God our leftovers. He references a few passages in Malachi to reveal God's opinion on the matter.

When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled 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.

"Now implore God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?"-says the LORD Almighty.

"Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you," says the LORD Almighty, "and I will accept no offering from your hands.

(Malachi 1:8-10, NIV)

How evil is it when we give God our leftovers. When we try to offer it to God, God doesn't want it. Would you want something halfheartedly given to you? No offering would be better than a half-hearted offering.

So slaves, obey your earthly masters just as you obey Christ. Your obedience to Christ is first and foremost of course.

Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.

(1 Corinthians 7:20-21, NIV)

Here in first Corinthians, Paul talks about living as you were called. In particular, he addresses those who are slaves when they were called. It may have troubled them that they were still slaves to an earthly master even though they found freedom in Christ. Paul calls them to remain as they were called. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't attain your freedom if it is possible; Paul clearly addresses that matter. However, remain as you were called, even if you were a slave when you were called. Paul is not without comforting words here.

For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.

(1 Corinthians 7:22-24, NIV)

We must remember that though we may be slaves to men, we are the Lord's freedman. Slaves find freedom in Christ even though they are bound to their earthly masters. Those who are free are in fact Christ's slaves. Do not let it trouble you.

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

(v4, NIV)

Children are to obey their parents in the Lord. This goes back to the Ten Commandments where the commandment is to honor your father and your mother. Something is required of the child, but there is also something required of the father. Having children in subjection to you gives a man power that he may not be used to. Power can unfortunately be used incorrectly. In this case, fathers can be led to exasperate their children. The dictionary online says it means to make very angry or impatient; annoy greatly. The ESV says "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger..." (v4, ESV). Apparently, there is a danger for fathers to anger or annoy their children. I'm sure there will be times when the child is angry with you. However, did you, as a father, wrongly cause that to happen? Is what you're doing with your son or daughter in direct opposition to the Lord? As fathers we must raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This is a heavy burden that is placed upon fathers. Now, this doesn't mean that mothers don't do any teaching or caring for their children. What it means is that fathers have responsibility over this matter.

Spiritual Life should = Worship + Waiting + Work

If one element is missing, their spiritual life is not complete, or can even be considered their spiritual life is not real.

A person without worshiping, is a person who "has forgotten what God treasures, whom a person will not be filled with joy." - Oswald Chambers

A person without waiting, is a person who depends on his own limited wisdom instead of the one who created wisdom. This is considered as a intelligent fools. “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent...to move in the opposite direction.” - Albert Einstein

A person without work, is a person who "think we are saved by merely our talk." - The Vision, Amplify EP, amp.

-------------------------------------------------

Conclusion:

Spiritual Life

= Worship + Waiting + Work

= {Worship, Waiting, Work}

= Worship ∧ Waiting ∧Work

which means

if [(Worship ∩ Waiting ∩ Work) > zero]

then (Spiritual Life == not complete == not real)

(The Math above is just a demonstration of being an intelligent fools)

-------------------------------------------------

I hope my life will be full of joy, because I have peace in my life to work and action according to His will and His timing. I think this is an act of worship.

"The measure of the worth of our public activity for God is the private profound communion we have with Him." - Oswald Chambers

Ephesians 6:1-3

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

(v1, NIV)

This flows naturally from what Paul has been talking about. Husbands and wives will probably had children. The children are to obey their parents in the Lord. What does it mean to obey your parents in the Lord? Does it mean to obey your parents if they are in the Lord? If so, what does "in the Lord" mean? Or maybe it means obey their instructions that are in the Lord? Or maybe it means that in your actions as a child, your obeying must be in the Lord. I think many people will be quick to object to this statement with a number of different exceptions. They may quickly question whether they should obey their parents if their parents are not godly. They may think of some outrageous scenario where their parents instruct them to do something weird like to walk into the middle of traffic. First of all, God must be first in our lives. This means that God trumps our parents. So, if an instruction from our parents calls us to be in opposition to God, we as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ should not follow their instruction. However, this isn't a free ticket to go searching for loopholes in the bible so we can find new ways to disobey our parents; that's not the point.

And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

(Mark 7:9-13, NIV)

The Pharisees were guilty of this underhanded behavior. They found their own loophole in order to avoid honoring their parents. In addition, this method made them look good, allowing them to boast even more in their works. God sees your heart and he knows your deeds. You may be able to fool men, but you can't fool God. Seek to obey your parents, and seek to find out what it really means to obey your parents in the Lord.

This whole obeying of parents also flows naturally in the passage because of the whole submission thing. Jesus submits to the will of the father and gives himself up for his bride, the church. The church submits Christ, who is the head of the body. In the same way, wives are to submit to their husbands. However, each and every follower of the Lord Jesus Christ submits to the Lord. Children must submit to their parents. If you do not submit to your own authorities, how do you expect others to submit to you? So, if you do not submit to your parents, how do you expect your own children to submit to you?

"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

(v2-3, NIV)

Here in verse 2, Paul references Exodus 2:12. This is part of the 10 commandments given to Moses and the Israelites. Paul points out that this is the first commandment with a promise. The other commandments are simply without any sort of promise attached to them. Maybe this is even more incentive for us to honor our parents. However, I should hope that it is not your sole and main driving force for why you honor your parents.

Too much of me not enough of you

Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the council of the wicked
or does not stand in the way of the wicked
or does not sit in the seats of mockers
but delights in the law of the Lord
and on the law he meditated day and night.
He is like a tree planted by the stream,
He yield fruits by the seasons, and
His leafs never withers,
whatever he does prospers.

but not so the wicked
they are like chaff blown by the wind
they wicked shall not stand in judgment day
the sinners will not stand in the assembly of the righteous.
The Lord watches over the righteous and protects him but
the wicked will perish (Ps 1, off by memory)

I been hang out with friends now it been to the point of apathy and you live only make yourself happy. In light of all this, God, I forgot you. You are the reason I have friends and even the more then that. I am here in Briercrest learning something crazy about you and having the desire to follow through in ministry. Now, all of this mean pointless because your not in it God. I need some time away from friends not because I hate there guts but I need to be with God and time alone with him. I want to God to be glorified in me and find true satisfaction in him even when I don't feel like it. Psalms 1 gave me revelation and reminder of the fear of the Lord and putting your self in a position that benefits you. How can we get to that stage, desiring God and meditating on his laws? I wish it could be that easy but we can come to Him with open arms and be humble to listen to him. It's hard but what do i got to lose? Nothing is valuable in this world anymore, Christ is all i need.

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! Phil 3:10-11

Ephesians 5:32-33

This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

(v32, NIV)

What a great mystery. How the heck do two people become one flesh? Well, what Paul has been talking about on a whole is quite a mystery as well. Christ's sacrificial love for his bride, the church, is quite a mystery that we continue to learn more and more of as we grow in the Lord. This relationship between Christ and the church is related to the bond between a husband and wife; what an interesting mystery this is. As husbands and wives, we are to illustrate the relationship between Christ and his church in our marriage. This is quite a responsibility to live up to. Not that I would know by experience.

I think this mystery Paul is referring to is the passage he references in verse 31.

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

(Genesis 2:24, NIV)

How the heck do two people become one flesh? They don't physically bond and become connected the same way Siamese twins are connected. But Paul is speaking about Christ and the church. In the New Testament, there are a few references to how the church makes up the body of Christ with Christ being the head. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about how the body and its many members in the context of spiritual gifts. An online search has showed me a few passages in Colossians. Regardless, Christ is the head, and we, the church, are the body and one flesh with Christ in this profound mystery. The body submits to the will of the head, and the head controls the whole body. What kind of body would it be if each part did its own thing? It would be difficult for you to do anything if it was your body. I'm sure there are illnesses that result in or have the symptoms of the loss of control of your body.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

(v33, NIV)

Paul brings it back to the husband and the wife summing up what he has said. Husbands must love their wives as he loves himself, trying to imitate this love Christ has for the church. The role of the wife is to respect and submit to her husband. I've heard from other brothers I look up to and respect talk about relationships between men and women. Apparently, they tell me that women seek to be loved, and men seek to be respected. Voddie Baucham echoes the same idea in his sermons. He mentions how God instructs men to love their wives and wives are to submit to their husbands. He notes that God created man and woman, and he designed them to be wired a certain way. So, God made women in such a way that they respond to love, and then he instructs men to love their wives. Similarly, God made men in such a way that they respond to respect, and he instructs women to respect their husbands. It's really something, isn't it?

The word "also" is present in the NIV. This doesn't really bring anything new, but it relates back again to Christ and the church. Christ loves the church and gave himself up for her. Men also must love their wives in the same way.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

A great testimony. So true.

Ephesians 5:29-31

After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church—

(v29, NIV)

Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. By loving their wives, they love themselves. It would only make sense, since why would anyone hate his own body? We live and breathe and eat, feeding our own body. We take care of our body; or at least we should take care of our body. We are to take care of our own body as Christ does the church. Our wives are part of our own bodies, so husbands take care of your wives as you would your own body.

for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."

(v30-31, NIV)

We, the church, are members of his body. Jesus takes care of his own body, and we are part of that body. You may think that Jesus is doing something completely different than what husbands are called to do for their wives. Husbands and wives come together to become one flesh, but one may object that Jesus is not one flesh with the church. However, we the church, are members of his body.

1 Samuel 15 -- Don't Take It to the Wrong Way.

"Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do what was evil in the sight of the LORD?"

It seems obvious for us to see that Saul was totally not following God's commend, but I'm not sure if Saul was bluffing Samuel or he was totally deceived, because he replied to Samuel with innocence, "I have obeyed the voice of the LORD." (v18)

The commend of God is clear, if our eyes of heart is opened. However we are easily decieved and blinded by our human flesh desires. We make excuses on doing things, thinking it is a holy thing, yet in fact they are evil in God sight, and we take God's word into the wrong way.

Yes, sometimes we might not understand God's commend or His word, but don't question or doubt about it. Don't make our own judgment on the words and trying to justify our action. When the Lord ask Saul not to spare any things in Amalet, Saul and their soldiers disobeyed and kept the best and unwilling to kill. And then they were justified their action by saying they had kept the best sheep and cox for burn offering to the Lord.

"Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

as in obeying the voice of the LORD?" (v22)

God is not the one who can be fooled. Open the eyes of my heart Lord. Think about if there is any things I am doing right now, that is either totally evil, or it is claimed to be holy but actually it is a justified evil.

"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams." (v22)

When you are in doubt, you better stop doing and pray and wait for the Lord. Behold, and obey is better than "sacrifice". I say "sacrifice" because I consider that would be a fake sacrifice.

Ephesians 5:27-28

and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

(v27-28, NIV)

Jesus cleanses the church in order that he can present the church to himself. He wants a church that is holy and blameless, so he cleanses the church by the washing with water through the word. In the same way husbands, don't you want your wife to be holy and blameless? Lead in righteousness and cleanse her. She is your wife, why would you want your wife to be dirty with blemish? This comes from an outpouring of love we have for our wives. Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. In doing so, they love themselves.

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

(Genesis 2:24, NIV)

Husband and wife are both one flesh. They join together in marriage to become one. So, when the husband loves the wife, he loves himself, because they are both one flesh.

God is Awsome!

i got to write this down! Over the pass few days God has been awesome. I have gone through struggling with lot things. Most of it was girl issue but through praying and talking to people I've been able just to allow God to work in me. I was so deep in my struggle that were problem in other people's life. My friends aunt died and he's suffering that pain, also a youth died in Moose Jaw. There was so much other pain that all I can do was concentrate on my own pain. It was challenge to look beyond myself and look at the things God is doing and it it still is; but there is Joy in it.
It's kinda of funny, life is found in death. Look at Christ death on the cross. In the mist of pain in me and all around me God was there. Always in control when the does not seem like it. We sometime fail to see it but God made purpose all those things to happen. I was able to reach out to my friend and grief with him and encourage him. I was able to be with youth morning over a friend death. And for the girl problem just to pray for her and ask God to take care her and raise her to women she needs to be. All this was God saying "are you ready to serve me? because I made you to do god works". There is a fulfillment found in God and when we start to get involve with him he leads to places we never imagine. God is awesome!

Word of God is life

Jesus said "The word that I spoken unto you, they are spirit and they are life." (John 6)

The word of God teaches about life. The life on earth, so that we will prosper, including the temporary life on earth, also teach us the way of life on earth to prepare to the eternal one.

No matter what you do on earth, remember to seek his kingdom first, and all these things shall be added to you. It makes sense in the practical level, as well as the spiritual level.

"Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown" (Revelation 3)

Ephesians 5:26

to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,

(v26, NIV)

So what did Christ do for the church? He loved the church and gave himself up for her. This was for the purpose of making her holy.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

(Ephesians 2:1-6, NIV)

We were on a path that leads to destruction. We were following the ways of this world and were dead in our transgressions. So Jesus did what he had to do to redeem his bride. This was the only way to make her holy. God stepped in and made a way for us, and Jesus humbly submitted to the father's will.

There is a type of cleansing or washing that takes place. The church is being washed as if washed with water. The water is the word. The cleansing takes place through the word of God. The cleansing occurs through learning and understanding more about God through his word. As husbands, we are to do the same for our wives as Jesus does for the Church. Cleansing by the washing of water through the word is what we have a responsibility to do. We must be able to lead in the biblical teaching of our wife and our family.

The Death of Mr Benny

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day" (2 Timothy 4)

A person like Mr Benny can indeed use the passage above to conclude his life. I pray that the day when I die, I will also have no shame to conclude my life with this passage. I pray may Your will be done, Lord.

"and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

About Mr Benny's death:

http://wakeupwithdad.blogspot.com

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

(v25, NIV)

This instruction is for husbands to live their wives. Wives are to submit to their husbands, but husbands must love their wives. At first glance, that may seem unfair. Submission seems so much harder than love. Love has been swayed and altered by the culture. Looking at movies and television today as our major influences, I feel as if we don't really know or understand what love is, myself included. I get the idea that the culture is that we are to hook up, have sex, then step back and ask if we're in love or not. Or maybe you can fool around with someone without loving them. When you do fall in love, it's this crazy compelling feeling you have that conquers all obstacles in its path. It's as if you've just opened a question box with a star in it. Upon grabbing that star, you're on this crazy invulnerable high that even hypes you up with upbeat music in the background. What is love? Fortunately, the passage doesn't end there. The love husbands are to have for their wives is modeled by the love Christ has for the church. Jesus is our model for love. He loved the church so much that he gave himself up for her. Sure, wives have to submit to their husbands, but husbands have to love their wives to the point of death. So, more specifically, how does Christ love the church? Well, we already know that Christ gave himself up for the church.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

(John 15:13, NIV)

This act of love Christ did for the church is the greatest form of love. He laid down his life for the church. So, how did he do it? I know for myself that I have a hard time loving others. This is true especially since people are sinners. We're not perfect, and it's hard to love those who are unlovely. I may feel loving for the most part towards someone, but sooner or later, I'll have a bad day or they'll piss me off and then I won't feel so loving towards them.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:6-8, NIV)

God is holy, righteous, pure and just. He is the infinite, almighty God of the universe. How can such a holy and pure God even look at us who are dirty and covered with filthy rags of sin? And yet, even though we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How awesome is our loving heavenly Father?

So how does God do it? I have such a hard time loving the unlovely, but God has already demonstrated his own love for us. His love has been poured out upon the unlovely. Other people may seem unlovely to us, but that's between two sinful people. Between the holy God and us sinful creatures, there is a much greater difference in the comparison. Jesus, our model for love, chose to love us.

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

(Luke 22:39-44, NIV)

In this passage, Jesus is praying. Jesus is about to go to the cross and he doesn't necessarily feel like doing it. He asks if this cup could be taken away from him. However, he submits to the will of the father. So whether Jesus felt like it or not, he still chose to sacrifice himself for the church. In the same way, when we are to love, it should be irrelevant of whether we feel like doing it or not. Here is a biblical definition of love I got from Voddie Baucham:

"An act of the will, accompanied by emotion, that leads to action, on behalf of its object"

(Voddie Baucham)

Love is a choice, so those you love you choose to love. There is emotion in this act of love, but it's not lead by emotion. When we're lead by our emotions, it is an unpredictable roller coaster of ups and downs. This act of love will lead to some sort of action for whomever or whatever is the target of this love. Jesus' love for the church caused him to lay down his life for the church.

A lot of this was taken from the love and marriage sermons series by Voddie Baucham. I suggest you listen to it because he explains it a lot better and in greater detail. He's also very funny.

May us be real

J. Han:

Please understand I've been to sunday service every week.
Steadily taking my notes and happily going to every retreat.
Serving the youth is a blast, but it's almost like a duty.
I'm running through the motions, except nobody can see right through me.
I know the rituals, what tools to use to fix you up.
Heard marvelous testimonies, but they all seem fictional.
I've been told that Christ alone is sufficient.
The Bible's so insipid, my soul isn't convinced to live different.

Ephesians 5:22-24

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

(v22, NIV)

In the last verse, we are instructed by Paul to submit to one another. This submission is an outpouring of our reverence for Christ Jesus. However, now the focus is put on wives and they are told to submit to their husbands. This time, the submission is compared to our submission to the Lord. We are to serve the Lord and be submitted to him. We are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, are we not? Similar to our submission to the Lord, wives are to submit to their husbands. Now, in the society and culture that we live in, you may be ready to pounce at the sound of that word. In response I say what one pastor I heard say in a sermon on this very passage, "I don't write the mail, I just deliver it." (Voddie Baucham). I saw a sermon series on love and marriage by him and highly recommend it.

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

(v23-24, NIV)

Christ is the head of the church. As followers of Christ, we make up the church. Since he is the head of the church and we are the church, we are in submission to him. We are even described as his body; it goes along with the analogy if he is the head. Regardless, if we are in submission to him as head of the church, wives should be in submission to husbands since they are head of the marriage. Again I realize you may want to object to this very fact. Simply exceptions or outrageous situations may come to your mind to counter whole this submission thing. You're welcome to simply blot it out of your bible, but I don't recommend it. It says wives are to submit in everything. It's difficult to worm your way around it's phrasing. You may also object to my stance because I'm a guy and this doesn't directly apply to me. Let me tell you, I think the responsibilities and duties of a biblical husband are far greater than the responsibilities and duties of a biblical wife (no offense). The real problem most people have with this whole submission thing is probably the situations and scenarios that popup in their head that involves a sinful husband who is not submissive to the Lord Jesus Christ. Voddie Baucham uses an illustration of the army in his sermon series. Let's say there's a sergeant who's been in the army for 5 years and a lieutenant who's only been there for 5 months. The lieutenant is higher rank. So what does the sergeant do if the lieutenant issues an order? He simply salutes and executes. That is his submission to his authority. This is how Voddie Baucham is trying to explain submission. Submission is to voluntarily rank yourself below another. It has nothing to do with value, it's about order. "Anything with two heads is a monster" (Voddibe Baucham). There can only be one head in the marriage and biblically that head is the man. Voddie Baucham also uses his illustration to show that if we expect others to respect us, we should submit to our own authorities. If the sergeant doesn't listen to his lieutenant, how does he expect a private to listen to him? In the same way, we should listen to the authorities in our life and submit to them if we expect others to submit to us. Ultimately, we are to submit to God. If the husband does not submit to God, how does he expect his wife to submit to him? This is of course with respect to a Christian marriage. Regardless, wives are to submit to their husbands.

looking around us

I hate it went you you only think about your own trouble your in. The thing in the is world you worry about and feel captivated by. It seems to consumes you and the whole time you are concentrating on the very thing that's putting you down. Yesterday in Joe's place youth center I was challenge to look around and see the troubles in others. A youth died from a car crash and there was sorrow in the mist of the other youths. They have know this youth very swell and there was grieving. All this made me realized how self centered I am, but also the need for Christ to respond out of your self for others. Yes there is pain I felt inside and it not for the youth rather my own. But a verse reminded me to go beyond:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
2 cor 1:3-7

I can stand up again and be reminded of a God who does awesome things in the hearts broken and willing to sanctified by him. It not easy and it hurts a lot but worth it. For the youth that died there was time for grieving but also there was a time for celebration. funny eh? Christ calls us to celebrate out of his death into marvelous light. It was great time for the youth to let go of the sorrow and take in the importance of life and God. In no way I am saying the youth who died is like Christ but it was God's grace to show youth about how precious life is and a need for something to be fulfilled, Christ.

Ephesians 5:21

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

(v21, NIV)

When first provided with even the idea of submitting to one another, my first reaction may not be that great. Why would I want to submit to other people? However, this thought it coming out of my own selfish nature. Our submission to one another should be out of our reverence for Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ humbly submitted himself to the will of the father. He was obedient to the point of death; even death on a cross. Do you not respect and love the Lord Jesus Christ? He did it all for us, showing us the example of perfect submission to the father. So, we are to follow in his steps in submission to the father. We are also to submit to one another out of this reverence for Christ.

"Keep Yourselves From Idols"

At the very end of John's letter, 1 John, after all the passionate encouragement to the church, it says: "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."

1 John reminded us to walk out of darkness, don't love the world, watch out the false teacher, love the brother in Christ, watch out the holy spirit and the be careful to the non-holy spirit, pray according to His will and have faith in Him and prayer, etc. At the very end though, one thing John concluded: keep yourselves from idols.

Indeed idols is the very critical thing that draw us away from God. We maybe even deceived and agreed on doing things that is right to the world, but is not right to God. John says in chapter 4: "They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us."

This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God, they will even hate to be with us. This is fine too, it is part of carrying the cross I guess. Walk as Jesus did.

We can overcome it!!! because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Amen.

Ephesians 5:20

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(v20, NIV)

What does it mean to give thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ? To take it further, what does it mean to ask for things in Jesus' name?

In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

(John 16:23-24, NIV)

I used to think that it was to mean that your prayer is in accordance to his will. As in to say that your prayer is not selfishly based on you, but in line with Jesus. That may be true, but only part of it. It is only through the name of Jesus that we have access to the heart of God the Father. Do you think that God gives us things because we being a "good" boy or girl? That may be true with reference to our earthly parents, but not necessarily between us and God. Sure, sin gets in the way of our relationship with God. However, we also know that our sins are as dirty rags to him. There is no amount of "good" you can do to wash away these wretched stains. It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord that we can be counted righteous and accepted as adopted sons and daughters into the loving arms of God our father.

It is also through Jesus that we must lift up our thanksgivings and requests. An analogy I read was of a person who went to a bank to cash a check. In cashing that check there needs to be enough money on the account you're cashing it from. So, if there's enough then you'd be able to cash the check, but if not then you wouldn't be able to cash the check. So, when we go to God with our requests, we do it on Jesus' behalf. It's not based on our righteousness or our good will, but on Jesus' righteousness. It is also for Jesus' sake. This goes along with my initial idea of praying for things in line with his will. If I pray for $1000000 so that I can be rich and spend it on myself, then I highly doubt that it is in line with Jesus' will. It is selfish.

Have I filled with the Spirit constantly?

"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." (1 John 1:3)

How the bible describe about fellowship is not how most of us as Christian understand it. The bible doesn't describe fellowship as an event that is done in a certain time and place with certain people. Yes, we have fellowship with believers, but fellowship will not come if we don't have the fellowship with the father and with his son, Jesus Christ. Our fellowship should come from Him and Him alone.

One thing I also wondered, why John doesn't mention about the holy spirit when he talked about our fellowship is with the Father and the son, Jesus, but missing the Holy Spirit? Then the follow verses has popped in my head:

Jesus said: "I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment...When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth." (John 16)

The Spirit is in us, and without him, I will not be guide into the truth; and God is the truth. It means, I can only have fellowship with the Father and the Son, only when we receive the Holy Spirit. There is NO OTHER WAY to have true fellowship.

Ephesians 5 says; "Be Filled with the Spirit". I have learn that in the Greek, it is written as both present imperative and in the passive voice. It means it is not something we have received once, but we have to constantly invite the Counselor into our life; otherwise we will keep on walking in the darkness.

Ephesians 5:18-20

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

(v18-19, NIV)

Paul instructs us to be filled with the Spirit. The question is, how are you to be filled with the Spirit? Well, Paul answers that question. First, we are to speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. As Paul stated earlier, we aren't to have coarse joking or foolish talk. Instead, we should say things that are wholesome and worthwhile. Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs are worthy things to be said. We are also to worship God. Worshipers are probably ones who are filled with the Spirit.

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(v20, NIV)

Another important thing to being filled with the Spirit is thankfulness. We are to give thanks to God for everything. Thanksgiving and thankfulness should proceed out of our mouths and out of our hearts. We can thank with our mouths and not with our hearts. Instead, we should be truly thankful, which may include thanksgiving with our mouths.

Ephesians 5:15-18

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

(v15-16, NIV)

We need to live as wise people. We can't simply go about living carefree, but be careful. It is easy to make mistakes or deceive yourself. We aren't to have even a hint of sexual immorality among us. Wise people make the most of every opportunity, but the unwise do not. The unwise are not productive, but are lazy.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

(v17, NIV)

Another contrast is to not be foolish but understand the Lord's will. The foolish do not understand what his will is. Instead, they simply follow their own path regardless of the will of God. Don't you want to follow God's will? Some may perceive God's will as boring or not fun or not even worth it. Do not be deceived; following God's will as beloved children is always the better choice.

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

(v18, NIV)

I had to look up what debauchery meant. It means excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; intemperance. Excessive means too much. It's not wrong to enjoy life and the pleasures of life. However, you must ensure that it does not get between you and God. Becoming drunk on wine will lead to excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. This is wrong, and you are not to do so. Do not fill yourself with wine; instead fill yourself with the Spirit. Why would you want to be filled with a substance that dulls your senses anyway? Again, it's not a sin to drink alcohol. However, these dangerous beverages can lead to debauchery. Why not be filled with the Spirit? It is much better to be filled with the Spirit. Living by the Spirit will produce the fruit of the Spirit.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

(Galatians 5:19-21, NIV)

You may notice that debauchery is in this list. This is the list opposite to the list of the fruit of the Spirit. This list that includes debauchery is the acts of the sinful nature. People who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Do not get drunk with wine.

Learning to Breath

"Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days", be a "good manager". This verse though does not say despite the difficulties of tomorrow's life or the life five years from now, because "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.What is your life? You are a mist". and "for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." It is good to imagine yourself what you can do, not for God, but to glorify God, because God doesn't need our handout. However, when we imagine what we can do to glorify God, "you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." Just like king David, he wanted to build the temple, but God said this is not my will to build the temple on king David, but his will to build on king Solomon. God is reviewing his sovereignty, and His all-power and all-knowing. Down to earth in our life, therefore after all, we all should live by faith, and lend not by our own understanding, yet be a "good manager".

and yes, "I do not consider I have made it my own, but one thing I do, Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"

Let's keep praying for each other. This verse hit me a lot about prayer: "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you." This is said by Samuel as the leader of Israel, yet Israel sinned against God, and Samuel consider that he sinned against God by failing to pray for the people. That's interesting.

I pray for Mom and Dad and Jean and I will all walk on the path of God. All in for God, and live by faith, so that we will truly experience His peace and joy in life, even while going through suffering. If there is things that separate us from God, maybe workload, responsibility, money, etc I pray if necessary, God will take away these things from me, so that I will learn to depend on God, and so that I will receive His true honey and milk.

Ephesians 5:11-14

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

(v11, NIV)

We are light in the Lord. Since we are this light, we shouldn't do the things of the darkness. The deeds they perform are fruitless. However, there is fruit associated with the light. In verse 9 Paul says that it consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.

For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

(v12, NIV)

We aren't to do the deeds of the darkness. Their deeds are so bad that it's shameful even to mention. Clearly what they do is wrong because they are disobedient. How can their deeds which disobey the living God be "good" in any way, shape or form?

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

"Wake up, O sleeper,

rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you."

(v13-14, NIV)

Light cannot coexist with darkness. If light and darkness meet, the darkness will be brought to light. Though, I can also imagine a dim light the deep dark pit of a cave being overwhelmed by the darkness. However, the light makes things visible. These deeds that are done by the darkness are exposed by the light. We are the light of the Lord. We must expose them. Now, I can imagine how this can be taken the wrong way. I am at a loss for how to describe this in the best practical way. Looking to the next few verses may give a clue as to how to be the light of the Lord. However, as I am continuing to learn this myself, we must do everything with love.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

(1 Corinthians 13:1-3, NIV)

1 Samuel 12

Finally, a king was anointed to the Israel. Samuel became old too. He had served the Israel from youth to old (vers 2). Before he stepped down as the leadership role, he asked the people if he had cheated any one and the Lord. The answer was no. This is what we should learn as a being a leader. Samuel faithfully and patiently served the Israel, not for one year, ten years, but his whole life. He loved the Lord with all his heart and strength, and he trusted the Lord, because He is indeed faithful. That's where he got the power from.

At the end of that night in this chapter, Samuel confronted the Israel because they had sinned against God when they asked for a king. The Israel was derived. Israel finally realize that they were wrong when they saw the thunder and rain.

Now they realized that had sinned against the Lord, and they had done evil things in God's eyes, they cried "Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die, for we have added to all our other sins the evil of asking for a king!!!" (vers 19)

"You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart....But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you" (vers 20)

Yes, we have done evil things, but I pray that, starting from now, be sure I fear Him and love Him and serve Him faithfully, for He is the one brought me out of darkness. As a leader, pray hard and super hard for the people. "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.".

Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and what He had given will be swept away.