Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Facing Accusations
john
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luke
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Blaming others and defend ourselves were the first steps that we do when we are facing false accusations that might lead us to uncontrollable anger and madness. I was once accused of something that I did not do, maybe it was easy for them to do such thing since I was making a lot of fun unto them and to others. As a human, my initial reaction was falsifying those words and insisted that I didn't do it. I was angry and the emotions were covering my entire physical body and mind. Then in the end, I realized that it was totally wrong, I didn't control myself, instead I caused pain and ache to the accuser by saying words beyond my control. In that situation, I was reminded that I should always represent Jesus in my every action and I failed that day. It opened my mind that as Christian, I should be calmed in facing storms and probable false words that will destroy my credibility. Yes, I have learned my lesson.
In Luke 12:11-12 (11 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”), it says there prayer is the most powerful tool in such situation that if we do, God will provide us supernatural wisdom and words will utter into our mouth. That's why we should have first inner peace and experience His presence and give full attention only unto Him as He is always available for us if we seek guidance (John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid). Then we should ask for wisdom and ask for the right words that should come out from ourselves as He will seal our lips until He shows us the perfect words to pour out. You will then be surprised on how calm you are and you might not even identify how those powerful words came out of your mouth (Psalm 141:3 - set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips). We must always remember that the Holy Spirit will lead us to the path of understanding and will show us beyond those hurful words and actions the right approach to do. He will give us insight and better picture of the entire situation.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Handling Negative Relationships
We are living the world full of temptations, full of unending potentials to commit a sin and we are surrounded of people who are not walking to His path, instead they are ruling their own lives based on their own understanding and belief. Instead of influencing others to be a good follower, we are being dragged by others into wrong direction. He wants us influence others who are not obediently following Him. But how to deal with such negative relationships? How to handle them efficiently to ensure that we are not portraying contrary to our belief? 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 (33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God —I say this to your shame.)
First, we can pray and ask for God to work into their lives. Pray to those people who tend to pull you away from God. It is not our job to change them but only to influence them and ask wisdom from Him and more patience in interaction with them. In the end, only themselves will realize the true love of God for them. Second, if after you have done and after the hard work still did not pay off, then I believe its time to separate yourselves from them. I believe we have to break off from them if they are hindering with our beliefs and our walk in becoming like Him. So does this mean to give up? Of course not, you just need to continue to pray but the physical closeness with them should be minimized and continue to care for them. But if the Lord is telling you not to break it off, then you should use the third step which is perseverance. If the negative relationship still doesn't change then your goal is to be strong enough and walk faithfully despite the hindrances and negative vibration. If God asks you to not give up then don't, try our very best and I believe that God will guide us through the process.
In my opinion, the very best thing to do is to cultivate friendships with those people who can help you to grow in faith in order to avoid struggle in negative relationships. But we should be reminded that it is our duty to disciple and influence others for the better good. Accept the challenge if we were called to do such task and embrace it with full empowerment from Him. Seek guidance, ask for protection and guard your heart.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
When a Believer Stumbles
For sure we have witnessed several fellow Christians who stumble and were riding the incorrect path. Or even experienced the same situation ourselves that we almost gave up and questioned the real meaning of being His follower. I believe that the Lord wants a world without isolation, that everyone of us should be following His ways and function as a family in achieving common goal. When we see fellow believers who are in the "stumbling stage", we are required to restore them and help them to return to His hands. It doens't mean that they should be surrounded with pastors, leaders of the church or anyone with a position, we can do that ourselves. We can make our own ways to encourage them again, reevaluate the stages and their unanswered questions. Let's ensure to bring them again to His kingdom and be passionate again in being true son/daughter of God.
Galatians 6:1-5 (1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.) clearly stated on what should we consider to accomplish a great task!
First is the spirit of humility, do not think that you are above these persons and think that you will never do the same mistake. That it is impossible for you to fall on such event. It is a good thing to understand their vulnerability and instead of judging them, examine their own lives and recognize and deal with their weakness. Second is about the gentleness, avoid judgement, harsheness, anger and most importantly condemnation. We shouldn't remind them their pain and pour out the guilty feeling but instead show them mercy and forgiveness. Last is the most important, to show them love. Share the same burden, give more time to them and lend good ears to hear them, uplift their spirit to regain their energy and pray on their behalf.
I've been through this Christian stage and I am thankful that I was surrounded by good and loving people. They made me realize that there is more behind those pains and anger. That He has more to offer in this life if we only understand our purpose and I was reminded of His promises.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Strenght & Joy
Today is a very challenging moment, haha... I only had 2 hours of sleep (blame it on the TV series Spartacus, yeah I did a marathon). After a month of "no coffee", I decided that I need one today and to reward myself (mahirap kayang walang kape for a month!). But eventually, I asked myself, what is the purpose? To keep me awake? To give me strength for today? To keep my eyes open? Then eventually, something gave me the urge to pray (yes, in my office desk!) and there I found out that true strength shouldn't come from a coffee but only from Him. I was reminded of my favorite verse (I think I have many favorite verses), Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength". Lately, I am having difficulty with my training as some of the business ideas and system functionalities were new to me but when I pray for wisdom, alas! I can do the tasks perfectly and can understand clearly the ebooks I was reading and the videos I was watching. Clearly, all things in life should be trusted on Him and pray for wisdom, pray for clarity and pray for everything as all of these are a piece of cake to Him. Remember Proverbs 3:5? (Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding), isn't it wonderful that we just need to trust on Him and rest assured that everything will be alright? Isn't it a great feeling that there is someone whom we can trust and relay all our questions and problems? I have read all these verses before and I'm sure you also did (parang gasgas na kumbaga) but still, His words are powerful as always. Maybe we understand it differently but I am sure that it leads to one common goal and purpose. What I have learned today is that there are two ways to overcome challenges (whether if it is small or a huge one), first is to seek strength from Him (1 Chronicles 16:11 - "Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually) and second is to have a joyful heart, be glad and enjoy the life He has given to us, contiue to smile and forget all the worries (Proverbs 17:22 - "A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones"). Have a great week ahead!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Why Lifegroup/Small group is Important?
The moment I knew that I was transferring to Dubai, my first concern was to look for a church. I felt that I need to sharpen this burning passion that I have in serving Him. As a believer, it is our worthy goal of becoming a godly person and we recognized that prayer and bible study are the major factors in achieving this objective. But did you know that right relationship is a critical part in our journey toward godliness? I believe that sometimes, we experience that friends, family members and co-workers may hinder us to walk closely in His path. Based on a survey, Christians here in Dubai is only about 10 to 15 percent and by that, I am surrounded with people who do not share my beliefs and values. And I felt that I need relationships that will keep this buring passion and that will challenge me to become the person God wants me to be. Sadly, some of the believers interact with other level such as just to enjoy the company and share common interests. But we need relationships that are based more than that, we need people that will encourage and build us up in our faith.
In Proverbs 27:17, it says there that "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another". These relationships can lead to a great level of friendships and can counsel us based upon God's words. They will give you advise but sometimes it is not that comfortable to hear those words but hey its beneficial and leans within the words of Him. They are not afraid to speak the truth even if it is painful to hear. Isn't it a good thing to be honest and be surrounded with people that wants you to become a better person and that leads you to his wonderful path? Also, if we got off track, or got into a very disheartening moment, they will confront us and lead us to the right direction. In times of suffering and difficulty, they are always on our side, comforting us and provide useful advise and constanly reminds us that He has a greater plan for everything and it will be revealed on His perfect timing. In times of trials, they will encoureage us to stand still and they could walk with us through all the process until we claim victory. Such friends are priceless treasures.
Isn't it a wonderful thing how our lives are being changed by these people? So right now, I am happy that I have a small group not just to have companions because I'm lonely but also to be surrounded with people that I believe will direct me to the BEST way. Let's continue to attend this lifegroup and be excited about shepherding or one to one. Now, ask yourselves this, what kind of relationship I have? If I don't have this kind of relationship, what might have happened to me? Just remember guys that we were not created to walk alone on our Christian journey.
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