"Where will you be five years from now?" was the question asked and pondered by every individual who was present in the so-called "For D' Boys".
God’s Word and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ were the backbone of this fun-filled gathering of enthusiastic and energetic young men of Loakan Baptist Church. I don't remember who started it but the experience was so real and intense, though it was held in church and sometimes in a resthouse-dyay taloy if you know what i mean…hihi
We normally start off singing our favorite choruses, then manong sam or manong abe (or should I say Doc Sam and Pastor Abe) share a 5 to 15 min devotion. Then, each one is given an opportunity to share either a blessing from God, a prayer request or just to pour out a hurt or a heartache. This gathering is an opportunity to settle each other’s differences in a Godly manner so as to strengthen each others relationship as brothers in Christ.
Sometimes we lose track of time not because we wanted to but because of the excitement, the joy of being with one another. The fellowship would not be complete if there was no food, especially "pinikpikan" , "kalding" and "A-so" (the favorite menu hihi). Grabe! if you could have seen us eat before? wow !we could finish one big kaldero of rice! (i'm referring to my manongs 'coz they could finish up to 3 to 4 full plates hihi). And Sometimes our food was even sponsored by Doc H. T. But there’s this one rule that when it comes to dishes, It is your "priviledge" to do it if you are the youngest among the group, so often times I was always busy after the battle,hihi.
Thanks to Nikki, Manong Abe and Manong Sam, we had wheels to go to Taloy or camp 1 if ever we want to change venue. And Uncle Julio for allowing us to use their rest house in Taloy.
Jokes? huh! they were endless, we laughed 'till our stomach and jaw ache...cowboy jokes, ibaloi and yanki style...you name it, it was all there.
There was this trip that I wish I could have gone to, 5 men- Sam, Marzan, Norman, Rene C. and Jerome (I think) decided to hike Sto thomas to Camp 1. It took them 10 hrs but they conquered the mountain … imagine the struggle, the hardship and the contentment… they made it! ( having heard their stories and looking to their pictures ).
"For D' Boys" - the experience and the fellowship was amazing, it was one of God's ways in strengthening our relationship as brothers in Christ.
To LBC YP ( esp the bubulog )- my prayer is that you’ll continue to bring honor and praise to the Almighty God and to remain faithful ‘till He comes..
As the song says,…
What this dying world could use is a willing Man of God
Who dares to go against the grain and works without applause;
A man who'll raise the shield of Faith, protecting what is pure;
Whose love is tough and gentle; a man whose word is sure.
God doesn't need an Orator who knows what just to say;
He doesn't need authorities to reason Him away;
He doesn't need an army to guarantee a win;
He just needs a Few Good Men.
Men full of Compassion, who Laugh and Love and Cry-
Men who'll face Eternity and aren't afraid to die-
Men who'll fight for Freedom and Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men.
This is the land of my forefathers... once was a field of rice, where my forefathers till the ground. Now, is the land for planes and of aircrafts... yet I still call it my beloved homeland... Loakan.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Power of Words and Tongue
One thing a Christian should put in mind is that every word he speaks is powerful. Let me bring you to the verse James 3:5-8.
James 3:5-8 (New International Version)
5) Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
6) The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7) All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,
8) but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
In this verse it clearly points out that the tongue of man is dangerous as a fire. Just a small spark can turn to a great and huge forest fire. Same with our tongue, just a simple word it brings out, may make a gigantic and massively destructible word to any man. It can make man miserable and his reputation, marred with evil thoughts.
The tongue is described to be untamable. Perhaps that is because it simply speaks what is from the heart. If the heart is evil, therefore the tongue speaks evil but if the heart is pure, then the tongue speaks good things. Though that is not always the case, sometimes, even with great intentions, wrong words come out of our mouth.
But the power of the tongue or words is not limited to that.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
2 Timothy 3:16-18 (New International Version)
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
As I Thessalonians 5:11 speaks, encouraging one another, of course through words, build each other up. If words can destroy a man, so shall words can be used to build-up someone. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the scripture, known as God’s Word, teaches, rebukes, corrects and instructs His people so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The secret of having our tongue speak good things depends on how we nurture our heart with God’s Word.
2 Timothy 2:15 (King James Version)
15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Psalm 1
1) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
So the question, “How will you use your tongue or your words?” I lay down before you. It is my hope that we will use our tongue or our words for the Glory of God. Praising Him and singing of psalms and hymns; encouraging other Christians especially when they are down, and refrain from letting your tongue speak of evil things against one another.
James 3:5-8 (New International Version)
5) Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
6) The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7) All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,
8) but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
In this verse it clearly points out that the tongue of man is dangerous as a fire. Just a small spark can turn to a great and huge forest fire. Same with our tongue, just a simple word it brings out, may make a gigantic and massively destructible word to any man. It can make man miserable and his reputation, marred with evil thoughts.
The tongue is described to be untamable. Perhaps that is because it simply speaks what is from the heart. If the heart is evil, therefore the tongue speaks evil but if the heart is pure, then the tongue speaks good things. Though that is not always the case, sometimes, even with great intentions, wrong words come out of our mouth.
But the power of the tongue or words is not limited to that.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
2 Timothy 3:16-18 (New International Version)
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
As I Thessalonians 5:11 speaks, encouraging one another, of course through words, build each other up. If words can destroy a man, so shall words can be used to build-up someone. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the scripture, known as God’s Word, teaches, rebukes, corrects and instructs His people so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The secret of having our tongue speak good things depends on how we nurture our heart with God’s Word.
2 Timothy 2:15 (King James Version)
15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Psalm 1
1) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2) But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
So the question, “How will you use your tongue or your words?” I lay down before you. It is my hope that we will use our tongue or our words for the Glory of God. Praising Him and singing of psalms and hymns; encouraging other Christians especially when they are down, and refrain from letting your tongue speak of evil things against one another.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
For D’ boyz…
The “For D’ Boyz” fellowship is quite a unique fellowship in the Church of Loakan. I had experienced partly of this fellowship. But probably my brother Gideon has a bigger experience of this fellowship. I say unique since, I presume I haven’t seen such fellowship amongst other churches. Though I believe the so called “elders” of this fellowship want to have it on their own respective churches now. :-)
I can’t fully grasp or imagine how this fellowship started, but it seems to wane off as well through out this new generation. I only heard hearsays about this fellowship. And I know it was perhaps one of the great fellowship before, as it impacted many of the men these days, who are of course Loakanians (maybe not by blood, but by heart… hehe!).
As far as I could tell, boys before who engaged and experienced this fellowship seem to have made them drawn closer to one another. And it seems that, that bond is still there even if they are far from one another. I could imagine whenever they meet; they would start planning to have fellowship with one another, planning to buy food somewhere, where ever, even if it was in the middle of the night. Funny! But perhaps it is actually how I saw them when I was with them. And still I could see that to happen, if they only had a chance to meet with one another again and that is of course they are free to do so (I mean they are not that free because they have responsibilities now.. like family… but of course not all.. :-) …).
I could still remember how they laughed with one another; Making jokes at one another; eating much food to make bigger bellies; telling stories about what happened to them, experiences they couldn’t forget; going home late at night; and, on some formal notices or planned activity they don’t forget God’s Word. As I probably still remember, they did this fellowship on some occasions. Someone going far, someone came back or probably when everyone is there or simply many of them are there, enough money to go out and have a snack and simply, meeting once a year.
But one thing I remember, I can’t forget, but never experienced. Taking from their own words about how this fellowship had helped them grow matured or be more open with one another, is that through this, they had experienced telling one another’s hurt from one another. I believe it was a time for them to tell their hurts against their fellow brother, face to face. That’s one thing I really see unique on this fellowship, which seems hardly to see among other fellowship. I really don’t know how to picture those events that they might have gone through in such circumstances. Only they can tell you.
Hearing those stories we’re perhaps inspirational. Hopefully, we the new generations could also apply. But there seems to be real big differences this day from the past. They say before, they even punch one another. Hardly can I see that happen these days among the young people. And perhaps one big difference, they got wheels… We these days, don’t have much… (haha!)
It was definitely a great time I had before, with my big brothers in the Lord. I felt the heat of their fellowship. Though I was silent, simply observing, watching their every movement and listening to what they say. I felt a warm feeling in my heart, like a charcoal tossed in a burning flame. Openness and such transparency! They seem to know one another as if they were real blood brothers. And perhaps, that is what they are, maybe not physical but spiritual. And Christ’s blood is their bond.
As I see them and watched over them, I saw full trust. True, they may have their own arguments, differences and misunderstandings, but I think they made a way to settle things on the matter. Their relationship is much important more than anything. That is because they are brothers in the Lord.
For some reasons, trust seems to be hard to earn these days. But anyway who are we to be trusted? We are sinners. We are faulty and fragile creatures. We are human as we say. But God has always been there to make a way. Perhaps we never do learn to come to Him and seek His will and wisdom. We always want to follow our own instincts.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version)
5) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I do hope we Christians will learn to trust in God no matter what. To know and follow His will and not our own, for His ways are far greater than ours. May we continually seek His will for us to obey and not think on our own “What we ought to do?”, for we are all fragile and could easily be broken to pieces. But in God’s hands, we can be as beautiful as a vase or pot, to be His masterpiece.
I can’t fully grasp or imagine how this fellowship started, but it seems to wane off as well through out this new generation. I only heard hearsays about this fellowship. And I know it was perhaps one of the great fellowship before, as it impacted many of the men these days, who are of course Loakanians (maybe not by blood, but by heart… hehe!).
As far as I could tell, boys before who engaged and experienced this fellowship seem to have made them drawn closer to one another. And it seems that, that bond is still there even if they are far from one another. I could imagine whenever they meet; they would start planning to have fellowship with one another, planning to buy food somewhere, where ever, even if it was in the middle of the night. Funny! But perhaps it is actually how I saw them when I was with them. And still I could see that to happen, if they only had a chance to meet with one another again and that is of course they are free to do so (I mean they are not that free because they have responsibilities now.. like family… but of course not all.. :-) …).
I could still remember how they laughed with one another; Making jokes at one another; eating much food to make bigger bellies; telling stories about what happened to them, experiences they couldn’t forget; going home late at night; and, on some formal notices or planned activity they don’t forget God’s Word. As I probably still remember, they did this fellowship on some occasions. Someone going far, someone came back or probably when everyone is there or simply many of them are there, enough money to go out and have a snack and simply, meeting once a year.
But one thing I remember, I can’t forget, but never experienced. Taking from their own words about how this fellowship had helped them grow matured or be more open with one another, is that through this, they had experienced telling one another’s hurt from one another. I believe it was a time for them to tell their hurts against their fellow brother, face to face. That’s one thing I really see unique on this fellowship, which seems hardly to see among other fellowship. I really don’t know how to picture those events that they might have gone through in such circumstances. Only they can tell you.
Hearing those stories we’re perhaps inspirational. Hopefully, we the new generations could also apply. But there seems to be real big differences this day from the past. They say before, they even punch one another. Hardly can I see that happen these days among the young people. And perhaps one big difference, they got wheels… We these days, don’t have much… (haha!)
It was definitely a great time I had before, with my big brothers in the Lord. I felt the heat of their fellowship. Though I was silent, simply observing, watching their every movement and listening to what they say. I felt a warm feeling in my heart, like a charcoal tossed in a burning flame. Openness and such transparency! They seem to know one another as if they were real blood brothers. And perhaps, that is what they are, maybe not physical but spiritual. And Christ’s blood is their bond.
As I see them and watched over them, I saw full trust. True, they may have their own arguments, differences and misunderstandings, but I think they made a way to settle things on the matter. Their relationship is much important more than anything. That is because they are brothers in the Lord.
For some reasons, trust seems to be hard to earn these days. But anyway who are we to be trusted? We are sinners. We are faulty and fragile creatures. We are human as we say. But God has always been there to make a way. Perhaps we never do learn to come to Him and seek His will and wisdom. We always want to follow our own instincts.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version)
5) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I do hope we Christians will learn to trust in God no matter what. To know and follow His will and not our own, for His ways are far greater than ours. May we continually seek His will for us to obey and not think on our own “What we ought to do?”, for we are all fragile and could easily be broken to pieces. But in God’s hands, we can be as beautiful as a vase or pot, to be His masterpiece.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Loakanian Forum
Yo guys, check out the Forum I'm currently working on.... feel free to comment on it... :)
Oh yeah, you'll find the link at the right menu where sites are listed.... :)
Oh yeah, you'll find the link at the right menu where sites are listed.... :)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Calling me Names
But such name they call me, may picture how they view me as I am. I do not blame them of course. But perhaps we could learn something from it.
From the day that I was born, I was called Roldan, a name which I continue to think and find out what it means. I’ve found out later the name Dan means Judge, from “Daniel”, which means “The Lord is Judge”. And now I ask, “what about Rol? Haha! It’s quite funny how I think. But I believe sometimes the name defines who you are. Some statistics say the name you carry, 80% or something really has an impact or effect on your character or person. It may be just a name, but it is who you are.
From my early stage of childhood, one name that stick to me or is branded to me was of course, the name people tease me off. The name “Dentot” or “Dandansoy tokak” (and try to sing a familiar song). I do not know how it came about. But perhaps they picture me as a clumsy person before. Or maybe it’s just a simple joke, to tease me around, which most kids of Loakanian are fondly of doing it. Many kids do experience being branded by names, so often, by anyone of us. But a very bad practice I believe. ‘Cause most often, what you teach to a child will definitely stick to their hearts and minds and definitely will carry it as they grow old. We are all guilty of that. But hopefully we could start doing something for a change, ‘cause once a bad thought is registered to a child’s mind, it may corrupt the person in itself. And only by God’s grace one life could be turned around.
As I grew and perhaps on my high school days one person was fond of calling me “Father”. A name which I believe is given to a priest amongst a religious denomination or of course to your dad. Sometimes I think it pictures one who is like a saint or one who brings his two palms together and a halo is above his head. Of course I didn’t like it being called as one. It’s uncomfortable. But of course I couldn’t blame the person, for such that the person sees in my actions. I live simply to be a Christian. To stand for what I believe in. But sadly I wasn’t able to share those things that I believe on. I was the quiet person at that time, the silent-type personality; most people would brand me of. I could be so quite and could never speak even for two days (Hahaha!… I believe so... but that was then, now I know how to write... Hahaha!)
Then the familiar name “Amang” as so many was fondly of calling me of. Of course, I still was uncomfortable of it. I felt so old, which perhaps they did see on me still on my actions. I acted like an older person perhaps. But maybe I’m wrong on the matter. If I could remember, I put an eyebrow up whenever I’m called as such. The name started to branch out and spread around. And as I have said, Loakanians are fond of doing it. It even got to my mother, and didn’t like it too. Of course, my parents are the ones who gave me my name, why change it? But I understood it was just for fun. I just hope it will not lead on offending others. But if you will ask me “Am I offended? I would lie if not, but such offenses are deniable and easy to forget for the sake of friendship. I cherish and value friendship more than offenses. Anyway, such is just a little offense, but be watchful, it depends on who the recipient is.
When I got to college, I was branded by other names, though they weren’t loakanians no more. It just proves that people are really fond of calling people names. The name was quite flattering, but still unworthy of. One called me leader, as I was their leader at that time in a group… Whenever they call me, they say “Leader... leader…” Weird, but I can not allow myself to be filled with pride. ‘Cause I know I am not worthy of such. One person was also fond of calling everyone who is good in computer matters, called me too “master.” Definitely, unworthy of… Who am I to be called as such? I felt robbing God’s title, Who is supposed to be our only “Master”.
These are some of the names I could remember, and some I’d rather not share. This thing I shared is not to get back in the past and pinpoint offences or anything, but simply want to share an insight, especially an insight on why do we Christians call God, Names. And, why He is worthy of such Names.
I remember the Song “Name of Names” from the “Experiencing God the Musical.” This is what I desire to pinpoint. That God has so many names, His people name Him. Not to joke around of course, but the fact that they know their God. They know Him as He is. And they know Him, through out their experiences with Him as their God; Our God! And He is worthy of such names: Master, Savior, the Lion of Judah, the Lamb to the slaughter, the Messiah, the Great Provider, the Comforter, the Healer, our Lord Almighty.
Through out these names, “Who is God in your life?” You know one thing to check if you have a good and clear relationship with God, is that having that heart to call Him a name which is rightfully His and that you know to yourself, you have experienced it. And of course, one starts by calling Him Savior and Lord. Savior, the One Who saves us from the punishment of sin. And Lord, the One Who is the Lord, King, Master of our life. By these two names, can we really call Him as He is in our lives?
I believe it is a worthless thing to do or even dangerous, by calling someone a name, yet we know not why we are calling him that name.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
* * * * * * * *
(u-uy tutulad... kunyari columnist ng midland.. hahahaha!...) Anyway, just want to thank all the people who have greeted me and made my birthday a special day for me.. :) ..... thanks...
Monday, April 7, 2008
A Battle won?
Last April 6, 2008, a big event happened, quite a remarkable event indeed. I believe for so many years the church hasn’t really spoken so seriously and openly. Many focused to do something for a change. Not minding hunger! Not minding thirst! And hopefully change will indeed occur for God’s glory.
I will lie if I say I don’t have doubts and whether matters have been resolved. I do have doubts. But this I believe the enemy wants to put in our minds, as the enemy is greatly skilled in putting such doubts in our minds. I still want to believe that, that day was victory on God’s side, as some people did ask for forgiveness, and some people did forgive. I do hope that all of us did forgive and forget, as God has forgiven us, so should we forgive others. No matter how many times they erred against us. (Matt. 18:21-22)
But be watchful, for this is just one battle. There are more battles to come and the war isn’t over yet. Anyway, it will never be over ‘till we go to our heavenly home and stand before our Lord God.
There are still heartaches that haven’t been healed and there may still be hatred in our hearts. Doubts may still linger in our mind, an itty bitty hole the enemy can use, to kill and destroy.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
For these things I write and strive to remind us of God’s Word for His people. Years have past, and still many of us have not learned the ways of our Lord. We still haven’t learned even how to be an Ambassador of Reconciliation or to become Peacemakers.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
The Lord Jesus Christ has taught us through His word, “How do we reconcile ourselves to our brothers?”
Matthew 18:15-17 teaches us that if we have been offended, we GO to the one who has offended us and if possible we gain back our brother. And if he doesn’t confess and forgiveness has not been in effect, then one loses a brother.
Matthew 5:23-24 teaches us as well, that if we know our brother has something against us, we therefore must GO to our brother, and be reconciled unto him.
These verses simply teach one word, that is “LOVE”. Love that causes us to be humble before God, learn to accept people as they are and learn to change for a better cause. Learn to forgive and forget as God has forgiven us. See the love God has shown, as He has laid His life for us. Shamed, agonized, mocked, and bruised for the sake of us all. One who knew no sin, received unto himself the punishment of our sin. Can we not do the same for our brothers and sisters, as our Lord has done for us?
When will we learn? When can we show? When can we surrender our life and die unto ourselves that Christ may dwell in us?
Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
How long will i survive...?
I never imagined that people can be so evil.Their greed for money and power pushes them to do anything, even at the expense of other people. They will hurt you, push you to your limits until you give in to their demands, you have no choice but to follow so that you will not get into trouble.Sometimes I just wish that rapture will come so that their evil plans will come to an end.hehehe
I don't know what the future holds for me here...all I know is that the Lord Lead me here and that's all that matters.
>>>people....pray for me.....
I don't know what the future holds for me here...all I know is that the Lord Lead me here and that's all that matters.
>>>people....pray for me.....
In the heat of the battle
In the beginning of creation of the earth and of man, a line has already been drawn, a line separating God from His enemy, Satan, or perhaps a line that separates God from sin. Sin will never be part of God. God is God. And, sin is not in His nature. That line is already drawn, and still exists to this very day; A line which may be much more pictured, as The Spiritual Warfare.
As Christian, one who is saved, is called to the field of battle, the spiritual battle against the enemy of God. Paul reminds us of this in the book of Ephesians 6:10-18.
Ephesians 6: 10-12
(10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (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.
“Be strong,” an encouragement that we should listen to and take heed, for surely there are battles to face and challenges to confront. This verse also reminds us to first, put our mind, heart and focus on our Lord and in His mighty power. For through out our battles, we can never do it alone. As the verse continues on,
(13) 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. (14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (19)Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
The verse continues to show us God’s provisions, and Paul’s encouragement to stand.
Belt of Truth. There is a saying “The Truth sets you Free,” same perhaps with our belts. It helps us to feel comfortable and fix our loose clothes esp. on our waste, therefore setting us free of discomfort. Without our belt, we feel uncomfortable. Now, if a soldier has no belt, truly his focus will not be on his enemy but on his clothes or on his discomfort. But with a belt, he fixes his eyes on the enemy and with confidence he makes ready. More about the truth, Truth gives confidence and may free us from doubts and fears, and fixes our confusions. So therefore we need to put and fix truth in our lives to help us focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, Who is Truth.
Breastplate of Righteousness. As Christians should know, one who is saved and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, must also understand that he is cleansed and justified through faith. Satan is known to be the “Accuser of the brethren.” Therefore times shall come that believers will feel the guilt and may be haunted by old sins or even new sins. But God has always provided His forgiveness if we ask, and Christ has become our intercessor, our own attorney in the Courts of Justice of God. Therefore we must put and remind ourselves that we are justified by faith, and that we are made righteous before God in Christ. A promise we ought to claim in times that the accuser comes in our lives.
Shoes of the gospel of peace. Surely our shoes have great use, much more to a soldier. Imagine a soldier without his shoes. Definitely it may lead to critical situations. Or the enemy will catch the soldier off guard. Therefore we Christians should put on our shoes, the gospel shoes, and be ready, ready for anything, especially to share the Gospel of Christ that brings peace.
Shield of Faith. The shield is the number one defensive item against an attack. And so is our faith against doubts and fears. With faith, doubts and fears fly. Even if we have the biggest doubt, with faith it loses its grip. Just like the light that shines in the darkness, darkness fades away. So carry with you the shield of faith, Faith by which we put our trust in Christ.
Sword of the Spirit (Word of God). Truly the Word of God is like two-edged sword, piercing our hearts that we may take heed to His words and change us for God’s purposes (Hebrews 4:12). It is also a weapon to counter-attack the enemies’ attack. Just like the Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness with Satan. Christ won against Satan’s fiery and deceptive words, because He used God’s Words. Therefore we too should take the Word of God and hide it in our hearts, to be used against the enemy, against lies, deceptions and accusations of the enemy. Words that will guide us throughout our lives.
But, in all these things, forget not to pray. For Prayer is our line to our God. A provision God has given us, as to not forget that we need Him still. We need His strength, His power, His wisdom, His understanding and everything, for He is the greatest source of these things. For time will come, we might fall apart and lose the battles of our own, experience the failures of our lives, and so, much more do we need to cling to God and ask for restoration or simply asking God to fight for us. Just as His people, shouted and blown the trumpet or stood in the midst of the battle field, their God fought for them. The same God Who will fight for us, therefore in Christ, we shall win.
Forget not as well, to pray for others, for simply they need prayers, nothing more, nothing less. For at times, others may be so burdened and discouraged not to pray. It is this time that we need to intercede for them and pray for them, especially the ones who minister for the Lord. For lo, who shall pray for them?
All these things God has provided. But then, if we are in the heat of battle and it seems we are at the feet of our foe, I delight to point you still on this verse.. Ephesians 6:10 (King James Version) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might… The finality of the battle is in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the Captain of our lives, our Lord, our King. Putting our eyes on the One Who can help us go on, lift us when we are down, strengthen us when we are weak, encourage us when we are discouraged, comfort us when we are troubled, enable us when we are disabled or simply listen to us when no one cares to listen. The One person whom we must put our focus on…
John 3:14
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Numbers 21:9 (New International Version)
So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.
Just like the bronze snake Moses made and was raised and whoever looked upon it, they lived. So as to our Lord Jesus Christ, the one who was raised on the cross to die for you and me. May we not forget that day, when God displayed His great love, by letting His one and only righteous Son, to feel the shame, pain, sorrow and die for us all.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
A Message to Share
Try clicking this link to hear Charles Stanley preach... Though I'm not sure if it will last for the week... So hear it while its hot! :)
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=dhKHIXPKIuE&b=2287421
(Tip: try to pause it first for a long time before playing the video, for watching the video straight and without disturbance or whatever...and oh yeah, I think it takes 30-45 minutes to hear and watch this... so enjoy.... :) ....)
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=dhKHIXPKIuE&b=2287421
(Tip: try to pause it first for a long time before playing the video, for watching the video straight and without disturbance or whatever...and oh yeah, I think it takes 30-45 minutes to hear and watch this... so enjoy.... :) ....)
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