EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED

Posted on May 24, 2013 by

The sequence of events in each of our lives has probably brought meaning to that expression. Perhaps early in life we had been warned to avoid high expectations at the risk of being disappointed. The idea; “Don’t get your hopes too high” comes with a warning voiced by Oswald Chambers in his writings as he cautions us to the contrary, when he states emphatically that our problem may be that often we do not expect as much as we should. That. “we expect too little”. His reference,of course, relates to the power and promises of the Lord; and that we might well expect miracles big and small.

Somehow belief is the “game changer”. Our lack of readiness and preparation for that which we do not know can be unsettling. We, in effect, allow for no opening and we lose it. Each opportunity is a teacher where we gain insight and personal growth.

In Luke 12: 32 Jesus said in effect;” Do not be afraid, it is my Fathers pleasure to give you the kingdom. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out. Be dressed for action, and have your lamps lit.”

For those that would yeild to the shallow resolution of “having good luck”, we might caution them to rethink the concept. Good luck is a transient gift with little foundation reserved for lotteries. God’s grace is predictable and constantly in the offering.

In all, I wonder if God really acts “out of the blue” totally unilaterally, or if He does not measure our expectations first? Would not our steps in preparation wholly signify our belief in His power and commitment to us.

In twelve days we will be moving into new quarters in high expectation that the Lord is placing us there for reasons that we do not fully comprehend. We will be among many seniors who have chosen it as perhaps their last transition. While not espousing an underlying “religious conviction” as a private “Senior Living Center”. I believe that He may well view it as an act of preparation for many who are there that have such faith.

We offered our house for sale despite the huge waiting list of people who committed upon one contingency of another. We had no contingencies and signed the agreement to move in June, 1…. period. Our house sold in five days and simultaneously we were move to the top of the list. We already had started packing before any of this. We could have well moved in a week ago.

I believe the Lord has a job for us there. But does He not for all of us who first prepare?

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Faith Child – Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression

Posted on May 23, 2013 by
Question: “What does the Bible say about Bipolar Disorder / Manic Depression?”

Note: as with many psychological issues, there are often both a physical and spiritual aspect of manic depression / bipolar disorder. While we believe psychologists often miss the true spiritual nature of the sickness, we strongly encourage anyone suffering with a mental illness to seek medical attention and counseling.
Answer: Bipolar Disorder, or BD, (formerly known as Manic Depressive Disorder) is a mental illness classified as a mood disorder. There are several forms of the disorder, some being more severe, and others emphasizing either the mania or the depression side of the disorder. In general, the disorder is characterized by extreme highs and lows in mood, which affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The manic episodes are what make this mood disorder different from other forms of depression. Mania can include any of the following symptoms: a feeling of inflated self-importance, grandiose thinking, hyper speech, racing thoughts, increased energy level, risky behaviors, and wildly unrealistic judgment. The manic depressive is easily agitated or angered when these fantastic views inevitably meet reality. Thus, a manic episode is typically followed by an explosion of anger and a plunge into depression and despair.
The behaviors and mood swings are the primary indicators for diagnosing manic depression, as there is no organic or physical evidence of a chemical imbalance that causes this disorder. The research simply identifies areas of brain activity, not the precise neurochemical reactions to indicate a causal relationship to the symptoms (the brain activity could be a result of the disorder rather than a cause). Furthermore, medicine that targets brain chemistry is not an exact science. Medicine can reduce manic depressive symptoms for some, but not all patients.
The Bible does not use the term bipolar or manic. These are man-made terms used to describe behavior patterns and characteristics. The science of mental illness is a way to study and diagnose problems rather than find solutions for them. On the other hand, the Bible does provide answers to issues related to Bipolar Disorder; for example, a manic episode includes a prideful view of self, a strong desire to gratify wants, and uncontrolled, destructive anger. These are natural desires we are all born with, but we respond differently to them depending on our DNA, environment, and spiritual condition. These factors all play a role in how Bipolar Disorder can develop and take hold in a person’s life. Having Bipolar Disorder is not a sin, but blaming sin on BD is inappropriate. It is we who make sinful choices due to our sinful nature.
In summary, Bipolar Disorder is a type of human frailty that is ultimately caused by our sinful heart condition. BD does not determine a person’s identity, nor is it a life sentence that cannot be overcome. The answer to surmounting BD lies in the spiritual reality we face. We need salvation through Jesus Christ. Salvation sets the captive free from the chains of sin (Proverbs 5:22; Romans 6:6, 14). Without Jesus there is no hope of a redemptive work in our hearts to overcome human weakness.
The gospel is the first need of someone who suffers from BD. A relationship with Jesus is the first step and the only way to true, lasting healing. For those who are walking through this trial, the biblical advice is to examine what part they need to own and know how to respond biblically to temptation.
Having a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder will indicate an area of struggle, particularly with anger and pride (self-importance, selfish desires). A Christian who is dying to self and following Jesus must face these weak areas like he would any other temptation through the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 13:12-14; Ephesians 6:10-18). Discipling, biblical counsel, support from Christian friends, and personal Bible study are essential tools for spiritual growth and victory over habitual sin. Medication and psychiatric/psychological counseling can be helpful, as long as it is done in conjunction with spiritual guidance. Otherwise, such counseling is nothing more than a band-aid for BD’s symptoms and could potentially cause more harm if it keeps a person from seeing his greatest need is Jesus. Those who place their trust in Jesus will experience the hope that does not disappoint (Romans 5:1-5).
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/bipolar-manic-depression.html#ixzz2T0ByqGkq
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Rebellion is taken away by God

Posted on May 23, 2013 by

Rebellion cannot be confessed or forgiven because its the inherited nature of fallen man. The only thing that can rid sinful man of the rebellious inclination is the power of God’s Grace. In the Old Testament, saints of God were not blessed like we are today. Reason? Grace and the Holy Spirit were poured out at Calvary. God blessed humanity with such a great blessing of Divine Grace!

Saving Grace is greater than anything the Law of Moses could do within the human soul and character. That’s why Old Testament saints of God lived a defeated life. Thanks be to God Saving Grace today in the New Testament is greater than anyting Old Testament Law could ever offer. Grace is victory because its power from God. Saving Grace does more than save the soul. Saving Grace rids a sinner from rebellion against God. This is why a child of God is considered righteous in the eyes of God. Rebellion is removed from the human soul by Grace.

The truth of the matter is we are made right in the eyes of God because we have Christ in our moral character and make-up. Old Testament saints did have such a great blessing! Grace is not based on our own will, or our own choices, or our own decisions. Grace comes down from above. Grace is an operation of God upon and within a believer. Christians do the will of God because they are “morally changed” by the power of saving Grace. Human will is left out. God’s Grace is what keeps the Holy Spirit present in the heart of a child of God. Therefore children of God do the will of God because power is granted from above. How? Rebellion is gone! Rebellion is taken away! Not by you…but because of a Savior that loved you so much He died for you personally! He took away your sins. He took away your rebellion. Rebellion is gone! Glory!

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Hands together and eyes closed

Posted on May 23, 2013 by

So, God.

At church we had a Thousand Days of Prayer. Now, this is not to say that our church was devoid of prayer or pray-ers before we began, or that it was all over and done with when we finished, but it was a specific focus for a specific length of time. We did things a bit differently. There were new initiatives and people have said over and over again that during this time they found new direction, or new depth, or new insight into prayer.

So what has changed?

Me?  Are you asking me?

Ah. Well.  I still don’t really know what prayer is. I have more books on my shelves about it than I had before; indeed I’m reading one right now. Two actually.

I know that prayer is a way of meeting with you. If I could only learn to do it right I think that I would find that many things slipped into place. I think cultivating a consistent and faithful prayer life is a way of tuning in to your heart – the more time I spend with you in prayer, the more likely I am to recognise your voice in my life, and to discern the course you would have me take. Therefore, I am more likely to walk closely by your side, and more likely to fulfil my potential. Live fully.

So why is it so hard?  To draw close to you and listen as well as rabbit on. To be still.  I have time to read, plant seeds (even if I then forget to water them),  to have coffee with friends and surf the internet – why are you, the Creator of the Universe, Almighty God, so often bottom of the list?

Coffee with Jesus, then.  Right now. Caf or decaf? Fancy a custard cream?

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Christian Tagalog Blog: Pray to Listen

Posted on May 22, 2013 by

Philippians 4:6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Ang Panalangin ay hindi lamang tungkol sa kung anong sasabihin mo sa Panginoon. Ito ay tungkol sa pakikinig mo sa Kanya. Ang panalngin ay hindi lamang binibigkas ng bibig, kundi ng puso.

Ito ang pagkakataong, ipakita natin ang puso natin sa Lumikha dahil wala naman tayong matatago sa Kanya.

Prayer is not just about what you say to the Lord. It is about listening to Him. Our prayers are not only spoken by our mouth but by our hearts.

In our prayer time, we pour out our hearts to the Creator for there is nothing He cannot fathom even to the depths of our inmost being.

Don’t approach the living God with dead prayers
But come to him when your lifeless prayers are dead
And the spirit on your tongue is dripping with life
Then every syllable you speak will be a divine trade
Your mouth will leak with the flood of praise you’ve made
The number you seek will be far too high to be weighed
And you’ll never be able to answer the question,
“How many times have you prayed?”

-David Bowden (The Prayer)

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Faith Child – Overcoming Depression

Posted on May 22, 2013 by
Question: “What does the Bible say about depression? How can a Christian overcome depression?”

Answer:
Depression is a widespread condition, affecting millions of people, Christians and non-Christians alike. Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. They may begin to feel useless and even suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed. Depression is often triggered by life circumstances, such as a loss of job, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.
The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11), so God apparently intends for us all to live joyful lives. This is not easy for someone suffering from situational depression, but it can be remedied through God’s gifts of prayer, Bible study and application, support groups, fellowship among believers, confession, forgiveness, and counseling. We must make the conscious effort to not be absorbed in ourselves, but to turn our efforts outward. Feelings of depression can often be solved when those suffering with depression move the focus from themselves to Christ and others.
Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician. It may not be caused by unfortunate life circumstances, nor can the symptoms be alleviated by one’s own will. Contrary to what some in the Christian community believe, clinical depression is not always caused by sin. Depression can sometimes be caused by a physical disorder that needs to be treated with medication and/or counseling. Of course, God is able to cure any disease or disorder. However, in some cases, seeing a doctor for depression is no different than seeing a doctor for an injury.
There are some things that those who suffer from depression can do to alleviate their anxiety. They should make sure that they are staying in the Word, even when they do not feel like it. Emotions can lead us astray, but God’s Word stands firm and unchanging. We must maintain strong faith in God and hold even more tightly to Him when we undergo trials and temptations. The Bible tells us that God will never allow temptations into our lives that are too much for us to handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). Although being depressed is not a sin, one is still accountable for the response to the affliction, including getting the professional help that is needed.
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
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Prayer request for Oklahoma Tornado victims

Posted on May 21, 2013 by

Let us pray for those who suffered loss from the  powerful tornado which swept through an Oklahoma City suburb on Monday 20th May, 2013. tearing down blocks of homes, two schools and leaving up to 91 people dead, including 20 children, local officials said. Remember the rescuers too that the Lord’s grace and mercy will be seen through it all in all those saved and delivered from evil.

We have 743 readers   todate,  of ChristianBlessings according to our Revolver maps database, who live in Oklahoma. Should there be any of our readers affected by the tornado, we lift  them up specially at the throne of grace, that they will  experience God’s presence, peace and grace and understand His purpose, with  strength and fortitude to  bring them through this disaster. They are not alone in this as we cover them with prayer and love in this time of great need.

Graphic showing the US suburb of Moore in Oklahoma City

US President Barack Obama declared a “major disaster” as rescuers combed through smashed homes and the collapsed remains of an elementary school in Moore, where twister-seasoned residents were shocked by the devastation

“We know there are a lot of injuries. We know we’ve lost a tremendous amount of structures throughout this community and throughout the state,” she said, as the Moore police chief urged people to leave the area.

The dead included at least 20 children, most of them under the age of 12, Amy Elliott, of the state medical examiner’s office, told AFP.

May the Lord grant comfort and  help to all who call on Him in the process of recovery

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98nG3xH02wo

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EU 9 – Rewards

Posted on May 21, 2013 by

Rewards

by Marg Mowczko

http://newlife.id.au/christian-living/rewards/

[This article is also available in Urdu. below]

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.  To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.  To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.  To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.  To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

1 Corinthians 9:19-27 (NIV)

In 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, Paul revealed the tremendous lengths he went to for the sake of the Gospel.  He said that he went to these lengths so that he could share (literally: be a co-partner) in the blessing (literally: the produce or outcome) of the gospel.  We are stakeholders in the Gospel!  We have a share in both the work and the outcome of the Gospel.  Our share in the outcome of the Gospel is described in terms of ”rewards” or “wages” in the New Testament.[1]

I’ve found that many Christians are reluctant to speak about the rewards of Christian service, but Jesus and Paul both spoke about real rewards for those who serve God and his people devotedly, obediently, faithfully and selflessly.

Continue reading →

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What is the Pentecostal experience?

Posted on May 21, 2013 by

Before Christ ascended to the Throne (where He resides and rules from now) He instructed the disciples to tarry in Jerusalem.

These disciples were saved but instructed by Jesus to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit…for a reason.

The Holy Spirit would thus become omnipresent 50 days after Jesus made His final sin offering through His death, burial, and resurrection.

The Holy Spirit thus fell in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost as God promised. The Holy Spirit was poured out and came upon these disciples as Christ told them in advance. These disciples were “endued” with power from on high.

These saved hearts and saved lives of the disciples were “revolutionized” by the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised them before His ascension back to the Father. These disciples were completely taken over by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Their complete body, soul, and spirit was endured with power so much…they became witnesses and told the world about Christ.  Their hearts were on fire for Christ. Their doubts and fears were taken away. Their certainties about Christ became more certain. The Spirit of God “baptized” these believers with the Promise of the Father.

A Pentecostal experience occurred that day as these disciples spoke with other tongues. An enduement of power occurred that day as Christ promised it would. Doubtful hearts were purged and sanctified on that day. Lives were changed and characters were revolutionized on that day. Power from God came down…and fell upon those saints, on that great and glorius day.

I want to inform you of the fact that,  ”The Pentecostal experience still happens today with the same power”.  The Holy Spirit thus sanctifies the believer…just like He did on the day of Pentecost. Nothing different except the people. Pentecost happens today because the Holy Spirit still endures people with power from on high…just as Jesus said it would. The Holy Spirit did not cease to give power in that day and hour. Power from the Spirit of God is still given today and still controls the body, the tongue, and the moral character of of the beleiving soul.

The Pentecostal experience is very much Biblical and offers the greatest contentment a man can experience from Christ, in this life on this side of heaven.

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Faith Child – “Should a Christian take anti-depressants or other mental health medicines?”

Posted on May 21, 2013 by

Question: “Should a Christian take anti-depressants or other mental health medicines?”
Answer: Panic attacks, anxiety disorders, phobias, and depression affect millions of people. Panic attacks can be particularly debilitating as they can strike a person with no warning. For most sufferers, what they experience is rooted in fear: fear of rejection, fear of acceptance, fear of responsibility, fear of the unknown. Something will trigger fear which drives the person to feel like he or she is losing control. Panic attacks are often both physically and psychologically intense.
Although medical experts believe that many times the above-mentioned ailments originate within a person’s psyche, there are times when a chemical imbalance is the cause. If this is the case, medication is often prescribed to help counter the imbalance, which in turn treats the symptoms of the psychological ailment. Is this a sin? No. God has allowed man to grow in his knowledge of medicine, which God often uses in the healing process. Does God need man-made medicine in order to heal? Of course not! But God has chosen to allow the practice of medicine to progress, and there is no biblical reason not to avail ourselves of it.
However, there is a fine line between using medicine for healing purposes and continual reliance upon medicine for daily living. We need to recognize God as the Great Physician, and know that He alone holds the power to truly heal (John 4:14). We need to look to God first and foremost for our healing. Medicine used to treat a case of panic attack should only be used to the extent that it allows the sufferer to deal with the root cause of fear. It should be used to give back control to the sufferer. However, many sufferers take medicine in order to avoid dealing with the true cause of their ailment; this would be denying responsibility, denying God’s healing, and possibly denying others the freedom of forgiveness or closure to some past event that could be contributing to the ailment. This, then, does become sin, as it is based on selfishness.
By taking medicine on a limited basis in order to treat the symptoms, then relying upon the Word of God and wise counsel to enact transformation in one’s heart and mind, gradually the need for the medicine will diminish. The believer’s position in Christ is affirmed, and God brings healing into those troubled areas of the heart and mind which are causing the ailment. God’s Word has much to say about fear and its place in a believer’s life. Reading through the following Scriptures and meditating on them is the universal cure. The following verses give confidence, and illuminate the truth behind what being a child of God entails: Proverbs 29:25; Matthew 6:34; John 8:32; Romans 8:28-39; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:4-9; Colossians 3:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:6-8; Hebrews 13:5-6; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 5:7; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 1 John 1:9; 4:18-19.
God can heal supernaturally and miraculously. We should pray to that end. God also heals through medicine and doctors. We should pray to that end as well. Regardless of which direction God takes, our ultimate trust must be in Him alone (Matthew 9:22).
Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-anti-depressants.html#ixzz2T08XhjGP

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