Its a blessing to be sharing something with you all, I have never fogotten my deciples or my beloved brothers in Christ, we are all connect in prayers, I relly do mis you all out there especially, my trinidadian Family, you are all in my heart.
I have been going through tuff times, but I praise God for everything, I understand by always being thankful to God he will make more provision for you so that he can hear you thank Him.
My son and Wife are all blessed, I have a calling to be a missionary and I love that, But I need your prayers because my wife is one of the reason i ant be close to the children of God, has he faith has faded away, I believe with your prayers God can Change her heart once more, I dont blame her, but the enemy that works to make this an impossible mission in my life, I believe in Miracles, and I serve a God that was able to perform them in the past and still performs today.
I am preaching here in Brasil, but my call is not to save souls here, its out there, i am in a prayer campaign.
Reading and praying the Prayer of the Prophet Habakkuk Chapter 3, I live this for your meditation.
Your humble Servant
P.Miguel
For those that need prayer request please call me or text me, or drop an e-mail
penaltem@live.com +5517.81809559
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
THANK YOU MY TRINIDADIAN FAMILY
God has blessed me the past years of my spiritual career, to meet wondeful people, that makes part of the KINGDOM OF GOD, and I was blessed to be in Trinidad and Tobago,
From Indian brothers,Black African brothers, and to what trinis call Dugla, and here in South Africa we call coloureds,and in portuguese mulato, I want to say they have played a great role in my life,
Thank you all my prayer warriors and thank you trini, you are all beuatiful and blessed people, I will always have you in my prayers,and in my heart.
I love you all not as your Pastor but as your friend, your son,your brother and as a humble servant of God.
I am already missing you all, I am writing this today from South Africa, its freezing down here, it makes me miss the trini heat, thank God I never complained about it.
I am just here on a short trip, then I will be back to Brasil, please continue to pray for me, and know I have a big family in Trinidad, and all those that sponsor my missions I am greatfull from the botton of my heart, for your prayers donations and also for the your love.
I would like to thank also my Great friend Pr.Andrew John for giving me the platform to show my God giving talents on his Church for the past year that I have been there...
Sister Joseph
Kudjoe family, Joshua Especialy
Sister Lisa
Sisrter Bernedette
Sister and Brother Providence
Sister Diane,
My great friend Gregory Persad and Mother Shiela, and Oddy
My adoptive parents the Alexis.
there are many names but I have not forgotten you.
and all the brothers and sisters, and brothers that are Trini and foreigners from the other Islands.
I thank you all for being part of my services and part of my prayer meetings,
I love you all, remember prayer is the key to deliverance, and humbleness is the way to success, chase pride away, and embrace hubleness. James chapter 5.
BY FIRE BY FORCE, WE WILL MAKE IT, HEAVEN AWAITS US.
Your humble Servant
P.Miguel
From Indian brothers,Black African brothers, and to what trinis call Dugla, and here in South Africa we call coloureds,and in portuguese mulato, I want to say they have played a great role in my life,
Thank you all my prayer warriors and thank you trini, you are all beuatiful and blessed people, I will always have you in my prayers,and in my heart.
I love you all not as your Pastor but as your friend, your son,your brother and as a humble servant of God.
I am already missing you all, I am writing this today from South Africa, its freezing down here, it makes me miss the trini heat, thank God I never complained about it.
I am just here on a short trip, then I will be back to Brasil, please continue to pray for me, and know I have a big family in Trinidad, and all those that sponsor my missions I am greatfull from the botton of my heart, for your prayers donations and also for the your love.
I would like to thank also my Great friend Pr.Andrew John for giving me the platform to show my God giving talents on his Church for the past year that I have been there...
Sister Joseph
Kudjoe family, Joshua Especialy
Sister Lisa
Sisrter Bernedette
Sister and Brother Providence
Sister Diane,
My great friend Gregory Persad and Mother Shiela, and Oddy
My adoptive parents the Alexis.
there are many names but I have not forgotten you.
and all the brothers and sisters, and brothers that are Trini and foreigners from the other Islands.
I thank you all for being part of my services and part of my prayer meetings,
I love you all, remember prayer is the key to deliverance, and humbleness is the way to success, chase pride away, and embrace hubleness. James chapter 5.
Your humble Servant
P.Miguel
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
NASA
This is amazing!!!!!!
NASA PROVES THE BIBLE IS TRUE
For all you scientists out there and for all the students who have had a
hard time convincing these people regarding the truth of the Bible -
here's something that illustrates God's awesome creation and shows He is
still in control.
Did you know that NASA's space programmes are busy proving that what has
been called 'myth' in the Bible is true? Mr. Harold Hill, President of
the Curtis engine Company in Baltimore , and a consultant in the space
programmes, relates the following incident:
"One of the most amazing things that God has for us today happened
recently to our astronauts and space scientists at Green Belt, Maryland.
They were checking out the positions of the sun, moon and planets out in
space where they would be 100, and 1000 years from now. We have to know
this as we do not want a satellite to collide with any of these in its
orbits.
We have to lay out the orbits in terms of the life of the satellite and
where the planets will be so the whole project will not bog down.
Computer measurements and data were run back and forth over the
centuries when suddenly it came to a halt, displaying a red signal,
which meant that either there was something wrong with the information
fed into it, or with the results as compared to the standards. They
called in the service department to check it out, and the technicians
asked what was wrong. The scientists had discovered that somewhere in
space in elapsed time a day was missing.. Nobody seemed able to come up
with a solution to the problem.
Finally one of the team, a Christian, said: "You know, when I was still
in Sunday school, they spoke about the sun standing still."
While his colleagues didn't believe him, they did not have an answer
either, so they said: "Show us."
He got a Bible and opened it at the book of Joshua where they found a
pretty ridiculous statement for any one with 'common sense'. There they
read about the Lord saying to Joshua: "Fear them not, I have delivered
them into thy hand; there shall not be a man of them stand before thee."
(Joshua 10:8).
Joshua was concerned because the enemy had surrounded him, and if
darkness fell, they would overpower him. So Joshua asked the Lord to
make the sun stand still! That's right - "And the sun stood still and
the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their
enemies. Is this not written in the book of Ja'-sher? So the sun stood
still in the midst of heaven and hastened not to go down about a whole
day." (Joshua 10:13).
The astronauts and scientists said: "There is the missing day!"
They checked the computers going back into the time it was written and
found it, but it was not close enough. The elapsed time that was missing
back in Joshua's day was 23 hours and 20 minutes - not a whole day.
They read the Bible again and there it was: "about
(approximately) a day."
These little words in the Bible were important, but they were still in
trouble, because another 40 minutes were still unaccounted for, and this
could mean trouble 1000 years from now. Forty minutes had to be found
because it can be multiplied many times over in orbits.
As the Christian employee thought about it, he remembered somewhere in
the Bible which said the sun went backwards. The scientists told him he
was out of his mind, but once again they opened the Book and read these
words in 2 Kings. Hezekiah, on his deathbed, was visited by the prophet,
Isaiah, who told him he was not going to die. Hezekiah asked for some
sign as proof. Isaiah said: "Shall the sun go forward ten degrees, or go
back ten degrees?"
And Hezekiah answered: "It is a light thing for the shadow to go down
ten degrees; nay, but let the shadow return backwards ten degrees."
And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord, and He brought the shadow
ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz." (2
Kings 20:9 -11).
Ten degrees is exactly 40 minutes! Twenty-three hours and twenty minutes
in Joshua, plus 40 minutes in 2 Kings accounted for the missing day in
the universe!
Isn't this amazing? Our God is rubbing their noses in His Truth!
Forward this to as many people who would think this is equally
astounding.
NASA PROVES THE BIBLE IS TRUE
For all you scientists out there and for all the students who have had a
hard time convincing these people regarding the truth of the Bible -
here's something that illustrates God's awesome creation and shows He is
still in control.
Did you know that NASA's space programmes are busy proving that what has
been called 'myth' in the Bible is true? Mr. Harold Hill, President of
the Curtis engine Company in Baltimore , and a consultant in the space
programmes, relates the following incident:
"One of the most amazing things that God has for us today happened
recently to our astronauts and space scientists at Green Belt, Maryland.
They were checking out the positions of the sun, moon and planets out in
space where they would be 100, and 1000 years from now. We have to know
this as we do not want a satellite to collide with any of these in its
orbits.
We have to lay out the orbits in terms of the life of the satellite and
where the planets will be so the whole project will not bog down.
Computer measurements and data were run back and forth over the
centuries when suddenly it came to a halt, displaying a red signal,
which meant that either there was something wrong with the information
fed into it, or with the results as compared to the standards. They
called in the service department to check it out, and the technicians
asked what was wrong. The scientists had discovered that somewhere in
space in elapsed time a day was missing.. Nobody seemed able to come up
with a solution to the problem.
Finally one of the team, a Christian, said: "You know, when I was still
in Sunday school, they spoke about the sun standing still."
While his colleagues didn't believe him, they did not have an answer
either, so they said: "Show us."
He got a Bible and opened it at the book of Joshua where they found a
pretty ridiculous statement for any one with 'common sense'. There they
read about the Lord saying to Joshua: "Fear them not, I have delivered
them into thy hand; there shall not be a man of them stand before thee."
(Joshua 10:8).
Joshua was concerned because the enemy had surrounded him, and if
darkness fell, they would overpower him. So Joshua asked the Lord to
make the sun stand still! That's right - "And the sun stood still and
the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their
enemies. Is this not written in the book of Ja'-sher? So the sun stood
still in the midst of heaven and hastened not to go down about a whole
day." (Joshua 10:13).
The astronauts and scientists said: "There is the missing day!"
They checked the computers going back into the time it was written and
found it, but it was not close enough. The elapsed time that was missing
back in Joshua's day was 23 hours and 20 minutes - not a whole day.
They read the Bible again and there it was: "about
(approximately) a day."
These little words in the Bible were important, but they were still in
trouble, because another 40 minutes were still unaccounted for, and this
could mean trouble 1000 years from now. Forty minutes had to be found
because it can be multiplied many times over in orbits.
As the Christian employee thought about it, he remembered somewhere in
the Bible which said the sun went backwards. The scientists told him he
was out of his mind, but once again they opened the Book and read these
words in 2 Kings. Hezekiah, on his deathbed, was visited by the prophet,
Isaiah, who told him he was not going to die. Hezekiah asked for some
sign as proof. Isaiah said: "Shall the sun go forward ten degrees, or go
back ten degrees?"
And Hezekiah answered: "It is a light thing for the shadow to go down
ten degrees; nay, but let the shadow return backwards ten degrees."
And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord, and He brought the shadow
ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz." (2
Kings 20:9 -11).
Ten degrees is exactly 40 minutes! Twenty-three hours and twenty minutes
in Joshua, plus 40 minutes in 2 Kings accounted for the missing day in
the universe!
Isn't this amazing? Our God is rubbing their noses in His Truth!
Forward this to as many people who would think this is equally
astounding.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Materialism
The Why of Materialism
"Then he [Jesus] said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"1
Here in the West, at least, we have the greatest wealth, comforts, conveniences, and material possessions of any people anywhere in the world … and at the same time we are plagued by stress, anxiety, depression, impaired relationships, and the breakdown of the family. You'd think we'd get it that material possessions, while they may bring fun for a while, don't bring any kind of lasting happiness or fulfillment. For many of us the more we get the more we want.
So why are we so materialistic? One major reason is because we are so repressed; that is, emotionally repressed.
"And what do you mean by that?" I can hear some readers saying.
It's because when we don't have that which is real, we exchange it for the false; that is, we settle for a poor substitute. For example, when fear is repressed it can express itself as anger or in phobias. Instead of feeling my fear, I lash out in anger. Or instead of facing my fear within, I project it onto the spider on the wall or some other irrational object or circumstance. By blaming my fear on an external object I avoid having to face it within.
Also when the emotion of love is repressed, it may express itself in an insatiable thirst for approval or as lust. Both of these may feel like love but they aren't love. And while at first they may bring some "pleasure" for the moment, they leave the person empty and unsatisfied, and hungering for more approval or more sexual exploits. This in turn increases their feeling of emptiness, and their "searching for love in all the wrong ways and places" becomes a never-ending vicious cycle. Wanting more and more … and being satisfied less and less.
What about the emotion of wonder? Wonder is the emotion that when we see a beautiful sunset, walk along a sandy beach, stand on top of a high mountain and view the splendor below, feel the grasp of a baby's tiny hand, etc., etc., we experience an overwhelming sense of awe and hopefully marvel at God's creation. When wonder is repressed, not only do we not feel this great sense of awe, but are characteristically bored with life, and end up unhappily loving things and using people instead of loving people and using things. That's materialism. I'm not saying that we shouldn't have nice possessions. Not at all. But when our life is driven and controlled by a never-ending desire for more money to buy more things to get more possessions, that's materialism at its core, and is a sure-fire symptom of an empty, repressed life and an equally empty society.
If we are going to overcome the problem of materialism, it is imperative that we get in touch with all of our God-given emotions and use them as God intended. This, by the way, is a vital part of being made whole and being in touch with one's "whole" or entire self. Keep in mind, too, that when we repress our emotions our stomach keeps score and can, and often does, lead to stress, sickness, depression, impaired relationships and spiritual dryness.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, knowing that you desire 'truth in the innermost being' please help me to get in touch with all of my God-given emotions, and never bury, deny or repress them, but use them as you designed. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen.
"Then he [Jesus] said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"1
Here in the West, at least, we have the greatest wealth, comforts, conveniences, and material possessions of any people anywhere in the world … and at the same time we are plagued by stress, anxiety, depression, impaired relationships, and the breakdown of the family. You'd think we'd get it that material possessions, while they may bring fun for a while, don't bring any kind of lasting happiness or fulfillment. For many of us the more we get the more we want.
So why are we so materialistic? One major reason is because we are so repressed; that is, emotionally repressed.
"And what do you mean by that?" I can hear some readers saying.
It's because when we don't have that which is real, we exchange it for the false; that is, we settle for a poor substitute. For example, when fear is repressed it can express itself as anger or in phobias. Instead of feeling my fear, I lash out in anger. Or instead of facing my fear within, I project it onto the spider on the wall or some other irrational object or circumstance. By blaming my fear on an external object I avoid having to face it within.
Also when the emotion of love is repressed, it may express itself in an insatiable thirst for approval or as lust. Both of these may feel like love but they aren't love. And while at first they may bring some "pleasure" for the moment, they leave the person empty and unsatisfied, and hungering for more approval or more sexual exploits. This in turn increases their feeling of emptiness, and their "searching for love in all the wrong ways and places" becomes a never-ending vicious cycle. Wanting more and more … and being satisfied less and less.
What about the emotion of wonder? Wonder is the emotion that when we see a beautiful sunset, walk along a sandy beach, stand on top of a high mountain and view the splendor below, feel the grasp of a baby's tiny hand, etc., etc., we experience an overwhelming sense of awe and hopefully marvel at God's creation. When wonder is repressed, not only do we not feel this great sense of awe, but are characteristically bored with life, and end up unhappily loving things and using people instead of loving people and using things. That's materialism. I'm not saying that we shouldn't have nice possessions. Not at all. But when our life is driven and controlled by a never-ending desire for more money to buy more things to get more possessions, that's materialism at its core, and is a sure-fire symptom of an empty, repressed life and an equally empty society.
If we are going to overcome the problem of materialism, it is imperative that we get in touch with all of our God-given emotions and use them as God intended. This, by the way, is a vital part of being made whole and being in touch with one's "whole" or entire self. Keep in mind, too, that when we repress our emotions our stomach keeps score and can, and often does, lead to stress, sickness, depression, impaired relationships and spiritual dryness.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, knowing that you desire 'truth in the innermost being' please help me to get in touch with all of my God-given emotions, and never bury, deny or repress them, but use them as you designed. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Lesson from...
Lessons From Geese: A Reminder
"There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church."1
Fascinated by the conduct of flying geese, Dr. Robert McNeish, wrote "Lessons From Geese" for a sermon in his church in 1972. Demonstrating the power of a good idea, his essay spread and has become a classic statement of the importance of teamwork.
Fact: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on one another's skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.
Fact: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by one another in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
Fact: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to know what my God-given gifts are, develop them, and use them to work in harmony with others to help do your work in your church here on earth. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
"There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church."1
Fascinated by the conduct of flying geese, Dr. Robert McNeish, wrote "Lessons From Geese" for a sermon in his church in 1972. Demonstrating the power of a good idea, his essay spread and has become a classic statement of the importance of teamwork.
Fact: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on one another's skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.
Fact: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by one another in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
Fact: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to know what my God-given gifts are, develop them, and use them to work in harmony with others to help do your work in your church here on earth. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Trip Sponsor
Greeting beloved, family, this Pr.Miguel, it's approaching that time again of relocation, for some of you that have been sponsoring my mission I am grateful to all of you, please continue to show your support in what you can, the reward comes from God.
May the good Lord prosper all of you, in all the areas of your life, don't miss our Wednesdays prayer meetings, with strong prayers comes strong results.
Love.Pr.Miguel
May the good Lord prosper all of you, in all the areas of your life, don't miss our Wednesdays prayer meetings, with strong prayers comes strong results.
Love.Pr.Miguel
Notice
Warning Notice Ignored
"Then he brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.'"1
In July of last year, three young tourists when visiting Yosemite National Park were swept over the 317-foot Vernal Fall. One of the tourists, a young woman, was no doubt drawn by the alluring beauty of the raging waterfall and the fast moving Merced River below after a record winter snowfall. Tragically she slipped on a rock above the falls. Two friends reached out to rescue her and the trio was swept over the edge.
At the bottom of the trail leading to the Vernal Falls there is a sign warning about the fast moving water. Also, when entering the Yosemite Park, visitors are given a news paper warning about water hazards and to stay away from fast moving water.
Furthermore, at the top of the Vernal Fall there is a guard railing and a metal safety barricade marked with a warning. Tragically the victims of this tragedy ignored all the warning signs, climbed over the barricade, and fell to a horrific death.2
How foolish we say, and yet, I wonder how many warnings in life we ignore. The greatest tragedy of all is when we ignore all the warnings in God's Word, the Bible—and especially so if we ignore God's warnings about life after death.
For example God's Word reminds us that "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment [of God]."3
Furthermore, as God said to the nation of Israel, the same applies to every one of us: "Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel … prepare to meet your God."4
And to Christians: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."5 Yes, this word is for Christians. We will not be judged for our sins because Jesus paid that judgment price on the cross for us when he died in our place. But we will be judged on the basis of how faithfully we have served God since we became Christians—and be rewarded accordingly.
Again, in the words of Jesus: "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."6
Whatever you do, do not be like the tourists who disregarded all the warning signs in the Yosemite National Park and fell to a horrific death, and disregard God's repeated warnings, and ignore God's only remedy to assure us from a lost and hopeless eternity in hell—which is to "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved."1
"Then he brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.'"1
In July of last year, three young tourists when visiting Yosemite National Park were swept over the 317-foot Vernal Fall. One of the tourists, a young woman, was no doubt drawn by the alluring beauty of the raging waterfall and the fast moving Merced River below after a record winter snowfall. Tragically she slipped on a rock above the falls. Two friends reached out to rescue her and the trio was swept over the edge.
At the bottom of the trail leading to the Vernal Falls there is a sign warning about the fast moving water. Also, when entering the Yosemite Park, visitors are given a news paper warning about water hazards and to stay away from fast moving water.
Furthermore, at the top of the Vernal Fall there is a guard railing and a metal safety barricade marked with a warning. Tragically the victims of this tragedy ignored all the warning signs, climbed over the barricade, and fell to a horrific death.2
How foolish we say, and yet, I wonder how many warnings in life we ignore. The greatest tragedy of all is when we ignore all the warnings in God's Word, the Bible—and especially so if we ignore God's warnings about life after death.
For example God's Word reminds us that "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment [of God]."3
Furthermore, as God said to the nation of Israel, the same applies to every one of us: "Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel … prepare to meet your God."4
And to Christians: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."5 Yes, this word is for Christians. We will not be judged for our sins because Jesus paid that judgment price on the cross for us when he died in our place. But we will be judged on the basis of how faithfully we have served God since we became Christians—and be rewarded accordingly.
Again, in the words of Jesus: "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."6
Whatever you do, do not be like the tourists who disregarded all the warning signs in the Yosemite National Park and fell to a horrific death, and disregard God's repeated warnings, and ignore God's only remedy to assure us from a lost and hopeless eternity in hell—which is to "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved."1
Monday, 12 March 2012
God Told Me?
Arm-Twisting for God
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care … not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples."1
On more than one occasion I have sat on a church planning meeting and as we were about to discuss the matter at hand, one member stated that God told him how the matter was to be.
End of discussion! Who can argue against God?
Well not quite.
My response was, "Well, God hasn't told me; so can we pray about and discuss the matter further."
As you can imagine my questioning this man was not appreciated.
On another occasion a man came to me and told me that God had told him he was to work for me. We won't discuss his qualifications for the job, but I thought I'd take the risk that God wouldn't punish me for not giving him a job. I didn't … and God didn't!
While God does speak or communicate to us in various ways through his Word, circumstances, a sense of inner peace, a deep conviction, or in a word that you sense deeply is from him, it is never contrary to his Word, and it is never manipulative.
Unfortunately "the Lord told me" is sometimes used as a way of controlling or manipulating others to get one's own way, and/or for being a power broker. When this happens, we need to recognize it for what it is and not buy into it. And we need to make sure that we don't do it ourselves. God doesn't need us to arm-twist for him.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, you desire truth in my innermost being so help me always to be truthful to myself, to others, and to you, and never seek to control anything or anybody in your name or in any other way. Ever! And help me always to discern when others are attempting to arm-twist for you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care … not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples."1
On more than one occasion I have sat on a church planning meeting and as we were about to discuss the matter at hand, one member stated that God told him how the matter was to be.
End of discussion! Who can argue against God?
Well not quite.
My response was, "Well, God hasn't told me; so can we pray about and discuss the matter further."
As you can imagine my questioning this man was not appreciated.
On another occasion a man came to me and told me that God had told him he was to work for me. We won't discuss his qualifications for the job, but I thought I'd take the risk that God wouldn't punish me for not giving him a job. I didn't … and God didn't!
While God does speak or communicate to us in various ways through his Word, circumstances, a sense of inner peace, a deep conviction, or in a word that you sense deeply is from him, it is never contrary to his Word, and it is never manipulative.
Unfortunately "the Lord told me" is sometimes used as a way of controlling or manipulating others to get one's own way, and/or for being a power broker. When this happens, we need to recognize it for what it is and not buy into it. And we need to make sure that we don't do it ourselves. God doesn't need us to arm-twist for him.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, you desire truth in my innermost being so help me always to be truthful to myself, to others, and to you, and never seek to control anything or anybody in your name or in any other way. Ever! And help me always to discern when others are attempting to arm-twist for you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Persistence
Rewards of Persistence
"A lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in king's palaces."1
What could a tiny lizard possibly teach us? It teaches the rewards of persistence which "takes it to the top."
Another has said, "The race is not always to the swift but to those who keep on running." Among other things, fulfilling God's will for our lives means reaching our total God-given human and spiritual potential. We don't have to be geniuses to do this, but we do need to be persistent and keep on keeping on regardless of our circumstances.
The Apostle Paul experienced all sorts of trials and setbacks. He was shipwrecked, stoned and left for dead, whipped and beaten, and thrown into prison for promoting Christianity. He knew firsthand what it was to experience loneliness, cold and hunger. The interesting thing about this is that Paul penned some of his great letters to the churches while in prison, as did John Bunyan as he wrote Pilgrim's Progress when he was in prison.
I listened to a preacher some time ago, a preacher who had cerebral palsy and struggled with every word he spoke. I was deeply moved. God used this man to influence hundreds of lives for all eternity. If ever I saw persistence it was in this man. In spite of his debilitating handicap, he reached his top and was maximizing his full potential.
God has a plan and life-purpose for each of us, too. To achieve it, it won't happen without dedication, commitment, hard work, and persistence. As Paul said, "It is God himself in his mercy, who has given us this wonderful work … and so we never give up."2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in the midst of setbacks and the disappointments of life, please give me the gift of persistence so that I will never give up the goal of becoming all that you want me to be, and to keep on doing what you want me to do. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
"A lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in king's palaces."1
What could a tiny lizard possibly teach us? It teaches the rewards of persistence which "takes it to the top."
Another has said, "The race is not always to the swift but to those who keep on running." Among other things, fulfilling God's will for our lives means reaching our total God-given human and spiritual potential. We don't have to be geniuses to do this, but we do need to be persistent and keep on keeping on regardless of our circumstances.
The Apostle Paul experienced all sorts of trials and setbacks. He was shipwrecked, stoned and left for dead, whipped and beaten, and thrown into prison for promoting Christianity. He knew firsthand what it was to experience loneliness, cold and hunger. The interesting thing about this is that Paul penned some of his great letters to the churches while in prison, as did John Bunyan as he wrote Pilgrim's Progress when he was in prison.
I listened to a preacher some time ago, a preacher who had cerebral palsy and struggled with every word he spoke. I was deeply moved. God used this man to influence hundreds of lives for all eternity. If ever I saw persistence it was in this man. In spite of his debilitating handicap, he reached his top and was maximizing his full potential.
God has a plan and life-purpose for each of us, too. To achieve it, it won't happen without dedication, commitment, hard work, and persistence. As Paul said, "It is God himself in his mercy, who has given us this wonderful work … and so we never give up."2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in the midst of setbacks and the disappointments of life, please give me the gift of persistence so that I will never give up the goal of becoming all that you want me to be, and to keep on doing what you want me to do. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Precautions
The Need for Precaution
"Conies [rock-badgers] are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags."1
While the ants teach us many lessons, including the importance of being prepared as much as possible for whatever lies ahead, the conies or rock badgers show us the need for precaution and being responsible for taking care of ourselves.
These small animals hide behind the rocky crags jutting up in the mountains where no eagle can get to them. They also hide close to the rocks where they remain unseen by prowling lions. Away from the safety of the rocks they would be dead meat.
Too many people today are over-dependent, expecting somebody else or the government to take care of them. God's goal for each of us is that we mature and grow up, not be independent nor over-dependent, but interdependent. If we don't take care of ourselves and accept responsibility for getting our needs met in healthy ways, nobody else is going to do it for us. Rock-badgers, if they didn't exercise precaution and take care of themselves, would either starve or be eaten. If we don't learn to do the same, we will, in the long run, "be eaten up!" And when we expect others, including for some the government, to do for us what we can and need to do for ourselves, we remain immature, over-dependent and irresponsible.
Furthermore, in life, the reality is that we can't trust everybody. Jesus didn't trust himself to everybody either. And like him, the more we know and understand ourselves, the more we will be able to sense whether we can trust somebody else or not. And we certainly can't trust our arch enemy, the devil. As Peter put it, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."2
We don't want to become cynics, but we do need to be careful, take necessary precautions against all forms of moral ineptitude, wrong-doing and evil, and accept full responsibility for every area of our life. Above all we need to daily trust our life and way to God as did David who said, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge … He is my stronghold."3
"Conies [rock-badgers] are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags."1
While the ants teach us many lessons, including the importance of being prepared as much as possible for whatever lies ahead, the conies or rock badgers show us the need for precaution and being responsible for taking care of ourselves.
These small animals hide behind the rocky crags jutting up in the mountains where no eagle can get to them. They also hide close to the rocks where they remain unseen by prowling lions. Away from the safety of the rocks they would be dead meat.
Too many people today are over-dependent, expecting somebody else or the government to take care of them. God's goal for each of us is that we mature and grow up, not be independent nor over-dependent, but interdependent. If we don't take care of ourselves and accept responsibility for getting our needs met in healthy ways, nobody else is going to do it for us. Rock-badgers, if they didn't exercise precaution and take care of themselves, would either starve or be eaten. If we don't learn to do the same, we will, in the long run, "be eaten up!" And when we expect others, including for some the government, to do for us what we can and need to do for ourselves, we remain immature, over-dependent and irresponsible.
Furthermore, in life, the reality is that we can't trust everybody. Jesus didn't trust himself to everybody either. And like him, the more we know and understand ourselves, the more we will be able to sense whether we can trust somebody else or not. And we certainly can't trust our arch enemy, the devil. As Peter put it, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."2
We don't want to become cynics, but we do need to be careful, take necessary precautions against all forms of moral ineptitude, wrong-doing and evil, and accept full responsibility for every area of our life. Above all we need to daily trust our life and way to God as did David who said, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge … He is my stronghold."3
Pray for Israel 1
Why Pray For Israel?
I know Bible commands to pray for Israel. And we know Gods word will come true at the end . Under the circumstances could our prayers change fulfilling the end times or any other Bible have prophesied? God will protect Israel any way as promised won’t he?
Q. I know Bible commands to pray for Israel. And we know Gods word will come true at the end . Under the circumstances could our prayers change fulfilling the end times or any other Bible have prophesied? God will protect Israel any way as promised won’t he?
A. God has sworn to uphold and protect Israel (Jer. 31:35-37) Paul said that Israel will again become the center of God’s focus after He’s finished His work with the Church (Romans 11: 25-27). When you pray for Israel you are actually praying for the Lord’s return because that’s when the believing remnant of Israel will be redeemed. And while these things will happen regardless, we are commanded to pray for them, and will be rewarded for doing so. (Psalm 122 & 2 Tim. 4:8)
Info.Supplied by sources
I know Bible commands to pray for Israel. And we know Gods word will come true at the end . Under the circumstances could our prayers change fulfilling the end times or any other Bible have prophesied? God will protect Israel any way as promised won’t he?
Q. I know Bible commands to pray for Israel. And we know Gods word will come true at the end . Under the circumstances could our prayers change fulfilling the end times or any other Bible have prophesied? God will protect Israel any way as promised won’t he?
A. God has sworn to uphold and protect Israel (Jer. 31:35-37) Paul said that Israel will again become the center of God’s focus after He’s finished His work with the Church (Romans 11: 25-27). When you pray for Israel you are actually praying for the Lord’s return because that’s when the believing remnant of Israel will be redeemed. And while these things will happen regardless, we are commanded to pray for them, and will be rewarded for doing so. (Psalm 122 & 2 Tim. 4:8)
Info.Supplied by sources
Prayer For Today
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, in the words of the hymn writer, 'Rock of Ages cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee.' Help me never to stray from you, and always be responsible for every area of life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Pr.P.Miguel
Pr.P.Miguel
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Support Israel.Ido
Dear Penalto,
Yesterday, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Obama in the White House. None of us know for sure what was said in this meeting. But we all know that there are disagreements between the Prime Minister and the President over how best to prevent a nuclear Iran.
In his public comments from the White House, Prime Minister Netanyahu insisted Israel must be the "master of its fate" and that "Israel must have the ability always to defend itself, by itself, against any threat."
We agree. We believe that when it comes to defending Israel and the Jewish people, Prime Minister Netanyahu cannot defer to anyone else's judgements, red lines or timetables. The Prime Minister must resist pressure from any and all outside forces. He must insist that Israel live up to the fundamental promise of its creation -- to ensure that the Jewish people would no longer have to depend on anyone else for their survival.
Next week, we're flying to Jerusalem to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu. When we see him, we will present him with a letter reminding him that he has friends in the United States who agree that the Israeli people must make the difficult decisions about how to defend themselves free from outside pressure.
When we present this letter, we want to tell the Prime Minister that it was signed by many thousands of Christians from across the country. Please click here now to add your name to this letter of support. And please share this letter with your family and friends.
The more of us who sign this letter, the stronger the message we send to the Prime Minister.
At this difficult and dangerous juncture, let's make sure that the Prime Minister knows he's not alone.
Blessings to you and those you love,
Pastor John Hagee
National Chairman
Christians United for Israel David Brog
Executive Directo
Yesterday, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Obama in the White House. None of us know for sure what was said in this meeting. But we all know that there are disagreements between the Prime Minister and the President over how best to prevent a nuclear Iran.
In his public comments from the White House, Prime Minister Netanyahu insisted Israel must be the "master of its fate" and that "Israel must have the ability always to defend itself, by itself, against any threat."
We agree. We believe that when it comes to defending Israel and the Jewish people, Prime Minister Netanyahu cannot defer to anyone else's judgements, red lines or timetables. The Prime Minister must resist pressure from any and all outside forces. He must insist that Israel live up to the fundamental promise of its creation -- to ensure that the Jewish people would no longer have to depend on anyone else for their survival.
Next week, we're flying to Jerusalem to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu. When we see him, we will present him with a letter reminding him that he has friends in the United States who agree that the Israeli people must make the difficult decisions about how to defend themselves free from outside pressure.
When we present this letter, we want to tell the Prime Minister that it was signed by many thousands of Christians from across the country. Please click here now to add your name to this letter of support. And please share this letter with your family and friends.
The more of us who sign this letter, the stronger the message we send to the Prime Minister.
At this difficult and dangerous juncture, let's make sure that the Prime Minister knows he's not alone.
Blessings to you and those you love,
Pastor John Hagee
National Chairman
Christians United for Israel David Brog
Executive Directo
Friday, 2 March 2012
Confession
Obsession With Confession
"Don't recite the same prayer over and over as the heathen do, who think prayers are answered only by repeating them again and again."1
Confession of all sins and wrongdoing is not only essential for receiving God's forgiveness, but also for achieving physical, emotional and spiritual healing and total well-being. However, a word of warning: Confession without repentance is a game.
Repentance means to turn around and go a different way; that is, turning from negative to positive behavior. To confess and not genuinely seek to discover and resolve the causes behind our negative behavior/s means that we don't want to face the real issues and are using confession as a salve to soothe our conscience. When we keep repeating this pattern, our confession may have become an "obsession with confession" and nothing but a smoke screen behind which to hide our real selves.
As Jesus said, "When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."2
The bottom line for effective prayer and genuine confession is the motive behind the prayer; that is, being honest with ourselves and with God with a genuine desire to overcome the sins and faults we are confessing.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me never to use confession or any religious ritual as a means of hiding from my true self. Help me to always be honest with myself and with you. And may my confessions always be genuine; and grant that, with your help, I will overcome my sins and faults. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name
Pr.Miguel
"Don't recite the same prayer over and over as the heathen do, who think prayers are answered only by repeating them again and again."1
Confession of all sins and wrongdoing is not only essential for receiving God's forgiveness, but also for achieving physical, emotional and spiritual healing and total well-being. However, a word of warning: Confession without repentance is a game.
Repentance means to turn around and go a different way; that is, turning from negative to positive behavior. To confess and not genuinely seek to discover and resolve the causes behind our negative behavior/s means that we don't want to face the real issues and are using confession as a salve to soothe our conscience. When we keep repeating this pattern, our confession may have become an "obsession with confession" and nothing but a smoke screen behind which to hide our real selves.
As Jesus said, "When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."2
The bottom line for effective prayer and genuine confession is the motive behind the prayer; that is, being honest with ourselves and with God with a genuine desire to overcome the sins and faults we are confessing.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me never to use confession or any religious ritual as a means of hiding from my true self. Help me to always be honest with myself and with you. And may my confessions always be genuine; and grant that, with your help, I will overcome my sins and faults. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus name
Pr.Miguel
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