Weakness

When we think about strength we generally go toward the more obvious which is physical strength. However, physical strength can only get you but so far. If your mind isn’t strong then your body can collapse at the first sign of fatigue.

Getting your mind filled with the correct fuel will allow you to endure!

Strength can be obtained through weakness. However, there are those who cannot admit weakness/refuse to recognize it. As they believe it would leave them in a vulnerable state allowing others to take advantage of him/her.

Truth is we are all weak! We couldn’t live on our own if we wanted to. The air which we breath that perhaps is taken for granted by most if taken away – we die. Where is our strength in that?

In understanding that we are weak and looking toward God we have an awesome privilege to have Gods power perfected in us. Not of our own strength but of Gods strength in us. In moments of weakness His strength is able to manifest itself through us.

Paul not only acknowledges his weakness, he also boasts all the more in it. Even though he prayed 3 times for his thorn to be taken away the answer he received though not what he wanted was more than enough to make him delight in his weaknesses.

We often ask God to take things away instead of grace to get us through. If we boast in our weaknesses and thank Him for the privilege of suffering them in His name His Grace is more than sufficient to get us passed any situation!

2 Cor12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Preach the Gospel

In regards to the gospel it is clear that we are to preach it, declare it and not as many would say “let our lives be proof of it!” It is a misconception and a serious one at that which in most churches is taught. We live because of it and we shouldn’t be ashamed to declare it at any if not all times. If we allowed our lives to be the proof of it, it would clearly be an imperfect gospel which in fact it is not! The gospel is to be proclaimed! The gospel is POWER! Rom 1:16 For the pulling down of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The gospel or Good News; by no means could have ever been lived out by any of the apostles much less one of us. How could anyone live out what Jesus overcame for us? For it is Gods will which manifests itself in all who believe. A call to salvation which overcomes any evil and sinful nature! A drawing of men unto Himself!

Some may argue that (1 Cor 2:4 “and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power,”) speaks of letting our lives be proof! 

{Undoubtedly, the reference Paul makes about demonstration is not speaking of “let my life be proof” he is actually speaking of demonstrating the power of the gospel through the Holy Spirit in the manifestation of tongues as in 1Cor 14 and miracles which Jesus Christ Himself delegated the eleven when they were instructed and empowered for the “great commission” Mt 28}

Many take the famous quote of Francis of Assisi “Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.” to be biblical when clearly it is NOT! Unfortunately, many Christians are deceived by many televangelists to believe quotes and nice sayings which appear to be Godly but absolutely are not! Hosea 4:6 speaks of God’s people(Hebrew) who perished due to lack of knowledge and because of it He rejected them from being priests unto Him and because of the lack of knowledge they began to forget the commandments of God. Although, this passage speaks of Israel the ability for some to fall into traps by believing all that is said to them without scriptural basis is inevitable. Many so called Christians are today following many of these motivational speakers and are slowly being dumbed down and they will fight you for saying so but have no biblical authority to back up their beliefs! Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15

Here are some versus which state that the Gospel should be preached/proclaimed! (not Lived out!)

Rom.15:18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, 21 but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.”

{Again when the word “deed” is used it is speaking of manifestation of Power and not of living out the gospel!}

1 Cor 15:2-6 “By this gospel you are saved…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time…”

{Note that the gospel is all about Christ and not about us living it.}

Mar 13:10 First the gospel must be preached to all nations.

(Must be preached to all nations. The dictionary definition of preach: to publically proclaim or teach…}

1Co 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason for boasting, because I am compelled to do this. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

{Again it is not for us to live out lest we begin to boast and in ignorance attempt to take the place of Christ in sharing our own gospel in place of Christ’s gospel. Paul also warns of a Woe (great sorrow, distress) for him not to preach the gospel.}

Act 14:7 There they continued to proclaim the good news.

{Proclaim the good news!)

1Co 9:18 What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel I may offer the gospel free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights in the gospel.

Gal 1:11 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin.

Gal 1:7 not that there really is another gospel, but there are some who are disturbing you and wanting to distort the gospel of Christ.

Rom 1:15 Thus I am eager also to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome.

Gal 4:13 But you know it was because of a physical illness that I first proclaimed the gospel to you,

1Ti 1:11 This accords with the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me.

2Ti 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel,

People of God do not be deceived! In the last days this will be God’s judgment to those who follow man, miracles, signs and wonders! “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” Mark 13:22

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Rom 1:16 

“But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Mt 10:33

By no means should we discontinue the showing of the love of Christ but in doing so we should always proclaim the true gospel of Christ and how else if not by preachin’ it?!

 

PRIDE

People who achieve great things utilizing the negative in their life to get what they get have never gotten over the negativity! It’s only pride that is pushing them so that they may be accepted by all who surround them so that they can stop hearing the negative voices overwhelmed by the applause of men because of their achievements. However, once the applause stop, they’ll find themselves looking for something else to achieve to gain more applauding. It’s much easier to forgive and let go than to keep running and wasting your souls and wasting your soles! Sometimes you simply need to STOP!

The problem isn’t achieving; the problem is why you’re doing so. The problem isn’t doing so; the problem is what you’re feeding yourself with to do so. The problem isn’t that you’re feeding yourself; the problem is that you’re feeding yourself rotted motivation. The problem isn’t the rotted motivation; the problem is that you’re in taking it and it’s killing you! The problem isn’t that you’re going to die; the problem is that you’re going to die when you don’t have to. The problem isn’t that you don’t have to; the problem is that you don’t know how to let it go! The problem is that you haven’t learned how to forgive! The problem is that without love you can’t forgive. The problem is that you haven’t allowed the One who loves you to love you. The problem is that Pride is sin and sin keeps you away. The problem is that when you’re away it’s everything else you blame; everything and everyone else but yourself. When in reality it was always you carrying the blame. Trying to uphold it instead of tossing it because you thought that if you held your head up high enough no one would wonder but those voices sound like thunder and the rain feels like plunder stripping you of all your worth! STOP! Examine yourself and let it go into HIS arms let yourself go giving Him authority to make the thunder and rain turn to joy and gain. See the problem isn’t the thunder or the rain; the problem is that instead of being a blessing it has becoming your ruin. So tie your shoes and fasten your belt cause, the ride may not get easier but it sure will get brighter and pride won’t have its way now cause, love is taken over!

Isaiah 16:6 We have heard about Moab’s pride, their great arrogance, their boasting, pride, and excess. But their boastful claims are empty!

{Pride makes all things empty no matter how great they appear to be!}

Proverbs 13:10 With pride comes only contention, but wisdom is with the well-advised.

{Pride creates a struggle within us. A struggle which can be easily overcome by way of forgiveness!}

Proverbs 21:24 A proud and arrogant person, whose name is “Scoffer,” acts with overbearing pride.

{Pride makes you overbearing and people quickly catch on to your scoffer like ways!}

Proverbs 29:23 A person’s pride will bring him low, but one who has a lowly spirit will gain honor.

{Pride will keep you low which is why you try so hard to keep your head up but your spirit is way under!}

Obadiah 3:1 Your presumptuous heart has deceived you – you who reside in the safety of the rocky cliffs, whose home is high in the mountains. You think to yourself, ‘No one can bring me down to the ground!’

{The heart itself is deceiving. How much more a proud heart which makes you feel invincible? It makes you feel as if the cold rocky cliffs keep you safe when in reality it is a lonely place just as being in the cold underground!}

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

{Our treasure should never be on the material things of this world our treasures should be stored up in heaven! Our pride will make us believe that God has blessed us when in reality we have gone after our own selfish desires which is okay with the world and our flesh!}

In today’s modern church they’ve changed the word pride to “swag for boys or class for men” but say it doesn’t mean the same thing when in reality it is an arrogant spirit! Thinking highly of oneself goes against what the scriptures teach us. The proud are not looked upon by God!

To the PROUD this is foolishness!

Bear Fruit

24 “…unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24

{Either of the 2 is pain-filled. The difference lies in what comes from the suffering!}

25 Whoever loves his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

{At times we hold on to what we already know due to fear of the unknown. By holding on to our current situation not knowing that if we do let go of loving our own, we are able to fulfill the “good and acceptable and perfect will of GOD” Rom 12:2 When we come to understand that in loving our life we ultimately come to lose it and see that all we produced amounts to nothing while if we hate our life in this world we gain it all! We die to our own desires, allowing God to have His way in us.}

26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

{In doing God’s will we follow as Christ stated “let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me!” Mt 16:24}

(John 12:24-26 ESV)

Jesus was the perfect example of one who dies to selfish desires not willing to remain alone by loving HIS life to keep it for Himself but lays it down to allow it to bear fruit and much fruit Has it produced! All Jesus was about was clearly seen. He was on earth to do the will of the Father! The words of Jesus even in the moment of anguish were “…Not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42

Oh, that our lives reflect the life of Jesus Christ on earth!

Preach the Word

False teachers come to be God’s judgment to those who follow them. In this epistle Paul charged Timothy not let go of preaching the truth. This warning may even be considered as a prophetic word to Timothy  as Paul “there will come a time” (future tense) in which the people will have itching ears and will gather unto themselves teachers that will teach according to their fleshly desires.  

 

2 Timothy 4

English Standard Version (ESV)

4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 

{The day of the Lord will come and He will Judge and a grater measure will be used for teachers. James 3:1 The false teachers recognize they have erred and are against God and care less about people being lost. They as well gather unto them like minded people in the hopes that they will not be alone on judgment day! In his manifestation and establishment of His kingdom which is not the kingdom being preached by the prosperity preachers which say that we are to take the kingdom (dominion of such) now! This territory presently belongs to Satan….careful!}

² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 

{The exhortation is for Timothy as well as us to preach the word of truth which is inspired by God! At all times, and not as the false teachers practice by not daring to speak of which is to reprove (preach repentance Acts 3:19 reconciliation), to rebuke (in context this does not stand for casting out demons but to correct and exhort). 1 Tes 5:11 Today, the majority of teachers opt to accept the sins in churches in order that no one would leave the congregation. However the Day of Judgment will come and the blood of them that did not receive the word of God as God intended them to will be over their lives.}

³ For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 

{The parishioners become bored in hearing sound doctrine (I do not mean to say man made laws which they attempt to impose on people while they themselves aren’t able to uphold for example women wearing pants, make-up, men having facial hair etc.) I speak of the true word of God, that of the precious Grace which we obtain through the sacrifice of Christ through faith in HIM and allows us the opportunity to be partakers on the reconciliation with God 2 Cor 5:18-21. Grace, which we cannot obtain by works but simply by believing in Christ! He chose the low and despised so that no man can boast! 1 Cor 1:28-31 and the Holy Spirit is the one who provokes us to obey and do what Christ would have us do. Again, not salvation through works but us working out our salvation which in turn is for the pleasure of God Fil 2:12-13}   

⁴ and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 

{People will give their backs to the truth and will follow lies, false doctrines, myths and will believe to be in the truth when in fact all they do is feed their lust. They quickly forget that the salvation was obtained by faith and not by works or sight. John 5:24 and will go after miracles and mysticism due to their own pleasures. 1 Tim 1:4, James 1:13}

⁵ As for you always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

{Be sober or of sound mind 2 Tim 1:7, endure, Rom 8:18:27 fulfill that which God has called you for.}

⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

{In v 6,7,8 Paul confirms that for him doing the will of God, God receives glory and his life has been pleasing to God. The reward awaits ALL who finish the race in the truth!} 

Falsos Maestros

Falsos Maestros vienen a ser juicio de Dios a las vidas de aquellos que van en pos de ellos. En esta epístola Pablo le encarga a Timoteo que no deje de predicar la verdad. En si la podremos tomar como una carta profética para Timoteo ya que le indica que vendrían tiempos (tiempo futuro) en que la gente tendrá comezón de oídos y que acumularan maestros que les enseñen conforme sus propios deseos carnales!

2 Timoteo 4 La Biblia de las Américas (LBLA)
1 Te encargo solemnemente, en la presencia de Dios y de Cristo Jesús, que ha de juzgar a los vivos y a los muertos, por su manifestación y por su reino:

{el día del Señor vendrá y el juzgará y con mayor balanca a los maestros. Santiago 3:1 Los falsos maestros ya han reconocido que han errado y están en contra de Dios y no les importa engañar a quién sea con tal de que no se encuentren solos en el juicio. En su manifestación y su reino que establecerá y no el que predican de que Dios ya nos manda a tomar. Este mundo aún es territorio de Satanás…ojo}

2 Predica la palabra; insiste a tiempo y fuera de tiempo; redarguye, reprende, exhorta con mucha paciencia e instrucción.

{La exhortación es que predique la palabrad de verdad que Dios inspiró! A todo tiempo haciendo lo que los falsos maestros no se atreveran hacer que es redarguir(predicar arrepentimiento, Hechos 3:19 reconsiliacion), reprender(en contexto no significa echar fuera demonios sino corregir y exhortar. 1 Tes 5:11 Hoy en día la mayoría optan por aceptar los pecados con tal de que nadie se vaya de la congregación. Sin embargo el día del juicio vendrá y la sangre de aquellos que no recibieron la palabra de Dios estará sobre ellos.}

3 Porque vendrá tiempo cuando no soportarán la sana doctrina, sino que teniendo comezón de oídos, acumularán para sí maestros conforme a sus propios deseos;

{la gente en las congregaciones se aburren de escuchar sana doctrina (no hablo de leyes de hombres que imponen sin poder ellos mismos vivir las tales como usar pantalón ni pintarse el pelo ni de usar pantallas etc.) Hablo de la verdadera palabra de Dios, de la gracia la cual por medio de el sacrificio de Cristo logramos ser partícipes atraves de reconciliación con Dios. 2 Cor 5:18-21. De que no obtenemos salvación por nada que nosotros hagamos sino por creer solamente en Cristo! El escojio lo más vil y menospreciado del mundo para que ningún se jacte! 1 Cor 1:29-31 Y que el Espíritu Santo nos impulsa a poder hacer y obedecer lo que Cristo nos dejó para hacer, pero no para obtener la salvación por obras sino de poner la por obra para beneplácito de Dios. Fil 2:12-13}

4 y apartarán sus oídos de la verdad, y se volverán a mitos.

{La gente dara sus espaldas a la verdad y andarán tras mentiras, falsas doctrinas, mitos y creeran estar en lo correcto pero en verdad solo alimentan sus placeres y se olvidan de que la salvación se obtuvo por fe y no por obras ni vista. Juan 5:24, 20:29 Y iran tras milagros y misticismo por sus propias concupisciencias. 1Timoteo 1:4, Santiago 1:13}

5 Pero tú, sé sobrio en todas las cosas, sufre penalidades, haz el trabajo de un evangelista, cumple tu ministerio.

{Se sobrio o de dominio propio 2 Tim 1:7, mantente firme aún en sufrimiento, Romanos 8:18-27 cumple lo que Dios te mandó ha hacer.}

6 Porque yo ya estoy para ser derramado como una ofrenda de libación, y el tiempo de mi partida ha llegado.
7 He peleado la buena batalla, he terminado la carrera, he guardado la fe.
8 En el futuro me está reservada la corona de justicia que el Señor, el Juez justo, me entregará en aquel día; y no sólo a mí, sino también a todos los que aman su venida.

{V6,7,8 Pablo confirma que por haber hecho la voluntad de Dios, Dios recibe gloria y que su vida es de agrado a Dios y que la recompensa espera para todo aquel que termina la carrera en la verdad!}

Submit or Die…

A great read via CRI

This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume29, number5 (2006). For further information or to subscribe to the Christian Research Journal go to: http://www.equip.org

SYNOPSIS

Rarely reported by the American media, an ideological civil war is occurring in Islam between scholars of the emerging Muslim reform movement and radicals who promote militant interpretations of Islam. This is a battle for the hearts and minds of mainstream Muslims in the Middle East. The reformers see Islam as a flexible, nondogmatic religion adaptable to the modern world, and some even call for the separation of mosque and state.1 The militant radicals want to squeeze followers of Islam into a tight-fisted sectarian army at war with the entire “infidel” world. Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda epitomize the latter view. This two-part article examines the militant side of this ideological war in the life and writings of Sayyid Qutb, the twentieth-century Egyptian “martyr” whose theological/political dogma shapes bin Laden’s worldview, justifies violence against those who resist it, and seeks a totalitarian rule of the world.

to read more click on links below:

http://www.equip.org/articles/submit-or-die-the-geostrategic-jihad-of-osama-bin-laden-and-al-qaeda-part-one-/

http://www.equip.org/articles/submit-or-die-the-geostrategic-jihad-of-osama-bin-laden-and-al-qaeda-part-two-/

Here is a message by John MacArthur “Islam and the antichrist”
http://youtu.be/2sci_WFp8ec

Compromise

Can be defined as a settlement between two or more things and/or people. Although, at the time it may seem to be the correct thing to do the end result is usually discomforting. If you look up the definition of Compromise it states that it is a “reciprocal modification” now I don’t know about you but when I read that it seems to me to mean bending what I believe to accommodate something I don’t agree with. That means I’m giving up what I believe!? That is exactly what it means! It allows you the idea that you continue to have control of the situation and/or outcome but in reality you do not for you have come to an agreement of sorts in which you are no longer the shot caller of certain circumstances mainly the ones which include the party you compromised yourself with. You gave up that right! So you’ll have to come to another compromise to suit each party in order to be if I may “At Ease” with whatever decision comes forth. Which most likely goes against what you presumed to believe.

I believe that we are destined to our outcome so no matter what we choose to do, say or not do or not say God will lead us to our destined end or beginning whichever way you have been determined.

However, we have been given which I believe is a God given right which is to be FREE to choose! To make our own decisions based on what we believe to be true, at least to our limited understanding of what truth may be. So why not, not settle? Why must we compromise? Why must we dilute ourselves with such things that pollute who we are? Unless, of course we are persuaded and or convicted to have a change of heart as to where we make a stand due to validation, facts, evidence etc! Then and only then will there be no compromise but a complete change in what we believe. And then is when I believe we are in accordance with the perfect will of God and there is no need for Him to step in as His word say “the steps of a righteous man are ordered by God” Psalms 37:23

The last definition provided at Dictionary.com was this: an *endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: a compromise of one’s integrity.

In reading this, part of the definition I see it more as a consequence of such an act! Loss of Integrity! Which is what becomes of our principles when we compromise! So I urge you not to compromise but in the stead of compromising seek to be proven wrong with factual evidence that what you believe in isn’t correct and/or vice versa.

Here is a great truth I believe: 2 Timothy 2:15 – King James Version (KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I believe even if you do not agree with me on who GOD is that this truth applies to our everyday life which ultimately point to Gods sovereignty. If we study we will not only show ourselves approved but there will be no standing outside of the truth!

Simply thinking to believe certain information provided by a one sided group should not be what determines where we stand! It should be determined by what we have searched and found to be true to us according to our own research and studies. Why should others get to decide where you stand? Why allow ourselves to be swayed to an extreme we don’t fully understand?

To you I say DO NOT COMPROMISE that which you have researched and found to be true! And if you haven’t researched then do so! Ignorance is no excuse when you and your loved ones are faced with the Creator! Now is the when you must do what you must!

A drawing of mine. “The Swcrose”

Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? Isaiah 53

 

A drawing of mine.

9-11

9-11-01 / I was awoken by my dad. I was in Florida at the time. I had left NYC a few months prior. I also worked at the WTC.

I can’t explain the feelings that went through me. Though I was not present, seeing the skies filled with a long cloud of smoke disturbed me and at the same time filled me with gratitude. Quickly I thought about my sister who worked across the street from the WTC and at the time the first building fell she would usually be underneath in the subway walking to work. Mixed with emotions I froze. Thinking about my brother and cousin and friends who worked in the WTC area and how they also were spared. Till this day I remember thinking about leaving NYC and how much of a huge decision it was for me to do so. Although, things didn’t work out for me in Florida none-the-less God was having His way in my life. Today I can say The Sovereign God was in control of my life and today I am so happily married to a beautiful and loving wife. Have a wonderful family and though we are all in different states and cities we continue to love each other and most importantly love GOD!

There is ONE that knows what truly conspired on 9-11 and whoever is guilty though we all have our theories – will rightfully pay for their disgusting actions! Normally I do not say much on this date. I simply give thanks for God sparing the life of my loved ones and pray for those who lost theirs. I appreciate life in a greater perspective today. It is unfortunate that we wait till tragic moments to realize that life is a gift and we should never take it for granted.

One thing stays true however, and that is that America has forgotten about GOD! For doing so God stands back and allows situations to happen in which He will then use to draw men unto HIM! I said He allows and not that He performs! Romans 8 says that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE… America needs to turn to GOD. It is the only way this country will truly be blessed by the almighty. Not counting the blessings which are undoubtedly given for all as the Sun, Moon, Stars, Oxygen (which without we wouldn’t exist) etc. America was called the greatest nation at one point. Unfortunately, today I do not agree that it is. It is a country which for now allows certain freedoms with one hand tied behind your back but I fear sooner or later that will all dissolve. I fear the end is nearer than we know it.

Today is a great day for America and the entire world to come to GOD in Repentance. To turn away from their wicked ways and follow Him!

In loving memory of all those who did not make it on 9-11-2001