Assurance

"This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything." (1 John 3:19-20)

Obedience to God's Word and agape love (the fruit of the Spirit) towards people not only prove (to others) that we belong to the truth but also give our own hearts confident assurance of being in the truth. Our hearts are at rest (at peace) in God's presence because we know we are in His will; we are doing what He wants us to do.

Well, nobody (not even pastors or theologians) can obey God's Word and practice agape love perfectly all the time. Yes, we all fail at times. Our failures may make us question whether we belong to the truth. Our hearts may condemn us and make us doubt our salvation. This could be the work of the enemy (the accuser of our brothers and sisters, mentioned in Revelation 12:10) or the work of our oversensitive conscience. When this happens, we must trust what God's Word says about our standing in Christ, not how we feel. We know that God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything. God is greater than our lack of assurance. He says in His Word: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24) If you have trusted in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and relied on His finished work of redemption on the cross to pay for the penalty of your sins, you have been justified (declared not guilty) and all your sins have been forgiven as if you had never sinned. In addition, Christ's righteousness has been imputed to us. God knows all the good, the bad, and the ugly in us and He still loves us, cares for us, and forgives us. We are still His children. "The believer's ultimate foundation of assurance is the character of God." (Criswell) Even when we fail Him, He will never fail us. We can always depend on Him. God's love will never let us go. We are His forever.

John's intention for these verses is to encourage us with blessed assurance of salvation. "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13) Notice that John used the word "know" many times in this letter. He really wanted us to know all these truths so that all doubts can be removed. Be confident in your salvation; know that you're saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, not by your performance.  

Don't let doubt discourage you, make you spiritually lethargic, and render you useless for the kingdom of God. Never give up pressing into God and pressing on trusting God and living for God. Authentic faith perseveres. Persistence and perseverance will eventually lead to confidence and assurance. 

1. Keep going to God in prayer. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) "Prayer crowns God with the honor and glory due to His name, and God crowns prayer with assurance and comfort. The most praying souls are the most assured souls." (Thomas Brooks)  Keep praying and asking Holy Spirit to increase your faith, to give you confident assurance, and to empower you to walk in obedience and to love like Jesus.

2. Keep going to God's Word. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) The assurance of salvation is simply a matter of taking God at His Word.

No condemnation now I dread, 
I am my Lord’s and He is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine.
(Wesley)

3. Keep loving God and loving people. Focus on these two greatest commandments and rely on God's strength and power to do this. 

4. Keep throwing yourselves on God's mercy and grace. Again and again. Our sins are many but His mercy is more and His grace is inexhaustible!

5. Keep clinging to Christ no matter what and remembering what Christ accomplished on the cross ("It is finished!"). "For every look at self--take ten looks at Christ!" (Robert Murray McCheyne) The antidote to self-condemnation is to gaze and camp on Christ's redemption and justification. "When I cannot enjoy the faith of assurance, I live by the faith of adherence." (Matthew Henry)

"Assurance grows by repeated conflict, by our repeated experimental proof of the Lord's power and goodness to save; when we have been brought very low and helped, sorely wounded and healed, cast down and raised again, have given up all hope, and been suddenly snatched from danger, and placed in safety; and when these things have been repeated to us and in us a thousand times over, we begin to learn to trust simply to the word and power of God, beyond and against appearances: and this trust, when habitual and strong, bears the name of assurance; for even assurance has degrees." (John Newton, a former slave trader, who wrote Amazing Grace)

Do Not Judge...Really?

Have you ever tried to help others become aware of some false teachers or some authors who are teaching/promoting concepts that are unBiblical or to point out that something they're doing/participating is sin/evil according to God's Word and in stead of thanks, people accuse you of being judgmental?  They usually proceed with Scripture references such as Matthew 7:1-2, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you."  They would frown upon you for judging others or they would say you should not be throwing tomatoes at those people and assume that you’re a bad, unkind, unloving Christian.  Or they say…how dare you judge them, only God can judge…you’re so unChristlike. By the way, they are the ones doing the judging while making all these accusations without even realizing it.

"Judging" is misunderstood by many Christians.  If you keep reading Matthew 7 further (verses 3-5).  You will realize that God was talking about hypocritical judgment.  "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."  The point here is that we need to continually examine ourselves and see if there are any sins in our attitudes/hearts/lives we must get rid of, and that we must not mind being judged by the same measure (God’s Word).  I believe God wants us to have discernment… judging between good and evil, right and wrong, moral and immoral, sound doctrine and false teaching, etc.  We are encouraged to be more like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). We need to compare everything to the Scripture, not just taking any man’s words for it…no matter who/how famous he or she is and not just flowing along with the culture, the world, the majority. "Judging" is not bad by itself.  We do judge people/their character when we choose friends  "Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" (I Corinthians 15:33)  "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." (Proverbs 13:20)  Good judgment will help keep us safe and keep us from stumbling.  "My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.  Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." Proverbs 3:21-24 
"Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment." Proverbs 10:13
"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out." Proverbs 18:15

It all comes down to our attitudes of the heart.  When we expose someone’s wrongdoings, what’s our motive?  To warn others so that they won’t be deceived…so that they won’t fall into believing/following the wrong things…because we love them and care about them?  We need to do this out of love and humility.  If our motive is to bring that person down, to prove that we’re better, or to make fun of that person, then it is very wrong.  We should never slander or ridicule anyone.  We should remain respectful at all time.  We may judge their actions but not their heart because only God knows their heart.  For example: Johnny stole a candy bar.  What Johnny did was wrong.  You may call him a thief.  But we should not say that he is covetous or that he is such a horrible, mean person…because we don’t know his heart.  He may have been starving for days or he may have wanted to be able to feed his younger sibling or he has never been taught that stealing is wrong.  Similarly, we do not know if false teachers are deliberately deceiving people or if they themselves have been deceived and really think they are teaching the right things.  We should continue to love them and pray for them.  However, it does not mean that we cannot or should not let others know about their false teachings.  If you knew a restaurant or a chef that serves poisonous food, wouldn’t you want to warn others before they consume it? And if you know someone living in sin, it would not be loving to just turn the other way, remain silent, and let that person continue to live in sin/lies.

When you read my blog, I do not want any of you to just believe my words. I welcome corrections, advice, and suggestions. I hope you all do your own investigation on questionable preachers/authors, search the Scriptures, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to you. Judge for yourself! Remember, God already judges what's acceptable or not in His eyes. "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, and put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." (Isaiah 5:20) Speak the truth in love, grace, respect, and gentleness but by all means, speak God's truth! Don't ever sacrifice the truth on the altar of "grace", politically correctness, or fear of being labeled "judgmental". The ultimate Judge is God and doing what's right in His eyes is more important than what people think about us.

This post is linked up with Faith-filled Friday @Beholding Glory, Spiritual Sundays, Sharing His Beauty @The Beauty in His Grip, Playdates with God at The Wellspring, and "Hear It, Use It" @Graceful.

Christ Alone

"Without the renewed mind, we will distort the Scriptures to avoid their radical commands for self-denial, and love, and purity, and supreme satisfaction in Christ alone."
~John Piper

Sad but true, we have seen people, including those who appear to be "active" Christians distort the Scriptures to justify their sins, to serve their own agendas, and even to commit crimes. Satan knows the Scriptures. Most atheists know the Scriptures. Pharisees and false teachers know the Scriptures. What do they all have in common? The lack of the renewed mind (and transformed heart)!

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Without the renewed mind, the world continues to have a hold on you. Self is still on the throne of your heart. Love is still conditional and selfish. Purity is only for nuns and monks. Supreme satisfaction in Christ alone...no way. However, the Scriptures are clear about denying self (Mark 8:34-36), sacrificial love (1 John 3:16), purity (1 Timothy 4:12), and the spiritual satisfaction which can only be found in Christ alone (John 4:10, 13-14). This quote from St. Augustine comes to mind: "If you believe what you like in the Gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself."

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
When one is in Christ and becomes a new creation, his/her old way of thinking and living has gone. His/her mind is renewed by God's Word and His Holy Spirit. It all starts with surrendering one's life completely to Christ.

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

On a personal note: I received a phone call from my doctor's nurse on Jan. 5th. She said the doctor wanted me to go see him so that he could discuss the ultrasound result with me. No, I'm not pregnant :). I've had intense abdominal pain following my menstrual period for the past few months. Anyway, I didn't know what to expect. I'm thankful that the Lord gave me peace during the waiting days (my doctor appointment was Jan. 9th). I prayed for His will. My life is in His hands and that alone gives me comfort. I, of course, imagined how I would feel/react if I had cancer. By God's grace, I felt ready to face any news. My mind and my heart agree that Christ alone is indeed enough. I hoped and prayed that Christ would always be glorified in me, whether in my sickness or health. When I went to see the doctor, he told me that I have a tumor/fibroid (bigger than a golf ball) in my uterus but it's not cancerous. Praise God! The longer I walk with God in this life journey, the more I find supreme satisfaction in Christ alone!

Christ My All
Christ for sickness, Christ for health,
Christ for poverty, Christ for wealth,
Christ for joy, Christ for sorrow,
Christ today and Christ tomorrow;
Christ my Life, and Christ my Light,
Christ for morning, noon and night,
Christ when all around gives way
Christ my everlasting Stay;
Christ my Strength and Christ my Rest
Christ my Wisdom, Christ wants for me the best
Christ my Well-beloved Friend
Christ my Pleasure without end;
Christ my Savior, Christ my Lord
Christ my Portion, Christ my God,
Christ my Shepherd, I His sheep
Christ Himself my soul to keep;
Christ my Leader, Christ my Peace
Christ hath wrought my soul's release,
Christ my Righteousness divine
Christ for me, for He is mine;
Christ my Advocate and Priest
Christ who never forgets the least;
Christ my Teacher, Christ my Guide,
Christ my Rock, in Christ I hide,
Christ the Ever-living Bread,
Christ His precious blood hath shed;
Christ hath brought me nigh to God,
Christ the everlasting Word
Christ my Master, Christ my Head
Christ who for my sins hath bled;
Christ my Comforter on high,
Christ my Hope, draws ever nigh.

(Source unknown)

Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

This is one of my all-time favorite songs.  In Christ alone, I am who I am today...born again and blessed!

"The great mistake made by most of the Lord's people is in hoping to discover in themselves that which is to be found in Christ alone." A.W. Pink

In Christ we have...
a love that can never be fathomed,
a life that can never die,
a peace that can never be understood,
a rest that can never be disturbed,
a joy that can never be diminished,
a hope that can never be disappointed,
a glory that can never be clouded,
a light that can never be darkened,
and a spiritual resource that can never be exhausted.
~Unknown

You're invited to share your thoughts about the quote above (by John Piper) on your blog and then link up your post here. To learn more about "In Other Words"(what it's about, how it works, and how it originated), visit here.
This post is also linked up with Brag on God Friday @Beholding Glory, Spiritual Sundays, Sharing His Beauty @The Beauty in His Grip, Playdates with God at The Wellspring, and "Hear It, Use It" @Graceful.


P.S. I would like to invite you all to join my page, "Christ Alone" on Facebook. Please feel free to post there anything that is Christ-honoring and feel free to invite your friends to check it out. I dedicate that page to Christ and for His glory alone.

Our Thoughts on Tithe

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." Psalm 24:1

Everything (more than just 10%) belongs to the Lord! On earth, we are simply His stewards. He entrusts us to manage all He owns in the ways that will glorify and honor Him. We need to use our time, talents, and treasures wisely and according to His will.

We need to give all of ourselves to the Lord. Many give 10% and consider that the rest of their resources can be spent at their discretion. Let’s realize that God owns all of us, including our resources. Let’s spend them as He leads us by His Word and His Spirit. The New Testament portrays the concept of freewill sharing and equity among believers. "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

We, as the body of Christ, are called to reach out to a lost and dying world. We need to deny ourselves, carry our crosses, and follow Jesus. We need to live lives of "New Testament" simplicity, and not in luxury and self indulgence. We believe there is a significant mismanagement of God’s money among His Church (the body of Christ) in affluent countries. The Church should not be spending billions of dollars on church buildings, church salaries, and unnecessary/extravagant personal items/hobbies/property. (Certainly, the worker deserves his wages, but his work must be in accordance with the Father’s will. The Church is not a business.) These resources should be spent on reaching the millions of people who have never heard of the Gospel even once, and on providing them with the Word of God in their own language. Sadly, we are spending the majority of our resources on the areas of the world where Christ has already been preached. "More than 95 percent of the total church budget in the United States is spent at home to maintain programs rather than to reach out in mission. Of the five percent that goes overseas to mission, less than half of one percent is used to reach the lost." (K.P. Yohannan, The Road to Reality, p. 118) It is unjust to share the Gospel of Jesus repeatedly to people who have already heard when there are those who have not heard the Gospel of Jesus even once. These resources need to be quickly redistributed so that the majority of the Church’s resources are sent to the unreached people groups of the world.

We need to give to native missionaries who are reaching the unreached, to organizations that are actively sharing the Gospel in unreached areas (i.e., CRU's Jesus film ministries), and to organizations that are actively translating the Bible into unreached languages (i.e., Wycliffe).

We should also generously give food, clothing, shelter, and medical supplies where possible to the neediest from among mankind. We need to give to those who could not otherwise receive the basic needs of life from anyone else. Many of us are so comfortable and wealthy compared to these needy ones. If we live simply and pool our resources together, by God’s grace there will be enough for everyone throughout the world who is in need (remember the five loaves and two fish). We need to join together in praying and giving to those in need across the world as God directs.

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:33, 34

Striving to be good stewards,
Eric and Urailak

~ To find other Spiritual Sundays participants, please visit here.

Robert Pierre Music

My family and I love listening to Christian music. I was given an opportunity to review 4 songs performed by an 18 year old pop Christian musician, Robert Pierre. I had never heard of him before but I like to see young people using their gifts for the Lord. I liked what I read in his bio.

Robert Pierre's Bio:
Robert Pierre is an 18-year-old with a big voice and an even bigger heart; a talented musician and a singer-songwriter who has managed to juggle a music career with his high school honors course work. Robert grew up in a Christian home and knew about Christ all his life, but it wasn't until he was confronted by a teacher in seventh grade that he gave his life to Christ. "He looked at me and asked me one simple question," Robert explained, "He asked, 'If you were to die right now, and were standing at the gates of heaven, and God asked you why He should let you in... what would you say?' And all I could think to answer honestly was that He shouldn't..." The Spirit used that moment to bring Robert to a point of repentance and salvation that changed his life forever. It was at that time that Robert committed his talents to the glory of God alone. Soon,
the Lord began to open doors of opportunity for Robert to minister to people through music. Robert has already released two nationally distributed records, with three singles hitting the Billboard Christian AC Top 50 hit list. In addition to performing at summer festivals, Christian fund raisers, teen camps, youth groups and schools, Robert has toured nationally with the junior high "Believe" Tour, the inaugural "iShine" Tour and the nation’s largest Christian tour "Winter Jam 2010." This last year, he has spent his time writing and recording his third record, titled “I’m All In,” which is representative of Robert’s passion for not only talking about his Christian faith, but living sold out for Christ. The project has been co-written and produced by award winning songwriters and producers Matt Bronleewe and Jason Ingram. Robert not only sings on this aIbum, but wrote on 10 out of 11 songs, played guitar for the recording, and sang back up vocals.

Below are the titles of the four songs I listened online:-
1. JESUS
2. YOU HOLD ME NOW
3. BREAKING MY HEART
4. IDENTITY

Both my 17 year old daughter and I enjoyed listening to all four songs; we especially love You Hold Me Now and Identity. Robert Pierre has a nice, pleasant voice. His voice reminds me of Down Here's lead singer. All four songs have great lyrics. All of them were written by others, except Identity which has Robert as one of the writers. I'd like to share with you a YouTube video I found of You Hold Me Now sung by Robert Pierre. Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

I am quite pleased with Robert's music and am looking forward to reviewing his full-length CD that will be released later this summer. By the way, Robert is graduating from high school this coming Friday, May 20th. Congratulations, Robert! It's encouraging to see young people reaching out to other young people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Talking about his CD album, Identity, Robert said, “For generations, my family has been involved with missionaries to build and run Christian orphanages. But it wasn’t until I met thousands of kids right here in America who were truly hurting that I felt a calling for ministry. I want kids to understand that it doesn’t matter who the world tells them to be, it only matters who God says they are. That’s our identity and it’s the motivation behind the CD.” (taken from his Facebook info. page)

You may also preview his four songs & download for free here.
Connect with Robert on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RobertPierreMusic (he manages his own facebook page).
Visit his website at http://www.robertpierre.com/ .

One of Robert's favorite activities is playing basketball. My boys also love to play basketball so I showed my kids this fun video of Robert and his friends doing some water basketball trick shots: http://www.youtube.com/robertpierre#p/u/0/Q-MH_2YVbLE . Very impressive :)!

What God Desires

This Tuesday’s In Other Words is hosted by Nina of Mama’s Little Treasures.
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6

Throughout the Bible, we can see God's heart. He wants us to acknowledge Him (see verses below), love Him (Deuteronomy 6:5, 10:12, Matthew 22:37), worship Him (2 Kings 17:36, Psalm 100:2, Matthew 4:10), praise Him (1 Chronicles 16:25, Psalm 66:8), glorify Him (Psalm 34:3, Romans 15:5-6, 1 Corinthians 10:31), honor Him (John 5:23, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Proverbs 3:9), fear/revere Him (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13:4, 17:19, 1 Samuel 12:24, Psalm 22:23), trust Him (Psalm 22:9, 37:3, 62:8, Isaiah 26:4, John 14:1), obey Him (Deuteronomy 13:4, 1 Samuel 15:22, Jeremiah 11:4b, John 14:15), serve Him (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13:4, 1 Samuel 12:24, Psalm 2:11, Matthew 4:10, Hebrews 9:14, Revelation 5:10), and imitate Him (Ephesians 5:1, Philippians 2:5, 1 Peter 1:15-16).

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Jesus said in Matthew 10:32, "Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven."

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God." 1 John 4:15

People often acknowledge talents, accomplishments, hard work, success, beauty, intelligence, even luck/fortune and Mother Nature. But they fail to realize/recognize Who is the Giver of all blessings...Who created us and nature...Who is sovereign over all things, Who is behind all the miracles, etc. And we ourselves like to be acknowledged, don't we? That's why we need to be careful to remember that anything good in us is what the Lord has done for us, in us, and through us. If we fail to acknowledge God, our good deeds/service/giving/ ministries ("burnt offerings") mean nothing.

"Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. Then I said, 'Here I am, I have come--it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.' I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as You know, O Lord. I do not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I speak of Your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal Your love and Your truth from the great assembly." (Psalm 40:6-10) David knew what God desires and beautifully acknowledged God!

God's mercy is so great and He desires us to extend His mercy to others. "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:36 (Imitate Him!)

Jesus said in Matthew 9:12-13, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

When the Pharisees complained to Jesus about His disciples picking and eating heads of grain on the Sabbath, Jesus said, "If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent." Matthew 12:7

Remember...God looks at the heart. If our heart lacks mercy and does not acknowledge God, all our sacrifice and "burnt offerings" (any form of offerings) would be detestable to Him. Don't be like the Pharisees!

~ If you'd like to know what "In Other Words" is all about, please visit here.
~ To find other Spiritual Sundays participants, please visit here.

Book Review: Primal by Mark Batterson

Summary: We have a tendency to complicate Christianity. Jesus simplified it: Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we are to live out the essence of Christianity, we must commit to being great at this Great Commandment.

In Primal, Mark Batterson explores the four elements of Great Commandment Christianity: compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power. Along the way, he calls you to be a part of God’s reformation, starting in your own life.

As Mark writes, “Is there a place in your past where you met God and God met you? A place where your heart broke for the things that break the heart of God? Maybe it was a sermon that became more than a sermon. Maybe it was a mission trip or retreat. Maybe it was a vow you made at an altar. In that moment, God birthed something supernatural in your spirit. You knew you’d never be the same again. My prayer is that this book would take you back to that burning bush—and reignite a primal faith.”

Primal will help you live in light of what matters most and discover what it means to love God. It will help you become great at the Great Commandment.

Author Bio:
The author of Wild Goose Chase and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington , D.C. One church with nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the D.C. area. Mark has two Masters degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago . He and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children. www.markbatterson.com

My Review: What does Christianity mean to you?  The message in Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity is simple, yet profound. Want to become part of a reformation movement? The author takes us back to the basic, yet underestimated command from the Lord. After all, it is indeed the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38)! Have you ever taken the time to ponder what it really means to love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength? This book will help you do just that. The book is divided into 4 parts: The Heart of Christianity, The Soul of Christianity, The Mind of Christianity, and The Strength of Christianity. You will learn about the 4 "spiritual love languages": compassion, wonder, curiosity, and energy. They all are important. Our family is missions-minded so I am glad to see that the author is, too. I also appreciate Mr. Batterson’s childlike faith that delights in God alone. The whole Christianity boils down to one primal thing: Amo Dei = Love God! This book is a call for Christians to love God above all else...yes, even more than life. "Everything minus God equals nothing. God plus nothing equals everything. At the end of the day, all that matters is God." (p.165) God is enough. Not God and job. Not God and house. Not God and ministry. Not even God and family. Just God! This book will fuel you to be on fire for Jesus. Refreshing read!

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

To download the first two chapters, click here.
To purchase the book, visit here or here.

~ I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Zer0 Is G00d

Yesterday, I attended the Women's Conference at my church.  The theme was "Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God".  The speaker was Georgene Rice.  She beautifully shared what a pure heart looks like according to God's Word.  She talked about repentance, humility, an eternal perspective, faithfulness, obedience, Biblical worldview, unity, surrender to the Lordship of Jesus, total devotion, contentment, faith, and more.

I'd like to share what I wrote awhile ago about this same theme with a twist :).
 
Usually, when we think of "zero," we think of something negative such as zero points on a score board, zero on a test, zero dollars in our checkbook, etc. But "zero" can be good, very good!

Do you know what’s in your water? It’s not easy to find water that’s just water.  We bought "ZeroWater," a water filtration system that completely removes organic contaminants and metals. The kit included an electronic water tester TDS. This TDS meter is a very cool gadget! It’s the same testing tool used in labs to check for the presence of contaminants. We had lots of fun testing water from different sources. Our tap water showed 031 (parts per million), our filtered water that we had been using (Pur) showed 020, and bottled water showed 038. But when we tested the water that was filtered by our new system, the meter showed 000 (hence the name "ZeroWater"). As pure as it gets, folks! The reading 000 indicates that the tester detects no traces of dissolved solids and chemicals that are usually found in your tap and bottled water. We joked about taking this meter with us when we go eat out at restaurants and using it to test their water. We the Water Inspectors :)!!!

Now…wouldn’t it be interesting to have a heart tester that could detect if there are any contaminants (jealousy, envy, bitterness,….sins)? We all would hope/desire to get the reading 000 which reflects a "pure" heart! I told you, "Zer0 is g00d!"

The test: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

The result: "Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’?" Proverbs 20:9

The solutions:
1. Pray and ask God to cleanse our heart. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

2. Confess our sins and repent.  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1John1:9

3. Live our life according to God’s Word. "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word." Psalm 119:9

The benefits:
"Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior." Psalm 24:3-5

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8

"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." 1Timothy1:5

Just as water needs a water filtration system to remove contaminants, our heart needs God to remove our sins/our desire to sin and purify it.
"Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18
"God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith." Acts 15:8-9
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14


~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!

Refiner's Fire

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

This song is my prayer!  Lord, please cleanse me from all impurity and conform me into the image of Jesus Christ!
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

Sweetly Broken

Note: Please turn off my playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video. 

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

I am lost for words whenever I want to express thanks for what Jesus has done for me.  I am sweetly broken...wholly surrendered!  I hope and pray that the Lord will find my life/my spirit/my heart a pleasing sacrifice.

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:15-17

"Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." ~Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision

Previous Songs:
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version 
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone

Merry CHRISTmas 2009

May Jesus always be on your mind and may His love, peace, and joy always be in your heart! Please join us in celebrating Christ not just at Christmastime but all throughout the year. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)

Merry CHRISTmas and have a blessed New Year!

Note: Please turn off my playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the slideshow.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A Heart Exam

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I think a heart exam seems appropriate :) (no...not a warning about fat & cholesterol piled up during Thanksgiving feasts). What is our heart condition?  Do we have a thankful heart? Truly thankful? Not thankful only for material things...for worldly pleasures, but truly thankful to God for everything in all circumstances (or in spite of circumstances)... Do we daily thank God for who He is and what He has done? Or do we only thank Him when He answers our prayers the way we want, or only when we have been blessed with something big?

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:4-5

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" Hebrews 12:28-29

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Hebrews 13:15

"Thankfulness is the soil in which joy thrives." ~Unknown

"When thou hast thanked thy God for every blessing sent,
What time will then remain for murmurs or lament?" ~Unknown

A thankful heart not only produces a joyful heart but also gives us a right/pleasant attitude. The attitude of awe, admiration, reverence, and gratitude for the Almighty God! Other benefits include contentment, peace, complaint-free atmosphere, no envy, no covetousness, desire/eagerness to give and share, etc., besides doing God's will.

I will never forget what a dear friend of mine said when I visited her and her daughter at the hospital after a car accident that took her son's life and left her daughter in critical condition. I went there to encourage and comfort her but instead, her words touched me deeply. She said, "I'm so thankful that the Lord gave me all those years to homeschool my kids. I thank Him for all the time we spent together." She retained a thankful heart throughout the whole ordeal. Wow...isn't that a wonderful example of "giving thanks in all circumstances"?

A Simple Prayer of Thanksgiving by Helen Steiner Rice

I come not to ask, to plead or implore You,
I just come to tell You how much I adore You,
For to kneel in Your Presence makes me feel blest
For I know that You know all my needs best...

And it fills me with joy just to linger with You
As my soul You replenish and my heart You renew,
For prayer is much more than just asking for things--
It's the peace and contentment that quietness brings...

So thank You again for Your mercy and love
And for making me heir to YOUR KINGDOM ABOVE!

Father, We Thank Thee by Grenville Kleiser

Father, we thank Thee:
For peace within our favored land,
For plenty from Thy bounteous hand,
For means to give to those in need,
For grace to help in thought and deed,
For faith to walk, our hands in Thine,
For truth to know Thy law divine,
For strength to work with voice and pen,
For love to serve our fellow men,
For light to goal ahead to see,
For life to use alone for Thee,
Father, we thank Thee.

*I'm hosting 'Tis the Season to Be Thankful Giveaway.  Please click here to enter.
~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts.  Thanks so much to Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays every week.

Whatever You Do

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  Do not cause anyone to stumble." 1 Corinthians 10:31-32a

Whatever we do, we need to do it with the right attitude and the right motive.  In Colossians 3:23-24, we are told to work with all our heart (with enthusiasm) as working for the Lord.  Did you know that the word, "enthusiasm" came from Greek words: en (in, within, to be filled) + theos (God)?  If we are filled with God's Holy Spirit, let it show in "whatever we do".  In 1 Corinthians 10:31-32a, we are told to do everything for God's glory and to not cause anyone to stumble.  We need to examine ourselves.  "Whatever we do"...is it for our own fame and glory...for our own fleshly desire...for our own selfish gains?  Or "whatever we do"...we do to please and honor/glorify God by following the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1b)?  If so, then we won't be causing anyone to stumble, either.  "Whatever you/we do" includes the way we dress, books we read, movies we watch, what we write/blog, songs we listen to/sing, games we play, what we post on Facebook or Twitter, what we do when nobody sees/hears us, etc.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Previous WFW:
- More Blessed

- My Soul Pants for You

- Without Excuse

- Plentiful Harvest

- Brotherly Love

- Fruit Bearer

- More Than Conquerors

- Where Does My Help Come From?

- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge

- Rooted in Love

- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?

- Reflecting the Lord's Glory

- The Rock Eternal

- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

He Knows My Name

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

If you are not familiar with OCC, please read this post. If you already are familiar with OCC, I'd like to remind you that the collection week this year is November 16-23 :).

The video below shows the complete song (with the lyrics), "He Knows My Name" (words and music by Tommy Walker, performed by the Maranatha Singers).



"O Lord, You have searched me and you know me. 
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar. 
You discern my going out and my lying down; 
You are familiar with all my ways. 
Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord. 
You hem me in--behind and before;
You have laid Your hand upon me. 
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 

For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-14

Father's Love Letter   
(An Intimate Message From God To You)

My Child,
You may not know Me, but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in My image.
Genesis 1:27
In Me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
For you are My offspring.
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in My book.
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know Me.
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16
And it is My desire to lavish My love on you.
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are My child and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect Father.
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand.
James 1:17
For I am your Provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are My treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all My heart and all My soul.
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to My heart.
Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love My son, Jesus.
John 17:23
For in Jesus, My love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of My being.
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you.
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of My son Jesus, you receive Me.
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from My love again.
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32


Love, Your Dad Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications Copyright 1999-2009 http://www.fathersloveletter.com/
______________________________________________
I have the Best Father!  And I love reading His love letter (God's Word).  May we always bask in our Heavenly Father's love!

Previous Songs:
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision

Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!

I'm so excited that I found this video!  It's the first time I've ever heard this live version of "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful" (words and music by Keith Green, performed by Keith Green).  Keith Green was my all-time favorite singer/musician.  I said "was" because he died in a plane crash in 1982 (he was only 28).  He was one of a kind who was totally sold out for Christ.  He lived what he wrote in this song and all his other songs.

"I'm in my 83rd year, but it doesn't necessarily mean I'm wiser or stronger.  It doesn't mean I've done more.  It's not the stretch of life that matters.  It's the depth of life.  It's not how long we live.  It's how we live.  Keith was a man who seemed to live on the edge of eternity.  And he was ready to step into it." Leonard Ravenhill spoke of Keith Green after his death (quote taken from "No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green" by Melody Green & David Hazard)


Oh Lord, You're beautiful. Your face is all I seek;
For when Your eyes are on this child, Your love abounds to me.

Oh Lord, my body's tired, but You keep reminding me
Of many holy tireless men who spilled their blood for Thee.

Chorus: I want to take Your Word and shine it all around,
But first help me just to live it Lord.
And if I'm doing well, help me to never make a sound,
Except to give all the glory to You.

Oh Lord, my faith is small, and I need a touch from You.
Your Book of books lies undisturbed, and the prayers from me..too few.

Oh Lord, please light the fire that once burned bright and clear.
Replace the lamp of my first love that's fueled with holy fear.

Oh Lord, You're beautiful. Your face is all I seek;

For when Your eyes are on this child, Your grace abounds to me.

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." 1 Chronicles 16:11
"When You said, "Seek My Face," my heart said to You, "Your face, Lord, I will seek."" Psalm 27:8
"Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O Lord." Psalm 4:6
"Let Your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love." Psalm 31:16
"For the Lord is righteous, He loves justice; upright men will see His face." Psalm 11:7
"You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey Your words.  I have sought Your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise." Psalm 119:57-58

Lord, please help me to live by Your Book and be a light that shines brightly for You.  To You alone be the glory!  Your grace and love abound to me.  Thank You, Lord!

Previous Songs:
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision

My Soul Pants for You

Nothing..no one can satisfy our soul except the Lord!  My husband and I love singing the song, "As the Deer" (words & music by Martin Nystrom) while he plays the piano.  "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee.  You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship Thee."  That's how I feel.  We are created to glorify and worship Him.  May we have an unceasing desire to know Him more, to love Him more, and to be filled with more of Him!

"Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:6
"By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life." Psalm 42:8

Previous WFW:
- Without Excuse
- Plentiful Harvest

- Brotherly Love

- Fruit Bearer

- More Than Conquerors
- Where Does My Help Come From?
- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge
- Rooted in Love
- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?
- Reflecting the Lord's Glory
- The Rock Eternal
- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Taming the Tongue

"Taming the tongue is a tough, troubling, tiring task to tackle triumphantly!" Try saying that ten times fast :). Okay...let's take it seriously now. How many times have you wished you didn't say what you just said? Oops...we can't take our words back! Words can heal, help, or hurt.

"We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, set the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:2-8 It is so important to constantly guard our tongue.

"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who hold his tongue is wise." Proverbs 10:19

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." Proverbs 15:2

"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24

"He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." Proverbs 21:23

"One of the first things which a physician says to his patient is, 'Let me see your tongue.' A spiritual advisor might do the same." N. Adams

"When anger spreads through the breast, guard your tongue from barking idly." Sappho

"Sometimes you can make a more effective statement by holding your tongue." anonymous

"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." Benjamin Franklin

"When I want to speak...let me think first:
-Is it true?
-Is it kind?
-Is it necessary?
If not, let it be left unsaid." Babcock

Tired of tongue troubles? Have you heard of a tool called, "Tongue Tamer"? A censor microchip implanted in our tongue that zaps the tongue every time it utters bad words, mean words, untrue words, inappropriate words, any words that are not pleasing God and automatically disables the tongue for a period of time until the tongue is ready to behave :). A deluxe version even comes with a decibel control so yelling and screaming become instantly mute, except in emergency/ life & death situations. If you have, please let me know. Oh...I wish I could invent that. Just imagine.... While you wait for that tool, perhaps you would like to try the "G.R.E.A.T." tip below.  May we implore the Holy Spirit to be our "Tongue Tamer" and may we be obedient and cooperate!

Our speech should be:

Gentle and gracious  (Philippians 4:5, Proverbs 22:11)
Respectful                (1 Peter 2:17)
Encouraging             (Hebrews 3:13)
Appropriate             (Ephesians 4:29)
Truthful                    (Ephesians 4:15, 4:25)

Have a "G.R.E.A.T." talk today and everyday !

"May the words of my mouth and
the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in Your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:14

Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts.