Boggle

We enjoy word games as a family. One of the favourite games is 'Boggle.' We desired to get a new 'Boggle' and since we couldn't get it, our son purchased a 'Big Boggle'!

A few weeks ago, our son was suddenly taken very ill. His blood pressure shot up so high that the  reading couldn't even be taken! He developed weakness of the left side of his face and body. He was rushed to the emergency admission of the hospital. We were told that the next 36 to 48 hours would be crucial. He was kept in the 'High Dependency Area' for five days and then in the ward for ten days. His whole body was scanned and functions of the organs tested. Our son was an unusual 'Medical Case' in many ways besides displaying such levels of blood pressure at just 30 years of age. He was a good specimen for trainees and students from different medical departments.

As a family we made daily visits to the hospital. I spent hours seated by our son's bed, anxiously watching him. As I tried to work out in my mind the meaning of all the happenings, my mind was in a 'Big Boggle'!! I felt guilt and conviction as I wondered whether I had been negligent in caring for him. I felt fear as the various medical teams discussed 'This Case' and gave probable causes for this incident and consequent permanent damage to his organs. My heart ached when grim diagnoses were announced to us and further painful procedures were suggested at the bedside in 'Matter of Fact' tones by senior consultants and juniors.

Although there were instances of relief when a good report came through, I felt oppression on my mind while in the hospital. I longed to spend time alone with my LORD and have Him speak to me so that my mind would be cleared. The LORD spoke simple and clear words directly and through His children.These were rays of sunshine bringing hope in the dark valley. My shoulders were literally weighed down by a burden which I knew could only be lifted at Calvary, where I resorted frequently to pour my heart to the LORD JESUS. A gentle word spoken sensitively by anyone was like a soothing balm to a broken heart. Peace was imparted into my heart when dear ones prayed with us compassionately, short meaningful prayers in faith. Through all of these, even though the cables of my soul were strained, the anchor that held my spirit deep within, was the hope that rested on the certainty of the love of GOD which I couldn't question or doubt for a single moment. This love was revealed in tangible ways through the kindness of people - believers and also non-believers. More importantly the strength of our faith was the answer of the prayers of many intercessors around the world who stood in the gap on our behalf. Some of them did not even pray with us, but stood praying for us. They prayed individually, as groups and as churches. Behind the scenes they were effectively clearing for us the enemy's garbage of condemnation and doubt of GOD'S love that could disconnect us from GOD. These sincere prayers enabled each one of us in the family to keep our faith individually. 
And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."  Luke 22:31-32 

It is nearly a month since the onset of this ordeal and the storm is settling. Our son is making a remarkable and spectacular (as his physiotherapist exclaimed yesterday) recovery! Looking back, I realise it was a 'Big Boggle' in real life!! When Boggle is shaken there is noise and confusion. The letter dice are scattered in the box not making words or sense. Fear and anxiety seem overwhelming. Then comes the settling. Quickly we look for meaningful words. We realise this new setting is better than the former. The temporary shaking was good! There are new and better words. We discover new and deeper meaning to old words - Faith, Fear, Love, Rest, Peace - as we quietly listen to the gentle soft voice of the Precious Holy Spirit!

 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.  1 Peter 5:10-11  

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:3-9 

 Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.  1 Kings 19:11-12  

Labour

Labor following the curse

Painful labor in childbirth and the need to work hard towards bringing fruit from the earth are curses following the fall of man. 2 days ago I had the privilege of being with our daughter in the birthing suite, sharing in the intensely painful process of bringing forth the baby, our first grandchild! The excruciating pain culminating in extreme joy is an unforgettable experience!

Goodness in every aspect was a result of God’s blessing on all of His creation. As a consequence of the fall and separation from God, the earth is under a curse. Weeds grow naturally and more abundantly than herbs, grain and fruit plants. Even a man who is not a farmer, has to work hard to earn a wage to provide for his family. The nature of man is evil and the heart desperately wicked. In the spiritual sense too, man and woman need to labor in some way to  come under God’s favor which is a place of blessing and good fruit. we need to work hard in seeking the Lord, mourning for our sins and repenting of our wicked ways so that we may experience the fullness of God’s Spirit in us, bringing forth the lovely fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you." Genesis 3:16  

Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." Genesis 3:17-19

In fact, the whole world is laboring to come out of the curse and be birthed into God’s favor and blessing.

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Romans 8:22

Labor in vain

Imagine a woman conceiving in her womb, going through the difficulties of pregnancy for forty weeks and enduring the overwhelming pangs of labor and excruciating pain of delivery only to see a stillborn baby! All her labor is in vain! In vain!!
Observe a farmer laboring in his field, preparing it, carefully sowing good seed, spending time, energy and money to nurture the plants. He may need to get rid of weeds and eradicate pests. He makes sure there is enough water and fertilizer. He expects a bumper crop and his heart is filled with joy. Even as he prepares to harvest, there comes a flash flood, completely destroying the crop! What a waste! All his labor is in vain!!
The word of God says that such is the state of any of our works that are not done ‘In Christ.’

For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I? For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:22-26

Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. Psalms 127:1-2

labor in-Christ

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

1) Sowing the seed

Mary received God’s word brought to her by the Angel, submitted to that word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and brought forth Jesus, The Son of God. This would have been a painful process for her.

And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

We need to labor in sowing the precious seed of the word of God in our own hearts and in the hearts of others. When we receive God’s word and submit to that word, it is planted in our hearts.

Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. Psalms 126:5-6

2) Growing the seed - stretching!

God’s word grows in the heart like how a child grows in the womb of a pregnant woman. This stretching can be uncomfortable like the stretching we go through as we grow spiritually! Growth takes place as we feed on the word of God through diligent study of it and drink of His Spirit through prayer and close communion with God through the Lord Jesus. Jesus made it clear that we should value Him, Who is our spiritual food and life, and labor for Him , more diligently than for natural food and drink.

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." Therefore they said to Him, "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' " Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always." And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:27-35

Like the patient stretching of the womb, we need to wait patiently to see the word grow and bear fruit in our own lives and in the lives of others. If there is no patience and stretching, the seed will die.

Jesus is The only Mediator between God and man Who labored on the cross to birth us into His kingdom. He was stretched beyond measure between heaven and earth as He hung on the cruel cross. He bridged the gap between The Most Holy God and the filthiest of sinners. He brought glory to earth and earth to glory through grace. The Son of GOD became the Son of Man to make the connection between God and man. He gave up His glory and subjected Himself to the law of gravity. He endured excruciating pain as His arms were stretched across and nailed so that He could embrace all of mankind of all the ages. He is well able to save all people from the legalistic end of the scale to the lawless end of the scale!
The vastness of God’s love is revealed through our Savior, JESUS!

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 

3) The labor of Christ

We are justified only by our Savior, JESUS CHRIST,  Who laboriously interceded for us. He continues to intercede for His own, being at the right hand of God. Therefore now we labor in and through His love.
Mary labored and endured birth pangs to bring forth the Savior into the world.
Our fallen nature brings forth only evil fruit. Therefore we need to labor in repentance, denying self and abiding in Christ so that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
Jesus walked on this earth doing His Heavenly Father’s works. When He carried the sin of the world on Himself on the cross, His soul was in great labor because:-
    While taking on Himself all the filth of all sin of all mankind of all times,
         He remained pure and holy.
             He did not condemn, but asked God to forgive mankind.
                 This intercession was the labor of His soul through which He birthed us into God’s kingdom. Now He Himself washes us with His own blood as He continues to intercede for us,  at the right hand of God.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:10-11

3) Birthing Christ

All our labor should be motivated by the love of Christ.

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:10

remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Even as we continue to labor in love, let’s not let go, but let’s hold fast to our first love, Who is our Precious Lord JESUS! Make the first connection stronger and more secure as you stretch out!

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.
Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:2-4

Those of us who have experienced the forgiveness of sins through the Blood of The Lamb of God and are connected to God through the His Holy Spirit, are to continue this work of intercession on the earth.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

For it is written: "Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband." Galatians 4:27

The apostle Paul labored in intercession to bring believers to fullness in Christ.

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, Galatians 4:19

But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain. Galatians 4:9-11

4) Sabbath Rest

The process of labour, even though painful and long, ends abruptly the moment the baby is birthed out of the mother's body and two individuals are separated! GOD set the example of resting on the 7th day, after His work of creating everything over 6 days. As man was created only on the 6th day, the sabbath day was his first day on earth and he had to start with rest! This rest means GOD'S relationship with man and man's relationship with GOD. All our RElationships should STart with GOD and STop from going beyond GOD! He should be the boundary line for every individual person. All our labour over 6 days should be in Him and through Him.

There is an important commandment we need to remember. It is an experience of rest in our relationship with The Lord. It is also the experience of rest in our relationships with others. Therefore it is necessary for Christians to keep the Sabbath day holy and to keep ourselves free to gather together with fellow believers and worship God together.

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. Hebrews 4:1

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Hebrews 4:9-10

When we come to Christ, we come to the place of rest to our souls. We need to continue to abide in Him and be yoked to Him to do His will and His work. The Sabbath rest is His rest.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30


Are you stressed?
  Come to CHRIST.
    Wait on CHRIST.
      Enter into His rest!

Joy

True, deep joy is the sure end product of our labour in diligently seeking the LORD JESUS, taking up our cross and following Him. This joy lasts to eternity!

 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.  John 16:20-22 
 Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5-6

Copyright

Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it... ( Wikipedia)


The copyright law of Australia defines the legally enforceable rights of creators of creative and artistic works under Australian law.

 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Genesis 1:1 


 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  Genesis 1:27 


 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10 


 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" says the LORD. "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel! Jeremiah 18:1-6 


 "Woe to him who strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth! Shall the clay say to him who forms it, 'What are you making?' Or shall your handiwork say, 'He has no hands'?  Isaiah 45:9  


 I have made the earth, And created man on it. I--My hands--stretched out the heavens, And all their host I have commanded.  Isaiah 45:12   


 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.  Isaiah 43:1  

 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.  Romans 1:18-25 


 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created. He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away. Praise the LORD from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and maidens; Old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. And He has exalted the horn of His people, The praise of all His saints-- Of the children of Israel, A people near to Him. Praise the LORD!  Psalm 148:1-14 


 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."  Revelation 4:11

Monument or Inheritance?

 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up a pillar for himself, which is in the King's Valley. For he said, "I have no son to keep my name in remembrance." He called the pillar after his own name. And to this day it is called Absalom's Monument.   2 Samuel 18:18 

Now ...
It is important for each of us to take time to consider 2 things NOW. Each unit of time, whether a moment, an hour, a morning, an afternoon an evening, a night or a season in your life represents a piece of your life which when past can never be retrieved. It may also be the last unit of your time on earth! Therefore you need to wisely and carefully live this precious NOW!!

In his lifetime...
The direction you set for your life and what you do in this lifetime will not only determine your eternal destiny but also the remembrance that you will leave of yourself on this earth.

had taken and set up a pillar for himself...
If you are busy setting up a pillar for yourself, it will not benefit you nor anyone else in this life or in eternity.


which is in the King's Valley...
Even if you are a King's Kid, your life will be one of defeat.

For he said, "I have no son to keep my name in remembrance."...
If you have not imparted of yourself to anyone, your life has been unprofitable.

He called the pillar after his own name...
Your name will disappear as a vapour.

And to this day it is called Absalom's Monument...
You will only be remembered for your self-centred life!

What is the Pillar you are setting up in your lifetime?
              A          OR                     B                                       
P - Prayer                                                  R - Restlessness                        

I - Intimacy with GOD                                     A - Ambition that is selfish                            
  L - Learning  Of GOD and from GOD                 L - Lust of the eyes                                
    L - Leading others to the LORD JESUS                 L - Lust of the flesh                          
     A - Altar of sacrificial living                                 I - Self-centred I,                         
       R - resting in GOD                                       P - Pride of life                             

                 A pillar that will leave for you a Godly name or a name for yourself?

Pillar A will impact many lives and impart into many, the knowledge of GOD.

Pillar A will exalt the Name of JESUS. 

You will be bearing fruit that will last and will have many spiritual descendants!

And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' " Moreover God said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: 'The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.'   Exodus 3:14-15  

 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10 

  

Eyes, Sight and Light!

Those of us who are blessed with eyes that see need to check the condition of our eyes.
It is the eyes through which light enters the mind.
It is the mind that directs the path and pattern of one's life.
The mind feeds the heart and sets the attitude of the heart.
Therefore the light in a person and the light on the path of his/her life are directly linked to the condition of his/her eyes!
 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  Matthew 6:22-23  

Like the two sides of a coin are Blessing and Responsibility.

If the blessing is seeing eyes, the responsibility is to decide on why and how we will look at what we will choose to be looking at!!

1)   Looking at myself 

If I allow my mind to get preoccupied about my outward appearance, looking at others will produce in me either self conceit (if I think I am better than they!), or envy (if I think they are better than I)!! That can affect the attitude of my heart causing me to sin. It also sets a snare for me to lust for worldly things while pursuing outward beauty.
 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.  Galatians 5:24-26  

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17


It is therefore more profitable for me to spend time every morning looking into the word of GOD than in the mirror! GOD'S word will reveal GOD'S love and plan for me, making me clean and beautiful from deep within, setting me free!

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.  James 1:21-25  

 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,  while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

2)   Looking at others

I should not get carried away by the good appearance of people nor despise anyone because of their poor appearance.

 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."  1 Samuel 16:7  

3)   Looking at the things of the world

I need to discipline myself and train my eyes to turn away from lust and to look in the right direction.

 Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness.  Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.  Psalm 119:36-37 

 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.  1 John 2:15-17

 4)   Seeking GOD by Looking at things that point to Him

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore!  Psalm 105:4 

When I see the beauty of nature, do I acknowledge GOD?

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.  Psalm 19:1  

 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,   Romans 1:20 

 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?  Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?  So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;  and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?   Matthew 6:26-30  

Do I seek the LORD by looking into His word?

But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.  James 1:25 

Do I seek GOD with a pure heart?

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.  Matthew 5:8  

 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2  

But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.  2 Corinthians 3:14-18

 ^{If I seek GOD diligently,  I will see Him someday!}

For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!  Job 19:25-27 

 Your eyes will see the King in His beauty; They will see the land that is very far off.  Isaiah 33:17 

Choose Life!

If you are on the road heading towards the highway or freeway, you need to make sure that you are in the correct lane. Suddenly the road will part, leading to highways that are bound in different directions! Our life on earth depicts the road with many lanes. 
Suddenly this road will end. None of us knows when our life on earth will come to an end! 
 Although this road will end, it will continue as two highways. At the end of our life on earth, our souls will continue in heaven or hell. 
 Here and now we need to decide which highway we want to take, as the different lanes will lead to the respective highways. It is impossible to change direction once you enter a highway.

 'I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your GOD, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to give them. Deuteronomy 30:19-20

 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:6 

Let us choose 

  our eternal destination 

    here and now, before it is       

                                           too late!

Why Death? Why Salvation?

The consequence of sin is spiritual death and  physical death. Spiritual death means separation from GOD by GOD's Spirit being taken away from man.
So GOD drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.  Genesis 3:24 

When the soul and spirit are taken away from the body there is physical death.
So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died.
 So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years; and he died.
 So all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years; and he died.  Genesis 5:5,8,14  

Such is the fate of all mortal beings who are born into this world in sin. We are born spiritually dead. We have this fleeting breath in our nostrils, which when taken away, we die physically. We would be eternally dead, separated from the Presence of GOD Who is The Giver Of Life, paying for our sins, wailing and gnashing our teeth in hell IF there is no intervention during our transient life on earth!

This is why we need salvation. Our eternal destiny can be changed! There is hope!!

GOD'S heart is to restore man to Himself. GOD gave laws to His people, to show them the path of life lest they die.

GOD Who is Holy, Holy, Holy, Just and Righteous, has made a way of escape for us from this sad predicament. Someone had to die so that we could escape eternal death.

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  John 3:16-17 

GOD'S only Son, JESUS, sent from Heaven for this specific purpose, lived a sinless life and died as a criminal on the Cross, taking the sin of all mankind upon Himself. He died physically at the tender age of 33 years. He died spiritually for a moment when GOD turned His face away from His Beloved Son as He carried the sin of the world upon Himself. GOD raised Him up on the 3rd day victoriously. JESUS lives forever in Heaven with GOD.

 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9 

Now we have the opportunity and the liberty to bring our sins to the LORD JESUS and repent of them so that we may be forgiven. Our sins are then cancelled and we are seen by GOD as righteous in His Son JESUS. We become spiritually alive. Although we will die physically, we will continue to live blissfully, eternally with GOD in Heaven.

 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"  John 11:25-26 

                                                          ARE YOU SAVED?

Transit Passengers

Do you realise that you are a transit passenger on this earth?

You may or may not know from where you have come. Do you know where you are heading?
All passengers will have to leave this airport and this earth will shut down at some point.

The announcement has come that the connecting flight is delayed indefinitely. It is delayed for the sake of the passengers who are not yet ready to board the aircraft. The Pilot desires to take all or most of the transit passengers with Him. The announcement will come suddenly and we need to be ready to board the aircraft at short notice!

 Once the flight is taken off, there will be a process of preparation on the earth, for the shutting down of the airport which will not be pleasant for those left behind. Therefore, in the meantime, we need to do everything necessary to make sure we get on that connecting flight!

                                                A check list with 7 points will help!

1)  Don't forget that you are a passenger in transit. You are a stranger and a pilgrim on earth looking for a better country with foundations Whose Builder and Maker is GOD!  

2)  Make sure you know the flight number. The LORD JESUS is the One Who will come and receive us to Himself and take us to our eternal destination.

3)  Don't lose your passport! Without faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, you can't catch that flight.

4)  Don't get attached to anything at the airport because you are not permitted to carry anything with you on the flight. You will have greater and better possessions up there!

      

5)  Be careful not to get preoccupied with, or, glued or addicted to anything or any activity at the airport, however good or attractive it might be. You might miss the crucial flight! Don't love or set your heart on the world or the things that are in this world.

6)  Be careful and alert and be listening to hear the announcement regarding the flight. Be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit at all times.  

7)  Carefully hold on to your Boarding Pass all the time without which you will not board the flight! Develop an intimate passionate relationship with the LORD JESUS which will bring you to instantaneous obedience to the Holy Spirit. That has to become your built-in automatic reaction!! 

 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-- 2 Peter 3:10-15a 



 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.  Matthew 25:1-13 

                     Imagine our plight if we miss that flight!