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Saturday, 25 May 2013

Let's love our elders

Our elders are our precious gifts. They may have little time left. We may have little time left. So let us use every moment of our time well and let us love our elders and celebrate their presence in our lives.

The Doubts of John Bunyan

There are doubts in the hearts of those who believe in God. And only some will dare to mention them.

Friday, 24 May 2013

Made Alive In Christ - A Declaration - Paul's Words Personalized

As for me, I was dead in my transgressions and sins, in which I used to live when I followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. I lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of my sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, I was by nature an object of wrath. But because of his great love for me, God, who is rich in mercy, made me alive with Christ even when I was dead in transgressions - it is by grace I have been saved. And God raised me up with Christ and seated me with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to me in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace that I have been saved, through faith - and this not from myself, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that I cannot boast. For I am God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do.

(Modified by Samuel Godfrey George from Ephesians 2: 1-10, NIV, 1988)

Prayers in Ephesians Personalized

I keep asking that the God of my Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which God has called me, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for me who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything in the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen me with power through his Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that I, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that I may be filled in the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever. Amen.

(Modified by Samuel Godfrey George, from Paul's Letter To The Ephesians, 1: 17-23 and 3: 14-21, NIV, 1988)

Daniel's Prayer Personalized

O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, I have sinned and done wrong, I have been wicked and have rebelled; I have turned away from your commands. I have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name.

Lord, you are righteous, but this day I am covered with shame because of my unfaithfulness to you. O Lord, I am covered with shame because I have sinned against you. The Lord my God is merciful and forgiving, even though I have rebelled against him; I have not obeyed the Lord my God.

Troubles have come upon me, yet I have not sought the favour of the Lord my God by turning from my sins and giving attention to his truth. The LORD did not hesitate to bring the troubles upon me, for the LORD my God is righteous in everything he does, yet I have not obeyed him.

Now, O Lord my God, who brought me out of slavery to sin, I have sinned, I have done wrong. O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from me. My sins and the iniquities of my fathers have made me an object of scorn to all around me.

Now, my God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. I do not make requests of you because I am righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because I bear your Name.

(Modified by Samuel Godfrey George from Daniel 9: 4-19 NIV, 1988)

Saturday, 11 May 2013

Preparing Our Children For Life

It is a heartbreaking process but it must be done. Your innocent children will grow up and see the evil of the world. And before they do that you must prepare their hearts and minds for the difficulties of life.


O Son Of Mine

The joy of a father is in his child's initial innocence. The pain of a father is in his son's final corruption.

Friday, 10 May 2013

What do we make of God's love?

How do we respond to God's unconditional love? Do we accept it with thanks or discuss it to death and come to the conclusion that it is not enough and that there should be something more?

The Scandal of Grace

That God forgives all sins and loves all people is a fact that is hard to accept for some people. Even some who call themselves the followers of God have a problem with God showing grace to others even though they themselves have received the same grace.

How do we worship God?

Many people go to church to worship God. Denominational differences in Christianity may involve different styles of worship. But what ...