HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS PROPERLY ADDRESS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST?

Is there a proper way of calling on the Lord Jesus Christ? Do we call him "Jesus Christ", "Lord Jesus Christ", or simply "Jesus"? How must we address the Son of the Most High God?

After a nice prayer we commonly hear people say, "In Jesus Name". Sometimes people would add nice descriptive words like “In the sweet name of Jesus” or “In Jesus mighty name”.

In the New Testament gospels and epistles, all names and titles used of Jesus Christ represent the different relationships which are sustained by Him.

JESUS. The same name as the Hebrew “Jehoshua”, or the abbreviated form ‘Joshua’ (used in Heb. 4:8 / Acts 7:45), and means “the salvation of Jehovah” or Jehovah the Savior. The name ‘Jesus’ expresses the relation of Jehovah to Him in incarnation, by which “He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.” (Phil 2:8); Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God”. The name ‘Jesus’ is the name associated with ‘humiliation’ which He endured in order to “save His People from their sins” (Matt 1:23).

His People never therefore never addressed Him as “Jesus”, but always as “Master” or “Lord” (Luke 6:46 / John 13:13, 14), and so should all His people today; not following the examples of demons (in Matt. 8:20), or His enemies, who irreverently called Him “Jesus”.

CHRIST. This is the Greek translation of the Hebrew ‘Mashiah’. ‘Christos’ has the same meaning, from ‘chrio’, to anoint. Hence, the noun is used of and for the Messiah, and in the Gospels should always be translated “Messiah”, as well as in the Acts, and sometimes in the later books of the New Testament.

JESUS CHRIST. In the combination of these two names, the former is emphatic by its position, the second being subsidiary and explanatory. In the Gospels it means “Jesus the Messiah”. In the Epistles, it means Jesus who humbled Himself but is now exalted and glorified as Christ. Care should be taken to note the various readings.

CHRIST JESUS. This is the converse of “Jesus Christ” and denotes the now exalted One, Who once humbled himself.


CHRIST THE LORD. This the Hebrew Mashiah Jehovah = Jehovah’s Anointed, as in 1 Samuel 24:6. It occurs only in Luke 2:11; The anointed of Jehovah, Luke 2:26. All names and titles used of Jesus Christ represent the different relationships. May all of human kind (saved or unsaved) address the Savior who now sits on High as "Lord Jesus Christ", in calling on him in prayer, or even when simply mentioning His name in conversation.

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What's in a Name?

Even dignitaries here on earth are given due respect as men of authority, with earthly titles or positions. When we address the president of any nation, we properly address them as “His Excellency”… or “Mr. President”. We mention the nicknames like “Bill" (for former president Bill Clinton) especially during relaxed conversation with friends --- but when standing in front of them or when writing an official/formal letter we don't address them by first name basis, we address them with the proper title of honor... we say "Mr. President" or in Asian countries “His Excellency”. Even ministers of the state or judges are addressed as “The Honorable” or as “Your Honor”.

Then, why must we give due respect and the same title of honor when addressing the Son of the Most High who now sits at the right hand of God? On earth, there have been many people named as “Jesus” --- some Christian parents even proudly name them as such in honor of the Lord. What would distinguish our Lord from the same people with the same name. Simply saying “Jesus” may mean any other person “Jesus” walking on earth.

So when calling on (or mentioning) the name of the Son of the Most High God should we not properly address Him as “Lord Jesus Christ”, to give Him the respect and honor which is rightfully due His position.

We hope that in the next time we approach the Lord’s presence in prayer, may we properly address the resurrected Lord, the Son of the Most High God, rightfully with all due respect... in honor and title, as “Our Lord Jesus Christ”. In ending our prayers, may we properly say … “This we pray in the name Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”, or “In The Name of Our Lord and Head Jesus Christ”, or the converse of it “In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen”.

Let us not follow the examples of demons (in Matt. 8:20), or His enemies, who irreverently called Him “Jesus”. Let’s approach Him with the right salutations, with proper exaltation. It is but just and right.

Peace be to all who call on the name of our Lord, Savior and Head Christ Jesus.

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TOMORROW'S SERVICE TO GOD BEGINS TODAY

Do you ever wonder about your purpose in life? The is a fairly deep philosophical question, but the answer isn't too complicated. True purpose can be found only in matters that have eternal significance.

You have a family, a job and a community where you live and share your life's purpose. God all these to you, and you are doing what you can to make your life worth it to all the people around you.

A part of God's purpose for your life is to tell people about Him. Only God through Christ, can change a life for eternity, and he has called you to deliver that message to people around you. He has called you for that purpose. You can do many things with the many people around you, but add God's purpose in you in their life. If you care enough for them, you will tell them about the good news in Christ.

It is easy to become distracted in the Christian life. The moment you understand what God wants you to do, it will seem as though everyone around you requires your time and attention! When the time came for Jesus Christ to begin His public ministry, he left his childhood home in Nazareth. He preached from town to town. He organized a band of disciples. He did his mission.

When the time came for Jesus to go to the cross, He “set His face” toward Jerusalem, so that nothing would prevent Him from accomplishing His Father’s will. So obvious was His resolve to go to Jerusalem that the Samaritans, who hated the Jews, rejected Him because they recognized that He was a Jew traveling through their village to the hated city of Jerusalem.

Jesus determined not to digress from His mission, but He took time to minister to many people along His way. He sent out seventy disciples into the surrounding towns (Luke 10:1). He healed lepers (Luke 17:11–19). He cured a man of dropsy (Luke 14:1–4). He brought salvation to the home of Zaccheus (Luke 19:1–10). He continued to teach His disciples (Luke 15:1–32). Jesus did not refuse to minister to others as He went to Calvary, but ultimately He refused to be deterred from His Father’s will.

If you know what God wants you to do, set your sights resolutely toward that goal with full determination to accomplish it (Prov. 4:25). Your resolve to go where God is leading ought to be evident to those around you. Beware of becoming so sidetracked by the opportunities around you that you lose sight of God’s ultimate goal for you. Do not succumb to the temptation to delay your obedience or to discard it altogether. Once you have received a clear assignment from God, your response should be unwavering obedience.

God gave us a free will, and we can decide for ourselves whether we will obey His commandments. You shouldn't have to pop a cranial corpuscle to decide whether you should follow God's plan for your life. He knows everything. He loves you and he is wholly holy.

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St. Joseph: The Forgotten Man in Christmas' Story

Amid all the Christmas activities, one man is almost often forgotten.

No, I don’t mean the person whose birthday we’re celebrating. Although many people sometimes fail to give Jesus Christ first place as He deserves, we don’t usually forget Him at the center of the Christmas story. we are talking talking about Joseph, Jesus' foster father — the man God trusted so much that He placed His Son in his home to love and nurture.

Have you ever imagined what responsibility God gave to Joseph? His task was an important component of God’s incredible plan. As we read the story of the birth of Jesus, we find that Joseph was just, righteous, merciful, protective, and courageous. But most of all—he was obedient. When the angel told him to take Mary as his wife, he obeyed (Matt. 1:24). And when the angel told him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, he did (2:13-14).

Just as Mary was carefully chosen to bear the Son of God, Joseph was deliberately chosen to provide for his young wife and the Christ-child. And trusting God, Joseph followed through on everything God asked him to do.

Gleaning from the life exemplified by Joseph, ponder on what is God asking of you today? Like Joseph and the other great men of faith in the Bible, are we willing to commit yourself to do whatever He wants you to do?

We can learn much about obedience from Joseph, the ''forgotten man of Christmas''.

The proof of our love for God
is our obedience to the commands of God.

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It All Happened at a Remarkable Moment

''He gave up His place with God
and made himself nothing.
He was born to be a man
and become like a servant''
~ Philippians 2:7

While we all remember the birth of Jesus Christ as a silent night with almost romantic setting, we also put into mind that God came to earth with a eternal mission of ending our slavery to sin... once and for all. It all happened in a most remarkable moment... a moment like no other...

God became man. Divinity arrived on earth. Heaven opened and placed the Almighty One in a human womb. The Omnipotent, in one instant, became flesh and blood. The one who was larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And He who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl. God has visited man on earth.

What is man that You are mindful of him,
and the son of man, that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
and have crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet
~ Psalm 8:4-6

With Christ Jesus, we share the mission of telling mankind about God's love and the truth in Jesus Christ. To tell all about the slavery to sin and the the salvation freely given with the promise of eternal life. Many still do not know the true meaning why God came to earth. When given the opportunity, tell them about God's love and the good news of salvation.

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HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO ALL CHRISTIAN WARRIORS ON EARTH

WISHING ALL OUR FELLOW-CHRISTIANS
A BLESSED HOLIDAY, AS WE MAKE
JESUS CHRIST THE REASON
FOR THE SEASON

Once again it is the time of the year when all the world remember the night in Bethlehem, when our dear Saviour came. Amidst the stillness of the night, our God came to earth and made Himself flesh. Even as He was so dainty and fragile, a child wrapped in swaddling clothes, heaven knew that it was of a special mission that the almighty God came to earth, that once and for all, to end darkness and evil on earth. That blessed night was the beginning of mankind's fate.

In this season of joy, we remember Jesus Christ who came to earth... to save us even while we were yet sinners.

Psalm 8:5-7
What is man, that you art mindful of him?
Or the son of man, that you visit him?
You have made him a little less than the angels,
You have crowned him with glory and honor:
And have set him over the works of thy hands.

Let all earth rejoice for how God so loved man's kind.

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Christian Warriors on Earth group site for your open-hand of fellowship. We all converged on the month of June 2008, when we 1st opened the site. Fellow Christians from cyberspace, from different parts of the world.

We never met each other, yet in Christ, we have fellowship in this site. We may have different persuasions or denominations yet, we have greeted each other with the love of Christ. We post and argue insights, yet we learn and unlearn in the name of the spirit of bonding in Christ.

In the past six months, I have enjoyed your fellowship. Through your posts, your PMs, your emails; your encouragements, replies, and even your complaints. I learned from you all. And I cherish our fellowship in this site.

Though we may not all see each other, I am certain that if we hold on to the faith in Jesus Christ... we will all meet each other one day, in God's time. No more keyboards, no more screens, no more logging-in. We will have fellowship, forever.

My warmest greetings to all Christian Warriors on Earth. May you all enjoy the holidays with your family and loved ones. Celebrate the holidays, and make Christ the reason for the season. And when the new year comes... let's get back to the business of evangelizing, encouraging, and making disciples of men :-)

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

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WHAT'S YOUR DREAM?

People dream about many things in life. Some people dream about wealth. Some dream about a perfect love life. Some dream about places to go to. Some dream about their own concept of a peaceful living.

Many of us dream about the future. All our life we plan and design what we want to happen in our lives. Our dreams may be about our careers, about our family, or simply about how to have a good and peaceful life. When we dream, we always wish for the best. We feel that when our dreams come true, we will have peace.

When you dream you move closer to the way God sees things; you see beyond your limitations; you move from where you are to where He wants you to be; you begin to see your goals in their completed state.

Anybody can dream about anything... but the question is: do you have the courage to act on it?

In reality, dreams are not really easily achieved. That is why it has been said that we should strive to reach our our dreams. Most of the times, the process of striving and seriously reaching for our dreams may not be that easy. And if your dream doesn't stretch or challenge you to the point of discomfort... it's probably not of God. God doesn't really miraculously lift you out of your dream and lay you down in the middle of its fulfillment. With eyes wide open to reality, you really have to work to achieve your dream.

Remember the Israelites in Exodus when they where still slaves in Egypt? Day and night they dreamed of freedom and of living in the Promised Land. When they were freed, they soon realized that only way to get there was to travel through the wilderness. And it was a long journey.

Let us use the Israelites travel and put our dereams in parallel. In achieving the dreams that we hope for, we must learn to:

TRUST GOD DAILY for the manna we need;

DISCOVER HIS POWER in the "Red Sea situations" of our lives;

BE LED BY HIM when there are no clear sign posts;

Get up every morning with OUR EYES ON OUR DESTINY and MOVE STEADILY toward it;

REFUSE TO become like those who COMPLAIN and never make it out of the wilderness.

So, do you think you can journey through the wilderness and get hold of that dream? Today's modern times may not be exactly like the wilderness of the olden days, but it's a jungle of cities where there are daily struggles as well.

Now for a warning: someone will always try to steal your dream. Always! Often it'll be someone who never had a dream of their own, or if they did they abandoned it. It could even be a family member or a friend who reminds you of what God couldn't or wouldn't do through someone like you. It could be disaappointing. Would you give up?

What do you dream about? What has God enabled you to see that doesn't yet exist? Have you ever dreamed about what God purposed you to be? God has a purpose in your life, and that may well be the very thing you've always dreamed of. You'll never out-dream God! For: "God can do… far more than you can ever imagine" (Ephesians 3:20).

Wake up and arise. Start your journey. Work on that dream. "Everything will work together for good for those who love God, for those called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

CONCEIVE. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE.

Defeatism never accomplished anything lasting or worthwhile. But optimism, borne out of faith, has accomplished tremendous feats.

Surprising as it is to some people, optimism borne of faith has its roots in God's Word, the Bible. Consider statements such as these: "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23.

Men have been challenged with concepts of goals that others have said were impossible or unattainable. But they refused to believe them. With God's help they reached them.

There is a limit to what you can do naturally, but there is absolutely no limit to what can be accomplished in faith, through God's power.

Do not listen to the voice of pessimism, which says, "You are trapped --- you cannot do it. You might as well quit, for it cannot be done." Quietly resolve in your heart, "with God's help I'll do what He wants me to do," and you will discover that what your mind can conceive, with God's help, you can achieve. You will... When you believe.

We do not claim that capable of doing anything by ourselves. The capacity comes from God. (2 Cor. 3:5) Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (Eph 6:10).

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13

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CONFLICT

Re-Post from Multiplier savedbyhisgrace] http://savedbyhisgrace.multiply.com/journal/item/48/Conflict

MIND:
Rom 7:23 But in every part of me I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do.

Pro 3:21 My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind.

Pro 12:20 An evil mind is deceitful, but gentle thoughts bring happiness.

Pro 23:33 You will see weird things, and your mind will play tricks on you.

Pro 24:12 Don't say, "I didn't know it!" God can read your mind. He watches each of us and knows our thoughts. And God will pay us back for what we do.

HEART:
Psa 25:21 I obey you with all my heart, and I trust you, knowing that you will save me.

Psa 27:8 My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face,
Psa 27:9 so don't hide from me. I am your servant, and you have helped me. Don't turn from me in anger. You alone keep me safe. Don't reject or desert me.

Psa 37:4 Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire.

Psa 42:2 In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face?

Psa 50:23 The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart. Obey me, and I, your God, will show my power to save.

Psa 84:2 Deep in my heart I long for your temple, and with all that I am I sing joyful songs to you.

Psa 111:1 Shout praises to the LORD! With all my heart I will thank the LORD when his people meet.
Luk 12:34 Your heart will always be where your treasure is.

Today I write as a conflict wages war within me. Today I write as a conflict wages war in the hearts and minds of all believers. Today I write as a conflict wages war between the flesh and the spirit. Today I write as a conflict wages war in the world between believers and non-believers. God never said that serving Him would be easy but He did say that He is with us always even unto the end of the earth.

There is a constant conflict between the desires of a worldly mind living in a sinful world and a heart saved by the precious blood of the Lamb. No one can understand the heart of a believer except the heart of another believer or God himself. We live in a world that fears those that are different, so much so that they will turn against them, rise up against them, to try and eliminate that fear. This conflict rages on to this day and will continue to the day we are all called home to be with God.

This conflict is worldwide and is as old as the earth itself. To understand the conflict that rages on between your mind and your heart as a Christian we can look at the even bigger picture for an answer. The conflict between mind and heart, flesh and spirit, believer and non-believer all stem from the same source. That source is the lack of or presence of God. Where God is there is light, love, understanding, encouragement, inspiration, and acceptance. Where God is not there is darkness, selfishness, greed, bitterness, destruction, turmoil, and rejection.

We are all made of flesh and live in a fleshly world. We are bombarded daily by all of the darkness, selfishness, greed, bitterness, destruction, turmoil, and rejection. This cannot help but take a toll on the heart of a believer. It is so easy, to give into the desires of our own fleshly mind especially when we are constantly beaten down by the world. We tell ourselves that WE DESERVE this sinful thing in our life. But, let me tell you that sin in your life no matter how small it may seem to you is like a cancer and will grow until it destroys your heart and your relationship with God.

The mind of a believer is a battlefield where Satan the great deceiver is constantly waging his war against your heart. We have to be armed with the full armor of God to stand a chance at all.

Eph 6:13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.

Let’s just step back and take a look at your odds of survival in this war. Let’s just say you are a Christian you are saved and you love the Lord with all your heart. Now lets factor in that you live in a sinful world that is constantly bombarding you with all of its sinful treasures. You say, well I can handle that. OK, lets now factor in that Satan the great deceiver one who is very powerful sets his sights on you. To destroy you he begins to make this war even more personal by trying to get you to turn away from God through the circumstances in your life. It may be by taking the life of your dearest loved one, or infidelity in your marriage, or just by taking advantage of your biggest weakness. Now, I think you would agree with me that we stand no chance at all being made of flesh, living in a fleshly world, and being targeted by the great deceiver. The only chance we have in this world is by taking on the full armor of God and being separate from the world. Let not your mind dwell on un-pure thoughts, not even for a moment. Think on things that are pure and Holy in His sight.

Eze 36:26 I will take away your stubborn heart and give you a new heart and a desire to be faithful. You will have only pure thoughts,
Eze 36:27 because I will put my Spirit in you and make you eager to obey my laws and teachings.

As a Christian putting on the full armor of God are we still at risk? Yes, we will always be at risk. There will always be those times when we let our guard down and the great deceiver will always be there to take advantage of your weakness. But, PRAISE GOD, the war has already been won and Satan knows this. Satan can take you down but he cannot take you. For you belong to God and He will never let you go.

If the war has already been won then why do we still need to fight? First off, we fight because God tells us too and that alone is enough. We fight as God tells us that if we live our life for Him and be separate from the world that He will bless our lives but if we live our lives for ourselves He WILL PUNISH US. Would you not punish your own children if they disobeyed you? God loves you and knows what is best for you and His commandments are here to protect us, give us a better life, and lead us into His precious arms for all eternity.

Dear Lord,

I come before you now with a humble heart, praising your Holy Name. I thank you so much for the love and guidance you provide us. Lord you know us better than we know ourselves. You know our weaknesses and you know the odds we stand against in a sinful fleshly world. I call upon you gifts of strength, power, love, and faith. Dear Lord grant us with these gifts this day and each day to come. Don us with the full armor of God that we would be protected from all this world has in store. I praise you father for sending your son that we might have everlasting life through Him. We are all soldiers for Christ. Help us to stand brave and faithful for you Lord. May our hearts overpower our minds and may we always think on those things that are pure and Holy in your sight Lord. For I ask all these things in the name of Jesus.

Amen!

Now just sit back relax and enjoy one of my favorite artists MercyMe playing the song Where The Streets Have No Name. Lift your hands High and Praise HIM!!! For HE IS GOD!!! I so remember this song in concert!!! Wow!!! If ever there was a time to take it to a higher level that time is now! Step it up Christians for your world, your country, your state, your city, your family, and even you need this at this time. Praise God!!!!!

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This above article was originally posted by a fellow-Multiplier named Bob , from Dallas, Texas, USA [Multiply ID: http://savedbyhisgrace.multiply.com]

GOD GRANTS THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART

"Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." [Psalms 37:4]


This verse sounds too good to be true. The Lord will give us whatever we want?

But God is not a heavenly Santa Claus who always delivers everything on our wish list. Neither is He an indulgent grandparent who lives to spoil the grandkids by giving all we want. Nor is God a weak parent who, annoyed by whining and tears, gives in to us to keep the peace.

So what does this verse mean? God will give you the desires of your heart, but the prerequisite is setting your heart to delight His ways. Are you able to do that, to rejoice in the things that give God joy? Is your heart broken by agonies in the world, by the very things that break God's heart? Is regular time with your Lord nourishment for your soul? Do you love being in His presence in times of worship, both corporate and private?

As you delight yourself in the Lord in these and other ways, God adjusts your heart to be n tune with His. Then the longings that grow in your hearts --- the seeds of which are sown during your time with your heavenly Father --- will be His desires for you. And of course He will satisfy that godly hunger.

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Praying For Grace, Mercy, and Peace For Your Loved Ones

To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Timothy 1:2)

How you pray for your family members and friends is important. There is no better way to pray for someone you love than by following the example found in Scripture. Paul often asked for specific gifts from God for those He cared about. On Timothy’s behalf, Paul requested grace, mercy, and peace.

Grace is the unearned gifts the Father bestows on His children. The Lord relates to us only by His grace. His grace provided salvation though we deserved destruction (Eph. 2:8). His grace blesses us with the riches of heaven. His grace brings us peace in troublesome times. His grace brings us good things every day (1 Tim. 1:14).

Mercy is God withholding the punishment we deserve because of our sinfulness. The consequences of our sin is death, yet Jesus paid this penalty for us (Rom. 6:23). God is long-suffering and will delay giving us our just punishment in order for us to have every opportunity to repent and to receive His gift of salvation (2 Pet. 3:9).

Peace is the state of mind and heart we experience when we are confident of God’s grace and mercy toward us. Peace comes in knowing that God’s grace will sustain us, even in our most difficult crises (Phil. 4:7). God assures us that even when we fail miserably in our commitments to Him, He will show mercy upon us. This assurance gives us peace.

The peace God gives is fundamentally different from the peace the world offers (John 14:27). The world seeks to sedate us from the problems we face through counseling or drugs or temporary pleasures. The peace that God gives goes right to the soul, relieving the heart and mind.

How are you praying for your loved ones?

There could be no better request than asking the Lord to give them an abundance of His grace, His mercy, and His peace.

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BE THE SPARK

Let us consider one another . . . , not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. -- Hebrews 10:24-25


Churchgoing has fallen on difficult times lately. For some Christians it is a weak substitute for a picnic on a rainy Sunday. Excuses are as plentiful as quarters in the collection plate. The fact is, many professing Christians don't think church is all that important. They think they can be perfectly good Christians without being part of a local congregation.

The author of Hebrews disagreed! For one thing, our own spiritual welfare is not to be our only concern. We go to church not just to get but to give—to spur on other Christians to "love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24). If we stay away, we may give them an excuse to be careless.

On the other hand, if we attend with enthusiasm, we encourage other believers in their ambition to draw near to Christ. If we are faithful in meeting together with them, we will honor the Lord, grow in our faith, and give a strong witness to the world.

The Christian faith allows no room for rugged individualists. To have a fire, you need more than one coal. You also need a spark and a draft of air. One humble, open, involved individual—perhaps you—set on fire by Christ, can be the spark. And the Holy Spirit, the breath of God, may blow on that spark and set a congregation ablaze.

If we are honest, we must say
'Our hearts are sometimes cold';
But fellowship can kindle warmth
And make our witness bold.

Fellowship builds us up and binds us together.

Scriptural reading
Hebrews 10:19-25

Encouraging Those Who are In Need of Upliftment

Brothers, rejoice. Perfect yourselves; encourage yourselves; mind the same thing; be at peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. [2Cor 13:11]

Julie Leslie belongs to the Victory Christian Fellowship in India. I've known her as "julie for jesus" at Multiply. Julie is connected to many prayer groups intercessors from different countries via the internet. Many people send daily prayer requests to Julie: Hindus, Moslems, Americans, Europeans and Asians. This compiling, sending out, praying for them is a commitment. Many people are requesting for prayer and encouragement. There was one specific request reached Julie after she spent a short vacation. Julie got back, she found out that during a brief absence an urgent encouragement was needed for Natalie who lived in New Jersey, USA. Natalie was almost on the verge of suicide. Julie emailed us to pray for Natalie and requested if we could send some nice words of encouragement. Days later Julie said that Natalie was feeling a little better, though continued encouragement was still needed.

Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving. These people are sensitive to God’s voice. They are not self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones we immediately seek when we enter a crisis. They are welcome visitors when we are in distress, for their presence sustains us.

Scripture testifies of many whom God enabled to encourage others. When Moses was overwhelmed by his work, Jethro went to him and encouraged him. Jethro gave Moses wise counsel that eased his strain (Exod. 18:1–27). When Paul was imprisoned far from those who loved him, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him (Phil. 2:25–30). Later, Paul urged Timothy to come and visit him, for Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy (2 Tim. 4:9; Phil. 2:19–20). Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark also. Mark was the kind of friend Paul needed when he was enduring hardship (2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24). Paul also relied on Luke for encouragement. When everyone else was absent or preoccupied, Luke could be found with Paul (2 Tim. 4:11). Paul experienced trials throughout his life, but God sustained him by placing godly friends around him who provided support in practical and sacrificial ways.

God wants to develop you into the kind of friend who can strengthen others. Some people may be going through emotional stress brought about by problems with friends or family, or maybe some financial difficulties, or any sadness. The words you share and the things you do can bring comfort and encouragement to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your coworkers. As Christians, let us be sensitive to people around us. We can be a light to a darkened world, or a salt that would add taste to a bitter life. As needed, let us strengthen believers and unbelievers. We can demonstrate the image of Christ and become what we are... Christians.

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Reminiscing the 1998 June 12 Centennial

It was exactly 10 years ago when the National Historic Institute and the Department when the pioneers of the Magna Kultura Foundation to do something in line with the celebration the Philippine Independence Day. Back in 1998, both government agencies submitted a recommendation to the Philippine Centennial Commission which was then chaired by headed by the late Salvador "Doy" Laurel, for our team to be tapped as the Marketing Directorate of the June 12 Parade. It was not just any other Centennial event that would happen anywhere in the country --- as there were numerous events in Bulacan, Cavite, or even in Pampanga where they had that big Centennial Expo project --- they tapped us for the "D-Day" event, none other than the June 12 Parade at the Luneta. While many event organizers and civic groups had many Centennial related event, we had the honor of organizing for the parade at the Quirino Grandstand and Roxas Boulevard on June 12, 1998.

ARTWORK SKETCH OF THE RIZAL FLOAT BY THE LATE LEANDRO LOCSIN

Back then, our task had to do with the production and marketing of the parade floats, each representing important periods or events in Philippine history. You wouldn't believe the actual cost for producing each parade float --- each of the 56 floats were mounted on flat-bed trucks and produced anywhere from P 800,000 to the more magnificent ones which cost about P1.8 million --- it was like constructing a house. Add to the cost the technicals, like the built-in sounds and lighting system; plus the theatre and movie celebrities that would stand as actors --- there was Joel Torre at the Rizal Float, Charlene Gonzales at the Freedom Float, Bong Revilla (who was Governor of Cavite at that time) played the role of Emilio Aguinaldo [parading on a white horse with comrades], and many theatre actors and artists from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, from PETA, U.P Repertory --- name it, all the illustrious actors, artists, production designers and even well-known architects of the country were there to do the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the 100th year anniversary of our country's freedom. It was a "Cecil B. DeMille" production so to speak.


Like I said, our task was to oversee the production, and the marketing --- meaning, looking for corporate sponsors and NGOs who would like to "own" the float. I kidding-ly mused during those days that "my task is to sell the country". I even vividly remember that 1 week before the June 12, then Tourism Secretary Gabor asked me to take her place in presenting the whole plan for June 12 to President Fidel Ramos and his Cabinet! When she said that, I remember shaking on my feet and arrogantly exclaimed, "Hindi kayo data yun, ma'm???", to which the charming Mina Gabor simply responded, "Ikaw na, maganda naman lagi ang barong e..." The rest is history. I stood at an august assembly of cabinet ministers with his Excellency at the head table. Funny, but I recall during that presentation, to refrain any of the ministers or the President to stop and ask detailed questions, I backed up my Powerpoint slides with a majestic movie scoring that left them quietly watching and inspired, as I mouthed fully vernacular Filipino spiels. After the scoring and the slides, when it was over, in a dignified AM radio announce-like extro-spiel, I said "At ngayon, para sa mga detalyeng katanungan hinggil sa makasaysayang celebrasyon ng Araw ng ating Kalayaan, narito po ang Kagalang-galang na ministro, Secretary Mina Gabor". Gabor who was quietly enjoying the presentation, dropped her jaw to the unexpected turn-over of scene, but nevertheless stood up --- and in a dignified way, I scurried out of the conference room. Those were the light moments during those days. I actually enjoyed working with Secretary Gabor and her staff. To me she was one of the best Tourism Secretary our country ever had.


It was a biggest event our country ever had --- it was unparalleled, not like any other June 12 celebration before or even after. The parade day in 1998 attracted over 6 million Filipinos, flocking the Luneta and the entire stretch of Roxas Boulevard up to the Cultural Center Complex. The Western Police District of Manila and the MMDA has to block all roads leading to Roxas Boulevard --- and re-route all vehicles traffic starting from Taft Avenue. The millions of had to walk, and when they arrived, you couldn't even drop a needle --- from 7 a.m. to p.m. (I remember one of my corporate sponsors, with all fleets of sales delivery trucks, ran out of mineral water supply by 5 p.m. and the parade and fireworks was not finished yet --- it was a mass draught at the Roxas Boulevard) It was all historic. And we, the pioneers of Magna Kultura Foundation, had the honor of being part of that once-in-a-lifetime historic celebration. It was not not just any other June 12 event--- not the 99th, not the 101st, or the 110th --- neither was it just any other Centennial event in any part of the country --- but the historic 100th year anniversary celebration right at the Quirino Grandstand, the "D-Day" --- the 1998 June 12 Independence Parade, the centerpiece of the Centennial celebration.


When Director Romulo Delos Reyes of the Department of Tourism called me on the 4th week of May this year, he asked if Magna Kultura Foundation could join in the 2008 Independence Day celebration, and specifically requested if we could bring the foundation's current project that was popularly being conducted in Metro-Manila barangays --- the Larong Pinoy Sports Clinic. "Puede n'yo bang dalhin ang mga laro ng ating lahi sa Luneta sa celebrasyon ng Araw ng ating Kalayaan", he mused over the telephone in Tagalog knowing the tagalog-speaking patriot that I was back then. I quietly listened to his persuasion, but I was actually exuberant about the proposal since it has been ten years since I last worked on the June 12 parade and with the Department of Tourism. Personally, I am a conscious with numbers and sate, being a Biblical Hebrew "numerologist", and to me the Number 10 is a fascinating "call slip".

So, as I posted in a blog post at our multiply site (http://luckymelarongpinoy.multiply.com/journal/item/13/LARONG_PINOY_SA_ARAW_NG_KALAYAAN ),Magna Kultura will be taking the Larong Pinoy Eskwe-Laro sports training and mini-palaro at the Rizal park. The Larong Pinoy is a program advocating the revival of the the Filipino Street Games, especially among the new generation of Filipino kids. Eskwe-Laro outreach activities have been rolled out many barangays this summer of 2008 during school vacation. It has revived the Pinoy games of our heritage, and has made communities alive again with kids playing Tumbang Preso, Patintero, Trumpo, Holen, Piko, Luksong Tinik and many more. Amidst all the modern high-tech games, the revival of the indigenous street games are indeed timely, most especially that children from public schools and depressed areas don't own expensive gadgets or even have computers at home. The revival of the games among the young generation also instills Filipino pride, and yet more important, it brings a heartwarming bonding among families and relatives --- from the the lolo's and lola's, nanay and tatay, talking about the games they are familiar with among the their children. This is our advocacy. On June 12, 2008, Larong Pinoy will be at the Rizal Park. We are proud to part of the Independence Day Celebration.


Amidst the crisis dilemma that this nation is experiencing, Magna Kultura moves on to promote love of country and pride in the Filipino Heritage. Our country will rise again, and the youth of today will take the reigns of the future. Moving forward, let us not just build the future of our country, but Let us all make conscious efforts Build the Youth of our Nation For The Future.

CLOSING THE DOOR ON TEMPTATION

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins" (James 4:17).


How often have you heard the line, "He just couldn't say no!" or the feminine version of that, which is, "She knew better than that. That's not how she was raised!" What's the problem? Was it what the individual did, or the lack of discipline that brought confrontation with a situation which the person knew to be wrong?

Often I will sit down with a couple whose marriage is failing, and a spouse will turn in anger on his or her mate and hurl the words, "Why did you do that?" And the feeble response is often, "I don't know. I just couldn't help myself!"

What is needed is discipline --- or more specifically, self-discipline, the kind that has feet connected to a backbone which allows you to walk away from temptation, or the strength to hit the button on the TV controller, or click the mouse on your computer when you have strayed into areas which Paul called "secret and shameful" (2 Corinthians 4:2).

My experience working with people leads me to conclude that most people who find themselves in moral quicksand are not blind to what they are doing. True, they aren't thinking through the consequences, but they simply don't have the self-discipline necessary to do an about-face and close the door on temptation.

What are the consequences of self-indulgence as opposed to self-discipline? A broken home, shattered confidence --- a mate who no longer trusts you, your loss of self-respect, and perhaps God's hand of discipline.

Insight: You are free to make whatever decisions and choices you please, but you cannot control the consequences of those choices. For those who are God's children, not only does life yield harsh discipline, but God does, as well. "Hey," you may say, "I thought God was a loving God." He is. That's exactly why He disciplines His children.

The New Testament book of Hebrews says: "And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son'" (Hebrews 12:5,6). "Better to be pruned to grow," said John Trapp, "than cut up to burn." It's still true.

Hitting the wall can be a good thing. Sometimes a swift "kick in the pants" is what you need to realize you need to change. God uses discipline to get your attention, to help you realize that continuing on the path you are on leads to disaster. Charles Spurgeon wrote, "I bear my willing witness that I owe more to the fire, and the hammer, and the file, than to anything else in the Lord's workshop" (Spurgeon as quoted by George Sweeting, Who Said That?, p. 163).


Changing your attitude is the first step. It's what the Bible calls repentance. It's the deep-seated emotion that makes you realize you have been playing with fire, and it's time to change, and fast.


The second step is changing your actions. It's important to realize that doing right brings with that decision God's help which you have lacked. No, God won't do it for you, but knowing that He's able to give you the resolve you lack, and His strength for your weakness, makes it much easier for you to do right--even when it is painful. "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline," wrote Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:7). Stop. Question: Who gives us power, love, and self-discipline? God does. Have you asked Him for this? Self-discipline not only closes the door on temptation, but also brings rich dividends spiritually.

Remember, you can choose to do whatever you like, but with every choice come consequences --- both negative and positive --- which you neither choose nor can avoid.



Resource reading: Hebrews 12:1-12




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WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO TEENS TODAY

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

C. S. Lewis married late in life and never fathered a child; however, he lived in the world of academia as a professor. Lewis had a lot of wisdom, the old-fashioned kind that makes sense in a senseless world. He said simple things which are so profound that most people dismissed them. Like what? I often think of his insistence that you can't know what a crooked line is until you know what a straight one is.

In other words, without knowing the truth, you don't know what a lie is. Unless you know right from wrong, wrong may be just as appealing or even more so than that which is right.

So what does that have to do with our kids today? Since World War 2, many, if not most, adults have given token acknowledgement of God's existence but have really lived as though He didn't exist at all. But the next generation has bought into what we practiced, and without being convinced that God is there, that He has a will and purpose for our lives, that He also says, "Do this!" and "Don't do this" because He loves us too much to let us destroy ourselves, our kids--teenagers and even young adults--have little hope for the future.

What I have just described is part of the fabric and culture which surrounds a generation who is now the offspring of men and women who believed in God theoretically but lived as though there were no God.

What's important to kids today?

1. Feeling good about yourself. Drugs, alcohol, sex, any experience that makes you feel good gets included in this one. How kids feel about themselves is important--very important.

2. Acceptance and identity. They struggle with the question, "Who am I? Do my friends like me? Can I relate?" Like it or not, tattoos, body jewelry, clothing, hairstyles, and fads are all part.

3. The media. While kids want to be independent, they end up being quite homogenous when it comes to the music they listen to, the entertainment which they like, and the movies and CDs they see and listen to, over and over again.

4. Independent thinking. What's wrong with this? Rejecting moral absolutes, the reality of truth, and standards of society, the mentality of many kids today is that just about anything goes. "Who can know what truth really is?" they say. Seven out of ten kids admit to lying to their parents, says a new survey. Why not? Everybody does it, they contend.

5. Designer, whatever-I-want-to-believe, religion. That explains why George Harrison, the lead guitarist of the Beatles could say, "Everything else can wait but the search for God cannot wait," and rejecting Christianity, wandered through Eastern religions to Hare Krishna, a long way from where he started. Lewis was right. You have to know what a straight line is before you understand what a crooked one, is otherwise crooked lines look pretty straight.

The greatest tragedy today is not what our kids are doing, but what we as parents have failed to do. When they asked for bread, we gave them a stone. When they asked for light, we stumbled in darkness. When they wanted to know what a straight line is, we mumbled with uncertainty, not being able to walk one ourselves. For many it's too late to change, but for you who still have influence in the lives of your kids, better put some distance between your home and the culture which David John Seel, Jr. calls, "Deathwork logic." What the writer of Proverbs said 3,000 years ago is still true. "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

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Resource reading: Proverbs 18.

STEPS TO SELF DISCIPLINE

"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).

When he was a child, he was never disciplined. "Love is all a child needs," his mother had said, adding, "When he's older, he'll learn what he should do." In grade school, he fought with his classmates and talked back to his teacher. In high school he brought beer to school, which resulted in his being suspended. In college he was caught cheating on exams but no official action was taken.

He couldn't hold a job because he couldn't get himself out of bed in the morning. When he married, he couldn't say no to credit card debt or other women who were available. He failed in marriage, in business, and in life. Is there a common thread to a pattern of failures, some of which are in the lives of millions of people? There is--a lack of discipline. It is everybody's problem in an age of indolence, fast foods, quick fixes, and relationships without commitment or meaning.

A lot of people, perhaps yourself included, are not on the really dangerous edge of the problem, yet in their hearts they know they need more discipline--the kind that makes you eat healthier, get up when you need to, make sure your kids learn good habits, and stop spending money when it's gone. Sounds good, right? How do you develop personal discipline? The following guidelines can help you learn self-discipline.

Step #1: Take the little steps first. When that voice within says, "This one time won't matter!" you've got to take quick, decisive action. Eating three chocolates which weigh only ounces can put pounds on you in places that cause you to sit on the beach in a t-shirt instead of a swim suit. Instead of a rich dessert, opt for a piece of licorice. Punctuality is also a matter of discipline. When you are late, it's like saying, "All of you at this meeting are not as important as I am, so you can wait for me." Set two alarm clocks. Put one alarm across the room. Practicing discipline in the small things produces results in big things. It sets the pace for future gains.

Step #2: Be accountable to someone. That's the strength of small groups--whether it is Alcoholics Anonymous, Weight-Watchers, or a small prayer group you meet with once each week. That means you have to be willing to let someone look you in the eye and ask the tough questions. "Have you stayed on your diet this week? What did you read in your quiet time this morning? Were you on time every day this week?" Those are touch jabs but necessary ones.

Step #3: Understand that developing self-discipline is in accord with what God wants you to do. Insight: Goals which are in line with God's purpose for your life also bring God's strength and help for your weakness. To the Corinthians Paul wrote, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). This means you can find strength through prayer, and find hope that things can be better. The principle of Philippians 4:13 is valid. It quotes Paul saying, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (NKJV).

Step #4: When you fail, start again… and again… and again. If your first trip to the driving range doesn't allow you to compare favorably with Tiger Woods, take some lessons, and keep hitting the ball, but don't give up with a few hooks and slices.

One of our greatest needs in our personal lives today is the need for discipline. It can develop the key to success and can help you accomplish the will of God for your life.

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Resource reading:
Philippians 4.

A Christian's Journey With Christ

And the Lord Jesus Christ Said to the Christian Pilgrim:

Your heart is filled with pain,
Your mind cluttered with confusion.

Pieces of your life fall around you
Like raindrops in a storm.

The path you chose so long ago
Led you straight to hurts door.

Now your weary feet struggle
To find the road back home,
Searching for the places
That love and beauty hide.

Temptations lie in wait all around,
Pulling at your every step,
Waiting for you to slide back
From the chosen, sought for, path.

Emptiness surrounds you,
Confusing your perceptions.
It is difficult to carry on.

I will do my best to fill your heart with joy,
To clear the cobwebs of confusion,
Help you find your purpose.

I am good at catching pieces
And I can chase away a storm.

Let me walk your path beside you,
I have walked this road before.

You can lean on me when the weariness comes.
My shoulders are very strong.

I can not fight your battles,
Or chase away demons of the soul,
But I can lend you my strength
Until you find your own.

I will help you find the courage
To face each day anew.

I can not shorten the journey you must make,
The road is just as long as before.

But I can fill the emptiness
And help you reach your center,
The place where love and beauty hide.

Take my hand, be my friend,
Let me walk with you awhile.