When I attended a Passion conference, I was deeply carried as the worship team lead the people through songs. Yes at first, of course my motivation is to hear Chris Tomlin sing the "Amazing Grace" and " Indescribable". My mind is focused that there will only be one band to play and 1 speaker to talk. We are grateful that things happens differently.
There were 2 bands, first is Chris Tomlin's Band, then a new artist named Kristian Stanfill. To our amazement, we ask ourselves who that other person is. But since we don't have any person to ask, we simply sat and listen. As usual, Chris was truly an anointed worship leader. Though his quite popular, he do not praise God just with his voice, it comes from his heart.
Then came Kristian Stanfill, he was new so I didn't expected much. As to my deep surprise, he also was a true anointed worship leader. He sung a lot of songs from the "God of This City" album of Passion Band. One thing I can't forget is the song entitled "Beautiful Jesus". Let me paste below the lyrics:
Your love, oh God
Displayed for us
As crimson covered
Over sinless hands
Your majesty
For all to see
In raging storms and quiet cloudless days
Beautiful Jesus
Beautiful Savior
Nothing is greater, briliant Creator
Friend of mine
You're powerful
Above this world
The universe is under your command
Your glory shines
A holy light
That leads our hearts to praise
Your holy name is on our lips
Beautiful Jesus
Beautiful Savior
Nothing is greater, briliant Creator
Friend of mine
Perfect in power
Matchless in glory
Nothing is greater, brilliant Creator
Friend of mine
My lips will sing
My heart will bring
Praise to you, the holy King
My lips will sing
My heart will bring
Praise to you, holy!
What a very lovely song to sing for God. I was reminded by this song when we practiced with the worship team earlier this afternoon. I tried singing it for God in a very simple way but the lyrics do really glorify God.
I am not really sure if you have realized how beautiful Jesus is, How powerful, how awesome, how lovely. You may have heard this verse a lot of times but this is the beset example of how beautiful Jesus was.
In John 3:16, it is written that God sent His only Son, Jesus, to save our from our sins. And it is written also, "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.".
Have you now realize how beautiful He is?
By Edwin Joseph
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Sufferers Make Strong Believers
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Crosswalk Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Christian Lifestyles, Crosswalk Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
"It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth" (Lamentations 3:27).
This is as good as a promise. It has been good, it is good, and it will be good for me to bear the yoke. Early in life I had to feel the weight of conviction, and ever since it has proved a soul-enriching burden. Should I have loved the gospel so well had I not learned by deep experience the need of salvation by grace? Jabez was more honorable than his brethren because his mother bare him with sorrow, and those who suffer much in being born unto God make strong believers in sovereign grace. The yoke of censure is an irksome one, but it prepares a man for future honor. He is not fit to be a leader who has not run the gauntlet of contempt. Praise intoxicates if it be not preceded by abuse. Men who rise to eminence without struggle usually fall into dishonor. The yoke of affliction, disappointment, and excessive labor is by no means to be sought for; but when the LORD lays it on us in our youth, it frequently develops a character which glorifies God and blesses the church. Come, my soul, bow thy neck; take up they cross. It was good for thee when young; it will not harm thee now. For Jesus' sake, shoulder it carefully.
From: CrossWalk Devotionals - Faith's Checkbook
This is as good as a promise. It has been good, it is good, and it will be good for me to bear the yoke. Early in life I had to feel the weight of conviction, and ever since it has proved a soul-enriching burden. Should I have loved the gospel so well had I not learned by deep experience the need of salvation by grace? Jabez was more honorable than his brethren because his mother bare him with sorrow, and those who suffer much in being born unto God make strong believers in sovereign grace. The yoke of censure is an irksome one, but it prepares a man for future honor. He is not fit to be a leader who has not run the gauntlet of contempt. Praise intoxicates if it be not preceded by abuse. Men who rise to eminence without struggle usually fall into dishonor. The yoke of affliction, disappointment, and excessive labor is by no means to be sought for; but when the LORD lays it on us in our youth, it frequently develops a character which glorifies God and blesses the church. Come, my soul, bow thy neck; take up they cross. It was good for thee when young; it will not harm thee now. For Jesus' sake, shoulder it carefully.
From: CrossWalk Devotionals - Faith's Checkbook
AFFLICTION…A REFINING PROCESS
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, God Cares, Instant Daily Devotion, Literature International Ministries, Parenting By Design, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, God Cares, Instant Daily Devotion, Literature International Ministries, Parenting By Design, Youth Devotionals
“Behold I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10
I admire a person that displays that quality of refinement that stands out in ‘quiet demonstration,’ and reveals those inner qualities of maturity and character. This does not come naturally. It has been developed through a process of eliminating undesirable qualities of our personality in order to build into our life finer virtues that will enhance a sterling and attractive character. How does that play out in our spiritual life?
God does not look at the superficial projections of our life that try to impress others, portray someone we are not, or try to influence people with an ulterior motive that is self-centered. God looks upon our hearts, and He sees the motive that prompts our thoughts and actions. The superficial words that seek to influence others, and the insincere response we give to gain favor or advantage, are blatantly portrayed before Him. Therefore, in order to bring our life to a place of usefulness for Him, He often uses “affliction” to awaken us to our need and “refine” our life.
Isaiah speaks very specifically to this process. “Behold, I have ‘refined’ thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” [Isa. 48:10] Devastating as it may be, the ‘furnace of affliction’ is for our good and for His glory. Well might we rejoice in that “I have chosen thee.” God’s hand is upon us to change us from “what we are” to “what He wants us to be.”
Peter also speaks to this method of God’s working in our lives. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” [1 Peter 4:12] Then again he says, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 1:7]
God sees our lives as potential “vessels of honor” that He desires to use for His glory. But these vessels are marred, unclean, selfish, unrighteousness, and vain … that need to be “REFINED.” God wants the “vessel” to reflect His honor, His glory, and magnify His Name. The refining process is beautifully illustrated in the words of Micah 3:3 … “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.”
The sons of Levi were the Priests that served the Tabernacle, and it was imperative that they served with hearts and lives “refined and cleansed” by God. He compares this refining to a silversmith sitting beside his crucible until the impediments rise to the top. When he sees his image reflected in the precious metal, he knows all of the impurities have surfaced and have been removed, all that remains is pure silver or gold. The ‘refining process’ is complete.
So God, puts us in His “crucible” … applies the tempering fire, until the impurities rise to the surface. The “vessel must be clean and refined” if He is to use it for His glory. God uses “Affliction” to refine our lives. He not only seeks to rid our hearts of those undesirable qualities, but to implant those virtues of His character that will magnify His Name, and make us “conformed to the image of His Son.” [Rom. 8:29] “I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” It is His Refining Process.
From: Literature International Ministries - Ed Powell
I admire a person that displays that quality of refinement that stands out in ‘quiet demonstration,’ and reveals those inner qualities of maturity and character. This does not come naturally. It has been developed through a process of eliminating undesirable qualities of our personality in order to build into our life finer virtues that will enhance a sterling and attractive character. How does that play out in our spiritual life?
God does not look at the superficial projections of our life that try to impress others, portray someone we are not, or try to influence people with an ulterior motive that is self-centered. God looks upon our hearts, and He sees the motive that prompts our thoughts and actions. The superficial words that seek to influence others, and the insincere response we give to gain favor or advantage, are blatantly portrayed before Him. Therefore, in order to bring our life to a place of usefulness for Him, He often uses “affliction” to awaken us to our need and “refine” our life.
Isaiah speaks very specifically to this process. “Behold, I have ‘refined’ thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” [Isa. 48:10] Devastating as it may be, the ‘furnace of affliction’ is for our good and for His glory. Well might we rejoice in that “I have chosen thee.” God’s hand is upon us to change us from “what we are” to “what He wants us to be.”
Peter also speaks to this method of God’s working in our lives. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” [1 Peter 4:12] Then again he says, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” [1 Peter 1:7]
God sees our lives as potential “vessels of honor” that He desires to use for His glory. But these vessels are marred, unclean, selfish, unrighteousness, and vain … that need to be “REFINED.” God wants the “vessel” to reflect His honor, His glory, and magnify His Name. The refining process is beautifully illustrated in the words of Micah 3:3 … “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.”
The sons of Levi were the Priests that served the Tabernacle, and it was imperative that they served with hearts and lives “refined and cleansed” by God. He compares this refining to a silversmith sitting beside his crucible until the impediments rise to the top. When he sees his image reflected in the precious metal, he knows all of the impurities have surfaced and have been removed, all that remains is pure silver or gold. The ‘refining process’ is complete.
So God, puts us in His “crucible” … applies the tempering fire, until the impurities rise to the surface. The “vessel must be clean and refined” if He is to use it for His glory. God uses “Affliction” to refine our lives. He not only seeks to rid our hearts of those undesirable qualities, but to implant those virtues of His character that will magnify His Name, and make us “conformed to the image of His Son.” [Rom. 8:29] “I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” It is His Refining Process.
From: Literature International Ministries - Ed Powell
In God's Spotlight
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, New Wine Skin, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, New Wine Skin, Spiritual Encouragement, Youth Devotionals
John 3:21
“Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
Living in the Light
Imagine you are playing the lead role in the school drama production. The cast has rehearsed for weeks on end until everyone knows exactly what to do on every line of every scene. The curtain goes up and the play begins. After about thirty seconds you realize that the house lights are on while the stage is in total darkness. Woe be unto the lighting guy if that happened!
When we go to a play, the audience sits in darkness while stage lights illuminate the actors. Spotlights may even follow the movements of key characters to emphasize the importance of what is happening. In a similar way, athletes don’t hide away in the darkness as they set out to win the state tournament. And, professional musicians stand on stage and strut their stuff under huge spotlights so everyone can enjoy the performance.
When we’re living in the light rather than in darkness, others will see what we’re doing. God’s Word is like the script or musical score that we practice until we’ve got it down pat.
We read it over and over, and we practice doing what it says. For instance, we might read Ephesians 4:29 which says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” After thinking about this verse, we realize that certain off-color phrases and expressions have snuck into our conversations lately. We determine to correct ourselves. After a while a friend will realizes that we’ve cleaned up our language and asks us why. When that happens, God’s spotlight is shining on us full strength. As a result, it may be possible for us to tell our friend a little something about our relationship with God.
This one example shows how the truth of God’s Word comes into the light by the way we live. If we will practice the principles of scripture, eventually someone will notice and wonder what’s up with us.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, please show me ways of letting your light shine through my life. Help me not to be afraid to do what your word teaches, even if it means being different from my friends. Please, give me the confidence I need to live in the light. Help me let your goodness shine through my life and make my friends want to know you, too. Amen.
From: New Wine Skin - Written by Martha E Menne
“Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
Living in the Light
Imagine you are playing the lead role in the school drama production. The cast has rehearsed for weeks on end until everyone knows exactly what to do on every line of every scene. The curtain goes up and the play begins. After about thirty seconds you realize that the house lights are on while the stage is in total darkness. Woe be unto the lighting guy if that happened!
When we go to a play, the audience sits in darkness while stage lights illuminate the actors. Spotlights may even follow the movements of key characters to emphasize the importance of what is happening. In a similar way, athletes don’t hide away in the darkness as they set out to win the state tournament. And, professional musicians stand on stage and strut their stuff under huge spotlights so everyone can enjoy the performance.
When we’re living in the light rather than in darkness, others will see what we’re doing. God’s Word is like the script or musical score that we practice until we’ve got it down pat.
We read it over and over, and we practice doing what it says. For instance, we might read Ephesians 4:29 which says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” After thinking about this verse, we realize that certain off-color phrases and expressions have snuck into our conversations lately. We determine to correct ourselves. After a while a friend will realizes that we’ve cleaned up our language and asks us why. When that happens, God’s spotlight is shining on us full strength. As a result, it may be possible for us to tell our friend a little something about our relationship with God.
This one example shows how the truth of God’s Word comes into the light by the way we live. If we will practice the principles of scripture, eventually someone will notice and wonder what’s up with us.
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, please show me ways of letting your light shine through my life. Help me not to be afraid to do what your word teaches, even if it means being different from my friends. Please, give me the confidence I need to live in the light. Help me let your goodness shine through my life and make my friends want to know you, too. Amen.
From: New Wine Skin - Written by Martha E Menne
Missionary Weapons (2)
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Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, RBC, Spiritual Encouragement, Utmost For His Highest, Youth Devotionals
Labels: Bible Devotionals, Daily Devotions, Daily Spiritual Encouragement, Instant Daily Devotion, RBC, Spiritual Encouragement, Utmost For His Highest, Youth Devotionals
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. John 13:14
Ministering in Everyday Opportunities. Ministering in everyday opportunities that surround us does not mean that we select our own surroundings— it means being God’s very special choice to be available for use in any of the seemingly random surroundings which He has engineered for us. The very character we exhibit in our present surroundings is an indication of what we will be like in other surroundings.
The things Jesus did were the most menial of everyday tasks, and this is an indication that it takes all of God’s power in me to accomplish even the most common tasks in His way. Can I use a towel as He did? Towels, dishes, sandals, and all the other ordinary things in our lives reveal what we are made of more quickly than anything else. It takes God Almighty Incarnate in us to do the most menial duty as it ought to be done.
Jesus said, "I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (13:15). Notice the kind of people that God brings around you, and you will be humiliated once you realize that this is actually His way of revealing to you the kind of person you have been to Him. Now He says we should exhibit to those around us exactly what He has exhibited to us.
Do you find yourself responding by saying, "Oh, I will do all that once I’m out on the mission field"? Talking in this way is like trying to produce the weapons of war while in the trenches of the battlefield--you will be killed while trying to do it.
We have to go the "second mile" with God (see Matthew 5:41 ). Yet some of us become worn out in the first ten steps. Then we say, "Well, I’ll just wait until I get closer to the next big crisis in my life." But if we do not steadily minister in everyday opportunities, we will do nothing when the crisis comes.
From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest
Ministering in Everyday Opportunities. Ministering in everyday opportunities that surround us does not mean that we select our own surroundings— it means being God’s very special choice to be available for use in any of the seemingly random surroundings which He has engineered for us. The very character we exhibit in our present surroundings is an indication of what we will be like in other surroundings.
The things Jesus did were the most menial of everyday tasks, and this is an indication that it takes all of God’s power in me to accomplish even the most common tasks in His way. Can I use a towel as He did? Towels, dishes, sandals, and all the other ordinary things in our lives reveal what we are made of more quickly than anything else. It takes God Almighty Incarnate in us to do the most menial duty as it ought to be done.
Jesus said, "I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (13:15). Notice the kind of people that God brings around you, and you will be humiliated once you realize that this is actually His way of revealing to you the kind of person you have been to Him. Now He says we should exhibit to those around us exactly what He has exhibited to us.
Do you find yourself responding by saying, "Oh, I will do all that once I’m out on the mission field"? Talking in this way is like trying to produce the weapons of war while in the trenches of the battlefield--you will be killed while trying to do it.
We have to go the "second mile" with God (see Matthew 5:41 ). Yet some of us become worn out in the first ten steps. Then we say, "Well, I’ll just wait until I get closer to the next big crisis in my life." But if we do not steadily minister in everyday opportunities, we will do nothing when the crisis comes.
From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest
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