Light Upon My Path

The Origin of "Twelve Days of Christmas"

2009-01-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

I got this in email this morning, it made me think. I have never heard this before as to where this song we sing during Christmas season originated from. Read on!

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Five Gold Rings
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eight Maids A-milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Epiphany, January 6

The Epithany

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening. Now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish! :D

HEAVEN and HELL

2008-08-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

What is Heaven?

Heaven is a term in the Bible which describes three different spheres of existence. The word "heaven" sometimes refers to the atmosphere surrounding the earth. Other times it refers to outer space where the other planets are. Lastly, Heaven is described as the dwelling place of God and those beings who live with Him. This is the Heaven we will describe. It is the place where those who are not destined for Hell will live after death. In the New Testament scripture it is clearly described as an actual place, and not a state of mind or being.

Other terms used in the Bible to describe heaven include: The Kingdom of God (Eph. 5:5), the Father's house (John 14:2), a heavenly country (Heb. 11:16), a place of rest from labors (Rev. 14:13), and Paradise (II Cor. 12:4).

What is Hell?

There are three Greek words which are translated "Hell" in the King James Bible. One is the Greek word "Tartaroo" which refers to a place where some angels who have sinned are now confined (II Pet. 2:4). The other words are "Hades" and "Gehenna", which both refer to the place where the souls of the unrighteous go. Hades is not a permanent place, and one day those souls who are in Hades will be cast into Hell or what is called "the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:14).

The souls in Hades will never enter Heaven, but are destined for eventual consignment to Hell. We will refer to the conditions that exist in both Hades and Hell, as both of these places together make up the eternal living quarters for those who are not going to Heaven.

Does Life Continue After Death?

The Bible teaches that life continues after the physical death of the body. God created man with a natural, temporal body and an eternal soul. The soul of man consists of who we really are. It is the center of our mind, will and emotions. Scripture teaches that life is eternal.

"And this is the promise that He (God) has promised us-eternal life." (I John 2:25)

". . . eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began." (Tit. 1:2)

"For we know that if our earthly house, this tent (our body) is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (II Cor. 5:1)

Do Some Souls Cease To Exist?

There are some who believe that the souls of those who do not go to Heaven will be annihilated or cease to exist. The Bible clearly indicates that this is not so. The soul is eternal, and will spend eternity either in Heaven or in Hell.

"And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. . . And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." (Rev. 20:10, 15)

"And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever." (Rev. 14:11)

"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matt. 25:46)

Is There A Purgatory?

Some people believe that the soul of man goes to an intermediate place between Heaven and Hell called Purgatory. It is believed that in this place the soul goes through a fiery purging to make it pure enough to enter Heaven later on. There is not, however, any evidence of such a place described in the Bible. Purgatory is an idea invented by some men and a place that exists only in the imagination.

The Bible does speak of a place called Hades where the souls of those who will not go to Heaven are held until they are finally judged. This Hades however differs greatly from purgatory in that people in Hades will never go to Heaven (Luke 16:26). It is not a place where people can be delivered from sins, as there is only one method for dealing with sins ever mentioned in the Bible (I John 1:7). The concept of purgatory is not biblical, and those who plan to go here will be severely disappointed.

What Is Heaven Like?

The Bible refers to Heaven as being above the world, in that God looks down upon the earth (Deut. 26:15), and that when Jesus left this earth He was received "up into Heaven" (Mark 16:19). It is also described as a place where nothing can be corrupted or stolen (Matt. 6:20), where no one dies any more (Luke 20:36), and as a better and everlasting possession (Heb. 10:34). Those living there have no hunger, thirst or sorrow (Rev. 7:16, 17). It is the place that God has called His throne, where all are in subjection to Him (Isa. 66:1).

heaven is clearly described in the Bible as an actual place. It is not a feeling or a state of mind. When people refer to Heaven as being on earth they are partially correct in that we can experience a personal relationship with God while we are still alive. This is experiencing some of what is in the store for those who will go to Heaven when they die.

What Is Hell Like?

The Bible speaks a great deal about Hell. It is a place that the devil and demons inhabit (Matt. 25:41). It is such an awful place to be, that Jesus said it would be better to cut off your hand or gouge out your eye rather than to go there. There is crying (Matt. 22:13) and total darkness in Hell (Matt. 25:30). It is described as a lake made up of fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:8). The fire in Hell is cannot be put out and cause intense pain and agony (Matt. 13:50).

It is also true that people can partially experience Hell on earth. Those who live in rebellion against God and His ways do experience to a small degree some of the things that those in Hell are suffering. This experience is however, only a slight foretaste of the miseries that the occupants of Hell experience forever.

Is Reincarnation Real?

Nowhere in the Bible is reincarnation taught. The Scripture declares that "it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Heb 9:27)

Reincarnation teaches that when a person dies, his soul goes to live in a new body that is being born, and that this process repeats itself over and over again. This belief of Hinduism teaches that how we live our life determines the Karmic debt that we must pay off in the next life. The basic idea is that we are stuck on an endless wheel of life, death, and reincarnation until we improve our state through many thousands of lives.

The Bible does agree that men are not good, and that they live under a sin debt. It differs, however, in declaring that grace and forgiveness come through Jesus Christ who has made it possible to be freed from that debt. It also teaches that we only have one life in which to receive the forgiveness of our debt to sin.

What Are The Conditions Of Those In Heaven?

Those in Heaven are in the presence of Jesus.
"In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. . .that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:2-3)

They Experience Great Happiness.
". . . in Your (God's) presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Ps. 16:11)

"Blessed (happy) are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:3)

They Receive Rewards There.
". . .for great is your reward in heaven . . ." (Matt. 5:12)

"If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward." (I Cor. 3:14)

" . . .And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints. . ." (Rev. 11:18)

". . .and you will have treasure in heaven. . ." (Matt. 19:21)

They Will Live With God Forever.
"to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you." (I Pet. 1:4)

". . .to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord." (I Thess. 4:17)

The Majority Of Mankind Will Not Go There.
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matt. 7:13-14)

What Are The Conditions Of Those In Hell?

They Experience Severe Pain.
". . .There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matt. 13:50)

"And being in torments in Hades. . ." (Luke 16:23)

They Are Burned With Fire.
"and cast them into the furnace of fire . . ." (Matt. 13:50)

"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." (Rev. 20:15)

They Experience Great Remorse.
". . .remember that in your lifetime you received your good things." (Luke 16:25)

Those souls damned to Hell are able to remember what happened during their lifetimes. In the account Jesus gave of an individual in Hades (Luke 16), the man was able to remember what things he owned during his life, as well as the fact that he still had five brothers who had not yet died. He desired to go and warn his five brothers about Hell but was unable to. He also felt much grief over the way he lived while he was on earth.

The Agony And Pain Lasts Forever.
"Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.' " (Matt. 25:41)

Many Of Them Are Surprised They Were Sent To Hell.
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' " (Matt. 7:21-23)

Who Will Be In Heaven?

There will be people in Heaven from every nationality and language group (Rev. 7:9). These will include those the Bible describes as poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3), those who were persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matt. 5:20) and those whose righteousness exceeded the righteousness of the religious leaders of that day (Matt. 5:20). Those in Heaven are further described as just (Luke 14:14), as sinners who repented (Luke 15:7), and as those who have done good (John 5:29).

No one in Heaven will deserve to be there as a result of any merit of his own (Rom. 6:23). Because of this fact there will not be anyone boasting that he or she had earned the right to live in Heaven (Eph. 2:8-9). The people who will live in Heaven will be full of gratitude to God for being allowed to live in His presence eternally.

Who Will Be In Hell?

A great deal of people will be in Hell. They will come from every backgraound, society, religion, and culture. Among thier numbers will include those who the Bible describes as:

1. Those who do not know God. (II Thess. 1:8)
2. Those who do not obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (II Thess. 1:8)
3. Those who did not care for the poor and needy. (Matt. 25:45-46)
4. Sinners and hypocrites. (Isa. 33:14)
5. Those who practiced lawlessness. (Matt. 13:41)
6. Cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sorcerers, sexually immoral, idolators, and all liars. (Rev. 21:8)
7. The wicked. (Ps. 9:17)
8. Homosexuals, adulterers, thieves, covetous people, drunkards, extortioners. (I Cor. 6:9-10)
9. Those who persisted in hatred, contention, jealousy, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, heresies, envy, and partying. (Gal. 5 :19-21)

How To Go to Heaven

There is clearly only one way that is available to go to Heaven:

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' " (John 3:3)

"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." (John 3:16)

"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)

"And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)

"So they said, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.' " (Acts 16:31)

How To Go To Hell

Below are listed three ways to go to Hell:

1. Not believing in Jesus. (John 3:18)
2. Once professing faith in Jesus but then turning away. (Heb. 6:6)
3. Indifference to the claims of Jesus. (Matt. 12:30)

The above three ways can be seen in the following areas:

A. Making pleasure more important than God. (II Tim. 3:4, I Tim. 5:6)
B. Loving money more than God.
C. Trusting false doctrines and prophets.
D. Believing that being a good person will help save you.
E. Believing that belonging to a church will save you.
F. Hypocrisy.
G. Indulging in some special sin.
H. Procrastination (not turning to God now).

SUMMARY - DON'T CHOOSE HELL

God never meant for you to go to Hell. Hell was prepared originally for the devil and his demons. Jesus not only warned you about Hell, but He died on the cross and paid a tremendous price in suffering to keep you out of Hell. Do not neglect the salvation He offers to you freely. Do not delay to receive his free gift of eternal life, as none of us know when it will be our turn to die. If you make no decision to choose Jesus and Heaven, then in reality, Hell will be your eternal home.

SUMMARY - CHOOSE HEAVEN

Choosing Heaven means choosing to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Such a relationship brings a foretaste of Heaven in this life, and an eternity of happiness. Make your decision for Heaven now, by praying a prayer to receive the free gift of eternal life.

Pray this prayer now:

"Lord Jesus, I want to receive the gift of eternal life that you bought for me by your own blood when you died on the cross and rose again. I ask forgiveness of all of my sins. In gratitude, I will live my life the way you want me to. Thank you Lord! Amen."

Source: Heaven & Hell , written by Gary M. Beasley,
Scriptures quoted from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible,
Copyright 1991 Christian Equippers International

Know Your Spiritual Type!

2008-07-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

Think of these survey questions as the first marks on a canvas. Like many quizzes pertaining to faith, this one traces the edges of your spiritual life and how you relate to the sacred. Yet this quiz also reminds us that we are all works in progress, that portraits begun in black and white come alive when we add color. We need space to change and grow, and ways to help us fill out our lives and move ever closer to the Holy.

Thus, your responses are not simply conclusions, they are beginning points for new discoveries, brilliant adventures and fruitful growth. In answering these 10 questions, you can both discern more clearly who you are, and discover new avenues for God's creative spirit to work within you.

Take the survey

My Spiritual Profile

I'm A Thinker

Thinkers are people who naturally connect with the Holy One through the use of their intellect. They want to clearly understand their faith and appreciate having logical explanations for what they are asked to believe. They will read and study, alone or with others, in order to better grasp the truth of their faith. They believe that God wants them to discover the order that may seem hidden in the more abstract aspects of religious faith. They seek to relate to the Holy One through thinking, study, and discussion. They tend to be more formal in their prayer. If they were to meet God face to face, they would want to discuss with God how they have come to understand their faith.

A good Scriptural example of a thinker was Paul. He had a keen and well-trained intellect and was able not only to understand the many layers of faith and spiritual development, but was able to skillfully teach them to others. He was fearless in confronting his enemies and persecutors because he was so confident that he could persuade others of the truth through well-reasoned thought.

The Good News in a Bad-News World

2008-07-08T23:49:00.000-07:00

"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."
Proverbs 25:25 (NIV)

This morning, as I was preparing breakfast for my family, I heard this news from the radio that the minimum fare on a jeepney here in the Philippines is now Php8.50 from last year's Php7.50 (which is already a pain in our pockets). Previous news about high inflation rate of 11.4 percent for the past 14 years, which already resulted higher cost of living, food and basic necessities. Also, some news of earthquake felt all over the Asian Region and here in the Philippines. Not only that, countless news about government corruption and anomalies and news of some evil doings of people (like bank robberies and a fetus found inside a basket by the church altar) everywhere! I asked myself, "Where are we going to?". As I opened my daily devotional book, "Today Can Be The Best Day Of Your Life" by Harold Sala, it made clear to me that these things, good or bad, happen for a reason, and that's why the Bible is called "The Good News" for even we are bombarded by lots of "Bad News" around us we can still rely with the "The Word of God" to quench our weary souls. Now, is it just a coincidence that I have read this entry today? Well, there is no coincidence with God, it's all carefully planned out!

Here, I share what is written on my devotional book under the date July 9:

A "BAD-NEWS" WORLD

"Good news gives health to the bones," wrote a wise man long ago (Proverbs 15:30). Yet, have you noticed how little real "good news" there is anymore? First - you probably awaken to the nerve-jarring buzz of an alarm clock. Getting dressed, you turn on the radio and hear about everything bad that has happened in the night. Pick up the morning newspaper and you get the local crime report. Watch television at the end of the day and you see the most recent war zone. Is there no good news anymore? It was not without reason that the writers of Scripture began to refer to the Gospel as "The Good News!" in a bad-news world.

It is good news because it tells you that God is concerned with your life! What a contrast to the reality of life today, which leaves you with the impression that there are few who care about what happens to you.

It is also good news in a bad-news world because the Bible says there is an end to the problems confronting our world. Reading the Bible's last chapter reveals that eventually the Prince of Peace will return to rule and reign. In the meatime, the peace of God can rule in my heart, no matter how much bad news confronts me every day.

The Bible is also good news in a bad-news world because it tells you that your life can be different. That is the best news of all. With God, there is forgiveness and help. You need not be a victim of failure and sin, or live in bondage to the hostilities that imprison. You can be a new person with a hope and a future.

Finally, it is very good news because the Bible says that God is in control. It says there is alimit to how far God will allow humanity to go and will eventually step in and say, "Gentlemen, That's enough." Try the Bible. It's the best news you will ever get.

Source: Today Can Be The Best Day Of Your Life (365 Guidelines for Daily Living) by Harold Sala

Top Bible Verses (Most Popular)

2008-07-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

John 3:16

Rank 1

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

John 1:1

Rank 2

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (NIV)

John 14:6

Rank 3

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (NIV)

Matthew 28:19

Rank 4

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (NIV)

Romans 3:23

Rank 5

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (NIV)

Ephesians 2:8

Rank 6

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – (NIV)

Genesis 1:1

Rank 7

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (NIV)

Acts 1:8

Rank 8

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (NIV)

2 Timothy 3:16

Rank 9

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (NIV)

Romans 10:9

Rank 10

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (NIV)

Romans 6:23

Rank 11

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

Acts 2:38

Rank 12

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (NIV)

John 1:12

Rank 13

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – (NIV)

Romans 8:28

Rank 14

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

John 1:9

Rank 15

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. (NIV)

Genesis 1:26

Rank 16

Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." (NIV)

Romans 12:1

Rank 17

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is true worship. (NIV)

Romans 5:8

Rank 18

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV)

Matthew 28:18

Rank 19

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (NIV)

John 3:3

Rank 20

Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again." (NIV)

Source: http://topverses.com/

Above All (Praise & Worship Song)

2008-06-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

Verse 1
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began

Verse 2
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth

CHORUS
Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Verse 1
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began

Verse 2
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth

CHORUS
Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

CHORUS
Crucified
Laid behind the stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Like the rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

*****
Facts:

Artist: Michael W. Smith

Written by: Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc (ascap), this song wasn't crafted in a "song-writing session." Paul was sitting alone at a piano, worshipping God, when the thought of Jesus being "above all" of the things that we hold as important, (money, power, fame) came to him. The next day he shared the verse with Lenny LeBlanc and the rest, as they say, is history.

Source: http://www.metrolyrics.com/above-all-lyrics-michael-w-smith.html
http://christianmusic.about.com/od/lyricschordstabs/qt/aaaboveall.htm

The Special Gift Of A Friend

2008-06-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23 (NASB)

A friend of yours came to surprise you with a gift, what would you do? Will you reach down your pocket and take some bills to pay for the gift? Or you will accept the gift and thank your friend for the very nice surprise? Of course you will accept the gift and not pay for it because if you do, you are insulting your friend.

This is very similar with what God is offering you, a free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ! He's giving it to you and you cannot pay for it. Why? Because we are sinners, even if we're not born yet, we have the curse of sin from our forefathers, even from the first man and woman that walked the earth, hence, we are not perfect.

"...everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with Him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. God offered Him, so that by His blood He should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in Him. ..." - Romans 3:23-26 (TEV)

As it is said, we can only be worthy of the gift of eternal life if we believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. Eternal life means living in the presence of the Lord in heaven after your life on earth has ended. You cannot save yourself for you have to be perfect to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. That's why God solved this problem by giving His only Son to be our Savior.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (NASB)

If you die today, do you know where your soul will be? Wouldn't it be nice to know that even while you are still alive you may have the assurance that you will go to heaven after you die? God has already given you the answer, He is giving you His gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ.

Now, do you want to accept this free gift that God is offering you?

First, you must believe (have faith) that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Son of God, and He is the only way to have eternal life. You must put your trust in Him totally, 100%, and accept that you cannot save yourself.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)

Second, you have to ask for forgiveness of all of your sins, old and new, hidden or exposed. We have to repent from doing anything that is not acceptable in the eyes of God. Repenting means to never go back, turning your back away from sin. And God will cleanse us from all of our sins.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1John 1:9 (NASB)

Third, invite Jesus Christ to come into your life as your Lord and your Savior, acknowledge that without Him you are nothing. He has given His life for you, died for your sins on the cross and rose again to prepare a place for you in heaven. Jesus Christ is waiting for you to accept Him into your life.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." - Revelations 3:20 (NASB)

Now if you are sure that you want to accept this free gift that God is giving you, you can pray this prayer of acceptance, as heartfelt and as true, for this is the greatest gift that you will ever receive.

"Lord God. I come to You a sinner and I humbly repent of my sins. I believe that Jesus is Lord and I believe You raised Him from the dead. I ask that Jesus will come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. I receive Jesus to change and take control of my life that I may live for Him from this day forth and from now on. Thank You Lord Jesus for saving me and cleansing me with Your precious blood. In Jesus name, Amen."

If you have truly prayed this prayer and you truly believe that Jesus Christ is now inside your heart and you have received the gift of eternal life, you are now a child of God, forever!

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life." - John 6:47 (NASB)

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.." - John 1:12 (NASB)

Now, you must be watchful because the demon will attack your thoughts and will deceive you, it will try to persuade you that you are not yet saved. You must read the Bible to strengthen your faith. I recommend that you start with the Gospel of John. And if you can find a church that is teaching the Word of God using the Bible, you can join them to learn more and to give praises to the Lord, they can also help you strengthen more your faith in the Lord.

You may also send us your name, your address and your prayer requests so that we can pray for you. You may write to us or visit us here:

Imus Conservative Baptist Church
Sampaguita Village 1, Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Imus
4103 Cavite
Philippines

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF GOD! May the Lord God bless you always!

Matthew 6:25-27 ( Do Not Worry)

2008-06-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:25-27

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life^[a]?

Footnotes:

[a] Matthew 6:27 - Or single cubit to his height

Source: http://www.biblegateway.com

Prayer:
Lord, God Almighty, thank you for providing us everything that we really need in our life, you were never late and you are always on time, Oh Lord, we praise you! Please help us to bear in our minds not to be worried about anything, for you are the living God, Jehovahjireh, who loves us so much and you are our Great Provider. We bless you, Lord, and we lift your name on high!
In Jesus' name, Amen.

@};-- @};-- @};--

Isaiah 30:19b-21 (God Will Bless His People)

2008-06-16T23:35:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 30:19b-21

19b...The Lord is compassionate, and when you cry to Him for help, He will answer you.

20 The Lord will make you go through hard times, but He Himself will be there to teach you, and you will not have to search for Him anymore.

21 If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear His voice behind you saying,"Here is the road. Follow it."

Source: Good News Bible (Today's English Version)

Prayer:
Lord, our God of comfort and hope, we thank you because you know us and you love us. We ask that you will give us the strength of faith in times of trouble and that we may one day gaze upon your face and live again where there is no sorrow and tears. To you be the honor and glory forever.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 23 - My Granpa's Favorite

2008-06-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

⁴ Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, ^[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Footnotes:

Psalm 23:4 - Or through the darkest valley

Source: http://bibleresources.bible.com/

Personal Note: When my grandfather, Lolo Kabaw, was still alive, he would make us recite this psalm everyday. This was his favorite psalm from the Bible and this had been true in his life. I will never forget my beloved grandfather, because through him I learned more about the power of faith in Jesus Christ and the eternal love of God. And I know right now he's looking down upon me from heaven wearing his crown of eternal life.