Monday, April 19, 2010

Thinking is one of the most hazardous things we do.

I liked what Piper says in:
http://www.desiringgod.org/Events/NationalConferences/Archives/2010/Invitation/

"Thinking is one of the most hazardous things we do. But it is absolutely necessary for being human and worshipful. The apostle warns, "Knowledge puffs up" (1 Corinthians 8:1). But he also commands, "In your thinking be mature" (1 Corinthians 14:20). Do this dangerous thing. But do it well. ..."...FOLLOW THE ARTICLE FOR COMPLETE READ.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Song of the weekend: What a friend we have in Jesus

I found this new awesome song in the weekend prayer & worship meeting:

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Where do you find people praying and reading Bible all day?

So, where do you find people reading Bible and praying all day?

You can find such people in prisons.

I am planning to write-up my experiences of prison ministry, at TDCJ, UTMB.

Usually when I go to minister there, I would always find couple of them who would minister to me. They would spend their time so well in the prison: reading Bible and praying all day. I sometime ask them to keep me in prayers, as they pray so much.
They can essentially become pastors, when they are released.

I also notice that sometimes they give me affirmations & love much more than people outside prison.
Because they become so grateful that someone from outside came and showed them respect and care.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Who do you think in the Bible needed least prayers? And who do you think prayed most?

Today the sermon in the Galveston Bible Church was about prayers. It was a great session. Some quotes from Pastor Clay:

-Who do you think in the Bible prayed most? Jesus? But who do you think would have needed least prayers? Jesus?
--Prayer is conversation with God. Jesus, Paul, etc. needed constant communion with God so much. Just like in a relationship, how long can you stay away form your spouse without talking? God longs for us so much, that He gave his only Son to suffer & die to have a continuing relationship with each one of us.
--Intercessory prayer is an important component of prayer. Pray for unreached places, mission fields, those in drastic need & suffering (places in Haiti, Zimbabwe)
--Thanksgiving is also an important component of prayer
--What do you constantly pray for: for God to show up, which way to go: directions, etc.

-He knows what you need and when you need

-How sweet is Your Word, sweeter than honey

-IT IS SO EASY TO GO TO CHURCH, LISTEN TO A SERMON ON PRAYERS, AND COME BACK HOME AND NOT DO IT!
We have to keep up with your prayer life consistently. Jesus warned in Luke 22:46: "Why are you sleeping?"- he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

Friday, April 9, 2010

Tim Keller's new article: How Do We Handle the Big Issues Facing the Church? AND HIS NEW BOOK:"Counterfeit Gods:The Empty Promises of Money,Sex,Power"

http://theresurgence.com/handle_the_big_issues

This is a good read. It talks about one important need of the current time: "The local church has to support culture-making"

BTW his new book, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters (Dutton Adult, October 2009)is becoming increasingly popular -- a very good book!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

This is the real deal

As we pray for John Piper and his family, this is one of his great sermons on living a Christian life:

Life does not become a cake-walk

Even so blessed people like John Piper get overwhelmed:
http://theresurgence.com/8-godly-precedents-piper-sabbatical
Quoting:
"I was brought to tears and was extremely humbled by the courageous letter that Dr. John Piper wrote to explain that he is taking a sabbatical “because of a growing sense that [his] soul, [his] marriage, [his] family, and [his] ministry-pattern need a reality check from the Holy Spirit.”"

I think this is a very good life lesson for all Christians.