Mark 10:42-45 Jesus called them and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you , instead whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all. For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many".
This passage which our Lord did not only preach but lived by has been misinterpreted by some, especially those who are labouring in the kingdom.
We have common news of pastors and leaders involved in rebellion which started in insubordination and unwillingness to work with those who are set above them. Specially to those whom they found interfering to their affairs or even those whom they consider controlling them.
As we deeply study and look into the heart of the message of Christ it is not on the focus of becoming great but rather in becoming the servant of all. Relationship and work ethics are at stake when we begin to look on our sacrifices while others benefit from it. The issue is not living in the servant attitude that our Lord instruct us to lived by. I have the following suggestions:
1. Consider every ministry opportunity as our service to Christ. Therefore, the reward and compliments must not be sought but rather just be satisfied that we served Christ. Whether others took advantage of your servant heart as long as Christ is the center in that service, you're in good standing.
2. Count it a blessing to see others promoted, benefited and even recognized to your service. Any way, we have a just God to whom all things will be brought into and justly recognized. It's normal even in the most spirited leadership that you will find what you or others might find bias, unjust or unfair treatment. That's part of our imperfection. That's why in serving, we must always look at the Lord whom we are serving who has all the right to do as it pleases Him. He is Lord.
3. Commit yourself in building your place in the Kingdom of God with no room for ill feeling, murmuring and earthly honor. Anyway, all this worldly things that seems so pleasing are all temporal. Any position in this earthly service are all for temporal enjoyment, but what ever Christ shall entrust to us in eternity will last forever.
4. Cover with grace, as we all know none of us is actually qualified to be in the position of service to Christ. all are by His grace that's why we are given a ministry. So, whatever we may gain, acheive and lose, cover it with His grace and don't look at it as your effort or gain. Only by grace.
5. Cost of Christ. personally, it's not always easy to served God especially if those who are around and above you are seemingly not on the same heart and servant attitude as you are. The following is what I do;
a. I always trust God to what he allows them to do to me. God knows all things.
b. If offended, i run to my God and poured out my heart. He always listen
c. When found un justly treated, I remember the price Christ paid to saved and change me. The cross paid them all.
d. In all things, I give thanks for I know how great His grace to me in giving me a chance to served Him in any way possible.My only prayer is that all of us who consider our selves the servant of Christ may be found faithful and truthful both here on earth and in the life to come..
God bless!
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Worshiping God
Why we should Worship God?
This has been one of the common question but to me as they know I'm a worshiper of Jehovah God; the true God.
My answer usually falls into these verses:
- John 4:23-24- God seeks worshiper. If there is something that God wants to find it's a person who worship Him in Spirit and Truth. So I want to be one who would find time to please God. Why not, He has all the reason to be pleased.
- 2 Peter 2:9. Man is created and called to Worship God. I want to fulfill why I exist, because only in this way I will be satisfied and see my usefulness. Many are wasting their time, effort and resources in secondary or even not needed things. Remember if we won't worship God, we don't do anything at all.
- Exo. 23:25. Blessing will come.. I want to be blessed.. I need everything that God could provide. And He said so, if we worship Him he will send blessings to us. Wow, so to make sure that blessing find me, I must be found worshiping and praising God. Many are working hard to bring home some blessing, many went home having just a little, some with a little more. But those who worship God will lack nothing, for God will supply everything that they need!
- 2 Cor 4:17. There is the Spirit of the Lord in worship. When we worship His presence comes, His presence sets us free from all bondages, heals us from any sicknesses and free us from all worries. Wow! I must admit that I'm in danger without God's presence. There many things that tries to tempt, tires to discourage and even hurt us in this life but God can always lead us to victory. Where His presence is there is freedom!
Many can be still said, but may this suffice to convince everyone reading this to go and worship God. There are many ways to do it. But one of the most exciting and best way to do it is by joining the congregation every Sunday to worship God. So let us put aside everything and decide to Worship God. What are you waiting for? See you in the church.. God bless!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Today's Devotion- Jesus is Alive
by Pastor Bong Gonzales
Matthew 28:5-7
5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." NIV
One of the most challenged belief of Christianity is the "Resurrection of Jesus Christ" the founder and head of the Christian faith. Though there are few scientific evidence of His this account it does not mean that it is not true.
There are many facts to settle and accept or even believe that Jesus rose from he dead.
Well my friends, if the record of the Bible, the testimonies of the saints are not enough to prove He is alive, you will see that He is on the day He returns! But to believe on Him on that day, might be too late to be a blessing. Believe now! So that on the day the living Christ return, you shall be with Him forever!
Hallelujah, Jesus is alive!!!
Till next time.
Matthew 28:5-7
5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." NIV
One of the most challenged belief of Christianity is the "Resurrection of Jesus Christ" the founder and head of the Christian faith. Though there are few scientific evidence of His this account it does not mean that it is not true.
There are many facts to settle and accept or even believe that Jesus rose from he dead.
- It is recorded in the Bible. All four gospels recorded it to show that it was an undeniable event.
- St. Paul who was once an arch enemy of this faith wrote and believed it after he encountered Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:1-33)
- All the followers of Jesus Christ believed and hope in this from the first century to this time. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
- Resurrection is a necessity to make heaven an eternal abode. For those who will resurrect will have a glorified body fitted for eternal life.
- It completes the redemptive work of Christ for by His death, life was brought back to man. (Romans 6:23). All curses like sickness are all broken, so you are healed for the Healer is alive. You are saved for the Savior lives. You are free, for the deliverer is on the Throne!
- Jesus is alive as being proven by the transformation that happens to those who believed in Him.
- He must be alive, if He will come back again as He promised. (John 14:12)
Well my friends, if the record of the Bible, the testimonies of the saints are not enough to prove He is alive, you will see that He is on the day He returns! But to believe on Him on that day, might be too late to be a blessing. Believe now! So that on the day the living Christ return, you shall be with Him forever!
Hallelujah, Jesus is alive!!!
Till next time.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Today's Devotion- Jesus Died For You And Me
by Pastor Bong Gonzales
Romans 5:6-8
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Many people lived and died without knowing what Christ did for them. Some people though, refused to accept what Christ died for. A faithful seeker of this matter will come to a conclusion that Christ died for all of humanity!
His goal in the crucifixion is to shed His blood and die so that we could be restored and be set free! The 3 spheres/realms that His blood take effect on His death:
Hallelujah! His death brought you and me life! A life to live and to enjoy!
Let us honor Him and serve Him, for in Him we now live!
Till then!
Romans 5:6-8
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Many people lived and died without knowing what Christ did for them. Some people though, refused to accept what Christ died for. A faithful seeker of this matter will come to a conclusion that Christ died for all of humanity!
His goal in the crucifixion is to shed His blood and die so that we could be restored and be set free! The 3 spheres/realms that His blood take effect on His death:
- Heavenly realm - in the presence of God, His blood brought us the full payment of the demand of our sinfulness (Romans 6:23). His death paid the justice that the righteous God requires. By His blood we are restored to God as children and can call Him "Abba Father" (Romans 8:14-15). It brought us back to our position as blessed and trusted. A beloved!
- Hell and demonic realm - His death brought back the judgment to Satan and his demons, who were all condemned forever. When we sin, his curse come to us. But by Christ's death and shedding of His blood, we were set free. No more condemnation for us, but freedom. No more oppression but joy of the Lord. (1 John 3:18). Darkness left us, when His blood was shed. We were taken back from darkness into His light (1 Pet 1:9).
- Physical realm - Christ's shed blood brought us back to life streaming with God. As life is in the blood. He is our life and in His blood we live again to Him (John 6:53). All sicknesses must depart from our bodies for the blood of Christ runs in us, where no sickness can live! We received the perfect sacrifice to live a perfectly blessed life! He shed all His 3.5 liters of blood! There was no blood left in His body as we all know that when He was speared, water run out with his blood. An average man has about 3.5 liters of blood in him. Christ in His human body poured it all out, to cover all humanities' physical needs of restoration and redemption!
Hallelujah! His death brought you and me life! A life to live and to enjoy!
Let us honor Him and serve Him, for in Him we now live!
Till then!
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Obedient Christ
by Pastor Bong Gonzales
Phil 2:5-11
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father. NIV
What an example to follow, a principle to apply and a Master to love!
Christ Jesus our Lord is being honored both in heaven and on earth not because He assert but because He deserves!
How many of us were willing to sacrifice everything just to get the best place in this world? How many of us will fight to death for anything that many will take from us!
But Jesus Christ demonstrated the opposite!
He willingly gave all that He has that no one did ever have - being God.
He willingly became whom many of us despised - being just a man.
He willingly took what many of us escapes or even fear - death.
He willingly accepted what many of us hates - shame.
He willingly submit what many of us avoid - obey.
Well my friends, this season, many still wonder who this Jesus called Christ is. Why it is hard to accept Him? Why many rejects Him? Oh, simply because no one could ever did what he had done!
To add to that, He did not do it for any other reason, than out of love to whom who send Him and out of love to them to whom He was sent for!
May we always remember that He is our Lord not because He insists, but because He is worth it!
May we learn to follow His step not because we want to be honored by men but just to deserve being called His servant!
May we always be willing to obey even to the most difficult times of our life knowing that the Christ has set an example for us!
They that honor Him, honor Him not just by mere words, but by following His steps!
God bless and lets honor The Christ the Son of the living God!
Till next time!
Phil 2:5-11
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father. NIV
What an example to follow, a principle to apply and a Master to love!
Christ Jesus our Lord is being honored both in heaven and on earth not because He assert but because He deserves!
How many of us were willing to sacrifice everything just to get the best place in this world? How many of us will fight to death for anything that many will take from us!
But Jesus Christ demonstrated the opposite!
He willingly gave all that He has that no one did ever have - being God.
He willingly became whom many of us despised - being just a man.
He willingly took what many of us escapes or even fear - death.
He willingly accepted what many of us hates - shame.
He willingly submit what many of us avoid - obey.
Well my friends, this season, many still wonder who this Jesus called Christ is. Why it is hard to accept Him? Why many rejects Him? Oh, simply because no one could ever did what he had done!
To add to that, He did not do it for any other reason, than out of love to whom who send Him and out of love to them to whom He was sent for!
May we always remember that He is our Lord not because He insists, but because He is worth it!
May we learn to follow His step not because we want to be honored by men but just to deserve being called His servant!
May we always be willing to obey even to the most difficult times of our life knowing that the Christ has set an example for us!
They that honor Him, honor Him not just by mere words, but by following His steps!
God bless and lets honor The Christ the Son of the living God!
Till next time!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Today's Devotion- Jesus: Who is He to you
by Pastor Bong Gonzales
Matthew 16:15-19
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
NIV
The knowledge of who the Lord Jesus Christ is, not by the decision of the majority, nor in the level of human intellect! It is a revelation of God the Father to the person to whom it is given.
That’s why as Christians, we should not be offended on why others are saying who Jesus is opposes the word of God. For as in the days of Jesus in the human flesh, many already struggled to know who really he is. But only as the Father reveal Him, then and only then the truth of His person is known to the recipient of who Jesus is.
For God is beyond mans understanding!
The true knowledge of Him as the Christ is just the beginning of a worthy journey. That’s why those who were before us willfully gave their lives for Him when required. Jesus is the greatest knowledge to know, greatest treasure to be found, greatest friend to find and greatest saviour to serve!
That’s why even St. Paul was willing and had counted everything a dung just to know Jesus.
Every followers of Jesus must have the same passion and heart after they have known Jesus as Lord and saviour. He is more than just answering our prayer, more than a healer, a deliverer! He is the Lord God, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit!
We who have the revelation of Him must cherish and be humbled in the grace received from Him.
May we always worship and honor Him as He is!
God bless!
Till next time!
Matthew 16:15-19
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
NIV
The knowledge of who the Lord Jesus Christ is, not by the decision of the majority, nor in the level of human intellect! It is a revelation of God the Father to the person to whom it is given.
That’s why as Christians, we should not be offended on why others are saying who Jesus is opposes the word of God. For as in the days of Jesus in the human flesh, many already struggled to know who really he is. But only as the Father reveal Him, then and only then the truth of His person is known to the recipient of who Jesus is.
For God is beyond mans understanding!
The true knowledge of Him as the Christ is just the beginning of a worthy journey. That’s why those who were before us willfully gave their lives for Him when required. Jesus is the greatest knowledge to know, greatest treasure to be found, greatest friend to find and greatest saviour to serve!
That’s why even St. Paul was willing and had counted everything a dung just to know Jesus.
Every followers of Jesus must have the same passion and heart after they have known Jesus as Lord and saviour. He is more than just answering our prayer, more than a healer, a deliverer! He is the Lord God, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit!
We who have the revelation of Him must cherish and be humbled in the grace received from Him.
May we always worship and honor Him as He is!
God bless!
Till next time!
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