Saturday, December 3, 2011

Seeing the world’s reaction to the passing of Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs has been interesting.

Seeing the world’s reaction to the passing of Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs has been interesting. It seemed like he was on the frontpage of every website when he died; and of course, he had been on the cover of Time magazine something like seven times during his life. He definitely was a popular man who made some big impacts on the world of technology during his years on planet earth.

To read some of the glowing reviews of this man, you would have thought he was Mother Theresa or something! So, I decided to do some research to see if I could find out more about him. Here are some interesting things that I learned:
  • He sold one of his companies for $400 million and another (Pixar) for $8 billion!! That is a lot of nickels where I come from. But the Bible has many interesting things to say about wealth.
Matthew 16:26
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
  • iTunes has sold over 16 billion songs.
How many of those songs that have been downloaded do you think glorify the God that Steve Jobs had to give an account to upon his death?

Revelation 20:12
“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
Exodus 20:15
“Thou shalt not steal.”
  • “Traversing India sparked Jobs’ conversion to Buddhism. Kobun Chino, a monk, presided over his wedding to Laurene Powell, a Stanford University MBA.
  • Jobs had a daughter, Lisa, out of wedlock with Chrisann Brennan. He denied paternity for many years, swearing in a court document that he was sterile. Later, he had three more kids with Laurene Powell.
  • Perhaps the most salient of those values is, simply, to make an outsize impact on society. Or, as Jobs put it, ‘We're here to put a dent in the universe.’”
(http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/05/tech/innovation/steve-jobs-philosophy/index .html)

Matthew 5:28
“But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
  • Steve Jobs credited using the drug LSD as a big part of his success. In an interview with The New York Timesreporter John Markoff, Jobs once said, “Doing LSD was one of the two or three most important things I have done in my life.” He added that Bill Gates would “be a broader guy if he had dropped acid once.”
(http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2011/10/07/steve-jobs-tried-lsd.html)
  • The first Apple computer sold for $666.
(http://www.techfresh.net/apple-1-for-only-666-first-apple-ad-1976/)

Doesn’t pretty much everyone know where the number 666 comes from? Here’s a hint: Revelation 13:17-18.
  • Apple’s new CEO, Tim Cook, is a homosexual, and he is considered the most powerful homosexual in the Tech industry.
(http://www.out.com/power50/?slideshow_title=Fifth-Annual-Power-50&theID=2 #Top)
  • Apple pulled the app for a ministry called Exodus International that helps people get out of the gay lifestyle.
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/23/apple-exodus-international-app_n _839448.html)

So here is a ministry that is trying to help people get out of the gay lifestyle and Apple says no thank you.
  • Security researchers have discovered that Apple’siPhone keeps track of where you go—and saves every detail of it to a secret file on the device, which is then copied to the owner’s computer when the two are synchronised. The file contains the latitude and longitude of the phone’s recorded coordinates along with a timestamp, meaning that anyone who stole the phone or the computer could discover details about the owner’s movements using a simple program.
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/apr/20/iphone-tracking-prompts-privacy-fears)

Here are some quotes from Jobs himself:

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
—Stanford commencement speech 2005

“There’s nothing that makes my day more than getting an e-mail from some random person in the universe who just bought an iPad over in the UK and tells me the story about how it’s the coolest product they’ve ever brought home in their lives. That’s what keeps me going. It’s what kept me five years ago [when he was diagnosed with cancer], it’s what kept me going 10 years ago when the doors were almost closed. And it’s what will keep me going five years from now whatever happens.”
—AllThingsD Conference, 2010

“That’s been one of my mantras—focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”
—Business Week 1998

“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me…Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful…that’s what matters to me.”
—Wall Street Journal 1993

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something—your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
—Stanford commencement speech 2005

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/06/steve-jobs-quotes)

For the Christians reading this newsletter, do any of the above comments bother you? Does it bother you enough to do something about it? Why have I met so many Christians who seem to idolize Apple products? Why have Christians put ‘RIP Steve Jobs’ on Facebook, when nobody can rest in peace without the Prince of Peace?

I took one of my students from back in the day to a singles meeting in Atlanta called 7:22. They had a guest speaker that night. So after the worship time, he came out to speak and the whole beginning of his talk was about the Apple products that he owned. It went on and on about his love for those products. He then brought a trashcan on stage. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was going to throw those gadgets in that trashcan and make a point about his idol worship. Nope. Didn’t happen. At the end of the night, as we were walking back to the car, my young friend said, “That man has an unhealthy addiction to his gadgets.” It was the most obvious thing in the world.

My goal is to try and make sure I never give Apple one nickel of my money my whole life. I don’t own any of Apple’s products and plan on keeping it that way. You will not find my books in their download store. You will find them on Kindle and Nook, but not Apple. There is no need to email me about that decision. I do understand that there are problems with those other companies as well. But when are we finally going to make a stand for something that we believe in?

“Mr. Jobs spent his final weeks—as he had spent most of his life—in tight control of his choices.”

“But for Steve, it was all about living life on his own terms and not wasting a moment with things he didn’t think were important. He was aware that his time on earth was limited. He wanted control of what he did with the choices that were left.”

(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/technology/with-time-running-short-stev e-jobs-managed-his-farewells.html?pagewanted=all)

Mr. Jobs had the foresight to prepare four years worth of new products that will come down the Apple pipeline.

The only problem is that while it seems like he prepared for everything, he didn’t prepare for his death.

He is quoted as saying, “No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/oct/06/steve-jobs-the-best-trib utes)

I am afraid Mr. Jobs was wrong again. There are plenty of people who want to die. Paul said in Philippians 1:21
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die isgain.”
I can’t wait to die! Dreams come true on that day!! Do you feel that way? While it’s natural to want to live your life here on earth, aren’t you at least a little excited about the last breath that you’ll take? If you are not, examine yourself to make sure you are of the faith. Born again people have nothing to fear in death—they have the joy of finally getting to see Jesus awaiting them!

Sadly, Mr. Jobs was just another wasted life. His life and his death had no eternal value. God graciously allows certain people to have a slow death, so that they can repent of their sins and get right with Him before they die. The good news is that I do know of a man who witnessed to Steve Jobs! He was an Apple employee who took the necessary time to share with him about Jesus Christ. But because of Steve’s rejection of Jesus Christ, there is a big problem:

John 3:36
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
“…salvation is freely offered to some while others are barred from access to it.” (John Calvin, Institutes of Christian Religion, Book 3, Chapter 21, Paragraph 1)

No, Mr. Calvin was wrong. Salvation was offered to Mr. Jobs, and he had the total ability to accept it or the total ability to reject it. His rejection of what Jesus Christ did for him when He died on the cross at Calvary had consequences for him on planet earth, and now will have eternal consequences as well.

Apple’s logo is an apple with a bite out of it. Ironically, the thing that Eve did is the same thing Mr. Jobs did. They both rebelled against God. And there will always be consequences for that.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Hello Jesus Welcome To My Site

djdriveupbakeshop.weebly.com  << Please take a minute to check out the website  and a chance to win an 11x14 autographed photograph sent to you and no costs just for your time and effort
Thanks ~Dave

hello Jesus and welcome here to my place which I have called HEAVENBOUNDX777. Jesus says: Thank you. Its my pleasure because "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I will surely be there".


DAVE SAY`S : Thank you. Now lets go on to the main part of the interview.

Jesus says: Yes, go on..

DAVE SAY`S : Is it true that you are the only way, the truth and the life?

Jesus says: Yes you are right. "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one cometh to my father except through me. I and my father are one."

DAVE SAY`S : From when did you exist? When were you born?

Jesus says: I AM before the world existed. I was there when the Father created this whole world. I am the first and the last. The Alpha and the Omega. The Beginning and the End.

DAVE SAY`S : Where are you now?

Jesus says: I am right now sitting at the right hand of God, the father. (in heaven)

DAVE SAY`S : What are you doing there?

Jesus says: I am interceding with the Father for you. Each time you commit a sin, I intercede with the father to forgive you.

DAVE SAY`S : Oh that`s so kind of you. Do you forgive me every time I sin?

Jesus says: Yes, I came into this world to save sinners. I shed my blood for the remission of your sins. If you confess your sins I am always faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. But that doesn't mean you can keep on sinning.

DAVE SAY`S : Ya, I understand.. But most of the time, I commit the sin without my own wish. Can you help me ?

Jesus says: Sure, I am always with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you.

DAVE SAY`S : I know that you get hurt when your children fall into sin. But somehow I fall into sin even though I do not want to.

Jesus says: Yield not to temptation for yielding is sin, each victory will help you some other to win. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

DAVE SAY`S : Are you the saviour of this world?

Jesus says: Yes, I saved this world from the clutches of the devil by sacrificing my life on the cross at Calvary.

DAVE SAY`S : Why did you have to die? Was there not any other way?

Jesus says: No. The only way to save mankind was through the shedding of spotless blood i.e. blood without no sin. Since all mankind have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, I had to come to the earth and sacrifice my life.

DAVE SAY`S : Thank you Jesus for sacrificing your life. Did you sacrifice your life only for Christians ?

Jesus says: No. I shed my blood for all mankind. Whoever believes in me shall never perish but have everlasting life.

DAVE SAY`S : So what should I do to reach Heaven?

Jesus says: You have to only believe that I died for you and rose up on the third day. You should confess with your mouth that I am the Lord, the only way, the truth, and the life and then confess your sins. That's all. For without faith it is impossible to please God.

DAVE SAY`S : Then what about reading the bible and praying?

Jesus says: Yes, that is also needed but that cannot save you and bring you to heaven. The Bible is my word. You have to read it, believe it and claim the promises, for me to bless you. Prayer is talking to me. You can tell me all your worries and problems.

DAVE SAY`S : Thank you very much Jesus for spending your precious time WITH me at my heart felt place of poetry,

Jesus says: Welcome. I am sure that your poetry, Dave's heart felt place will be a great blessing to all the members and the readers.

thank-you Jesus love your son
Dave.http://metrophotochallenge.ca/ca2011/view/bf50/Can_you_spot_the_Dove_in_the_Wave_here


Thank you also  Jesus  for this photo you gave me on Easter Sunday April 24/2011 I know this was a true blessing from you as i prayed for you to show me something through my camera lens and you did Father This Photo
thank you Jesus
your son Dave


In this day there is real and lasting treasure. Somewhere in the circumstances, the people, the moments, the experiences of today there is a unique and valuable gem that can bring much richness to your life.
If you set out with the goal of just getting through today, you'll likely pass that treasure by without even seeing it. If you spend your energy on anger, envy, worry or gloominess, your eyes will be blinded to the goodness and value that could otherwise be yours.

For today is a day when you can make positive, creative and beautiful things happen, if you will. Today is a day when you can add much meaning and substance to your world, if you choose.

Like precious diamonds that are hidden beneath the ground, the most valuable treasures of this day are not immediately evident. Yet the more love, creativity and effort you put into life on this day, the more real value you will uncover.

The most valuable treasures won't be found in those things from which you attempt to take. The real treasures will be in those things to which you give the best of who you are.

Choose now to do more than simply get through this day. Choose to discover and to live its richest treasures.

~ Dave. Lahn

Monday, June 27, 2011

Man says God sent him to break into home

FIRST OF ALL JESUS WOULD NEVER EVER SEND SOMEBODY TO COMMIT AN IILEGAL ACT OF ANY KIND JESUS IS ONLY LOVE


Man says God sent him to break into home







26/06/2011 8:36:00 PM






by Nevil Hunt


A Connecticut man says God gave him the go-ahead to break into an unoccupied home. Once inside, he smashed up some furniture and took a shower. It's the kind of story that makes us all feel thankful we're not part of the twisted script.










History tells us that God works in mysterious ways. And that people sometimes mistake their own mental issues for divine guidance.


When Levon Sarkisyan followed what he believed were God's orders, he broke into an unoccupied home in West Hartford, Connecticut. He destroyed statues and a table, then took a shower before putting on a deceased person's clothes.






Sarkisyan faces burglary and mischief charges and has already been released on bail.






While $10,000 in property damage is a problem, we can be thankful no one was hurt.






It's the kind of news story that people get a laugh out of. It makes us all feel a little more normal when we're presented with a case of not-normal-at-all. But delusional behaviour can provide some very unhappy endings.






In 2006, a woman in San Francisco killed her three young sons because God told her to sacrifice them. She was later diagnosed as a diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic with delusional thought disorder.






Here in Canada, a Manitoba man was sent to jail in 2003 after testifying that he was ordered by aliens or God to have sex with his 13-year-old daughter. He suffered from a psychotic or a personality disorder, and one document presented in court said he thought he was the Messiah.






Unlike the smashed statue case in Connecticut, there's no humour to be found in either of those cases. But the basic plot is the same: person hears voices, believes them to be authoritative, and acts.






Maybe we should teach people that if God ever speaks to them personally, they should let their family doctor know. Part of demystifying mental health issues is talking about them. Talking about hearing voices isn't a happy topic, but we can't predict who may suffer from these delusions, so better to make sure everyone is aware that there is help available.






People need to hear – loud and clear – that hearing voices is a symptom of an illness we know how to treat. Rarely does the affected person become violent, but nonetheless, they need help to return to reality.






Instead, what we all absorb are stories like Sarkisyan's; news articles that tell us that delusional people are funny and that the justice system will sort them out. That's not a good way to encourage others to self-identify when they feel compelled to act out.






In Sarkisyan's case, there are details about his past behaviour that make it clear he has continuing problems that have not been treated. In 2008 he threatened members of a university fraternity and was convicted of breach of the peace and trespassing.






The Connecticut story doesn't involve a death, but the courts have obviously not fixed the problems of one of the state's citizens. Instead of making us smile, Sarkisyan's story should remind us that mental issues deserve real treatment, not a trip to court.






Should delusional people be hauled off to jail when they break the law? Who should be responsible for ensuring those who need treatment receive it?

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Sunday, October 24, 2010

                                                                         

Walking in the Holy Spirit





Memory Verse: Galatians 5:16




I. Introduction: Many believers go their entire Christian lives and never understand the necessity the Holy Spirit’s presence and work. Yet, apart from the Holy Spirit, you and I simply cannot lead godly lives. It is His grace that empowers us to resist sin and obey the Father. The Spirit helps us interpret Scripture and fellowship with the Lord. Without Him, no one can have a genuinely fruitful and victorious Christian life.




II. Who is the Holy Spirit?


A. A member of the Trinity (Matt. 28:19; Acts 5:3-4)


B. Creator (Gen. 1:2, 26; Job 33:4)


C. A Person, not an impersonal force (John 14:16-17, 26)




III. What does the Holy Spirit do in our lives?


A. Teaches and reminds us of what we’ve learned (John 14:26)




B. Seeks to testify about Jesus rather than Himself (John 15:26)


C. Convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-13)




D. Guides us into all truth (John 16:13)


E. Glorifies Christ (John 16:14)


F. Dwells within every believer (Rom. 8:11)


G. Reveals the Lord’s plans for us (Rom. 8:14)


H. Assures us that we are children of God (Rom. 8:15-16)


I. Equips us with spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:4, 7-8)


J. Gives power, especially for evangelism (Acts 1:7-8)


K. Intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26)


L. Seals our salvation (Eph. 1:13)


VI. What does it mean to walk in the Spirit?




A. This phrase means to live each moment dependent on the Holy Spirit, sensitive to His voice, and obedient to Him.




B. When the Spirit speaks to your heart, obey immediately. Delayed obedience is disobedience.


C. Sometimes it will become clear why the Holy Spirit directs us one way and not another. Other times, we may never know why. However, the wise man or woman will obey the Spirit’s voice—He knows all things, including the future, and His guidance is always for our benefit.


VII. How can we win the spiritual battle?


A. The Holy Spirit will equip us to live godly lives if we focus on Him. Romans 8:5 says, “For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”




B. Believers have three enemies: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. The Devil can’t make God’s children do anything. He can tempt us and will certainly try to do so. But we can resist sin by allowing the Spirit’s power to work through us.


C. The spiritual battle takes place on two fronts: in our minds and in our behavior. The mind governs how we speak, act, and handle different situations. If we lose the battle on one front, we will also lose it on the other.




D. We must set our minds on obedience to God. Then we can win the battle against sin. The Spirit will speak to our hearts to warn us when we have stumbled into something wrong. At that moment, we must choose to obey.


E. Scripture refers to the importance of being mentally prepared for spiritual battle. First Peter 1:13 says, “Prepare your minds for action,” and Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”


G. Setting our minds on spiritual things must be done on a daily basis. Each morning, I surrender to God and ask Him to give me strength and guidance for the day.


E. Apart from Him, we are inadequate to do anything of real value. With Him, we can experience spiritual victory, no matter how weak or unimportant we feel.


VIII. Conclusion: Do you want to live with real peace, contentment, and joy in life? Do you want to have the power to overcome temptation and persevere through adversity? This kind of victorious living is found only through total surrender and obedience to the Holy Spirit. Set your mind on the things of God, and trust the indwelling Spirit to guide, enable, and empower you to obey His voice. When we remain sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance, depend upon Him totally, and obey, we experience life at its very best.
IN HIS SERVICE
DAVE

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Hi family and friends..



Good Morning..


Each of you are precious in God's sight...


You are created in His image.


Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."


God made you special.


You are an original, an individual, a masterpiece, one of a kind~


Designed to Glorify God as only as you can.




Celebrate that!


If Jesus Christ is your Savior...


You are the child of the Most High God, hand picked by Jesus.


He said


John 15:16"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."


He created you so that many hearts could be won for HIS Kingdom!


Be all that God's called you to be.


No one can do what you are called to do,


Keep serving the Lord faithfully.


You are a blessing.


He has good plans for each of you His children.


Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."


Don't fear trials and difficult situations.


They are permitted by God sometimes to build you up and refine you.


Malachi 3:3 "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver."


Zechariah 13:9 "...I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' "


"When you feel God is rubbing you against the rocks don't think you'll be rubbed down to dust.


It's just HIS way of polishing a gem..."


Stay precious..


In his service
god-bless
Dave


                                                                  

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Press on...and don't give up!






Hello To All


Press on...and don't give up!

Philippians 3:12,

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."

You are a winner..

You are a champion...

You have an 'Overcomer' (JESUS) live in you,

The kingdom of God is within you..

You are destined to win.

Hold on to what is yours & keep moving..just don't quit....

Forget past mistakes, failures, losses & move on.

Lay your burdens at the feet of JESUS.

He'll carry you through difficult times.

God did not make us to pull over and wait for the storm to pass by but wants to see us drive through the storm.

"Trusting God may not make the mountain smaller but sure will make the climbing easier."

So when the going gets tough, choose to believe, the one who called you is faithful.

Jesus holds your hand and He will never leave you or forsake you.

Someone said..

"Troubles are like a washing machine.They twist, turn & knock us around but in the end we come out cleaner."

Even our God sometimes permits us to walk through fiery tests, not to burn us but refine us, so that we come out as gold!!

Have a blessed day..

I am about My Father's Business......

Trying to do my best..but can never really do anything without His help....

My Saviour's nail pierced hands guides and leads me...

In His Service
Dave Lahn
God Bless All

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

word for the day


Tuesday 10/19/2010


Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

may god bless you all this day
Dave

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Mark of the Christian





By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.


John 13:35


Recommended Reading


1 John 4:20-21




External marks of identification are accepted in our culture. If you work in a company, you may wear an I.D. badge. If you live in a gated community, you may need a windshield sticker to gain access. If you want to check your child in or out of a nursery at church or preschool, you will probably need a picture ID card. And, reprehensibly, if you were interred in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany, your prisoner number was tattooed into your skin.




I.D. marks and badges are so common today that it will likely be no surprise when the coming Antichrist requires every person on earth to receive a mark on his or her forehead or hand signifying their allegiance to him--and thereby, their right to buy and sell in the marketplace. Christians, on the other hand, have an ancient mark instituted by Christ Himself: love for one another. He said the world will know who is His disciple by the presence (or absence) of love. The Antichrist's disciples will be identified by a bodily mark of some sort, while Christ's disciples will be (and should be today) identified by their love for one another.


The question for every Christian is, "How plain is Christ's mark in your life? How obvious is it that you belong to Him?"

may our father our lord jesus christ keep you always
Dave

Elder abuse is a serious problem, and it is happening in communities across Canada. Learn the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and how to protect yourself.




No one should ever be pressured, forced or tricked into giving money — even to loved ones. If someone you trust is taking advantage of you, help is out there. Learn the signs of financial abuse to protect yourself and the people you love.
Elder Abue, It is Time to Face the  Reality

 




To find out more from the Government of Canada about preventing elder abuse, visit www.seniors.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) TTY: 1-800-926-9105

Osama bin Laden

Osama bin Laden is hiding in northwest Pakistan.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Thirst for the living waters




Sometimes, however, for various reasons, our sense of thirst may fail us. And when that happens, individuals may become sick or even die from dehydration. At other times, people may thirst, but seek to satisfy their thirst with impure water that either slowly or quickly produces disease and death.



The Spirit of God is analogous to water (John 7:37-39).



On the last day of the Feast, Jesus said: “If anyone thirsts.” Israel thirsted in the wilderness for water. And God supplied their need, intervening miraculously to turn bitter waters into sweet, and causing water to gush forth from barren rock. Though God mercifully supplied them with physical water to keep them alive, they couldn’t see beyond that to their need for the living water of God’s Spirit. They thirsted for water to fulfill their fleshly needs, but they did not thirst for God.




Chances are, you experience thirst every day. Every time you think about a glass of cool water, you ought to think about how that illustrates your need for God’s Spirit. Think about the fact that as much as you need clear and pure life-sustaining water, you need God even more, because the living water that He offers is the source not just of physical life, but of life for all eternity.




If one has the right relationship with God, he will thirst for Him, for His righteousness, for His presence in one’s life. David had that kind of relationship with God (Psalm 63:1). David thirsted for God because he had developed a relationship with God. He studied the Scriptures, meditated on God’s law, and prayed to God daily. When in trouble, he went to God for refuge. When blessed, he gave God thanks. He walked with and talked with God. God was in His thoughts continually. And so he thirsted for God as in a dry and thirsty land, as in a spiritual wilderness, in which he was.




We’re all in a spiritual wilderness. Whether we know it or not, we need God’s guidance, His protection, His assurance, His comfort, His faith, His love, His hope and confidence, His strength, His righteousness. We need His Spirit dwelling in us and the fellowship with Him that results. We need the life that only He can give us – eternal life, God life. God tells us that if we thirst, and if we come to Jesus Christ to be satisfied, He will give us freely of the water of life, abundantly; all that we need (Revelation 22:17).




We need to make sure that our sense of thirst, spiritually speaking, is well developed. Like David, we need to seek God. We need to put God first, making sure we study God’s word daily. Make sure you pray every morning. Pray at night and at other times during the day as well. Take your concerns, your cares, and your needs to God. Give God thanks; pray for the needs of others. Develop your relationship with God, and you’ll find that you begin to have the thirst for Him that David had.




When the vast multitudes of Israel and all of mankind are resurrected at the time of the Great White Throne Judgment, God is going to offer them the water of life freely. It’s what He’s offering to us, now. How thirsty are you for God, for His Spirit, for life? If you’re thirsty, you’ll be satisfied. If you’re not very thirsty, you need to work harder at seeking a closer relationship with God, so you can take full advantage of the abundant life that He has to offer!

MAY JESUS BLESS YOU ALWAYS
DAVE

Monday, October 11, 2010

Preparation for Spiritual Warfare

Preparation for Spiritual Warfare
EPHESIANS 6:10-13

Believers are caught in a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness, but the Lord has provided everything we need to stand firm against the forces of evil. Why, then, do Christians fail so often and give in to temptation and sin? I think there are a number of reasons.



We are unaware of the battle. Even if we know about spiritual warfare, during everyday life, it's easy to forget an invisible war is raging around us. Our inattention makes us prime candidates for an attack.


We are ignorant about the Enemy. Satan is free to bombard us with one scheme after another when we don't recognize his tactics or understand his goals.



We are untrained for warfare. Believers are soldiers whether they want to be or not. God's Word is the training manual that gives instruction for discerning deception, resisting temptation, standing firm in faith, and walking in integrity.




We allow Satan a foothold. The primary battleground for Christians is the mind. If we begin to listen to the Tempter and consider the benefits of his suggestions, he will gain a foothold into our thoughts, feelings, and desires. Left unchecked, the foothold will become a stronghold, and we'll soon find ourselves mired in sin.



The time to prepare for warfare is now. You cannot afford to be complacent and unaware of your Enemy, or you will quickly become his victim. Begin filling your mind with God's Word, and obediently listen to the Spirit's inner warnings. That's the way to experience the joy of victory in Christ.