THE SEED CARRIES THE 'PROGRAMME'

Those who plant apple seeds should expect to harvest apples! 

Another way to put it is - When a man sows apple seeds he cannot expect to harvest mangoes. 

The seed is 'programmed' to produce an apple tree and therefore will produce only apples!

The same understanding applies when we sow 'spiritual' seeds:

GALATIANS 6: 7-9 (KJV) 
7: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8: For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 
Everything that you do has repercussions. It comes back to you one way or another. You cannot escape the consequences of your actions. What you do comes back to you and you will surely see the long-term effects of your actions. Your actions all have consequences. Don't ever be fooled into thinking that your actions don't have consequences. Don't think you can get away with bad choices even if you don't seem to get caught. Remember verse seven tells us that God cannot be mocked. He sees it all. 

You reap what you sow.

Watch the way you live your life because you reap what you sow.
We sow in one season, we reap in another.
Sow a thought you reap an act. Sow an act, you reap a habit. Sow a habit, you reap a character. Sow a character, you reap a consequence.

THE RETURN OF THE SPIRIT

It has been a year and a half since i experienced the deliverance (by a Man of God) of a young girl, who was being tormented by an evil spirit. The other day, i bumped into her at a birthday party. She was looking absolutely gorgeous in a black dress with a huge black crystal pendant dangling from a gold chain and a double bracelet of white crystals interrupted with blue stones.

After all the niceties were exchange, i asked her about the crystals. She explained that the black crystal was to attract all negative energy away from her body and, the white crystals were to attract only people with positive energy toward her. The blue stones were her prescribed birth stones. She went on and on about how she was now a 'Hypno-Therapist' and a 'crystal healer' and how she could even heal cancer patients! She was full of herself and gloated about her new powers.

At one point in our conversation, she even asked me this ridiculous question: "What percentage of you is present inside your body right now?"

I answered "100 percent!" (... and there was no further comment on that!!!)

I asked the Lord what i should say to her and He brought to mind the following scripture:

Matthew 12:43. "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.

44 "Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.

45 "Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation."

  (The Lord Jesus speaks about an unclean spirit who,after being cast out of a man, travels through water-less places, seeking rest. So this evil spirit, having wandered for some time, decides that he will go back to where he came from in order to find some rest). 

I was very tempted to look straight into her eyes and ask, " HAVE YOU RETURNED BY ANY CHANCE?" But then i was concerned that she would start manifesting right there at the party! All i said to her before i left the party hall was: 

"ALL YOU NEED IS THE LIVING HEALER. READ THE WORD AND HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. YOU DO NOT NEED THE TOOLS OF THE DEVIL TO HEAL!"

The answer i got from her was, " What i am doing is not against my Catholic beliefs. It is harmless".

(Let us not forget to keep this young girl in prayer after you read the above article. Looks like another deliverance effort is in order in the near future!)

VINAY ON 'TRANSFORMATION'

My dear friend Vinay from Bangalore sent me an email this morning. What follows is unedited :

One who is truly a disciple is not of the world. - Jn. 17:16

Is God’s power leading you to more & more holiness in your life? 

It's not just about being 'good' and fulfilling duties .. but transforming your life as well. God's glory is manifest in a true Christian.

Is your life getting transformed into the likeness of Jesus?

Greater heights of maturity, deeper prayer life and holiness. Is this there in your life? Have you allowed Him to continue a good work which He has started at the time of your baptism & conversion?

To the extent that he freely cooperates, man’s thoughts and affections, mentality and conduct are slowly purified and transformed, on a journey that is never completely finished in this life. - Pope Benedict

Holiness is not measured by outward activity, external mission or even about sinlessness or being good.

It is an interior disposition of the heart towards God, reflecting in deeper prayer & higher levels of self denial and detachment.

The call to holiness is universal. 

Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.   (from Heb. 12:14)

The bottom line question is:

As time is passing by, are you becoming less & less like the world and more and more like Christ?

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!

 I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.

- Jeremiah 17:10 

My dear friend Errol sent me the above scripture via email without a subject line to forewarn me! ...And so the power of the scripture hit me full in the face!

Just a couple of days ago, he had asked me the following:

'Why does a man who has decided to fast 40 days, patiently keeps his fast each day to the second but, on any other day, when he comes home famished, loses his patience if his wife has delayed in cooking his meal?'

(Probably, that hour would have counted as a more acceptable sacrifice than the 40 days of fasting!)

A GREAT LESSON TO LEARN ....WOULDN'T YOU AGREE? 

YOU ARE VERY ACCOUNTABLE TO GOD!

(Notes taken from Dr. Charles Stanley's message)

Accountability means we are answerable to others, and we should accept this responsibility as a gift from God. Not only does it provide a system of checks and balances that protect us from harm, but it also gives us unique opportunities to share our lives with others and encourage them.

Accountability is absolutely necessary in every aspect of our life, starting with relationships in our family and among fellow believers. However, we must also hold others in society responsible for what they do, whether they are in the church, the schools, or the government. These are serious days for our nation and world, and as believers, we are charged with defending the faith and proclaiming the gospel of salvation—the only true path to freedom from sin and death. We know the truth, so we cannot keep silent about it. Rather, we're accountable to declare the truth as passionately, effectively, and fearlessly as we can.

Recommended scriptures:

 -Adam and Eve—Genesis 3:8-19
- Samuel and Saul—1 Samuel 13:8-14
- Nathan and David—2 Samuel 12:1-14
 -Jesus and Peter—Matthew 16:21-23

What happens without accountability?

 -We cannot do our best. 
 -Our resources may be wasted. 
- Spiritual growth will be hampered. 
- There will be divisions in our most important relationships.
 -We will miss opportunities, privileges, promotions, and rewards. 
- Others may feel free to take advantage of us.

Why do people resist accountability?

- Rebelliousness
- Slothfulness
- Fear of loss
 -Untrustworthiness
- Pride

Why is accountability important for our lives?

Knowing that someone will ask about our conduct motivates us to do our best and encourages us to be good stewards of our time, talents, and resources. 

 When we're answerable to others, we are positioned for promotion. As those in authority review our work, they realize our potential.

 Accountability inspires and protects us and those we're closest to, which makes our relationships even stronger. 

We must regularly face the truth about our attitudes and actions, and examine whether we are staying in the center of God's will. 

 Being responsible to the Lord and others challenges us to maintain high standards, godly convictions, a transparent heart, and a trustworthy character.

Parents should talk daily to their children about the things of the Lord (Deut. 6:7).

Though our sins have been forgiven, we will still face consequences for the choices we make (Matt. 25:14-30). This can be seen vividly through Jesus' parable of the talents. The Lord gives us gifts, skills, resources, and talents, and we are responsible to use them in ways that honor Him. If we fail to do so, we forfeit our rewards in heaven.

As believers, we are accountable to God not only for the course of your country, but for the path we take in our lives. Therefore, we must live in a manner that not only glorifies the Father and edifies others but also preserves and protects the sacred values we hold dear.

Know that our liberty in Christ does not give us the right to indulge in sin!

NO ARMS, NO LEGS, NO WORRIES!

NICK VUJICIC writes on Facebook:

Friends, I have an incredible story to share about a family I met in Kuala Lumpur.

When they heard I would be speaking in Kuala Lumpur, they drove seven hours to come try and meet me, only to arrive and find the speaking event was already filled. After patiently waiting more than 4 hours for us to leave the venue, they managed to track down which van I was in. That in itself was no easy task, as there was quite a bit of commotion exiting the event, and our convoy was made up of three different vans which carry the team and our gear. 

They followed behind us, planning on saying hello whenever we reached our destination. When we stopped for fuel, they came running out of their car. Our host, Joshua, saw them coming up to the van and said to me, "Wow, you'll never believe what I'm seeing. There's a family with a girl who has no arms and no legs, and they're coming to see you."

We all immediately recognized that moment as a divine appointment.

Her mother was crying, her father's face face shining with joy. My heart was so drawn to them, even after chatting for just a short while. After a few hugs and kisses, and praying together, I invited them back to our hotel for a meal and some fellowship. There I learned that her nickname is actually Nik, her father is a doctor, and her mother is nurse. Like my own family, they had no idea Nik would be without limbs until she was born. We had a great discussion over dinner, and I look forward to keeping in touch and encouraging them as much as possible in the future.

It's meetings like these that remind me how love can bring together some of the most diverse people. I love that love knows no bounds.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
-1 Corinthians 13:13
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For those who would like to know who NICK is, you MUST WATCH THIS VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOzsjEmjjHs

HELL IS FULL OF BELIEVERS!

LUKE 16:19-31: Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’“But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’“Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’“But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’“The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’“But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.”

Surely every 'unbeliever' who goes to hell is transformed into a 'believer' in hell? 
NEED I SAY MORE?

LIVING THREE LIVES?

After much procrastination, i decided to meet my dear friend and brother in Christ yesterday afternoon. I met Paleri at about lunchtime hoping he would accept my invitation to lunch with me but then we decided not to go out as he was expecting someone who needed counsel (It is amazing just how many people he has counselled in that little bookstore! He has a God given ability to read into peoples' lives and counsel them purely from the Word of God).Our topic of discussion centered around the 'number of lives' people live when a Christian is called to live only one - The God kind of life - ZOE!

Being planted right in the center of the Trinity church compound, he observes hundreds of people and from the words they speak, surmises that most Christians lead three lives -

Life at Home

Life in the workplace

Life in the Church

Life at Home: Christianity makes a home — a Heaven. A Christian home where all is love and tenderness and devotion — is the sweetest and most sacred spot on earth. A home where Christianity is crowned a queen in every heart — is an Eden. The heart of God is filled with delight as he looks down upon such a home. His presence dwells there and causes this home to be a beautiful oasis in this wilderness world of sin. Alas, that such homes are so few! Sin destroys the happiness of man and makes many a home a hotbed of contention, strife, and confusion! Jesus came to put away sin and establish "on earth peace, good will toward men."

Life in the workplace:  PeterWagner warns that although there are several opportunities for Christians to stand out in the workplace, it’s important that it’s not done in weird ways ...

• Do you fake happiness even when you are sad about something?
• Have you ever shared a personal concern with a co-worker?
• Have you openly spoken about how God helped you during a tough time?
• Do your actions at work reflect your Christian principles?
• Are you pursing excellence, as working for the Lord, not for men?
• Do you have a vision for your workplace?

 “Learn how to draw the line. There are times to cut some slack and allow the system to operate. But you have to adapt before you have a chance to change them. Otherwise you isolate, and hide in a cubical with Bible verses pinned to your wall.”

Life in the church: Unfortunately, one obstacle to the acceptance of Christianity that is often raised is provided by Christians themselves. Phrased in many ways, the core of the objection is, "If Christianity is true, why are there hypocrites in the church?" In other words, if Christianity is really supposed to change people, then why do some who profess to believe in Jesus set such bad examples?

We are all called to live a true Christian Life... Why?

Del Tackett (President. Focus Leadership Institute) in his 'Truth Project' summarizes it beautifully:

1. Living from a Christian viewpoint means that what you do aligns with what is true, and the Scriptures are the ultimate authority on Truth.
2. God's Truth lays a design for every area of life. Whether for economics, history, politics, family or church, God has given us a design, governed by His nature and Truth, that we are to follow. When we follow His design, we can discern what is good and right and holy. When we don't, suffering and immorality result.
3. The process of transformation occurs through the renewing of our mind, and in that process we learn to discern between good and evil. As Romans 12:2 tells us, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will."

TRUST HIM FOR EVERYTHING!

It is a few days since i returned from my European trip and spiritually, the trip has been a great blessing to me!

When i decided to register our new firm DIASQUARE - Architects and Interior Design Consultants, i was mentally prepared not to have a vacation this year as i knew it would be a great stretch on my finances. But then God had a different plan for me! (After all His ways are not my ways huh?). Leroy won the 'Art Solidaire' painting competition and was given free tickets and an all expenses paid 2 weeks in Cap D'Ail (Monaco)! Of course he would not travel alone since he had never traveled unaccompanied and so, Lorine pushed me to accompany him.

Whilst i had no choice but to go, i promised the Lord that i would open the brand new 'Thomson Chain Reference Bible' and dedicate some time to study God's word whilst on the trip and to minister to anyone who the Lord lead me to. Staying alone in a foreign land with my 'un peu French' was not very easy but the Lord's hand was felt everywhere. His great provision was experienced in my finances, health as well as great company that came to me in miraculous ways!

I cried out to the Lord when Leroy began to feel homesick the very first day and ran a fever. By the next day, he felt so much at home that for the whole week he never felt the need to bother me with his text messages, telling me to get him out of the CMEF (Centre Mediterranean D' etude Francaise).

I cried out to the Lord in loneliness and miraculously He sent me great company in the form of my Norwegian friend, John, who had  rented a Mini Cooper. We drove together along the scenic route and even explored the medieval village of Eze together. We chatted at length about the Bible and was astonished to learn at the end of the trip that his father was a Pastor in Norway!

I cried out to the Lord when i overshot my hotel budget and He led me to another Hotel (Hotel Miramar) that not only had huge rooms and A/C, but was given to me for almost half the price of Hotel Normandy! (And to think that all along, it was just next to it!).

I cried out to the Lord for affordable entertainment and he led me to the 3 day FREE Jazz Festival that was taking place just down the hill from where i lived.

I cried out to the Lord when my back pack with our passports and money remained on a public bus and i was able to catch up with the bus since there was a long line of tourists who delayed the driver as he sold each one a ticket! If i had not retrieved the bag, by the time the police would trace the bus, we would have missed our EasyJet connection that day and lost a lot of money and time! (There is no refund for no-shows! + we would have had to book a hotel for the night )

I cried out to the Lord that i just could not afford to extend my stay in France (Leroy refused to complete the second week in CMEF since his room mates had finished their course and were leaving) and He made it possible for me to take Leroy to Switzerland with me. What a great decision it turned out to be since he was exposed to a great number of art museums and various cultures across the border (Germany and France once again!). Not just that, but we could fly direct to Dubai from Zurich in business class on Emirates Airlines. As booked earliert, we would have had to go back to Nice on Easy jet, stay one night and travel on Air France (Which also meant getting onto another plane in Paris for Dubai!). We not only saved the frustration of travelling in so many planes but also saved our time and money! ( Lorine works for Emirates and managed to get us free tickets!)

So you see how God worked in wondrous ways in our lives?

Proverbs 3: 5,6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

THE ULTIMATE RESUME!

                          

   Name: Jesus Christ

   Address: Ephesians 1:20

   Phone: Romans 10:13

   My name is Jesus -The Christ.  Many call me Lord!  I've

   sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management

   position in your heart.  Please consider my accomplishments

   as set forth in my resume.

  Qualifications:

*  I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs

   3:19)

*  I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)

*  I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)

*  I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians

   3:13)

*  The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life

   through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

  Occupational Background:

*  I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).  

*  I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or

   disrespectful.

*  My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See

   Matthew 3:15-17)

  Skills Work Experiences:

*  Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering

   the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting

   the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind

   and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).

*  I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who

   listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See

   Proverbs 1:33).

*  Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to

   cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

  Educational Background:

*  I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom

   and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).

*  In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,

   (See Colossians 2:3).

*  My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp

   unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).

*  I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms

   44:21).

  Major Accomplishments:

*  I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all

   times, (See Genesis 1:26).

*  I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).

*  I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show

   of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).

*  I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the

   dead!

*  There are many more major accomplishments, too many to

   mention here. You can read them on my website, which is

   located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet

   connection or computer to access my website.

  References:

*  Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine

   healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and

   supernatural guidance

  In Summation:

   Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only

   candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart.

   In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Prov 3:5-6),

   and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I

   start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).

 (Author: Anon)

................................................................................................................

   NOW MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF, AND OUR

   GOD AND FATHER, WHO HAS LOVED US AND GIVEN US

   EVERLASTING CONSOLATION AND GOOD HOPE BY GRACE,

   COMFORT YOUR HEART AND ESTABLISH YOU IN EVERY

   GOOD WORD AND WORK. Amen. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 )