April 29, 2010

Ministry in Word

Things Unshaken – Part 3
那不被震动的 – 第三篇



Hebrews 12:26-28 (NKJV)
希伯來書12:26-28

but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace,

by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

当时他的声音震动了地,但如今他应许说:再一次我不单要震动地,还要震动天。这再一次的话,是指明被震动的,就是受造之物都要挪去,使那不被震动的常存。所以我们既得了不能震动的国,就当感恩,照神所喜悦的,用虔诚、敬畏的心事奉神。



Last week we examined 2 of the 10 aspects of receiving the unshakable kingdom that will remain. Now we continue with the next two.

上周我们察看了我们领受那不被震动,常存的这国十个方面之二方面。现在我们要看下两方面。



3. BY RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALL

三、 透过回应神的呼召

Again, how do we receive the kingdom? We receive it by responding to God’s call into His kingdom. Apostle Paul told the church at Thessalonica that it was “God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” (1 Th 2:12) The salvation and the kingdom is a gift from Jesus to a person. The person is made aware of the gift by the Holy Spirit by convicting him of his sin and of Jesus as the only means to redemption of his soul. This call is an invitation for him to receive the kingdom. He must respond to the call by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to be saved.

那麽我们怎样领受国度呢?我们要以回应神呼召我们进入他的国来领受。使徒保罗告诉帖撒罗弥迦的教会那是「召你们进他国、得他荣耀的神。」〔帖前2:12〕拯救和国是耶稣给人的一个礼物。圣灵使这个人知罪和知道耶稣是他灵魂得救的唯一办法,这样就使他察觉到这件礼物。这个呼召是叫他领受国度的邀请。他一定要以接受耶稣基督为救主与主来回应这呼召以致得救。



Is the Holy Spirit making us aware of His call to repentance and salvation today? If so, we must not miss the opportunity to get right with God.

圣灵是否今天让我们查觉到他呼召我们来悔改和得救呢?如果是,我们一定不要

错过与神和好的机会。



4. BY REPENTING OF OUR SINS
四、 透过悔改我们的罪

When Jesus began His ministry on earth, He proclaimed the good news of God, saying,
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mk 1:15) Another aspect of receiving the kingdom is to repent and believe in the gospel. This is the proper response to God’s call for us to receive the kingdom. Repentance means an about face turn from our sins. Believing in the gospel is believing that we are sinners and Jesus is the Son of God who came into the world to die for our sin to redeem us and give us the believers eternal life.

当耶稣开始他在地上的事工时,他宣扬神的福音,说:「日期满了,神的国近了。你们当悔改,信福音!」〔可1:15〕领受国度的另一方面就是悔改,信福音。这是对神要我们领受国度的呼召的适当回应。悔改的意思就是从我们的罪中向後转。信福音就是相信我们是罪人和耶稣就是神的儿子来到世上为我们的罪死,来救赎我们和给我们这些信徒永恒的生命。



Today we should ask ourselves if we have repented and believed in the gospel, to be certain that we receive the unshakable kingdom.

今天我们应该自问我们曾否悔改和信福音,来肯定我们领受那不被震动的国。



To be continued next week.
下周待续。


If the Holy Spirit is calling us to receive His kingdom, may we respond immediately without hesitation. May we turn around from our sins and turn toward His Son Jesus to be saved.

如果圣灵在呼召我们来领受他的国,愿我们不要犹豫,立刻回应。愿我们从我们的罪回转来朝向他的儿子耶稣以致得救。


Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀


“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效, 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1:9

Fear of Bridges...isn't That a Mind Thing?

Gephyrophobia: An abnormal and persistent fear of crossing bridges. Sufferers of this phobia experience undue anxiety even though they realize their fear is irrational. Their fear may result partly from the fear of enclosure (claustrophobia) or the fear of heights (acrophobia). Phobic drivers may worry about being in an accident in busy traffic or losing control of their vehicles. High bridges over waterways and gorges can be especially intimidating, as can be very long or very narrow bridges.

Fear of bridges is a relatively common phobia although most people with it do not know they have something called "gephyrophobia." However, the derivation of the word "gephyrophobia" is perfectly straightforward (if you know Greek); it is derived from the Greek words "gephyra" (bridge) and "phobos" (fear). - definition property of WebMD, LLC.

Yesterday we entered a new addition to our topic of our journey; bridges.  We were speaking of the mental land we are living in and coming to the bridge which allows safe travel to another place.  If you remember a few weeks ago when we were discussing view points.  We looked at how our thoughts are "things" which propel us into action.  This catalyst is powered and sustained through our determination.  The length and duration of the charge is determined by the purity of our faith.  Just like any pertol when it has debris or is inappropriately mixed there are side effects.

If our beliefs are to be pure, in order for us to  travel the distance as well as not break down, we must look through our thoughts and intentions. Hebrews 4:12 states "God's word judges a person's thoughts and intentions and that no creature can hide from God.  Everything is uncovered and exposed for Him to see.  We must answer to Him".

We are the engineer of the landscapes of our mind.  Do we build islands?  Do we construct bridges? Do we protect our land from harm? Our Bridge, we added yesterday, stated "we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up."

Christ said He did not come to judge, that we are to judge ourself.  This means that we are accountable for our own thoughts.  He opens the doors of opportunity through knowledge and experience, but He will not take away our right to choose for ourself.  He was very clear that is it our responsibility to get rid of what slows us down...especially sin the distracts us.  We have to make a decision and put some muscle to move in order to run the race and never give up!

There are times when we feel promted to speak truth which may go against the "grain of thought" of the masses, it tends to be a bit scarry for most of us. If I am going to be real honest with you, then I would have to admit that I have had many fearful thoughts which I allowed to stopped me in my tracks before I could even speak the truth. Does that mean I have gephyrophobia? I would like to say, "It's not so serious"; because, until now,  those thoughts had never reach beyond my own head.  The purpose of which is a think tank for creative collaboration, therefore not affecting me. However, in reality, those same things have held my physical body back from action before; isn't that the same outcome?

In one of the poems I wrote years ago God was trying to settle a few of my "bridges of fear".  He asked me some very pertinent questions which I lovingly ask you to write about for our next meeting.

 If today you are lonely, whom do you seek? Whose face are you after? Whose hope do you chase?

For anyone who is not yet part of one of our groups. I ask you to do this anyway. You can always e-mail, post a comment (anonymously if you feel better) or call us; we desire to welcome each of you right where you are!

I pray that we all know His love, because there is no fear in His love,
Kisses,
Candace

________________________________________________________________________________

The Mark

Press onward and move ahead,
Speed not important, no falter in step,
Make your mark (with my right hand),
Engrave your presence with truth in your touch,
The skill of your craft, beauty becomes their mark.

No force will oppose you and all evil must flee,
The thirsty will remain with you, all on bended knee.
My words will heal, and my presence will make them whole,
Then they will learn and ground will be gained,
The seeds will now sprout; their life may now begin.
Light the path as you are leaving, so they too may come,
There is more living to nurture all along the way.

Each person has a task, a plan, and a team,
We move where we are needed, focused on our task.
No job finds completion ’til the end of our days.
Rise up refreshed tomorrow to start again,
Grow with each experience, embracing the love you’ve touched.
Be happy in the knowledge that, truly, we are one,
And the one seed you planted maybe enjoyed by someone else.
You, too, will reap from the work of our Lord,
His love, although taken, will never return void.

If today you are lonely, whom do you seek?
Whose face are you after? Whose hope do you chase?

Our Lord is abundant and stands in your path,
To love you and heal you if you will simply call on his name,
Make request that he help you to understand your disgrace.
He speaks to your dilemmas and strips their power away,
So now you can withstand the length of your day.
He marks you for protection no matter what you face,
So firm you can stand and denounce all other fates.
One crippled, now walking; one mute, can finally speak,
The blind one now has vision; may there be nothing to stumble your gait.

Your ear now listening for the cries of your sheep,
You are there to Shepherd my precious little lambs.
Keep watch with my provision, it’s an all important task,
We will not lose one… No, not one will be harmed,
Because I love my father and his love dwells in me,
And you, through our Spirit, are obedient to me.

By Candace Huffmaster ©

April 28, 2010

Gephyrophobia, the Fear of Bridges

Hebrews 12:1 (GWTW) Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up.

We have looked at Hebrews 11 many times over the past year. Anyone that I have mentored over the past 5 years knows my deep gratitude for what God has shared with us through the faithful family history folded between the pages within the book of Hebrews. To paraphrase a few verses from chapter 11 as to not restate its entirety: I could keep talking about it because I seem not to be able to exhaust their faithful efforts or to tire of seeing the effect it has as it passes throughout generations. I too am enthralled with what I see on the horizon, desiring to keep the road behind and ahead well marked for others to follow”

So, today I desire to add a connecting piece to some of the perspectives we have been viewing. Between the verses in Chapter 11 and the verses in Chapter 12, which entwines all our topics on running the race, not being crushed and standing in the fullness of Christ, we have this beautiful verse of instruction. It is the bridge that connects these two continents of wisdom.

If Hebrews 12:1 is a bridge telling us we must get rid of everything that slows us down….especially sin that distracts us. We must look at the functionality of a bridge to put it in perspective.

Let’s think about what a bridge is utilized for, it is the intersecting point where we have to decide if we are going to take action. This action is movement, in the form of actually walking across to the other side. We have to decide it is time to walk away from the land of knowledge and facts. We must step out of the safety zone of the land from where we have been and actually walk across the bridge in faith that the land we have heard about will actually be there when we arrive.

Think about what is beneath that bridge. It must not have been an area that could be traveled without someone understanding what it took to safely be transported to the new land. Yet we did not see the engineer that built it. We have heard and seen others have made it. So we go… without hesitation.

We will be discussing this point by point for the next few weeks.

I pray that we will think about the land we are in asking for God’s perspective of the things we have seen; heard and experienced – looking unto Jesus…he is the author and finisher of our faith. To Him be all the glory always in all ways.

Kisses,
Candace

April 27, 2010

Faith is as the Wind...We Only See It As It Passes

Today we are revisiting one of our past conversations on view points.  I have copied it below so you do not have to search the archives.  In addition we are adding in Hebrews Chapter 11 where we have been discussing "By Faith".

Hebrews 11:3 (GWT) ...........this means what can be seen was made by something that could not be seen.

Our faith  is what cannot be seen.  We keep walking, we endure, we stand, we fight the good fight till we reach what God promises.  Through all this we gain the pieces to add to the view, this is called experience, strength, stamina.  Again, these gains are not able to be seen, only the growth of each of them displayed by us. 

I pray that we all are seen as the one's that do not live by sight....but by faith.  I believe that God is preparing a body to relate to for eternity and I pray that we are all together bound in His love for ever.

With the love of our Christ,
Candace

Today I was thinking about our views on things. Conversations with others; what is our view point? Planning our ambitions for the future; what is our view point? View points are actual “things” they are not simply thoughts. They move us down a physical path, interacting with physical things - people, places, and all the tangible objects within.

There are many paths to branch off from with this topic. For now let me park on this thought; If we never take the time to look from all angles, our view point is only one dimensional.

Now think of the view point we are supposed to have; an omnipresent view, through the vision of our creator. We are to look from all directions; both physically and mentally as He does. He knows the beginning and the end at the same time. We can follow that by utilizing history (the beginning) and his promise of what is to come (the end). We have our memories as well as trusted experience of many wise people.

If we take the time to walk around the object we are viewing; whether metaphorical or physical, ask for God to give us his eye sight and power to perceive, and patiently use our mind and heart to reflect we will certainly have a full view from all prospective positions.

With that in mind what do you see? How do you perceive it? Is it a real or false image? Use the powers entrusted to you as a child of God to cast down false imagination and See what is really before you as well as what is down your road. He promises to tell us EVERYTHING in advance. I trust him…..what about you?

Building the Image

What do we see?

Write down the description only to the point it is clear to you.
Does it have any defining characteristics?

Do you notice any specific actions, conversations etc?

This is nothing more than putting your thoughts on paper, trying to be realistic.  If you see nothing, put down I see nothing...really quiet simple when we don't overthing it =D


These are verses that apply to us all, within them he speaks to us individually. The unique answers will come from your relationship with God through Christ.

We are made in the image of God, we are made like them.

We see that all God said is possible and He himself would manifest it.

We only see in part, but we will see all clearly. God gave us the Holy Spirit so that no thing is hidden and all things are brought into the light for us to clearly understand.

We are to only speak what the Father words, we are to speak the Truth in Love. We are to warn of harm, give wisdom to those seeking it, and to passionately cry out in grief or despair to God when they choose not to be obedient to God.

We are to follow Christ acting in accordance with his actions. Taking whatever action God tells us to for each unique situation.

We are available for Christ to live in us to reach whoever He chooses, whenever He dictates.

Each of us were made to function the same and yet so incredibly uniquely in our commonality. We must seek how we are different from everyone else. Therein is what He designed you to do…better than anyone else – while working together with a heart of gratitude for the other unique people He designed to be part of His body.

Let’s encourage each other, embrace each other, lift up each other….then we will be One Strong Body….made in His Image.

Imagine That!

April 26, 2010

Seeking Serenity

Continuing on with what we see, today we are focusing on seeking. Yesterday we spoke about seeking first the Kingdom of God and allowing Him to add everything else we need into our lives.

If we ever forget what we are to be seeking, there is a very simple and straightforward way to bring it back to the plumb line. Look at the spelling of the work seeking. If you really look at the spelling you will never have to ask again. S E E K I N G....SEE KING. All we have to do is keep our eyes on the KING.

God has said to people throughout history if you have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying we should listen while it is still called today. I don't know about you, but I think this shows how much He cares. He gives us the free will to choose if we want to hear, listen, look and see.

Revelation 1:7(GWTN) states Look! He is coming in the clouds. Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. Every tribe on earth will mourn because of him. This is true. Amen

Christ told his disciples this in Matthew 13 :13-17 (GWTN)

"Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 "In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, `YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.' "But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. "For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Today I am leaving you with this poem. It states what our prayer is in the closing lines.

Be well my friends and family, in Christ,
Candace



Seeking Serenity


I blank my mind to peer into yours,
Seeking serenity, believing in truth.
My faith is boundless, only through you
My mere words will perish; yours will stand true.

Through patience and stillness, calmness will flow.
Seeking so feverishly, desiring you as my strength,
In search of a purpose, but who is ever pleased?
Perfection they ask; perfect for whom?
This world is unpleased, damning and lost.
Feeling not good enough, I’m broken to my knees.

Crying, I whisper, “What’s it all for?”
Questions keep flooding, ‘til I hear myself scream,
“God, please, if you’re out there,
Please listen, I’m on my knees!”
Answers, I need answers,
I don’t know where to go…
To people who are ignorant of things they claimed to know?
What will I do? I feel hopeless… unloved.
I am so sick and lonely, weighed down with despair,
In silence, I’m sobbing, there are no words left.

My heart is still pumping,
How? I do not know.
It’s hurting and empty, shouldn’t it quit?
Sheer exhaustion and no power, I murmur, God take me now.
I know I’ve never said it, but I realize you are here.
No one else is with me… you’re the only thing left.
I remember your son Jesus; when his life was at stake,
So I know you can help me, quickly take me away.

My breath is now shallow and I’m half expecting my last.
Would he answer? I was waiting,
In fear holding onto what air was left,
Releasing simultaneously moaning… Jesus, listen to me!
If you’re out there then speak for me.
They will surely listen to the words you have to say,
It is my voice that has no volume,
Isn’t that the reason they can’t hear?

Child, I am here with you; just as you knew and believed,
Waiting for you to ask me to care for all your life,
This was your final lesson, you believed... but mostly your thoughts
Now, all is forgotten so your mind has been transformed
You can now release the burdens, live your life refreshed and free.
When you speak you now have volume, our prayer is for them to receive.

By Candace Huffmaster ©

A Universe of Humanity
 by David C McCasland  ,Our Daily Bread Devotional

During the 1920s and 30s, photographer August Sander set out to portray a cross-section of German society. Through his lens he saw factory workers and financiers, actresses and housewives, Nazis and Jews. Even though his published collection contains only people in and around his hometown of Cologne, he captured what David Propson, writing in The Wall Street Journal, called “a universe of humanity in his restricted sphere.”

That phrase strikes me as an apt description of our lives and the people we meet day by day. Wherever we live, we cross paths with people from many backgrounds and beliefs.

For years, the apostle Paul traveled and preached before being imprisoned in Rome. There he continued to touch people with the gospel because he cared about them and wanted them to know Jesus Christ. The book of Acts concludes with Paul confined in Rome, living under guard in a rented house, where he “received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 28:30-31).
Instead of focusing on his restrictions, Paul saw opportunities. That’s the key for us as well. There is a universe of humanity within our reach today.

You are called with a holy calling
The light of the world to be,
To lift up the lamp of the gospel
That others the light may see. —Anon.

The gospel is a priceless gift that’s offered free to everyone

April 25, 2010

For Every Thing....There is a Season


Time and Season
Open your eyes and see as I see,
Look where I turn, be one with my world,
Your breath is my wind: the seeds scattered, job done.
My presence in your faith will water their ground,
Be all I am… trust, do not stop,
Keep watch in the distance and know all is done,
Today has a future but was done in the past,
So time doesn’t matter… for all matter will pass.
Remember those passing and always be in prayer,
My spirit is with them, with you, and the air.
What once seemed impossible is now known through light,
So travel, my angel, come home, it’s your flight.
By Candace Huffmaster ©
There are times when I read Oswald's writings and I thank God that we are not friends or acquaintances. If we were, I would have to believe he was writing about conversations I have had with people or experiences I have gone through. If God had not told us that ALL things are common to man, I would not have the confidence to keep trusting and allowing Him to transform me into what He has desired me to be at creation.
Today, don't look at what your best moment has been....that is in the past. Don't look at what mistakes you made....they are only stepping stones to getting it right. Remember, all striving is chasing after the wind unless your sights are set as flint on the Kingdom of God. When that is what we are chasing after, He is faithful to add all else to that: in abundance, to the full....till it overflows in Glory for His name sake.
With love in Christ,
Candace



Be Ready in Season and Out of Season2 Timothy 4:2
from My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers


Many of us suffer from the unbalanced tendency to “be ready” only “out of season.” The season does not refer to time; it refers to us. This verse says, “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season.” In other words, we should “be ready” whether we feel like it or not. If we do only what we feel inclined to do, some of us would never do anything. There are some people who are totally unemployable in the spiritual realm. They are spiritually feeble and weak, and they refuse to do anything unless they are supernaturally inspired. The proof that our relationship is right with God is that we do our best whether we feel inspired or not.

One of the worst traps a Christian worker can fall into is to become obsessed with his own exceptional moments of inspiration. When the Spirit of God gives you a time of inspiration and insight, you tend to say, “Now that I’ve experienced this moment, I will always be like this for God.” No, you will not, and God will make sure of that. Those times are entirely the gift of God. You cannot give them to yourself when you choose. If you say you will only be at your best for God, as during those exceptional times, you actually become an intolerable burden on Him. You will never do anything unless God keeps you consciously aware of His inspiration to you at all times. If you make a god out of your best moments, you will find that God will fade out of your life, never to return until you are obedient in the work He has placed closest to you, and until you have learned not to be obsessed with those exceptional moments He has given you.

April 23, 2010

Conversations With My Dad


Journal Entry: Vision of a Mountain


I desire to glorify you, Oh Lord, in all I say and do
Let my steps and words be confident, through you.
My heart I lay open, to rest in your palms,
     for healing and preparation, for guidance and repair.
When finished, you touch me, all protection in place
Obediently I go forward with trust and good will,
     knowing your presence is here with me still.
The provision will last me and when all is done,
My shelter is waiting with you at the door,
     to start the whole process of giving me more.
The days all go quickly, time is not the same
Moments are mountains to some that I see.
The miracle, you grant me, of showing your face
To those who know struggles or when life weakens their faith.
I speak to the mountain and start moving on,
“They say are you crazy?”, “I’m not going your way!”
I say, “What mountain?”, “I told it to move!”
They shake their head, “stupid!” ‘Just go your way!”.
I tell them “My Father is preparing my path”.
“When they travel foot hills my path is laid low”
Away, they start moving, I ask them to wait
    to consider an outcome which could be their fate.
We both have a highway; a path we are on
We neither have knowledge of what is on the road
Did we create the system; a design from start to end?
I know not what is beyond the turn on my way
Or who will be out there and what their intent is
I only know the creator and his love for me.
His provision is perfect - no matter the day.
In fact, he so loved you before you knew me.
He asked me to help you; he knew your name.
We all have our choices and he respects yours.
He wanted to tell you, there is danger ahead.
I want to be here, if you want to see …..
      the path of great beginnings, of faith, hope and love
To quiet your questions….. just walk out of faith
The mountain will vanish; till then just hold strong
      to the promise of provision, content in His love.
By Candace Huffmaster ©


Read 2 Corinthians 11 and 12
I am excited to hear your from you, the vision or mountain in your writings next week.  I thank you all as always for sharing!
With Love,
Candace

April 22, 2010

Things Unshaken

Things Unshaken – Part 2
那不被震动的 – 第二篇

Hebrews 12:26-28 (NKJV)
希伯來書12:26-28

but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

当时他的声音震动了地,但如今他应许说:再一次我不单要震动地,还要震动天。这再一次的话,是指明被震动的,就是受造之物都要挪去,使那不被震动的常存。所以我们既得了不能震动的国,就当感恩,照神所喜悦的,用虔诚、敬畏的心事奉神。



Last week we ended at the point about to examine 10 aspects of receiving the unshakable kingdom that will remain.
上周说到我们要看我们领受那不被震动,常存的这国的十个方面。



1. BY EXPERIENCING NEW BIRTH
一、 透过新生的经历

First of all, to receive this kingdom a person must have a spiritual birth experience. As a person is born of one’s mother to have life, one has to be born of the Spirit to have spiritual life. This spiritual birth is what Jesus referred to when He told the Jewish teacher Nicodemus, saying “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (Jn 3:3) When a person is moved by the Holy Spirit to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, that person is born again. You have heard of this saying: if a person is born once, he will die twice, and if he is born twice, he will die once. This is what it means: born only physically, a person will die physically and spiritually. Born both physically and spiritually, a person will die only physically.

首先,一个人要领受这国度一定要有一个属灵诞生的经历。就如一个人从母腹诞生得到生命,他要从圣灵诞生来得到属灵的生命。这属灵的生命就是耶稣在回答犹太教师尼哥底母所指出的,他说:「人若不重生,就不能见神的国。」〔約3:3〕当一个人被圣灵感动来接受耶稣基督作他的主与救主时,那人就重生了。你曾听过这几句话:如果一个人出生过一次,他要死两次,而如果他出生过两次,他要死一次。它的意思是:如果一个人只有肉体的出生,他会在肉体和灵魂上死。如果一个人在肉体和灵魂上出生,他只会在肉体上死。

Nicodemus was told he needed a second birth. Today we should ask ourselves if we have experienced the second birth, or will we face the second death. Make sure we take care of this important business of getting right with God today!
尼哥底母被指出他需要第二次的出生。我们今天须要自问我们曾否经历过第二次出生,还是我们会面对第二次死亡。我们要肯定今天就处理与神和好这件重要的事!

2. BY RECEIVING IT AS A GIFT FROM JESUS
二、 从耶稣那里得到它作礼物

How do we receive this kingdom? We can only receive it as a gift from Jesus. At Jesus’ last supper with His disciples before He was betrayed and went on the cross, the disciples were arguing among themselves as to which of them was considered to be greatest. As part of Jesus’ lesson of humility for them, He told them, saying “And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me” (Lk 22:29). He told them that they had nothing to impress God with, and they could do nothing to earn their salvation and position in the kingdom of God. It was a gift from Him. It was bestowed upon them as it was bestowed upon Jesus by God, therefore it could not be earned but only received.
我们如何领受这国度呢?我们只能从耶稣那里得到它作礼物。在耶稣被出卖和上十字架之前在他与他的门徒的最後晚餐上,门徒彼此争论他们中谁是最大的。作为耶稣教他们的谦卑功课之一部份,他告诉他们说,「我将国赐给你们,正如我父赐给我一样」〔路22:29〕。他告诉他们他们没有任何东西可以用来打动神的心,而他们也不能做任何事来赚取他们的救赎和在神国中的地位。它是神的恩赐。耶稣将国赐给他们,正如神将国赐给耶稣一样,因此它不能被赚取,只能被领受。

Today it would be foolish for us to depend on our abilities, our goodness, or our works to obtain salvation of our souls, for all these will be shaken and removed at the end. We cannot impress God with our works or our abilities. We can never be good enough to be admitted to heaven. We ought to trust God’s great mercy and grace, by which He chooses us, and to trust Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross for our salvation because these are unshakable and will remain. His love for us is immeasurable. He has plans for us to bless us and not to harm us, and they are too wonderful for us to imagine. It is all because of God and who He is. He is perfect. He is love. He is faithful. He is righteous. He is all knowing, almighty, and ever present. God is unchanging and He will act according to His divine attributes. Therefore His acts and promises to us, and hence His kingdom, are unshakable and will remain. We can count on them.
今日如果我们靠我们的能力、我们的善良或我们的善行来争取我们圣魂的拯救,就是很愚蠢的,因为这一切最後都要被震动被挪去。我们不能以我们的善行或能力打动神。我们不能好到足够让我们进天堂。我们应当信任神拣选我们的浩大的怜恤和恩惠,和信任耶稣在十字架上的救赎工作来得到拯救,因为这些是不被震动,会长存的。他对我们的爱是难以量度的。他有计划来祝福我们而非降祸与我们,而它们的奇妙是超乎我们能想像的。这都是因为神和他的属性。他是完美的,他是爱,他是信实的,他是公义的,他是全知,全能和永在的。神永不改变,并且他会按照他神圣的属性行事。因此他对我们的行动和应许,就是他的国,都不被震动而会常存。这些是靠得住的。

To be continued next week.
下周待续。


May we humble ourselves and gladly receive from Jesus His free gift to be reborn in the Spirit. May we receive His kingdom which is unshakable and will remain at the end.
愿我们谦卑自己高兴地从耶稣那里接受他免费的礼物,从圣灵重生。愿我们领受他最终不被震动,不被挪去的国。
Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀


“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效, 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1:9__

I Will Not be Late.

We have been speaking about what we see as far as our future is concerned. We spoke about how sometimes we are looking through the broken desires of our past. We remember when our aim or goal was in hope and we were striving toward reaching it. However, something came to pass that made us doubt and our hope became doubtful in stead of faithful.

God tells us in Proverbs that hope defered makes the heart sick. Defer simply means to submit to the opinion, wishes, or decision of another through respect or in recognition of it's authority, knowledge, judgment. It means to commit or entrust another!

Remember our discussions about the point in the road where we have to choose between fear and faith? The reason our heart gets sick is because in the deepest part of us, we saw something and believed it was good. Something crawled in beside us in our mind and told us that it was not going to happen, it was not coming to pass or it was snatched from us. We entrusted another, we made the decision to respect or give authority to deception.

In Habakkuk, God promised that the vision is not a lie. He promised that it is hurrying toward it's goal and it will make it; wait for it! We believe that God is not able to lie. We believe that He is faithful and that He promised us His word will not return to Him void. The only way that the vision will not be realized in our lives is if we believe more in something else than we do in God. Our vision changes!  What we now see as our vision is that it is difficulty, betrayal and brokenness.  We have to remember that it will still happen, we simply did not have all the pieces of the picture filled in yet.  Don't erase what you have seen and redo it.  Simply add details into what you first saw!

Each work God is doing brings life, peace, joy, provision in full form to many individuals. He affects the lives of others through us and visa versa.

Go back through the notebook if you do not have our information on Habakkuk. Re read this information and remember the vision, write it down. We will be discussing them soon.

With love and a Holy Kiss,
Candace

Habakkuk Chapter 2 vs 1-3 from the Message translation:

 1 What's God going to say to my questions? I'm braced for the worst. I'll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I'll wait to see what God says, how he'll answer my complaint.
2-3And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait!  And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait.
It's on its way. It will come right on time.

April 21, 2010

The World is a Stage

As we have been working through our stories and focusing on the pieces of which it is comprised. I thought it might be rather apropos to look at someone that lived his life collectively organizing “movements” in order to share of the beauty, passion and joy he saw in the collective arrangements.  Today I am speaking of Beethoven; we will be utilizing a medoly of parallels through out these group meetings. If it takes you a bit to get in find the key it's okay...we've got time. 


Symphony No. 9 in D minor, op. 125 represents the apotheosis of Beethoven’s symphonies. The idea for this symphony tormented Beethoven for many years. Dating as far back as 1809, we find notes of musical ideas which will be later used for this symphony. The material he gathered was ultimately used between 1822-1824 when the great symphony was elaborated with chorus and soloists. Its general tone is happiness captured in multiple instances. Perhaps that is why it was also titled "The Symphony of Joy". An excerpt from Translation of Beethoven im eigenen Wort

God is conducting, it is His composition. He resonates within each one of us to bring our unique tonality and quality to His masterpiece. He gave us all free will and promises that the spirit is willing. He warned us that it is the flesh that is weak.

I pray for us all to uncompromisingly desire to give Him his rightful “Center Stage” and serve within His “Symphony of Joy”
I look forward to hearing more of your stories; your works of art from the pieces of your lives…our lives…His life.

To Him all the praise and glory forever and ever; amen.
With Love to each of you.

Candace


The world is a Stage

The air under my wings; with no weight to pull me down
Gliding with immense freedom and joy;
I relax, drifting below cotton candy stretched clouds
The illumination is colorfully sheer,
As it veils the bluest of skies
The tree tops are waving “Good morning Lord”,
The buttercups turning up their precious face,
Blowing a tender kiss toward the heavens,
Their sweet breath is carried amidst the breeze
I see blankets of yellow and green beneath me,
Glistening from fresh morning dew
Like a carpet scattered with sparkling diamond;
Oh how God must love this view!
I pause my flight, perching above this symphony
No note seems to be misplaced
I hear the piccolo’s and flutes of His winged wood winds,
All perfect orchestrated by the composers’ right hand
No platform for Him is needed;
In this world He is center stage
The Maestro is Omnipotent,
Grandeur the scale to which musicians are tuned
My box seat here is panoramic; I bow my head thank him for this gift
Seeking His image through the lenses before me,
I catch a glimpse and focus till He is magnified;
Gazing with awe, throughout each movement; almost holding my breath
I acclaim Him through standing ovation…. hands waving,
Inspired, overwhelmed to the point of tears
I feel the breeze again lifting me, propelling me beyond my safe perch
My heart now filled with His melody;
I will share of His composition within me.

By Candace Huffmaster ©

April 20, 2010

Will We Rise to the Occasion?

Just for the record, it goes without saying that Oswald Chambers challenges me to judge myself. There is no doubt that Mr. Chambers, like David, is a man after God's heart, who will do all His will. I know I am not alone in what I am about to say, due to conversations I have had with other servants of God. So I share with humility in hopes of allowing others to discern, open up their hearts and encourage others as well.

There are times when God is stretching me to take the hard steps of giving sacrificially. I am not speaking of finances, which are not a challenge for me. I am speaking of energy, patience, perseverance and strength. The casting aside of giving in to being human and having limitations is a sacrifice. I now realize that the times I have to reach beyond what I can do to be His presence when I might not desire to is the point that He is trying to increase me...or more accurately, to increase HIM.

I pray that we acknowledge that when we come to this point we see the truth. The truth is that when we do not have enough of something to get the job done, we are to use that as an offering of sacrifice. We know that when we give a tithe God uses it to multiply and care for many. In Malachi 3:10 God says to test Him in this and we will see that He is God and He does not change, His will always provides and comes to pass.

I believe this to be true, I believe God is faithful and that Christ has risen for our redemption...indeed!

Candace


My Utmost for His Highest
By Oswald Chambers

All the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen . . . —2 Corinthians 1:20

Jesus’ parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30 was a warning that it is possible for us to misjudge our capacities. This parable has nothing to do with natural gifts and abilities, but relates to the gift of the Holy Spirit as He was first given at Pentecost. We must never measure our spiritual capacity on the basis of our education or our intellect; our capacity in spiritual things is measured on the basis of the promises of God. If we get less than God wants us to have, we will falsely accuse Him as the servant falsely accused his master when he said, “You expect more of me than you gave me the power to do. You demand too much of me, and I cannot stand true to you here where you have placed me.” When it is a question of God’s Almighty Spirit, never say, “I can’t.” Never allow the limitation of your own natural ability to enter into the matter. If we have received the Holy Spirit, God expects the work of the Holy Spirit to be exhibited in us.

The servant justified himself, while condemning his lord on every point, as if to say, “Your demand on me is way out of proportion to what you gave to me.” Have we been falsely accusing God by daring to worry after He has said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”? (Matthew 6:33 ). Worrying means exactly what this servant implied— “I know your intent is to leave me unprotected and vulnerable.” A person who is lazy in the natural realm is always critical, saying, “I haven’t had a decent chance,” and someone who is lazy in the spiritual realm is critical of God. Lazy people always strike out at others in an independent way.

Never forget that our capacity and capability in spiritual matters is measured by, and based on, the promises of God. Is God able to fulfill His promises? Our answer depends on whether or not we have received the Holy Spirit.

April 18, 2010

Faith Is Our Tour Guide Today.

We have been sharing our trip through this life. If it was a guided tour, and you will see that it should be, her name would be Faith. I hope you enjoy your trip today....Faith knows what she is talking about.

Go to http://www.kbemerge/ for today's full article.

April 17, 2010

Pressed On All Sides....But Not Crushed

When we were in our meeting yesterday, I remembered a blog entry from last year.  I went back into the archives and found it.  One thing I was thinking about after I read it was this:  We know God's word describes us as clay vessels.  We know that He has told us that His light is to shine out of us into the darkness.  We know that we get shattered by things in life which bring us closer to God, which increases His life or light within us.  We also know that He uphold or hold together all things even our shattered pieces.  Think about how visible light shines through cracks in things.  If we had no cracks His light would be hidden inside of us, and He states in Luke that no one hides a light.

Thank you all for allowing me to come in and share your lives with you.  Thank you for always being so real and the trust you extend.  Enjoy your Saturday, it is as beautiful as each of you are to me.

With Love,
Candace

Have you ever had one of those days when you said "God I can not take this one more minute?" I have had one of those days..and it is today!

Here it is the end of the day and guess what.....I am still here! As I sit here hanging my head in shame, moaning, whinning and telling my self to just stop it. I am reminded of Christ and a conversation I had with my daughter one day. She was having one of her own "moments" when being the funny mom that I "think" I am; I was trying to coax her out of it by saying "At least you do not have to die on a cross". Needless to say, she did not like my comedic irony or timing.

All this brings to mind a scripture where Paul was talking to his church. I have knowledge of this passage, but now I am experiencing it. I will just hit the highlights from Chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians vs 8:

We are his servants because the same God who said that light should shine out of darkness has given us light. For that reason we bring to light the knowledge about God's glory which shines from Christ's face. Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn't come from us.

In every way we're troubled, but we aren't crushed by our troubles. We're frustrated, but we don't give up. We're persecuted, but we're not abandoned. We're captured, but we're not killed.

It goes on to state: The following is written, "I believed; therefore, I spoke, "we have that same spirit of faith. We also believe; therefore, we also speak. We know that the one who brought the Lord Jesus back to life will also bring us back to life through Jesus. Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine. We do not look for things that can be seen but for things that can't be seen. Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can't be seen last forever.

I can speak of this psalm and sing it from a glad heart:

Who will stand by my side against troublemakers? If the Lord had not come to help me my soul would have quicky fallen silent in death. When I said, " My feet are slipping, " your mercy, O Lord, continued to hold me up. When I worried about many things, your assuring words soothed my soul.

In Psalm 109 King David said, "They surround me with hateful words, they fight against me for no reason. In return for my love, they accuse me, but I pray for them. Help me, O Lord my God. Save me because of your mercy. Then they will know that this is your doing, that you, O Lord , are the one who saved me. With my mouth I will give thanks to the Lord, I will praise him among many people, because he stands beside needy people to save them from those who would condemn them to death."

May we run to God, settle in his wings, rest in his sweet slumber of protection to rise anew in His Mercy each day.
Kisses,
Candace

April 14, 2010

Ministry in Word

Love Is a Beautiful Thing – Part 4
爱是一件美事 – 第四篇

Mark 14:6-9
马可 14:6-9

“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached through-out the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

耶稣说:由他罢!为甚麽难为他呢?他在我身上作的是一件美事。因为常有穷人和你们同在,要向他们行善随时都可以;只是你们不常有我。他所作的,是尽他所能的;他是为我安葬的事把香膏预先浇在我身上。我实在告诉你们,普天之下,无论在甚麽地方传这福音,也要述说这女人所作的,以为记念。



Continued from Part 3

上接第三篇



Jesus said that the woman had done “a beautiful thing” to Him, and that she poured perfume on His body beforehand to prepare for His burial. Her single impulsive, extravagant act out of her love for Christ now became part of Jesus’ story of salvation for the world. Without knowing this herself, this woman was sharing Jesus’ ministry of redemption. Jesus said that “wherever the gospel is preached through-out the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

耶稣说这妇人在他身上做了「一件美事」,她是为耶稣安葬的事把香膏预先浇在他身上。她出于对基督的爱的一个冲动奢侈的行动现在成为耶稣救世的故事之一部份。不自觉地这妇人参与耶稣的救赎事工。耶稣说「普天之下,无论在甚麽地方传这福音,也要述说这女人所作的,以为记念。」



APPROPRIATE FAITH IN ACTION

Helping the poor is a good thing. It was obviously something the disciples often did as a group (Jn 13:29). This the disciples did dutifully for the poor yet this woman did a beautiful thing lovingly for Jesus. What the disciples did dutifully for the poor, feeding and clothing them, is compassionate charity concerning men’s bodies. What the woman did lovingly for Jesus, preparing for His burial, is redemptive ministry concerning men’s souls. Jesus didn’t say we should not feed the hungry or clothe the naked, instead He pointed out the importance of being abandoned to Him, and the priority of love over duties to God.

救济穷人是一件好事,很明显这是门徒共同常作的事〔约13:39〕。这是门徒尽责地为穷人做而这妇人却亲切地为耶稣做了一件美事。门徒尽责地为穷人做的,给他们饭吃给他们衣服,关乎人的肉体的同情慈善工作。这妇人亲切地为耶稣做的,为耶稣安葬的事准备,是关人的魂的救赎事工。耶稣没有说我们不应该给饥饿的饭吃给赤身露体的衣服穿,而是指出他舍己重要和爱神比对神的义务的优先。



Today we are placing a lot of emphasis on teaching the truth, the right doctrines, and right relationship with God. This is important because our faith must be true, otherwise we fall into heresies. We are placing a lot of emphasis also on the right relationship with others. This is also important because we need to live in the world yet are not of the world. But like the church in Ephesus in the Book of Revelations, we could be so concerned with the right beliefs and right deeds that we have lost our first love (Rev 2:1-4). We may believe the right things and behave the right way without the passion for Christ. We may feel spiritually dry and distant from God. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (Jn 14:6) Having Christ means having not only the way and the truth, but also the life. And it is an abundant life that we have. For Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (Jn 10:10) Jesus did come and He did die on the cross to give us a new and abundant life. We are also commanded to love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength (Dt 6:5). That means we should believe correctly in our heart and behave properly with all our strength, and also love emotionally with all our soul.

今天我们很重视教导真理,正确的教义和与神正确的关系。这是重要的,因为我们的信仰一定要是真的,否则我们会陷入异端。我们也很重视与别人正确的关系。这也是重要的,因为我们须要活在世界里但又不属于世界。但正如启示录中的以弗所教会,我们可能太关心正确的信仰和正确的行为以至我们失去了我们起初之爱〔启2:14〕。我们可以相信对的东西和保持对的态度,但缺乏对基督的热忱。我们可能感到灵性乾涸和离神很远。耶稣说,「我就是道路、真理、生命」〔约14:6〕。得到基督就是不单得到道路与真理,而是还得到生命。而且我们得到的是丰盛的生命,因为耶稣说,「我来了,是要叫人得生命,并且得的更丰盛。」〔约10:10〕耶稣已来了并且死在十字架上来赐给我们新的和丰盛的生命。我们也被吩咐要尽心、尽性、尽力爱耶和华我们的神。〔申6:5〕那就是我们须要尽心有正确的信念和尽力行为端正,又要尽性用感情去爱。



CONCLUSION

结论

Jesus Christ poured out His life for us on the cross. Because He loves us He did the most beautiful thing for us. Nothing is too precious for anyone to give Him in return. All He is asking is for us to give Him our best affections, our beautiful thing. Let’s learn from this woman to love Jesus Christ IMPULSIVELY with all the heart, soul and strength, to love Him EXTRAVAGANTLY with our sacrifices of commitment, services, praises, good deeds, and money, as well as to love Him APPROPRIATELY with our worship of Him as God and Savior. Our actions of love for Christ may sometimes be misunderstood as irrational, but Jesus knows our motivation. In fact He considers it appropriate that our piety to Him takes priority over our dutiful good deeds.

耶稣基督为我们在十字架上倒出他的生命。因为他爱我们他为我们行了最美的事,任何人可以回报他的东西都没有太宝贵的,他要求的只不过是要我们给他我们最大的爱慕,我们的美事。让我们向这位妇人学习冲动地尽心、尽性、尽力爱耶稣基督,奢侈地以委身、事奉、颂赞、善行和金钱的祭来爱他,并且恰当地以他为神与救主的敬拜来爱他。我们爱基督的行动有时可能会被误会是不理性的,但耶稣知道我们的动机。其实他认为我们对他的敬虔比我们负责任而做的善行优先是恰当的。



Let our love for God carry us beyond ourselves, for love is a beautiful thing!

就让我们对神的爱带我们超越我们自己,因为爱是一件美事!



Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀

“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9

“信心的果效, 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1:9__

Ministry in Word

Things Unshaken – Part 1
那不被震动的 – 第一篇

Hebrews 12:26-28 (NKJV)
希伯來書12:26-28

but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also  heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
当时他的声音震动了地,但如今他应许说:再一次我不单要震动地,还要震动天。这再一次的话,是指明被震动的,就是受造之物都要挪去,使那不被震动的常存。所以我们既得了不能震动的国,就当感恩,照神所喜悦的,用虔诚、敬畏的心事奉神。

Recently there had been major earthquakes in the world: first it was Haiti, and then it was Chile. Then I heard about the earthquake in the southern part of Taiwan. A couple of years ago it happened in China with great devastation. Of course, we are anticipating the “BIG ONE” in California; some had also speculated the next BIG ONE in the U.S. to be somewhere in Tennessee.
最近世上发生几宗重大地震:首先是海地,跟着是智利,然後我听到在台湾南部的地震。两年多前在中国的地震产生了严重的破坏。当然我们仍在等预料中加州的「巨大地震」;有人亦猜测美国下一个「巨大地震」会发生在田纳西州某地点。

People who had been in earthquakes said that it sounded like the coming of a freight train. I have never experienced an earthquake, but I can imagine it is a very scary experience. In a major earthquake buildings collapse, roadways buckle, bridges fall, and everything is shaken. There are different ideas on where in a building is the safest place during an earthquake. But I think when everything is shaken, when no part of the structure is stable, nowhere can be safe.
曾经经历过地震的人说它来势凶凶,听起来犹如火车。我从来没有经历过地震,但我可以想像那是多恐怖的事。在大地震中楼房倒塌,马路崩裂,桥梁掉下,所有东西都被震动。对于在地震中楼宇那里最安全有不同的看法。不过我认为当所有东西都被震动,结构的任何部份都是不稳固的时候,那里都不安全。

When I think about physical earthquakes in this world, it reminds me of the Bible where Jesus told His disciples that we would hear about many earthquakes when the end time is near. Are we in the end time?Nobody can say for sure, and Jesus told His disciples not to speculate when He would return at the end time. But for sure the world is shaken up more recently than in the past. However, in the book of Hebrews, chapter 12, verses 26 to 28, the Bible says something about earthquake like this “but now He has promised saying,‘Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.’ Now this,  ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” In that day, not only the earth will be shaken, but also heaven. Now that is a great shake up. Everything under the sun will be shaken, and stars will be falling from the sky. It will be unlike any earthquake we know of. The purpose of this shake up is such that the things that are being shaken, which are the created things, may be removed and only the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
当我想到这世上的天然地震时,就让我想到圣经中耶稣告诉他的门徒说末世时我们会听到许多地震的消息。我们是否在末世中呢?没有人能肯定,而耶稣吩咐他的门徒不要揣测他在末世什麽时候再临。但世界被震动最近肯定比过去多。无论如何,在圣经中希伯来书12章第26至28节如此论及地震:「但如今他应许说:再一次我不单要震动地,还要震动天。这再一次的话,是指明被震动的,就是受造之物都要挪去,使那不被震动的常存。所以我们既得了不能震动的国,就当感恩,照神所喜悦的,用虔诚、敬畏的心事奉神。」在那日不单地要被震动,还要天被震动。这是何等大的震荡呢。天下各物都要被震动,星星都要从天空掉下来。它将会与我们所知的地震不同。而这震荡的目的是要使被震动的,就是受造之物都被挪去,使那不被震动的常存。

What are the things that will be shaken and removed, and what are the things to remain? Verse 28 has identified one thing which cannot be shaken, that is, a kingdom. This is referring to the kingdom of Jesus, the kingdom of God. So from this we can understand that the things that will not be shaken and will remain belong to the kingdom, which we as children of God are receiving. Let’s look at 10 different aspects of our receiving this kingdom.
什麽东西被震动,被挪去,什麽东西不被震动而能常存呢?第28节指明一样不能震动的东西,就是一个国度。这里指的是耶稣的国,神的国。所以从这里我们可以了解那不被震动的,常存的是属于国度的,那是我们作为神的儿女来领受的。让我们来看我们领受这国的十个不同的方面。

To be continued next week.
下周待续。

May we remain stable in God’s love and promises, knowing that God’s kingdom is unshakable.
愿我们在神的爱和应许中保持稳固,知道神的国是不被震动的。



Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀

“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效, 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1:9
Todays Devotion is posted on http://www.kbemerge.blogspot.com/
Enjoy your day...it's a gift!
Candace

April 12, 2010

Complete and Effective Dominion

From: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Death no longer has dominion over Him. . . . the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God . . . —Romans 6:9-11

Co-Eternal Life. Eternal life is the life which Jesus Christ exhibited on the human level. And it is this same life, not simply a copy of it, which is made evident in our mortal flesh when we are born again. Eternal life is not a gift from God; eternal life is the gift of God. The energy and the power which was so very evident in Jesus will be exhibited in us by an act of the absolute sovereign grace of God, once we have made that complete and effective decision about sin.

“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . .” (Acts 1:8)— not power as a gift from the Holy Spirit; the power is the Holy Spirit, not something that He gives us. The life that was in Jesus becomes ours because of His Cross, once we make the decision to be identified with Him. If it is difficult to get right with God, it is because we refuse to make this moral decision about sin. But once we do decide, the full life of God comes in immediately. Jesus came to give us an endless supply of life— “. . . that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” ( Ephesians 3:19 ). Eternal life has nothing to do with time. It is the life which Jesus lived when He was down here, and the only Source of life is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Even the weakest saint can experience the power of the deity of the Son of God, when he is willing to “let go.” But any effort to “hang on” to the least bit of our own power will only diminish the life of Jesus in us. We have to keep letting go, and slowly, but surely, the great full life of God will invade us, penetrating every part. Then Jesus will have complete and effective dominion in us, and people will take notice that we have been with Him.

April 6, 2010

Never Forget

For This I Have Jesus
From RBC Ministries - Our Daily Bread


READ: Psalm 66:1-15
I will never leave you nor forsake you. —Hebrews 13:5In an evangelistic meeting in Ireland, the speaker was explaining what it means to abide in Christ and to trust Him completely in every trial. Concluding his message, he repeated several times, “It means that in every circumstance you can keep on saying, ‘For this I have Jesus.’ ”

The meeting was then opened for testimonies. One young woman said, “Just a few minutes ago I was handed this telegram. It reads, ‘Mother is very ill; take train home immediately.’ When I saw those words, I knew that tonight’s message was meant just for me. My heart looked up and said, ‘For this I have Jesus.’ Instantly a peace and strength flooded my soul.”
Three or four weeks later the evangelist received a letter from this woman. It read, “Thank you again for the message you gave that day. Life has become an uninterrupted psalm of victory, for I have come to realize that no matter what life brings, for this I have Jesus.”

That believer in Christ had found in her Savior the One who would be with her “through fire and through water,” and who would bring her “out to rich fulfillment” (Ps. 66:12).
If you are enduring a great trial of affliction, remember—for this you have Jesus! — Henry G. Bosch

I’ve found a refuge from life’s care in Jesus,
I am hiding in His love divine;
He fully understands my soul’s deep longing,
And He whispers softly, “Thou art Mine.” —Christiansen

If every circumstance finds us abiding in Christ, we will find Christ abiding with us in every circumstance.

April 4, 2010

Happy Easter

There are several verses that come to mind when reading this devotion.  The first is about casting down false imagination and the second is He will never leave us not forsake us, the third is do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
I know these must be self explanitory however you all know me....and my propelling propensities!

The reality is Christ came so that we would never be alone.  He knew it was to be treated that way....HE lived it and died it.  We will never be put through that....because He first loved us.  Which is my last point: He died for us, gave it all up for us and lived a sacrificial life.  He then asked us to do it unto others.

May you all feel the warmth of the Son in His all embracing ways this day....He is Risen Indeed.
Love,
Candace



The Way to Permanent Faith

Indeed the hour is coming . . . that you will be scattered . . . —John 16:32

Jesus was not rebuking the disciples in this passage. Their faith was real, but it was disordered and unfocused, and was not at work in the important realities of life. The disciples were scattered to their own concerns and they had interests apart from Jesus Christ. After we have the perfect relationship with God, through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, our faith must be exercised in the realities of everyday life. We will be scattered, not into service but into the emptiness of our lives where we will see ruin and barrenness, to know what internal death to God’s blessings means. Are we prepared for this? It is certainly not of our own choosing, but God engineers our circumstances to take us there. Until we have been through that experience, our faith is sustained only by feelings and by blessings. But once we get there, no matter where God may place us or what inner emptiness we experience, we can praise God that all is well. That is what is meant by faith being exercised in the realities of life.

".. you . . . will leave Me alone." Have we been scattered and have we left Jesus alone by not seeing His providential care for us? Do we not see God at work in our circumstances? Dark times are allowed and come to us through the sovereignty of God. Are we prepared to let God do what He wants with us? Are we prepared to be separated from the outward, evident blessings of God? Until Jesus Christ is truly our Lord, we each have goals of our own which we serve. Our faith is real, but it is not yet permanent. And God is never in a hurry. If we are willing to wait, we will see God pointing out that we have been interested only in His blessings, instead of in God Himself. The sense of God’s blessings is fundamental " ..be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" ( John 16:33 ). Unyielding spiritual fortitude is what we need. by Oswald Chambers.

April 2, 2010

Do you See the Joy?

I thought it would be a wonderful focus on this Good Friday if we were to try and SEE what Christ saw before Him. Let's start with defining this Greek word hupomeno, we use it as endure in Hebrews 12:2.
  1. to tarry behind  
  2. to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee  
  3. to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one's faith in Christ  
  4. to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments 
Hebrews 12:2 (GW translation) We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God.

 
Another translation speaks or Christ "despising" the shame of the cross. Here it says Christ ignored the disgrace, however it is more than simply not paying attention to it. This Greek word Kataphroneo means to think little or nothing of something.
 
So what God is trying to show us is that we must See what Jesus saw. He thought SO much of his destiny; being back in the throne room of God, having everything placed as a footstool under His feet and pulling all things back together for all eternity that the joy was too large for death to distract Him. Satan threw all the chaos, turmoil, deception and pain that He could at Him, but Christ knew, saw and believed in the things not seen. He trusted, He had faith and He was and is Faithful.

 
So....We must Focus on JESUS. He is the source, He IS the Goal of our Faith. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9 24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

This is my prayer for us all: That we see what Christ saw and that we learn as the great cloud of witnesses before us learned so that we can endure - making it to the joy that is set before us.
 
With Love, in Christ,
Candace

 

April 1, 2010

What is Your Final Position?

(GW)Psalm 50:15 "Call on me in times of trouble, I will rescue you, and you will honor me."


Good Morning Father!

I thank you for this day. For your mercy which starts it and your grace that gets me through.

I praise you, your design is complete. Each moment you saw beforehand, each opportunity in its place, the knowledge of your will extended, the opportunity available and within our reach.

I ask for your understanding, to wait till I feel your peace, to be lifted as I see the formation and the joy to propel your perfect speed.

Sing from my heart your great wisdom; dazzle us all with your will. Propel us into your timing, your pathway perfectly laid. Raise us up this morning, together to claim your ways; all of us with one motive, an offering to our King.

Today help us remember, as we focus on His calling and plea: Life is for the living, death only part of this life; it is not the final position...only the collision between earth bound and our heavenly flight.

I pray for the angels that are charging, to be felt when the pressure is on, for all the intercessions of your righteousness, to pour heavily and ease the strife. For at the right moment, you hear us, and at the perfect moment you came. We all are bound in your victory; Hallelujah to our risen Lord.

God is Almighty in the Highest; His kingdom reaches and fills all things. Not bound to just the heavens, but now released to set the captives free. Selah

In Christ,
Candace


Helpful or Heartless Toward Others?

It is Christ . . . who also makes intercession for us. . . . the Spirit . . . makes intercession for the saints . . . —Romans 8:34, 27

Do we need any more arguments than these to become intercessors-that Christ "always lives to make intercession" ( Hebrews 7:25 ), and that the Holy Spirit "makes intercession for the saints"? Are we living in such a relationship with others that we do the work of intercession as a result of being the children of God who are taught by His Spirit? We should take a look at our current circumstances. Do crises which affect us or others in our home, business, country, or elsewhere, seem to be crushing in on us? Are we being pushed out of the presence of God and left with no time for worship? If so, we must put a stop to such distractions and get into such a living relationship with God that our relationship with others is maintained through the work of intercession, where God works His miracles.

Beware of getting ahead of God by your very desire to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, becoming so burdened with people and problems that we don’t worship God, and we fail to intercede. If a burden and its resulting pressure come upon us while we are not in an attitude of worship, it will only produce a hardness toward God and despair in our own souls. God continually introduces us to people in whom we have no interest, and unless we are worshiping God the natural tendency is to be heartless toward them. We give them a quick verse of Scripture, like jabbing them with a spear, or leave them with a hurried, uncaring word of counsel before we go. A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to our Lord. by Oswald Chambers





















Are our lives in the proper place so that we may participate in the intercession of our Lord and the Holy Spirit?