by Gungor Music
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010
God is not a white Man
by Gungor Music
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Monday, July 12, 2010
It Is Time To Expose My Father Publicly...
By Samuel Mathew, http://gracewalkgroupnj.blogspot.com/
It is time to expose my father publicly, for who he really is. This is my father, who gave life to me.
As far as my memory goes back, my father was always interested in changing my behavior. He would always nitpick on every little thing I would do. He would constantly ‘convict’ me of everything that I did wrong. He would always keep nagging at me to do the things that he thought I should be doing. He used to have a big rod, just itching to use it, every time I fell out of line. At other times, he would hang over my head, the fear of throwing me into the ‘fire’ in bonfire pit in our backyard. Thus he would scare me into obeying his rules and commands.
As the years went by, the constant threatening and terror of my father kept me in line. This had such an effect on me that before I did anything ‘fun’ in life, I would consider how far I could go without crossing the line drawn by my father. I would indulge in those things to the point that I would be very close to violating his rules, yet not violating them. Once in a while he used to remind me that it was all out of love for me. Fear and torment kept me obeying his rules.
After my father had given me his list of rules, he would often test me by orchestrating some circumstances or situations (he called them “trials”), to display my ‘true nature’ and to see ‘what was in my heart’. He said that these “trials” were to ‘humble’ me or in other words ‘humiliate’ me. At other times, when he saw that there were ‘unsanctified natures’ in me, and despite his repeated admonishments there was no change in me, he would go to the extreme of inflicting severe physical pain. Once he broke my bones by throwing me in front of a speeding car. At another time he brought an illness on me by poisoning my food. At other times he would break things that were dear to me like my bicycle. To make it worse, he often used my idol worshipper neighbor (agent of satan) as his accomplice or agent to bring these ‘trials’ and ‘temptations’ to prove me and build my character.
Talking about gifts, on the very rare occasions that I got something from him, they were not really gifts, because I had to ‘earn’ them. In the midst of my ‘wilderness’ like life, some of these so called ‘gifts’ were like ‘salvation’ for me. But such ‘salvation’ like gifts were given to me on the condition that I behave and keep his rules, if not, he would take these saving gifts from me. I would lose them for eternity. Vacations brought me rapturous joy and it was like heaven for me. But he also threatened me that if I did not live up to his rules and measured up to his standards, I would be ‘left behind’ home alone on our next vacation trip to suffer torture from our demon-possessed neighbor.
This was my greatest fear of all. I couldn’t even imagine being ‘left behind’ in a house haunted by my demonic neighbor. So I would try my best to keep all the “I’s” dotted and the “t’s” crossed. If I messed up, I had to keep an account of those things and at the end of the day with great guilt and shame I approached my father with the list. I had to beg, wail and plead with him to forgive all my misdeeds. Sometimes he would tell me that I had to forgo my meals, in other words ‘fast’, and do a thorough job of searching my life for every rotten thing I had done and every command that I had disobeyed. I had to make a commitment that I would turn from my ways or ‘repent’ and after much begging and pleading I was allowed to sup at the table.
This was the same modus operandi for even getting him to provide for me, protect me and getting my needs met. I used to wake up in the middle of the nights and cry out to him in my heart to grant my requests. I made sure that I had done everything I could have possibly done to obtain his favor. I used to have set appointed times in the day, usually once in the morning and once before going to bed, to make my requests known to him. I would butter him up by heaping praises on him. I would say such things to him that I thought would press his right buttons. Sometimes he would act deaf, so I had to raise my voice and cry out to him. I had to use the right salutations when I addressed him like, “loving, most adorable, precious, your majesty, and highly exalted father.” At other times, I had to get 50 other people to join me and convince him to grant my request.
Such was my relationship with my father, or lack of thereof. Can you imagine having such a life? Everything that I have described above is pure fiction. But yet, this is exactly how religion has portrayed and misrepresented our loving heavenly father to be. We attribute to Him, characteristics that match that of an evil, proud, impatient, angry, rude, narcissistic, masochistic person, which is nothing but the nature of the devil. Some people attribute a split personality or schizophrenia to Him. That is not how my heavenly papa is!
Our heavenly father is love. He is primarily interested in having a relationship with you, not how he can change you or not even in what you can do for Him. He is after your heart, not after your service. Once that connection happens between His heart and your heart, the Christian life will flow effortlessly. Everything you do will be the fruit of a loving relationship with him, not because of fear of going to hell or not making it in the rapture. It won’t be about mindless religious duties and following rules out of fear, but out of love for our daddy. Religion will use fear to control and manipulate you. I challenge you to meditate on these things and be honest with yourselves – is it a religion that you are following or is it a relationship based on love with our heavenly father?
It is time to expose my father publicly, for who he really is. This is my father, who gave life to me.
As far as my memory goes back, my father was always interested in changing my behavior. He would always nitpick on every little thing I would do. He would constantly ‘convict’ me of everything that I did wrong. He would always keep nagging at me to do the things that he thought I should be doing. He used to have a big rod, just itching to use it, every time I fell out of line. At other times, he would hang over my head, the fear of throwing me into the ‘fire’ in bonfire pit in our backyard. Thus he would scare me into obeying his rules and commands.
As the years went by, the constant threatening and terror of my father kept me in line. This had such an effect on me that before I did anything ‘fun’ in life, I would consider how far I could go without crossing the line drawn by my father. I would indulge in those things to the point that I would be very close to violating his rules, yet not violating them. Once in a while he used to remind me that it was all out of love for me. Fear and torment kept me obeying his rules.
After my father had given me his list of rules, he would often test me by orchestrating some circumstances or situations (he called them “trials”), to display my ‘true nature’ and to see ‘what was in my heart’. He said that these “trials” were to ‘humble’ me or in other words ‘humiliate’ me. At other times, when he saw that there were ‘unsanctified natures’ in me, and despite his repeated admonishments there was no change in me, he would go to the extreme of inflicting severe physical pain. Once he broke my bones by throwing me in front of a speeding car. At another time he brought an illness on me by poisoning my food. At other times he would break things that were dear to me like my bicycle. To make it worse, he often used my idol worshipper neighbor (agent of satan) as his accomplice or agent to bring these ‘trials’ and ‘temptations’ to prove me and build my character.
Talking about gifts, on the very rare occasions that I got something from him, they were not really gifts, because I had to ‘earn’ them. In the midst of my ‘wilderness’ like life, some of these so called ‘gifts’ were like ‘salvation’ for me. But such ‘salvation’ like gifts were given to me on the condition that I behave and keep his rules, if not, he would take these saving gifts from me. I would lose them for eternity. Vacations brought me rapturous joy and it was like heaven for me. But he also threatened me that if I did not live up to his rules and measured up to his standards, I would be ‘left behind’ home alone on our next vacation trip to suffer torture from our demon-possessed neighbor.
This was my greatest fear of all. I couldn’t even imagine being ‘left behind’ in a house haunted by my demonic neighbor. So I would try my best to keep all the “I’s” dotted and the “t’s” crossed. If I messed up, I had to keep an account of those things and at the end of the day with great guilt and shame I approached my father with the list. I had to beg, wail and plead with him to forgive all my misdeeds. Sometimes he would tell me that I had to forgo my meals, in other words ‘fast’, and do a thorough job of searching my life for every rotten thing I had done and every command that I had disobeyed. I had to make a commitment that I would turn from my ways or ‘repent’ and after much begging and pleading I was allowed to sup at the table.
This was the same modus operandi for even getting him to provide for me, protect me and getting my needs met. I used to wake up in the middle of the nights and cry out to him in my heart to grant my requests. I made sure that I had done everything I could have possibly done to obtain his favor. I used to have set appointed times in the day, usually once in the morning and once before going to bed, to make my requests known to him. I would butter him up by heaping praises on him. I would say such things to him that I thought would press his right buttons. Sometimes he would act deaf, so I had to raise my voice and cry out to him. I had to use the right salutations when I addressed him like, “loving, most adorable, precious, your majesty, and highly exalted father.” At other times, I had to get 50 other people to join me and convince him to grant my request.
Such was my relationship with my father, or lack of thereof. Can you imagine having such a life? Everything that I have described above is pure fiction. But yet, this is exactly how religion has portrayed and misrepresented our loving heavenly father to be. We attribute to Him, characteristics that match that of an evil, proud, impatient, angry, rude, narcissistic, masochistic person, which is nothing but the nature of the devil. Some people attribute a split personality or schizophrenia to Him. That is not how my heavenly papa is!
Our heavenly father is love. He is primarily interested in having a relationship with you, not how he can change you or not even in what you can do for Him. He is after your heart, not after your service. Once that connection happens between His heart and your heart, the Christian life will flow effortlessly. Everything you do will be the fruit of a loving relationship with him, not because of fear of going to hell or not making it in the rapture. It won’t be about mindless religious duties and following rules out of fear, but out of love for our daddy. Religion will use fear to control and manipulate you. I challenge you to meditate on these things and be honest with yourselves – is it a religion that you are following or is it a relationship based on love with our heavenly father?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Think Different
A very popular ad, by Apple Inc.
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Monday, May 10, 2010
Friendship with God
by Bill Johnson
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Saturday, May 08, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Being aware of His Presence
by Bill Johnson
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Friday, April 09, 2010
'Faith Muscles'
Note: This article will primarily speak to the believers who are familiar with the Word of Faith teachings.
Much is written and taught on the subject of faith to the point that faith is made into a nearly impossible goal to achieve. But is that the case? Is it really reserved only for the tenacious few?
FAITH MUSCLES
The Roman centurion had great faith for his servant's healing (Matt 8:5-13). The Syro-Phoenician woman was another person that Jesus referred to as having great faith (Matt 15:21-28).
Observing their great faith, we run around to build our 'faith muscles'. We learn about the 'authority' the centurion wielded. But we scratch our heads when we realize that the Syro-Phoenician woman was not part of an army. She did not possibly know about authority. Nevertheless, we move on to the next formula.
Quick question: What formula did we work to put our trust in Jesus? If salvation is an unearned gift, which it is (Ephe 2:8-9), why then would we assume that we have to earn the blessings that we already have in Christ Jesus (Ephe 1:3)? If one's 'tenacity' is the secret to deliverance, what is the answer to the person on the deathbed who cannot even think properly? How many scriptures should he confess to be healed? And no, I am not at all against confessing (agreeing with) the scriptures, which exercises its superhuman power when we believe. But I cringe when it is perceived as a technique to "move God".
ZERO FAITH
The epileptic boy, his father and Jesus' disciples whom Jesus gave the authority to heal, had no faith (Matt 17:14-18). And yet, Jesus cured the boy.
Peter walked on water effortlessly when His eyes were fastened on Jesus. But when he was distracted by the storm, he began to sink. But notice that Jesus did not let him drown because of his lack of faith. When Peter called upon the name of Jesus, he was instantly rescued by Jesus (Matt 14:25-31). Today's religion would have condemned him to death for his lack of faith!
Therefore, isn't it common sense to conclude that, our supposed faith level is not the answer? It does not matter if we have great faith, mid-level faith, low faith or no faith - Jesus is the answer. All things are possible to him who believes. it is easy to quote, preach or write that scripture when we are comfortably dependent on our five senses. When the storm hits, it is not really easy to believe (I did not say pretend) for the impossible. Jesus is the only person who can believe in all things. He is not fazed by the storms. The elements are subject to Him. All negative circumstances have no other choice, but to bow at His Name - when we believe in Him. Right now, He is in us. So instead of looking at our faith level, let us look unto Jesus, who is the author and perfector of faith (Heb 12:2 NASB).
HIS FAITH
Faith is not a mysterious thing that is often made out to be. We do not need to be ultra "spiritual" to understand faith. We do not need to learn Greek and Hebrew to have great faith. The Roman centurion and the Syro-Phoenician woman did not know that they had 'great faith'. Note that both of them were gentiles. In other words, they did not have a list of do's and don't's. They did not come to Jesus based on what they did. What they knew for sure was that their answer was in the person of Jesus. That, is faith.
24/7 FAITH
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). The 'word of God' is not merely a bunch of scriptures that we use to 'stand on'. Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14). So then, faith comes through Him. The lame man at the Temple Beautiful, was healed by this faith. "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16, NKJV). The disciples did not run after faith-building techniques. Their secret was that they were with Jesus (see Acts 4:13). Are we connected with Jesus who is with us 24/7 (Matt 28:20) or are we practicing the popular faith principle?
ALL AUTHORITY
The believer's authority is the presence of Jesus and His authority in us. I did not say we are powerless and unworthy worms. Our authority and power is the person of Jesus, and not something we muster up with our performance.
Jesus said: "...All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matt 28:18, NKJV). "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18, NKJV).
After His ascension, Jesus confirmed the word with accompanying signs - "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen." (Mark 16:20, NKJV)
The disciples were aware that they were yielded conduits of the real person who did the miracles. Listen to their prayer in Acts 4, "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
CHILD-LIKE TRUST
The only thing that is required of us is a child-like trust. Jesus said, "...Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3, NKJV). A baby is helpless to do anything on his own. He has to depend on his parents for every little thing. Jesus said, "...without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NKJV). There are great many things we can do apart from depending on the life of Jesus, but in order to manifest His life, His deliverance and His fruit, we have to move out of the way (Phil 2:13). When we cast our cares to the Lord (1 Pet 5:7), He does the work exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to His power that works in us (Ephe 3:20). And that is not a life of idleness. We will do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13).
It really is all about Jesus.
Much is written and taught on the subject of faith to the point that faith is made into a nearly impossible goal to achieve. But is that the case? Is it really reserved only for the tenacious few?
FAITH MUSCLES
The Roman centurion had great faith for his servant's healing (Matt 8:5-13). The Syro-Phoenician woman was another person that Jesus referred to as having great faith (Matt 15:21-28).
Observing their great faith, we run around to build our 'faith muscles'. We learn about the 'authority' the centurion wielded. But we scratch our heads when we realize that the Syro-Phoenician woman was not part of an army. She did not possibly know about authority. Nevertheless, we move on to the next formula.
Quick question: What formula did we work to put our trust in Jesus? If salvation is an unearned gift, which it is (Ephe 2:8-9), why then would we assume that we have to earn the blessings that we already have in Christ Jesus (Ephe 1:3)? If one's 'tenacity' is the secret to deliverance, what is the answer to the person on the deathbed who cannot even think properly? How many scriptures should he confess to be healed? And no, I am not at all against confessing (agreeing with) the scriptures, which exercises its superhuman power when we believe. But I cringe when it is perceived as a technique to "move God".
ZERO FAITH
The epileptic boy, his father and Jesus' disciples whom Jesus gave the authority to heal, had no faith (Matt 17:14-18). And yet, Jesus cured the boy.
Peter walked on water effortlessly when His eyes were fastened on Jesus. But when he was distracted by the storm, he began to sink. But notice that Jesus did not let him drown because of his lack of faith. When Peter called upon the name of Jesus, he was instantly rescued by Jesus (Matt 14:25-31). Today's religion would have condemned him to death for his lack of faith!
Therefore, isn't it common sense to conclude that, our supposed faith level is not the answer? It does not matter if we have great faith, mid-level faith, low faith or no faith - Jesus is the answer. All things are possible to him who believes. it is easy to quote, preach or write that scripture when we are comfortably dependent on our five senses. When the storm hits, it is not really easy to believe (I did not say pretend) for the impossible. Jesus is the only person who can believe in all things. He is not fazed by the storms. The elements are subject to Him. All negative circumstances have no other choice, but to bow at His Name - when we believe in Him. Right now, He is in us. So instead of looking at our faith level, let us look unto Jesus, who is the author and perfector of faith (Heb 12:2 NASB).
HIS FAITH
Faith is not a mysterious thing that is often made out to be. We do not need to be ultra "spiritual" to understand faith. We do not need to learn Greek and Hebrew to have great faith. The Roman centurion and the Syro-Phoenician woman did not know that they had 'great faith'. Note that both of them were gentiles. In other words, they did not have a list of do's and don't's. They did not come to Jesus based on what they did. What they knew for sure was that their answer was in the person of Jesus. That, is faith.
24/7 FAITH
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). The 'word of God' is not merely a bunch of scriptures that we use to 'stand on'. Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1, 14). So then, faith comes through Him. The lame man at the Temple Beautiful, was healed by this faith. "And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." (Acts 3:16, NKJV). The disciples did not run after faith-building techniques. Their secret was that they were with Jesus (see Acts 4:13). Are we connected with Jesus who is with us 24/7 (Matt 28:20) or are we practicing the popular faith principle?
ALL AUTHORITY
The believer's authority is the presence of Jesus and His authority in us. I did not say we are powerless and unworthy worms. Our authority and power is the person of Jesus, and not something we muster up with our performance.
Jesus said: "...All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matt 28:18, NKJV). "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18, NKJV).
After His ascension, Jesus confirmed the word with accompanying signs - "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen." (Mark 16:20, NKJV)
The disciples were aware that they were yielded conduits of the real person who did the miracles. Listen to their prayer in Acts 4, "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
CHILD-LIKE TRUST
The only thing that is required of us is a child-like trust. Jesus said, "...Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3, NKJV). A baby is helpless to do anything on his own. He has to depend on his parents for every little thing. Jesus said, "...without me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NKJV). There are great many things we can do apart from depending on the life of Jesus, but in order to manifest His life, His deliverance and His fruit, we have to move out of the way (Phil 2:13). When we cast our cares to the Lord (1 Pet 5:7), He does the work exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to His power that works in us (Ephe 3:20). And that is not a life of idleness. We will do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13).
It really is all about Jesus.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Friday, April 02, 2010
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