Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

To get pearls, one must dive deep!

Entering by Christ and letting Christ Enter

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On October 22, 2012

In Christian

Jesus said, “I am the door and if any man enters by me shall be saved” (John 10:9), but we must recognize that for one to enter in by Jesus Christ, that person must allow Jesus Christ to enter into his/her life, for Jesus will come into the life of any man who hears his voice and opens the door to his life (Revelation 3:20).

Points to ponder:
Are you entering by Christ Jesus for your salvation? In other word’s have you let Christ Jesus enter into your life for your salvation? No one is excluded, for any man who hears the voice of God and responds by opening his life to God shall be saved.

John 10:9 (KJV)
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Revelation 3:20 (KJV)
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Everlasting kingdoms

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On October 19, 2012

In Christian, Reuben

One of Reuben’s (our beloved six year old son) favorite song is “Me without You” by TobyMac and a line in the song goes as “I’d be building my kingdom just to watch it fade away” expressing the temporary and futile state of our aspirations and efforts in the absence of God.

The chorus of the song “All in Life” by Gospel singer Carman goes as follows:
“… kingdoms come and kingdoms go
but through the Word of God, I know
when all in life is done and past
only what is done for Christ will last”

When we DO ALL that God commands us to do, we end up working in his kingdom business instead of trying to establish our very own and that Kingdom is one that last forever (Revelation 11:15; Luke 1:33) – one that is indestructible and indomitable (Daniel 2:44)

Points to ponder:
God’s promise to Solomon was “if you do all the things that I have commanded you, then I will establish your throne of your kingdom for ever.” In doing all things that God commands us to do, we can be assured of the Kingdom of God within us (Luke 17:21) to last forever. Only in Christ Jesus can all things last forever, for only in him is found eternal life (John 6:68; John 17:3).

When ALL in life is DONE and past , only what is DONE for Christ will last. There is no partial work with God.
Are you/me DOING ALL for Jesus Christ, as God has commanded us to?

1 Kings 9:3-5 (KJV)
3 And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
4 And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments:
5 Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel.

Daniel 2:44 (KJV)
44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Doing is Believing

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On October 18, 2012

In Christian

When God commanded Noah to build an ark and bring into it, two of every sort of living thing of flesh, so that he, his family and God’s creation do not perish in the flood that God promised he would send, the Bible records that Noah did all that God commanded him (Genesis 6:22). Come to think of this, prior to this flood, there is no mention of any rain, during the days of Noah, let alone a flood. In other words, Noah believed that what God says he will do and thus obeys by doing what he was commanded.

Points to ponder:
To “do” what God commands us to do is an expression of believing. In other words, we do, when we trust that God will do what he tells us he would and to not do, is in essence an expression of not believing, in a promise keeping God, who cannot lie. Believing (Faith) without doing (action) is dead, for in doing, we express our belief. And when we do, let us be like Noah, who did all. We cannot do “partial” work for God – when we do, we must do “all” that he commands us to.

Genesis 6:13-22 (KJV)
13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.
19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.
20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.
21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.
22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

According – to faith, to commandment

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On October 17, 2012

In Christian

When Paul introduces himself in his letter to Titus, he introduces himself as an servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, not based on his own works, but according to the faith of God’s elect (Titus 1:1) and according to commandment of God his Savior (Titus 1:3). Unfortunately, today we see many who claim to be “called” to serve God, but in their modus operandi reflect little to no faith, in word or action, or any obedience to God as a response to his commandment to be his ambassadors of reconciliation (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

Points to ponder:
When we function as servants of God and apostles of Jesus Christ, let us make sure that it is not motivated because of some personal emotion or on our works, but let it be according to faith, in God, which makes God our Savior and let it be according to the commandment of commission that we receive from God and God alone. It is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6) and obedience to be commandment.

Titus 1:1-3 (KJV)
1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

Jesus – The Balm of Gilead

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On October 16, 2012

In Christian

There Is A Balm in Gilead” is a well-known African-American spiritual song.
The lyrics of the song goes:
There is balm in Gilead,
To make the wounded whole;
There’s power enough in heaven,
To cure a sin-sick soul.

The reference to the Balm of Gilead is taken from the book according the prophet Jeremiah, wherein the voice of the Lord questions through the prophet – Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wounds of my people? (Jeremiah 8:22). There is no healing for the wounds of God’s people (his creation), because it was not until Jesus, that healing came for only by his wounds (stripes) are we healed of our sin-sick state. The balm of Gilead in essence, refers to the Salvation (healing from being sick in sin) one gets in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the balm of Gilead. Jeremiah 46:9, 11 state that the mighty Egyptians need to go to Gilead to get medicine for the medicine they make can provide no healing. Human efforts to be healed of spiritual sin is futile. Only in Jesus is spiritual healing possible for Jesus is the Balm of Gilead.

Points to ponder:
It is futile to strive to save one’s soul from the sin-sick states by our own efforts. We need Jesus the balm of Gilead to cure our sin-sick soul. Is your soul healed?

Jeremiah 8:22 (KJV)
22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Jeremiah 46:11 (KJV)
11 Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.

Is Jesus a personal God?

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On October 15, 2012

In Christian, Personal God

Thomas Alva Edison is well known with over a thousand patents for his inventions such as the Phonograph (voice recorder), Kinetoscope (motion movie camera) and for what he is mostly attributed to – the long lasting incandescent electric light bulb.  Unfortunately though, Edison is quoted in Columbian magazine to have said “I have never seen the slightest scientific proof of the religious theories of heaven and hell, of future life for individuals, or of a personal God.” This is sadly one of the strongest quotes used in support of aethism as a valid choice.

The book of John in chapter 5 records the account of a man who was sick and suffering for thirty eight years. This man had no one to help him get into the Bethesda pool of healing to be made whole. When Jesus encounters this man, he asks the man “Do you want to be made whole (well)?”. The man responds, “I have been trying to get healed, but there is no one (man) to help me get into the pool for healing.” In other words, this infirm man’s only chance was Jesus. Jesus, being a personal God,  asks him to rise, take up his bed and walk and immediately the man was made whole.

Points to ponder:
Jesus is a personal God, who is interested in every individual person, but he does not force his interests on you. Instead, he wants you and me to acknowledge our need of him, despite his omniscience and omnipotence. Jesus is personal not pushy. When he asks, “Do you want to be saved (made truly whole)?”, let us not respond by asking for scientific proof of heaven and hell, or of future life for individuals, or of a personal God, but instead let us respond with by faith (spiritual proof – Hebrews 11:1) our need of him.

John 5:1-9; 14 (KJV)
1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

I’d rather sit and PRAY than play

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On October 12, 2012

In Christian

God speaks in various ways and once again he uses our six year old beloved son, Reuben to remind me of some truths that I should never forget.

After we had finished our shopping at the local Costco store, we came out of the store, only to be greeted by a torrential downpour of rain. Not having an umbrella with us, I suggested to Reuben that we wait patiently until the rain subsided before heading for our car and sang to him the song – “Rain, rain go away. Come again another day. Little Reuben wants to play. Rain, rain go away.” However, Reuben was more keen on getting to the car and going home. He expressed that waiting outside the store till the rain stopped would be a waste of time. Recognizing that if we stepped into the rain, we would be drenched completely in a couple of seconds, I told Reuben – “Why don’t you just sit down here and play until the rain stops?“, showing him my phone on which are a few games. To this Reuben quipped, “I’d rather sit down and PRAY for the rain to stop.” and sure enough he prayed. Needless to say, within a matter of minutes, the downpour lessened in its fury, and we were able to head to our car and go home.

From the mouth of babes indeed, God reminds us of some invaluable truths that we tend to forget. First, in everything, by PRAYer and petition, we ought to present our requests before God (Philippians 4:6). Second, God is in control of all things, and even the elements (winds and waves of rain) need to obey him (Matthew 8:27). Third, what may seem impossible for man is possible with God (Luke 18:27) by prayer which changes us or the situation we are in.

Points to ponder:
Instead of focusing on spending time and playing on the things that amuse us, are we recognizing and taking the time to spend time in prayer which amuses God. From my son, I learned that I’d rather sit and pray than play, and from the Word of God, I learn that I should not worry about anything, but rather by prayer and supplication, make known all my requests to God and thank him for what he has done. Have you made known all your requests to God with thankfulness? Are you going to take time to sit and pray? God is in control and what may seem impossible for you is not hard for the Lord God to accomplish, if it is in his will for you. Nevertheless, pray without ceasing and you will experience God’s peace which exceeds anything you can understand.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 
7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

There is no God :: Girding and Strengthening

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On October 11, 2012

In Christian

Isaiah 45:5 states “I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:”
Psalm 18:32 states “It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.”
Nehemiah 8:10 states “… for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Psalm 51:10 states ” Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
Jude 1:24 states “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,”

Hidden in these verses is the treasure of knowing that
1. God girds (surrounds/binds) us.
2. God girds us with strength (even if we don’t know him).
3. God girds us with his joy for the joy of the Lord is our strength and our Salvation.
4. God girds us with exceeding joy of his Salvation in Jesus Christ who makes our way (life) perfect (faultless), when we know him.

Points to ponder:
Jesus among other gods stands out for there is no other God like Jesus who can present us faultless with exceeding strength that he girds us with. Are your girded with the truth? The Truth, which when known, shall make you free (John 8:32). Jesus said, I am The Way, The TRUTH and The Life (john 14:6). To know God is eternal life (John 17:3) making you free from the power of death. Are you girded with the joy of the Lord? Are you girded with the Salvation of the Lord, which is given freely to all who believe in Jesus Christ – the only God who girds and strengthens. Let the weak now say, I am strong (Joel 3:10), girded by the Lord.

Isaiah 45:5 (KJV)
4 For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
5 I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else.

Psalm 18:32 (KJV)
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Jude 1:24-25 (KJV)
24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

There is no God :: Just and Savior

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On October 10, 2012

In Christian, There is no God

It must be pretty important for us to recognize that God is serious when it comes to our recognition that he alone is God. The very first commandment of his is “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3). The prophet Isaiah, in chapters 44 and 45, records the phrase “there is no God” not once or twice, but five times (Isaiah 44:5,6,8 and Isaiah 45:14,21), each time as the words of God himself. The last time that Isaiah records this saying of God, he qualifies the nature of God as a Just (Righteous) God and a Savior, before affirming that there is none beside him (Isaiah 45:21). Jesus is the Righteous Branch from the line of David, whom God sent to execute judgment and justice/righteousness (Isaiah 23:5; 33:15). All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). God’s pristine righteousness required him to have to judge man for man’s sinfulness, as justice had to prevail. This means that man had a death sentence proclaimed on him. This is where God has to step into the scene himself and is begotten and named Jesus, which means Savior (Matthew 1:21). There is no other God who is a Just God and a Savior.

Points to ponder:
Jesus among other gods stands out for there is no other divinely begotten eternal god; all others are man-made. There is no God like Jesus – for he is the perfect, unblemished, sinless, sacrifice that a Righteous God accepted, which makes him the only provision of Salvation unto all mankind. Have you believed in Jesus Christ as your Savior? There is no God who is a just God and a Savior! Don’t delay in believing that Jesus is Lord. Respond now, for now is the appointed time, now is your day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Isaiah 45:20-22 (KJV)
20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

There is no God :: Covenant and Mercy keeping

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On October 9, 2012

In Christian, There is no God

We have often heard of the saying that “The fool says in his heart, there is no God and is corrupt”, but can the wise say,”There is no God”? Solomon, the king of Israel who was known for his wisdom, says, in the dedication of the temple of God, that there is no God – no God like God Almighty who manifested himself fully in the person of Jesus Christ. Solomon affirms in his prayer of dedication, that there is no God in heaven or on the earth beneath, who keeps his covenant and mercy with his servants who walk before him with all their heart (1 Kings 8:23). So next time, a fool (atheist) says “There is no God”, you don’t have to disagree with him/her, but help that person see the error of his/her ways, by elaborating that “Indeed, there is no God like Jesus, who keeps his covenant and mercy to all his fervent and faithful servants.”

Points to ponder:
Jesus amongst other gods stands out for there is no other divinely begotten eternal god – all others are man-made. There is no God like Jesus – for Jesus keeps his covenant and his mercy with all of his servants who walk before him with all their heart. In other words, only if we have an undivided heart dedicated to Jesus, loving him (God) with all our heart, can we affirm and announce, that he is a covenant and mercy keeping God, unlike any other. Is your/my heart completely dedicated to Jesus?

1 Kings 8:22-24 (KJV)
22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
23 And he said, Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:
24 Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.

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