MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Dear Friends,
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas & a Wonderful New Year 2012!
Have Fun! Remember always, "JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!"
Sending across this funny Video to bless ur Christmas with smiles and laughter!;)

Cheers,
Sparky Laurie

NO MAN KNOWS THE DAY NOR THE HOUR

Hi friends,

Each day as we look at the world around us, we can be assured that we are definitely in the last days. One glance at the TV news or the morning news paper or a glance at the corruption around and we can see the prophecies of the Bible all coming true.The days are evil, let us be brave for He has overcome the world. This is a wakeup call for us, the true Church of God!  The battle is deadly and we need to get in position; on our knees and start praying coz we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against evil principalities and the forces of darkness. Let us thus put on the whole armor of God so that we will ourselves not lose the salvation that the Holy Blood of Jesus has already purchased for us.

Rom 12:2 : “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Colossians 4:5 : “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”

2 Tim 3:12-17 : But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Tim 4:2-5  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

Let our confidence be not in our strength but in 2 Tim 4:18 :”The Lord will deliver us from every evil attack and will bring us safely to His heavenly Kingdom.”

Click to watch this much needed movie!

http://youtu.be/mcxXLVBmkew

 Have a great week,

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie.

TESTED TO TESTIFY

Hi friends,
Its been quite a while since I have been able to write down a few lines simply coz the last two weeks has been quite a trying time for me.I guess you can understand what I mean when I say that aside from the travel and the discomforts associated with it, I fractured my foot, then there were power failure problems followed by net connectivity problems, misundertandings,sickness,accusations,disappointments and sheer exhaustion. It was as if my life was turned upside down and I began to ask God why this was happening to me.My doubts and frustrations increased when a well meaning acquaintance suggested to cry and pray asking God why all this was happening. It was as if I had done something wrong but as far as I knew, I loved God with all my heart had dedicated my whole life to serving Him,was doing my duties faithfully and genuinely leading a fruitful life to the best of my ability and learning more everyday then why was there so much pain?I just could not understand.Every pillar of comfort I had turned to in the past suddenly disappeared ; good friends suddenly seemed distant even the Internet was cut off. It was that time of life when a question mark is all you see: no full stops, commas or exclamations.I didnt have any joy in me.I was hurt ,bitter and angry both with God and man.I had questions and no answers.I write this post just to share with you something I learnt during one of the lowest points in my life and that is EVEN WHEN IT ALL SEEMS DARK, HE STILL CARES.
He spoke to me through a second hand book I accidentally came across : ARMING FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE by George Mallone which helped me understand that my sudden unexplainable series of misfortunes were not just bad luck but the subtle strategy of the Enemy to discourage me and thus render me ineffective in my endeavors to share the light and love of God that Christ has put in me.

I strongly recommend this powerful book for every man/woman who is a true warrior for the Lord.Just sharing a small portion from the portion realm of suffering that really encouraged me: "I now believe all of us are at our best when we are receiving some degree of opposition,especially when we are attempting to expand the kingdom of God..In other words kingdom expansion and spiritual warfare through persecution go hand in hand.The Father knows everything happening to us and we are valuable in His sight.Persecution cannot undo the Father's will for us nor will it affect His care for us....This persecution which goes on all the time for all of us can eat away at our strength and cause us to want to give up.But it is just spiritual warfare and it is common to all those who push against the enemy's camp."-ARMING FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE by George Mallone
The book describes the problems to expect and the ways to tackle them as they arise.Though I have read many books on Spiritual Warfare this book was really special in that it was as if God placed it in my hand in my time of need to explain to me what was going on.The author covers many angles not usually dealt with by other authors.
 Dear friend, its amazing how things suddenly fall into place and obstacles clear when we recognize the real problem and focus on praising God and prayer rather than wondering and trying to find out what went wrong and why. Things are better,foot is healing and thank God for uninterupted Internet connection since last night! ;) Please do remember me in your prayers as I continue to share what the Lord continues to teach me.
Praise God that nothing is wasted in the Lord's hands and He can take our tests and make it our testimony.
It feels great to be back! Much love and best regards,

Enjoy these lovely songs by Don Moen :

http://youtu.be/pNvgTPiUsdM

http://youtu.be/Dv-m5D8tLAA

Take care, God bless

Sparky Laurie

BEYOND THE SURFACE : TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER!

THINGS IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE : IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU & WHAT YOU WANT LORD

Hi friends,

Have you ever really wondered "what is my role in this world?" /" Where is my place?" We all have good lives but have we ever really cared to look deeper within ourselves and question the very reason of our existence? I do sometimes. This post is more a talk with the Father Heart of GOD. Hope it blesses you!

It’s true that we are all caught up in the daily grind of life: making money, taking care of loved ones and hanging out with friends, even worshipping God but oft late I’ve really been wondering; “Lord what is YOUR plan for me, for my life?”What went through your mind when YOU carefully fashioned us in our mother’s womb? Did your heart flutter with excitement? Were you thrilled as we entered the world? Did you watch with pride as we took our first steps and learnt our first words? As we took our first exams and as we made our first friends? Did you dance with joy when we first accepted you as our Lord?Did you smile as we said our first prayers? Did you cry as you saw tears trickle down our cheeks for the first time? Did your heart break as you watched our hearts break for the first time? Did you applause as you saw us emerge stronger after each fall? Did you laugh with us on our sunny days? Did you look down at us in love when we were lonely? Did you watch with concern as we made our first mistakes? Did you sigh as we unknowingly made the same mistakes again? Did you rejoice at the things we did right? Did your heart sing as we got better at recognizing Your Voice and seeing Your Hand in our lives?

We know Lord that even before you made each one of us, you had an amazing plan for us and trust that you will make it happen in your time and way. In the mean time help us Lord to just stay grateful trusting YOU and standing on your promises knowing that your grace will never take us where your love cannot keep us.

Lord, it never matters how many things we do right or the many times we blow it or mess up as YOU only smile at us knowing fully well that we are trying and learning each day to become more and more like your Son Jesus and that is all that really matters to YOU!

And that is why we love you Lord because YOU are YOU and because YOU cherish each and every one of your children and have a special plan for our lives which you will bring to fulfillment in your time and way! Thank YOU Lord that you are the light to help us find our way in this world.

Your DAUGHTER forever,

Laura

http://youtu.be/CFpFVgMHROo

http://youtu.be/HeAwBmb_x28

Have a blessed week!

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie

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THE PERSONALITY OF GOD- Part 4 MAN (HUMANITY)

Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

{*Contd from THE PERSONALITY OF GOD Part 3 THE OX}

Hi friends,
Today let us see the 4^th Cardinal Attribute of God with the help of MAN as the symbol. This refers to the HUMANITY of GOD ; His LOVE, COMPASSION and KINDNESS.

 The HOLY AND JUST Father Yahweh could never overlook the sin of man that separated us from HIM forever and yet His love for us was so intense and compelling that He made a way through His beloved Son Jesus Christ who left the Glory of Heaven to come down to earth, grow up and live as a man and finally at the age of 33 die a gruesome death for us to save us from eternal damnation. Jesus is the epitome of the Father’s love for us. Personally, I have always been fascinated by the amazing humanity of our Lord Jesus that helps us to draw close to Him. Let us see in detail this endearing quality that reveals to us the very Father Heart of God.

Jesus, the Son of God was 100% man; born of a woman, had real ancestors, grew up in a human family and had siblings. He learnt to walk, talk, read and work like any of us. Jesus had a real physical, flesh and blood body (John 1:14). He knew what it was like to be hungry (Matt. 4:2). He was familiar with every human feeling/ emotion known to any man. He was lonely (Mk 14.37), distressed (Mk 3.5), He was amazed (Mark 6:6), He was angry (Mathew 21:12) “Jesus went into the temple courtyard and threw out everyone who was buying and selling there. He overturned the moneychangers' tables and the chairs of those who sold pigeons.”, He was weary (John 4:6), upset (Luke 19:41,John 11:35,)disappointed (Mk 8.12), in sorrow & pain : Heb 5:7 “During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” affectionate “Then He took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.”  (Mk 9.36), Kind and Compassionate (Mk 14.6-8, John 11:33) , tempted (Heb 4:15).

 Acc to Hebrews 2:18 “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 5:2 “He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.”

One of my beloved moments in life of Jesus was His moment in the Garden of Gethsemane just before the Crucifixion. Jesus knew the pain that was coming and He wishes for human companionship, He asks His beloved disciples to pray with Him but they fall asleep and He is left alone at the most painful moment in His life.

Many times in our deepest grief and anguish we may wish that there will be someone to pray with us and though there may be loving people around who care, we may find ourselves alone. At that time I like to remember that since Jesus went through this pain, He understands the pain of loneliness and is able to sympathize and be compassionate with us. I believe that at such moments Jesus intercedes to the Father for us feeling our pain.
Rom 8:34: “Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” And so we are never alone.

Another point to note is that Jesus was in such agony that he actually sweat drops of blood.This is a clear indicator of how severe his suffering was. The clinical term for this medical condition is “hematohidrosis.”Sweating blood is caused by a very intense emotional breakdown and when anxiety reaches its zenith. Finally He prays not my will, but your will be done" (Matt. 26:39). At the end of his life, suffering the excruciating pain of crucifixion, he cried out in a human way, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).
Another favorite moment of mine is in John 8 when the religious leaders bring before a woman who was living in sin and condemns her claiming Jesus approval to stone her to death. The blameless Jesus, the Holy Judge; the only one deserving the honor writes in the ground and then replies: “Let him without sin throw the first stone. And they leave one by one.” Jesus follows the Law but with love. He then asks the woman “where are they? Has no one condemned you? Neither do I, go and sin no more.” That is the loving compassion of my Lord and Master who even today looks at us and says to us every time we sin “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”

Hebrews 7:26 Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

All other religions speak of man going in search and trying to please GOD, here We preach a loving GOD who leaves the glory of Heaven coming in search of Man. Such is the true greatness of our Awesome GOD! What have we done to deserve such a loving compassionate God? The answer is NOTHING; it is His divine favor and Mercy. That is what makes Him God and us man! The only thing that would make Him happy is that we accept His free gift of Salvation and enjoy this love for All Eternity! It is the best offer ever in the world. How can we ever refuse a love like this?

"God loves you so utterly and completely that he has given himself for you in Jesus Christ his beloved Son, and has thereby pledged his very being as God for your salvation. In Jesus Christ God has actualized His unconditional love for you in your human nature in such a once for all way, that he cannot go back upon it without undoing the Incarnation and the Cross and thereby denying himself. Jesus Christ died for you precisely because you are sinful and utterly unworthy of him, and has thereby already made you his own before and apart from your ever believing in him. He has bound you to himself by his love in a way that he will never let you go, for even if you refuse him and damn yourself in hell his love will never cease. Therefore, repent and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior." ~T. F. Torrance, "The Mediation of Christ", 94

  Click to enjoy these amazing& powerful Videos which show the humanity of GOD:

1)    THIS MAN :  http://youtu.be/1CFhCv30Spk

2)    YOU RAISE ME UP :  http://youtu.be/sza4rh1YzsM

3)    LEAD ME TO THE CROSS: http://youtu.be/CXcbGxvgyR4 

Next in this series: PERSONALITY OF GOD PART 5: THE EAGLE

Related posts : CHRISTIANITY W/O CHRIST? , LESSONS FROM THE HOLY WEEK

Have a blessed week.

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie

What's Your Love Language?

1 John 4:7 “Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

Hi friends,

Normally, when 2 people speak  languages that the other person does not know/understand, they seek the help of an Interpreter to explain to one another what is being communicated. Only then will there be proper understanding and effective result of communication. Otherwise it will be just noise and may lead to disatisfaction.Similarly, each of us has our own LOVE LANGUAGE . We are uniquely wired to give and receive love in a particular way. Often we may feel that our sincere efforts to show our love to another person may not be understood. The reason may not be the lack of love but just the static in the air caused by our failure to communicate our love in the language they understand.

WHAT ARE THE 5 DIFFERENT LOVE LANGUAGES WE SPEAK?

This article below (an excerpt from the book “THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES” by Gary Chapman) helps us understand the 5 Different Love languages: 1) WORDS OF AFFIRMATION; 2) QUALITY TIME; 3) RECEIVING GIFTS; 4) ACTS OF SERVICE; 5) TOUCH

All of us give /receive love in all of the above 5 ways and yet each of us has a Primary Language that we identify with. The trick to make any relationship work is to identify the primary love languages; both ours and theirs. When we express our love to them in their primary Love Language, they will understand it better and more effectively.Similarly, when they know what our Love Language is and communicate to us in that language we will also feel loved and understood. It's a WIN-WIN and who does not want to WIN?;)

E.g.: If a person’s primary love language is “Words of Affirmation”, a simple thing like just telling them that you love them may bring them more joy than giving them a gift.

Another person may require a hug rather than words.

The 5 Love Languages: Dr Gary Chapman

1. Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

2. Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

3. Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures. 

4. Acts of Service

Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

5. Physical Touch

This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

Source: link : GARY CHAPMAN “THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES”

……………………………………………………

No matter where in life we may find ourselves, one thing is certain and that is there is no love to beat the LOVE of the Father’s heart who gave up His precious Son Jesus to save us/ the LOVE of the Son’s heart who willingly laid down His life for us/ the LOVE of the Holy Spirit, our constant Companion & Guide who encourages & strengthens us throughout our life. He is the VERY SOURCE OF LOVE BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE!

Click below to enjoy this LOVELY song: DON’T GIVE UP, YOU ARE LOVED

http://youtu.be/I-G8IfjPAII

Hope you enjoyed this post.

Have a great day!

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie

                                                                                      



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HE TOOK,HE BLESSED,HE BROKE AND HE GAVE

Mathew 26:26 :”Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”

Hi friends,                         

We are all familiar with this verse which is referred to as the Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples while on earth and it marks the commemoration of the Holy Communion in the Church. We all know that the bread symbolizes the Body of Jesus who is the Bread of Life and the Wine represents His Blood which was shed for us on the Cross of Calvary. As we His Body partake of these elements by faith, His resurrection power fills us and enables us to live in victory like Jesus did when He was on the earth.

The Communion is not a mere ritual we practice but in it there is life changing power each time we partake of the Lord’s Table. Since the word of God is alive and active, no matter how many times we read a particular verse, each time the Holy Spirit (the author of the Bible) illumines our minds and gives us the necessary heavenly bread we require for our everyday practical lives. As Jesus prayed, “Give us this day our daily bread” in the Lord’s Prayer. In this post, I want to share with you another way in which our key verse can minister to us.

We are the Body of Christ and just as Jesus took the Bread, blessed it and broke it and then gave it, He does the same with every true believer of His. First, he takes us from our sinful situations and then He blesses us -fills us with His Holy Spirit. After this, He breaks us meaning sanctifies us of all that is not of His nature and then He gives us to the needy meaning He uses us to become His servants, His mouth pieces to speak and do what He wants us to.

Every man or woman of God whom the Lord has used must go through these experiences so that we become fit and ready for His use. Every trial only draws us closer to the wonderful plan the Father has for each and every one of us. The life of the Grammy Award Winning Contemporary Christian Song writer/Singer/ Worship Leader Michael W Smith is one among the many testimonies of people who have gone through pain first and then used mightily by God. Click below to listen to his 'ALL I WANT' which is one of my favorite Worship songs.

As we partake of the Lord’s Supper let us do so with a humble prayer: "Lord Jesus, we surrender ourselves afresh to You, do with us what You did with the bread & the wine at the Last Supper – take us, bless us , break us and use us. "-Amen

Click below for these powerful songs:

1) IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME : http://youtu.be/WReXhV7MpI0 

2) ALL I WANT IS YOU : http://youtu.be/Jm-apCmWCyQ

Have a blessed week,

Take care, God bless,      

Sparky Laurie

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OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS BEST

Isa 55:8, 9: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Hi friends,

I recently came across this story that reminds us that often God's answers to our prayers may not always come in the way or at the time we expect them to. When tempted to doubt /give up, we must make every effort to wait patiently by meditating on all the times in our past that He has proved Himself faithful to His word and that will help us trust His goodness for our Present and Future. It may be hard and may not make sense to us but that’s alright. Quit trying to understand, instead just trust His infinite wisdom and power believing that our Loving Heavenly Father always knows what is best for us.

Rom 8:28 : “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Gen 50:20 : “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

The Burning Hut

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened – everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.

“God, how could you do this to me?” he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

“How did you know I was here?” asked the weary man of his rescuers.

“We saw your smoke signal,” they replied.

It’s easy to get discouraged sometimes when things appear to be going badly, but we shouldn’t lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it may just be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God. So hang in there!

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God always has a positive answer.

 We say, “It’s impossible”.

God says: “All things are possible”. (Luke 18:27)

We say, “I’m too tired.”

God says: “I will give you rest”. (Matt 11:28, Isa 40: 29)

We say, “Nobody really loves me”.

God says: “I love you”. (John 3:16, Isa 43:4)

We say, “I can’t go on.”

God says: “My grace is sufficient.” (II Cor. 12:9)

We say, “I can’t figure things out.”

God says: “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We say, “I can’t do it.”

God says: “You can do all things thru Christ.” (Philipians 4:13)

We say, “It’s not worth it.”

God says: “It will be worth it.” (Romans 8:28, Jer 29:11)

We say, “I can’t forgive myself.”

God says: “I forgive you.” (I John 1:9, Romans 8:1)

We say, “I can’t manage.”

God says: “I will supply all your needs.” (Phil 4:19)

We say, “I’m afraid.”

God says: “I have not given you a spirit of fear.”(II Tim. 1:7, Isa 43:1 )

We say, “I’m always worried and frustrated”.

God says: “Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

We say, “I don’t have enough faith.”

God says: “I’ve given everyone a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

We say, “I’m not smart enough.”

God says: “I give you wisdom.” (James 1:5,Jer 1:9,1 Corin 12:8)

We say, “I feel all alone.”

God says “I will never leave you or forsake you.” ( Isa 58:11, Heb. 13:5)

So, when we're confused or weary of trying to figure it all out,let's just relax, take a deep breath and say OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS BEST & HE'S TOTALLY IN CONTROL. We will be immediately transformed like the man in the pic below, LOL ;)

 Some encouraging songs for you :

1)    GOD IS IN CONTROL:  http://youtu.be/82-84EKIaqE

2)     I WILL RUN TO YOU : http://youtu.be/RZGqKqciv8E

Related :  IT'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT , OUR DISAPPOINTMENTS ARE GOD'S APPOINTMENTS

 

Have a blessed week,

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie