31 October 2010 - ENCS

Today we heard from Pastor Yasupadam
Hearing his testimony, it was hard to stay calm
From an untouchable starving on the street
Saved by a Baptist missionary he did meet
With communism and gangs he spent many a year
Before God's word he finally did hear
As Jesus said "with all I have done for you"
"What for me will you do?

He used Acts 1-5 as a basis for his story
Both are factual, there's no need for allegory
In keeping with the series on the Holy Ghost
That is what Pastor focused on most

From Acts 1:8, the Holy Spirit provides power
For the disciples to witness, not to cower
"To the ends of the earth" Jesus did say
Pastor is focused on a million Indians today
To introduce Jesus to India is his goal
Thanks to his obviously Spirit-filled soul

About the Spirit we hear more in Acts two
The disciples spoke in languages they never knew
But the Spirit's power is much more than the tongue
It fills the souls of all it is among
Acts three tells the story of the beggar at the gate
To him the Spirit Peter and John did dissipate

When we look into Acts chapter four
We read that the first persecution did occur
Pastor said this was not just a story abstract
When filled with the Spirit, we will be attacked

So we must be careful how the Spirit we do use
Pastor continued to share his strong views
His greatest privilege is to the unreached reaching
Using God's word to drive his work and teaching

29 October 2010 - John 14:12-14

With his disciples Jesus did converse
"I tell you the truth" he said in the twelfth verse
He then stated that "anyone who has faith in me"
"Will do what I have been doing", can't you see?
"He will do even greater things than these"
Because to the Father I will go and please
"And I will do whatever you ask in my name"
So to God, Jesus will bring glory and fame
"You may ask me for anything in my name"
"And I will do it", Jesus did proclaim

These verses tell of the power of faith and prayer
For remember that no other power can compare
But our prayers must be aligned with God's will
And only then will God our wishes fulfil
So Jesus, please teach me the right way
As I say my prayers to you today

28 October 2010 - 1 Corinthians 10:11-13

"These things happened to them" act as an example
"And were written down as warnings" more than ample
"So, if you think you are standing firm" and tall
Verse twelve says to "be careful that you don't fall!"
"No temptation has seized you"
"Except what" others go through
"And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted"
"Beyond what you can bear", Paul pre-empted
"But when you are tempted" and in doubt
"He will also provide a way out"

Temptation is the enemy's primary tool
With it, every man and woman he tries to fool
He tempted Jesus, God's only son
In the wilderness under the hot sun
So being tempted is a daily norm
The key is our response, how we perform
Verse thirteen says that God knows what we can bear
And of course reading his word helps us to prepare
He has made promises, a very long list
Keep them in mind as the tempter we resist

27 October 2010 - Hebrews 10:19-25

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence"
"To enter the Most Holy Place" at Jesus' expense
"By a new and living way for us through the curtain"
For "we have a great priest...of God", that's for certain
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart"
"In full assurance of faith" on our part
"Having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us"
"From a guilty conscience" we possess
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess"
"For he who promised is faithful" forever, no less
Being spurred by others is something everyone needs
As that should push us "toward love and good deeds"
"Let us not give up meeting together"
"But let us encourage one another"

Being able to draw near to God is a gift
For He will never cast us adrift
But a gift that cannot be overrated
Is Christian fellowship, simply stated
For it is these interactions and prayers
No other friendship really compares

26 October 2010 - Proverbs 11:24-25

"One man gives freely, yet gains even more"
"Another withholds unduly"; poverty comes to his door
"A generous man will prosper" says verse twenty five
We should remember this as long as we are alive
For "he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed"
With this, the Golden Rule is clearly meshed

Like the Beatitudes are these verses
For basic human nature Jesus' word reverses
If our blessings with others we do share
This proves to God that we really do care
And for our reward we do not have to wait
For God's blessings to us will not abate
This does not just relate to money and things
But our time - and the joy a smile oft brings
So share with one and share with all
By doing so, we are answering God's call

25 October 2010 - Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world" says verse fourteen
"A city on a hill cannot be hidden"; it will be seen
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl"
"Instead they put it on its stand", for giving light is its role
"In the same way, let your light shine"
[Shine, Jesus, Shine is a favorite song of mine]
For by letting others see your light
And doing deeds that are good and right
All may "praise your Father in heaven"
Over and over, seventy times seven

The previous verse talks of being the salt of the earth
Saltiness and light can define our worth
So please God, when people look at me
A different person, let them see
In this world, let me be a good light
As temptations and challenges I do fight

24 October 2010 - ENCS

Bishop Manny Carlos joined us today
His sermon was titled "Power to Pray"
Before getting to the text, he talked about prayer
An important part of Christian life, so we should care
To understand God and have a relationship
Prayer is also God's means of guiding life's trip
It is not easy doing God's will
The resistance we face is far from nil

Pastor read from Acts 4, verses 23 to 31
What Peter and John had been through was not fun
They had been told not to spread God's word
But their response was to pray to the Lord
For it is a Christian's responsibility
Not to rely on his or her own ability
For if through prayer on God we do rely
His promises will come true, for He does not lie

Peter's prayer is the longest in the NT
About prayer, Pastor told us words three

The first key word he mentioned was "unified"
Prayer is more powerful when voices are allied
For Christianity is not meant to be lived alone
Solo is a target in which the enemy does hone
In unity, there is far more power
Just like a group of horses and a kilowatt hour

The second key word he mentioned was "magnifying"
Over-praising God is impossible even if we were trying
But the enemy magnifies problems and our fear
We must know the God's hands are always near

The third key word he mentioned was "committed"
For prayer can help us be properly outfitted
Through prayer we must ask for strength
To deal with challenges no matter the length

God's mission is not easy to do
We often need to be filled with Spirit anew
For over time, from our heart Spirit doth leak
This will of course make us increasingly weak
So we can use prayer to replace fear and doubt
Ensuring that our faith remains firm and stout

Pastor then shared about the Filipina law student
Despite losing her legs, her faith did not take a dent
Even after the bomb blast, she sang God's praises
Her story has encouraged others and still amazes

"Spirit-led prayer produces spirit-empowered results"
Unified, magnified, committed prayer over challenges catapults
So no matter what the challenge we may face
We can come to God, whatever the place

22 October 2010 - Amazing Grace

John Newton penned these words in 1772
To uplift me, they never fail to do
The tune also has a strong effect
As it is very easy to recollect
I could hear this hymn every day
And be happy every time it did play
All the stanzas tell a story
But all revolve around God's glory
And by the time we get to the last stanza
There is often a praising extravaganza

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

21 October 2010 - Romans 5:1-5

"Therefore", the start of this passage sayeth
"We have been justified through faith"
"We have peace with God through Christ"
For it was his sacrifice that sufficed
"In the hope of the glory of God" we rejoice
But also in our sufferings, for we do have a choice
For "suffering produces perseverance"
Which then leads to character's appearance
From character we then get hope
Can hope disappoint us? Nope!
"For God has poured out his love into our hearts"
That is where the work of the Holy Spirit starts

This is one of my favorite verses
Such truths it aptly disperses
The path to hope from initial suffering
Takes away much of the latter's sting

20 October 2010 - Psalm 99:1-5

"The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble"
"He sits enthroned" while the angels assemble
"Great is the Lord" of creation
"He is exalted" over every nation
"Let them praise your great and awesome name"
"He is holy", all the psalmists say the same
"The King is mighty, he loves justice"
Far more so than Caesar Augustus
"Exalt the Lord our God"; don't be a fool
"He is holy" so "worship at his footstool"

The focus of this passage is God's holiness
As well as his power and awesomeness
With this I cannot disagree
So a prayer of thanks I give thee
But our God also has another side
Goodness and mercy He doth provide
Thanks I also give for this
Not doing so would be remiss

19 October 2010 - Ephesians 6:10-18

"Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power"
"Against the devil's schemes" do not cower
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood"
But against evil forces which led to the great flood
Therefore let "the full armor of God" you surround
So that you "may be able to stand your ground"
"Stand...with the belt of truth...around your waist"
"With the breastplate of righteousness" well placed
"And with your feet fitted with the readiness"
"That comes from the gospel" of peacefulness
"In addition,...take up the shield of faith", per verse sixteen
To extinguish the evil one's "flaming arrows" that are unseen
Also "take the helmet of salvation"
For the battle's full duration
As well as the Spirit's sword
Which is of course God's word
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions"
"With all kinds of prayers" and dedications
Lastly, "with this in mind, be alert"
And pray that the saints will not be hurt

Yes, the armor of God we should wear
Then the enemy's attacks we can bear
Dear God, how to use your armor please teach me
So that from the enemy's arrows I will be free
And may my prayers always be heard
As I read and focus on your Word

18 October 2010 - Proverbs 4:20-27

"Dear friend...tune your ears to my voice"
Make learning my message your choice
Those who discover that these words have wealth
"Body and soul, they're bursting with health"
"Keep vigilant watch over your heart"
For that's where true life doth start
"Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth"
"Careless banter, white lies, and gossip" send you south
So "keep your eyes straight ahead"
By distractions don't be misled
"Look neither right not left" with lust
Instead, just "leave evil in the dust"

No matter which version of the Bible I read
It is clear that these are words that I need
So God, please allow your words to guide me
And allow your path my eyes to see
With temptations, there is a long list
Please God, help me to always resist

17 October 2010 - ENCS

The Holy Ghost Stories series was continued by Pastor Harris
For learning about the Acts of the Holy Spirit helps prepare us
Proverbs 4:23 says to "guard your heart"
For with the heart, all things must start

Pastor spoke on Acts chapter three verses one to ten
The story of the crippled man who begged again and again
The first miracle was that Peter and John noticed him
It was God's intent, not just a whim
Pastor referred to Isaiah chapter sixty one verse one
"The Spirit is on me" because of what the Lord has done
There is link - if the Holy Spirit is in us,
Then of others we take time to notice

If this is not the case, per Matthew 13:15
It is because calloused our hearts have been
Calloused hearts lead to closed eyes and ears
And heartfelt understanding never appears
Reading from Mark 6 verses seven and eight
People's hearts and words are often separate
For we must hold on to the commands of God
And on traditions of man we should sometimes trod

Then Pastor moved on to the harder part
Talking about how we can get a new heart
We read from Ezekiel 36 verses 26 and 27
About getting a heart of flesh from God in heaven
By allowing Him to our hearts of stone kill
Our hearts can be changed to follow God's will
Then to Acts 3 verses 6-8 Pastor did return
About Peter's healing power we did learn
Reading ahead in Acts chapter five verse fifteen
People were healed even if Peter's shadow was seen

In conclusion, from our chains we must be freed
In that way, we can always notice others in need
So while the worship team sang of the same
To the front, many calloused hearts came

15 October 2010 - Proverbs 16:1-18

"All a man's ways seem innocent" in his own mind
But God weighs our motives, verse two doth remind
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do"
"And your plans will succeed" right on cue
"The Lord detests all the proud of heart"
"They will not go unpunished" for their part
"When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord"
"Even his enemies live at peace with him", says the Word
"Better a little with righteousness"
Than with injustice, much richness
From the Lord are honest scales
Other weights lead to bad tales
In honest lips kings take pleasure
They value a man whose words are pure
"How much better to get wisdom than gold"
"To choose understanding rather than silver" hold
"He who guards his way guards his life" through all
For "pride goes before destruction" and a fall

This proverb has several phrases apt
Reading it one should be kept rapt
For God sees our heart inside
And we should be aware of pride
Our actions and words should be honest
Then we will indeed be blessed

14 October 2010 - 1 Peter 4:12-19

Dear friends, it should not be surprising
"At the painful trial you are suffering"
"But rejoice that you participate"
In Christ's sufferings that did not abate
So that your joy is not concealed
"When his glory is revealed"
"If you are insulted because of" Christ's name
"You are blessed"; your life will not be the same
"If you suffer as a Christian", have no shame
"But praise God that you bear that name"
"For it is time for judgment to begin"
"With the family of God" we are in
And if with us it begins
What is the outcome for one who sins?
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved"
"What will become" of those who to sin are enslaved?
"So then, those who suffer according to God's will should"
"Commit themselves to" God "and continue to do good"

This is an encouraging verse
That tells us our path not to reverse
As we listen to Peter's voice
In some suffering we should rejoice
And when I think of Jesus' pain
I know that I should never complain

13 October 2010 - Prayer is the soul's sincere desire

James Montgomery penned these words in 1818
About the different aspects of prayer unseen
I really like the words and the tune
They make me want to pray real soon

"Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
Unuttered or expressed
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast.

Prayer is the burden of a sigh
The falling of a tear
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try
Prayer, the sublimest strains
That reach The Majesty on high.

Prayer is the Christian's vital breath
The Christian's native air
His watchword at the gates of death
He enters Heav'n with prayer.

Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice
Returning from his ways
While angels in their songs rejoice
And cry, "Behold, he prays!"

The saints in prayer appear as one
In word, in deed, and mind
While with the Father and the Son
Sweet fellowship they find.

No prayer is made by man alone
The Holy Spirit pleads
And Jesus, on th'eternal throne
For sinners intercedes.

O Thou by Whom we come to God
The Life, the Truth, the Way
The path of prayer Thyself hast trod
Lord, teach us how to pray"

12 October 2010 - Psalm 107:1-20

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good"
"His love endures forever", that is understood
"They cried out to the Lord in their trouble"
"He delivered from their distress" and rubble
"He led them by a straight way"
"To a city where they could settle" that day
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love"
"And his wonderful deeds for men", thanks to angels above
"He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom"
"And broke away their chains" and impending doom
"Some became fools through their rebellious ways"
"And suffered affliction" in their troubled days
"They loathed all food and drew near" death's gates
This is clearly behaviour that our God hates
"Then they cried to the Lord" for kindness
"And he saved them from their distress"
Healing is what God then gave
"He rescued them from the grave"

This reminds us that to God we can always turn
He loves us always, even when He is stern
He is stronger than any father here on earth
But that should not diminish anyone's self worth
For God placed us here for a reason
In a specific place and season
And as long as we remember to do His will
All of our needs He will easily fulfil
In His power and ways we must trust
For His judgement is always fair and just
To repent, it is never too late
Until we appear at heaven's gate

11 October 2010 - Psalm 112 :1-9

“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord”
“Who finds great delight in His” Word
“The generation of the upright will be blessed”
“Wealth and riches...in his house” will nest
“Even in darkness light dawns for the upright”
For the man who is gracious and contrite
“Good will come to him who is generous” and freely gives
Who with justice conducts his affairs and lives
“Surely he will…be shaken” never
“A righteous man will be remembered forever”
“He will have no fear of bad news” or a sword
“His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord”
“His heart is secure, he will have no fear”
“He will look in triumph on his foes” far and near
“He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor”
“His righteousness endures forever” more

This is a very appropriate text
As an offertory this Sunday or next
Generosity and compassion are traits
That our God above highly rates
We should not focus on self but on others
In that way, we encourage Christian brothers

10 October 2010 - ENCS

Pastor Neli read Acts one from verse seven
Jesus' last words before he ascended to heaven
The Great Commission is also seen in Matthew
Three messages on which to chew
The first was that "all authority belongs to God"
"Go" was the second not too subtle prod
"He is with is" was the third
With his spirit and his word

Per Psalm 1, in the Lord we should delight
No matter whether it is day or night
For if Jesus occupies our heart
Nothing else can have a part
Pastor also said not to focus on our appearance
Others' views should not affect our perseverance
With God our hearts need to connect
That is what He has a right to expect
Matthew talks of giving, praying, and fasting
In private, only for the eyes of God everlasting

Per Acts chapters one and two
The disciples prayed about what to do
They praised God at the top of their lungs
In return, they received gifts including tongues
For they loved God, Pastor did explain
By doing the same, we may appear insane
"Seek God first, then get healed"
If we don't, our fate is sealed
"Seek God's face, not his hands"
That is one of the key commands

Then to Revelations 2:4 Pastor did turn
About the church in Ephesus there was one concern
Although about their deeds and work God did applaud
Their love for God had become somewhat flawed
So God (through John) told them to change
Three things that they should arrange
To remember from where they had fallen was the first
The second was to repent and have their actions reversed
The third instruction he did then impart
Was to revert to their works at the start

Pastor said that God is saying "I miss you"
Although his love for us is steady and true
At the end of the sermon today
We sang "I give myself away"
"So you can use me"
As we fell on our knee

8 October 2010 - Psalm 77

"I yell out to my God" through the day and night
Verse one continues "I yell with all my might"
"I found myself in trouble and went looking for the Lord"
"My life was an open wound that wouldn't heal" or be ignored
I didn't believe supportive words from my friends
But “I remember God” and try to make amends
"I'm awake all night - not a wink of sleep"
I go over past days and years and often weep
But then I remember "what God has done"
How he created everything under the sun
"I ponder all the things you've accomplished"
There is nothing more that I could have wished
"You're the God who makes things happen"
You fix people and things that are misshapen

I decided to use The Message instead of NIV
The Message is a version a friend wanted me to see
As expected, he is correct with his view
I should start to read other versions too
For today, in terms of Psalm seventy seven
It reminds me of truths about God in heaven
So please God help me fix my heart and soul
For your name is the one which I extol

7 October 2010 - Ecclesiastes 3:2-8

There is "a time to be born and a time to die"
"A time to tear down and a time to build" up high
"A time to weep and a time to laugh", says verse four
"A time to mourn and a time to dance" some more
"A time to search and a time to" end
"A time to tear and a time to mend"
Finally, "a time to love and a time to hate"
Even war and peace have their own fate

These words are often quoted
In all types of contexts I have noted
There is a time for everything, that is true
Reading beyond verse eight tells us what to do
Finding satisfaction in all things is one of God's gifts
And for me, knowing His eternal nature always uplifts
Another truth the passage tells me
Is that patient in these times I must be
For bad times, like good ones, come and go
I keep looking to the Lord, avoiding my foe

6 October 2010 - 1 John 3:14-18

"We know that we were passed from death to life"
"Because we love our brothers" in good times and strife
And then John said, in his next breath
"Anyone who does not love remains in death"
And as "Jesus laid down his life" for others
"We ought to lay down our lives for our brothers"
"Let us not love with words or tongue"
"But with actions" when brothers we are among

When this passage I do read
I am very thankful indeed
For many Christian brothers I do have
For my pains, they act as a salve
They always offer prayers and a kind word
Which further proves they are sent by our Lord

5 October 2010 - Psalm 68:19-21

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior"
"Who daily bears our burdens" despite our behavior
"Our God is a God who saves" with a single breath
"From the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death"
"Surely God will crush the heads of his enemies"
"Those who sin and do as they please"

These three verses have a lot to say
As I begin another busy day
My burdens God will gladly bear
For no one else's strength can compare
This gives me hope as my struggles I face
For there is nothing greater than God's grace

4 October 2010 - 1 Corinthians 3:7-9

"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything"
As the one who makes things grow is God the king
For the man who plants or waters - and his neighbour
"Each will be rewarded according to his own labor"
"For we are God's fellow workers" revealed
Verse nine concludes "You are God's field"

We heard this as an offertory text yesterday
A paradoxical message it does convey
In the first line, we might construe
That none of us have any value
By ourselves, this is fact true
But with God, there is nothing we cannot do
For later on the full picture is shown
God calls each of us his family, his own
I thank God for that comforting verse
And ask that in His love I can immerse

3 October 2010 - ENCS

Pastor Larry started a series on the Holy Ghost
The part of the Trinity we should experience most
Pastor started by referring to Acts 1:4-5
Jesus said the Holy Spirit would keep His power alive
"Our Great Helper" is the Holy Spirit
Our advocate and counsellor, more than a bit
In order for the Spirit to arrive per John 16 :7
Jesus had to depart earth and return to heaven
Pastor then spoke for another half an hour
On peace, proclamation, prayer, and power

Per John 14:26-27, the Spirit helps us have peace
Reminding us that our reading of the Bible should not cease
The Spirit also helps open our spiritual eyes
As in Texas Pastor did realise
To Psalm 42 his Bible did open
He saw "why in despair" again and again
Even in our weakness God is strong
Relying on the Holy Spirit is far from wrong
Pastor read Romans 14:17 in a hurry
The Holy Spirit brings peace not worry

Pastor then turned to Luke 4:18-19
The enemy tries to keep freedom unseen
But don't let the enemy hold us back
For freedom we should never lack
The message from Psalm 23:4 we did hear
Is to proclaim freedom not fear

Per Romans 8:26 the Spirit helps us to pray
That is also what 1 Corinthians 14 does say
In terms of what and how to pray, the Spirit leads
A random smile or hug may be what someone needs
And per 2 Corinthians 12 verse nine
"Rely on God, not man" should be a mantra of mine

From Galatians 5 verses sixteen and twenty two
The Spirit helps us to have power in what we do
Having the fruit of the Spirit and living righteously
The Spirit helps us to live quite differently
It helps us to do what is godly and right
Thus allowing our light to shine very bright

In our battles we are not alone
From Hebrews 13:5-7 Pastor did intone
Temptations can be faced and overcome
The Holy Spirit is there all the time, not just some

3 October 2010 - Mark 4

There are three parables in Mark chapter four
As Jesus talked to the crowd on the lake's shore
All three of them involved the use of a seed
It must therefore be an analogy that we need
The parable of the sower is about spreading the Word
And different reactions by people to what they heard
Then Jesus talked about a lamp
On top of a stand it should encamp
The parable of the growing seed teaches us to know
That through night and day God's kingdom can always grow
To faith is what the parable of the mustard seed refers
Focusing on the size not the power is where a person errs
And after all the talking was said and done
Evening came and away went the sun
Jesus and the disciples were in a boat
Due to a big storm, it barely stayed afloat
But on the storm Jesus imposed his will
Saying to the waves "Quiet! Be still!"

As I read this passage again
The message is very plain
The seed has a lot of power
That can be used at any hour
So from my chains let me be freed
And let me focus on being a seed

1 October 2010 - Psalm 29

From verses one and two, the message is the same
"Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name"
"Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness"
For his power and might will forever impress
"The voice of the Lord is powerful...and majestic"
It can make enemies tremble until they turn sick
Verses ten adds something to forget never
"The Lord is enthroned as King forever"
Verse eleven is the end of the psalm
With the words, the reader can be calm
"The Lord gives strength" that does not cease
"The Lord blesses his people with peace"

Yes, the psalmist David is right
The Lord is full of power and might
But my focus is on verse eleven
Strength and peace come from heaven
So as I start a brand new day
For strength and peace I do pray