エピソード

  • GIVE, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU.

    GIVE, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU.
    2025/10/20
    GIVE, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN UNTO YOU
    "He that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse;" but "he that giveth unto the poor shall not lack" (Proverbs 28:27).
    Living a life of Christ is living a selfless life. Jesus sets an example for all His followers to practice. He gave all that He had, that is His life for the world without seeking anything in return. "Do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil" (Luke 6:35).

    God pours His blessings upon all. "He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." He is "kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." He bids us to be like Him. "Bless them that curse you," said Jesus; "do good to them that hate you, . . . that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." These are the principles of the law, and they are the wellsprings of life" {DA 311.1}.

    We need not to have much or wait till all our visions and aspirations are fulfilled before we give. We ought to value what we have and share with others believing that all good and perfect gifts come from God. As we give, let’s claim the promises in the Scripture and by faith believe that it is so. If we deprive others of what God has blessed us with, then we cannot claim God’s promise.

    The Lord bids us to be merciful as He is merciful. Great blessings await all who give out. Just as God increased the food in the store house of the widow who gave all that she had to the prophet, so will He do it abundantly for all who believe in His word and give out to help others. Only if we believe in the word of God will this promise be ours: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom" (Luke 6:38).
    続きを読む 一部表示
    15 分
  • OVERCOMING SELFISHNESS.

    OVERCOMING SELFISHNESS.
    2025/10/20
    OVERCOMING SELFISHNESS
    "12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:16 - 21)
    My beloved Brother or Sister, I want you to notice in this devotion that SELFISHNESS is a dangerous and a soul-ruining sin. Probably there is nothing obviously sinful about the outward life of many rich men at this end of the world than the sin of selfishness. Many rich men are not murderers. They are not thieves. They are not adulterers or liars. Yet they will end up losing their salvation at the end of time as a result of their selfish heart. In this devotion, it is not only to the rich I appeal but also to the ordinary.

    My dear Brother or Sister, we must beware of living only for ourselves as many rich men do. It is not enough for any of us to say, "I live correctly; I do my duty in every area of my life." The question is, Are you living for yourself or for Christ? What is your purpose and motivation in life? Do you no longer live for yourself but for him who died for you? (see 2 Corinthians 5:15). If you are like the rich man in the key passage of this devotion, living for yourself, then you will be LOST.

    My beloved Brother or Sister in Christ, we must learn the danger of not doing what we ought. Many rich men will not lose their salvation because of what they did, but because of what they did NOT do. They simply refused to help the poor with what they had. We should remember that on the Judgment Day Christ will say to MANY: "I was hungry and you gave me no food; I was thirsty and you gave me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take me in..." (Matthew 25:42, 43).

    Lastly, my dear reader, we must learn that riches bring special dangers with them. Many people at this end time of the end spend their lives seeking riches, even though the Bible makes it clear that riches bring great spiritual danger. Riches can easily harden the soul and lead us to forget God. No wonder Jesus says: "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!" (Mark 10:23). We need to learn to be especially careful about selfishness in these last days because we are told that "In the last days, perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money" (2 Timothy 3:1, 2). Many of us give away nothing at all, or very little in proportion to our wealth, even though the Bible warns us against selfishness and the love of money.

    My dear Brother or Sister, do you have money? Then "Take heed and beware of covetousness" (Luke 12:15). Certainly it is possible for you to be saved, because Abraham, Job and David were all rich men. But think about the danger of riches and daily seek help from above. Always remember that money is a good servant, but a bad master. My dear Brother or Sister, it is possible that you do have very little or no money at all? If this is your case, then do not envy people who are richer than you? Rather pray for them, and do not be quick to judge them. Beware of thinking that being poor will save you. At the Second Coming of Christ, many poor people will be saved not because they were poor, but because they had Christ. Do you want to know the cure for selfishness? The cure is a real knowledge and experience of Christ's love. You must know your own sinful condition; you must experience the power of Christ's blood to heal you. Then, knowing how much you owe the Lord, you will feel that NOTHING is too great to give to Him, and help the poor.
    続きを読む 一部表示
    15 分
  • IT TAKES PATIENCE.

    IT TAKES PATIENCE.
    2025/10/20
    IT TAKES PATIENCE
    One may be called Patience but may not possess patience, and a patient at the hospital may not be patient. Patience is not just a noun or an adjective, it is an inbuilt character. It displays itself in the midst of anger, failure, and temptation.

    When provoked beyond endurance, patience does not allow the "sun to set on [your] anger". In the midst of failure, patience whispers hope to its victim for him to carry on. When tempted to sin, patience holds one back and points him to the right path. It is the backbone of every good action, and the mother of every good decision.

    "Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather it is "timing", it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles and in the right way" (Fulton J. Sheen). Trees that have patience bear the best fruits—they study the soil and extend their roots to where there are nutrients. Crocodiles that lives long are those that have patience—they keep calm beneath water surfaces to catch their prey. Lions are kings of the jungle because of their patience.

    Even a snail with patience will eventually reach its destination. There is one more piece of advice I have for you; "It is through a cultivation of patience that we become better parents, powerful teachers, great businessmen, good friends, and live a happier life" (Steve Maraboli). Patience ensures victory (Proverbs 16:32; cf. Isaiah 40:31; Romans12:12). God loves you!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    15 分
  • A NEW MINDSET.

    A NEW MINDSET.
    2025/10/17
    A NEW MINDSET
    (A Chameleon Becomes What It Thinks)

    A tasty meal, a lucrative job, and a perfect day with a negative mindset is equal to an unhappy life. Our greatest concern should be more of what we feed our minds with than what we feed our stomachs. Thus, we are not only what we eat, but more also what we think. Your mindset is like a glass through which you see the world, if it's dirty (filled with negative thoughts), it will only reflect dirt (negative side of life) to you, and you will miss the beauty in the world.

    What the camera focuses on is what it captures, what the mind focuses on is what determine our statures in life and what writes the chapters of our lives—by beholding we become changed (2 Corinthians 3:18). A chameleon becomes what it thinks. Have you convinced yourself that you are unworthy of a better life? Are you trying to draw back from attaining your dreams because all the odds are against you? Focus your mind on the brighter side of life, be positive. If the body grows with age, then the mind grows with experiences. The human mindset can be likened to a muscle that can be worked on in the gym of experiences to improve upon. Take lessons from the past, and let the past be past.

    A new mindset is a renewed mind; it does not allow negative thoughts to creep in, and it filters out all negative thoughts. It is a healthy mind which leads to a healthy body, and eventually to a healthy life. A new mindset is disciplined to see things in a new light even in the night, and when things are difficult. Moreover, a new mindset is the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) which sets the affections on things above, and not things on the earth (Colossians 3:2). Let God transform you into a new person by renewing your mind. Then you will learn to know God's will for your life, which is good and pleasing and perfect" (Colossians 3:2; Romans 12:2). God loves you!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    15 分
  • YOU NEED THE BOOK.

    YOU NEED THE BOOK.
    2025/10/17
    YOU NEED THE BOOK
    A ‘need’ denotes a requirement for something. Someone’s needs are the necessities that become the pre-requisites for his or her existence. Basic essential needs of human kind ranges from food, water, clothing, shelter and the like. These are indispensable requirements of life, and they have value by satisfying the physical needs of man. Their absence makes human life uncomfortable, miserable, worthless and inconsequential. To remedy this, human beings work tirelessly to have their needs provided. All the toils of life and the overloads we embrace are basically for the provision of human needs.

    Though this is a universal routine and a worldwide exercise, many people fail to fulfil some aspects of their needs. As we try to provide the needs of the physical body, the spiritual food that is able to nourish and satisfy the spirit is left unprovided. This spiritual need is a heavenly provision perfectly wrapped for us as the word of God - the BIBLE. When one’s soul gets afflicted, wounded and weak, the word of God comforts and quickens. As the fear of tomorrow overshadow the minds of the unbeliever, to the believer, the word of God gives hope for the future. When unforgiveness afflicts the soul of the unconverted, the believer’s heart is soothed and allay with the word of God which provides principles for forgiveness. As worldliness and love for the world makes one feel good in the solitary place of sin, this word becomes a honeycomb in the mouth of the believer and trains his or her taste for righteousness. The word of God is packaged for the world as the BIBLE. It is the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Do you have a Bible? How often do you read it? You really need this book.

    This book (the Bible), like no other book, has Divine authorship and is a book of books. The Bible deals with matters of universal interest: history, philosophy, science, health, architecture, religion, prophecies, etc. It speaks to the needs of every generation, offers solutions to life’s perplexities, and even reveals the origin and future of our world. It has brought peace to troubled consciences, comfort to the sorrowful, hope to the despairing, courage to the despondent, and the assurance of reunion to the bereaved.

    No wonder the apostle Paul, even on the death roll requested for this book (the parchment). He knew the very use of the Bible that; it is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow, and it is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. To the righteous, it is a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path. It is the only truth that sanctifies us. It makes pure the way of the young and strengthens the aged. No matter your age, your class, your religion, your beliefs, your ethnicity, your aspirations and credentials; you need the book - the word of God - the Bible, for it will lead you to the Saviour of your soul - Jesus Christ our Lord.

    (2 Timothy 4:9-13; Psalm 119; John 17:17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:15)
    続きを読む 一部表示
    15 分
  • MADE FOR SOMETHING BETTER.

    MADE FOR SOMETHING BETTER.
    2025/09/10
    MADE FOR SOMETHING BETTER
    Whatever has been invented by man was fashioned out for a special purpose. Man produces things to solve a problem or to improve or complement an already existing item. Anything that is made and do not perform its very task is seen to be useless and sub-standard.

    This principle holds in relation to the creation of our world. The origin of our world as set forth in divine records is plainly stated, so that there is no occasion for erroneous conclusions on evolution or whatsoever. God created our world and it is not subject to debate. All things visible and invisible, both in heaven and the earth were made by the word of the LORD, and all the host of them were made by the breath of his mouth, He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

    In everything that God created, He infected the principle of purpose into it, and that nothing was made in vain; to the earth, He made it to be inhabited, the firmament was made to separate the waters above from the waters below; the sea was created to host the sea beasts; the sun, moon and stars were to give light to the earth and aid in detecting seasons, and the herbs to feed man and other creatures.

    Just like all the other creation of God, man was created with a purpose. God created mankind to be a steward of the world. What makes you think sometimes that you are of no use or not worthy to live because of your current situation. You may have likely compared yourself with others and devalued your own self because of your low grades, poor home, or even your physical make-up. It is important to remember that you were not made as a sub-standard material but for something better that is supposed to glorify the Lord. Why not look to God and inflame the purpose of your existence.

    Have you considered the fact that you were not created to live for yourself alone? God expects that you utilize the capabilities, wealth, talents, position etc. that you have been blessed with to contribute to the happiness of other creatures. Why do you imbibe the worldly ideology that says; "God for us all but each one for himself". NO! None of the creatures of God live for themselves. The master plan for our existence is to reveal the nature of God, to glorify Him and be a blessing to others. Don’t yield your body to lust and worldliness, don’t sell your conscience or integrity for material gain. Rather, let someone smile, be comforted, be uplifted, be spiritually blessed because of your existence. SHALOM. (Psalm 33:6, 9; Genesis 1; Romans 14:7, 8; 1 Corinthians 10:31).
    続きを読む 一部表示
    15 分
  • RECIPE FOR SUCCESS.

    RECIPE FOR SUCCESS.
    2025/09/10
    RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
    Success is just the tip of the iceberg. The iceberg itself is full of failures, hard work, and perseverance. An orchestra does not just orchestrate a nice performance on a stage. The team undergo training to correct all sounds of discord, decide on the perfect apparel to wear, and prioritize which songs to sing. The unseen preparation wins them the applause and chants. It's true when they say; "the man at the top of the mountain didn't fall there". Great men never attained success by sudden flight.

    Before David could be called a champion and a mighty leader, he had to battle beasts and tend his flocks even when no one was watching. Israel saw his victory, but God had seen his sweats. Successful students, entrepreneurs, and leaders are those that "burns the midnight candle" when everyone else is asleep.

    The path of success is not always straightforward—there are times when you'll stumble but you'll have to keep on moving like the horse. Behind every ripe fruit there's an extended root that never gets tired of searching for nutrients. Don't get tired of your dream and vision. "Stay awake", work hard, and keep searching for nothing but the best (Ecclesiastes 9:10; 1 Timothy 5:18). Above all, remember that without Christ you can do nothing (John 15:5). God loves you!
    続きを読む 一部表示
    15 分