Telescopic Faith

"Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me."

(Micah 7:7-8)

Problems, trials, difficulties, burdens, diseases, death, and sin are often associated with the dark. The period in European history after the fall of Rome is known as the “DARK AGES.” Darkness prevents us from using the most complex of the senses – SEEING. And for seeing to take place, LIGHT IS NEEDED.

The EYE has a built-in LIGHT-ADJUSTING mechanism called PUPIL which opens wide under low condition, and contracts in bright daylight. This explains why if we suddenly go from sunlit outdoors into a dark room, we at first cannot see anything, but things gradually become visible within a few minutes.

Science calls this process “DARK ADAPTATION.” As PUPIL is to the EYE, FAITH is to the SOUL. Like the pupil of the eye, faith opens wide in times of dark crisis to absorb whatever light of hope is available. Faith allows us go through “DARK ADAPTATION” so that we can eventually see in the dark. Faith gives us the power to see beyond darkness. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7). “We live by FAITH, not by SIGHT.” The eye can deceive us. Faith protects us from this deception.

“FAITH and SIGHT”
Sight – sees the OBSTACLES, Faith – sees the WAY
Sight – sees the NIGHT, Faith – sees the DAY.
Sight – dreads to take a step, Faith – soars on HIGH
Sight – questions, “WHO BELIEVES?”Faith – answers “I”

In a cellar (basement used for prisoners) in Cologne, Germany after World War II were found these words on the wall:
I BELIEVE...
I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining;
I believe in love, even when I feel it not;
I believe in GOD, even when HE is silent.

Never put a QUESTION MARK [?] where GOD has put a period.
In other words, “When God SAID it and I BELIEVE it, that SETTLES it for me.”
Looking at JESUS will increase our FAITH. Looking at CRISIS will increase our DOUBTS.

FAITH provides the LIGHT for us to see beyond DARKNESS. “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”( 1 Thessalonians 5:5). - We should be like SUNFLOWERS. - It always faces the direction of the sun. We should always look at the light of the world, JESUS, in times of crisis.

Faith is like a TELESCOPE. It allows us to see objects too far to be seen clearly by the naked eye. “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” (Micah 7:7-8).

Let us take a look at Micah’s TELESCOPIC FAITH. He said, “I will watch in hope for the LORD.”He was full of hope despite the presence of crisis, because he trained his sight ON THE LORD and not on PROBLEMS. We must look at JESUS and not at CRISIS, otherwise, FEAR will overcome us.
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”(Matthew 14:30). When Peter tried to walk on the water TOWARD JESUS, he made it. But when he SAW the wind, he became afraid and started to SINK.
What was the matter with Lot in Sodom? He lived a sinking life. What was the matter with Jonah in the fish belly? He lived a sinking life. What was the matter with Judas? He lived a sinking life. “Though I have fallen, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me” (Micah 7:8).

Here is the determination of a man sure of his God, sure of himself. He was sure he was in crisis, but he was determined not to let crisis put him down. Yes, we may fall along the way. But let us not give up. Let us keep on fighting. One author says, “Greatness does not depend on never failing, but in RISING whenever you fall”. God can always turn our FAILURES into LEARNING, our FRUSTRATIONS into OPPORTUNITIES, our TRIALS into TRIUMPHS.

“LIFE of ABRAHAM LINCOLN”
1831 – Failed in Business,
1832 – Defeated for Legislature
1833 – Again failed in Business
1834 – Elected to Congress
1835 – Sweetheart died
1836 – Had nervous Breakdown
1838 – Defeated for Speaker
1840 – Defeated for Elector
1843 – Defeated for Congress
1846 – Elected for Congress
1848 – Defeated for Congress
1855 – Defeated for Senate
1856 – Defeated for Vice President
1858 – Defeated for Senate
1860 – Elected President of the United States of America.

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.

(By Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon)

Hannah - A Woman Of Faith

“Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah: And he had two wives; the name of the one [was] Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.............but the LORD had shut up her womb.”

(1 Samuel 1:1-5)

A wonderful role model for women of faith today is that of Hannah. The mother of Samuel, one of the greatest prophets of Israel. Whose story is told in the first two chapters in the book of 1 Samuel. From just a simple reading of the material in these two chapters we can glean several lessons from “Hannah – A Woman of Faith.”

I – WOMEN OF FAITH ENDURE REAL PROBLEMS – Hannah’s problem is she cannot bear a child. Her womb was closed by the Lord. “But the LORD had shut up her womb.” (Samuel 1:1-5). What we can learn from Hannah? Women of faith are not without problems in this life. The righteous often suffer (remember Job). We should not let others deter our trust in the Lord. Hannah could have used her misfortune and mistreatment as an excuse...I don’t want to serve God anymore. Yet year after year, Hannah continued to worship the Lord.

II – WOMEN OF FAITH EXTEND VIBRANT PRAYERS -What we can learn from Hannah? Pray fervently. Hannah put her soul in her prayers. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” ( Colossians 4:2 ) . Pray persistently. Hannah continued steadfastly in prayers.
Pray faithfully. Hannah believed that God would answer her prayers. “ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”(1 John 5:14-15). Women of faith believe in the efficacy of prayer. God takes notice of such faith.
“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” (2 Chronicles 16:9).

III – WOMEN OF FAITH EXPERIENCE GOD’S PROVISIONS – God gave many provisions to Hannah. God answered Hannah’s request to bear a son by the name of Samuel.
The Lord remembered Hannah. “And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.” (1 Samuel 1:19)
The Lord gave her a son, whom she named Samuel. “Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 1:20).

We can learn from Hannah that God may sometimes give us what we want. It must be according to His will. We must abide in His Words. Selfish prayers will not be answered as we wish. God will always provide what we need. It may not be what we want or expect. But it will meet our needs, and be for our good.

IV – WOMEN OF FAITH EXCEL AT KEEPING PROMISE - She planned to keep her promise. “But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, [I will not go up] until the child be weaned, and [then] I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.” (1 Samuel 1:22).

We can learn from Hannah that we should keep our vows. God has no pleasure in fools who do not keep their vows. “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”(Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). As Christians, even our “yes” and “no” are as solemn vows. Fulfilment of vows or promise should not be done begrudgingly. We should with gratitude of heart do the will of the Lord. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”(Colossians 3:17).

V – WOMEN OF FAITH EXPRESS THEIR PRAISE – We can learn from Hannah that we should rejoice in blessings received. For we are to rejoice always. “Rejoice evermore.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
How much more so when we have received blessings from the Lord. We should offer praise for blessings received. Good health, financial, good harvest even we think not, children, etc. Praising God is how Christians offer spiritual sacrifices to God.

In conclusion, “Hannah – A Woman of Faith” serves to remind us that all women of faith....should
Endure real problems
Extend vibrant prayers
Experience God’s provisions
Excel at keeping promises
Express their praise

Today, anyone can become a person of faith. Even though you face many problems. If you are willing to come to God in prayerful obedience to the gospel of Christ. Receive the gift of salvation provided through God’s Son. Remain true to your commitment to His authority as Lord of your life. Offer your life and the fruit of your lips in praise to Him. May everyone, whether male of female, be able to say together with Hannah.


(From Pastor Shem Gardose’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Money, Possessions and Eternity

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

(1 Timothy 6:9-10)

People talk about money. People think about money. People act according to how much money they have. Here are lessons to be learned suggested by the Bible.
Illustration “MONEY SPEAKS”
You hold me in your hand and call me yours. Yet may I not as well call you mine. See how easily I rule you? I go nowhere unless you send me. I keep strange company. For me, men mock, love, and scorn character. Yet I am appointed to the service of saints, to give education to the growing mind and food to the starving bodies of the poor. My power is terrific. Handle me carefully and wisely, lest you became my servant rather than yours.”

All of us have OPPORTUNITIES to earn money. All of us have TEMPTATIONS concerning money. Warning!
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”(Matthew 6:21).
We will spend much of our time and energy on whatever we put value to. This materialistic world has made man SUBSERVIENT (submissive, subordinate, compliant, obedient) to money. We should not be fascinated with our posessions, lest they posses us. To a great extent, people who get rich, become proud, arrogant and rude. People steal and kill for love of money.

There are two (2) basic principles we need to know:
(1) GOD OWNS EVERYTHING
(2) MAN IS A MERE STEWARD OF ALL GOD GIVEN RESOURCES

I – GOD OWNS EVERYTHING -“ For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”(1 Timothyb 6:7)
Nobody owns anything (even a single thing) in the world.
A) Over 70 percent of the body weight is water which would be free.
B) No scientific instrument is as sensitive to the light as person’s eye.
Automatically, the muscles of the eye relax so that the lens is small and thick for distant viewing or they stretch the lens to bring into focus. No wonder the eye was the original model for cameras.
God gave it for FREE!
C) The ear is as much an acoustic marvel as the eye is an optic one. The inner ear is like a keyboard with 15,000 keys because that is the number of different tones that can be detected.
Not only does the ear perform the function of hearing, it acts to control equilibrium as well. Who but God could have originated such a dual purpose instrument?
God gave it for FREE!.
D) The Brain – even though your brain will forget more than 90% of what you learn during your lifetime, it may still store up as much as 10 times more information than there is in the library of Congress (U.S.A) with its 17 million volumes.
God gave it for FREE!
The Bible is true: “We didn’t bring anything with us when we came into the world and we can’t carry away a single thing when we die.”
“The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”(Psalm 24:1).
If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof. "(Psalm 50:12)
Lesson:
We should acknowledge God’s sovereign authority over everything God has given us.
God has supreme unlimited power over the entire universe. He creates, He preserves, He governs.
As we understand God’s power, we realize that HE is Sufficient to handle our lives.

II – THE MAN IS A MERE STEWARD OF ALL GOD – GIVEN RESOURCES
“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all [things] under his feet:”(Psalm 8:6).
God gave mankind tremendous authority – to be in charge of the whole earth. But with great authority comes great responsibility. Use your resources wisely because God holds you accountable for your stewardship.

The following are some suggestions on how we can become better stewards:
1. Prepare a Budget – Every single centavo gets accounted for. “When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost."(John 6:12). “Gather up the fragments (centavo) that remain, that nothing can be lost. You are able to compare earnings with expenses, and know before hand whether expenses will be greater than earnings. This gives you the opportunity to adjust expenses accordingly and determine spending priorities. More importantly, budgeting makes you the master of your own money instead of money mastering you. You don’t ask where your money went, but you tell your money where to go.
2. Set Aside money for Emergencies – “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.”(Proverbs 30:25). There’s wisdom in saving for rainy days. Scrimping on the little vices like softdrinks, junkfoods and big vices like smoking, gambling and drinking can increase savings.
3. Avoid IMPULSIVE BUYING - Avoid the rush a store sale. Control the urge to go on buying sprees than to stay away from the malls! Disengage from the window shopping pastime. Observe the “DELAYED ACTION FORMULA” before making a purchase. God, our FINANCIAL ADVISER is best consulted, so pray about it first, when tempted, FLEE!
4. Distinguish between NEEDS and WANTS – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:19).
Note the words: “ALL your need”A need is basic to DAILY Survival. A want is something that we can live without because it leans on the side of CAPRICE.
5. Live on what God Provides – “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." (Philippians 4:11-12). “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1Timothy 6:8).
The key to contentment is to live within your means. Not coveting what other people have should protect us from chasing after things that we cannot afford.
6. Avoid increasing Debt - “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender. “ (Proverbs 22:7). The credit card syndrome has put a lot of people deep into debt.
“He who borrows sells his freedom”. Longer instalment payment plans may appear light on the pocket, but when you compute compounded monthly interest rates, the amount can be ASTRONOMICAL (inconceivably large).
7. PAY YOUR TITHES - “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].” (Malachi 3:10).
God will prove Himself faithful to those who faithfully abide His command to Tithe. He promises blessings beyond our imagination, for no one can ever outgive God. We can choose the path of destruction by serving money and possessions, or we can choose the path of eternal rewards. Giving to the Lord is but transporting our goods to a higher floor.
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”(Matthew 6:19-20).

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages).

Seven Things That God Hates (Part III)

“The LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

(Proverbs 6:16-19)

VI – GOD HATES A FALSE WITNESS THAT SPEAKETH LIES - “A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”(Proverbs 6:19).
God hates slander. Words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another. A false accusation of an offense. An abusive attack on a person’s character and good name. Charge falsely or with malicious mischief.

LESSON: RASH JUDGEMENT
Truth is very important to us because Jesus said He is the truth.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6).
Honoring the truth means respecting other people’s reputation. If we respect them, we wouldn’t want to judge them rashly. Rash judgement is assuming that what someone did was wrong without knowing the whole story.
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in his shoes. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:1-2). This commandment of God is one that is often neglected. All of us are guilty of misjudging people, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
The word “judge” in Greek is “Krino”, from where we get the words “critic” and “criticism”.
Are we constantly criticising and judging other based on our own defective principles of righteousness?
Jesus says: “You too will be judged” “For with the judgement ye judged, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again”.
“And with what MEASURE YE METE”. The word “measure” here is a picture of a WEIGHING SCALE.
Illustration:
There is a story of a BAKER who used to buy one pound of butter from the local dairy farmer everyday.
One day, he decided to weigh the butter and found out that it was less than a pound.
Enraged, he sued the dairy farmer for fraud.
The judged asked the dairy farmer if he used a weighing scale in measuring out the butter he said.
To his surprise, the farmer replied that he did not have a weighing scale.
“How did you measure the butter? Asked the judge.
“It is very simple, your honor”, replied the farmer.
“When the baker started buying butter from me, I decided to start buying bread from him. So everyday, I simply used the one-pound loaf of bread that I buy from him as the measure for the butter I sell. So if there is any problem with the weight of my butter, he only has himself to blame!”
Application:
The standard of measure we use will be used against us. Jesus teaches us then to be careful before passing judgement for our own lives will also become subject to scrutiny.

There are four reasons why we should not judge others:
We should never judge a person until we ourselves have experienced all the circumstances in that person’s life.
a. We never truly know all the facts in a person’s life.
Our task is not to judge others but to look for the good inside every person.
b. We can never be completely objective or impartial.
We are already stained or pre-set with different sets of biases, some ingrained in us even as far back as our early childhood. It is very difficult to shed off these biases and render a completely impartial judgement.
c. We wrongly assume God’s role and authority. “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” (James 4:12).
The minute we start judging others, we pass judgement on ourselves.
d. We are not good enough to pass judgement.“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10).
How can any man pass judgement when man himself is lacking in the very necessary faculty of righteousness?
“And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam [is] in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” (Matthew 7:3-5).
Instead of passing judgement, we should first examine ourselves and then minister to our neighbours with LOVE and MERCY, being quick to forgive them of their faults.
The traits that bother us in others are often the habits we dislike in ourselves. Our unbroken bad habits and behaviour patterns are the very ones we most want to change in others.
Knowing that the ONLY true and FINAL JUDGE is Jesus Christ, we should never try to claim the right to play God and act as judge.

LESSON: DETRACTION -The act of discrediting someone’s reputation.
“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking.”(1 Peter 2:1).
“Laying aside all malice” means to “Strip away everything vicious” (poisonous, venomous, harmful).
“All guile”means everything deceitful. “Hypocrisies” means Pretenders “All evil speaking”
Means disparaging remarks of any kind. When we falsely accuse someone of something, we take from him or her something that can’t be returned.
Golden rule: “Treat others as you want to be treated.”

LESSON : PEOPLE OF THE TRUTH
How?
We need to be TRUTH Seekers.
We have to be TRUTH Speakers.


VII – GOD HATES HE THAT SOWETH DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN - “A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:19).

Causes of Division are:
1.Jealousy
2. Personalities
3. Spiritual gifts
4. Arguing

Jealousy - “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.”(Genesis 26:12-16 ).
Jealousy is a dividing force strong enough to tear apart the mightiest of nations or the closest of friends.
Cure: When you find yourself becoming jealous of others, try thanking God for their good fortune.

Personalities – “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:12).
The Corinthian church favoured different preachers. Paul make it clear that the MESSAGE is more important than the MESSENGER.

Spiritual Gifts - “Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.”(1Corinthians 12:1).
Instead of building and unifying the Corinthian church, spiritual gifts were splitting it.
They had become symbols of spiritual power, causing rivalries and setting up hierarchies of supposedly spiritual and unspiritual people.

Arguing - “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
Division within the church often begins with quibbling over minute points of theology.
A person’s understanding of the finer points of the theology should not become the basis for lording it over others. Instead, theology should always unify the church. Stay away from those who just want to argue.

Conclusion:
Living does not mean we will agree on everything; there will be many opinions just as there are many notes in a harmonious chord of music. But we agree on our purpose in life – to work together for God.
Be a builder not a destroyer. Let us build through Evangelism.Let us build through Exhortation.
To exhort is to encourage. Let us encourage those who feel like giving up. Let us encourage those in leadership. Let us encourage all in the family of faith. Let us build through Edification. To edify is to build up. Refuse to be part of a wrecking crew. Let us rise up and build.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Worship Sunday Messages)

Seven Things That God Hates (Part II)

“The LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

(Proverbs 6:16-19)

III – GOD HATES HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD - “A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.”(Proverbs 6:17). Hatred is MURDER at heart. Christianity is a religion of the heart, outward compliance alone is not enough. Jealousy, bitterness, hatred is an evil cancer within you and will eventually destroy you. The story of Abel and Cain was a classic example of hands that shed innocent blood.

“But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.”(Genesis 4:5). “And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” (Genesis 4:8).
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15).

Illustration: The “MATADOR” Plant
In South America, there is a strange vine known as the MATADOR. Beginning at the foot of a tree, it slowly makes its way to the top. As it grows, it kills the tree, and when at last the top is reached, it sends forth a flower to crown itself. “MATADOR” means KILLER, jealousy. It appears harmless when it is small, but if it is allowed to grow, its tendrils of malice and hatred soon clasp themselves around the heart and eventually KILL the SOUL.

LESSON:
Jealousy can be destructive in three ways:
a. They damage the foundations of human relationships (good will, trust and peace).
Jealousy is a dividing force strong enough to tear apart the mightiest of nations or the closest of friends.
b. They hamper progress toward important goals.
c. They make us self-centered rather than love centered.
The time to deal with jealousy is when you notice yourself keeping score of what others have.
Jealousy begins by destroying a person on the inside, then it manifest itself in harmful actions.
How tragic when our own jealous feelings make us try to stop God’s work.
Envy comes when you resent the fact that others have what you don’t.
When we are blinded by envy, it is almost impossible to see our own sin.


IV – GOD HATES A HEART THAT DEVISETH WICKED IMAGINATIONS - “An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief. “(Proverbs 6:18).
The HEART is the heart of all problems.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”(Jeremiah 17:9).
Someone once said of a man, “That man is an INVENTOR. He is always inventing some evil thing, how dreadful!”
How different was DORCAS? “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.”(Acts 9:36). Dorcas made an enormous impact on her community by “always doing kind things for others”.
When she died, the room was filled with mourners, people she had helped. And when she was brought back to life, the news raced through the town.
How different was BARNABAS? “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”(Acts 11:24). Barnabas demonstrated strong faith by ministering joyfully with kindness and encouragement and helping new Christians grow in their faith.

Poem:
HOW DID HE LIVED?
Not, how did he die? But how did he live?
Not, what did he gain? But, what did he give?
Not what was his church? Nor, what was his creed?
But had he befriended? Those really in need?
Not, what did the sketch? In the newspapers say?
But, how many were sorry? When he passed away?
“It’s no use walking everywhere to preach unless we preach as we walk”.

V - GOD HATES FEET THAT BE SWIFT IN RUNNING TO MISCHIEF - “An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief.”(Proverbs 6:18).
“Mischief” – monkey business or deceitful behavior. “The feet hurry to carry out the wicked (deceitful) intentions of the heart”. Without honesty, a relationship with God is impossible. If we lie, we begin to deceive ourselves. God cannot hear us or speak to us if we are building a wall of self-deception.

“Better [is] the poor that walketh in his integrity, than [he that is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”(Proverbs 19:1).
“Better be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.” Mischievous people are so afraid of being short of money that they will pay any price to have more – cheating, stealing, withholding tithes, refusing to give. A lower standard of living – or even poverty – is a small price to pay for personal integrity.

“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.” (Malachi 3:8-9).
What is God’s curse? “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.” (Deuteronomy 11:26).
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it]. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3:10-12).

Note: God’s promises great blessings, but many of these blessings are CONDITIONAL. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Chronicles 7:14). Note the word “IF”.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Seven Things That God Hates (Part I)

“The LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”

(Proverbs 6:16-19)

The seven things that God hates are :
1. A proud look
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. Heart that deviseth wicked imaginations
5. Feet that be swift in running to mischief
6. A false witness that speaketh lies, and
7. He that soweth discord among brethren

I – GOD HATES A “PROUD LOOK” – This means pride or being arrogant and boastful. The opposite of humility. This means living in a self-centered life expressing self as superior. It is the letter “I” in the words found between SIN and PRIDE. SIN – three letters – with letter I in the center. PRIDE – five letters – with I in the center.

This is the Pride that brought about the fall of Lucifer - “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:12-15).

Note the words:
1. “I will ascend into heaven”.
2. I will exalt my throne “above the stars of God”.
3. “I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation”.
4. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds”

This is the Pride that precedes DESTRUCTION. – “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”(Proverbs 16:18). Proud people seldom realize that pride is their problem although everyone around them is well aware of it. When you judge someone, you automatically consider yourself better, THIS IS PRIDE.
There is a big difference between judging someone and correcting someone. Lashing out at others can be a sign that something is wrong in his heart. Don’t forget, “SEARCH SEVEN TIMES BEFORE YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE”.
Illustration:
Voice over the phone: “I sent my little son, James, to your store for five pounds of apples, and I find on weighing them that you sent only four and a quarter pounds”.
The grocer: “Madam, my scales are regularly inspected and are correct. Have you WEIGHED YOUR LITTLE BOY?

“Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.”( Matthew 7:5)
The product of a “PROUD LOOK” is a CENSORIOUS and FAULT FINDING SPIRIT – a habit of passing rash and hasty judgement to others in order to build oneself up.
“LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.”(Psalm 131:1).
“Lord, I am not proud and haughty (arrogant superiority), I don’t think myself better than others. I DON’T PRETEND TO “KNOW IT ALL”.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3). “Not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think”.
True humility is not to think low of oneself but to think RIGHTLY, TRUTHFULLY OF ONESELF. Have you ever thought of it, that only the smaller birds sing? You never heard a note from the eagle, nor from the turkey, nor from the ostrich. The sweetest music comes from those Christians who are small in their own estimation and before the Lord.

II – GOD HATES A LYING TONGUE – “A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.” (Proverbs 6:17).
God gave human beings one gift which most of the other created being do not have and that is the gift of speech. The fact that man can speak is one of the factors that lifts him far above the animal kingdom. Animals can plan and build, and play and fight, and sense when you are afraid and when you are not – but they cannot convey ideas through the power of speech. Through words, we can bring comfort and courage to others – but through words we can also wound and crush and even kill.

Illustration: “Sad Ending for Dakota Family”
They were a happy little family living in a small town in North Dakota, even though the young mother had not been entirely well since the birth of her second baby.
But each evening the neighbors were aware of a warmth on their hearts when they would see the husband and father being met at the gate by his wife and two small children. There was laughter in the evening too, and when the weather was nice, Father and children would romp together on the back lawn while mother looked on with happy smile.
Then one day a village gossip started a story, saying that he was being unfaithful to his wife, a story entirely without foundation. But it eventually came to the ears of the young wife, and it was more than she could bear.
Reason left its throne, and that night when her husband came home, there was no one to meet him at the gate, no laughter in the home, no fragrant aroma coming from the kitchen, only coldness and something that chilled his heart with fear.
And down in the basement he found three of them hanging from a beam. Sick in despair, the young mother had first taken the lives of her two children, and then her own.
In the days that followed, the truth of what had happened came out – a GOSSIP’S TONGUE, an untrue story, a terrible tragedy.

“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”
(Proverbs 15:28). What we say reveals what is in our hearts. Or an indication of what your heart is really like.

Illustration: “Two Jesters on Errand”
There is a story in the Jewish Talmud about a king who sent two jesters on an errand.
Talmud – collection of ancient rabbinic writings and traditions.
In instructing them, he said, “Foolish Simon, go and bring me back the best thing in the world. And you silly John, go and find for me the worst thing in the world”.
Both clowns were back in short order, each carrying a package. Simon bowed low and grinned, “Behold, Sir, the best thing in the world”, his package contained a TONGUE.
John snickered and quickly unwrapped his bundle, “The worst thing in the world, Sir,” another TONGUE.

LESSON:
Tongue, the best thing in the world – the bond of civil society, the organ of truth and reason, and the instrument of praise and adoration to God.
Tongue, the worst thing in the world – the instrument of strife and contention, the inventor of lawsuits, the source of division and wars, the organ of errors and of lies.

CONCLUSION:
Words can be used either as weapons or tools.
Every person you meet today is either a demolition site or a construction opportunity.
Your words will make a difference. Will they be weapons for destruction or tools for construction?

Prayer:
Make Me a Channel of Blessing? Is your life a channel of blessing? Is it daily telling for Him? Have you spoken the word of salvation? To those who are dying in sin? Make me a channel of blessing today. Make me a channel of blessing I pray. My life possessing my service blessing. Make me a channel of blessing today.

Words that are needed today:
Words of Cheer. Our world is filled with sadness. Most of the news is about the bad things that happen. Let us discover the power of words of cheer and use them more generously.
Words of Comfort. Violence and wars have brought sorrow and bereavement to the lives of millions. Suffering is eased by comforting words. Let us comfort someone today.
Words of Compassion. Compassion of the sick, suffering and sinful.
Words of Christian Love. Words of hatred and strife are prevalent in today’s society.
The scriptures admonish us to “be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love”.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Christ Our Advocate

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

(1 John 2:1).

“If any man sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the Father, JESUS CHRIST the RIGHTEOUS. What is an ADVOCATE? Advocate is a legal term for “one who INTERCEDES for another”. The term “advocate” denotes a LAWYER who represents his client before a court of law. Jesus stands ready to forgive any sin in your life, but confession and repentance mean a change heart. Changing the behavior that originally produced sin. No Christian or church has been ever been or will ever be perfect until Christ and HIS church are united at His second coming.
There is a big difference between COMMITTING SIN and REMAINING IN SIN. Even the most faithful believers sometimes commit sins, but they do not cherish a particular sin and choose. A person who REMAINS IN SIN, by contrast, is not sorry for what he is doing. Thus he never confesses and never receives forgiveness. Such person is against God, no matter what religious claims he makes. A believer who commits a sin REPENTS, CONFESSES, and is FORGIVEN.

The fact that the Lord Jesus is our eternal advocate suggests 3 things:

I – THE CONFLICT, COMPLAINT AND CLIENT - Why do we need an ADVOCATE in Jesus Christ?
First of all we still have a sin problem and sometimes FAIL. Because we do fail sometimes and sin, we have an accuser who points out our faults. It is SATAN himself. “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Revelation 12:10). We are the CLIENT needing an ADVOCATE. The conflict is the struggle we continue to have with our sin nature. The complaints are from Satan our accuser.

II – THE CASE - We have a problem and Christ is our solution for our sinfulness, and our lack of spiritual strength. When the client needed a lawyer, he would request one. The lawyer could accept or reject the assignment. Christ will not reject our need.
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37). Note the words “and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” A good lawyer is eloquent and able to catch the ear of the judge. It is the Lord Jesus Christ that intercedes for you and I now. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5).

III – THE CONCLUSION - When Christ intercedes for us, HE PREVAILS. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2). Propitiation – one who took God’s wrath against our sins upon Himself. Jesus the best attorney in the universe pleading your case. He has already suffered your penalty in your place. You can’t be tried again for a case that is no longer on the docket. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24).

(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages).

Features Of A Wholehearted Christian (Part III)

“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.”

(Psalm 26:7).

IV – HE TESTIFIES FOR GOD – “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.”(Psalm 26:7).

The gospel in the first century was carried by a good system. It was called the TELEPERSON SYSTEM, and it truly got results, better than we today with our TELEPHONES, TELEVISION, and so on.
The woman of Samaria carried the gospel after her meeting with Christ – by the TELEPERSON’S SYSTEM.
There are three ways to send a message: TELEGRAPH, TELEPHONE, TELL A WOMAN. You cannot lift other to a higher level than that on which you live yourself.

Illustration: “Cat and Dog Test”
Hudson Taylor said: “If your father and mother, your sister and brother, if the very cat and dog in the house, are not happy for your being Christian, IT IS A QUESTION WHETHER YOU REALLY ARE.” One of the convincing ways to tell other about God is to talk about what He has done in your life. When people see changed lives and watch God’s power at work, they will come from after and wide to worship God.
A high school in Virginia offered a course called, HOME ECONOMICS for boys. It got no attention. So the following year, it was changed to “BACHELOR LIVING.” The effect was overwhelming.
LESSON:
We are of no value if we are Christians in name only. If others can’t see our faith in the way we live, we may not be God’s people at all. It is not enough to follow Jesus in your head or heart alone. You must show your changed life by changed behaviour.

V - HE LOVES THE HOUSE OF GOD – “LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.” (Psalm 26:8).

The church is not a club of saints, it is a HOSPITAL for sinners. Most people think of the church as a drama, with the minister as the chief actor, God as the prompter (a device that displays words for people to read) and the congregation as the critic. What is actually the case is that the CONGREGATION is the chief actor, the MINISTER is the prompter, and God is the critic.

Illustration: “Worshipping the Speakers”
A visiting minister was substituting for the famed pastor HENRY WARD BEECHER.
A large audience has assembled to hear the popular pastor.
At the appointed hour, the visiting minister entered the pulpit.
Learning that Henry Ward Beecher was not to preach, several began to move toward the doors.
The visiting minister stood and called out, “ALL WHO HAVE COME HERE TODAY TO WORSHIP HENRY WARD BEECHER MAY NOW WITHDRAW FROM THE CHURCH! ALL WHO HAVE COME TO WORSHIP GOD, KEEP YOUR SEATS!” No one left.
Jesus is more than a great leader, more than just a good example, a good influence, or a prophet. He is in fact, the Creator, the Redeemer and the Almighty God. When you understand this profound truth, the only adequate response is WORSHIP. When you have a correct understanding of Christ, YOU WILL WORSHIP HIM. “When does the service begin?” Whispered a visitor to someone sitting beside him at church worship service. “Sir, service begins just after the worship ends”, was the reply. “ENTER TO WORSHIP – DEPART TO SERVE.”

(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Features Of A Wholehearted Christian (Part II)

“For thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” (Psalm 26:3).

II – HE ADHERES TO THE WORD OF GOD – “For thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” (Psalm 26:3).

We must adhere to the will of God. Since we live in a Christian country and we probably go to a place of worship sunday after sunday, and hear sermons, the question is what effects have they upon our character? The Word of God must be received into our hearts, and become the mainspring of our conduct. It must produce practical impressions in our inward man that shall appear in our outward man. Biblical examples of persons who adhered to the Word of God are Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Meshach, Shadrach ,Abednego etc..

God is looking for men and women who will walk in God’s truth. Men and women who are willing:
to go against the current of popular opinion, to hold firm convictions in a world where “anything goes,”
to speak the truth when it is not politically and morally correct, to live their lives blamelessly when the world says character doesn't count, and to walk with God when everyone else is running away from Him.
God is looking for another Enoch, another Noah, another Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. Don’t bend! Don’t bow! Stand up! Speak out! One person with God is not alone, but a majority.

The man who walk in God’s truth is consistent in obedience and faith.- Selective obedience is just another form of disobedience. God often asked extraordinary obedience from His children who were facing extraordinary time. It is not enough to get off to a right start. We must endure with God to the end. God’s plan stands forever! God is completely trustworthy. When you wonder if there is anyone in whom you can trust, remember that God is completely CONSISTENT.


III – HE SEPARATES HIMSELF FROM THE ENEMIES OF GOD – “I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.”(Psalm 26:4-5).
Should we stay away from unbelievers? No! There is a big difference between being with them and being one of them. Trying to be one of them harms our witness for God. Alliances would lead to familiarity, and familiarity to compromise. God promises to honor those who do right, not those who make everyone happy. Compromise can be defined as “blending qualities of two different things” or a “concession of principles.” When evil is mixed with good, the good is no longer pure. Don’t allow compromise to TAINT your FAITH. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Psalm 1:1). Do your friends build up your faith, or do they tear it down? The influence of true friends should draw you closer to God.

We rely on government legislation to protect the moral decisions we want made, but legislation cannot change people’s hearts. We enjoy the benefits of science and technology. We look to scientific predictions and analysis before we look to the Bible. We have become technological giants, but spiritual and moral dwarfs.- We are sophisticated in scientific progress and primitive in spiritual development.

We act as though education and degrees can guarantee our future and success without considering what God plans for our future. The tower of Babel was a great human achievement. But it was a monument to the people themselves rather than to God.
We often build monuments to ourselves (education, big house, fancy car, important job) to call attention to our achievements. These may not be wrong in themselves, but when we use them to give us identity and self-worth, they take God’s place in our lives. People today are knowledgeable in the ways of the world but ignorant in the ways of God.

We regard medicine as the way to prolong life and preserve its quality – quite apart from faith and moral living. Real life comes from total commitment to God, the one who created life itself. We place our faith in financial “security” making as much money as we can for ourselves, forgetting that while being wise with our money, we must trust God for our needs. We are abundantly rich in material resources but abysmally in spiritual and moral capital.

WHAT MONEY CAN BUY? Money will buy:
A bed BUT NOT sleep.
Books BUT NOT brains.
Food BUT NOT appetite.
Finery BUT NOT beauty.
A house BUT NOT a home.
Medicine BUT NOT health.
Amusement BUT NOT happiness.
A crucifix BUT NOT a Saviour.
A church pew BUT NOT heaven.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:19).

(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Features Of A Wholehearted Christian (Part I)

“Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.”

(Psalm 26:1-2)

In this Part I sermon, as a whole-hearted Christian, God tests us by examining, proving, trying and testing who we really are.

I – HE DESIRES TO BE TESTED BY GOD –“Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.”(Psalm 26:1-2).

Note the words: “examine me,”“prove me,” and “try me.”

A. “Examine me.”
Illustration: “Mirror In Casket”
In New Jersey, there was a preacher who announced an unknown funeral. The congregation came, not knowing whose funeral it was. The preacher preached, and sometimes they do, the people began to get wrought up and there was a lot of weeping. The preacher continued: “It is sad that the man in this casket is so sinful and so corrupt that he is going to hell. This is the most wicked person.” The preacher closed his sermon, saying: “And now, it is time to view the corpse.” The preacher moved the flowers aside and had two of his deacons help him open up the casket. One by one, they filed by – and to their utter surprise, there was nobody in the casket. But the entire bottom of it was filled with a BIG MIRROR. Every one who looked in saw himself in that casket.

APPLICATION:
1. Human nature does not want to admit its wrong, but we would save ourselves a lot of trouble if we would let Him examine us. He wants to teach us what we really like.

2. POEM “I AM A CHRISTIAN”

When I say...”I am a Christian” I’m not shouting “
I’m clean living,”I’m whispering “I was lost” ,Now “I’m found and I’m forgiven”.

When I say... “I’m a Christian,” I don’t speak of this with pride
I’m confessing that I stumble, And need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak, And need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... “I am a Christian,” I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... “I am a Christian,”I’m not holier that thou,
I’m just a simple sinner, Who received God’s good grace, somehow.

3. “Some Most Important Words”
THE MOST IMPORTANT WORD: “WE”
THE LEAST IMPORTANT WORD: “I”
THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT WORDS: “I ADMIT I MADE A MISTAKE”

4. We should realize that it takes more courage to admit a mistake than to resolutely hold to an error.
5. Don’t think you need extraordinary qualifications. Jesus accepts you as you are. You are not spiritually cleansed because we have a religious position. Spiritual cleansing comes only from God.

B. “PROVE ME” - Prove – Put to test, as for its QUALITY. A whole-hearted Christian is always tested by God.

“Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.”(Isaiah 48:10). I have chosen thee in the “furnace” of affliction.

“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. “ ( Zechariah 13:9).
“And he shall sit [as] a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”(Malachi 3:3).

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” ( 1 Peter 4:12).
“But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. “(Job 23:10).

LESSONS:
1. Without the heating and melting there could be no pure silver and pure gold. Green pottery, or freshly created pottery, must yet be fired, otherwise, it is useless. Our faith too must be tried as by fire. It’s the furnace of life that tempers us.
2. It’s the rocks and stones of the road which put toughness into our feet. It’s the action, the pain of muscles reaching to their full capacity. The strain of lungs gasping for air that makes us strong and creates stamina for the race ahead.
3. Suffering can bring a dynamic quality to life. Just as drought drives the roots of a tree deeper to find water, so suffering can drive us beyond.
4. Our suffering may not be a punishment, but a battle scar to demonstrate our loyalty.
5. Financial burdens, family conflict, church conflict, the loss of our jobs – how we act in such situations reflects what we believe.
6. “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” (Psalm 92:12).
Note the words: “Cedar in Lebanon”
“The trees of the LORD are full [of sap]; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;” (Psalm 104:16).
Durable aromatic wood, attains great age and height. Highly valued for its appearance and its timber.

Poem: “CEDAR CHRISTIANS”
Jesus, help me to be for Thee,
Just like a big, strong Cedar tree;
When all the other trees are bare,
The cedar stands so green and fair.
The wind and storm, the ice and cold
Make it more beauty to unfold,
So I would stand in trial and test,
Just trusting you to do what’s best
Though others fail, Lord, keep Thou me
May I a “cedar Christian be!”

C. “TRY MY REINS AND MY HEART.” Our inner motives and affections too are tested by God.
LESSONS:
1. Try my “reins” (motives) - It is easy to do right for recognition and praise. To be sure our motives are not selfish, we should do our good deeds quietly or in secret, with no thought or reward. Worshipping, giving, praying, fasting should not be self centered, but God-centered; not done to make us look good, but to make God look good. Our ambition should be for Christ’s kingdom, not for our own advancement. To pray effectively, you need faith in God, not faith in the object of your request. Not faith in the gift but faith in the Giver. Check yourself to see if your prayers, your giving or services are focusing on your interests or on God’s. Others may be fooled, but God isn’t. Don’t be a Christian on the outside only. Bring your inner life under God’s control, and your outer life will naturally reflect.

2. Try my “heart” (my affections). “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.” ( Proverbs 4:23). “Guard your affections.” Our affections – our feelings of love and desires – dictate to a great extent how we live, because we always find time to do what we enjoy.

LESSONS:
l. Watch out for temptation – the more you see of it the better it looks.
2.WHOM IS HE KIDDING?
When a man says he can’t keep awake through a 30 minute sermon, and stays home with his 700 column newspaper or his computer, whom is he kidding?
When a man says Sunday is his only day of rest and gets up 4:30 a.m. to go fishing or spending the day with his friends, whom is he kidding?
When a man says church seats are too hard and uncomfortable, then goes some Saturday and Sunday to sit on a bleacher for hours in a cockpit, whom is he kidding?
When a man says he doesn’t have time for Christ and His church, then spends evenings singing in karaoke bars, watching television, going to clubs, playing cards, and having evenings out, whom is he kidding?........NOT GOD!
3.Court cases sometimes are labelled: “Juan dela Cruz versus people of the Philippines.” But at the last judgement, every case will be labelled: “I versus GOD!”
4.On judgement day, each of us will stand ALONE, accountable for all our deeds. At that time no amount of riches will buy reconciliation with God. Only our LOVE and OBEDIENCE for God will count.
5. Jesus is more concerned about our WALK than our TALK.
6. What we do cannot be separated from what we believe.

(From Rev. Teofilito A. Rufon’s Sunday Worship Messages)

Prayer That Prevail (Part II)

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

(James 5:16)

IV – DAVID PRAYED WITH CONTRITION - “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”(Psalm 51:1).
Contrition – complete sorrow for sin.
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18).
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalm 51:17).
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15).
LESSONS:
1. God wants a broken and contrite heart. You can never please God by outward actions – no matter how good – if your inward heart attitude is not right.
2. God sometimes has to “break our heart” in order to bring a person to true repentance. People wouldn’t change until God broke their hearts with humiliation, pain, suffering, and defeat.
3. Praying with contrition is asking God to forgive us and turning from our sinful ways.
4. When we confess our sins, we must also make a commitment to change our behaviour. A person planning to return to that sin is not sincere in his confession.
5. True repentance has a double aspect; it looks upon things past with a weeping eye, and upon the future with a watchful eye.

Illustration: “Give God Your Sins”
A hermit once, having renounce the world and lost all things, yet found no peace. It seemed to him in his lonely cell that the Lord was asking something more. “But I have given you EVERYTHING!” cried the hermit. “ALL but one thing” answered the Lord. “What is it, Lord? “YOUR SINS.”

V – ELIJAH PRAYED WITH CONFIDENCE - “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.” (James 5:17-18). Confidence – trust in someone or something freedom from doubt.

LESSONS:
1. Self sufficiency is an enemy when it cause us to believe we can always do what needs to be done in our own strength. We must recognize the danger of fighting in our own strength. We can only be confident of victory if we put our confidence in God and not ourselves.
2. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” (Psalm 46:1-3). Even in the face of destruction, God is our refuge. He is not merely a temporary retreat; He is our ETERNAL refuge and can provide strength even in the face of global destruction.
3. "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12).
“I was persuaded in the past and remain so now.”

Poem: “AN EYE THAT NEVER SLEEPS”
There is an eye that never sleeps,
Beneath the wing of night,
There is an ear that never shuts,
When sink the beams of light;
There is an arm that never tires,
When human strength gives way;
There is a love that never fails,
When earthly loves decay.

An hour in prayer can give the believer enough power from God to overcome the second most powerful force in the universe.

VI – DANIEL PRAYED WITH COURAGE - “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.” (Daniel 6:1-11).
His windows being open...”“kneeled”“and prayed before his God.”
Daniel 6:10 should be read in conjunction with Matthew 6:6. “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:6). Daniel tells us about PRIVATE PRAYER:

A. Daniel “WENT HOME” to pray.- “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10).
“He went into his house.”There were no temples in Babylon, except heathen temples, but Daniel had a “sacred place” within his own home where he frequently withdrew in order to have fellowship in prayer with God.

LESSONS:
1. Daniel had a disciplined prayer life.
2. Our prayers are usually interrupted not by threats, but simply by the pressure of our schedules.
3. We should pray regularly no matter what.

B. Daniel kept his windows OPEN – “TOWARD JERUSALEM”.
“ Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10). “His windows being open his chamber toward Jerusalem”.
Note the words: “Toward Jerusalem.” “Toward Jerusalem” means “GODWARD.”

LESSONS:
1. It is said that the sweetest side of any fruit or vegetable is the side which grows toward the sun.
2. “The household shall be preserved and never shall decay, where the Almighty God is worshipped day by day.
3. So often our souls are open only MAN-WARD, and in consequence we get bogged down with the problems and the perplexities of life, and we tend to forget the great God whom we love, whom we worship, and who is on the throne.

C. Daniel “GOT DOWN ON HIS KNEES” to pray.
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10). “he kneeled upon his knees”
Kneeling indicates humility, reverence, and submission. When we pray the bodily posture is not the important thing. We can pray walking or standing while we are working or while we are resting in bed, but the attitude of our hearts when we pray should be that of kneeling.
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:13).

D. Daniel prayed “THREE TIMES A DAY” - “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10).
“ Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” (Psalm 55:17).
Daniel’s life must have been filled with the affairs of the state from morning till night, with official matters as well as with social and domestic duties. No man had a more valid excuse for not giving much time to prayer, and yet Daniel prayed regularly three times a day. For Daniel “PRAYER” was not SUPPLEMENTAL something added on after everything else had been seen to. Daniel’s prayer was FUNDAMENTAL, a priority in his life.

(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon's Sunday Worship Messages).

Prayer That Prevail (Part I)

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

(James 5:16)

Prayer is a MIGHTY FORCE. The Christian’s most POWERFUL resource is communion with God though prayer. Note: The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much . Biblical examples of Prayers that prevail:

I – ABRAHAM PRAYED WITH COMMITMENT – “And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.”(Genesis 22:11).
“The angel of the Lord called..Abraham, Abraham; and he said, HERE AM I.” Abraham’s faith had been severely tested. When he prayed with commitment to the will of God, God intervened.
“And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” (Genesis 22:12). “Now I know that thou fearest God.”

LESSON:
1. The purpose of testing is to strengthen our character and deepen our commitment to God. Through this difficult experience, Abraham learned this commitment to obey God. He also learned about God’s ability to provide.
2. “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.” (Psalm 37:4-5). “Delight” – To delight in God means to experience great pleasure and joy in His presence. This happen only when we know God well. To “commit” means entrusting everything – our lives, families, jobs, possessions – to His control and guidance. “Prayer” gives you courage to make the decisions you must make in crisis and then the confidence to leave the result to a higher power.

II – JACOB PRAYED WITHOUT CONSTRAINT - “And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” (Genesis 32:26-28). Jacob prayed with persistence and God answered him. Jacob – the man who persistently CLINGS to GOD.

LESSONS:
1. God encourages persistence in all areas of our lives, including the spiritual. Strong character results from struggling under tough conditions.
2. Persistence in prayer overcomes our insensitiveness, not God’s. It does more to change our hearts and minds than God’s.
3. Faith shouldn’t die if the answers don’t come immediately, for the delay may be God’s way of working His will in your life. When you feel weary in your prayers, know that God is present, always listening, always acting – maybe not in ways you had hoped, but in ways He knows are best.

III – MOSES PRAYED WITH CONCERN - “ Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.”(Exodus 32:32). Moses intervened by putting his life for them.

LESSONS:
1. The intervening prayer of concern for unconverted friends and loved ones ,God will hear and answer.
2. “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way.” (1 Samuel 12:23). This is intercessory prayer on the behalf of others. Such prayer is unselfish in its motive. Too often we pray for our own needs and desires, when we should be interceding for others.
3.”Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2).
We have to ask God for more workers. In Christian service, there is no unemployment. God has work enough for everyone. Don’t just sit back and watch the others work – look for ways to get in on the harvest.
4.”I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Church’s prayer aids competent government in maintaining law and order.
5.”Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.” (Hebrews 13:18-19).
Pastors and workers are vulnerable to criticism from others. Pride if they succeed. Depression if they fail. They desperately need our prayers!

Illustration:
After his return from church one Sunday a small boy said: “You know what mommy? “I’m going to be a minister when I grow up.” “That’s fine,” said his mother. “But what made you decide you want to be a preacher?” “Well”, said the boy pensively, “I’ll have to go to church on Sunday anyway and I think it would be more fun to stand up and yell than to sit and listen”.

(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon's Sunday worship Messages)

She Hath Done What She Could (Part II)

“And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.”

(Mark 14:3 )

In this Part II sermon, God is calling us to accept Him without delay because “tomorrow” may be too late.

II – SHE DID WHAT SHE COULD WHILE SHE COULD DO - “ She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.” (Mark 14:8). “She hath done what she could.” “She acted immediately.”

1. Act NOW: Tomorrow may be too late. Do what you can for Jesus NOW. Now is the only time we own to do His precious will, Do not wait until tomorrow; For the clock may then be still.

Illustration: “To Pass This World Once”
Stephen Grellet was a French – born Quaker (religious society of Friends) who died in New Jersey in 1855. Grellet would be unknown to the world today except for a few lines which made him immortal.
The familiar lines, which have served as an inspiration to so many people, are these: “I shall pass through this world but ONCE. Any good that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it NOW and not defer it. For I shall not pass this way again.”

2. Faith and actions are INSEPARABLE. Faith without works is a lifeless faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). Note the words: “Now, FAITH is the substance.” FAITH is NOW! Not tomorrow! Some are great “tomorrow” people. “I don’t have time” we often say. That is the WORST KIND OF BLASPHEMY. For God in His goodness has given to each one of us the time of our lives. Let’s take our time, before time take us. Let us take our time TODAY for God’s sake. “Never put off ‘till tomorrow the things you can do today.”

Illustration: "In a Minute”
A little girl had gotten into the habit of replying, “IN A MINUTE” to anything her mother asked her to do. When her mother asked her to run an errand or bring something, the little girl would say, “I’ll do it in a minute”. - One day the little girl’s pet bird had been let out of its cage and was playing on the floor. The mother said to her daughter, “Shut the door, or the cat will go after your bird.” “Yes, mother, in a minute,” replied the little girl, “I just want to finish my drawing.” But the cat didn’t wait, he saw the bird on the floor and with one dart had the bird in his mouth. The little girl screamed and gave chase to the cat. “In a minute”, the little girl returned, crying, with her dead bird in her hand. The little girl learned a lesson: MANY THINGS CAN HAPPEN “IN A MINUTE”.

3. “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”
(Proverbs 27:1). Satan has many lies that he whispers in our ears: “YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME.” But what does God say? “ For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. TODAY if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.” (Psalm 95:7-8). “Today if ye will hear His voice.”“Harden not your heart!” Time does not tarry, death does not tarry. Satan, and all the powers of darkness are busy. When God says, “DO IT!” we should DO IT NOW! Tomorrow might be too late! Let us each ask ourselves – “IS THIS MY LAST?” then, “MY LAST SHALL BE MY BEST”.- The best time for CHANGE. The best time to examine the DIRECTION of our lives. The best time to CONFESS our sins and find forgiveness from God. God is giving us time to QUIT living our way and begin living His way. You can’t see the stopwatch of God’s patience and there is no bargaining for additional time.

4. St. Francis of Assisi, hoeing his garden, was asked what he would do if he were suddenly to learn that he was to die at sunset that day. He said; “I would finish hoeing my garden.”
Application:
a. Even though we believe in the imminent return of Jesus, we should go right on preparing for the work God has called us into.b. There is only ONE LIFE that it will soon past; only what’s done for Christ will last.
Invest your life well. Invest it for the services of the Lord.
c. Millions are investing in temporal possessions – they pursue things that wear out, rust and decay.
Earthly treasures do not last, but spiritual treasures are of eternal value.
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21).

(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon's Sunday Worship Messages)