Spiritual Erosion Part 2 MONDAY WIH THE LORD 1/23/12

SPIRITUAL EROSION PART 2 As the traveling tour bus continues to move towards its New Testament desti

Jesus Our Propitiation MONDAY WITH THE LORD 1.16.12

 Jesus is Our Propitiation It was a statement that distinctively distinguished the characters betwe

JESUS IS OUR SAFE REFUGE – MONDAY WITH THE LORD

Jesus is Our Safe Refuge It struck many with awe, wonder and amazement. To others, it caused a stir

 

Spiritual Erosion Part 2 MONDAY WIH THE LORD 1/23/12

January 24, 2012 in Teaching, Uncategorized

SPIRITUAL EROSION PART 2

As the traveling tour bus continues to move towards its New Testament destination the first stop is 1st Samuel – 2nd Chronicles. The people are crying out “give us a king…,” they reject the Lord, and Israel is seen desiring to be like all the nations around them. (1 Samuel 8) This act alone causes the once united nation to crumble after King David’s reign. After the rule of King Solomon the kingdom divides in two parts with ten tribes to the north, Israel, and two tribes to the south, Judah, thus their unity is shattered. The direct opposite is seen in the book of Acts when they embraced the Lord and His word.  For example in Acts chapter two the Holy Spirit fills the 120 disciples, Peter preaches “repent and be baptized,” and the church explodes with 3,000 souls added in one day.  As the people devoted themselves to the Apostle’s instructions and fellowship, there was a sense of awe, harmony, and they shared all things. They were united.  They encouraged each other. They had sincerity of heart.  They all praised God and the Lord added to the church daily. By comparing the sins of the people of the Old Testament with the sins of the people of the New Testament Church two things stand out, to those on the traveling tour bus,  the deep things of Satan i.e., idolatry and sexual immorality  (Revelation 2:14,20,24 NASV) destroys the sweet presence of the Lord.

So what can we learn from these books of the Old Testament? Broken unity and moral decay was the overall state of Israel. Are we guilty? Are we repeating history? Are we any different today?

The way the king goes so goes the nation.

The way the pastor goes so goes the congregation.

The way the father goes so goes the family.

Next week Spiritual Eruption: THE REMNANT PART 1

Gilda Bueno

Ask Jesus Now Ministry

 

Jesus Our Propitiation MONDAY WITH THE LORD 1.16.12

January 16, 2012 in Teaching

 Jesus is Our Propitiation

It was a statement that distinctively distinguished the characters between the two great leaders- Moses and Joshua.  Moses was known for his humility and his incessant intercession for the Israelites when they sinned against God.  For Joshua, the invitation was precise and conclusive: “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him—put away the gods which your fathers served—“and if it seems evil for you to serve the Lord, choose you today whom you will serve—” (Joshua 24:14-15).  In the New Testament a parallel of the humility Moses had for his people is somewhat reflected in the discussion that the Lord Jesus had with Nicodemus when the latter visited Him at night.  The invitation is a demonstration of God’s love that He has lavished to us all through His Son Jesus Christ.  Our sins had not only separated us from God, but they had earned us the wrath of God.  Consequently, God’s holiness demanded justice.  Apparently, there was nothing man could do to avert God’s anger and subsequent judgment.  It is with this regard that Jesus told Nicodemus of God’s love that was the reason for His coming on earth as God’s only begotten Son. The invitation is to “WHOSOEVER believes” so that he or she should not perish, but have everlasting life-John 3:16.  The key word here is “whosoever”.   This very word is repeated elsewhere but this time, it is not an invitation but an eventuality; – “And WHOSOEVER was not found in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”(Rev.20:15). This gives one no choice. It is conclusive!   The choice was in the former whosoever in John 3:16.  It is for those that ignored the earlier invitation.

There is perhaps no one that could have done what Christ did through His death on the cross and His eventual resurrection on the third day.  His accomplishment is summed up in one word “And He (Jesus Christ) is the PROPITIATION for our sins—“(1John 2:2).  The word propitiation means to appease, resolve or prevent anger.  It also means to win favor for us for friendship with God. What man could not do or afford to do, Christ did it through His death and resurrection.  What this meant for God is that Christ completely satisfied the just demands of a holy God for judgment on sin by His death on the cross.  God therefore shows mercy to us and indeed the whole world without compromising His righteousness or justice.  Peace now between man and his Creator was possible and became a reality.  How?  This is where the two WHOSOEVERS apply.  Which one will you go for?  Former or the latter?

Pastor George Karoki

 

 

 

 

JESUS IS OUR SAFE REFUGE – MONDAY WITH THE LORD

January 9, 2012 in Encouragement, Teaching

Jesus is Our Safe Refuge

It struck many with awe, wonder and amazement. To others, it caused a stir that even caused the disciples Peter and John to be imprisoned.  The incident happened at the temple inJerusalemwhere the two had encountered the cripple that had begged there probably for a good part of his life.  What had the disciples done differently?  They had no money, but instead, evoked the name of Jesus commanding the cripple to walk.  They did not have money that the cripple had asked of them.   The whole episode (Acts 3:1- 4: 1-21) and indeed, all that went with it came about as a result of the demonstration of power that hitherto the world then had not known.  They had demonstrated the power resident in the name of their ascended hero, the Lord Jesus Christ ofNazareth.  What they themselves knew hitherto were the instructions given to them earlier by the Lord himself.  They had been assured that they would get whatsoever they ask in His name in order for him to glorify His Father in heaven – (John 14: 13-14).  This is the authority of the believer today.  It has not changed throughout history and it is not going to change, not now and for sure, not in the future!   Consider what the world has just been celebrating – Christmas, which many would rather call holidays.  Christmas or holidays, or whatever argument one may want to forge on the subject, one thing remains unchangeable – the power of calling and in evoking the name of Jesus is unmatched.  The name of the Jesus gives the believer not only his authority but also his identity in a world where advocacy is on what is popularly acceptable rather than on what is real.

The prophets of the old said of the impact of the birth of the virgin’s Son child: there would be no more gloom for those in distress;Galilee(of the nations – gentiles) where He would grow up would be honored.  To those who lived in darkness, they would see light while a light would dawn on those living in the plight of death. He would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.  The prophet declared that His government would reign without end – (Isaiah 9:1-7).  In the advent of announcing of His virgin birth, the angel instructed that He would be called Jesus a reflection of the Savior he would be to the world – (Matthew1:21).    As the world undergoes the turmoil and all the suffering that many are experiencing today, it is not uncommon to wonder where the world is headed!   Where is the hope for the world?  The Word of God is constantly voicing the caution that no one need not ignore.  The Psalmist declares that a horse is vain hope for deliverance; despite all its strength it cannot save (Ps. 33:17).  Therefore confidence in our personal strength or what we count on will not be a safe refuge.  Some count on their political influence and probably connectivity in the hope that it is a place to run to in time of trouble. The scripture advises that the consequence of trusting in political influences or alliance results to fear and shame (Isaiah 20:5-6). Still, others bank on their wealth and monetary power. For the latter, a wise counsel from Job would be worthwhile; for in the midst of plenty, distress will overtake one.  In all these, there is only one name where deliverance is sure (Job20:20-22) – Calling on the name of the Lord Jesus will do!  For whosoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved- Amos 2:14.  In configuring all the foregoing, is it any wonder that the name of the Lord Jesus is relegated to the oblivion?  Do those advocating for its obscurity know of its potential worth which many of the believers take for granted?  Think of this, take the total sum of it all and then see what you would want to take for a trust: your strength, your political influence and alliances, your wealth and monetary security or the name of the Lord Jesus?

Pastor George Karoki

Ask Jesus Now Ministry

 

The Infallible Word – Monday with the Lord

December 19, 2011 in Teaching

The Infallible Word     MONDAY WITH THE LORD – 12.19.11
            As the rhythm of time moves from one generation to another somethings remain constant and absolute while other do not. The Bible, for example, is constant, absolute, and unchangeable from one generation to another. Unlike the heart of man, which is constantly changing and fickle, it possesses within itself the potential for love beyond anything originally created because man was created in the image and likeness of God. The potential for love can only come into full fruition as man intentionally allows the Spirit of God to guide, direct, and instruct him.  But what is love you ask? In short, it is the ability to walk gracefully and confidently with God. The reason I say this, is because it is impossible to walk with God outside of Jesus who is love. In the book of Exodus in the twentieth chapter God gives Moses the Ten Commandments regarding walking in love with Him (1-4) and with one another (5-10).  Today, they are still clearly guiding and directing us just like a light house guides the ships during a raging storm. Calming the heart of man and directing his spirit is the purpose and the reason for the Lord’s Commandments. They are a road map for mankind which is desperately needed in today’s world of chaos! Allowing the Bible to be absolute in your life will definitely reduce the stress of life because it helps you to navigate through the rough areas of life with confidence. Thoughtfully consider the rhythm of time as it moves from your generation to another i.e., your children.

WHOM WILL YOU CHOOSE?

December 5, 2011 in Teaching

MONDAY WITH THE LORD
12. 5.11

WHOM WILL YOU CHOOSE?

The strength and the power of Jesus Christ are displayed in the cross and in the resurrection.   Without the cross there could be no resurrection. Without the resurrection, which cannot be denied, there could be no church age which began on Pentecost, fifty days after the resurrection, in the upper room when suddenly the Holy Spirit came upon the 120, men and women, who were praying and waiting for His arrival in the upper room. How magnificent that must have been!  Looking back 2,000 years ago we see how fast the Church has grown especially in light of opposition.  As the Church Age comes to a close, once again, we see and feel the darkness. Exodus 10:21  So great was the darkness over the land of Egypt but the children of Israel, as long as they obeyed the instructions given them by Moses (a type of Jesus), were spared. Today the power and the strength of Jesus “the light of the world” is still making a difference and sparing His people.

In contrast the main flaw of the spirit of Anti-Christ is deception. While this spirit is moving in every area of society, it can be described as magical, a half-truth, or a lie but in the end it is simply a deception.   In other words, anything that opposes the truth and denies the deity of Jesus Christ is the spirit of Anti-Christ. Now having said that, consider all that is flooding the airwaves through TV, radio, Internet, and advertisements etc. Does it line up with the word of God? Or are we caught in a deluge of filth? Constantly challenging, the followers of Jesus Christ, is this rebellious, arrogant and prideful spirit which masks its self as good, yet its root system is “empty and void and darkness is upon its deep” Gen. 1:2 KJV.  Looking closely at this system you will see it reaches into every avenue of society. Its desire is your worship. Remember the  weakness of the Anti-Christ spirit is deception and always a lie. Hebrews 4:12 says that “the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s word is the only thing that can expose the deception in this world because His word is truth.

The choice to follow Jesus Christ or the deceptions of the Anti-Christ is up to you, but you should know all the facts. After you research the facts which one will you choose?  Either you surrender, your heart, to Jesus or you continue to walk in darkness. It is your choice. Which one will you choose? Making decisions is always difficult if you lack knowledge. Hopefully, you will choose to follow Jesus.

Gilda Bueno

Ask Jesus Now

Monday with the Lord 11.28.11

November 29, 2011 in Family

From a Christian
Perspective

All over the world one day is set apart to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, that day is commonly known as Christmas.  While it is a common practice to celebrate other people’s birthday, such as historical or political figures, only the birthday of Jesus Christ has been altered from its original date. In some of the Christian churches a fat man in a red and white suit, known as Santa Claus or St. Nick, is now accepted and embraced alongside the main figure for Christmas – Jesus Christ. How would you feel if someone stole your birthday? Also, there are those who want to remove the Christ from Christmas and make it into a secular holiday. Jesus Christ is so embedded in the history of mankind as evidenced in public buildings where Scriptures have been engraved glorifying the LORD.   No matter how hard man tries, he will never be able to silence the Living Word, Jesus Christ. This year, take the month of
December to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ – our Messiah.

As we approach the Christmas season, what are some of the things that make Christmas special to you?

Gilda Bueno

 

Find Encouragement This Week

November 15, 2011 in Encouragement

Today, as you begin another day, take time out to cry out to the Lord. He is your shield and your exceeding great reward (Gen. 15:1); He is the lifter up of you head (Psalm 3:3); trust Him … delight thyself also in the Lord …commit thy way unto the Lord … rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him … cease from anger, and fret not(Psalm 37);  … those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31);  and He, the Lord, is mighty in battle (Psalm 24:8) ask Him for help, seek Him with all your heart and you will be heard.
The Lord Loves you!

Spiritual Erosion Part 1 MONDAY WITH THE LORD 10/25/11

October 25, 2011 in Teaching


The book of Judges and Ruth
What do these two books have in common? What can you learn from the past, especially that long ago?
Can you believe we are repeating history! These two books can be explained in two words “spiritual erosion.” Why? How could this be? Simple, there arose a generation which did not know their God.
The traveling tour bus is leaving the book of Joshua.  Its destination is the book of Judges and Ruth. Israel’s leader, Joshua, is dead. In the past he had lead them into victory and Israel did serve the Lord. Suddenly a generation arose who did not know their God. These two books explain the spiritual erosion  and the steps which led them into darkness and hopelessness. They were rebellious and therefore experienced defeat. It was a dark time for Israel which lasted approximately 300 to 350 years. Israel is seen as torn, tattered, and lost. The glory of God is gone. Although they were led by “the judges” this period of time has two common themes running through it : chapter one: they did not drive out the enemy, second everyone did what was right in their own eyes.
As you read the book of Judges and Ruth think about:
1) How important is it to teach your children and the next generation the word of God?
2) What enemies have you not driven out in your own life? Could it be pride, arrogance or rebellion?
3) What is manifesting in your life? Is it peace or stress? Why?
We pray and hope you  have a good week. As always Psalm. 91 is prayed over you and your family.
Blessings,
Gilda Bueno
Ask Jesus Now Ministry

 

The Hidden Treasures of Time

October 25, 2011 in End Times, Teaching

BY GILDA BUENO

Part One

The Scriptures speak of the time and the seasons of events as if you should know them.  The Bible always tells you what time it is, but is it is often hidden.  Instead of a direct approach, such as telling you it is March or April, it uses references to indicate time such as “they observed the Passover.” Or sometimes it refers to the Feast of Pentecost as the Feast of Weeks.  You will discover more enjoyment from the Scriptures when you begin to follow the season of time, in which you are reading. When Jewish people read the Scriptures (Torah) they automatically understand the time element. It is simple to them but to us, Gentiles, we need instructions.

One way to recognize the season and time, of the Scripture you are reading or studying, is to know the Feasts of the Lord as outlined in Leviticus chapter 23. You can do this by marking down the Feasts of the Lord on a note card, piece of paper or just write them in the back of your Bible. The Passover day is always on the 14th day of the first month known as Nisan and is celebrated for one day only.   Unleavened Bread begins on the 15 and is always celebrated for seven days. First Fruits begins on the 16 and is only celebrated for one day. When the Bible talks about the Passover season you will automatically know it is talking about eight days. On our calendar Nisan is always in March/ April. These are the first three feast.