Karama Za Mungu Zisizo Za Majuto

Kwa sababu karama za Mungu hazina majuto, wala mwito wake. (daima hazirudishi pale azitoapo, na habadili mawazo yake juu ya wale awapao Neema yake au juu ya wale awapao mwito wake) (Warumi 11:29 AMP).

Mstari wetu wa ufunguzi katika tafsiri ya King James unasema: “Kwa sababu karama za Mungu hazina majuto, wala mwito wake.” Maana yake hakunyanganyi kitu alichokupa. Kama amekubariki na karama ya unabii kwa mfano, kamwe hatakaa aichukue. “Lakini vipi kama wakati mwingine ninajisikia kama sina karama hiyo tena?” unaweza ukauliza. Haihusiani na hisia; bado iko katika roho yako; ni juu yako wewe kuichochea karama ya Mungu ndani yako, na nitakuambia namna.

Kwanza, hakikisha umejitoa kwa Bwana; kumbuka yeye ndiyo chanzo cha karama, na ni mkuu kuliko atoacho. Endelea kujiunga naye na mtumikie kwa moyo wote. Tambua kwamba yeye ni Bwana wa maisha yako, sio wakati fulani tu, lakini kila wakati; acha kujitoa kwako kwake kuwe wazi wazi kabisa kwako.

Pili, lazima upalilie tabia ya maombi. Kila kitu kutoka kwa Bwana hutunzwa kupitia ushirika na Roho Mtakatifu. Kadiri unavyotumia muda katika kushiriki mara kwa mara na Bwana katika maombi, roho yako itajengeka. Vile vile, omba kwa lugha zaidi. Hili litatia nguvu, imarisha na kuchochea roho yako, na kukuleta katika uwanja wa mafunuo makubwa. Kunena kwa lugha huimarisha ufahamu wako wa kiroho, na kukusaidia kupata mwanga zaidi na kutembea katika njia ya Bwana.

Mwisho, jifunze kusoma na kulitafakari Neno. Unavyojifunza, ataleta ufahamu wa Neno katika roho yako! Na kwa sababu roho yako imekuwa sikivu zaidi, utakuwa na uwezo wa kupokea ujumbe wa Mungu kutoka kwa Roho Mtakatifu na kuishi vizuri, maisha yenye kuongezeka ushindi.

Sala

Baba Mpendwa, msimamo wangu kwako hautikisiki, na ninavyonena kwa lugha, na kutafakari Neno kwa kusali, roho yangu inatiwa nuru na kupangwa vizuri ili kupokea mawazo ya juu kutoka kwa Roho Mtakatifu kwa ajili ya uimara wangu, na kulijenga kanisa, katika Jina la Yesu. Amina.

somo zaidi:Warumi 11:29; Yakobo 1:17

—Christ Embassy 

Ijumaa Kuu, Pasaka!

Baada ya alhamis kupita, Ijumaa Bwana Yesu alipigwa mijeredi, alichubuliwa, alidharauliwa na kuteswa sana. Wakamcoma mkuki ubavuni, akafa na Jumapili siku ya tatu. Akafufuka. Yu hai hata leo, tunaishi naye!! Kwa kupigwa kwa Yesu sisi tumewekwa huru, tumehesabiwa haki bure pasipo sheria, magonjwa yetu, huzuni zetu alizibeba msalabani. Tumepona

Je kuna haja ya wakristo kukumbuka kuteswa na kifo cha Bwana Yesu Ijumaa Kuu? Kuna wakristo wengine hawali nyama, wengine wanahuzunika sana. Nk

Warumi 14:5 imeandika ” Mtu mmoja afanya tofauti kati ya siku na siku, mwingine aona siku zote kuwa ni sawasawa. Kila mtu na athibitike katika akili zake mwenyewe” 

Tunaweza kuweka akilini mwetu kwamba siku hii ni siku ya kukumbuka kifo cha Bwana Yesu, Mateso aliyoyapata ni kwa ajili yetu, Damu yake ilimwagika msalabani kwa ajili ya dhambi zetu.

1 Wakorinto 11:24-26 “Naye akisha kushukuru akaumega, akasema, huu ndio mwili wangu ulio kwa ajili yenu; fanyeni hivi kwa ukumbusho wangu.  Na vivi hivi baada ya kula akakitwa kikombe, akisema, Kikombe hiki ni agano jipya katika damu yangu; fanyeni hivi kila mnywapo, kwa ukumbusho wangu. Maana kila mwulapo mkate huu na kukinywea kikombe hiki, mwaitangaza mauti ya Bwana hata ajapo”

1 Petro 3:18 “Kwa maana Kristo naye aliteswa mara moja kwa ajili ya dhambi, mwenye haki kwa ajili yao wasio haki, ili atulete kwa Mungu; mwili wake akauawa, bali roho yake akahuishwa”

Wakristo wengi tunaikumbuka siku hii na pengine kuimba nyimbo za kuhuzunisha za kusulubiwa kwa Bwana Yesu, kufanya maombezi na kumshukuru Mungu.

Tunakumbuka siku ya kusulubiwa na kufufuka kwa Bwana Yesu maana Imani yetu iko hapo.

Ijumaa kuu zijazo:
2012 = April 6
2013 = March 29
2014 = April 18
2015 = April 3

Ulimi Mzuri

Ulimi safi ni mti wa uzima; Bali ukorofi wa ulimi huvunja moyo (Mithali 15:4).

Mithali 4:20-22 inatuonyesha umuhimu wa kulipa Neno la Mungu umakini mkubwa katika maisha yetu; inasema: “Mwanangu, sikiliza maneno yangu…Maana ni uhai kwa wale wazipatao, Na afya ya mwili wao wote.” “Safi,” kama ilivyotumika katika mstari wetu wa ufunguzi imetafsiriwa kutoka katika neno la Kiebrania “marpe,” ambalo maana yake ni uponyaji. Ni neno hilo hilo lenye tafsiri ya “afya” katika Mithali 4:22. Kwa hiyo, ulimi safi au “ulimi ulio “marpe” ni ulimi uponyao; ulimi unenao afya, uponyaji na uzima!

Sasa, ulimi unaweza kuwa wa uponyaji au wenye dawa pale unapokuwa umejazwa na Neno la Mungu!

Kumbuka, tumesoma katika Mithali 4:22 kwamba Neno ni afya (dawa) katika nyama au mwili wa mwanadamu. Hivyo ulimi unenao Neno la Mungu; ulimi mzuri; hunena afya, rutuba, ustawi na uzima katika mwili. Vile vile utagundua kwamba andiko hilo hilo linasema “…ukorofi wa ulimi huvunja moyo.” Ukorofi maana yake ni uharibifu au udanganyifu; ina maanisha kutokuwa na msimamo na kuchanganya maneno. Huitwa “kupingana” katika ulimi, na husababisha uharibifu au kidonda katika roho.

Wengi bila kujua huchubua au huumiza roho zao kwa kuongea vibaya pale maneno yao yanapokuwa hayaendani na jinsi Injili isemavyo. Roho ya mtu inapokuwa imechubuliwa sana kupitia maungamo mabaya, muda mfupi tu ujao, utajidhihirisha katika mwili. Michubuko au magonjwa mengi yanayopitia katika miili yao yalianzia katika roho zao.

Hii ndiyo maana kama mtoto wa Mungu, unatakiwa kupalilia ulimi ulio mzuri; jifunze kunena Neno la Mungu kwa ujasiri. Moja ya huduma ya Roho Mtakatifu katika maisha yako ni kutakasa maneno yako ili uweze kuwa na “marpe” au ulimi mzuri; ulimi ulio wa uponyaji! Ruhusu huduma hii ijidhihirishe moja kwa moja katika maisha yako; nena Neno la Mungu, na litumie Neno ili kuamua afya yako, mstakabali, mafanikio na ulinzi.

Ukiri

Maisha yangu ni kwa ajili ya utukufu wa Mungu, na ninatembea katika haki, ushindi, mafanikio, afya, ustawi na ukuu. Neno la Mungu limezaa afya ndani yangu; mimi ni ushuhuda wa neema na utukufu wa Mungu kutokana na adhari ya Neno katika maisha yangu. Haleluya!

somo zaidi:Mithali 18:21; Yakobo 3:2

KUJISOMEA MAANDIKO KILA SIKU

Mpango wa kusoma Biblia kwa mwaka 1 : Yoshua 10-12;Luka Mtakatifu 9:1-17

Mpango wa kusoma Biblia kwa miaka 2 : Warumi 2:16-29; Zaburi 65-67

–Christ Embassy International 

Hekima Hujenga

Na hekima imejulikana kuwa ina haki kwa watoto wake wote (Luka 7:35).

Hekima ni udhihirisho au ufunuo wa usahihi wa Mungu katika maisha ya mtu; ni msukumo unaokusababisha kutenda, kuitikia au kuongea katika namna ipitayo ufahamu wa kawaida wa kibinadamu. Vile vile ni mwonekano wa nguvu ya Mungu katika mawazo, mipango, makusudi na katika kufanya maamuzi. Hekima ya Mungu inapokuwa inatenda kazi ndani yako, hufanyika kuwa ni nguvu inayoshawishi maamuzi yako ya maisha; hufanyika kuwa msukumo katika kuyaongoza maisha yako. Hekima hukupeleka katika mwelekeo sahihi katika maisha, na kukuweka katika nafasi ya faida.

Mwanzo 39 inaelezea habari ya namna Yusufu alivyouzwa Misri katika utumwa na ndugu zake. Lakini Biblia inasema aliona neema pachoni pake Potifa, bwana wake na kumtumikia: “…Naye akamweka awe msimamizi juu ya nyumba yake, na yote yaliyomo akayaweka mkononi mwake” (Mwanzo 39:4). Hata hivyo baada ya muda, Yusufu alitiwa gerezani kwa sababu mke wa bwana wake alimshitaki kwa uongo. Lakini hekima ilimwinua, na kumfaidisha, kiasi kwamba hata akiwa bado gerezani, alifanywa kuwa kiongozi wa wafungwa wengine.

Baada ya muda fulani, ilionekana kama vile hapo ndio ingekuwa mwisho wa habari. Siku moja usiku, Farao akaota ndoto ambayo hakuna hata mmoja kati ya waganga wake aliyeweza kuifasiri. Mtu mmoja akamkumbuka mfungwa mmoja wa Kiebrania mwenye busara na akamwakilisha kwa Farao. Yusufu akaletwa mbele za Farao, na akafasiri ndoto ya Farao. Yusufu alipomaliza kuongea aliwaambia watumwa wake, “Tupate wapi mtu kama huyu, mwenye roho ya Mungu ndani yake? Farao akamwambia Yusufu, Kwa kuwa Mungu amekufahamisha hayo yote, hapana mwenye akili na hekima kama wewe. Basi wewe utakuwa juu ya nyumba yangu, na kwa neno lako watu wangu watatawaliwa. Katika kiti cha enzi tu nitakuwa mkuu kuliko wewe…Tazama, nimekuweka juu ya nchi yote ya Misri” (Mwanzo 41:38-41).

Eneo lote la Misri lilihifadhiwa na hekima ya kijana mdogo, Yusufu. Kama hekima ilimwinua mfungwa wa Kiebrania mwenye umri wa miaka thelathini tu na kuwa Waziri Mkuu ufalme mkuu kuliko yote kama ule kwa usiku mmoja tu, inaweza kufanya zaidi kwako. Iinue hekima; mpe umakini unaostahili, kipaumbele na umuhimu, na atakuinua na kukuletea heshima na utukufu.

Ukiri

Nanena hekima ya Mungu katika kila hali kwa sababu Kristo amefanywa kuwa hekima kwangu. Nina usahihi, akili na nina uelewa wa haraka! Hekima ya Mungu inadhihirishwa katika mawazo yangu, maneno na matendo kwani akili yangu imekaa katika Neno; kwa hiyo ninatenda kwa busara katika mambo ya maisha leo, katika Jina la Yesu. Amina.

–Evangelist Marcus Kilindo

How do you see yourself!

Everything we do is based on how we see ourselves; when it should be based on how we do not see ourselves, because if you are in Christ it is no longer you who are there living, and if it is no longer you, then you should not be able to see yourself, but see Christ instead who lives in you; and not your abilities, but his abilities should be the measure of what is possible with you. That’s why you can do all things according to how you see Christ in you strengthening you for all things to be possible with you.

Christ is the power of God in you to do all the things that Christ did in his three years of ministry and told us to continue doing. When you are distilled as the simplest expression of what you are, you are the thing that is described as having its source at the throne of God in heaven and the exceeding greatness of it is flowing towards you and I. Paul in Ephesians prays that the eyes of our understanding might be opened to see and acknowledge this; flowing to you from the throne of God. When it comes together in you, it is the power of God, and has a name……Christ the power of God.

The easiest, clearest way to see who you are is when you are distilled. That process separate what you are from what you are not. That is what happens when you die; part of you goes back to the ground…dust to dust, ashes to ashes; and part of you do not. The part of you that is not dust is eternal, and goes back to God where it came from. Believe it or not, for the purpose of knowing who you are, and how to be effective in doing things according to what you really are, you can be distilled without experiencing physical death. That is what resurrection life in Christ is—not just life….but resurrection life, something that happens while you are still alive that would ordinarily happen after you die. The word is called a discerner to distinguish between your thoughts and your intentions, between soul and your spirit, so you can tell the difference between where your humanity ends and your real eternal divine nature begins. By that you can tell the difference between your thoughts and God’s thoughts which though they are different from your thoughts you are suppose to embrace Gods thoughts for your eternal while you still live and act out of those eternal thoughts.

Take a GOD Look

Tuyatamani sana mapenzi ya Mungu!

Mapenzi ya Mungu ni nini Kwako? Watu wengi wanatamani mapenzi ya Mungu yatimizwe kwao, lakini wanahangaika kwasababu hawajui mapenzi ya Mungu.

1. Mungu anamakusudi makubwa kwenye maisha yako!

   Tumeumbwa na Mungu, kwa sura yake, na kwa mapenzi yake. Kama alivyofanya kwa Isaya tangu tumboni mwa mama yake (Isaya 49:1) Yeremia (Yeremia 1:5) na Paulo (Wagalatia 1:15) kwa kusudi maalum, basi pia Mungu ana kusudi maalum na maisha yako.

   Maana nayajua mawazo ninayowawazia ninyi, asema BWANA ni mawazo ya amani wala si ya mabaya, kuwapa ninyi tumaini siku zenu za mwisho -Yeremia 29:11

   Biblia inasema mapenzi ya Mungu ni “mazuri” ya kumpendeza na ukamilifu-Warumi 12:2

2. Kitu muhimu sana Mungu anachotaka kwetu ni, tuwe na mahusiano na Yeye kupitia Mwanaye, Yesu Kristo. 

   Hili ni zuri na lakubalika mbele za Mungu Mwokozi wetu, ambaye hutaka watu wote waokolewe, na kupata kujua yaliyo kweli- 1 Timotheo 2:3-4

3. Mungu anataka tuwe wanafunzi wa Bwana Yesu 

   Hii ina maanisha kwamba wakristo tuyatafute mapenzi ya Mungu kila siku, bila kujali gharama yake.

   Akawaambia wote, Mtu yeyote akitaka kunifuata, na ajikane mwenyewe, ajitwike msalaba wake kila siku, anifuate- Luka 9:23

4. Biblia (kama Neno la Mungu) Itatusaidia kuyajua mapenzi ya Mungu.

   Neno lako ni taa ya miguu yangu, na mwanga wa njia yangu- Zaburi 119:105

5. Mungu ameahidi kutupa hekima kama tukimuomba (maombi) Amini atakupatia 

   Wakati mwingine tunahitaji kuomba Hekima tuyatambue mapenzi ya Mungu kwetu

   Lakini mtu wa kwenu akipungukiwa na hekima, na aombe dua kwa Mungu, awapaye wote, kwa ukarimu, wala hakemei: naye atapewa- Yakobo 1:5

   Katika Wafilipi 4:6, Mungu anatuambia tunaweza kuomba jambo lolote.

6. Mungu ametupa Roho Mtakatifu kama kiongozi.

   …Atakapokuja, huyo Roho wa kweli, atawaongoza awatie kwenye kweli yote- Yohana 16:13a

7. Fuata ushauri wa watumishi wa Mungu, au watu wa Mungu ambao Mungu amekukutanisha nao kwenye maisha yako.

   Mara nyingi ushauri wa wazazi, mchungaji, kiongozi wa vijana, mwalimu au yeyote mtu mzima anaweza kukushauri na kusaidika kuamua nini Mungu anataka ufanye.

   Njia ya mpumbavu imenyooka machoni pake mwenyewe, Bali yeye aliye na hekima husikiliza shauri- Mithali 12:15

   Pasipo mashauri makusudi hubatilika, Bali kwa wingi wa washauri huthibitika- Mithali 16:22

8. Neno la Mungu linasema kuna Amani inayopatikana tunapomhusisha Mungu kwenye maisha yetu

   Unapochagua njia mbili ambazo zote ulikuwa ukiomba, wakati mwingine njia mojawapo itakupa amani kamili, hiyo njia yawezekana ni mpango wa Mungu.

   Na kazi ya haki itakuwa amani; na mazao ya haki yatakuwa ni utulivu na matumaini daima- Isaya 32:17

9. Inabidi tuweke tumaini letu kwa Mungu, Mapenzi yake yatimizwe kwetu. 

   Mtumaini Bwana kwa moyo wako wote, wala usitegemee akili zako mwenyewe- Mithali 3:5-6

   Nami niliaminilo ndilo hili, ya kwamba yeye aliyeanza kazi njema mioyoni mwenu, ataimaliza hata siku ya Kristo Yesu- Wafilipi 1:6

10. Mungu amempa kila mmoja wetu karama na uwezo tutumie kwenye kazi yake. 

    Siku zote Mungu anawezesha nguvu ya kufanya yale anayokuwezesha kufanya. Kama hauna kipaji fulani, usilazimishe, Mungu hajakuita kufanya hicho kitu. (Soma Warumi 12:6-8, 1 Wakorintho 12:1-11 na Waefeso 4:11-13 kwa karama za rohoni na maelezo yake)

    Kumbuka kwamba mapenzi ya Mungu ni makubwa kwetu sote, Ili Yeye Atukuzwe, Ainuliwe “Basi, mlapo, au mnywapo, au mtendapo neno lolote, fanyeni yote kwa utukufu wa Mungu” 1 Wakorintho 10:31, Injili na ufalme wa Mungu ukatangazwe kwa wote. Mwanzo 50:20 na Wafilipi 1:12.

    Mungu Awabariki.

Faith

Kumcha Mungu kuna faida

Malaki 3: 13-18

13Maneno yenu yamekuwa magumu juu yangu, asema BWANA. Lakini ninyi mwasema, Tumesema maneno magumu juu yako kwa namna gani? 14Mmesema; Kumtumikia Mungu hakuna faida; na, Tumepata faida gani kwa kuyashika maagizo yake, na kwa kwenda kwa huzuni mbele za BWANA wa majeshi? 15Na sasa twasema ya kwamba wenye kiburi ndio walio heri; naam, watendao maovu ndio wajengwao; naam, wamjaribuo Mungu ndio waponywao. 16Ndipo walio mcha BWANA waliposemezana wao kwa wao. Naye BWANA akasikiliza, akasikia; na kitabu cha ukumbusho kikaandikwa mbele zake, kwa ajili ya hao aliomcha BWANA, na kulitafakari jina lake. 17Nao watakuwa wangu, asema BWANA wa majeshi, katika siku ile niifanyayo; watakuwa hazina yangu hasa; naami nitawaachilia, kama vile mtu amwachiliavyo mwanawe mwenyewe amtumikiaye. 18Ndipo mtakaporudi, nanyi mtapambanua kati ya wenye haki na waovu, kati ya yeye amtumikiaye Mungu na yeye asiyemtumikia”

Kuna watu, na pengine nawe ni mmoja wao, ambaye baada ya kukaa katika maisha ya kumtafuta Mungu na kuona hapati alichotarajia, hugeuka na kuanza kulalamika. Hulalamika kwa kuona kama amejitaabisha bure katika kujiepusha na uovu wa dunia hii. Huona kama amejizuwia kutenda maovu pasipo kuwa na faida. Anaweza hata kushawishika anapowaona watu wakifurahia dhambi akajiona yeye anaishi maisha ya huzuni pasipo na sababu [ingawa kumcha Bwana ni furaha kubwa].

Pengine mtu amekuwa akifunga na kuomba ili jambo fulani litokee. Na kinyume chake akawaona wale ambao hata jina la Yesu halijawahi kutamkwa vinywani mwao ndio wanaofanikiwa. Ndio wanaojenga majumba makubwa, na wengine kuyaita kwa majina yao; akaona wale wanaotoa rushwa maofisini ndio wanaoongezewa mishahara na kupandishwa vyeo, huku yeye akiwa ameishikilia haki, yuko katika nafasi ile ile.

Yawezekana kuna mtu amekuwa anasumbuliwa na ugonjwa fulani kwa muda mrefu, ameomba sana lakini ugonjwa huondoki. Halafu akiangalia upande wa pili anaona kuna mtu ambaye alikwenda mara moja tu kwenye maombezi kisha akapona; na baada ya kupona mtu huyo alirudi tena dhambini, yaani kupona kwake ndio kumempa nguvu zaidi ya kutenda maovu. [3:15]Huyo aliyekuwa anamjaribu Mungu ndiye amepona halafu yeye bado anaumwa!

Sikiliza Neno la Mungu lisemavyo katika ule mstari wa 16 “Ndipo walio mcha BWANA waliposemezana wao kwa wao. Naye BWANA akasikiliza, akasikia; na kitabu cha ukumbusho kikaandikwa mbele zake, kwa ajili ya hao aliomcha BWANA, na kulitafakari jina lake”

Jambo muhimu kulifahamu hapa ni kitu  walichosemezana wao kwa wao, hao wamchao BWANA. Lakini bila shaka hao wamchao Bwana walisemezana juu ya ukuu wa Mungu! Walifarijiana na kutiana moyo kuwa japo wanapita katika mapito bado BWANA Mungu ndiye nguvu yao. Walifarijiana kwamba hata kama walichofunga na kukifanyia maombi hakikutokea bado BWANA Mungu ni tumaini lao!

Ni kama tu walivyosemezana akina Shadraki, Meshaki na Abednego kuwa hata kama BWANA Mungu asipowaokoa katika lile tanuru la Moto lakini wao hawakuwa tayari kuisujudia ile sanamu ambayo mfalme Nebukadreza aliyokuwa ameisimamisha! [Daniel 3].

Wamchao waliposemezana BWANA alisikiliza na akasikia wakiongea maneno yenye kuelekeza kwake tumaini lao lote. Baada ya BWANA kusikia maneno hayo pale pale kitabu cha ukumbusho kiliandikwa mbele zake wa ajili yao kwa kuwa walisemezana maneno mema huku waliendelea kulitafakari jina lake!

Tusidanganyike! Kumtumikia BWANA Mungu kuna faida. Kuokoka kuna faida. Waache wanaofanikiwa kwa njia za ufisadi wafanikiwe. Waache wanaochekelea katika furaha ya dhambi, ambayo ni ya kitambo kidogo sana, waendelee[Ebrania 11:25]. Waache wanaojiunga katika imani potofu kwa ahadi za utajiri waendelee, maana siku itakapofika utajiri huo hautakuwa na msaada wowote kwao. Waache wanaotafuta uponyaji kwa njia zisizo za ki-Mungu waendelee maana iko siku ambayo itakuwa kama vile magonjwa hayo yamerudi yote kwa wakati mmoja!

Lakini pia iko siku BWANA ataondoa tabu yako. Pengine ameacha shida, ugonjwa au adui huyo aendelee kukusumbua kwa kusudi akufundishe jambo. Pengine ameacha ili akujaribu moyo wako umeweka wapi msingi. Pengine ameacha ili akujaribu unataka mema tu toka kwake au hata mabaya? [Ayubu 1:10]. Yawezekana ameacha ili akuone kama uko tayari kufa kwa ugonjwa huku bado sifa zake zikitoka kinywani mwako na wala hautamkufuru. Pengine amaecha hayo ili uendelee kunyenyekea. [2Kor 12:7]. Pengine ameacha hayo ili akutukuze, akufanye mfano wa Ayubu, ili uwe mfano wa kuigwa katika vizazi na vizazi!

Hebu tuendelee kumtumaini BWANA Mungu. Tuendelee kumuisha yeye. Tuendele kujitia nguvu katika yeye. Tunapokutana tusemezane maneno ya Neema hii aliyotupatia, Neema ya Wokovu. Tunapokuata tuliitie jina lake. Hapo ndipo tutaweka rekodi mbinguni! Loh! Ni fahari iliyoje mcha Mungu kuongea huku duniani kisha mambo hayo yakaandikwa mbinguni!

Kumcha BWANA kuna faida! Tudumu katika hilo kwa kuwa katika siku ile tutakuja kutambulika kama tulikuwa tunamcha BWANA Mungu, kama kweli tutadumu katika kumcha Yeye! Na hapo ndipo kutakuwa na malipo kwa wenye haki, Uzima wa milele na waovu, adhabu ya milele!

Mungu atusaidie!

95 THESES TO THE MODERN EVANGELICAL CHURCH

By Greg Gordon – Founder of Sermonindex.net

1. The “church” at large has forgotten that the chief end of man is to glorify God. (Rom 16:27; 1Cor 6:20; Mt 6:9; 1Cor 10:31)

2. Christians ignore most of the methods, practices and principles found in the book of Acts. (Acts 2:42,44; Acts 2:46; Acts 2:38)

3. Many treat “church” like any other social club or sports event that they might attend. (Acts 2:46; Heb 10:25; Acts 1:14)

4. We’ve made Christianity about the individual rather than the community of believers. (Rom 12:5; 1Cor 12:12; 2Tim 4:16)

5. In most “churches” the priesthood of all believers isn’t acknowledged and the role of pastor is abused. (1Pt 2:9; 1Cor 12:12; Eph 4:11-13)

6. The “church” as a whole has lost the concept of their being grafted into the promises given to Israel. (Rom 11:15, 17-18, 20, 25)

7. There needs to be a recovery of teaching the whole counsel of God, especially in expository form. (Acts 20:27; 1Tim 4:6, 2Tim 2:15)

8. We take it too lightly that we have the blessing and honor of having God’s Scriptures in our  possession. (Ps 119:16; Acts 13:44; Neh 8:9)

9. There has never been more access to the Word of God, yet so little reading of it. (1Tim 4:13; Neh 8:1-3; Ps 119:59)

10. Some read the Scriptures to attain knowledge, but do not practice what they read. (Jam 1:22; Mt 7:21; 3Jn 4)

11. Worship has become an idol in many “churches”. The music often resembles that of the world. (Amos 5:23; Phil 4:8; 1Jn 5:21)

12. The world is shaping the views of the “church” more than the “church” shaping the world. (Rom 12:2; Mt 5:13; 1Cor 1:22-23)

13. The “church” spends more money on dog food than on missions. (2Cor 9:6; Lk 21:2; Acts 4:34-35)

14. We take lightly the cost of discipleship laid out by Jesus Christ and do not deny our lives. (Lk 14:33; Lk 14:26-27; Mt 8:19-20)

15. There is a lack of true discipleship and making others to be obedient disciples. (Mt 28:20; 2Tim 2:2; 2Tim 2:14)

16. Many subscribe to the error that parts of life are to be spiritual while others are to be secular. (1Pt 4:2; Col 3:3; 1Jn 2:6)

17. Modern Christians often find Jesus’ command to sacrifice and serve abhorrent. (Phil 2:21; Jam 3:16; Rom 12:1-2)

18. Self disciplines in the Christian life such as fasting and praying are considered legalistic. (2Tim 2:21; 2Tim 1:8; Mt 6:17)

19. Little thought and contemplation is put towards the lostness of men, the seriousness of the Gospel. (Phil 3:8; Gal 2:20; Heb 10:34)

20. We are living with an epidemic of cheap grace with flippant confession and shallow consecration. (Lk 14:28-30; Lk 14:26; Jam 4:8)

21. Since the inception of the Church, the Gospel had the requirements of repentance and discipleship. (Acts 2:38; Lk 14:26; Jn 8:31)

22. Now forgiveness is offered without repentance, discipleship without obedience, salvation without sanctity. (Heb 10:29; 4:11; Lk 13:24)

23. Introspection, counting the cost, godly sorrow over sin, are all foreign to many in the “church”. (Acts 2:37; Ps 119:9; Heb 6:1-2)

24. The modern church loves itself more than its neighbor. (1Cor 3:3; Gal 5:13; Phil 2:3)

25. The church must repent of its idolization of personality, and of business principles. (2Cor 2:17; 1Cor 3:5; 1Cor 12:23)

26. Many elders and pastors of the “church” sadly are fleecing the flock to supply their own wants. (Jn 10:12-13; 1Pt 5:2-3; Rev 2:15)

27. The qualities most in demand in today’s pastorate are frequently foreign to the Scriptures. (1Tim 3:2-3; 1Tim 3:5; 1Tim 1:5-7)

28. The professionalization of the pastorate is a sin and needs to be repented of. (2Cor 11:13; Gal 3:1; Gal 2:6)

29. There must be repentance for the ambitious desire and idolization of the celebrity pastorate. (3Jn 9; Jer 17:5; 1Cor 12:22)

30. Pastors must trust the Spirit, not statistics. (2Sam 24:1; 1Cor 1:25; Rom 8:14)

31. Modern day prophets are being stoned by criticism and neglect. (2Tim 4:3-4; Gal 1:10; Jer 1:7-8)

32. God’s prophets are ill-treated and shunned by most “christians” considered too harsh or extreme. (Jer 6:10; Isa 6:9-10; Gal 4:16)

33. The prophets prophesy falsely, priests rule by their own power; and my people love to have it so. (Mt 24:4, 11-12; 1Cor 1:19, Jude 8 )

34. There are many false gospels being preached from pulpits in our day. (2Cor 11:4; Gal 1:8-9; Jude 16)

35. There is an epidemic of a “mock” salvation message. It is correct in doctrine, but false in reality. (2Cor 3:6; 1Jn 5:11-12; Rom 8:9)

36. A salvation that does not make men holy is trusted in by a deceived multitude. (Jude 4; Rom 8:1; Rom 6:17-18)

37. There is a needed perseverance in the truths of the Gospel without unbelief. (Eph 1:1; Heb 6:11-12; Heb 10:26-27)

38. A great need is to see “christians” become saints in actual experience. (1Jn 2:29; Col 3:5-8; Tit 3:8)

39. Many professors of religion are forbidding people to be a part of the holy body of Christ. (Mt 23:13; Ps 119:1-2; 2Pt 1:3-4)

40. Preaching has become all about the happiness of man and not the glory of God. (Jn 6:26; Rom 4:20; 1Pt 4:11)

41. Preachers give smooth words to entice men, yet very few give any words of correction or rebuke. (Jer 6:14; Pro 1:23; 1Tim 5:20)

42. Run from gospels that focus on our success and prosperity in the name of Jesus Christ. (Jn 2:16; Acts 20:33; Jer 6:13)

43. Run from gospels that focus on self-improvement. (1Tim 6:5; Heb 12:14; Jam 4:14)

44. Run from churches where men, and not Christ, are glorified. (Col 1:18; Jude 25; Jn 16:14)

45. Run from churches where there is no Bible, no cross, no mention of the blood of Christ. (1Pt 1:18-19; Eph 3:13; Rev 1:5)

46. Run from churches where the worship leaves you cold, where there’s no sense of God’s presence. (1Cor 5:4; Ps 80:14-15; Jer 12:11)

47. Run from churches where you’re comfortable in your sin. (1Cor 14:25; Heb 10:30-31; Heb 4:13)

48. Run from churches that use the pulpit of God for a personal agenda. (Jude 10-11,19; 3Jn 9)

49. Run from those who preach division between races and cultures. (Jam 2:4, Gal 3:28, Rev 5:9)

50. Run from ungodly, spasmodic movements and endless empty prophesying. (Jer 5:13; 1Cor 14:33, 1Jn 2:16)

51. Run from preachers who tell mostly stories and jokes. (Eph 5:4; Tit 1:8; 2:12)

52. Run from those that are only after money, who use one gimmick after another to get your money. (2Pt 2:3; 2Cor 12:14; 1Cor 9:18)

53. The phrase “accept Jesus as your personal Saviour” is not found in the Scriptures. (Rom 10:9-10; Col 1:13; Acts 26:20)

54. Evidence of true conversion does not seem important to modern day Christians. (1Jn 2:6; 1Jn 4:17; Mt 7:20)

55. Thousands of sinners think of God as having only one attribute: Love! But they continue in sin. (Rom 1:18; Acts 5:11; Ps 2:12)

56. “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!” has hindered true evangelism. (Rom 3:19; Acts 26:18; Phil 3:18-21)

57. A Gospel of love and grace only, without the law of God being preached. This is a doctrine of Satan. (2Tim 4:3-4; Rom 2:4-5; 3:19)

58. There has clearly arisen a careless mixture of 20th century reasoning with God’s revelation. (Col 2:8; Rom 1:25; Gal 1:6)

59. Decisionism and the “sinner’s prayer” has been a major cause of false conversions in the “church”. (2Pt 2:1-2; Eph 2:4-5; 2Cor 5:17-18)

60. Many will be surprised to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you, depart from me.” (Mt 7:22-23; 1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21)

61. Men have taken the place of the Holy Spirit in confirming men in their supposed salvation. (1Jn 2:3-5; 2Ths 1:8; Gal 6:12-15)

62. The doctrine of hell and eternal suffering is something little grasped by most professing “christians”. (Mt 13:42; Jam 5:1; Ps 9:17)

63. The judgment seat of Christ is perhaps one of the most neglected topics in the modern pulpit. (2Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10; 1Cor 3:13)

64. The second coming of Christ needs to be re-instated as the church’s general thrust and burden. (1Jn 3:2-3; Col 3:4-6; 1Ths 4:14-17)

65. The church has lost the fear of God and has over emphasized the love of God. (Heb 12:28-29; Lk 12:5; Heb 10:31)

66. The church has left evangelism to a few trained professionals. (Acts 8:1,4; Acts 4:29; Rom 10:14)

67. Repentance is considered a one-time act in modern evangelism rather than a way of life. (Rev 3:19; Heb 12:17; 2Pt 3:9)

68. The Lordship of Jesus Christ is something that is not taught in many pulpits. (Acts 2:36; 1Cor 12:3; Rom 6:18)

69. Many in “churches” are not open to correction, church discipline or rebuke. (1Cor 5:5; 1Cor 11:31-32; Heb 12:7-9)

70. Some preach salvation as a theory instead of persuading men to come to Christ. (Jn 5:40; Col 1:28; 2Cor 4:5)

71. There has been a loss of the fullness and majesty of the gospel. (1Tim 1:11; Jude 25; Rom 15:29)

72. There is little mention of sin or the depravity of man from “church” pulpits. (Jn 3:20; Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:5)

73. Covetousness, consumerism, and coddling of the world’s goods does not appear wrong. (Jer 22:17; 1Jn 2:15-16; 1Tim 3:3)

74. Little is made of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in churches or in evangelism. (1Cor 15:14-15; Acts 4:10, 33)

75. The “church” has relied more on technology than God. (Zech 4:6; 1Cor 1:21; 2:4)

76. The prayer meeting is considered one of the least important meetings in the “church”. (1Tim 2:1; Acts 4:31; Phil 4:6)

77. Pastors have never prayed less than they do in the “church” today. (Jer 10:21; Phil 2:21; Eph 6:18-19)

78. Very few are waiting on God for His direction and purpose for His Church. (Eph 1:11; Ps 37:7; Isa 40:31)

79. The “church” has many organizers, but few agonizers. (Phil 3:18-19; Rom 9:1-3; Jer 9:1)

80. We need to have the gifts of the Spirit restored again to the “church”. (2Tim 4:2; 1Cor 14:39; 1Cor 12:31)

81. A serious, sober, self-controlled Christianity is very seldom found or preached. (2Pt 3:11; 1Pt 4:7; Jude 3)

82. The “church” at large has forgotten how to pray. (1Jn 3:22; Acts 6:4; 1Ths 5:17)

83. Many “churches” are more dependent on tradition than the leading of the Holy Spirit. (Mk 7:13; Acts 16:6; Acts 13:2)

84. Multitudes of professors preach and teach: that you cannot be freed from sin. (Rom 16:18; Rom 6:1-2; 2Pt 2:1)

85. The Apostles and Christ always preached the possibility to walk free from sin. (Tit 2:11-12; 1Pt 1:14-16; Rom 6:19)

86. Sinners are not saved to sin, but rather, saved to holiness and good works. (Rom 6:13; Eph 2:10; 2Pt 3:14)

87. Cheap grace means the justification of sin without the justification of the sinner. (2Tim 2:19; 1Pt 4:17-18; 2Tim 3:12)

88. A baptism of holiness, a demonstration of godly living is the crying need of our day. (1Tim 6:3; 2Ths 3:6; 2Ths 2:13)

89. Many are confused about obedience, and good works that are readily mentioned in the Scriptures. (Tit 3:8; Jn 10:32; Rev 3:15)

90. Little emphasis is put on the plan of God to make us like Jesus Christ in “churches”. (1Pt 1:14-16; 1Jn 2:6; 1Pt 4:1)

91. Christ did not die on the cross to obtain a worldly “church” but for a “glorious Church.” (Eph 5:27; Tit 2:14; Col 4:12)

92. Christ does not come into an unregenerate and impure heart as many contemporary theologians say. (2Cor 5:17; Mt 5:8; Eze 18:31)

93. A holy Church is God’s blessing to the world; an unholy “church” is God’s judgment upon the world. (Mt 5:14,16; Eph 4:1; 1Ths 2:12)

94. If Christianity is to make any headway in the present time, it must be proved to be more than a theory. (2Ths 3:6-7; 1Ths 4:1,11-12)

95. Unbelief has gagged and bound us as risen Lazarus! We need release in this final hour! (Heb 3:12-14; 1Cor 3:21-23; Heb 11:6)

The Characteristics and ingredients of love

1 Corinthians 13:13 “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is Love – “AGAPE” (unconditional, unrestricted, unobstructed, unhindered, love that gives without expecting anything in return).” It is not a Quid pro quo (something you give someone in return. something that you offer or give to someone in return for something that they have offered or given you).
John 3:16 Amplified Bible (AMP) For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten ([a]unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

The Characteristic/Nature of Love
The bible says that the motive behind God’s giving up of His dear Son was his love for the world (his creation/people). Notice this; not that he loved the Christians but the World as a whole. It was “Love” which emanates from Him that compelled God to give His Son which He loved so much.

Love is in the giving.
Love does not give because it is capable of doing so; but it gives because that is its nature. “Where love is, there is giving”. In other words, we can say that, giving is the offspring or “Aroma – Fragrance” of love.

Love always gives the best and exceptionally.
John says that … God gave his one and only begotten (the Son of His love).
This is the Son of God whom John described in John 1:1-2 being “ONE” with His Father in every aspect”. For the very first time in all Eternity past, Father God; out of His love towards the World gave His Son to redeem humanity to him.
There was no other gift or object that was of the highest value in his Kingdom that God could have given in exchange for us.

To redeem mankind, God had to give the best he ever had; His love towards us was and is still measured by what He had given. The demand of Justice for our souls was so high that in order to meet the requirements for our redemption, the best of the best were to be offered as the eternal sacrifice. If you want to know how much you’re worth before God, look at what God gave in exchange of you.
But it was all driven by the “love character”.

The Nature of Love (GOD) in us.
The Bible says that God is Love.
1 John 4:8 He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love.
Apostle John did not say that “God has love”, but what he said is “GOD IS LOVE”. That means love originates and emanates (proceeds or come) from him. He is the very definition of love. Love is who He is. Therefore, if we are the children of God it means we have the same nature of love in us. 1 John 3:6-8 …because as He is, so are we in this world.

Romans 5:5 Lexham English Bible …because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Acts 17:28 Worldwide English (New Testament)
In him we live, and move, and are alive. Some of your own writers have said, “We have come from him”.

John 1:12-13 GOD’S WORD Translation
However, he gave the right to become God’s children to everyone who believed in him. 13These are people who haven’t been born in a physical way—from a human impulse or from a husband’s desire to have a child. Their birth (genetic) was from God.

1 Peter 1:23 J.B. Phillips New Testament
Now that you have, by obeying the truth, made your souls clean enough for a genuine love of your fellows, see that you do love each other, fervently and from the heart. For you are the sons of God now; the living, permanent Word of the living God has given you his own indestructible heredity (of his kind)

How to activate the love of God?
God gave us his nature of love. When we gave our lives to Christ Jesus, the Holy Ghost came to live in us and made our bodies his dwelling place. When He came in us, he brought with him the nature of Love – God. But that love lies dormant or inactive in us because we have not put it to work we have not activated it.
In order to activate the love of God, we must understand the makings of this Love of God.

The love of god is made up of difference ingredients.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient (it endures and persists. It never gives up easily), love is kind (it is gentle and generous). Love does not envy (not jealousy and greedy. It is content), love does not boast (not braggadocios or pretentious), love is not proud (it does not show off). 5 Love does not dishonor (humiliates and degrades) others, love is not self-seeking (it always seeks to promote the good of others), love is not easily angered (hard to be provoked and enraged), and love keeps no record of wrongs (no opportunity for gossips).

1 Peter 4:8 English Standard Version (ESV)
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to others (love is always careful and pays attention to the details before it acts or reacts), so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.
Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor (it could be your enemy or those who do not share the same faith with you) as thyself.”
1 John 4:8
He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love (not that he has love, but He is the very essence and quintessence of Love – love emanates from him and it is defined by Him and through Him).

Ephesians 5:2
Live a life filled with love, (practice a love life always) following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
1 John 4:20
If we say we love God, but hate others, we are liars. For we cannot love God whom we have not seen if we do not love others whom we have seen.

We show that we truly love by loving those who are hostile towards us and mistreat us. We forgive them and offer help when they are in need. We don’t wait for them to apologies or ask for help but we look to see if they need help and we take the opportunity.

Love will always compel (force) you to move with compassion towards the needy. God’s character is the character of Love.

God has a positive answer!

YOU SAY	GOD SAYS	BIBLE VERSES
You say: ‘It’s impossible’	God says: All things are possible	( Luke 18:27)
You say: ‘I’m too tired’	God says: I will give you rest	( Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: ‘Nobody really loves me’	God says: I love you	( John 3:1  6 & John 3:34 )
You say: ‘I can’t go on’	God says: My grace is sufficient	(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say:  ‘I can’t figure things out’	God says: I will direct your steps	(Proverbs 3:5-  6)
You say: ‘I can’t do it’	God says: You can do all things	( Philippians 4:13)
You say: ‘I’m not able’	God says: I am able	(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: ‘It’s not worth it’	God says: It will be worth it	(Roman 8:28 )
You say: ‘I can’t forgive myself’	God says: I Forgive you	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: ‘I can’t manage’	God says: I will supply all your needs	( Philippians 4:19)
You say: ‘I’m afraid’	God says: I have not given you a   spirit of fear	( II Timothy 1:7)
You say: ‘I’m always worried and frustrated	God says: Cast all your cares on ME	(I Peter 5:7)
You say: ‘I’m not smart enough’	God says: I give you wisdom	(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: ‘I feel all alone’	God says: I will never leave you or forsake you	(Hebrews 13:5)

–Markus Klinger

What Does It Mean To Glorify God?

What Does Glorify God, or Honor God Mean? How Do We Glorify and Honor God?

It means to bring Him glory and honor through everything we say and do – Doing everything for the glory of God. Honoring God, Glorifying God with our lives, words, thoughts, actions, songs, dance, food, drink and in all we do. Acknowledging God’s glory, Appreciating who God is, Valuing God far above everything else.

We glorify God by loving him, by obeying him, by trusting him and walking with him. We honor God when we have faith and trust in him, when we love him, and when we truly desire to know him, obey him and please him in all that we do. We were created to glorify God, enjoy him and walk with Him. When we glorify God and honor God, we get closer to him and enjoy him immensely. God is really pleased and rejoices over us when we glorify him and live for him.

Bible Verses, Quotes, Scriptures, Passages & Quotations About Glorifying and Honoring God With Your Body, Your Money, Your Life, Thoughts, Words, Actions, etc. Honoring God’s Name. Glorifying and Honoring God at work and in all we do.

Isaiah 43:7
“Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (KJV)

1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (ESV)

1 Corinthians 6:20
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (KJV)

1 Corinthians 6:20
“you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (NIV)

Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (NIV)

Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”(NKJV)

1 Corinthians 10:23
“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. ” (NIV)

1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things
edify.” (NKJV)

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)

Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (KJV)

Psalm 86:5
I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. (KJV)

Philippians 1:9-11
“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (KJV)

Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. (KJV)

~~~~~~~***~~~~~~~

What Pleases God? What Makes God Smile? What Brings God Pleasure?

Psalm147:11 “The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” (KJV)

Hosea 6:6 “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (ESV)

Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (NKJV)

Isaiah 58:6-14

“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;
lighten the burden of those who work for you.
Let the oppressed go free,
and remove the chains that bind people.
Share your food with the hungry,
and give shelter to the homeless.
Give clothes to those who need them,
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

Then your salvation will come like the dawn,
and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward,
and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
Then when you call, the Lord will answer.
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
Feed the hungry,
and help those in trouble.
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.
The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry
and restoring your strength.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like an ever-flowing spring.
Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls
and a restorer of homes.

Keep the Sabbath day holy.
Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,
but enjoy the Sabbath
and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day.
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,
and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.
Then the Lord will be your delight.
I will give you great honor
and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob.
I, the Lord, have spoken! ” (NLT)

Jeremiah 9:23-24

“Thus says the LORD:

Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the LORD. ” (NKJV)

Psalm 149:4
“Hallelujah! Sing to God a brand-new song,
praise him in the company of all who love him.
Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator,
Zion’s children exult in their King.
Let them praise his name in dance;
strike up the band and make great music!
And why? Because God delights in his people,
festoons plain folk with salvation garlands!” (The Message)

Romans 14:17-19 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (NIV)

1 Timothy 5:3-5 “Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.” (ESV)

1 Samuel 12:22 “And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.” (NKJV)

Psalms 5:3-4 “My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up. For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You.” (NKJV)

Psalms 35:27 “Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” (NKJV)

Ezekiel 18:23 “Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord GOD, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?” (NKJV)

Ezekiel 18:31-32 “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord GOD. “Therefore turn and live!” (NKJV)

Ezekiel 33:11 “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?” (NKJV)

Matthew 9:13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (NKJV)

Hebrews 10:38-39 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” (NKJV)

Hebrews 11:5-6 “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJV)

James 2:23 “And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.” (NKJV)

Philippians 2:12-13 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (NKJV)

Hebrews 13:15-16 “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (NKJV)

Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (NKJV)

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
“Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (NKJV)

—Bomi Jolly

Ili mkristo asirudie dhambi ile ile!

Wakristo wengi tumekua na tatizo la kurudia dhambi ileile ambayo tumetubu. Wengi tumeomba na kufunga mara nyingi, lakini hakuna mabadiliko. Japokua maombi na kufunga yanamfanya mkristo kuwa na nguvu za kuutiisha mwili, lakini hayatoshi pekee kukufanya uishi kwa kuepuka vishawishi vya kufanya dhambi. Na tukumbuke shetani alimjaribu Bwana Yesu baada ya kuwa amefunga kwa siku arobaini mchana na usiku. Lakini Silaha gani Bwana Yesu alitumia kumshinda shetani? Ilikua ni Neno la Mungu. Zaburi 119:11 inasema “Moyoni mwako nimeliweka Neno lako nisije nikakutenda dhambi“

Warumi. 12:2 imeandikwa “wala msiifuatishe namna ya dunia hii; bali mgeuzwe kwa kufanywa upya nia zenu, mpate kujua hakika mapenzi ya Mungu yaliyo mema, ya kumpendeza, na ukamilifu“

Siri ya kuacha kufanya dhambi ni kufanywa upya ufahamu, nia yako. Kufanywa upya kunatokana na kulisoma Neno la Mungu. Ulishawahi kugundua? Jinsi unavyolisoma na kulisikia Neno ni ngumu kufanya dhambi. Lakini unapoacha kulisoma ile dhambi ya zamani iliyokufa inajirudia? Ndio maana Bwana Yesu anasisitiza kushika Neno yake, Neno la Mungu lijae ndani yetu. Unaweza kufunga na kuomba sana, lakini kama ufahamu wako haujakaa sawasawa kwenye Neno, shetani anaweza kukushawishi kwa wepesi sana, kurudia dhambi ile ile uliyotubu kabla!!

Mmoja anaweza kuuliza, Utawezaje kuishi bila kufanya dhambi na nitawezaje kulisoma Neno la Mungu mara kwa mara? Katika Yoshua 1:8 Imeandikwa, “kitabu hiki cha torati kisiondoke kinywani mwako, bali yatafakari maneno yake mchana na usiku, upate kuangalia na kutenda sawasawa na maneno yote yaliyoandikwa humo; maana ndimo utakapoifanikisha njia yako, kisha ndipo utakapositawi sana.”

Hivyo basi kulitafakari na kulifanyia kazi Neno la Mungu tutafanikisha njia zetu, tutaweza kufanywa upya nia zetu. Barikiweni Mno!!!

–MD–

KUSIKIA, Neno la Kristo!

Basi imani chanzo chake ni kusikia, na kusikia huja kwa Neno la Kristo. Warumi 10:17

Kusikia kunakutaka wewe kuunganisha moyo wako na ufahamu wako kuelewa sio Neno la Kristo pekee, lakini kumuelewa Yesu Kristo anapowasiliana nawe. Kwa kusikia Neno lake, utalielewa na litafanya kazi ndani yako vile unamjua unayemsikia.

Mungu anaangalia Mahusiano, sio DINI!

Tumeitwa ili kuwa na Mahusiano, Mawasiliano na Muumbaji wetu. SIO ili tuwe na dini, matendo ya kidini yasiyo na Mahusiano na Mungu. Mungu wakati wote anajali hali ya mioyo ya watu, mahusiano aliyonayo kwa watu wake, sio kazi za mikono yao, matendo yao mazuri au kujionesha kwa watu. Anatafuta mtu mwenye kutaka kuwa na mahusiano naye!

Jilindeni na chachu ya “Mafarisayo na Masadukayo”  Math 16:6

Kimtokacho mtu, ndicho kimtiacho unajisi!!

Akawaita makutano tena, akawaambia, Nisikieni nyote na kufahamu. Hakuna kitu kilicho nje ya mtu ambacho kikimwingia chaweza kumtia unajisi, bali vile vimtokavyo, ndivyo vimtiavyo unajisi yule mtu.  Mtu akiwa na masikio ya kusikilia, na asikie.

–Mark 7:14-16

Have a mind to work.

“So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work” (Neh. 4:6).

When Nehemiah returned from exile to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he did so with a great sense of urgency. Nehemiah heard that the city was defenseless, that God’s name was not being honored among the nations and that the Word of the Lord was not being proclaimed. Nehemiah and his co-laborers had a great sense of urgency; they “had a mind to work.”

Unfortunately, many churches today are operating as if their “walls” are broken down.  The enemy has infiltrated and, in many cases, has made his abode within the ranks of the redeemed.  As result of a weak testimony, the name of the Lord is not honored in those communities and the Word of the Lord is not being proclaimed; a gospel of compromise and appeasement is being heralded. Within such churches, there is no sense of urgency; the people do not have a mind to work.

“So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God” (Neh. 6:15,16).

” … Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon … And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law” (Neh. 8:2,3).

When the walls of the city were rebuilt, God’s name was feared and reverenced among the nations.  When the walls of the city were rebuilt, God’s Word was loudly proclaimed.  The walls of the city were rebuilt by God’s people; people who “had a mind to work.”

There is “a work” for every member of a New Testament church.  The apostle Paul stated, “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him” (1 Cor. 12:18).  There are no parts of the body that are useless.  Every part has a purpose (“a work”).  And every part has been placed and empowered by God “as it pleased him.”

For some, the work is preaching.  For others, the work is evangelism.  And for some, the work may entail such seemingly “routine” tasks as vacuuming, raking leaves, encouraging, praying or greeting visitors.  No work is unimportant or trivial when that work is done as unto the Lord.

Christian, with what urgency do you attend to the Lord’s work?  Only when God’s people have a mind to work will His name be reverenced and His Word truly proclaimed with life transforming power.  Only when God’s people have a mind to work will souls be saved. Christian, have a mind to work.

–John Marc–

Mhubiri 8:11-13

Kwa sababu hukumu ya tendo baya haitekelezwi upesi, mioyo ya wanadamu huthibitishwa ndani yao ili kutenda mabaya. Ajapokuwa mwenye dhambi amefanya maovu mara mia, akazidisha siku zake; lakini hata hivyo najua hakika ya kwamba itakuwa heri kwa wamchao Mungu, wenye kicho mbele zake; walakini haitakuwa heri kwa mwovu, wala hatazidisha siku zake zilizo kama kivuli; kwa sababu hana kicho mbele za Mungu.

Yeremia 5:20-29

Tangazeni neno hili katika nyumba ya Yakobo, litangazeni katika Yuda, kusema: Sikilizeni neno hili, enyi watu wajinga msio na ufahamu, mlio na macho ila hamwoni; mlio na masikio ila hamsikii. Je! Hamniogopi mimi? Asema BWANA; hamtatetemeka mbele ya uso wangu; mimi niliyeweka mchanga kuwa mpaka wa bahari, kwa amri ya daima, isiweze kuupita? Mawimbi yake yajapoumuka, hayawezi kushinda nguvu; yajapovuma sana, hayawezi kuupita. Lakini watu hawa wana moyo wa kuasi na ukaidi; wameasi, wamekwenda zao. Wala hawasemi mioyoni mwao, Basi, na tumche BWANA,

Mungu wetu, aletaye mvua, mvua ya mwaka, na mvua ya vuli, kwa wakati wake; na kutuwekea juma za mavuno zilizoamriwa. Maovu yenu yameyageuza haya, na dhambi zenu zimewazuilia mema msiyapate. Maana katika watu wangu wameonekana watu waovu; huotea kama vile watu wategao mitego; hutega mtego, na kunasa watu. Kama tundu lijaavyo ndege, kadhalika nyumba zao zimejaa hila; kwa hiyo wamekuwa wakuu sana, wang’aa; naam, wamepita kiasi kwa matendo maovu; hawatetei madai ya yatima, ili wapate kufanikiwa; wala hawaamui haki ya mhitaji. Je! Nisiwapatilize kwa mambo hayo? Asema BWANA; na nafsi yangu, je! Nisijilipize kisasi juu ya taifa la namna hii?

Mtu, Kinywa chake hunena yale yaujazayo moyo wake!-TAFAKARI

Mathayo 7:15-20

Jihadharini na manabii wa uongo, watu wanaowajia wamevaa mavazi ya kondoo, walakini kwa ndani ni mbwa-mwitu wakali. Mtawatambua kwa matunda yao. Je! Watu huchuma zabibu katika miiba, au tini katika mibaruti? Vivyo hivyo kila mti mwema huzaa matunda mazuri; na mti mwovu huzaa matunda mabaya.Mti mwema hauwezi kuzaa matunda mabaya, wala mti mwovu kuzaa matunda mazuri. Kila mti usiozaa tunda zuri hukatwa ukatupwa motoni. Ndiposa kwa matunda yao mtawatambua.

Luka 6:43-45

Kwa maana hakuna mti mzuri uzaao matunda mabaya, wala mti mbaya uzaao matunda mazuri; kwa kuwa kila mti hutambulikana kwa matunda yake; maana, katika miiba hawachumi tini, wala katika michongoma hawachumi zabibu. Mtu mwema katika hazina njema ya moyo wake hutoa yaliyo mema, na mtu mwovu katika hazina mbovu ya moyo wake hutoa yaliyo maovu; kwa kuwa mtu, kinywa chake hunena yale yaujazayo moyo wake.

Sikio la Mungu si zito hata lisisikie maombi yako

  Isaya 59:1-4

“Tazama mkono wa Bwana haukupunguka, hata usiweze kuokoa wala sikio lake si zito hata lisiweze kusikia. Lakini maovu yenu yamewafarakisha ninyi na Mungu wenu, na dhambi zenu zimeuficha uso wake msiuone, hata hataki kusikia. Kwa maana mikono yenu imetiwa unajisi kwa damu, na vidole vyenu vimetiwa unajisi kwa uovu, midomo yenu imenena uongo, ndimi zenu zimenong’ona ubaya. Hapana adaiye kwa haki, wala hapana atetaye kwa kweli; hutumainia ubatili, hunena uongo, hupata mimba ya madhara na kuzaa uovu”

Silaha za Mkristo

Maisha ya Ukristo ni maisha ya mapambano katika ulimwengu wa roho. Ili mkristo aweze kuwa mshindi ni lazima awe na silaha za Mungu zitakazomuwezesha kuvipiga vita hivyo. Neno la Mungu, katika kitabu cha Waraka wa mtume Paulo kwa Waefeso Sura ya 6, linataja silaha hizo kuwa ni:

1. KWELI – ambayo inafananishwa na Mkanda ambao huvaliwa kiunoni. Mkristo anapaswa kuwa mkweli wakati wote.

2. HAKI – ambayo inafananishwa na Dirii (ngao) kwa ajili ya kukinga kifua. Mkristo anatakiwa kuwa mtu wa haki wakati wote.

3. UTAYARI WA KUIHUBIRI INJILI – ambako kunafananishwa na Viatu miguuni. Mkristo anatakiwa kuwa tayari kuihubiri Injili kila wakati wote kwa kuwaambia wengine habari za wokovu.

4. IMANI – ambayo inafananishwa na Ngao kwa ajili ya kuizima mishale ya mwovu. Mkristo anatakiwa kuwa na Imani katika mambo anayokabiliana nayo.

5.  WOKOVU – ambao unafanishwa na Chapeo kwa ajili ya kulindwa kichwa.  Mkristo anatakiwa kuulinda Wokovu alioupokea.

6. NENO LA MUNGU – ambalo linafananishwa na Upanga. Mkristo anatakiwa kuwa na ufahamu wa kutosha wa Neno la Mungu juu ya mambo mbali mbali katika maisha yanayomzunguka.

7. MAOMBI – Maombi ndiyo humfanya mkristo awe na mawasiliano na Mungu, ambaye ndiye kiongozi wa mapambano hayo katika ulimwengu wa roho. Ni kwa kupitia maombi ndipo mtu hupata maelekezo ya silaha gani inatakiwa itumike na kwa wakati gani.  Matumizi sahihi ya silaha za Mungu na kwa wakati sahihi ndicho huleta ushindi.

Maombi ya Hana kwa Mungu – 1 Samwel 2:1-10

^2:1 Naye Hana akaomba, akasema, Moyo wangu wamshangilia Bwana, Pembe yangu imetukuka katika Bwana, Kinywa changu kimepanuka juu ya adui zangu; Kwa kuwa naufurahia wokovu wako;

^2:2 Hakuna aliye mtakatifu kama Bwana; Kwa maana hakuna ye yote ila wewe, Wala hakuna mwamba kama Mungu wetu.

^2:3 Msizidi kunena kwa kutakabari hivyo; Majivuno yasitoke vinywani mwenu; Kwa kuwa Bwana ni Mungu wa maarifa, Na matendo hupimwa na yeye kwa mizani.

^2:4 Pinde zao mashujaa zimevunjika, Na hao waliojikwaa wamefungiwa nguvu.

^2:5 Walioshiba wamejikodisha ili kupata chakula, Na hao waliokuwa na njaa wamepata raha. Naam, huyo aliyekua tasa amezaa watoto saba, Na yeye aliye na wana wengi amedhoofika.

^2:6 Bwana huua, naye hufanya kuwa hai; Hushusha hata kuzimu, tena huleta juu.

^2:7 Bwana hufukarisha mtu, naye hutajirisha; Hushusha chini, tena huinua juu.

^2:8 Humwinua mnyonge kutoka mavumbini, Humpandisha mhitaji kutoka jaani, Ili awaketishe pamoja na wakuu, Wakakirithi kiti cha enzi cha utukufu; Kwa maana nguzo za dunia zina Bwana, Naye ameuweka ulimwengu juu yake.

^2:9 Yeye atailinda miguu ya watakatifu wake; Bali waovu watanyamazishwa gizani, Maana kwa nguvu hakuna atakayeshinda;

^2:10 Washindanao na Bwana watapondwa kabisa; Toka mbinguni yeye atawapigia radi; Bwana ataihukumu miisho ya dunia; Naye atampa mfalme wake nguvu, Na kuitukuza pembe ya masihi wake.

FEAR OF GOD BRINGS KNOWLEDGE

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. -Prov 1:7.Fearing YWH brings a “start of knowledge”. As long as a person continues to fear God in everything, God will continue to give
knowledge and understanding to that particular person.

Most people think they know it all, even we who fear God think we know it most but certainly not.
We know in part and we are still in the classroom. Our teacher Holy Spirit is always looking for our invitation that He may teach us but in contrary we depend and share with Him our matters a few times.

If we learn not in our understanding, trusting in the Lord with all our heart and keep on “learning” from Him, “HE WILL INSTRUCT AND MAKE OUR WAY PERFECT”

Keep on trusting the Lord brethren, keep on learning brethren, keep on serving the Lord brethren, do all this in truth and fear of Almighty God in Christ Jesus and keep on living.

--Malle Iqualiptus-