HOMOSEXUALITY

                                                         Homosexuality


Do these work together?
  Ball & socket, hook & loop, padlock & key, nut & bolt, plug & plug-point, knife & fork, bread & butter, bulb & holder, salt & pepper, cup & saucer, paper & pen, male & female --
Of course they do work together beautifully complementing each other!

Now how about the following sets? Do they work together?
-- male & male, plug & plug, pen & pen, paper & paper, female & female...--
Of course they don't. How absolutely absurd would it be to imagine that they could work together?

And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?  Matthew 19:4-5



It is possible to pretend and live in a make-believe situation of lies and deception.
There is no truth and there can be no fruit in such a situation.

there has to be a male and a female and contribution from a male and a female for children to form. Any intelligent person would understand that two individuals of the same sex cannot bring forth children. Therefore children who are adopted and brought up by such couples are in an environment of deception, falsehood and pretense. Putting a child in such a situation is a great offence and sin that displeases GOD.

 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire. "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 18:5-10 


Every male who holds another male and every female who holds another female in a carnal sexual relationship causes offence and sins against that partner, keeping him/her from GOD'S plan of marriage and relationship with one of the opposite sex.

 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4 

 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 




The people and animals that entered Noah's ark were male and female.

 And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark--you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female.  Genesis 6:17-19

So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons' wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood.
So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the LORD shut him in.  
So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive.  Genesis 7:7,16,23

What is your image?

What is your image?

In the beginning, GOD, the original artistic Creator, fashioned and made all the galaxies and the earth. In the process of creation He made light, the firmament, the seas and the dry land; the plants, trees and all vegetation, the sun, moon and the stars; the birds, living creatures in the seas and waters, creeping things, cattle and beasts.

 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27

After finishing a painting or a work of art, the artist would complete it with his own signature! That is exactly what GOD did when He created mankind - you and me!! 

What is GOD'S image?

 It is impossible for us to comprehend the image of the Triune GOD with our puny minds. Since we are created in GOD'S own image, we can understand GOD'S image as a reflection of our image. In the Holy Scriptures we see references to GOD the Father, GOD the Son and GOD the Holy Spirit. This we refer to as the Holy Trinity. There seems to be a basic family unit of father, mother and child within the image of GOD.

What is our image?

We reflect GOD'S image. Looking back to our origin, He created us male and female in His image, according to His likeness. Therefore we reflect the image of GOD in a complete union as male and female.

What is our place in creation?
GOD has given mankind dominion over all living things.

What is our purpose?
Having been made in GOD'S image, we can have a relationship with Him. GOD wants us to worship Him and Him alone so that we may reflect His glory.

You shall have no other gods before Me. "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, Exodus 20:3-5

What is our inheritance?
After making man in His own image as male and female, GOD blessed them. We are blessed by GOD and walk in His favor when we submit to His purpose and plan in our lives as male and female.

 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." Genesis 1:28

What is the command?


GOD commanded Adam and Eve in such a state as man and wife to be fruitful and to multiply. The family unit as father, mother and child once again is a reflection of the image of the Triune GOD.

Are you reflecting the glory of your Creator by worshiping Him alone?

Are you reflecting the glory of GOD as a male and a female in a marriage relationship as husband and wife?

If so, GOD'S favor and blessing will be on you.

He will make your union fruitful and bless you with children who are the fruit of the womb. As a family unit you will reflect GOD'S glory and enjoy His Presence in your lives and His blessings.

Any other lifestyle that deviates from GOD'S plan is a curse.

 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD. Psalm 128:1-4 

                            BE BLESSED!!

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

Today we celebrate Easter, remembering the resurrection of our LORD JESUS from the dead. JESUS is the First Fruit and when we see Him we shall be like Him. Easter gives us the hope of new spiritual life on earth in CHRIST JESUS and eternal life in Heaven in a new resurrected celestial body!

 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' " ( Luke 24:6-7 )

 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 6:4-11)  

 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11)  

 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.  Colossians 3:1-4 

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 
 (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)   

Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:23-25)

Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? Who can declare all His praise? ( Psalm 106:1-2)

    

ENJOY A MEANINGFUL BLESSED EASTER!

Have you received your G Ticket?

Have you received your G Ticket?

Imagine that your friend has paid and purchased an E Ticket for you to fly to Paris to spend time with him!. The ticket is in his name. These days most air tickets are purchased on line. Although you may not hold the paper ticket in your hand, you know for sure that it is there in the system. The officer at the check in counter is able to access your details. Because your friend loves you and is trustworthy, you will most probably  receive this gift with gratitude.

GOD, Who loves you, has fully paid and purchased for you in the name of His Son JESUS CHRIST, a Grace Ticket - G Ticket to Heaven to be with Him forever. The proof of the purchase of this ticket is 'In the system' and you need to make use of it 'By Faith'. You cannot pay for it or work for it. You just have to receive this gift with thanksgiving to GOD.

Receiving the E Ticket is the first step in your journey to Paris. If you are serious about your trip, you need to  take instructions from your travel agent. You have to show up at the right time at the right airport. You have to comply with the rules regarding your baggage. You may be prohibited to carry certain things and there are limits to the weights of the bags you can take. These instructions are given to you in travel documents by your travel agent.

Receiving GOD'S gift of grace is the first step towards the salvation of your soul. If your desire is to reach Heaven you need to be serious about your life on earth. Follow the instructions in the Book. B I B L E means Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. GOD'S Agent the Holy Spirit is with you and in you. He will guide you with His gentle promptings and also help you to understand the Scriptures.

Your friend has done his part. He is waiting for you in Paris.

All of us are destined to GOD'S judgement and eternal doom because of our sinful nature. The work of our common enemy, the devil,the evil one, is to scheme and deceive us to follow him to his eternal destination. All of us will be heading for hell if not for GOD'S loving and gracious intervention. The G Ticket in the name of JESUS gives us a way to escape hell and enter Heaven.

GOD has done His part. It is up to you to not only receive His gift but also to follow His instructions to take your journey to Heaven right here and now, while on earth!

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9  
 
 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 

 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Where Are You Going?

Where Are You Going?

Are you lost? Stop, connect the GPS

The Gentle Promptings of the Spirit:

Do you know where you have come from?

Where are you going?

Do you have silver and gold

to see you through the fire?

If you’re made of stubble and wood:

In the fire you will linger.

Have you glanced back to thank The One

Whose grace has preserved you?

This is ‘Beer Lahai Roi’ :

You'll 'See The One Who sees you'.

Deviating from the path of life

Has caused you pain and strife:

Return to the path, it’s free:

JESUS paid the price you see!

JESUS has been walking with you

Though you made the choices:

Will you now let Him lead you?

Forsaking other voices?

“Come, Do not fear” He says,

“ I'll take you by your right hand:

You'll be kept from evil ways

Right up to Beulah land!

 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' 

Isaiah 41:13 (NKJV) 

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NKJV) 

Boggle

We enjoy word games as a family. One of the favourite games is 'Boggle.' We desired to get a new 'Boggle' and since we couldn't get it, our son purchased a 'Big Boggle'!

A few weeks ago, our son was suddenly taken very ill. His blood pressure shot up so high that the  reading couldn't even be taken! He developed weakness of the left side of his face and body. He was rushed to the emergency admission of the hospital. We were told that the next 36 to 48 hours would be crucial. He was kept in the 'High Dependency Area' for five days and then in the ward for ten days. His whole body was scanned and functions of the organs tested. Our son was an unusual 'Medical Case' in many ways besides displaying such levels of blood pressure at just 30 years of age. He was a good specimen for trainees and students from different medical departments.

As a family we made daily visits to the hospital. I spent hours seated by our son's bed, anxiously watching him. As I tried to work out in my mind the meaning of all the happenings, my mind was in a 'Big Boggle'!! I felt guilt and conviction as I wondered whether I had been negligent in caring for him. I felt fear as the various medical teams discussed 'This Case' and gave probable causes for this incident and consequent permanent damage to his organs. My heart ached when grim diagnoses were announced to us and further painful procedures were suggested at the bedside in 'Matter of Fact' tones by senior consultants and juniors.

Although there were instances of relief when a good report came through, I felt oppression on my mind while in the hospital. I longed to spend time alone with my LORD and have Him speak to me so that my mind would be cleared. The LORD spoke simple and clear words directly and through His children.These were rays of sunshine bringing hope in the dark valley. My shoulders were literally weighed down by a burden which I knew could only be lifted at Calvary, where I resorted frequently to pour my heart to the LORD JESUS. A gentle word spoken sensitively by anyone was like a soothing balm to a broken heart. Peace was imparted into my heart when dear ones prayed with us compassionately, short meaningful prayers in faith. Through all of these, even though the cables of my soul were strained, the anchor that held my spirit deep within, was the hope that rested on the certainty of the love of GOD which I couldn't question or doubt for a single moment. This love was revealed in tangible ways through the kindness of people - believers and also non-believers. More importantly the strength of our faith was the answer of the prayers of many intercessors around the world who stood in the gap on our behalf. Some of them did not even pray with us, but stood praying for us. They prayed individually, as groups and as churches. Behind the scenes they were effectively clearing for us the enemy's garbage of condemnation and doubt of GOD'S love that could disconnect us from GOD. These sincere prayers enabled each one of us in the family to keep our faith individually. 
And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."  Luke 22:31-32 

It is nearly a month since the onset of this ordeal and the storm is settling. Our son is making a remarkable and spectacular (as his physiotherapist exclaimed yesterday) recovery! Looking back, I realise it was a 'Big Boggle' in real life!! When Boggle is shaken there is noise and confusion. The letter dice are scattered in the box not making words or sense. Fear and anxiety seem overwhelming. Then comes the settling. Quickly we look for meaningful words. We realise this new setting is better than the former. The temporary shaking was good! There are new and better words. We discover new and deeper meaning to old words - Faith, Fear, Love, Rest, Peace - as we quietly listen to the gentle soft voice of the Precious Holy Spirit!

 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.  1 Peter 5:10-11  

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:3-9 

 Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.  1 Kings 19:11-12  

Labour

Labor following the curse

Painful labor in childbirth and the need to work hard towards bringing fruit from the earth are curses following the fall of man. 2 days ago I had the privilege of being with our daughter in the birthing suite, sharing in the intensely painful process of bringing forth the baby, our first grandchild! The excruciating pain culminating in extreme joy is an unforgettable experience!

Goodness in every aspect was a result of God’s blessing on all of His creation. As a consequence of the fall and separation from God, the earth is under a curse. Weeds grow naturally and more abundantly than herbs, grain and fruit plants. Even a man who is not a farmer, has to work hard to earn a wage to provide for his family. The nature of man is evil and the heart desperately wicked. In the spiritual sense too, man and woman need to labor in some way to  come under God’s favor which is a place of blessing and good fruit. we need to work hard in seeking the Lord, mourning for our sins and repenting of our wicked ways so that we may experience the fullness of God’s Spirit in us, bringing forth the lovely fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you." Genesis 3:16  

Then to Adam He said, "Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it': "Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." Genesis 3:17-19

In fact, the whole world is laboring to come out of the curse and be birthed into God’s favor and blessing.

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Romans 8:22

Labor in vain

Imagine a woman conceiving in her womb, going through the difficulties of pregnancy for forty weeks and enduring the overwhelming pangs of labor and excruciating pain of delivery only to see a stillborn baby! All her labor is in vain! In vain!!
Observe a farmer laboring in his field, preparing it, carefully sowing good seed, spending time, energy and money to nurture the plants. He may need to get rid of weeds and eradicate pests. He makes sure there is enough water and fertilizer. He expects a bumper crop and his heart is filled with joy. Even as he prepares to harvest, there comes a flash flood, completely destroying the crop! What a waste! All his labor is in vain!!
The word of God says that such is the state of any of our works that are not done ‘In Christ.’

For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I? For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:22-26

Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. Psalms 127:1-2

labor in-Christ

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

1) Sowing the seed

Mary received God’s word brought to her by the Angel, submitted to that word, conceived by the Holy Spirit and brought forth Jesus, The Son of God. This would have been a painful process for her.

And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

We need to labor in sowing the precious seed of the word of God in our own hearts and in the hearts of others. When we receive God’s word and submit to that word, it is planted in our hearts.

Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. Psalms 126:5-6

2) Growing the seed - stretching!

God’s word grows in the heart like how a child grows in the womb of a pregnant woman. This stretching can be uncomfortable like the stretching we go through as we grow spiritually! Growth takes place as we feed on the word of God through diligent study of it and drink of His Spirit through prayer and close communion with God through the Lord Jesus. Jesus made it clear that we should value Him, Who is our spiritual food and life, and labor for Him , more diligently than for natural food and drink.

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." Therefore they said to Him, "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' " Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always." And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:27-35

Like the patient stretching of the womb, we need to wait patiently to see the word grow and bear fruit in our own lives and in the lives of others. If there is no patience and stretching, the seed will die.

Jesus is The only Mediator between God and man Who labored on the cross to birth us into His kingdom. He was stretched beyond measure between heaven and earth as He hung on the cruel cross. He bridged the gap between The Most Holy God and the filthiest of sinners. He brought glory to earth and earth to glory through grace. The Son of GOD became the Son of Man to make the connection between God and man. He gave up His glory and subjected Himself to the law of gravity. He endured excruciating pain as His arms were stretched across and nailed so that He could embrace all of mankind of all the ages. He is well able to save all people from the legalistic end of the scale to the lawless end of the scale!
The vastness of God’s love is revealed through our Savior, JESUS!

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 

3) The labor of Christ

We are justified only by our Savior, JESUS CHRIST,  Who laboriously interceded for us. He continues to intercede for His own, being at the right hand of God. Therefore now we labor in and through His love.
Mary labored and endured birth pangs to bring forth the Savior into the world.
Our fallen nature brings forth only evil fruit. Therefore we need to labor in repentance, denying self and abiding in Christ so that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
Jesus walked on this earth doing His Heavenly Father’s works. When He carried the sin of the world on Himself on the cross, His soul was in great labor because:-
    While taking on Himself all the filth of all sin of all mankind of all times,
         He remained pure and holy.
             He did not condemn, but asked God to forgive mankind.
                 This intercession was the labor of His soul through which He birthed us into God’s kingdom. Now He Himself washes us with His own blood as He continues to intercede for us,  at the right hand of God.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:10-11

3) Birthing Christ

All our labor should be motivated by the love of Christ.

For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Hebrews 6:10

remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Even as we continue to labor in love, let’s not let go, but let’s hold fast to our first love, Who is our Precious Lord JESUS! Make the first connection stronger and more secure as you stretch out!

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.
Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:2-4

Those of us who have experienced the forgiveness of sins through the Blood of The Lamb of God and are connected to God through the His Holy Spirit, are to continue this work of intercession on the earth.

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

For it is written: "Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband." Galatians 4:27

The apostle Paul labored in intercession to bring believers to fullness in Christ.

My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, Galatians 4:19

But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain. Galatians 4:9-11

4) Sabbath Rest

The process of labour, even though painful and long, ends abruptly the moment the baby is birthed out of the mother's body and two individuals are separated! GOD set the example of resting on the 7th day, after His work of creating everything over 6 days. As man was created only on the 6th day, the sabbath day was his first day on earth and he had to start with rest! This rest means GOD'S relationship with man and man's relationship with GOD. All our RElationships should STart with GOD and STop from going beyond GOD! He should be the boundary line for every individual person. All our labour over 6 days should be in Him and through Him.

There is an important commandment we need to remember. It is an experience of rest in our relationship with The Lord. It is also the experience of rest in our relationships with others. Therefore it is necessary for Christians to keep the Sabbath day holy and to keep ourselves free to gather together with fellow believers and worship God together.

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. Exodus 20:8-11

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. Hebrews 4:1

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Hebrews 4:9-10

When we come to Christ, we come to the place of rest to our souls. We need to continue to abide in Him and be yoked to Him to do His will and His work. The Sabbath rest is His rest.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30


Are you stressed?
  Come to CHRIST.
    Wait on CHRIST.
      Enter into His rest!

Joy

True, deep joy is the sure end product of our labour in diligently seeking the LORD JESUS, taking up our cross and following Him. This joy lasts to eternity!

 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.  John 16:20-22 
 Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5-6