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Posted on Sat, May 23, 2009 at 11:14 a.m. EST

 

BEST OF

AUG 2007-JULy 2008

MULTIMEDIA:

Video: "CASAs Celebration Captivates Assembled Audience’s Anticipation" (Feb 20, 08, 12:35 p.m.)

Video: MORE APRIL-MAY MULTIMEDIA FOOTAGE... (May 08, 9:37 a.m.)

Video: "Wayman Wins Rapping Rendition Celebrating Chi O's Consecutive Fourth First" (March 07, 08, 11:54 a.m.)

Video: "Redeemer Rescues Radically Curing Cocainism!" (March 11, 08, 10:52 p.m.)

Video: ‘Fashion Show’ Sends Models Message Mesmerizing Many! (Feb 20, 08, 11:56 a.m.)

EXPRESSIONS:

"What have you done for your F.A.T.H.E.R in life?" (June 15, 08, 5:40 p.m.)

"What D.I.S.T.A.N.C.E will you go to meet Jesus?" (July 03, 08, 10:06 a.m.)

"What does G.O.S.S.I.P do to you?" (April 17, 08, 6:52 p.m.)

Forever, Redeemer Everyday Excitingly Delivers Omnipotent Message! (F.R.E.E.D.O.M)” (July 05, 08, 9:48 a.m.)

"Who do you let M.O.L.D your life?" (July 16, 08, 11:19 a.m.)

NEWS:

Video: "Henien's Helpfulness Highly Honored at Awards!" (March 03, 2008, 12:01 p.m.)

Video: "Joyfully Jerome Bettis Briefly Delivers Duquesne Graduates Galvanizing 7-minute Speech! (May 03, 08, 8:44 p.m.)

Photos: Thirty-Fifth Time, Thousands Towards Truth Memorialized ‘March for Life 2008' (Jan 23, 08, 1:09 p.m.)

HOTPRESSIONS:

“Rebuttal to the Pitt News editorial, 'Abstinence-only education not way to go!'" (Dec 08, 07, 4:34 p.m.)

GREEK LIFE:

Video: "Rags Reveal Riches, Reminding Kappa's Kingdom Connection!" (March 30, 08, 1:34 p.m.)

Video: "Alpha Delta Pi's Analyze Lambda Chi Alpha's Love Story!" (March 31, 08, 1:21 p.m.)

Video: "TriSigma's Travel Through Time Paging PiKA's" (April 01, 08, 2:27 p.m.)

Video: "TriDelta's Triumphantly Tackle Twisted Villians Vindicating City's Citizens, Seeking SAE's Support!" (April 02, 08, 2:30 p.m.)

Video: "DeltaPhiEpsilon Dominates Wonderland With DeltaChi's Daily!" (April 05, 08, 7:36 p.m.)

ENTERTAINMENT:

Video: "Dark Knight' Kindles Joker's Judgment, Justifying Satan's Sinister Soul Search" (July 23, 08, 8:34 p.m.)

"'Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian' caringly Christocentric" (May 14, 08, 2:29 p.m.)

"Totally Baked'  Brings Beelzebub's Badness!" (April 28, 08, 4:43 p.m.)

"National Treasure 2 Tests Truth Through Time!" (May 21, 08, 10:37 a.m.)

"Flawless' Forgoes Forgiveness For Foes" (June 06,08, 4:34 p.m.)

FEATURE:

"Top 14 creative responses given by Market Central customers for Love is......" (Feb 14, 08, 1:42 p.m.)

"PGSIS 2008 Presented Poem Welcoming Women & Men Mightily" (June 22, 08, 3:45 p.m.)

"Top 14 creative responses given by Market Central customers for being the president of the United States would be like......" (Feb 18, 08, 1:49 p.m.)

Slideshow: "Light Up Night 2007 Lifts Students Spirits"  (Nov 18, 07, 2:00 a.m.)

Video:  Light Up Night's Nativity Creche Christened Colorfully!  (Nov 17,07, 11:52 p.m.)

IMPRESSIONS:

PS Editorial: Hussein Has Hebrew Hating Friends For Foes! (July 18, 08, 1:32 a.m.)

PS Editorial: "Oust Obama Over Commanding Country Cause Character Critical!" (July 30, 2008, 4:11 p.m.)

PS Editorial: "Homosexuals Have Maligned Marriage Maledicting Messiah's Message!" (May 16, 08, 5:01 p.m.)

Dad Delivered Daily, Delighting Family of Five Forever! (Dec 22, 07, 11:22 p.m.)

PS Editorial: "Badmouthing Black Woman Willingly, Jacobs Justifies Expelling Employee!" (May 23, 08, 10:14 p.m.)

FOOD:

View the week 6 interactive menu and nutritional information for Market Central  (Sept 24, 07, 10:58 a.m.)

"Cereals Classified Favorites For Happy High School Students" (July 14, 08, 3:45 p.m.)

Photos: "Slide Show of Hollywood Theme Night at Market Central"  (Feb 06, 08, 1:51 p.m.)

SPORTS:

Video: "Ramon's Rushed Shot Secures Panther Points, Validating Victory!" (Feb 10, 08, 1:37 p.m.)

PS Editorial: "Patriots Perfectionist, Bill Belichick Tumbles Through Treason" (Feb 05, 08, 2:08 a.m.)

Video: "Christ Captivated Coach Wannstedt Wonderfully With Wisdom!" (March 28, 07, 11:00 a.m.)

Slideshow: "Chair charred capping celebration, commandeering cops" (Dec 03, 07, 1:49 p.m.)

Slideshow:"Morgantown Memories Propel Pitt Fans Festivities!"  by Matt Keeny & Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 03, 07, 12:47 p.m.)

 

“Focus On Christ, Understanding Salvation! (F.O.C.U.S)

By Ramesh C.Reddy
Pittsburgh Standard


May 23, 2009

Editors Note: The devotional has a background song by called which can be heard if you use Internet Explorer.

SCRIPTURE:
The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread." (Mark 8:14-16, NIV)

OBSERVATION:
I asked myself what do we learn about the disciples in v.14?
The disciples had forgotten to bring bread except for one loaf they had with them in the boat.

INTERPRETATION:

I asked myself why is it mentioned that the disciples had forgotten to bring bread except for one loaf they had with them in the boat?
I believe it is to show that the disciples still did not get it. They still were so focused on what they did not have then who they had with them. Jesus knew what they were thinking in their minds even before they discussed it with one another so Jesus talks to them about the Pharisees and that of Herod.

IMPLICATIONS:
I saw important implications for my own life.  Anything that is mentioned in the Word of God is significant no matter how insignificant I think a verse maybe. In this case, the mention of the disciples forgetting to bring bread on the boat shows where there focus was on. It was what they did not have then who they had. They had Jesus with them and Jesus had already fed the 5000 and even the 4000, yet the disciples seemed to have forgotten that when Jesus warned them about the yeast of Pharisees and Herod.

This made me see that I need to focus on Jesus no matter what I have or don't have because when I have Jesus, He can take care of the rest. I need to focus on the things Jesus has already done in my life lest I forget so quickly His miracles and work in my life. When I do forget I put myself in a position where my life may reflect the life of the Pharisees or Herod. There is a reason Jesus warned them about the yeast of the Pharisees and this implication I hope to dwell in tomorrow.

HOW GOSPEL GIVES ME TESTIMONY REGARDING F.O.C.U.S:
Yesterday, at Living Acts small group which is part of Oakland International Fellowship, we had a discussion on having DEPENDENCE ON GOD instead of BEING SELF-FOCUSED. Two of my favorite verses are from Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 127:1 among other verses. I realized how many times that I focus on the surroundings around me instead of on the One who can change the surroundings around. By having an inward focus, I have made so many mistakes because I LEANED ON MY OWN UNDERSTANDING. The Lord Jesus made me realize the last time I did that was not weeks ago but just on TUES & WED. Until Pastor Hugo and Edwin talked to me for a combined 3.25 hrs, I did not get it. That's sad. It was because my FOCUS was INWARD instead of OUTWARD upon the Lord. After the meetings, I WOULD not do what I had originally intended to do. I am no different from the disciples for I FORGET OFTEN, the Lord's work in my life because I don't FOCUS ON CHRIST, as I should. That messes me up and my opportunities. I don't want that for you or me. So, it is so important to remember God's Word and apply it in our lives. How timely the WORD OF GOD in Proverbs 3:5-6-7 and Psalm 127:1 to supplement my time this morning in God's Word. It is the Gospel that helps me FOCUS ON CHRIST for the GOSPEL is God's Good News for His children and the world. As I look more deeply in these verses, the nuggets of truth are amazing.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

In this verse alone, I saw 3 COMMANDMENTS OF GOD:
1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
2. Lean not on your own understanding.
3. In all your ways acknowledge him.

Sadly, taking POINT 1, I have not always TRUSTED IN THE LORD with ALL MY HEART because if I did, I would have been confident to SUBMIT TO THOSE who the Lord placed over me without worrying about the outcome as long as what they are asking of me is biblical.  I am reminded of Robert Boyd Munger's booklet, "My Heart Christ's Home" which I read 33+ times and highly encourage any of you to read it. A Christian would allow Jesus into all areas of his heart except one closet which he wanted to keep to himself he later realizes that even though 95% was given to Jesus, it was that 5% that hindered his relationship with Jesus until he gave the whole title deed of his heart over to Jesus. I need to do that but have not and I need the Lord's help to do that for I cannot do it on my own. This morning, the Lord Jesus spoke to me from Psalm  143. It is a wonderful Psalm that can be turned into prayer being specific of things happening in our lives. This leads me to POINT 2:

Sadly, taking POINT 2, I don't PRAY as often as I should and do things my own way and wonder why I messed up. It is simple because I HAVE LEANED ON TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING just as the disciples did when they were talking about forgetting bread. They just did not get it and neither do I but our Lord is so GRACIOUS AND MERCIFUL. Thank you Jesus. I have done things my own way and wondered why the Lord did not BLESS this action and that. This leads me to POINT 3.

Sadly, taking POINT 3, I have not ACKNOWLEDGED JESUS IN ALL MY WAYS because I time after time, I have felt SELF-SUFFICIENT which leads back to LEANING ON TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING which leads back to NOT TRUSTING THE LORD WITH ALL MY HEART. It is a cyclic process all because of ME, ME, ME and I, I ,I resulting in the opposite of WHAT GOD PROMISES US.

If I follow these 3 COMMANDMENTS faithfully, then I can see the CAUSE-EFFECT result being:
"HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT!"

Wow, the Lord Jesus is here to make my paths straight but He wants my complete focus on Him and Him alone.  I cannot do it on my own if I don't FOCUS ON PRAYER TO THE LORD. It is PRAYER TO THE LORD that takes my FOCUS OF ME and PUTS MY FOCUS ON THE LORD putting my DEPENDENCE UPON HIM. Others can be praying for me but there is no guarantee they are praying for me and my RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD is not based on what others do for me before the Lord. It starts with me BEING WITH JESUS instead of DOING THINGS FOR JESUS just as Jesus shared the story of MARY & MARTHA.

I am so excited when PRAYER or talking to the Lord becomes central part of my life, I am obeying Proverbs 3:5 and can be excited that I will reap the benefits of Proverbs 3:6 my FOCUS IS ON CHRIST instead of myself.

 God keeps His promises but lest I be misunderstood, this does not mean DIRECTING OUR PATHS means things will work out how I want them to but how the Lord wants them to. Praise the Lord.

"Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way!" (Proverbs 20:24, NIV)

It is through prayer God will reveal His will to us through different means because OUR FOCUS IS ON CHRIST INSTEAD OF SELF. Jesus wants me to get that just like Jesus wanted the disciples to get that.

Psalm 127:1 is a wonderful Psalm about DEPENDENCE ON THE LORD INSTEAD OF SELF.

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city,  the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1, NIV)

The onus is put on the Lord. It does not matter how much we LABOR AS BUILDERS or how much WATCHMEN STAND GUARD, if the LORD does not BUILD or WATCH over us.

Here alone I have seen the GOSPEL IN ACTION.

No matter how much good, I think I do without the Lord's presence in my life, it is not good in the sight of the Lord because I am WORKING IN VAIN. My works do not save me no matter how much accolades and praise I get from the world because those works are filthy in the sight of the Lord. I can be a philanthropist who gives my money to feed every poor person in the world and that WORK IS IN VAIN without a FOCUS ON CHRIST because the BUILDING DID NOT HAVE CHRIST'S POWER WORKING IN ME. No matter how carefully, I stand guard TO WATCH OVER MY LIFE, that I may not mess up my life, TOO BAD and I will mess up because again WATCHING LIFE WITHOUT HOLY SPIRIT'S PRESENCE will become vain.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins. Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:6-8, NIV)

Verses 6-7 show our hopelessness before a HOLY GOD when our focus is not on GOD but thanks be to GOD FOR HIS GRACE.

In our weaknesses, we can BOLDLY SAY WHEN WE DEPEND ON THE LORD:

"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8, NIV)

We can be confident that God will do the BUILDING when we realize our HOPELESS because of our SIN & SELF EFFORT and turn to the ONE WHO WILL HELP US DO THINGS WITH HIS EFFORT. HIS EFFORT IS HIS WORK IN OUR LIVES BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

It starts with HIS SAVING GRACE AND LIVING GRACE. Once we realize our hopelessness before an all awesome HOLY GOD knowing nothing we do will ever take away the stain of our sin except the LORD'S WORK IN OUR LIVES BY MAKING A PAYMENT WITH HIS BLOOD, we will never be SET APART TO BE HOLY.

Once we focus on Christ and realize it is His BLOOD that cleanses us because of what Christ did on the cross to save us, His RIGHTEOUSNESS is imputed to us. When God looks at us, He will always look at us as BEING HOLY because of what CHRIST BUILT BY HIS BLOOD and because CHRIST WATCHES OVER US COVERING US IN HIS BLOOD.

This is exciting to know because when we are SAVED BY HIS GRACE, we are forever HOLY. Jesus has taken our past, present, and future sins and nailed it to the cross. Now knowing God sees us as HOLY and we belong to Him, we can LIVE BY HIS GRACE. Saving Grace is JUSTIFICATION BY GRACE and Living Grace is SANCTIFICATION BY HIS GRACE.

It is a process that is made easier in our lives when we ask the Lord's help to make Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 127 a reality in our lives. It starts with FOCUS ON THE LORD THROUGH PRAYER.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I can quote Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation or tell you what passages to go to for most verses but IT ALL MEANS NOTHING when I don't DEPEND ON CHRIST and APPLY HIS WORD IN MY LIFE.

Self-dependence will not make that happen because it is SELF-EFFORT.

You cannot have GRACE + SELF-EFFORT to FOCUS ON CHRIST and LIVE FOR HIM. It has to be ALL GRACE. If we think, we can contribute anything without the filling of the HOLY SPIRIT'S work we deceive ourselves. I know for I have been on that path multiple times and I missed blessings.

It would have been my dream to lead a particular group but I quit too soon and had issues of DELIVERY, DISCIPLINE, AND DILIGENCE, that I cannot have that group BUT IT IS GOOD because it will help me focus on D3.

My mom say leadership without DELIVERY (Christ's Timing), DISCIPLINE (Christ-focused), and DILIGENCE (Christ committed), will fail and how true it is.

If I had focused just on the Lord instead of on self-dependence, it is possible the TIMING of a particular ministry could have been given to me which is DELIVERY. But I lacked DISCIPLINE doing things my own way and instead of FOCUSING ON CHRIST, which led to not being diligent or Christ committed.

I want you to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them because if you do you will be like how James described. I have been guilty of that.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will BE BLESSED in what he does." (James 1:22-25, NIV)

Lord help me please to apply your Word  and thank you for the promises you give us when we yield to you! Amen!

I ask you now dear friend, where is your focus in life?
Dear friend, where our focus is that's where our heart will be too. The disciples focus was on what they did not have so they were dwelling on that problem instead of focusing on who was with them. Jesus was with them and He could have easily fed them like Jesus fed the 5000 or 4000.

When we focus on things we do not have whether it is a relationship, a prestigious career, material things, fame, fun, fortune, etc we will be focusing and worshipping the created than the Creator as Bryan rightfully pointed out yesterday during small group. Jesus was with the disciples and Jesus will be with us too. We do not have to focus on things we do not have but can focus on the One to whom all things belong.

Friend, Jesus knows what you need and when you need it. We cannot always understand His ways but His ways are best. We need to keep focusing on Christ in our lives so we do not focus on things that make us forget about who Christ is and why He came.

Focusing on Christ also helps us to overcome the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod which is another topic in itself. When we focus on Christ, we do not give opportunity to the enemy that prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. That is what Satan wants to do. He wants to devour us.

When we focus on humanity and its goodness, we give more credit to humanistic ideals and morality which themselves will fail because morality apart from the Gospel of Jesus Christ is no morality at all. On the surface things may look good and even go fine but eventually they will crumble.

'The Dark Knight' is a fascinating movie with an unexpected Gospel centered message woven throughout the script that addresses the issue of focus too.

My review of it can be seen online at http://www.pittsburghstandard.com/JULY2008/ENTERTAINMENT/TheDarkKnight071808.htm

Going back to the passage at hand, it is so interesting that people of the third world focus more on Christ than people who are living in wealthier nations, etc. The reason is those who live in wealthier places etc many times have there focus on the material things that they do not look to Christ as their focus. The materialism corrupts their relationship with the Lord as Edwin pointed out yesterday regarding 'CORRUPT GENERATION'. Our focus on Christ should lead us to pray that God will deliver us from this corrupt generation which we are part of too without Christ's focus.

 On the other hand, many times in third world countries, etc the focus is first on Christ, because they come to depend on Christ for everything in their poverty too knowing He can deliver them and provide them with the peace, purpose, power, and pardon as they pray to the One who can deliver.

Friend, we need to focus on Jesus Christ and the Gospel no matter where we are. Anything less, we need to heed the warning Jesus gave to his disciples on the boat. Focusing on Christ means, we forever remember why Jesus came and what purpose He accomplished.

Jesus came to set mankind free from the bondage to sin that captivates each one as they are trapped in Satan's lies. To other's we maybe good but to God without Christ our works are like filthy rags to Him. That is why God in His love for humanity sent Jesus Christ to come die for our sin. Yes, friend Jesus knew only His precious cleansing blood, for life is in the blood, could wipe away the virus known as sin as His blood became the antidote.

But Jesus was not going to make people believe in Him in fear but because they wanted to. The thief on the cross realized that he was a sinner in need of redemption and Jesus had done no wrong but went to the cross for those that have done wrong including him.

We need to realize that too and when our focus is on Christ alone who can redeem us and save us from the bondage of sin, we will be set free. It won't matter what we have or who we have when we have that special relationship with Jesus. Jesus will take care of the rest.

May the Lord help you to always focus on Christ understanding Salvation! Amen!

"Focus On Christ Understanding Salvation!" (F.O.C.U.S)/"Where is your F.O.C.U.S in life?"

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you so much for loving me and dying for my sin. Thank you for coming back to life to save me. Thank you for teaching me and reminding me when I focus on things I do not have, that takes away my focus on you. Thank you for reminding me to trust in you Lord with all my heart so I will not lean on to my own understanding, so you can direct my path and also reminding me that you alone truly BUILD me up and WATCH over me. Apart from you, I can do nothing.  Help me to be focused on you knowing all the cattle on the hill and everything belongs to you. You can give me whatever you want whenever you want if you choose. Help me to focus on you so that I do not become like a Pharisee or Herod. I know I am guilty of that when I don't focus on you. Thank you for the lessons you teach the disciples and help me with the lessons you teach me. I am so sorry that I am prone to forget the things you have done for me many times when faced with a crisis. Forgive me Oh Lord and help me. Thank you that I can focus on you. Thank you for the cross and what you did on the cross for me. At the cross you died for my sin! At the cross, you gave your life for me. Thank you so much Jesus. Help me to live for you and serve you! Thank you Lord so much for your help! Thank you for hearing my prayer and answering me! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!
!

May you experience the POWER OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION this day, and give Him the LOCKED areas of your life too so you can experience His PEACE as you become an ACTOR in the film called LIFE being directed by your DIRECTOR, JESUS CHRIST who comes to give JOY and PEACE.

You don't have to be locked away anymore for Christ is here to free you and give you peace to live out your actions.

How do you look at GODISNOWHERE?

One of my pastors, Pastor Hugo shared this example this past Sunday at the RESURRECTION DAY SERVICE in the combined worship service of Pittsburgh Chinese Church-Oakland & Oakland International Fellowship:

If you look at it as GOD IS NO WHERE, you will still be lost in your sin and be in bondage locked away in your sins and problems finding no peace.

But  as my pastor spoke to the congregation and spoke to me, I am here to tell you that GOD IS NOW HERE.

Yes, friend God is alive and wants to bring a transformation in your life through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ for He paid the penalty on the cross to rescue you and me and came back to life to save us and live with us.

Yes, friend that is exciting to know that we can experience HIS SAVING GRACE & LIVING GRACE.

When we mess up, we can go to Jesus with our shortcomings and He will forgive us and restore us to Him and we will find peace in Him.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (Colossians 5:17-21, NIV)

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23, NIV)

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:7-9, NIV)

Friend, we need Jesus because we have been separated from God due to our sin. Because of our sin, Jesus had to pay the price to become our bridge so we can reach God now not of our own good works but because of the finished work of Christ, the Lord on the cross.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

May you come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Personal Savior becoming His offspring so you can spend Eternity with Him. He is waiting for you. Come as you are. Please do not reject the gift of God.

If you would like to invite Jesus Christ into your heart and make Him a daily part of your life, you can this very moment. You will never be alone. You can claim God's promises for you in the Bible and see them come true, before your eyes, in His wonderful timing. You don't have to wait for a special time to come to the Lord. You can come right now as you pray this prayer, meaning it in your heart and finding your new identity in Christ Jesus.

Make this your prayer. Don’t let the enemy deceive you into thinking you need all the answers before coming to Christ. Let me just assure you though you may not have all the answers right now before coming to Jesus, He will answer them slowly. Yes, He will for I know our Redeemer will! Amen!

Make this your prayer. Don’t let the enemy deceive you into thinking you need all the answers before coming to Christ. Let me just assure you though you may not have all the answers right now before coming to Jesus, He will answer them slowly. Yes, He will for I know our Redeemer will! Amen!

Prayer:
Jesus, I thank you for being the Bread of Life. You are the Living Bread of my life. Thank you for coming from Heaven and giving your life for the life of the world. You sacrificed yourself for humanity. Thank you Lord when we eat of you symbolically making you part of our life, digesting what you teach us by following you, we can be living Eternally, and the fruit that comes will reflect and resemble your life. I want that Father God. I want that Lord Jesus! I want that Holy Spirit! I know of a lot of people who partake of Holy Communion where the bread represents your body broken for their sin and the juice represents your blood shed for their sin. When we partake of Holy Communion, we are reminded that we are remembering you. I want to remember you always Lord Jesus. But for me to remember you always, I need to know you and acknowledge everything you said you are. So right now I acknowledge that you are my Lord and Personal Savior who died and rose again to give me life from sin. So right now, I come to you and say how sorry I am for my sin and living a life on my own. I repent of my sin and ask you to forgive me of my sin with your cleansing blood which I accept. Wash me and I will be clean from this infection of sin. Come Lord Jesus and please become part of my life as you live in me and I will live for you. I thank you Jesus for coming into my heart and making my heart your home. Thank you for living in me Jesus and I will live for you and serve you the rest of the days of my life. I do need your Spirit to reside in me and work in me and through me so I surrender all that I am and will be to you. Whatever your will is for me, please give me the strength and willingness to bear it and rejoice in you. Thank you so much Jesus. I thank you Jesus for becoming my Lord and Personal Savior. I thank you Jesus you have heard my prayer and have answered me. I thank you that I am your child Oh God. I thank you for becoming my only Way to Eternal Life. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

No matter what you feel in your heart, know that Jesus has come in and resides with you! You are not alone! To make your walk strong with the Lord, spend time in prayer talking to Him as you would to a friend. You don’t need special words to talk to the Lord. Spend time in His Word reading Psalms and turning them into prayer. Next allow God to heal you and speak to you through the Gospel of John or Gospel of Mark before moving on to other Books of the Bible! Slowly, let the Lord show you to which Scriptures He wants you to go to next. It is also important to be part of a body of believers to help you grow in the faith. Find a Bible believing church that preaches the Word of God from Genesis to Revelation proclaiming Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord who brings us hope, healing, and help! But beware of churches who do believe in the Word of God completely but there is no freedom in Christ but legalism involved.

As a professional, it is not too late to join a church! As a student, it is not too late to join a fellowship on campus this  new year of 2009! May the Lord's presence and peace fill you with His love now and forever! Amen!

 

Friend, if you have prayed this prayer and meant it in your heart, you are a new creation in Christ and all old things are passed away and everything has become new! You may feel something or may not but don’t base it on feelings but base your new life in Christ on the promises of our Savior who will never leave you nor forsake you! Amen!

Spend time in His word and let the Lord speak to you! Start out in the Gospel of John! You can also check out the Gospel of Mark which are the devotionals I have been going through.  Learn from Jesus through study and prayer. Also find yourself a church fellowship and a college fellowship you can be part of where you can be part of a community of believers to supplement your own walk with the Lord. Let it be a Bible-believing and Bible-breathing church! Believe in Bible Live Eternally!

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-720-4579

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Love in Christ,
Ramesh

 

Express Your View

 

.Click picture to read my dad's memoriam:


Nov 01, 1941 - Dec 17, 2007

' I AM ' Series Archives:

"What kind of B.R.E.A.D do you eat?" (Dec 08, 07, 10:10 a.m.)

Gospel According to Mark
Revised Archives:

CHAPTER 1:

Mark 1:1: "What does the G.O.S.P.E.L mean to you?" (Aug 27, 08, 11:36 a.m.)

Mark 1:1-4: "How seriously do you T.E.S.T.I.F.Y about prophesy?" (Aug 28, 08, 8:52 a.m.)

Mark 1:4-8: "Who do you P.O.I.N.T to in life?" (Aug 29, 08, 10:29 a.m.)

Mark 1:7-9: "What do you S.T.A.N.D for in life?" (Aug 30, 08, 8:38 a.m.)

Mark 1:12-13: "How is your loving P.R.A.I.S.E of Jesus in life?" (Sept 01, 08, 10:28 a.m.)

Mark 1:12-13: "How do you handle T.E.M.P.T.A.T.I.O.N  in your life?" (Sept 02, 08, 10:28 a.m.)

Mark 1:14-15: "How do you handle the T.I.M.E given you?" (Sept 03, 08, 9:37 a.m.)

Mark 1:16-18: "What do you do with your P.R.O.F.E.S.S.I.O.N in life?" (Sept 04, 08, 10:51 a.m.)

Mark 1:19-20: "Without having to P.R.O.C.R.A.S.T.I.N.A.T.E what should you do in life?" (Sept 05, 08, 9:39 a.m.)

Mark 1:19-20: "How do you rate in the B.U.S.I.N.E.S.S of Jesus?" (Sept 08, 08, 9:23 a.m.)

Mark 1:21-22: "Whose T.E.A.C.H.I.N.G.S do you actively listen to in life?" (Sept 10, 08, 9:48 a.m.)

 Mark 1:23-28: "What C.A.P.T.I.V.I.T.Y are you facing today in life?" (Sept 11, 08, 12:19 a.m.)

Mark 1:29-31: "Where do you need H.E.A.L.I.N.G in your life?" (Sept 15, 08, 8:57 a.m.)

Mark 1:32-34: "Where do you need A.N.S.W.E.R.S in life?" (Sept 16, 08, 9:54 a.m.)

Mark 1:35-39: "How do you find S.O.L.I.T.A.R.Y time with the Lord ?" (Sept 17, 08, 9:30 a.m.)

 Mark 1:40-42: "Where do you need to be C.L.E.A.N in life?" (Sept 18, 08, 9:19 a.m.)

Mark 1:43-45: "What do your actions C.A.U.S.E in life?" (Sept 20, 08, 7:19 a.m.)

CHAPTER 2:

Mark 2:1-2: "What do you do with your P.O.P.U.L.A.R.I.T.Y in life?" (Sept 22, 08, 9:37 a.m.)

Mark 2:3-5: "What kind of F.R.I.E.N.D.S do you have in life?" (Sept 23, 08, 9:50 a.m.)

Mark 2:5-12: "Who do you I.N.T.E.R.C.E.D.E for in life?" (Sept 24, 08, 9:48 a.m.)

Mark 2:5-12: "Where does P.A.R.A.L.Y.S.I.S. take hold of you in life?" (Sept 25, 08, 10:16 a.m.)

Mark 2:5-12: "What are you thinking in your M.I.N.D daily?" (Sept 26, 08, 10:12 a.m.)

Mark 2:5-12: "What do you represent by your A.C.T.I.O.N.S in life?" (Sept 27, 08, 10:35 a.m.)

Mark 2:13-15: "Where are you looking for A.C.C.E.P.T.A.N.C.E  in life?" (Sept 30, 08, 12:14 p.m.)

Mark 2:15-17: "Who do you I.N.V.I.T.E to dine with Jesus now?" (Oct 04, 08, 11:34 a.m.)

Mark 2:18-20: "When does F.A.S.T.I.N.G become important in your life?" (Oct 06, 08, 11:58 a.m.)

Mark 2:21-22: "How do you see your L.I.F.E now?" (Oct 07, 08, 10:24 p.m.)

Mark 2:23-28: "What kind of L.E.A.D.E.R is Jesus to you?" (Oct 11, 08, 12:59 p.m.)

Mark 2:23-28: "What does the S.A.B.B.A.T.H mean to you?" (Oct 13, 08, 10:47 a.m.)

CHAPTER 3:

Mark 3:1-6: "Whose N.E.E.D.S do you meet in life?" (Oct 14, 08, 11:31 a.m.)

Mark 3:7-8: "What  is your I.M.P.A.C.T in life? " (Oct 15, 08, 11:22 a.m.)

Mark 3:9-10: "What  S.P.A.C.E do you give yourself in life?" (Oct 16, 08, 12:36 p.m.)

Mark 3:11-12:"How do you fight E.V.I.L in life?" (Oct 18, 08, 8:53 a.m.)

Mark 3:13-15: "What emphasis do you put on your R.E.L.A.T.I.O.N.S.H.I.P with Jesus?" (Oct 20, 08, 11:07 a.m.)

Mark 3:16-19:"Where is your A.P.P.O.I.N.T.M.E.N.T in?" (Oct 21, 08, 10:33 a.m.)

Mark 3:20: "Where do you G.A.T.H.E.R in life?" (Oct 22, 08, 2:33 p.m.)

"How are your actions seen by your F.A.M.I.L.Y in life?" (Oct 23, 08, 2:41 p.m.)

"How do you handle S.L.A.N.D.E.R in life?"(Oct 25, 08, 10:16 p.m.)

"Who are you campaigning and V.O.T.I.N.G for?" (Nov 04, 08, 7:48 a.m.)

Mark 3:28-30: "What is your V.I.E.W of Jesus in life?" (Nov 10, 08, 1:44 p.m.)

Mark 3:31-34: "What are you doing with G.O.D'S W.I.L.L in life?" (Nov 11, 08, 11:15 a.m.)

CHAPTER 4:

Mark 4:1-20: "Where do you G.A.T.H.E.R in life?" (Nov 12, 08, 9:12 a.m.)

Mark 4:1-20: "What do P.A.R.A.B.L.E.S mean to you in life?" (Nov 13, 08, 10:56 a.m.)

Mark 4:1-20: "Where are you at your W.A.L.K with God?" (Nov 14, 08, 8:21 a.m.)

"What kind of L.A.M.P are you?" (Nov 17, 08, 10:24 a.m.)

Mark 4:21-23: "What do you C.O.N.C.E.A.L in life?" (Nov 19, 08, 10:56 a.m.)

"What do you do with what you H.E.A.R in life?" (Nov 26, 08, 10:50 a.m.)

"What do you base your T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G on?"(Nov 27, 08, 11:05 a.m.)

"What if Jesus talked F.O.O.T.B.A.L.L. & Farming?"(Nov 28, 08, 8:24 a.m.)

"What are the S.T.O.R.M.S you face in life?"(Nov 28, 08, 8:24 a.m.)

"Will you let Jesus be the Lord of your P.A.S.T and move you forward?" (Dec 31, 08, 8:38 a.m.)

JANUARY 2009

Mark 5:1-13: "Where is your I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y this year of 2009?" (Jan 01, 09, 11:50 a.m.)

Mark 5:14-17: "What will people report about you this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 02, 09, 10:40 a.m.)

Mark 5:15a: "Where do you need H.E.A.L.I.N.G this New Year of 2009? (Jan 03, 09, 8:36 a.m.)

Mark 5:15-17: "What makes you A.F.R.A.I.D of coming to Jesus?" (Jan 05, 09, 12:44 p.m,)

Mark 5:18-19: "When will you T.A.R.G.E.T your family?" (Jan 06, 09, 9:56 a.m.)

Mark 5:20: "What do you do with your T.E.S.T.I.M.O.N.Y this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 07, 09, 1:16 p.m.)

Mark 5:21: "Will you G.A.T.H.E.R before Jesus in this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 08, 09, 10:39 a.m.)

Mark 5:22-24a: "How is your P.R.A.Y.E.R life with Jesus this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 09, 09, 7:56 a.m.)

Mark 24b-29: "Where do you feel U.N.C.L.E.A.N this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 10, 09, 9:49 a.m.)

"Where do you need F.R.E.E.D.O.M this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 12, 09, 2:25 p.m.)

"Whose T.I.M.I.N.G are you following this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 13, 09, 11:49 a.m.)

"What place do you give G.O.D.S W.I.L.L in your life?" (Jan 15, 09, 8:26 a.m.)

CHAPTER 6:
Mark 6:1-3:
"Where do you seek W.I.S.D.O.M this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 17, 09, 9:52 a.m.)

Mark 6:2-3: "What do you do with your C.A.L.L.I.N.G in life?" (Jan 19, 09, 10:01 a.m.)

Mark 6:2-3: "Will your I.N.A.U.G.U.R.A.T.I.O.N be into the Kingdom of God?" (Jan 20, 091:15 p.m.)

Mark 6:4-6: "When do you feel A.C.C.E.P.T.E.D in life?" (Jan 21, 09, 9:54 a.m.)

Mark 6:6-7: "How is your F.A.I.T.H this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 22, 09, 11:42 p.m.)

Mark 6:7: "What do you T.E.A.C.H by your life?" (Jan 23, 09, 8:53 a.m.)

Mark:  "Who are you S.E.N.T by to where?" (Jan 24, 09, 9:55 a.m.)

Mark: "Where are you S.T.A.Y.I.N.G in life?" (Jan 26, 09, 10:48 a.m.)

Mark: "How is your spiritual H.E.A.L.T.H this New Year of 2009?" (Jan 28, 09, 11:36 a.m.)

Mark 4: "What if Jesus talked F.O.O.T.B.A.L.L instead of farming?" (Jan 31, 09, 7:44 a.m.)

FEBRUARY 2009:

Matthew: "How is your love on Valentines Day?" (Feb 14, 09, 5:38 a.m.)

Mark 6: "What have people H.E.A.R.D about Jesus through you?" (Feb 16, 09, 8:50 a.m.)

Mark 6: "What do you T.H.I.N.K about Jesus?" (Feb 17, 09, 10:10 a.m.)

Mark 6: "How do you handle D.O.U.B.T.S in your life?" (Feb 18, 09, 10:20 a.m.)

Mark 6:17-20: "When do you S.P.E.A.K out?" (Feb 19, 09, 10:50 a.m.)

"What has the T.O.N.G.U.E done in your life?" (Feb 20, 09, 9:42 a.m.)

Mark 6: "What has P.R.I.D.E done to your life?" (Feb 21, 09, 9:20 a.m.) 

Mark 6: "What M.I.S.S.I.O.N have you been called to?" (Feb 23, 09, 10:00 a.m.)

Mark 6: "Where do you find your R.E.S.T in life?" (Feb 24, 09, 4:03 a.m.)

Mark 6: "Who have you made the S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D of your life?" (Feb 25, 09, 11:05 a.m.)

MARCH 2009:

"What kind of B.R.E.A.D do you eat?" (March 02, 09, 1:16 p.m.)

Whose C.A.R.E are you really in? (March 09, 09, 6:29 a.m.)

Mark 6:45:  "When do you P.R.A.Y in your life?"  (March 10, 09, 9:21 a.m.)

Mark 6:46-48a: "What T.R.O.U.B.L.E are you facing in life?"  (March 11, 09, 10:02 a.m.)

Mark 6:48b-51: "What are you A.F.R.A.I.D of in life?"  (March 12, 09, 10:10 a.m.)

Mark 6: "How have you H.A.R.D.E.N.E.D your heart?"  (March 14, 09, 11:11 a.m.)

Mark 6: "What are you R.E.C.O.G.N.I.Z.E.D for in life?"  (March 16, 09, 10:32 a.m.)

Mark 6: “Who have you I.N.T.R.O.D.U.C.E.D to Jesus?"   (March 18, 09, 10:11 a.m.)

CHAPTER 7:

Mark 7:1-8 "How do you view H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.S.Y in your life?" (March 21, 09, 9:41 a.m.)

Mark 7:1-8: "How does the Lord view your W.O.R.S.H.I.P in life?" (March 23, 09, 11:04 a.m.)

Mark 7:1-8: "Whose T.E.A.C,H.I.N.G.S do you follow in life?" (March 24, 09, 9:05 a.m.)

Mark 7:1-8:  "How do you honor your P.A.R.E.N.T.S in life?" (March 25, 09, 10:48 a.m.)

Mark 7: "What makes you C.L.E.A.N in life?" (March 26, 09, 10:27 a.m.)

Mark 7: "When are you getting your H.E.A.R.T transplant?" (March 27, 09, 7:51 a.m.)

Mark 7: "What side of the C.R.E.D.I.T coin are you part of?" (March 28, 09, 9:42 a.m.)

HOLY WEEK:

"What happened to Jesus' dirty/stinky F.E.E.T one day?" (April 04, 09, 12:27 p.m.)

"Will you be the offspring of the S.E.E.D cultivated?"  (April 06, 09, 12:20 p.m.)

"What kind of L.I.G.H.T will you follow this HOLY WEEK?" (April 07, 09, 11:28 a.m.)

"Who is your S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D this HOLY WEEK?" (April 08, 09, 11:28 a.m.)

"How do you know judgment will P.A.S.S.O.V.E.R you this HOLY WEEK?" (April 09, 09, 11:43 a.m.)

"What does the C.R.O.S.S mean to you on and after GOOD FRIDAY this HOLY WEEK?" (April 10, 09, 8:41 a.m.)

"How do you match J.E.S.U.S attitude this HOLY WEEK?" (April 11, 09, 10:03 a.m.)

RESURRECTION SUNDAY:

"Why have you L.O.C.K.E.D youself away?" (April 13, 09, 1:41 a.m.)

"Why are you not at P.E.A.C.E in your life?" (April 14, 09, 11:43 a.m.)

"Will you be in Jesus' A.C.T.I.O.N film called life?" (April 15, 09, 11:55 a.m.)

"Why can you have J.O.Y in life?" (April 16, 09, 2:05 p.m.)

"What will give you P.E.A.C.E in life?" (April 18, 09, 12:32 p.m.)

"What won't Jesus do for you in your D.O.U.B.T.S?" (April 20, 09, 12:13 p.m.)

"What C.L.A.I.M do you make about Jesus?" (April 21, 09, 11:40 a.m.)

MARK 7:

Mark 7:25-26: "What do you do to S.A.V.E your loved ones?" (April 23, 09, 2:36 p.m.)

Mark 7:27-30: "What has A.D.V.E.R.S.I.T.Y done in your life?" (April 24, 09, 8:25 a.m.)

Mark 7:31-32: "Who do you B.R.I.N.G to Jesus?" (April 25, 09, 8:14 a.m.)

Mark 7:33-35: "Why cant you G.R.A.D.U.A.T.E in life?" (April 27, 09, 9:55 a.m.)

Mark 7:36-37: "What do you need done W.E.L.L in your life?" (April 28, 09, 10:14 a.m.)

CHAPTER 8:

Mark 8: "Why won't you G.A.T.H.E.R around Jesus in life?" (April 29, 09, 11:17 a.m.)

Mark 8: "Who needs your C.O.M.P.A.S.S.I.O.N this week?" (May 01, 09, 11:17 a.m.)

Mark 8: "What place do you give a R.E.T.R.E.A.T in your life?" (May 02, 09, 8:41 a.m.)

"What does Jesus not know about your S.U.R.R.O.U.N.D.I.N.G.S in life?" (May 04, 09, 9:05 a.m.)

"How is your W.H.O.L.E. life compared to its parts?"  (May 05, 09, 9:08 a.m.)

"What D.I.S.T.A.N.C.E won't you go to meet Jesus?"  (May 06, 09, 8:42 a.m.)

Nehemiah 1:5-11: "Where is your D.E.P.E.N.D.E.N.C.E on during this National Day of Prayer and beyond?"?"  (May 07, 09, 10:53 a.m.)

Mark 8: "What do you F.O.R.G.E.T in life?"  (May 08, 09, 10:19 a.m.)

Mark 8: "How do you handle P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S in life?" (May 11, 09, 8:37 a.m.)

Mark 8: "What are you T.H.A.N.K.F.U.L for  in life?" (May 12, 09, 9:33 a.m.)

Mark 8:9-10: "Where have you been placed to C.A.R.E in life?" (May 16, 09, 9:49 a.m.)

Mark 8:9-10: "Will you let Jesus M.O.L.D your life?" (May 19, 09, 11:17 a.m.)

Mark 8: "Who have you T.E.S.T.E.D in life to TRAP them?" (May 20, 09, 9:14 a.m.)

Mark 8: "What does a S.I.G.N mean to you?" (May 21, 09, 10:11 a.m.)

 

 

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