29. February 2008 by PWK.

Main Text: Isaiah 1:11-20; (If you do not have your Bible handy, scroll to the bottom of the page to find this reading in red print!)

References :Revelation 3:15-18, Rev, 3:19, John 12:46; 1Sam 16:7; Matt 6:1; 1 Pet 5:5; Rev 2:20; Luke 18:14

- A dole and dying relationship with God

Many of us are stack in a spiritual state, where our spiritual fervor is substituted with the consistency of our religious routines. But in reality we know we’ve lost our Passion some where. The indescribable joy that we had every time we prayed seems to not be there any longer. And yet we pray longer hours than ever before. Some even fast days and weeks. We sacrifice our time and money to ministry, but it seems like heaven grew quieter and quieter. Then we resolve ourselves to accept the mentality that says: we are “OK” as long as we do the “normal” things the Bible recommends that we do.

If we go that route, we can easily deceive ourselves and fall into the trap of religious lifestyle, and therefore miss the spiritual life full of power and influence that God intended for us. Didn’t Jesus say ” Anyone who has faith in me will do the things I have been doing. He will do greater things?” (John 14:12). Didn’t He say “You may ask me anything in my name and I will do it?”

We need to understands that there are certain things God loves, and there are some that He hates. Hate is sentiment highly rejected and cursed by religious people. Nevertheless the Bible says, “Hate what is evil and cling to what is good.” (Roman 12:9)

As a Christian, there are things we cannot tolerate. Things like unforgiveness, bitterness, rage, anger, pride… When these things settle in our lifestyle, our worship will get dole regardless of sacrifices and long prayers.

Like in the text God rejects the multiple sacrifices from the rebellious Israelites (Isaiah 1:11,) our worship can be dole, annoying and unbearable to God based upon the condition of our hearts. Unless we do things God’s way, we are wasting our time and sadly passing by the great love, grace and mercy that He so desire for us receive.

We might think that the Israelite at the time of Isaiah were rebels with bloody hands as the text describes, but in our own daily life we are not exempt from hate, which qualifies us as murderers according to Jesus’ standard. These people in the Old Testament had to go out of their ways to brings animals to the temple for sacrifices as well as pray as we do today. Nevertheless, God still says no to their corrupted way of worship.

Our own attitude will make our relationship with God dole. In the New testament we see God rejecting the Church of Laodicea because of her attitude (Rev:3:15-16). God also rules against Thyatira because of her tolerance of Jezebel. (Rev 2:20) We also read Jesus warning us in these terms: “Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you’ll have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matt 6:1) We also see Jesus favor the tax collector versus the pharisee (Luke18:14).

That leads us to the following question:

Under what circumstances Does God accept our worship?

We’ve learn from our text that, It’s not what we do? how much of it? How consistently we do it? I could list a number of things God’s expected out of His people in the past, but that will lead us to the same mistakes, and misconception the Israelite Isaiah is talking about in our main text. Nevertheless we should consider two crucial things:

1. Repentance. The text says: “wash and make your self clean.” Two separates things emerge.

The blood of Jesus has the power to wash us clean as snow.
“Make yourself clean” compels us to make efforts to remain clean, not only through prayer, but willingness to leave the altar and go make things right with our brother who offended us if necessary.


“stop doing wrong, learn to do right; seek justice, encourage the oppressed; defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow,” (Isaiah 1:16) What a contrast from our traditional understanding of worship

2. Pure mitive. One of the things we lose sight of is the fact that “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Knowing that our motives needs to pure, and we need to watch the condition of our heart.

3. Obedience. 

4. Humility. This is an area where some of us stumble. Some even say that this is not a major “deal” as long as we are genuine in our faith and worship. But the Bible clearly states, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

In conclusion There is an open invitation from God to us. God so desire a relationship with us. A relationship introduces us to His immense love and grace. “Come, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:19)

The bottom line is this. Can we answer the following two questions?

1. Are you washed?

2. How is your attitude? Obedient, or disobedient?

Then and only then our worship will cut through the noises of loud and empty cymbals to be heard by God our father.

Stay blessed,

Patrice Kabore

Main Text.

“The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?” says the LORD.
“I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?

13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.

14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts
my soul hates.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;

16 wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds
out of my sight!
Stop doing wrong,

17 learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed. ^[a]
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.

18 “Come now, let us reason together,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land;

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2. January 2008 by PWK.

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23. December 2007 by PWK.

1. The Bible will still have the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

Jessie Nehlsen

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18. December 2007 by PWK.

Jesus warns us against worry. (Luke 12:22) The best weapon against fear, and worry is faith. Everything is possible for him who believes. (Mark 9:23)
Faith is sizable. Jesus said if you have faith small as a mustard seed, you could move mountains. (Matt 17:19-20) I have found that there is three levels of faith. Faith that walks on solid ground, faith that stays in the boat, and faith that walks on the water.

Walks that walks on water.

- Peter walks on water. (Matt 14:29)
- Abraham believes with a barren wife. (James 2:23)

Would you trust God even in a season of high waters?
I know from my own experience that December is tough month but there is good news. Grace is available to all who believe.

Faith that stays in the boat

It seems natural to remain in the boat when the wind blows. It’s comfortable in the boat. We all like to that kind of faith because it is easy. Lord I believe it’s you walking in the water, but I rather stay in the boat. The disciples reacted that way, but not Peter.

Faith that walks on solid ground.

This kind of faith is that of Tomas. (John 20:24-25) Some of us want to everything going well before we believe. But the reality is, when things are all right, we don’t necessarily rely on God any longer. Some times the water is just a test, an opportunity for our faith to grow strong.
When we step out the boat, God puts victory under our feet. Let’s remember in this season that Jesus is Lord in all circumstances. He promised to never leave nor forsake us. If we’ve been strong in our faith in the pass but this time around the storm seems bigger, Christ is even bigger. I you have never been strong in your faith; this is a good time to rise up and experience a victorious life.
Because Jesus is Lord of all; the wind and the sea submit to Him; all things are possible to those who believe in Him.
May the grace of God shines upon you this Christmas season as we continue to fully trust in Him.
PWK.

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18. December 2007 by PWK.

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11. December 2007 by PWK.

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4. December 2007 by PWK.

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27. November 2007 by PWK.

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24. November 2007 by PWK.

“The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.” Psalms 23.

    Isn’t that encouraging to remind ourselves of the Great Shepherd who so desire to count everyone as part of His flock? If you already Know Jesus, be encourage by this word. But if you don’t know Him, do not pass this opportunity to know Him. It is possible for you to do so. He said,

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11

    That’s exactly what He did two thousands years ago so that we can enjoy His righteousness, His protection, and His provision for all of our needs. In Rev. 22:17, Jesus says: “…let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”

    Would you pray with me? Jesus, I repent of my sins. I believe you are the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. I invite you in my life. Please be my shepherd. from this day on, I vow to follow you, and to obey your commands. I thank you for your grace, and your acceptance of me into the family of God’s children.

Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, we encourage you to get in a Bible teaching Church.

If you need a Bible, let us know.

pwk@cornerofwisemen.com

Stay blessed,

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21. November 2007 by PWK.

    I thought this would be an easy topic to write about. Every body has an idea of what love is and can tell a loving attitude from a harsh one. Then I realized that there is no unit of measurement to quantify love. Therefore love is not something we can rationalize. How then can we define Love, if there is such a thing?

    A lot of us seek love in our family circle. But, love is not always there. Some seek love in a matrimonial relationship. But again Love is not always there. And then we turn to friends thinking that we got it this time. But Love is not there to be found.
At this point, some turn to alcoholism, others to substance abuse, and an unspoken number to “work-o-holism.” One of my professors once told me that he does not believe there is such a thing called “Love.” He expressed some of his disappointments with life. I believe we can relate to this man at times. We cumulate frustrations, and confusions just by living. Often we feel lonely and rejected. In times like that, even closed friends seem to be distant, and we wonder:

Is there anyone who understands?

Is there anyone who cares?

    And yet, the God of all creations understands and loves us more than we can even imagine. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The Love of God is unconditional. Regardless of who we are, or what we have done, God loves us. And the power of His love has changed my life and millions of others around the world and across the cultures.

    God gave us his best. From my experience no one can effort to live without Jesus. What you discover in Him are things like, Grace, Joy, peace, comfort, healing, restoration of the soul, but most importantly “Love.” If you know Him, you will trust Him. If you know Him, transformation will occur in your life. If you know Him, streams of living water will flow from within you, as mentioned in John 7:37.
This is the assurance we get from the Bible:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

    Would you accept the Love of God manifested through Jesus Christ?
If your answer is yes, Pray this with me.

Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God.
I repent of my sins.
I receive you in my heart as my Lord and savior.
Everything in me is yours.
From this day on, I choose to walk according to your ways.
I have prayed in Jesus name.
Amen!

If you need a Bible send us an email at pwk@cornerofwisemen.com

Stay blessed,

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19. November 2007 by PWK.

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14. November 2007 by PWK.

…This is a continuation of the post of November 10th…

We cannot effort to loose hope!

We are all familiar with situations of hopelessness. Life bring those situations to us. In these moments, we feel abandoned, discouraged, and betrayed. We feel like we’ve failed, and most times we are displeased with the circumstances in which we are.

It is almost like the day we were born. The moment we came out of the familiar womb into the dry atmosphere, we felt disconnected and screamed (I was told I did.) Not knowing anything about everything mast have been hopeless. Then care were provided. Regardless of what should or shouldn’t have happened we grew up and are here. One lesson we can learn from that is: “We cannot effort to loose hope.”

There is hope for the Hopeless.
If you feel hopeless today, the rest of the world can relate to you, each one to a certain degree. But you do not have to remain in that stage. There is good news. as My Pastor used to say “God loves you so much that Jesus would have died for you alone.”

When no one can hear the whisper of your heart, not only He can hear, but He also understands you. Some times, friends and family turn their back to you just because they can only provide temporary care that doesn’t last. The good and great caregiver is up above. He so desire to care for you if you would lay down your burdens at his feet.

Jesus says in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

In conclusion, If you feel hopeless, pray. Talk to God. The designer and creator of all beings. As recorded in Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.”

Stay blessed!

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13. November 2007 by PWK.

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12. November 2007 by PWK.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.^‘

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” 1Cor 1:18-20

________________________________________

There are two types of wisdom as we’ve noticed in the text above. First is the wisdom that is destroyable and brings about frustrations. Secondly is the wisdom that comes from God and gives us eternal life.

Philosophy, and ideologies argues some issues that some time make sense to us. Nevertheless, the truth remains that even the wisest theory does not hold any power to give us hope, joy, and most importantly, reconciliation with the God, the Creator. How then do we avoid worldly wisdom?
I would like to suggest a few things.

1. First,by accepting the message of the Cross. That’s mean to fully embrace God’s wisdom. The wisdom of God, we can’t say it enough until everybody have heard it at least one time. It is called the Gospel of salvation:

   • “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

     It is very simple, but fundamental to the salvation of everyone.

2. Secondly, by praying. When we talk to God before making our decisions, He leads and guides us in His grace.
3. By following the Holy Spirit. I encourage believers to not be quick to council everybody everywhere, unless we are prompted by the Spirit to do so. We mast show encouragement,comfort, kindness, and friendliness to others. More so we can pray with others for situations they go through, but it is not mandatory to fabricate a wisdom formula for every situation. Remember the Scripture that says: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Rom 12:15
   God’s Wisdom is demonstrative; not just verbal.

Obviously this is not an exhaustive list, but some insight to help each other as we grow everyday in our longing for God.

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10. November 2007 by PWK.

There are certain things we can easily bypass in our lives. Luxury, gadgets, cars, cloths and other things of that nature are nice to possess but, really, we can survive without them. Health is fundamentally at the top level of everyone’s wish list. But that’s not going to be the central element of our thought today. Paul, the Apostle lists three things in first Corinthians 13:13 that are needed in everyone’s life. “And now, these three remain:’faith, hope and love’…”

• Faith

  • Faith is part of our everyday life. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” (Heb 11:1) Now, we can only hope for tomorrow. we can’t foresee it, nor can we 100% guaranty we will see it. So faith is undeniably part of every one’s life.
  • Faith is not gamble. “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Rom 10:17) Many make the mistake of stepping out of the boat without hearing the message of Christ. That is foolishness, and of course they end up sinking. From the text of Matthew 14:28, we remember Peter asking his way out. After Jesus allowed him to do so, He stepped out of the boat and defeated all the laws of physics. Peter walked on water because he heard form the message.
  • Faith is a gift from God. I you have not hear the message of Jesus yet, know that He calls so loudly on you. From your boat you can hear Him just as Peter did. His message is simple so that anyone can receive it. Rich or poor, strong or weak, educated or not, sick or healthy, He came to seek and to find everyone of us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Now you heard i. you can receive the faith from God by simply believing in Jesus as the Savior of mankind. It is so probable that all the things you’ve been going through are connected to this. Would you have faith today, and let changing power of Christ transform you into a new creature? If you desire to do so I will invite you to say that prayer.

    • Lord Jesus, from today on, I choose to believe in you. I believe you are the Son of God, sent on earth to forgive the sins of those who believe. I pray that you would forgive me for everything I’ve ever done wrong. I give you my past. I give you my future. Help me to receive your faith, and to walk by faith from now on to the very end. Change me, and all the people around me that I am going to impact with your grace. I say this prayer with the faith that you heard me. Let it be so, in your own name.
    • PS. If you prayed that prayer let us know at pwk@cornerofwisemen.com

• Hope (Coming Next)
• Love (Coming Next)

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5. November 2007 by PWK.

Christianity today encounter a wind that blew more than one time in history. More and more we hear proclamations that distort the understanding of the Grace of God. We often overemphasize the free nature of the Gift of God, and fail to recognize the changing power of the Gospel. It is not rare at all to find people who believe they are ’safe’ to do what ever they want because of the Grace of God.

Its nothing new at all. The prophet Jeremiah had to address this issue having received a word from God. He stood by the gate of the temple and said this:

“Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, ‘We are safe’-safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching! declares the LORD.”
Jeremiah 7:9-11

Jesus later in the New Testament was reminded of that word when He said: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.” Mat 21:13
It is quite hard to accept the fact that a lot of people sit in the pews of churches every Sunday and yet still remain the same person they were before they became ‘Christian.’ You may ask, how do I know? My answer is simple. I was one of them until the Holy Spirit got a hold of me, and begin to open my eyes to see and understand the things of God.

Like the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26, I was reading, but not understanding. I was well pleased with eloquent and loud preachers with style, and not so receptive of soft-spoken preachers regardless of the truthfulness of their messages. I was thinking that any idea or thought well expressed might be true. But the truth is well far from just ’smooth talk.’

If you are genuinely looking for God, I suggest that you consider what Jeremiah said to his people from the Lord:

“Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD! “If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.” Jer 7:4

The point I am trying to make is simple. In our Spiritual journey, we need to trust God vs. people. Let’s Read the Bible and let the Holy Spirit direct our understanding. Be cautious about deceptive words that are worthless.

Blessings to you in Jesus,

PWK.

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5. November 2007 by PWK.

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2. November 2007 by PWK.

Isn’t it true that some friends run away in the time we need them the most?