yes, it’s in the Bible, but…

Many misunderstandings regarding the Bible and Biblical Christianity stem from taking verses out of context. Whether unknowingly or maliciously, the intended meaning may differ from what is perceived because a certain passage is magnified when the rest of the statement is disregarded or ignored.

The following passages marked in red are in danger of being quoted alone, while those in boldface make the statement more complete (and definitely closer to what God is telling us!). Of course, nothing beats reading the complete book, nay, the complete Bible! And always ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what He really means. :) Blessed, happy reading!

• The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ -- Psalm 14:1

• If the dead are not raised to life, “Let’s eat and drink. Tomorrow we die.” -- 1 Corinthians 15:32

• No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him; but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. -- 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

• The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever. -- Deuteronomy 29:29
  

• Many liars have gone out into the world. These deceitful liars are saying that Jesus Christ did not have a truly human body. But they are liars and the enemies of Christ. -- 2 John 7
  

• For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him; not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. -- John 5:18

careful; might be false prophets…

Dear friends, don’t believe everyone who claims to have the Spirit of God. Test them all to find out if they really do come from God. Many false prophets have already gone out into the world, and you can know which ones come from God. His Spirit says that Jesus Christ had a truly human body. But when someone doesn’t say this about Jesus, you know that person has a spirit that doesn’t come from God and is the enemy of Christ. You knew that this enemy was coming into the world and now is already here. -- 1 John 4:1-3

You can tell God’s children from the devil’s children, because those who belong to the devil refuse to do right or to love each other. –- 1 John 3:10

Your prophets deceived you
with false visions
and lying messages--
they should have warned you
to leave your sins
and be saved from disaster.
-- Lamentations 2:14

Those prophets refuse to be honest. They tell my people there will be peace, even though there's no peace to be found. They are like workers who think they can fix a shaky wall by covering it with paint. -- Ezekiel 13:10

Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. -- Matthew 7:15

You can tell what a tree is like by the fruit it produces. You cannot pick figs or grapes from thornbushes. Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. Bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart. -- Luke 6:43-45

False messiahs and false prophets will come and work great miracles and signs. They will even try to fool God's chosen ones. -- Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22

You are in for trouble when everyone says good things about you. That is what your own people said about those prophets who told lies. -- Luke 6:26

Sometimes false prophets spoke to the people of Israel. False teachers will also sneak in and speak harmful lies to you. But these teachers don't really belong to the Master who paid a great price for them, and they will quickly destroy themselves. -- 2 Peter 2:1

Many liars have gone out into the world. These deceitful liars are saying that Jesus Christ did not have a truly human body. But they are liars and the enemies of Christ. So be sure not to lose what we have worked for. If you do, you won't be given your full reward. -- 2 John 7-8

=====================================================================

to safeguard against false prophets:
Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. -- Acts 17:11

:)

the perfect gift…

From a preaching by Dr. James Merritt

The perfect gift expresses the giver’s love and meets the recipient’s need.

God’s gift of His Son Jesus:

• Expresses His perfect love for us; and
  
• Meets our greatest need: salvation from our sins

merry Christmas everyone! :)

what does IMMANUEL mean for us?

From a preaching by Gregory Dickow, in the series “Changing Your Life”.


“A virgin will have a son, and He will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” (Matthew 1:23, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14)

What does this mean for us?

1) You will never be alone.
The Lord has promised that He will not leave us nor desert us. (Hebrews 13:5)

2) You will never be afraid.
Perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18)

3) You will never be depressed.
"I bring you news of great joy." (Luke 2:10)

4) You will never be left out.
Grace is given freely and available to all. (Ephesians 1:6)

5) You will never be let down.
God has given us hope that does not disappoint. (Romans 5:5)

it’s for God to know…but God reveals stuff to us!

from Randy Alcorn's HEAVEN, though the discussion applies to any topic that has been closed off by people as “not for us to know” even when the pertaining truth has already been revealed in the Bible.

A pastor visiting my office asked what I was writing. “A big book on Heaven,” I said.

“Well,” he replied, “since Scripture says ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him,’ what will you be talking about? Obviously, we can’t know what God has prepared for us in Heaven.” (He was referring to 1 Corinthians 2:9.)

I said to him what I always say: “You didn’t complete the sentence. You also have to read verse ten.” Here’s how the complete sentence reads: “‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’ --- but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit” (emphasis added). The context makes it clear that this revelation is God’s Word (verse 13), which tells us what God has prepared for us. After reading a few dozen books about Heaven, I came to instinctively cringe whenever I saw 1 Corinthians 2:9. It’s a wonderful verse; it’s just that it’s nearly always misused. It says precisely the opposite of what it’s cited to prove!

What we otherwise could not have known about Heaven, because we’re unable to see it, God says He has revealed to us through His Spirit. This means that God has explained to us what Heaven is like. Not exhaustively, but accurately. God tells us about Heaven in His Word, not so we can shrug our shoulders and remain ignorant, but because He wants us to understand and anticipate what awaits us.

Other verses are likewise pulled out to derail discussions about Heaven. For example, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God” (Deuteronomy 29:29). Heaven is regarded as a “secret thing.” But the rest of the verse --- again, rarely quoted --- completes the thought: “But the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”

We should accept that many things about Heaven are secret and that God has countless surprises in store for us. But as for the things God has revealed to us about Heaven, these things belong to us and to our children. It’s critically important that we study and understand them. That is precisely why God revealed them to us!

Another “silencer” is 2 Corinthians 12:2-4. Paul says that fourteen years earlier he was “caught up to paradise,” where he “heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.” Some people use this verse to say we should not discuss what Heaven will be like. But all it says is that God didn’t permit Paul to talk about his visit to Heaven. In contrast, God commanded the apostle John to talk about his prolonged visit to Heaven, which he did in detail in the book of Revelation. Likewise, Isaiah and Ezekiel wrote about what they saw in Heaven.

Although it’s inappropriate for us to speculate on what Paul might have seen in Heaven, it’s certainly appropriate to discuss what John saw, because God chose to reveal it to us. If He didn’t intend for us to understand it, why would He bother telling us about it? (When was the last time you wrote someone a letter using words you didn’t expect them to comprehend?) So, we should study, teach, and discuss God’s revelation about Heaven given to us in His Word.

Certainly, not everything the Bible says about Heaven is easily envisioned. Consider Ezekiel’s description of the living creatures and their wheels and the manifestation of God’s glory that leaves the prophet groping for words (Ezekiel 1:4-28). Still, many other passages concerning Heaven are much easier to grasp.

Isaiah 55:9 is another verse often cited in support of a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach to Heaven: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” God’s thoughts are indeed higher than ours, but when He reduces his thoughts into words and reveals them in Scripture, He expects us to study them, meditate on them, and understand them --- again, not exhaustively, but accurately.

“Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). This is a direct command to set our hearts on Heaven. And to make sure we don’t miss the importance of a heaven-centered life, the next verse says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” God commands to set our hearts and minds on Heaven.

seek ye first :)

from Randy Alcorn's HEAVEN

Perhaps you’re afraid of becoming “so heavenly minded you’re of no earthly good.” Relax --- you have nothing to worry about! On the contrary, many of us are so earthly minded we are of no heavenly or earthly good. C. S. Lewis observed, “If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. The Apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English Evangelicals who abolished the Slave Trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.”

We need a generation of heavenly minded people who see human beings and the earth itself not simply as they are, but as God intends them to be.

musings of a gift wrapper

(the one who WRAPS the gifts, NOT the paper...oh well. ;p merry CHRISTmas everyone! :) )

now i have experienced the time, effort, sacrifice, and LOVE showered upon me by those who have given me gifts in the past. from the selection (what gift is suitable for them? what does she need? what does he want?) to the presentation (the wrapping must be JUST right).

now i know, because i am doing it myself. i have never felt so generous and thoughtful --- it's an answered prayer, this Christmas gift-giving adrenaline rush! -- and i'm so happy that the gifts are just...so, FOR them :)

in giving and in loving, may we all come a little closer to realizing the giving and the loving that GOD is showering upon us...especially as we celebrate the Father sending His Son who gave His very life, and the Holy Spirit guiding us to goodness and life, eternal and to the full.

merry Christmas everyone :)

GOD is HERE

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him "Immanuel" — which means, "God with us."

(Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14)

during the first times that i joined Bible study, or even the orientation for Sunday school teachers, i was subtly struck at the REAL-ness of God as we closed our eyes and prayed. There is a stillness, a gentleness, but the most obvious sense that there is a PRESENCE with us.

"Emmanuel." "God is with us." He always has been. It's only up to each one of us to decide if we want to be with Him.

merry Christmas everybody :)

partner with us as we share the Good News in MYANMAR in April 2007 :)

Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.

--- Isaiah 45:22

Myanmar, the largest nation in Southeast Asia, is a primarily Buddhist nation still embroiled in military and ethnic conflict. like me, you might have been familiar with its old name, Burma, or its democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi who is in house arrest since 1989.

i'm happy to see that Myanmar has its own Ministry of Religious Affairs that encourages goodwill and peace towards people of all faiths :) as a Christian who will go on a short-term mission trip to that country, i'll be actively promoting Jesus :D but it's encouraging that, as i see it, Myanmar has a tolerant attitude towards missionaries. it's also definitely a big reminder for me that, as He has revealed Himself in the Bible, God is love, and honors the free will of the children He has created.

i've never been out of the Philippines!!! it's really exciting, especially because the main reason i'm going is to spread the Good News (as compared to now, when i try to talk about God during my day job, or in going to or from my day job, et cetera). Paul reminds us to glorify God in all we do but it's refreshing to set my priorities not just in my head and heart but also in the nitty-gritty of real life. time to practice what i preach, which is, to preach :D about God and His redeeming love for us.

this is the chance for you to be a missionary partner :) you can help our team through your prayers and financial support. partner means you are laboring with us on the field as we reach out to our Burmese brothers and sisters. overall, each of us needs US $1,500 or PhP 75,400 :) this includes travel, accommodation, food, and other expenses like tithes and administrative costs (for newsletters to update the missions partners, etc.).

i have been a World Partner myself for the last two years. i know how it feels to part with my so-called hard-earned money but knowing that it is going to support a great, noble purpose. guess what? i'm actually a partner of the pastors and their families who are out there in foreign (to them) lands, in some cases risking their very lives to share Jesus. and guess what? i've never been more blessed financially, as when i give. (a mathematical paradox, like 5 loaves + 2 loaves = 5000+ fed!) God blesses us as we bless our fellowmen.

i believe and know that God will make a way for me to go to missions :) simply because it is His will that all turn to Him and be saved (Isaiah 45:22) :) it's not about me, and all about Him :)

if you would like to learn more about my church, Every Nation, go here. Our goal is to reach Every Nation in Our Generation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. :)

if you would like to make a contribution or can refer me to people who might, don't hesitate to contact me by making a comment here or sending an email to tecigurl@gmail.com. all financial transactions will be dealt with utmost transparency, with receipts and acknowledgements and newsletters from the field :)

as early as now i'd like to thank you for reading this and being a partner as you support us through prayers and finances. thank you, thank you, and i know that God will bless your concern and generosity a hundredfold. :)

hey, dudes!

here are two interesting wake-up calls (or knocks on the head) for entertainers who are, after all, public figures. found in the Feedback section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Dec. 12, 2006. okay, okay, i printed this mainly because one of them was mine :) (yay, the editors thought it worthy enough to be published, even if partially! :D )

Hey, dudes!

From Teci Pulido (tecigurl@gmail.com), Modesta Village, San Mateo:

We were watching "Eat Bulaga" today (Dec. 1) and heard Mr. Joey de Leon commenting on the inconvenience of having canceled shows and tapings because of mega-typhoon Reming. He said that next time, there should be cancellations "kapag umuulan na talaga (when it's already raining)."
I found that short-sighted and selfish. I, for one, applaud PAG-ASA and Malacanang's efforts to be cautious and warn the people ahead of time. It was a far cry from years past, when classes and offices were suspended too late in the day, when most people had already gone out. Which is more inconvenient, Mr. de Leon?

From Sanny Cruz (smcruz2@hotmail.com), 129 Plassey Street, Penarth, Wales, UK:
I caught excerpts of Miss Earth 2006 on youtube.com. Ariel Ureta's hosting style didn't cut it for me. I found him rude and his jokes, inappropriate. He interrupted Miss Venezuela, who was still speaking, by saying, "Enough, enough." He told Ms. Egypt, "No cheating." I hope next year's organizers will assign someone better!

your appreciation is appreciated :D

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -- Ephesians 2:10

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. -- Hebrews 10:24-25

my comment gets published in the most-read newspaper in the country, and i get four green stars, all in one day! :D (that's December 12, 2006, a Tuesday.)

1. comment/letter to the editor/feedback: regarding the remarks of one television host. (see here)
2. green stars: courtesy of the folks who are fellow members of Care2.com. i put a comment (see here) and some readers gave green stars yay! here's the definition of "green stars" sent through my email when they notified me that i got them:
• Congratulations! You've been sent a Green Star - a statement of appreciation from Jessica LeAnn (and Star River and Tibor Ax and LarS S....).
• Thank you for contributing to the Care2 Connect community!
• What is a Green Star? It's a simple "Thank You" from a Care2 member. There's no need to respond. The sender is simply acknowledging that you've made a contribution to the community. Green Stars may be sent because you made a good post in a discussion forum, or because you took the time to make your personal profile interesting, or for a thousand other good reasons. Don't know what you did to deserve the praise? If the person has revealed their identity you may contact them through their profile page, otherwise, don't worry - be happy, you're appreciated! Enjoy!
3. and of course there's the latest feedback i get from readers of this blog (that's YOU).
   

showing appreciation for someone's kindness, goodness, etc. is almost as important as the good deed itself. i hope all of us would learn how to show our appreciation for our blessings (whether material or spiritual, whether objects or persons). it keeps me going :) not that we do the good we do for recognition and fame, or for others to notice us, but appreciation serves as a reminder that doing the right thing is always worth it....especially during those dark times when we are tempted to quit and just take the easy, wide path to destruction.

don't be afraid to give thanks, compliments, encouragement, and other forms of appreciation.besides, what is there to lose? and there's so much to gain.

:)

His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' -- Matthew 25:21

demons in our midst.

(what can you say about a man who kills his own adult daughter? what if the man's excuse was that his daughter was possessed by demons? the original story is found here...and two comments including my own are found here. you can also read the story and comments below...and to echo "grandma pat", the first commenter, what do you think?)

==============================================================

(1) BBC news story

Daughter 'possessed by demons'

By Adnan Adil BBC Urdu service, Lahore

Pakistani police have arrested a man accused of murdering his 22-year-old daughter because he said she was possessed by demons.
The incident took place on Thursday in the remote village of Dus Ale in Harappa district in Punjab province.
Police say the father, Jamal Arain, confessed to killing his daughter with a butcher's knife.
They say he also confessed to putting the body on a pyre, with the help of his sons, and setting it on fire.
'Charred to bone'
The men were arrested as news of the incident filtered out of the remote area.
Local police also recovered the body, '"which was charred to the bone" according to Falak Sher, the police official in charge.
Police say Mr Arain told them a "churail' (female demon) had possessed his daughter a few days ago and threatened to kill him and his sons.
The father said that on Thursday the churail attacked his daughter and he killed her before the demon could take full control of her body.
According to police, the father said his daughter's possession had stemmed from the time of her recent engagement.
He added that soon after her engagement she set her dowry on fire.
Every year hundreds of women are killed in Pakistan in disputes over their right to marry of their own will.
The culprits are usually family members and the motives stated for the murder are either outlandish or honour based.
If the culprits are family members, they often escape punishment as under Pakistan's Islamic laws, the victim's family has the right to forgive the culprits.

==============================================================

(2) first comment (not mine)

how horrible and sad to read this. all over the world, women are supressed in their rights to do what they feel is good for them. i don't believe for a minute she was possessed by 'a demon'. the father was p.o'ed that she was engaged to be married. (shame on the family??) the father sounds like he was possessed in his ambition to kill her. by the way....how in the hell can a father kill his child??? i can't fathom that. i mean, really, .....it's demented and sick, and just plain evil. i hope they all go to jail, chances are...they'll get away w/it, ya think???

==============================================================

(3) my comment


in killing his daughter it seems like he was the one possessed by demons :(

but in committing this terrible crime he needs help all the more. this man needs God. i do NOT believe he is completely evil and utterly hopeless; we should not condemn him because at one point in our lives -- maybe even right now -- we were or are as wretched as he.

i'm not justifying the terrible act he committed, but turning our backs on him now would only make things worse. i know it's easier said than done but we have to choose to help him and choose to believe that there is hope for him as well as for the rest of us.

God bless and may God enable us to always do what is good, right and best.

just because we don't see and it hasn't happened before...

(i read about a scientist's "God Problem" here. Below is my reply.)


Hi. I'm a PhD student in Physics and a Bible-believing Christian. There are many people out there like myself who do not see any conflict between science and God. Science is knowledge by measurement, by experiment, using our senses, but admitting from the start that said senses are limited. God, as He speaks in the Bible, gives knowledge by revelation: things we cannot figure out on our own.

Sure, walking on water cannot be done...by us. It can be done by some insects :) Suppose, for the sake of argument, that there is a God and that He created the universe. Would it not be so much easier for Him to walk on the water He made?

We have to remember that the Big Bang Theory is just a *theory* and that no one of us was actually here when it happened; we have to allow for the possibility of other theories like Intelligent Design (for those who cannot say G-o-d). In the same way, evolution is a theory as well; if we are the objective scientists we say we are we have to look at *all* possible explanations.

Maybe the aspect that disturbs some scientists so much is that God -- and Jesus, when He walked the earth -- violates many if not all physical laws and principles we know. But does He really? I really like this illustration: if an apple is supposed to fall to the ground and I catch it in midair, did I violate the laws of physics? Not really. I just intervened, in a manner that is ordered and scientifically sound as well.

Born to a virgin? It hasn't happened before..again, to humans. (Parthenogenesis occurs in some animals.) But just before it never happened to anyone else before or after Jesus *does not* mean it cannot happen. For one, He's God and we're not. (Okay, so this might seem like circular reasoning, but please stay with me. :) ) Secondly, as scientists we know that just one counterexample disproves the entire theory or law, just like that. Our moms definitely weren't virgins when we were born, so let's look at another instance.

Jesus claimed that our bodies will be resurrected to eternal life if we follow Him and let Him save us. Suppose now that He did rise from the dead. Then by golly, it's possible for us as well. Sure, nobody else we personally know rose from the dead before. But regardless of the billions of people who have died and decomposed on this planet, ONE counterexample (remember our scientific training) is enough. Yes, it is possible.

Obviously another thing that irks many scientists is when people say that "science can never prove or disprove the existence of a god". This looks like a convenient way to stop all arguments eh? :) But again being a scientist I respectfully disagree. I have seen and heard many stories of people being encountered by God on their *own personal* level: whether one's needs are emotional, psychological, physical, and so on. He meets you where you are. The fact that all-powerful God let Himself be born to mere mortals, work, sweat, defecate and die would show us that He adjusts to us so we could grasp Him.

For scientists, especially astronomists and cosmologers: "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him?" (Psalm 8:3-4) He meets you where you are, including scientists like us :)

Okay, so we cannot see God. I cannot see energy and electrons either. Jesus obviously meant the same thing when He says "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)

Wouldn't it be scary to entrust your entire life to someone I cannot even see? But how different is it from a marriage vow, where I believe and hope that my spouse really will love me till death? How different is it from a child or a friend, who I hope will always be there for me? The relationship is still based on trust (which is another word for faith).

Just because it did not happen before, and just because we cannot perceive it, does not mean it's not true.

In anything else, science holds that statement without question, but when it comes to the issue of God suddenly the barriers are up. Shouldn't we be more objective? Maybe, just maybe, God is true.

We can even make our own experiments if we want...just to test the God hypothesis. Besides, if there really is no God, what have we got to lose? Blaise Pascal himself said this: "Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists."

"Come near to God and He will come near to you." (James 4:8)

I do hope that you do :) I'll be praying for you guys. :)


With all the love from a fellow scientist (who you cannot see and whose words you have to decide to believe),

Teci




=====================




by the way, i hope you can get a copy of Lee Strobel's "The Case for a Creator". Strobel is a former atheist who has a background in law and investigative journalism. Though not a scientist, he was planted firmly on the road to atheism when his science teacher taught evolution. The book would help trace the road "back" to faith :) It's very objective and scientific, critically acclaimed and highly recommended :)

once again, i pray that you will realize that He exists; that you will let Him save you because we cannot do it ourselves; that you will follow Him for His plans are the best. :)

not alone at all

The One who sent Me is with Me;

He has not left me alone,
for I always do what pleases Him.

- John 8:29

the right time

(so this is why i never had a dilemma back in the bad old days...)

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven.

- Ecclesiastes 3:1

The right time for Me has not yet come;

for you any time is right.
The world cannot hate you,
but it hates Me because I testify that what it does is evil.

- John 7:6-7

too much evil in this world?

Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?"
Let the light of Your face shine on us, O LORD.

- Psalm 4:6

don't be so smug...

Have you no wish for others to be saved?

Then you are not saved yourself. Be sure of that.

- Charles Spurgeon

Stay Saved

Stay Saved
by Canton Jones



I'm a stay saved
I'm a stay saved
I'm a stay saved, even though I'm hot as fire I'm a love ya anyhow
I'm a stay saved
I'm a stay saved
I'm a stay saved, even though I'm hot as fire I'm a love ya anyhow
I'm a stay saved

Excuse me mister
Me and my wife was in front of the line here sir
I don't think it's right if I allow you to skip me
I just wanna keep peace
Get some tickets to the movie
I'm tryna be discrete sir, it's really not deep sir
We all goin' get a seat sir and we all goin eat sir
So please can you calm down
Homie put your arm down
I don't want a showdown, but it's bout to go down
It's a nice night why we just can't act right?
Just because I'm Christ-like
Doesn't mean I'm nice like I'm goin be the bigger man and let you bump me
Coz' it's 8 of ya'll and ya'll probably goin jump me
And have me lookin' crazy and all in front of my company mean
I'm not goin play the fool
Chillin' is the right move
Let me think I got a choice to make
Go to jail, go to hell or stay saved
Baby put the mase away

I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start fussin'
I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start cussin'
I'm a stay saved even though I'm hot as fire I'm goin' love you anyhow
I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start fussin'
I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start bustin'
I'm a stay saved even though I'm hot as fire I'm goin' love you anyhow

I ordered a # 9 you gave me a #4
You forgot to super size and forgot my apple pie
So miss if you'd be so kind
I'm sorta pressed for time
Will you take this # 4 and switch it with a #9
Go to the back of the line
Ma'am you got me messed up
I have an important meetin why you think I'm dressed up
Gater shoes and vest up if I go back I'll be late
Ma'am if you could just give me a refund that will be so great
What you 'bout to go on break?
Can I get my money first
You ain't gotta get loud and miss you ain't gotta curse
Can I see the manager before this thing gets any worse
Oh you the manager well I don't want this sandwich here
I don't want the money either I just think I'll walk away
Before I start fussin' back say somethin' I dont wanna say
Gotta stay prayed up 'coz people will test you
She still fussin' see you later God Bless You

I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start fussin'
I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start cussin'
I'm a stay saved even though I'm hot as fire I'm goin' love you anyhow
I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start fussin'
I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start bustin'
I'm a stay saved even though I'm hot as fire I'm goin' love you anyhow

I'm a stay saved
When I'm driving on 285 and somebody cut me off and flip me the bird
Im' a stay saved
When I'm playin' ball and they foulin' ya'll and I hit the floor get up don't say a word
I'm a stay saved
When I'm walkin' through the mall with my wife and somebody still attemptin' to catch her eye
I'm a stay saved
When I go to the refrigerator and somebody done ate my sweet potato pie

I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start fussin'
I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start cussin'
I'm a stay saved even though I'm hot as fire I'm goin' love you anyhow
I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start fussin'
I'm a stay saved ain't goin' start bustin'
I'm a stay saved even though I'm hot as fire I'm goin' love you anyhow

You raise me up :)

You Raise Me Up
by Josh Groban

When i am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, i am still and wait here in the silence,
Until You come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so i can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
i am strong, when i am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than i can be.

You raise me up, so i can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
i am strong, when i am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so i can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
i am strong, when i am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than i can be.

You raise me up, so i can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
i am strong, when i am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than i can be.

You raise me up... To more than i can be.

obey = fully know + free + firm - foolish

We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands.

- 1 John 2:3

But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in him.

- 1 John 2:5

To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, "If you hold on to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

- John 8:31-32

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

- Matthew 7:24-27

how can i know God better?

We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. =)

- 1 John 2:3

But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in him. =)

- 1 John 2:5