The statement of Jesus to his disciples was clear: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). But Jesus also said: “You will do the things that I do and you will do even greater things” (John 14:12).

Both of these statements are significant for us. First, it’s important to live in the reality of total dependence on Christ. If we begin to think we can do things on our own, we are in great danger. Our lives must be lived in total dependence on Jesus. 

Second, we are to do the works Jesus did while on the earth. But He said we are to do even greater things (of the type of works Jesus did). So there is no limit to how God can use us when we live and work in total dependence on Christ. What a privilege! 

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For many, a second income is not just desirable but a necessity. There are lots of options available to us. And I’ve tried many. Here is one that has worked. 

Swing Trading has finally developed into that second income that I’ve wanted for many years. I’ve been at this for over four years now and I’m now regularly profitable. I’m now at a place where that second income is a reality. 

The stock market is a mystery and a dread for many, but it doesn’t have to be. You need to gain some basic knowledge and develop some simple skills to trade. The task is simple but hard. 

It is simple because it just is. But the hard part is handling our emotions. We tend to swing between greed and fear. Handling ourselves is one of the greatest tasks that we cannot ignore. 

Make sure to find a good mentor who can guide you through the process of learning and gaining experience. 

If you’re interested in such a mentorship program, send me a message.

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Human desires are mostly never-ending. And the human appetite is never satisfied. For many, life is a constant running towards something we feel will fulfill our desires. But once we reach those things, we’re not satisfied. And its time for the next thing.

Maybe we cannot change our character of never-ending desire. Could be that it’s how we’re wired. Built that way by our creator. But what for? Why would God create us that way?

What if God could be our utmost desire? An unending appetite for God is always a good thing. We would have the benefit of an ongoing, growing relationship with our creator.

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It seems that the printing press ignited a new perspective regarding textual accuracy. Before that, writers had no other option but to quote from memory and provide the best rendering possible.

The standard of writing and literature is quite different now than in the past. Especially the distant past. Literature has always evolved through the centuries when there was no standardization.

When we eveluate ancient texts such as the Bible, we need to recognize the vast expanse of time and perspectives. The writers and editors of that time never thought of such standardization that we follow in our context. When we evaluate ancient texts such as the Scriptures, let’s handle them with care and with a certain level of humility. A humility that recognizes our incapacity to be an authoritative judge of such texts.

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It seems those who are most desperate are the ones who get a response from God. Others may have many options, and God is one of many.

When the need is great, when the pain is unbearable, we are more ready to cry out to God. God doesn’t play hide and seek. He is ready to hear the prayers of those who are desperate.

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People have always liked shiny things. The lure of fancy, exotic, and expensive things is irresistible. We also begin to attach our self-worth to things we own.

“Their land is filled with silver and gold, and there is no end to their treasures; their land is filled with horses, and there is no end to their chariots.” Isaiah 2:7

Wealth was not a problem for them. In gaining wealth, they gained prominence and became prideful. Worst of all, they forgot the God who cared for them and led them so far. Thus God had to intervene and get them back on the right track.

“So man is humbled, and each one is brought low…” God did it for the Israelites during their exile.

This is an invitation to examine our hearts—constant re-alignment toward love and devotion to Jesus, the one who has brought us thus far.

It’s not simple to console parents whose children have gone astray. The broken heart of God the Father with estranged children cannot be consoled by mere words. Even the Ox and the donkey know their owner and where they belong. But God’s people have no clue!

Here are the words to a broken-hearted Father: “Hear O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “‘Children I have reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me’” (Isaiah 1:2).

After constant reminders from the Lord, the people continued with their rebellion. They were busy with lots of religious and civic activities. But they forgot their Father was the one who gave them life and sustained them.

We may share our burdens with friends that are equal to us. We may even find people we can relate with. But for God, there is no equal. He has no one else to share with. So he says “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O Earth; for the Lord has spoken: Children I have reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me.” God’s heart was crushed and he needed to share his burden with someone. But God has no equal. Maybe God expresses this to the heavens and the earth as a “witness,” for they have seen mankind from the beginning.

God makes a comparison between the Ox and the donkey. They know their place and they have an understanding of where they belong. In other words, even brute beasts have the “understanding” that they need. “But Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”

Sadly, people were compared to animals. But the rebellion of the people was inexcusable. The people claimed to know, but they were full of rebellion.

The broken-hearted father still waits for his children to return. All people of the world were created by God and He wants a relationship with them. God is waiting for his children to return.

Isn’t God full of compassion and love? I cannot imagine God saying “don’t pray” or “don’t intercede.” Hasn’t God always invited people to pray and intercede for others? It was God who often took the initiative to invite people to pray and to have a relationship with Him.

“As for you, do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you” (Jer 7:16).

But throughout the seventh chapter of Jeremiah, God reminds them that God was persistent in pursuing them and directing them to act with justice and mercy. He values these important characteristics and wants his people to emulate him.

God’s desire was that his people would be fully devoted to him and serve him only. But the people had walked away from the covenant. They fought the God who delivered them and saved them from the hand of their enemies.

When God sent prophets to them, it was an act of his mercy and kindness. But the people refused to listen. They hardened their hearts and continued in their rebellion.

Now the question still remains: “Why did God tell Jeremiah not to pray for the people? Was it because he had completely forsaken them? God knows that for his plans to work out, their sins need to be punished. The 70 years of exile and captivity planned for the people could not be revoked. Rather it was necessary for God’s plans to be accomplished.

So as we pray, listen to the voice of the Lord and discern his plans. Know God’s plans for the person or people for whom you are praying. Then pray with fervor.