Meditation Minutes

Deut. 13:4 “You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him…”

God bless everyone.

Here’s a brief, but important thought, for meditation: What is the source for our spiritual growth, edification, and matuirity in Christ? If it’s not a daily, personal walk with God, we’re fooling ourselves. Think about this:

-Conventions come and go. Once a year among us Romanians. Is that the lifeblood of our spiritual growth? No. At least, it shoudln’t be. Sure, their can be amazing times of searching and conviction through the Spirit, but what happens after we’ve garthered the book & CD tables, put the instruments away, collected the choir notebooks back, said hi & bye to family and friends, etc? Come Monday morning, it’s just us and God.

-Church is on Sunday and once or twice during the week (oh yeah, let’s throw in group practices, prayer nights, and everything else – for you “dependants”). Is that enough? No. Is it good – yes. Helpful? Absolutely. The main source for our spiritual growth? No, it shouldn’t be. Again, it all comes down to our daily walk with God. Our prayer life, study (not just skimming) of Scripture, fasting. Most often, this is what goes unseen by others. Also, this is everything you and I do on a daily basis, in thought, word, or action. We can all be, or appear to be, “Christian” in church. Surrounded by hundreds in song or prayer. Having a form of Godliness. Dressing nice. Standind or sitting properly, you know the routine. What are they called? Ah, yes…hypocrites.

-My prayer today: Lord, help us to be genuine. Rid us of words without meaning, sincerity & weigth, deeds without Love, sermons without guidance from the Spirit, action without faith & pure motives…

Brothers & sisters, let us strive to have a pure, daily walk with God. In the end, this is what will determine our spiritual growth & maturity. Let us not forsake the gathering of ourselves together, but by all means, do not disregard your daily walk. Amen.

Until next time, God willing

nihil sine Deo

God bless everyone.

We have planned the Bible study sessions, by Gods grace and leading, for the month of November. Please contact us to let us know how you can help, or participate, and feel free to prepare for the Bible studies ahead of time, on your own. Tentatively, the schedule is as follows:

Thur. Nov 6: “Thankfulness for Salvation”  Liviu Vlad

Th. Nov. 13: “Thankfulness for Trials”  Danny Kovacs

Th. Nov. 20: Preparation for Youth Night on Sunday, Nov. 23

Th. Nov. 27: “Thankfulness for Parents & Authority”  Danny Kovacs

Faith in Action: This is something new God has put on our heart. Every month, we will try organizing an activity thru which we can out of our comfort zones, serve others and be a light through our words and deeds. For Saturday, the 29th of November, we plan on visiting a homeless shelter together. Stay tuned for more information.

Until next time, God willing.

Go and do something productive and of eternal value…

nihil sine Deo

d&d kovacs

God bless everyone.

Unfortunately, we are not able to upload the file for “Jurnalul Bibliei.” If there are some of you who would still like a copy, we can have a typed version sent to your email. Contact us to let us know. For those of you who were at Bible Studies on Thursday, here are some thoughts regarding what was discussed:

Lesson to be learned (among others): What is our relationship with the Word of God? What would our Bible say about us? Have we been neglecting it?

Let’s not fool ourselves by saying we love God (so overused and untruthfully exclaimed) if we do not read, study, medidate upon, and fulfill His Word. Think about it.

Until next time, God willing.

Stay clean, in thought and action…

nihil sine  Deo                                                                                                                                                                           d & d kovacs 

God bless everyone.

This audio devotional is the second part to the Biblical teaching of John Piper on the subject “Why prophecy is not the usual way to know Gods will.” If you haven’t already listend to the the first part, you can do so by clicking on the link on the post dated June 30. (Their is a link at the bottom of the post).

We pray that Gods Word will transform you as you listen with an open heart. May the cares of this world not steal the seed that will be planted. Lord, help us to bring forth fruit. Amen.

nihil sine Deo

Renewed Mind – Part 2

God bless everyone.

This audio devotional, although for everyone, is especially directed towards teenagers. I encourage you to take some time and listen to this teaching, in full, by John Piper, founder of Desiring God Ministry.

I’ve noticed a problem among teenagers (and not just with teens), and it’s something that I’ve had to repent of as well: when it comes to certain areas in our life (relationships, marriage, our career, mission work, our calling, family issues, financial tasks, etc.) we often times want a quick answer from God as to what decision to make, which direction to take, what to do next, etc. Once we receive an answer (if we in fact reveive one) we’re off on our own merry way again. See, what tends to happen is that we rely more on a “word from God”, meaning, a word through prophecy, in order for us to take certain steps in life, instead of relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom which God imparts to those who have a renewed mind and a real, deep, relationship with Him. We want the easy way out. Instead of a relationship, instead of listening, praying, seeking, asking, fasting, and more (so much more), we simply want to ask someone to pray to God on our behalf and see what He says. All the while, we do nothing and have no pure conviction concerning a response, or direction, because we’ve failed to read His Word (which is above prophecy), spend time in prayer, and truly seek His face, not His hand. In order to make it appear as if we do have a real relationship with Him and are in fact in tune to what He wants us to do, we often say certain things (which we most likely really don’t mean) like: I feel this is what God is showing me, God spoke to me, I heard God telling me this, I opened the Bible and this is what it turned to…

Okay, I know you’re probably thinking: wow, that’s kind of harsh (or, you’re hopefully saying, yeah that’s true). Well, although I’m not being too critical, I do understand there’s a balance. So, what’s the balance in all of this? Does God still speak through word of prophecy? ABSOLUTELY. Does He have certain people that He has chosen (and will choose) through whom He will impart His Word and revelation? ABSOLUTELY. However, this is not the usual way by which we are to know Gods will for our lives!

From a Biblical perspective, and in the wise counsel I’ve gathered from others, this is my advice: seek God’s face and be filled with the Spirit. Protect your heart above all things. Don’t go by feelings, or circumstance. Do what it takes to have a real relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray without ceasing. Love God for who He is not necesarrily for what He does for you, or gives you. Be dedicated to preserving a clean mind, clean eyes, a clean walk, a clean mouth, a clean heart.

Dear Lord…give us victory.

nihil sine Deo

Why the gift of prophecy is not the usual way of knowing God\’s will - Part 1 , John Piper – Desiring God Ministry

God bless everyone.

Todays devotional (not audio this time) is a simple, yet serious thought.

The Word of God, in 2 Chronicles 16:9 says “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

As you continue to read, keep in mind “fully committed.” I just recently got off the phone with a youth leader from another state. We got into deep discussions concerning our faith, our walk with God, tradition in the church vs. reality, the work of the Holy Spirit, personal experiences, and other things. Near the end, he shared an experience he had a few months ago. In short, he was at a point where he desired a real change, a revival, within his life. He wanted things to be different (maybe as you read you’re thinking…I do too, yeah, I understand…). Well, the Lord spoke with him one day and told him to look in the mirror. He did. God whsipered to Him “Are you even ready for a change?” Don’t fool yourself about wanting a change if you’re not prepared.”

Do we understand? God works with those whose hearts are fully committed. Fully. See, too often I desire a change, but am not willing to do what it takes for that change to happen. Let’s be real, we’re all talk many times. God is not pleased with this. Let’s search ourselves. In the areas in our life where we desire change, what are we actually doing for that to happen? Are we fasting with sincerity of heart, or just because we want to tell others that we fasted? Do we read the Bible everyday because we are passionate about reading, studying, and fulfilling it? Do we go to “lantul de rugaciune” because of a burning desire to talk to and listen to God, or because we want others to see our name on the prayer list? Are we refraining from worldliness and keeping ourselves from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh?

Is our heart fully committed? God desires willing servants, not necassarily capable or qualified. Will we respond whole-heartedly like Isaiah “Here I am. Send me.” (Is.6:8)?

Lord Jesus…please help us. Amen.

nihil sine Deo

God bless everyone.

This weeks audio devotional is a brief interview with pastor Ionica (Johnny) Buia, from the Aleluia Romanian Pentecostal Church of God, in Dearborn Heights, MI.

Brother Buia addresses a specific question: What would you do differently if you were young again? This is a very important question, especially for teens, as it relates to our everyday life and the way we invest our time.

Ephesians 5:16 calls us to redeem the time, for the days are evil. Colossians 4:5 says “walk in wisdom towards those who are outside, redeeming the time.”

So ask yourself. What am I doing with the time God gives me? If I see Gods goodness through a new day that He has blessed me with, what am I doing in return? Am I praying, singing, fasting, learning, maturing in character, growing spiritually, reading the Word? Am I seeking to be a blessing for others? May God help us to live a meaningful life! (Click the link below to hear the audio devotional – please have patience as it downloads).

nihil sine Deo

If I was young again – Interview with pastor Buia

God bless everyone.

As most of you know, we recently ended a Bible Study on the whole book of Ruth. We thank God for the time He gave us to meditate upon His Word and pray that the seed that was planted will continue to grow.

As we went through the book, verse-by-verse, we were able discover Gods wonderful plan of “redemption.” This was one of the main themes that we saw, in relation to other passages in the Bible. Although there would be many notes to include, I have attached a brief overview (schita) of the book of Ruth. This should help you remember some of the other topics we discussed.

May God bless all of you. Let us continue to meditate upon His precepts and consider His ways. Feel free to share any thoughts you have related to this Bible Study. (What did you learn? What did God reveal to you through His Spirit? what are some of the notes you took?)

nihil sine Deo  /  d&d

Summary of the Book of Ruth

God bless everyone!

Todays devotional is a very comforting song. I encourage you to put time aside and really meditate upon the words. It was a blessing and I pray you have a heart prepared to listen to the still soft voice of the Spirit.

The song is sung by a group of teenagers from the Betel church here in the Detroit metro area. For the brothers & sisters at Betel – continue in the Lords work! Stir up the gifts that God has placed among you! May God be praised in all we do.

Dei gratia (by His grace)

d&d kovacs

Cintare-Grup de frati de la Betel

This Audio devotional is a sermon, Avoiding Defeat in the Promised Land.

This is a very clear message given to us by God at a recent Bible studies night on Thursday. The servant was fr. Ciprean Luca, from Bucharest. He is the director of development at Institutul Teologic Penticostal. Brother Ciprean spoke in English.

Have patience as you listen, there is a breif introduction as he gets into the heart of the message. Try putting aside at least 20-25 minutes to listen. We pray that it will be a blessing for you as it was for us!

(Get your Bible and turn to Joshua 7. The reading began from verse 10. He gives a brief introduction on chapters 1-6).

God bless you all.

nihil sine Deo_d&d kovacs

(ps-if you have a slower computer, it may take longer to download the audio file)

Avoiding Defeat in the Promised Land