A Story Or The Truth?

Most people, I think, love to read books, newspaper articles, blogs or some sort of media daily. It’s something that is just built in to us. Men love business journals and magazines that are to their “taste” and lifestyle; women magazines, motor vehicle magazines, business newspapers, or blogs, etc. Many love sports magazines or online blogs, etc, about cycling, golf, caravanning, or angling, plus other types of outdoor activities. Many a times we read and laugh at what is written. There are times certain articles are false and others are very true. Some are just “topics” of possibilities while others fall under “reality” and are true. But what about the Bible? Is this a book of truth or is it just another story, a myth, written to please mankind?

Many know the following “song”, and here’s my version, hopefully close enough to the real one… “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Many of us heard it and sang it in our junior years, pre-school years. When we were taught what the Bible was telling us as children, about Jesus and our loving God, we believed it. Today many still believe it as adults. Others, on the other hand, became non-believers, atheists, or just created their own gods. Throughout the years since the day I was saved, I discovered that men are in general living without God, while women usually are saved and turn to Jesus Christ. Men create their own ideas of gods and who they worship and believe. Why? Men usually grow up with hearts of rock; no love, no peace and no genuine beliefs. They just accept certain things in life that suits them. Hebrews 4:2 tells us something that is very real and true, even in today’s lives we lead.

Here is the verse – “For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.” What was spoken of here? It shows us the two types of people related to it. First those who believed it and combined it with faith, and those who saw no value in it at all. Men fit into both these categories, but the higher percentage fit into the second category; they don’t see value or any worth in God’s Word. The Bible is just another story book to them while others, believers and true Christians, live it out by the faith they walk with daily. They believe in Jesus Christ and they live by the faith He has instilled in their hearts, that which leads to a long-term and everlasting relationship with Him. The Bible has become their true guide of the lifestyle God planned for us all. Others just read it as a story book. Their lives remain empty. Believers, in other cases, live lives filled with blessings and in abundance. This does not mean lives of great finances, great possessions, or whatever many dream of.

God’s riches are beyond human understanding. It is what He has to offer us in the life after this one; it is what’s lying ahead for us in the life with Him in our heavenly home. There are many promises throughout the Bible. Not all, if any for that matter, offer us freedom from trials and tests. But they allow us to become stronger to handle these trials and tests. They lift us up above our lives troubles. Here are a few. Just read them and claim them for yourselves today. They are Isaiah 54:7, Ephesians 3:15-19, 2 Chronicles 32:1-7, Joshua 1:5, Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 6:13-18. There are many more throughout the Bible to mention here. Now, which man are you? Is the Bible real to you or just another story? I believe every word and Scripture in it today, since the day I was saved. My own life is a testimony of many of God’s promises and He has brought them to “life” in my life, even though all the trials I went through tried to break me down. Do you need help in believing the Word of God? Maybe I can help you see the truth. Contact me via email and we can chat; nelson.canha@gmail.com … I’m here to get you into the new life which awaits you as a new believer.

Renovating Your Home

We purchase a new property. Maybe it’s a home or a new office block or premises for our business, a startup or a growing concern. The home is newer and bigger than the first. But we are not happy with it as it looks. We need a different feel to it. Then we start renovating and building it into what we want it to become, totally new and fresh as we see fit. Women love to make changes to the homes, as do some men. But business properties are a different matter. Men want it to be the pride of their company. Homes or business premises become icons or status symbols of our lifestyles, who we are or what we have achieved. Now what about the building that needs renovating, or improvements as God wants it to be? Which building is this you are wondering? God created us to be holy as He is holy. Our bodies, minds, souls and hearts are His buildings He created. But are we not in need of repairs, renovations, or improvements? We may be in need of restoration because we have allowed our earthly lives to drift away from God; His true will for our lives.

Every human being, the past, present and future, was created by Him. Whether we live for Him or not, that’s our free will. We are given a choice. He doesn’t come and twist our arms to have a relationship with Him. He stands with open arms filled with love and awaits our return into His kingdom here on earth. We belong to Him before time, and we will belong to Him even unto eternity. But whether we will be with Him in our new heavenly home is our choice. The other option is hell; the fire of hades and the devil himself. In the book of Joshua we see that he made a choice. In Joshua 24:15 we read the following – “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua made sure his “home” or “building” was renovated or improved by One person only; God…

Your home represents your physical body, your home or dwelling place, even the church. You are the Church of Christ! Your home or house is where love, peace and joy flows from; that’s your lifestyle, affected by what’s in your heart, soul and mind. You must be refurbished by God and His Word daily and allow this “home” to become a place that is holy and pleasing to Him. We must build our homes to the standards by which Jesus taught us through the Scriptures. Allow God’s Spirit to intervene and allow Him to build you and restore you into the creation you should be. And if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour yet, then turn to Him and repent of your past life. Start to believe in Him and who He is, and what He has done for you. You are not slaves but children of the mighty God. How is your “home/house” right now? Does it need improvements or repairs? Jesus us awaiting your answer. Enjoy your new future starting today… Amen!

Are You A Receiver Or A Giver

Men are a funny bunch. Most men enjoy receiving gifts more than giving. It’s an ego thing. We love receiving promotions. We love receiving glory for things we do. We love standing ovations which places us on a pedestal. We love accolades for great achievements; and the list goes on. Men should rather be givers rather than takers. Give your heart to your wife. Give flowers to your wife. Give your life to God. Give your time to build up others. Give of your talents to do great deeds, for man or God. Lift up the weak and lost – give freely in whatever way possible. In Acts 20:35, Jesus had stated the following while He was with His disciples; “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Is your life always a blessing to others? Are you being blessed by what you can offer to others, or to God for that matter? Women enjoy giving. It’s a nature of their hearts. It’s a lifestyle. And they, in turn, receive in abundance. Men are different though. We love receiving, more than giving. That’s just our nature, our style. We place ourselves on our own pedestals and expect to be blessed by who we are. Wrong! God clearly showed us that we are more blessed when we give than when we receive. Peter understood this principle very well as he spoke in the verse above, quoting what Jesus had taught them. And they were truly blessed. Jesus Christ was the best example of a giver, rather than being a receiver. He could have received since He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Instead, He gave of Himself for our sins. He gave of His life on earth to free mankind from the dark lives we are living. He gave of His time and His ministry to lead others on to the right path of life. He was the ultimate Giver.

Look at the world around you today. Many are living lives that are far from great, whether it be financial, whether it be free from sin, whether it be non-talented, and the list goes on. What are you doing about it? Are you a giver or a receiver? Give of your time, your money, your shoulder of support, or whatever it is that God has blessed you with, even finances, to help those that are weak. There are many in our “Churches” who need support. It could be a shoulder to cry on. It could be a spiritual hole they are in right now. It could be poverty due to many circumstances. What are you doing about it? Many just need an ear to listen, or a prayer for uplifting their lives, or words of encouragement. We are men who can do that. Why? God has blessed us in so many ways, each in whatever He gave to us. Use this and help others. I have helped some with financial issues, or prayed for someone to strengthen them, or offered a ear to listen, then encouraging them, uplifting them to a new level of thinking. Why don’t you start doing it as well? Become a giver rather than a taker and be blessed by our God who sees our hearts. Are you in a place of need right now? I can pray for you and your circumstances if you wish. I’m available… Contact me via email at nelson.canha@gmail.com and we can “talk” through it and about it. Amen…

Are You Still In Prison?

Just the other night I decided to watch a series that my daughter had on an external hard disk drive. I watched three episodes and called it a night. Super heroes have a great life don’t they? They are free to do what they wish. They are powerful and fast. They don’t live enclosed in small rooms or hide in their homes so that know one finds them. No. They live lives of freedom and are visible to everyone – they are heroes and followed by many. Let’s read Galatians 5:1; “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Wow! Do you understand this verse well? Do you see where you should be in life? Are you living a truly free life today? If you have been set free by our Saviour God, then why are you still living in sin [Romans 6:2]? Slavery to sin and a life outside God’s gift of freedom is not the way to go forward.

Jesus set us free by His death on the cross of Calvary. He took upon Himself the sins of the world… and set us free. He offered us a free gift of salvation; no more slavery or chains keeping us anchored to a life without joy, peace and love. Not the world’s offerings that look like these, but the real deal. We don’t have to live like prisoners in a prison. We have been set free! Stop living like prisoners then. Stop acting like prisoners, allowing chains of life to keep us hooked to sin and the things that are wrong in life. Men live like prisoners, even Christian men. Here are a few prisons that keep us living the wrong lifestyles – pornography, gay lifestyles, alcohol, drugs, fornication, and many more. Be released from these prisons today! You are set free by Jesus’ gift of salvation. Don’t live like prisoners of this world. The father of lies rules in this world; he is known as Satan, that sly devil.

Stop acting like prisoners! Get rid of those prisoner beliefs and ways. How do you start? Stop living lives behind masks, a make believe lifestyle. Start living lives that everyone can truly see, lives free from any yokes, any sin and any falseness. What’s holding you down? What’s holding you back? What is chaining you to disaster and sin? Turn to God and start praying. Accept Jesus Christ into your life today. Believe and accept Him and allow Him to become your King. Rather become a slave to freedom and victory. Pray and reflect on your life right now. What is keeping you living a prisoner’s life? Be set free today! Jesus can do it for you. He is the way, the truth and the life. Turn away from the life of darkness, enclosed in a prison of life. You are free like the heroes of the comics, like the heroes of the Bible. Only God can set you free, and He has done so already – through Jesus Christ the only begotten Son. Enjoy the free life ahead! It’s unreal. Ask me…

A Relationship With God Is Necessary

Men are weird! We want everything to go the way it makes us happy. We want rules. We want items in a certain order. We want schedules that tell us what we need to know. We like things to give us answers at all times – we live on formulas. Men want to follow what’s easy and don’t like changing when change starts taking effect. We want to live in our own “castle” and live life in steps that are easy to follow. We don’t want mysteries and uncertainties that offer us little to the mind. Our thoughts enjoy something simple and without much thought. But with God this won’t work. Proverbs 3:5-6 offers us a truth which is sometimes difficult to swallow, and live by. It says; “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.”

This kind of life is what God expects from us, not rules, not bullet points and straight agendas that makes life easier. God’s will is not our will, but as men, and sometimes women, we tend to create our own method of growing and enjoying a relationship with God. That’s not His will! He expects us to believe in Him, to trust Him and, without any doubt, to allow Him to lead us in our daily lives. He wants us to live the life He teaches us through the Scriptures, through His Word. He is an amazing an all knowing God, all seeing God, all powerful God. Remember this… God never changes. We do! Our relationship with Him changes because we make our own plans and standards which are easier to get to know Him. This is more comfortable. Not true! Read the following, in James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

We change like seasons do, not God. We want formulas that lead us into our relationship with God. We want everything to be bright and easy, like pointers in a specific order. Now we live by these methods and find it easier to have a relationship with God. Who is changing? God or us? We are! God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Why don’t you allow God to show you the way, His way. Allow a real relationship to grow you closer to Him. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Pray and listen. God may speak to you through His Spirit. He may speak to you through the Word. He may speak to you through other people, or nature that surrounds you. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into a greater and stronger relationship with God. Pray and listen! His will be done. Amen. Enjoy your ongoing life with Jesus Christ at the centre of it all. Stop using your own agendas. Use His way and His will and plans for your life starting today.

A Prayer For You

Life is a journey and the future is unknown to us, although we plan for it and look forward to what we planned and, if all goes well, we can bear fruit from it. Only God knows the future and we can only rely on His guidance and His presence with us on a daily basis. Yes, we may pray for something and believe it to come to pass but, not in our own understanding though, His timing is always right, always on time.

Let's get down on our knees today and thank Him for everything He has done for us, everything He has planned for us, everything He is to us, today and forever. Prayer is powerful and it should be the utmost first and last step of each day, a routine if you may call it that. Offer your day to Him before it starts and end your day with Him again, thanking Him for it. He is our God!

"Father. I come before You today and I offer my most deepest thanksgiving to You for everything You are doing in my life even when I don't understand it. I bring to You my heart, soul and mind, and I also offer You my body as a living sacrifice to Your will over my life. You are the God I believe in, the God I live for daily. Father, I entrust my whole life into Your hands and thank You for being the One who is guiding me. Thank you for everything I am and do which is pleasing to You. Thank you for my possessions, my roof over my head, my transport and my family and relatives. You are mighty to save and Your grace endures forever. This I pray in deep gratitude in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen.""

Enjoy your weekend and have faith in the God we serve. Amen...

Calming The Storms

Most of us [I actually think all on this earth], especially men, but women are included, have been through tough times. It could have been financial, marital, friendships, business or work places, even our health. Some have just had it worse than others. Some made it through while others never survived their storms of life. Others were just determined to get up and move forward again while others were just too sapped to even attempt. I have personally met men who are living in the gutters today who had everything in life – work/businesses, families and possessions. Today they live in the trenches of poverty because they just gave up. Even today, before writing this post, I met a man at a place of future disaster. I had an opportunity to chat with him, and spoke about salvation and the grace of God. Whether we cross paths again I can’t say; he was drunk, but thanked me for the time we had together. I trust we’ll see each other again.

John 6:18 speaks of the following; “A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.” Life has storms at all times. Some become “seasonal”, others just happen; some a few times and others a once off. We all face storms that come in the course of life. We can’t jump around them. We all go through rough times, dark times and difficult seasons. As we know it, that’s life. God never promised us lives without trials, good health, financial burdens and whatever else. There is one thing we need to do while these storms are “throwing” us around. We must allow God to be with us during these times. The storms may not disappear overnight, some taking longer than others. But with God by our sides during these seasons, we get strength and power from him to overcome them. Without Him the chances of recuperating are minimal. He offers us the best way to walk and live through these storms.

When we receive God into our lives, or allow Jesus Christ into our lives totally, He starts to calm these storms. He is the best One who can calm these storms. He promised us one thing for sure.  He promised never to leave us or to forsake us. Yes, there are many promises from God in the bible, in His Word. As you read the bible you discover these promises along the way. When I do, I pray and lay claim to them in Jesus’ mighty Name. He is my Saviour God!  These are my strength in times “of need” and despair. My life has had its fill of storms, some small and others far above my grades, but God took me through them all. It wasn’t easy and the ride was not always smooth. Yet today I praise even the more for what He did for me. He still calmed my storms. I know these are not the last of them, but I also know they will not be as severe as the past. Why? My personal relationship with my loving God has grown to new levels and, because of this, I believe in Him and trust Him in every part of my life’s journey.

Romans 6:27 is an inspiring verse, a “picker up” verse for the times storms are gripping your life. It takes you to a calmness during the storms – “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” With Jesus by your side and in your life, the Father makes it possible to endure a good life, even one while storms are attacking. Don’t work towards your own plans of rescue, but work towards the eternal plans God has for you through Christ Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is the best Calmer of life’s storms. He is your Tower of refuge and the strong arms that embrace you during your storms. Accept Jesus Christ today and believe in Him. See how life gets easier and storms look smaller. I did… Need some help and some counselling, then contact me at nelson.canha@gmail.com … I’m there for you [anyone worldwide]. Be blessed!

What Is Really Valuable?

Men, specifically, find many areas of their lives valuable, especially looking at things which are worldly. Their possessions are valuable to them, their marriages, their businesses, their status and much more than I can mention here. Yes, it is great to have values in this world, but are they the most important for us. But what is truly most valuable to you? Take a breather and think about this, meditate upon it. Let’s look at another verse which offers us perspective and points us to what should be most valuable to us. Here it is, from Philippians 3:7 – “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.” Our lives can be filled with things that end up meaning nothing. Sometimes things that have no value become important to us.

Let’s start by ridding ourselves of things that are actually cluttering our lives, drawing us away from the real most valuable thing of all; Christ in us and what He has done for us. Let’s start appreciating our Lord and Saviour and what He values as most important for us. Only then will we start seeing life differently. Our possessions, even our marriages [unless blessed by Him], and our businesses become second best and God first, which is how it should be. As I have stated in a previous post, my priorities are God first, family second and my business third, and the rest falls behind all these. What did Jesus do for us? He came and lived among us for thirty two years for one purpose only. To save us from our sinful lives, which leads to a spiritual death; and hell thereafter. Still, we have a choice. He does not twist our arms and force it upon us.

Jesus offered us a route to salvation through the cross on Calvary, a redemption gift for those who turn to Him and allow Him to become their King and Ruler. I did that in 1997 and my walk has been ever growing, even when I fell and He picked me up again as written in one of my previous posts. What is really valuable in your life right now? Only you can make that decision, whether it is God or the world. Remember only this though. God is eternal and this world is a material thing that will end one day. We have been offered a new life today which will take us into an eternal life with Him which never ends. Oh, and don’t forget that hell is eternal as well, which leads to an everlasting life of pain, suffering and gnashing of teeth. The choice is yours to make. You decide! Enjoy…

Are You Teaching Others?

During our lifetimes we become something to others. To some we are fathers, to others a mentor. Yes, we become examples for others to follow and live by. But are we doing the right thing in the right way? I have trained many younger men during my life, especially while working for a big company owned and directed by the government, before I went out into the world on my own. Today some are leaders in what they do and, although I did my best, others have fallen from grace. As a born-again believer and follower of Jesus Christ my purpose in life is to go out and make disciples of all nations; now the purpose of this ministry I started, with God’s blessing and guidance, still in its youthful and humble beginnings. Although I’m a business owner and family man, husband, father and grandfather, God’s calling was pressed deep into my heart. My calling was what I needed to obey because God “awakened” it in me not too long ago. Yes, I have started and ended other ministries along the way. But God’s plans are not my plans.

I discovered talents which were hidden within me, gifts from God, which I was shelving for later – God was not pleased. I realised He is always correct, and I obeyed. Three years ago or slightly longer, I started writing eBooks as teachings [two now completed and sold worldwide online], plus one novel that is Christian-based [also as an eBook]. Today my new ministry is this one, Men of Power Ministry, my new calling which was heavy upon my heart. Second novel is being authored as I’m preparing the next few articles for this blog. These are all gifts/talents that I wasted by putting them on my heart’s shelf for a later date; not any longer. God has other plans. This is one of my ways to reach the world and teach others, and seeking to make disciples of all nations. Where do you stand concerning your gifts and calling from God, no matter where you are in life? Even ministers and pastors miss their real calling. It happens! I discovered that in a big way… many have fallen from grace.

Men, this is for you! Let’s see what 2 Timothy 2:2 is telling us… “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” God’s instructions for us is simple, as the Apostle Paul wrote in this letter to Timothy, who was like a son to him. He was Timothy’s mentor and “father” on earth. We must go and seek younger men, older men, any men for that matter, to teach about our loving God and Saviour Jesus Christ. His gospel must be spread across the world and we are a part of God’s plan to make this happen. Are you living out your calling as God has entrusted you with? I was not, not always. Today I am, and it’s a goal I must reach as and how God leads me. His Spirit indwells in me and I must follow and obey. Are you? Be blessed and live for Him totally.