Final words or Advice
Ps. Abel Phillips
Some of the examples of the final words in the scripture that we may take heed and obey them! And prepare ourselves on what our final words or advice would be.
1) Solomon~ Eccleciastes12:9-14
The write of the book of Ecclesiastes ended his book by saying in verse13b, “The most important thing a person can do is respect God and obey his commands” I think that the message that we should share with all our family and friends.
2) Joshua 23: 1-16 Joshua’s Final Words to Israel
After Moses died, Joshua became the leader of Israel. Joshua called the leaders of Israel. Why? He wanted to give them final instruction before he died:
Joshua 24:14 "So honor the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone.
3) David ~1 Chronicles 29;10-28 ( A man after God’s own heart)
David was a powerful king. He prayed that the Israelites would continue to follow God and to build the temple. He prayed his son Solomon was to be the next king would obey God’s commands and finish the work of building the temple. Some of David’s last words are found in verse 20B, “ Now give praise to the Lord your God.
We, too, should praise God for the many wonderful things He has done for us. Will your last words on earth be words of praise to God?
4) Stephen ~Acts7:51-60
Stephen talked about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and Solomon. Finally, Stephen talked about Jesus. He told that they had killed Jesus, God’s Son. The Jews became so upset that they dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned him to death. Stephen’s last words are found in Acts 7.60b. He said ‘Lord don’t blame them for this sin!’ Stephen’s last words were words of forgiveness.
Maybe we have bad feeling to wards someone. I hope that our last words will be words of forgiveness and love. - Col 3:13b- Forgive other people because the Lord forgave you.
5) Paul ~ 2 Tim 4:1-8
Paul was a good teacher for Timothy. He taught him by his words and his actions (mentor). Timothy knew that Paul preached abt Jesus and lived his life for Jesus. Now Paul was nearing his death. He had suffered thru stonings, beatings, a shipwreck and imprisonment. Through all this, Paul encouraged Timothy to always live for Jesus.
6) Jesus ~ Like 24: 36-53
Jesus’ apostles were a unique group of men. They had been with Jesus thru His ministry, and they had seen His death, burial and resurrection. Now Jesus gave then the job of telling the Good News to other people.
Act 1:8 ~ Jesus promised them that He would soon give them the power (holy Sp) to help them tell world about Him. Mark 16:15 ~ Jesus said to the followers, ‘Go everywhere in the world, Tell the good News to every person.
Pray that God will touch our heart and mouth that our final words will minister grace & mercy; comfort, kindness and peace to others and bring Glory to God!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Saturday, February 25, 2006
More Than Friendly
More Than Friendly
by John Fischer
In her book, Material Christianity: Religion and Popular Culture in America, Temple University professor Dr. Colleen McDannell has discovered a certain kind of Christian in America who seeks to only interact with those who share their Christian beliefs and cultural lifestyle. From her study as a sociologist, she makes a number of very acute observations about this American Christian, the most telling being: “With their non-Christian neighbors they are friendly but rarely best friends.”
I am well acquainted with this kind of thinking. I grew up with it. I was encouraged to be on friendly terms with non-Christians but to have only Christian friends. I'm pretty sure this was more for our protection than anything. Meanwhile, while we were learning to be good Christians, who was left to tell the others about Jesus? Unfortunately that's how we developed gospel tracks and door-to-door evangelism. Hit and run witnessing, I call it. Get in; get out; stay clean.
I have no doubt that Christ would want us to be more than just friendly to those who are not of the household of faith. He would want us to be friends. That's the way He did it when He was here. In fact his friends were quite scandalous among the religious leaders of the day. Word was, Jesus was “a friend of the worst sort of sinners” (Luke 7:34).
Being friendly is just not going to get anybody into the kingdom of heaven. Being a friend will. It takes love, patience, and longsuffering with even the most cantankerous of unbelievers for walls of resistance to break down. And it takes time. But that's what a true friendship is -- caring for someone over the long haul, and letting someone care for you, too. Friendship is always a two-way street.
It's been statistically shown that people who become Christians typically lose all regular contact with their non-Christian friends within two years. What's wrong with this picture? For brand new believers, it may be necessary for a season to stay away from former influences, but this is never to be a permanent situation.
Let's think about our neighbors today, and our work related associates, and think about how we can be more than just friendly. Think of it this way: we are the carriers of Christ. If we remain distant, we are depriving others of the opportunity to come into contact with Him. After all, Christ in you is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) -- hope for me, hope for you, and hope for our friends. This is why being friendly just isn't good enough.
by John Fischer
In her book, Material Christianity: Religion and Popular Culture in America, Temple University professor Dr. Colleen McDannell has discovered a certain kind of Christian in America who seeks to only interact with those who share their Christian beliefs and cultural lifestyle. From her study as a sociologist, she makes a number of very acute observations about this American Christian, the most telling being: “With their non-Christian neighbors they are friendly but rarely best friends.”
I am well acquainted with this kind of thinking. I grew up with it. I was encouraged to be on friendly terms with non-Christians but to have only Christian friends. I'm pretty sure this was more for our protection than anything. Meanwhile, while we were learning to be good Christians, who was left to tell the others about Jesus? Unfortunately that's how we developed gospel tracks and door-to-door evangelism. Hit and run witnessing, I call it. Get in; get out; stay clean.
I have no doubt that Christ would want us to be more than just friendly to those who are not of the household of faith. He would want us to be friends. That's the way He did it when He was here. In fact his friends were quite scandalous among the religious leaders of the day. Word was, Jesus was “a friend of the worst sort of sinners” (Luke 7:34).
Being friendly is just not going to get anybody into the kingdom of heaven. Being a friend will. It takes love, patience, and longsuffering with even the most cantankerous of unbelievers for walls of resistance to break down. And it takes time. But that's what a true friendship is -- caring for someone over the long haul, and letting someone care for you, too. Friendship is always a two-way street.
It's been statistically shown that people who become Christians typically lose all regular contact with their non-Christian friends within two years. What's wrong with this picture? For brand new believers, it may be necessary for a season to stay away from former influences, but this is never to be a permanent situation.
Let's think about our neighbors today, and our work related associates, and think about how we can be more than just friendly. Think of it this way: we are the carriers of Christ. If we remain distant, we are depriving others of the opportunity to come into contact with Him. After all, Christ in you is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) -- hope for me, hope for you, and hope for our friends. This is why being friendly just isn't good enough.
Creative Questioning
Albert Einstein, who discovered the theory of relativity, asked, "What would a light wave look like to someone keeping pace with it?"
Bill Bowerman, inventor of Nike shoes, questioned, "What happens if I pour rubber into my waffle iron?"
Fred Smith, founder of Federal Express, reasoned, "Why can't there be reliable overnight mail service?"
Godfrey Hounsfield, inventor of the CAT scanner, asked, "Why can't we see in three dimensions what is inside a human body without cutting it open?"
And Masaru Ibuka, honorary chairman of the Sony Corporation who came up with the idea for the Sony Walkman, queried, "Why don't we remove the recording function and speaker and put headphones in the recorder?"
Asking the right questions is one of the fundamental keys for opening the mind to new ideas, some of which have made profound changes for mankind. However, whenever people come up with new ideas, they need courage to overcome the criticisms of negative people who seem to feel that their calling in life is to discourage creative thinkers and productive change.
For instance, shoe makers called Nike's idea for waffle shoes stupid. Godfrey Hounsfield's CAT scan idea was seen as "impractical." Masaru Ibuka was asked if he was crazy when he proposed the idea for the Sony walkman and Fred Smith wrote a paper at Yale suggesting the idea for Federal Express—and got a "C" grade!
We, too, like the Christians in Berea, need to question doctrines we are taught to make sure they are biblical and not just outmoded traditions of man that can "kill" the church, and be constantly open to and actively seeking better ways of doing things for improving the quality of life for ourselves and others. And, most of all, we need to be open to what God is doing, or wanting to do, in our own life, in our church, in our community, and in our nation—and get in on his plans.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me not to accept everything I hear, but to test it to see if it is true. And help me to be open to change where change is needed and where I need to change, and help me to be a change agent for you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
"But the people of Berea were more open minded than those in Thessalonica, and gladly listened to the message. They searched the Scriptures day by day to check up on Paul and Silas' statements to see if they were really so" (Acts 17:11, TLB).
<:))))<><
Friday, February 24, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
MY BOSS
The Lord is my boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He reminds me to pray, before I speak in anger.
He restores my sanity.
He guides my decisions
that I might honor Him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of
e-mail, system failures, copier jams, back-ordered supplies,
unrealistic deadlines, staff shortages, budget
cut-backs, red tape, down-sizing, gossiping co-workers
and whining customers,
I won't give up, for You are with me.
Your presence, peace and power will see me through.
You raise me up, even when the boss
fails to promote me.
You claim me as Your own, even when
the company threatens to let me go.
Your loyalty and love are better than
a bonus check.
Your retirement plan beats any KWSP,
and when it's all said and done,
I'll be working for You a whole lot longer!
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He reminds me to pray, before I speak in anger.
He restores my sanity.
He guides my decisions
that I might honor Him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of
e-mail, system failures, copier jams, back-ordered supplies,
unrealistic deadlines, staff shortages, budget
cut-backs, red tape, down-sizing, gossiping co-workers
and whining customers,
I won't give up, for You are with me.
Your presence, peace and power will see me through.
You raise me up, even when the boss
fails to promote me.
You claim me as Your own, even when
the company threatens to let me go.
Your loyalty and love are better than
a bonus check.
Your retirement plan beats any KWSP,
and when it's all said and done,
I'll be working for You a whole lot longer!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Carry The Light
Romans 1:14-16
Every Christian has an inescapable missionary obligation. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called us the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14) As its base purpose, light illuminates. We are to illuminate Christ to the rest of the world.
The apostle Paul said he was indebted to share the Gospel. He was indebted to Christ, not because Christ demanded a repaid debt but because Paul overflowed with gratitude and love for Christ's free gift of eternal life. Paul also indicated that we are indebted to the Christian forerunners who laid the groundwork for the Gospel to reach our ears.
But what does it mean that each of us has an inescapable missionary obligation? It means that God expects every believer to help spread the good news of His saving grace. It does not necessarily mean you are to trade your home for a bamboo hut in a jungle halfway around the world, although it could.
There are many ways for believers to participate in missions. You can give of your time, talent, and treasure. Perhaps you can volunteer for a two-week mission trip; or maybe you can consistently pray for a particular missionary effort or missionary friend; and most everyone can sacrificially give to missions. Sometimes the greatest mission work is done without ever leaving your home.
Taken from In Touch Ministries
Every Christian has an inescapable missionary obligation. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called us the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14) As its base purpose, light illuminates. We are to illuminate Christ to the rest of the world.
The apostle Paul said he was indebted to share the Gospel. He was indebted to Christ, not because Christ demanded a repaid debt but because Paul overflowed with gratitude and love for Christ's free gift of eternal life. Paul also indicated that we are indebted to the Christian forerunners who laid the groundwork for the Gospel to reach our ears.
But what does it mean that each of us has an inescapable missionary obligation? It means that God expects every believer to help spread the good news of His saving grace. It does not necessarily mean you are to trade your home for a bamboo hut in a jungle halfway around the world, although it could.
There are many ways for believers to participate in missions. You can give of your time, talent, and treasure. Perhaps you can volunteer for a two-week mission trip; or maybe you can consistently pray for a particular missionary effort or missionary friend; and most everyone can sacrificially give to missions. Sometimes the greatest mission work is done without ever leaving your home.
Taken from In Touch Ministries
Keeping An Honest Account
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us
We deceive ourselves when we say we have no sin. The Scripture doesn't say that we are sin; it says that it is possible for us to sin and for sin to reside in our mortal bodies (Romans 6:12). We are not sinless saints; we are saints who sin. It's important to keep honest account of our failures and pick up our cross daily. When we become aware of a discrepancy between our identity and our behavior, we must confess it and deal with it. The person who deceives himself by ignoring these sinful discrepancies and allowing them to build up is headed for a great fall.
Those of us who live in earthquake-prone Southern California keep hearing about "the big one," which is thought by many to be inevitable along the San Andreas fault. Whenever we experience minor earthquakes (up to about 4.0 on the Richter scale), we may be frightened by them a bit, but we also see them as a good sign. These little tremors mean that the plates in the earth's crust beneath us are shifting. As long as the crust is adjusting this way, it's unlikely that "the big one" will hit. It's when we don't get any minor earthquakes for several months or years that the danger of a major, devastating quake increases.
Similarly, living in the light, holding ourselves accountable to God, and confessing and dealing with sin on a daily basis prevents the major spiritual crises from building up in our lives. If we keep saying, "I don't have any sin," or if we fail to acknowledge our shortcomings and settle our differences with people as God convicts us of them, we're in for "the big one." We will eventually lose our health, our family, our job, or our friendships. Unacknowledged sin is like a cancer which will grow to consume us.
Prayer: Lord, I know Your guidance is for my benefit. I refuse to allow stubbornness and pride to render me insensitive to Your nudges and warnings in my life today. -----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at http://www.ficm.org
We deceive ourselves when we say we have no sin. The Scripture doesn't say that we are sin; it says that it is possible for us to sin and for sin to reside in our mortal bodies (Romans 6:12). We are not sinless saints; we are saints who sin. It's important to keep honest account of our failures and pick up our cross daily. When we become aware of a discrepancy between our identity and our behavior, we must confess it and deal with it. The person who deceives himself by ignoring these sinful discrepancies and allowing them to build up is headed for a great fall.
Those of us who live in earthquake-prone Southern California keep hearing about "the big one," which is thought by many to be inevitable along the San Andreas fault. Whenever we experience minor earthquakes (up to about 4.0 on the Richter scale), we may be frightened by them a bit, but we also see them as a good sign. These little tremors mean that the plates in the earth's crust beneath us are shifting. As long as the crust is adjusting this way, it's unlikely that "the big one" will hit. It's when we don't get any minor earthquakes for several months or years that the danger of a major, devastating quake increases.
Similarly, living in the light, holding ourselves accountable to God, and confessing and dealing with sin on a daily basis prevents the major spiritual crises from building up in our lives. If we keep saying, "I don't have any sin," or if we fail to acknowledge our shortcomings and settle our differences with people as God convicts us of them, we're in for "the big one." We will eventually lose our health, our family, our job, or our friendships. Unacknowledged sin is like a cancer which will grow to consume us.
Prayer: Lord, I know Your guidance is for my benefit. I refuse to allow stubbornness and pride to render me insensitive to Your nudges and warnings in my life today. -----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at http://www.ficm.org
Giving Thanks In Everything
Ephesians 5:15-21
Why would God command us to thank Him regardless of the circumstances? The idea defies human logic. But then, the Lord rarely binds Himself to man-made rules. Scriptural principles serve specific purposes in the Christian's life. Gratitude keeps us aware of God's presence, which builds our trust and ultimately strengthens our witness.
We must realize that thankfulness is not based on emotions or a situation's outcome. We can be grateful, even during trials, because the Lord has promised to work everything for our good (Romans 8:28). That means He has a purpose for every experience, pleasant or difficult. A big problem stacked against our small resources sends us running to Him, thankful He has committed to work it to our benefit.
The believer's part is to trust God will bring good from trials and to discover His plan, which gives further reason for thanking Him. Understanding His intentions renews our strength for facing difficult trials. Expressing gratefulness changes our attitude about God, ourselves, and our situations. Most people allow hurt and stress to form a pessimistic mindset, which negatively impacts every facet of their life. But believers have God's Spirit working within to provide courage and a flow of thanksgiving.
When we demonstrate thankfulness in harsh circumstances, other people pay attention. Our coworkers, family, and friends will want for themselves the peace and energy we derive from a grateful relationship with the Lord. So whatever you experience today, go ahead and defy logic -- praise God.
Why would God command us to thank Him regardless of the circumstances? The idea defies human logic. But then, the Lord rarely binds Himself to man-made rules. Scriptural principles serve specific purposes in the Christian's life. Gratitude keeps us aware of God's presence, which builds our trust and ultimately strengthens our witness.
We must realize that thankfulness is not based on emotions or a situation's outcome. We can be grateful, even during trials, because the Lord has promised to work everything for our good (Romans 8:28). That means He has a purpose for every experience, pleasant or difficult. A big problem stacked against our small resources sends us running to Him, thankful He has committed to work it to our benefit.
The believer's part is to trust God will bring good from trials and to discover His plan, which gives further reason for thanking Him. Understanding His intentions renews our strength for facing difficult trials. Expressing gratefulness changes our attitude about God, ourselves, and our situations. Most people allow hurt and stress to form a pessimistic mindset, which negatively impacts every facet of their life. But believers have God's Spirit working within to provide courage and a flow of thanksgiving.
When we demonstrate thankfulness in harsh circumstances, other people pay attention. Our coworkers, family, and friends will want for themselves the peace and energy we derive from a grateful relationship with the Lord. So whatever you experience today, go ahead and defy logic -- praise God.
Taken from In Touch Ministries
The Battle of The Mind
Romans 7:25; 8:1 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! . . . There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Romans 7:22, 23, pinpoints the battleground for the contest between me and sin: "For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members."
Where does my desire to do what's right reside? Paul uses the phrase "the inner man," referring to my new self where my spirit and God's Spirit are in union. This is the eternal part of me. And where does sin wage its war to keep me from doing what I really want to do? In the physical members of my body (James 4:1). Sin operates through my flesh, that learned independence that continues to promote rebellion against God. This is the temporal part of me. Where then do these two opponents wage war (Galatians 5:17)? The battleground is my mind. That's why it is so important that we learn how to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Paul concluded his description of the contest between sin and the new self with the exclamation: "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). Notice that he didn't say, "Sinful man that I am !" Wretched means miserable, and there is no one more miserable than the person who has allowed sin to reign in his mortal body. If we use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness, we give the devil an opportunity in our lives, and he brings only misery.
The good news is that Romans 7:24 is followed by Romans 7:25 and Romans 8:1: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! . . . There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The battle for the mind is a winnable war. Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for knowing me, understanding me, and providing for me a way of escape for every possible temptation. -----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at http://www.ficm.org
Romans 7:22, 23, pinpoints the battleground for the contest between me and sin: "For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members."
Where does my desire to do what's right reside? Paul uses the phrase "the inner man," referring to my new self where my spirit and God's Spirit are in union. This is the eternal part of me. And where does sin wage its war to keep me from doing what I really want to do? In the physical members of my body (James 4:1). Sin operates through my flesh, that learned independence that continues to promote rebellion against God. This is the temporal part of me. Where then do these two opponents wage war (Galatians 5:17)? The battleground is my mind. That's why it is so important that we learn how to renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Paul concluded his description of the contest between sin and the new self with the exclamation: "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). Notice that he didn't say, "Sinful man that I am !" Wretched means miserable, and there is no one more miserable than the person who has allowed sin to reign in his mortal body. If we use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness, we give the devil an opportunity in our lives, and he brings only misery.
The good news is that Romans 7:24 is followed by Romans 7:25 and Romans 8:1: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! . . . There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The battle for the mind is a winnable war. Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for knowing me, understanding me, and providing for me a way of escape for every possible temptation. -----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at http://www.ficm.org
The Struggling Saint
Romans 7:15 I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate
Perhaps the most vivid description of the contest with sin which goes on in the life of the believer is found in Romans 7:15-25. In verses 15 and 16, Paul describes the problem: "For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good."
Notice that there is only one player in these two verses--the "I," mentioned nine times. Notice also that this person has a good heart; he agrees with the law of God. But this good-hearted Christian has a behavior problem. He knows what he should be doing but, for some reason, he can't do it. He agrees with God but ends up doing the very things he hates.
Verses 17-21 uncover the reason for this behavior problem: "So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which indwells me. . . . If I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." How many players are involved now? Two: sin and me. But sin is clearly not me; it's only dwelling in me. Sin is preventing me from doing what I want to do.
Do these verses say that I am no good, that I am evil, or that I am sin? Absolutely not. They say that I have something dwelling in me which is no good, evil, and sinful, but it's not me. If I have a sliver in my finger, I could say that I have something in me which is no good. But it's not me who's no good. I'm not the sliver. The sliver which is stuck in my finger is no good. I am not sin and I am not a sinner. I am a saint struggling with sin which causes me to do what I don't want to do.
Romans 6:12 informs us that it is our responsibility not to allow sin to reign in our lives. Sin will reign if we use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13). We must renounce every such use and submit our bodies to God as instruments of righteousness. Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that I don't have to sin. You made it possible for me to control sin's power over me. You delivered me from the wages of sin and blessed me with the gift of eternal life in Christ. -----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at http://www.ficm.org
Perhaps the most vivid description of the contest with sin which goes on in the life of the believer is found in Romans 7:15-25. In verses 15 and 16, Paul describes the problem: "For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not wish to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that it is good."
Notice that there is only one player in these two verses--the "I," mentioned nine times. Notice also that this person has a good heart; he agrees with the law of God. But this good-hearted Christian has a behavior problem. He knows what he should be doing but, for some reason, he can't do it. He agrees with God but ends up doing the very things he hates.
Verses 17-21 uncover the reason for this behavior problem: "So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which indwells me. . . . If I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me." How many players are involved now? Two: sin and me. But sin is clearly not me; it's only dwelling in me. Sin is preventing me from doing what I want to do.
Do these verses say that I am no good, that I am evil, or that I am sin? Absolutely not. They say that I have something dwelling in me which is no good, evil, and sinful, but it's not me. If I have a sliver in my finger, I could say that I have something in me which is no good. But it's not me who's no good. I'm not the sliver. The sliver which is stuck in my finger is no good. I am not sin and I am not a sinner. I am a saint struggling with sin which causes me to do what I don't want to do.
Romans 6:12 informs us that it is our responsibility not to allow sin to reign in our lives. Sin will reign if we use our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness (Romans 6:13). We must renounce every such use and submit our bodies to God as instruments of righteousness. Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that I don't have to sin. You made it possible for me to control sin's power over me. You delivered me from the wages of sin and blessed me with the gift of eternal life in Christ. -----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at http://www.ficm.org
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (19th Feb 2006)
Transition In Life
Rev. Paul Ang
Transition is a phase of life that prepares us for the next level of growth. It can be in our working life, in Christians and in ministry life. Transition may be difficult but it’s in God’s timing for us.
2 Kings 2 – Elisha followed 10 years after Elijah. After Elijah was taken up by God Elisha had to go through the transition as the successor of Elijah.
Principles of Transitions
1. Be alert and watchful. Elijah was taken away but because Elisha was alert & watchful he received his mantle and the double portion on Elijah anointing.
2. Release your past; letting go of the old.
Joshua 1 – After Moses died, Joshua the new leader was on transition. He was still mourning and depending on Moses, so God had to tell Joshua Moses is dead and it’s time for him to lead the people of Israel. ‘Don’t cry over spilled milk’ ‘Bury the dead donkey and move on in life’ Joshua had to release the past and move on.
1 Samuel 16: God asked Samuel how long will he grief for king Saul whom God has to rejected. Don’t hold on to the past. Go anoint David as the new King.
-Know your transition and release your past!
3. Leave your comfort zone. We are creatures of comfort and we don’t like changes. Many refuse to leave the comfort for transition.
Ruth did not stick to her comfort zone/ her home city but she followed her mother-in-law, Naomi wherever she went. She transited to Bethlehem and out of her lineage root came our Lord Jesus.
-Let go of your comfort zone and allow God to take you to the next phase of your life.
4. Understand there is pain or struggle.
Like a woman who is in labor goes through the pain and struggles before she see a baby born. In our transition there may be pain and struggle involved but it’s worth the reward.
5. Don’t give up when you are at your transition because God wants to bless you.
Rev. Paul Ang
Transition is a phase of life that prepares us for the next level of growth. It can be in our working life, in Christians and in ministry life. Transition may be difficult but it’s in God’s timing for us.
2 Kings 2 – Elisha followed 10 years after Elijah. After Elijah was taken up by God Elisha had to go through the transition as the successor of Elijah.
Principles of Transitions
1. Be alert and watchful. Elijah was taken away but because Elisha was alert & watchful he received his mantle and the double portion on Elijah anointing.
2. Release your past; letting go of the old.
Joshua 1 – After Moses died, Joshua the new leader was on transition. He was still mourning and depending on Moses, so God had to tell Joshua Moses is dead and it’s time for him to lead the people of Israel. ‘Don’t cry over spilled milk’ ‘Bury the dead donkey and move on in life’ Joshua had to release the past and move on.
1 Samuel 16: God asked Samuel how long will he grief for king Saul whom God has to rejected. Don’t hold on to the past. Go anoint David as the new King.
-Know your transition and release your past!
3. Leave your comfort zone. We are creatures of comfort and we don’t like changes. Many refuse to leave the comfort for transition.
Ruth did not stick to her comfort zone/ her home city but she followed her mother-in-law, Naomi wherever she went. She transited to Bethlehem and out of her lineage root came our Lord Jesus.
-Let go of your comfort zone and allow God to take you to the next phase of your life.
4. Understand there is pain or struggle.
Like a woman who is in labor goes through the pain and struggles before she see a baby born. In our transition there may be pain and struggle involved but it’s worth the reward.
5. Don’t give up when you are at your transition because God wants to bless you.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD CHRIST
John 10:10The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy
How do evil spirits interfere with our lives? Let me answer with a simple illustration. Imagine that you are standing at one end of a long, narrow street lined on both sides with two-story row houses. At the other end of the street stands Jesus Christ, and your Christian life is the process of walking down that long street of maturity toward Him. There is absolutely nothing in the street which can keep you from reaching Jesus. So, when you receive Christ, you fix your eyes on Him and start walking.
But since this world is still under the dominion of Satan, the row houses on either side of you are inhabited by beings who are committed to keeping you from reaching your goal. They have no power or authority to block your path or even slow your step, so they hang out of the windows and call to you, hoping to turn your attention away from your goal and disrupt your progress by tempting you, accusing you and deceiving you.
What is the enemy's goal in having his demons jeer you, taunt you, lure you, and question you from the windows and doorways along your path? He wants you to slow down, stop, sit down, and, if possible, give up your journey toward Christ. He wants to influence you to doubt your ability to believe and serve God. Remember: he has absolutely no power or authority to keep you from steadily progressing in your walk toward Christ. And he can never again own you, because you have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and you are forever in Him (1 Peter 1:18-19). But if he can get you to listen to the thoughts he plants in your mind, he can influence you. And if you allow him to influence you long enough through temptation, accusation and deception, he can control you.
If I could influence you to believe a lie, could I control your life? Yes. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2) and take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Prayer: Lord, I know this world is a crazy, unsafe place, full of obstacles and impediments. I trust You today to protect me from the enemy, to light my path, and to watch over me with Your sure presence.
-----------This daily devotional is published and distributed by Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at http://www.ficm.org -----------
John 10:10The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy
How do evil spirits interfere with our lives? Let me answer with a simple illustration. Imagine that you are standing at one end of a long, narrow street lined on both sides with two-story row houses. At the other end of the street stands Jesus Christ, and your Christian life is the process of walking down that long street of maturity toward Him. There is absolutely nothing in the street which can keep you from reaching Jesus. So, when you receive Christ, you fix your eyes on Him and start walking.
But since this world is still under the dominion of Satan, the row houses on either side of you are inhabited by beings who are committed to keeping you from reaching your goal. They have no power or authority to block your path or even slow your step, so they hang out of the windows and call to you, hoping to turn your attention away from your goal and disrupt your progress by tempting you, accusing you and deceiving you.
What is the enemy's goal in having his demons jeer you, taunt you, lure you, and question you from the windows and doorways along your path? He wants you to slow down, stop, sit down, and, if possible, give up your journey toward Christ. He wants to influence you to doubt your ability to believe and serve God. Remember: he has absolutely no power or authority to keep you from steadily progressing in your walk toward Christ. And he can never again own you, because you have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and you are forever in Him (1 Peter 1:18-19). But if he can get you to listen to the thoughts he plants in your mind, he can influence you. And if you allow him to influence you long enough through temptation, accusation and deception, he can control you.
If I could influence you to believe a lie, could I control your life? Yes. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2) and take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Prayer: Lord, I know this world is a crazy, unsafe place, full of obstacles and impediments. I trust You today to protect me from the enemy, to light my path, and to watch over me with Your sure presence.
-----------This daily devotional is published and distributed by Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at http://www.ficm.org -----------
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Friday, February 10, 2006
Soldier of the Cross
Soldier of the Cross
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'" (Matthew 25:37-40, NIV)
Dan Vellinga talks about a true soldier of the cross, Martin of Tours. "He was a Roman soldier and a Christian. One cold winter day, as he was entering a city, a beggar stopped him and asked for alms. Martin had no money; but the beggar was blue and shivering with cold and Martin gave what he had. He took off his soldier's coat, worn and frayed as it was; he cut it in two and gave half of it to the beggar man. That night he had a dream. In it he saw the heavenly places and all the angels and Jesus in the midst of them; and Jesus was wearing half of a Roman soldier's cloak. One of the angels said to him, 'Master, why are you wearing that battered old cloak? Who gave it to you?' And Jesus answered softly, 'My servant Martin gave it to me.'"1
Reminder: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to remember that whenever I give even a cup of cold water in your name I am giving it as unto you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'" (Matthew 25:37-40, NIV)
Dan Vellinga talks about a true soldier of the cross, Martin of Tours. "He was a Roman soldier and a Christian. One cold winter day, as he was entering a city, a beggar stopped him and asked for alms. Martin had no money; but the beggar was blue and shivering with cold and Martin gave what he had. He took off his soldier's coat, worn and frayed as it was; he cut it in two and gave half of it to the beggar man. That night he had a dream. In it he saw the heavenly places and all the angels and Jesus in the midst of them; and Jesus was wearing half of a Roman soldier's cloak. One of the angels said to him, 'Master, why are you wearing that battered old cloak? Who gave it to you?' And Jesus answered softly, 'My servant Martin gave it to me.'"1
Reminder: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to remember that whenever I give even a cup of cold water in your name I am giving it as unto you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (05th Feb 2006)
Speaking in tongues!
Ps. Rambabo
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
- Man has 3 personalities
- God made man in His own image / God class.
John 4:24: God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
- God is a spirit and he sees man has a spirit being.
John 3:6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
- We need to be born again to communicate with God not just on the soul level.
1 Cor.14:14: For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
- Our mind is in contact with the things of the world but praying in tongues is in contact to the spirit realm.
- Speaking in tongues is a supernatural language of a born again human and is given by the Holy Spirit; the time of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- The real you is your spirit that keeps your soul & body in control.
- What matters is not the outward appearance but what we have inside of us.
What happens when I speak in tongues!
1 Cor 14:2: For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
- God’s cell-phone is speaking to Him in tongues for free, anytime and anywhere.
- Speaking in tongues is a face to face communion with God and us.
Exo 34:29 Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
- Moses spoke with God and his face radiant with the glory of God.
- Every time we speak with God our face will shine with His Glory.
So let us start speaking to our Father in tongues and allow His Glory shine through us and be a bless other.
Ps. Rambabo
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
- Man has 3 personalities
- God made man in His own image / God class.
John 4:24: God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
- God is a spirit and he sees man has a spirit being.
John 3:6: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
- We need to be born again to communicate with God not just on the soul level.
1 Cor.14:14: For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
- Our mind is in contact with the things of the world but praying in tongues is in contact to the spirit realm.
- Speaking in tongues is a supernatural language of a born again human and is given by the Holy Spirit; the time of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
- The real you is your spirit that keeps your soul & body in control.
- What matters is not the outward appearance but what we have inside of us.
What happens when I speak in tongues!
1 Cor 14:2: For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
- God’s cell-phone is speaking to Him in tongues for free, anytime and anywhere.
- Speaking in tongues is a face to face communion with God and us.
Exo 34:29 Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
- Moses spoke with God and his face radiant with the glory of God.
- Every time we speak with God our face will shine with His Glory.
So let us start speaking to our Father in tongues and allow His Glory shine through us and be a bless other.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (29th Jan 2006)
Keeping Up Appearances
By Ps Samuel Hari
Scripture: Matt 23:26
Observation:
Application
Prayer
Dear LORD please help me keep clean the inside of my house. I’m sometimes so worried about how things look on the outside that I neglect the inside; especially the dark hidden closets. Help me to be focused and so full of this that whatever temptation there is to conform, I will resist it. You said in Js 4:6 that you would give me grace. Give it to me now LORD. I need it. I need You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
By Ps Samuel Hari
Scripture: Matt 23:26
Observation:
- The way Jesus looks at things is completely opposite to the way the world sees things.
- For the world outside appearances matter i.e. position, behavior, appearance, etc.
- Even when we are saved we sometimes fall into the pattern of the world. Everyone is guilty; it’s only a matter of to what extent. Why? Peer pressure? Fear of man? Pleasing man?
- When we keep the inside clean, the Lord will look after the outside i.e. our reputation, destiny, appearances, etc. In reality, we are trying to do God’s work when we look after the outside. (Matt 6:6; Lk 6:45; Pro 4:23; Pro 29:23; Js 4:6).
- When we put ourselves so high, it’s difficult to maintain and the fall is a long way down! This also puts unnecessary pressure on others around us!
Application
- We need to resist the temptation to perform that we exert on ourselves and eventually on people around us.
- When we keep up appearances, we play into the devil’s plan which is self-exalting and not Christ-exalting.
- If our focus is the LORD then our yoke is easy and our burden is light; this means we don’t put unnecessary burdens on those around us like the Pharisees.
- We need to get a revelation that the LORD will look after the outside when we look after the inside.
- More time needs to be dedicated to looking after the inside of the cup i.e. relationships, love, fear of GOD, pleasing the LORD. (Acts 5:29, 41-42). How’s the inside of our house looking?
Prayer
Dear LORD please help me keep clean the inside of my house. I’m sometimes so worried about how things look on the outside that I neglect the inside; especially the dark hidden closets. Help me to be focused and so full of this that whatever temptation there is to conform, I will resist it. You said in Js 4:6 that you would give me grace. Give it to me now LORD. I need it. I need You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
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