When a church - God's house - is split by disagreement, the experience grieves God and wounds everyone in the congregation. After all, as Jesus said, a house that's divided cannot stand. In the mess of a church split, evil runs free in your church, twisting God's values. People begin to justify anger as fighting for a principle and excuse slander and gossip as searching for the truth.
But there are ways to prevent such heartache from infecting your church. Here's how you can prevent a church split:
* Ask God's forgiveness. Acknowledge that any lack of unity that exists in your church is sin. Ask God to forgive you for tolerating it, and to cleanse both staff and laypeople of the effects of division.
* Recognize the real issue. Understand that disagreements about the style of music or way the sanctuary is decorated or how long sermons should be are just surface issues that mask the real, core issue: In spite of their differences, will your congregation defend the unity of Christ within the fellowship? Refuse to be manipulated by false issues. Respect different people's personal preferences and appreciate the diversity that exists within your church. Decide to remain united in love.
* Choose to pray instead of prey. Rather than criticizing people when they bother you, decide to pray for them instead. Remember that no one is perfect, that Christ loves everyone unconditionally. Realize that mere criticism won't help people change, but prayer has the power to cause great growth and transformation. Regularly intercede for others in your church.
* Think of seekers. Consider how pettiness and discord in the church drives people who otherwise might have come to Christ away. Ask God to make you aware of how well you and others your church are truly reflecting Christ as His ambassadors. Ask Him to prevent your church from causing seekers to stumble.
* Confess unrestrained ambition. Be honest with yourself and God about any pride and selfish motives that have contributed to strife in your church. Don't try to push another person out of a ministry position that you want. Instead, ask God to help you be patient and trust Him to provide you the opportunities He wants you to have, at the right time. Be content to wholeheartedly serve God where He has currently placed you.
* Serve without strings attached. Don't give your time or energy to a project just because you hope to get something for yourself out of it. Don't flatter people or meet their needs for the purpose of manipulating them to do something you want. Ask God to give you a real servant's heart that truly desires to help without expecting anything in return but the knowledge that your service pleases God.
* Make sure "prophecy" is genuine. Understand that, if you think you may have heard a prophetic message from God, you should submit your perceptions to church leaders and trust God to bring it to pass, if He chooses, at the right time. Realize that God has placed your church's leaders in their current positions to guide the church. Know that, if any change is to come, it should come through the proper channels of authority that have been set up at your church. When you pray, intercede without trying to control.
* Avoid gossip. Refuse to gossip yourself or listen to other people spread gossip. Understand that words have incredible spiritual power; positive words can do much to heal and encourage, but negative words are potent poison that can destroy people in your church. Ask God to purify your lips. Refrain from discussing other's faults and failures whenever you can. And whenever it's truly necessary to do so, don't harbor any malice toward them. Let grace and mercy motivate your words and actions toward others in your church.. Seek redemption, not revenge. Devote much more time to praying for people than you do talking about them.
* Forgive. Whenever people in your church fall into sin or fail your expectations, be willing to forgive them. Don't allow bitterness to fester in your heart. Ask God to grant them - and you - new grace.
* Be thankful. Rather than focusing on what's lacking in your church and complaining about it, be positive. Take time regularly to remind yourself of all that you appreciate about your church. Ask God to show you clearly how He is at work in your church, and thank Him for it.
* Seek God's perspective. Ask God to help you see the best part of every situation you encounter at your church. Ask Him to help you view problems and weaknesses as opportunities, struggles as refining tools, and sinners as saints in progress.
* Be accountable. As a pastor, make sure you're accountable to other people (such as elders or a deacon board) who will encourage you to do the right thing when it's challenging for you. Ask them to support and encourage you as you seek to live with integrity and maintain a close relationship with Christ.
* Be willing to listen. Genuinely listen to and consider suggestions from church members. Show humility and openness when interacting with them.
* Encourage people to use their spiritual gifts and natural talents. Provide plenty of opportunities for people to contribute to the life of your church so they don't get frustrated - and so everyone benefits from what they bring to your congregation.
* Make it easy for people to transfer to another church. Give people who want to leave your church your blessing with no hard feelings if God leads them elsewhere. Trust God to bring your church the people it needs at the right times.
* Submit to authority. Recognize that, just as God has created the universe with a certain structure, He also orders human relationships so that people who hold certain positions are in authority over others. Out of love for God, submit to the authorities He has placed in your life.
* Show other people honor and respect. Understand that God calls you to honor and respect people even if you disagree with them. Don't shame other people, no matter what their views. Treat everyone with dignity.
* Pursue true success. Realize that true success in life comes from only one thing - becoming more and more like Christ. Seek to attain qualities of His character that will make you a success and lead to unity in your church: humility, submissiveness, a passion for prayer, and a mature, redemptive heart attitude.
* Don't be easily offended. Ask God to strengthen your heart so you're not easily offended. Ask Him to help you let minor offenses go and move on beyond them toward maturity.
* Adjust your expectations to reality. Ask God to help you discern what's truly reasonable to expect of people in your church. Don't compare people to others, but appreciate the unique way God has made them.
* Maintain love in the midst of injustice. Know that God sometimes allows injustices to help people learn to love better. Ask Him what He wants you to learn from being wronged, and trust Him to transform your bad experiences into good according to His purposes. Rather than seeking revenge, continue to act in love, remembering that God is looking out for you.
* Ask God to use you. Regularly invite God to use you as an instrument of His love to unite people in your church. Do all you can to make your church a gate into heaven, where people celebrate in unity.
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Adapted from A House United: How Christ-Centered Unity Can End Church Division copyright 2005 by Francis Frangipane. Published by Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Mich., www.chosenbooks.com.
Francis Frangipane is the senior minister of River Life Ministries and the author of 12 books, including This Day We Fight! A pastor since 1972, he travels throughout the world ministering to thousands of pastors in hundreds of cities. He and his wife, Denise, have six children and live near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Visit his Web site at: www.inchristsimage.org.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Loving Sinners
Loving Sinners
by John Fischer
Sinners are hard to love, especially when you are trying so hard not to be one.
You've heard it said, "Hate the sin; love the sinner," but sometimes it's hard to distinguish between the two. It seems easier to just hate the sinner and the sin and try and steer clear of both. But Jesus befriended sinful people, which raises the question: How do you do that? How do you love sinners when you are trying so hard not to be one?
Well actually, that's the problem. You can't love sinners when you're not one yourself. Loving sinners begins in the mirror. Sin, in order to be more than just a concept, has to have a face on it, and the most accessible one is seen in our own reflection.
Let's back this up just a bit. Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself. That last part about loving yourself is commonly overlooked. It's generally thought that self-love is a given, but this is not the case at all, especially for Christians. Most Christians I know, myself included, are so steeped in guilt that it is impossible for them to love themselves. And even though we keep hearing and even preaching the gospel that we are all sinners and no one can please God except by His grace, we refuse to believe it for ourselves. We can't let go of the thought that we are just a little bit better than common, ordinary sinners -- that we don't need this grace quite as badly as the next guy. It's actually a case of very bad amnesia: we are constantly trying to prove ourselves worthy of being Christians when we forgot what a Christian was in the first place -- someone unworthy to be one were it not for the grace of God.
So instead of just admitting our sin and putting ourselves in the same boat as the rest of humanity, we choose to think that we are just a short step away from having it all together, and thus we live with the guilt of knowing that we aren't. And in doing so, we lose our ability to embrace sinners, because to embrace sinners, we have to embrace our own ugliness, and we can't do that because we never have. What sad, desperate people we are! No wonder Jesus had it in for the Pharisees. They cut themselves out of the blessing. They chose their guilt over His grace, rather than identify with sinners.
Loving sinners starts with being one. And no one has to go out and sin to discover this. Just look in the mirror, accept that scoundrel you see there for who he or she is, accept God's grace and forgiveness, and then start hugging all those other sinners out there who don't know the good news yet. It's really not all that complicated.
by John Fischer
Sinners are hard to love, especially when you are trying so hard not to be one.
You've heard it said, "Hate the sin; love the sinner," but sometimes it's hard to distinguish between the two. It seems easier to just hate the sinner and the sin and try and steer clear of both. But Jesus befriended sinful people, which raises the question: How do you do that? How do you love sinners when you are trying so hard not to be one?
Well actually, that's the problem. You can't love sinners when you're not one yourself. Loving sinners begins in the mirror. Sin, in order to be more than just a concept, has to have a face on it, and the most accessible one is seen in our own reflection.
Let's back this up just a bit. Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself. That last part about loving yourself is commonly overlooked. It's generally thought that self-love is a given, but this is not the case at all, especially for Christians. Most Christians I know, myself included, are so steeped in guilt that it is impossible for them to love themselves. And even though we keep hearing and even preaching the gospel that we are all sinners and no one can please God except by His grace, we refuse to believe it for ourselves. We can't let go of the thought that we are just a little bit better than common, ordinary sinners -- that we don't need this grace quite as badly as the next guy. It's actually a case of very bad amnesia: we are constantly trying to prove ourselves worthy of being Christians when we forgot what a Christian was in the first place -- someone unworthy to be one were it not for the grace of God.
So instead of just admitting our sin and putting ourselves in the same boat as the rest of humanity, we choose to think that we are just a short step away from having it all together, and thus we live with the guilt of knowing that we aren't. And in doing so, we lose our ability to embrace sinners, because to embrace sinners, we have to embrace our own ugliness, and we can't do that because we never have. What sad, desperate people we are! No wonder Jesus had it in for the Pharisees. They cut themselves out of the blessing. They chose their guilt over His grace, rather than identify with sinners.
Loving sinners starts with being one. And no one has to go out and sin to discover this. Just look in the mirror, accept that scoundrel you see there for who he or she is, accept God's grace and forgiveness, and then start hugging all those other sinners out there who don't know the good news yet. It's really not all that complicated.
Look Who's Watching!
A quarter too muchSeveral years ago, a new preacher moved to Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount?
Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet." When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver with a smile replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking lately about going to worship somewhere. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday"
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really almost scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test! Always be on guard and remember (as I try to remember) that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself "Christian."
Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet." When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver with a smile replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking lately about going to worship somewhere. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday"
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really almost scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test! Always be on guard and remember (as I try to remember) that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself "Christian."
VICTORY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
VICTORY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Theme: Excellence in Spirit
Speakers: Todd & Julie Powers
Date: 30 May - 1 Jun 2006
Venue:
Cinta Sayang Golf Resorts
Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia
Contact:
VBI Malaysia
G.P.O. Box 179, 10270 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604 6597190 Fax: 604 6562554email: http://us.f346.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=myvbi@tm.net.my or http://us.f346.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=vbimalaysia@yahoo.com
About Todd & Julie Powers
Todd and Julie were called into the ministry at an early age, and began their adventure in faith shortly after they were married in July 1983. They attended Rhema Bible College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma from 1983 to 1985. While attending Rhema, they began working in ministry in preparation for the destiny that God had for their lives.
In 1983, Todd and Julie attended and became very involved in Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Billy Joe Daugherty is Pastor. In 1985, Todd entered the full-time ministry working with Victory Christian Center in the area of helps, administration, management and teaching. Julie began working for Kenneth Hagin Ministries and served there for nearly three years. Julie also worked with Impact Productions, as well as assisting Todd with his responsibilities at the Victory Christian Center.
In 1987, they attended Victory World Missions Training Center, an intense missionary training program to prepare people who feel called to serve God in foreign lands. After graduating from this program, they began preparing for the mission field. In 1989, Todd became the Director of Victory World Missions Training Center until 1993. During this time, Todd and Julie moved to Manila, Philippines, where they worked as missionaries for one year. Their first daughter, Stephanie, was born in Manila in 1990. In 1993, their second daughter, Tiffany, was born.
In 1994 Todd and Julie moved to Fort Worth, Texas to help pioneer Heritage of Faith Bible Institute and School of World Evangelism, a two-year Bible College with a missions emphasis. Todd and Julie were the Directors of Heritage of Faith Bible Institute and School of World Evangelism, full time instructors and associate ministers with the Heritage of Faith Organization for over 9 years.
In January 2003 Todd and Julie began their own missions ministry, Powers Ministries International, for the purpose of training leaders, planting churches and reaping the end-time harvest in the nations. Their USA offices are located in California and their international base is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
Todd has earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Golden Pacific University and his Master of Religious Education degree from Friends International Christian University. Todd and Julie hold their ministerial credentials with Victory Fellowship of Ministries in Tulsa Oklahoma.
With missions being their heartbeat, they place a high priority on reaching the nations. They have ministered in 27 nations around the world. They also speak in churches and conferences all around the United States. Reaching nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the thrust of everything they do.
Theme: Excellence in Spirit
Speakers: Todd & Julie Powers
Date: 30 May - 1 Jun 2006
Venue:
Cinta Sayang Golf Resorts
Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia
Contact:
VBI Malaysia
G.P.O. Box 179, 10270 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604 6597190 Fax: 604 6562554email: http://us.f346.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=myvbi@tm.net.my or http://us.f346.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=vbimalaysia@yahoo.com
About Todd & Julie Powers
Todd and Julie were called into the ministry at an early age, and began their adventure in faith shortly after they were married in July 1983. They attended Rhema Bible College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma from 1983 to 1985. While attending Rhema, they began working in ministry in preparation for the destiny that God had for their lives.
In 1983, Todd and Julie attended and became very involved in Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Billy Joe Daugherty is Pastor. In 1985, Todd entered the full-time ministry working with Victory Christian Center in the area of helps, administration, management and teaching. Julie began working for Kenneth Hagin Ministries and served there for nearly three years. Julie also worked with Impact Productions, as well as assisting Todd with his responsibilities at the Victory Christian Center.
In 1987, they attended Victory World Missions Training Center, an intense missionary training program to prepare people who feel called to serve God in foreign lands. After graduating from this program, they began preparing for the mission field. In 1989, Todd became the Director of Victory World Missions Training Center until 1993. During this time, Todd and Julie moved to Manila, Philippines, where they worked as missionaries for one year. Their first daughter, Stephanie, was born in Manila in 1990. In 1993, their second daughter, Tiffany, was born.
In 1994 Todd and Julie moved to Fort Worth, Texas to help pioneer Heritage of Faith Bible Institute and School of World Evangelism, a two-year Bible College with a missions emphasis. Todd and Julie were the Directors of Heritage of Faith Bible Institute and School of World Evangelism, full time instructors and associate ministers with the Heritage of Faith Organization for over 9 years.
In January 2003 Todd and Julie began their own missions ministry, Powers Ministries International, for the purpose of training leaders, planting churches and reaping the end-time harvest in the nations. Their USA offices are located in California and their international base is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
Todd has earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Golden Pacific University and his Master of Religious Education degree from Friends International Christian University. Todd and Julie hold their ministerial credentials with Victory Fellowship of Ministries in Tulsa Oklahoma.
With missions being their heartbeat, they place a high priority on reaching the nations. They have ministered in 27 nations around the world. They also speak in churches and conferences all around the United States. Reaching nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the thrust of everything they do.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (05th March 2006)
Let go of the Peanuts
Ps. S. Nathan
Matt. 24:4-10 ~We are living in the last of the last days.
Who we are today is what we will be in Heaven.
The main purpose of God’s calling is for us to be transformed to the image of Christ. Allowing God’s promise to work in our lives is always a fight of faith.
Mark 4:13-20 `~ Satan comes to steal the word. Everything that God does will always start with the Word.
We can always nullify the word by carelessly speaking or handling it.
How to guard the word of God in our lives without being offended?
Offence: In Greek it means trap.
Let go of the peanut. The monkey is trapped when it puts it hand into the coconut hole to take the peanut and hold it with the fist and doesn’t want to let go. Likewise offences are thrown into our lives to keep us in bondages and rob the power of God’s word in our lives.
Matt.13:54-58 The people were offended because Jesus was like one of them from that city. Every time we are prejudiced, we lose the presence of God.
Matt 11:1-6 John was offended because he put his eyes on himself / self-pity and expected Jesus to visit him in prison and set him free. Jesus doesn’t live to John’s expectation but to fulfill God’s expectation. Because of offence, John lost his head.
~ Nobody can meet our expectations. What we do with it that counts. Forgive and bless those who offend us. Curse Satan and command him to restore us seven fold.
1 Sam 17 –David grew up with rejection as a shepherd boy who was not brought out for the prophet to see. No one wanted to fight Goliath and when David wanted to fight his brother Eliab was offended because he felt insecured and could not get to marry the princess.
2 King 5 – Naaman was offended.
When we come before God, we are nobody, we need to humble ourselves. We go to Him by the Blood of Jesus and not by what we are or have.
Respect is earned, not demanded. Lower your expectation with others and humble yourself and God will exalt you.
How to live with offence?
1. Realize what offence- a trick by the devil is / trap.
2. Ps. 119:165 Learn to love the Word of God and be protected from offence.
3. Decide to forgive everyone who’s going to offend us.
When we have a problem, identifying the problem itself will solve half of the problem!
Ps. S. Nathan
Matt. 24:4-10 ~We are living in the last of the last days.
Who we are today is what we will be in Heaven.
The main purpose of God’s calling is for us to be transformed to the image of Christ. Allowing God’s promise to work in our lives is always a fight of faith.
Mark 4:13-20 `~ Satan comes to steal the word. Everything that God does will always start with the Word.
We can always nullify the word by carelessly speaking or handling it.
How to guard the word of God in our lives without being offended?
Offence: In Greek it means trap.
Let go of the peanut. The monkey is trapped when it puts it hand into the coconut hole to take the peanut and hold it with the fist and doesn’t want to let go. Likewise offences are thrown into our lives to keep us in bondages and rob the power of God’s word in our lives.
Matt.13:54-58 The people were offended because Jesus was like one of them from that city. Every time we are prejudiced, we lose the presence of God.
Matt 11:1-6 John was offended because he put his eyes on himself / self-pity and expected Jesus to visit him in prison and set him free. Jesus doesn’t live to John’s expectation but to fulfill God’s expectation. Because of offence, John lost his head.
~ Nobody can meet our expectations. What we do with it that counts. Forgive and bless those who offend us. Curse Satan and command him to restore us seven fold.
1 Sam 17 –David grew up with rejection as a shepherd boy who was not brought out for the prophet to see. No one wanted to fight Goliath and when David wanted to fight his brother Eliab was offended because he felt insecured and could not get to marry the princess.
2 King 5 – Naaman was offended.
When we come before God, we are nobody, we need to humble ourselves. We go to Him by the Blood of Jesus and not by what we are or have.
Respect is earned, not demanded. Lower your expectation with others and humble yourself and God will exalt you.
How to live with offence?
1. Realize what offence- a trick by the devil is / trap.
2. Ps. 119:165 Learn to love the Word of God and be protected from offence.
3. Decide to forgive everyone who’s going to offend us.
When we have a problem, identifying the problem itself will solve half of the problem!
Friday, March 03, 2006
Real Faith In A Real World
Jack Graham, PowerPoint Ministries
Do you ever wonder if heaven is applauding you? And do the great heroes of the faith who have gone on before see in you a faith that trusts God? In this edition of PowerLiving, I want to show you one way you can have real faith?in the real world! In Hebrews 11:8, the Bible talks about the faith of a man named Abraham-someone you've probably heard about many times: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. I want you to think with me for a few moments about having real faith in a real world. Consider the call of this faith. Abraham was an unbeliever-a pagan actually-an idolater who was living in the ancient city called Ur of the Chaldees. Ur of the Chaldees was a fantastic city in the world of antiquity. It was a city of extensive educational institutions, libraries, and magnificent homes. Yet it was a pagan and idolatrous city. And that's where Abraham was born and lived with his family.
At the age of 50, Abraham was called by God to leave this pagan, unbelieving, idolatrous world to follow Him. Friend, Abraham was an idol worshipper. Along with his family, he worshipped idols of wood and stone. Of course, we don't have those kinds of idols today. But you and I do have idols. The Bible calls them idols of the heart. They are the things called success, pleasure, wealth, and prosperity. And if you worship these kinds of idols, you will discover that they are no more reliable and no more satisfying than those pagan ancient deities that Abraham worshipped so long ago! Abraham was called to leave everything he had known, and simply step out by faith and believe in God. He was asked to turn from his idols to God?and he was called to go out into the unknown! That can be a frightening experience.
But that's where real faith begins?with a call from God. Have you ever been called and challenged by God to leave the known for the unknown? Have you ever had to step out?not knowing exactly why?just believing in God? Have you ever turned from your idols and turned to God? Let me tell you this, don't ever worry about the unknown if you're walking in faith and believing and following God. The time to worry is when you're living in disobedience. Abraham made the choice and stepped out by faith, believing God. And it was one of the greatest decisions he ever made. Because of that decision of faith, God blessed Abraham and made him a man among men for all times.
Today, I want to challenge you to do the same. Maybe you've never taken that step of faith to fully commit your life to Christ. Or maybe God is simply calling you to talk to that neighbor who needs to know about Him. Whatever it is, I pray that God would give you the courage?as He gave to Abraham?to make the choice to respond rightly to His call. Because He will bless your obedience in ways you could never think or imagine!
Do you ever wonder if heaven is applauding you? And do the great heroes of the faith who have gone on before see in you a faith that trusts God? In this edition of PowerLiving, I want to show you one way you can have real faith?in the real world! In Hebrews 11:8, the Bible talks about the faith of a man named Abraham-someone you've probably heard about many times: By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. I want you to think with me for a few moments about having real faith in a real world. Consider the call of this faith. Abraham was an unbeliever-a pagan actually-an idolater who was living in the ancient city called Ur of the Chaldees. Ur of the Chaldees was a fantastic city in the world of antiquity. It was a city of extensive educational institutions, libraries, and magnificent homes. Yet it was a pagan and idolatrous city. And that's where Abraham was born and lived with his family.
At the age of 50, Abraham was called by God to leave this pagan, unbelieving, idolatrous world to follow Him. Friend, Abraham was an idol worshipper. Along with his family, he worshipped idols of wood and stone. Of course, we don't have those kinds of idols today. But you and I do have idols. The Bible calls them idols of the heart. They are the things called success, pleasure, wealth, and prosperity. And if you worship these kinds of idols, you will discover that they are no more reliable and no more satisfying than those pagan ancient deities that Abraham worshipped so long ago! Abraham was called to leave everything he had known, and simply step out by faith and believe in God. He was asked to turn from his idols to God?and he was called to go out into the unknown! That can be a frightening experience.
But that's where real faith begins?with a call from God. Have you ever been called and challenged by God to leave the known for the unknown? Have you ever had to step out?not knowing exactly why?just believing in God? Have you ever turned from your idols and turned to God? Let me tell you this, don't ever worry about the unknown if you're walking in faith and believing and following God. The time to worry is when you're living in disobedience. Abraham made the choice and stepped out by faith, believing God. And it was one of the greatest decisions he ever made. Because of that decision of faith, God blessed Abraham and made him a man among men for all times.
Today, I want to challenge you to do the same. Maybe you've never taken that step of faith to fully commit your life to Christ. Or maybe God is simply calling you to talk to that neighbor who needs to know about Him. Whatever it is, I pray that God would give you the courage?as He gave to Abraham?to make the choice to respond rightly to His call. Because He will bless your obedience in ways you could never think or imagine!
Service is not an option
Titus 2:11-15
Who is a servant of God? Ask the average church-goer that question, and he will most likely point to his pastor or some Christian celebrity. He almost certainly will not say, "I am God's servant. "The church has a mixed-up idea that believers are separated into servants -- that is, individuals in full-time ministry -- and laypeople. The Bible contains no such distinction; instead, Paul reminds the Ephesians that believers are saved so that they might serve (Ephesians 2:10). If there were no other reasons to serve God except gratitude for salvation, that would be cause enough. We are rescued from torment and given eternal life with the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. Our service is but a small acknowledgement of the Father and Son's great sacrifice, and we have no right to withhold our gifts or time.
Many people, believers included, serve the big "I." What satisfies and pleases "I"? What is convenient for "I"? What makes "I" happy and prosperous? When a pastor appeals for help, most of his parishioners are sure he is speaking to someone else because "I" has insufficient training or a busy schedule. Here is a harsh reality: if "I" is our master, we are committing I-dolatry. Anything given first place over God -- including selfish desires -- is an idol.
Service is not an option. The Lord calls us to be servants so that we can invest our lives in an eternally valuable purpose -- the salvation and discipleship of unbelievers for His glory. Our job may be insignificant or our limitations great, but we are vessels of Christ with a role in the kingdom.
Who is a servant of God? Ask the average church-goer that question, and he will most likely point to his pastor or some Christian celebrity. He almost certainly will not say, "I am God's servant. "The church has a mixed-up idea that believers are separated into servants -- that is, individuals in full-time ministry -- and laypeople. The Bible contains no such distinction; instead, Paul reminds the Ephesians that believers are saved so that they might serve (Ephesians 2:10). If there were no other reasons to serve God except gratitude for salvation, that would be cause enough. We are rescued from torment and given eternal life with the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. Our service is but a small acknowledgement of the Father and Son's great sacrifice, and we have no right to withhold our gifts or time.
Many people, believers included, serve the big "I." What satisfies and pleases "I"? What is convenient for "I"? What makes "I" happy and prosperous? When a pastor appeals for help, most of his parishioners are sure he is speaking to someone else because "I" has insufficient training or a busy schedule. Here is a harsh reality: if "I" is our master, we are committing I-dolatry. Anything given first place over God -- including selfish desires -- is an idol.
Service is not an option. The Lord calls us to be servants so that we can invest our lives in an eternally valuable purpose -- the salvation and discipleship of unbelievers for His glory. Our job may be insignificant or our limitations great, but we are vessels of Christ with a role in the kingdom.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (26th Feb 2006)
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!
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!
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.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (22nd January 2006)
NO JESUS NO PEACE
KNOW JESUS KNOW PEACE
SCRIPTURE:
Matt 22.29
Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.
OBSERVATION
“you are mistaken/deceived” (Gk.planao).
-to go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.
“not knowing the Scriptures”
-what or WHO is scripture making us know?
-when we know the SON, we know ourselves for who we really are.
“nor the power of GOD”
-what power?
-to do what?
Ps 9:10, Jn 14:21; 23-24, 26; Pro 4:4, 18,19
Who’s involved?
“you are mistaken”-Holy Spirit we need you.
“not knowing the Scriptures”-Jesus we need You.
“nor the power of God”-Father we need you.
APPLICATION
Jn 5:39-40
39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
When we read scripture, look beyond the words and look at Jesus.
PRAYER
DEAR LORD,
THE PURPOSE OF MY LIFE IS TO KNOW YOU AND TO MAKE YOU KNOWN. AS I READ YOUR WORD DAILY, HELP ME REMEMBER THE PURPOSE AND KEEP ME GROWING IN YOU.
I LOVE YOU LORD.
IN JESUS NAME…AMEN!
KNOW JESUS KNOW PEACE
SCRIPTURE:
Matt 22.29
Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.
OBSERVATION
“you are mistaken/deceived” (Gk.planao).
-to go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.
“not knowing the Scriptures”
-what or WHO is scripture making us know?
-when we know the SON, we know ourselves for who we really are.
“nor the power of GOD”
-what power?
-to do what?
Ps 9:10, Jn 14:21; 23-24, 26; Pro 4:4, 18,19
Who’s involved?
“you are mistaken”-Holy Spirit we need you.
“not knowing the Scriptures”-Jesus we need You.
“nor the power of God”-Father we need you.
APPLICATION
Jn 5:39-40
39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
When we read scripture, look beyond the words and look at Jesus.
PRAYER
DEAR LORD,
THE PURPOSE OF MY LIFE IS TO KNOW YOU AND TO MAKE YOU KNOWN. AS I READ YOUR WORD DAILY, HELP ME REMEMBER THE PURPOSE AND KEEP ME GROWING IN YOU.
I LOVE YOU LORD.
IN JESUS NAME…AMEN!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
V.A.L.E.N.T.I.N.E
For God
so loVed the world,
That He gAve His
onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever Believeth
In Him Should
Not perish,But have
Everlasting life."
John 3:16
so loVed the world,
That He gAve His
onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever Believeth
In Him Should
Not perish,But have
Everlasting life."
John 3:16
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Re-cap Special Meeting (18th Jan 2006)
I WILL GLORIFY MY HOUSE
By SM Raj
@ GROW BM, 8pm, 18th Jan 2006
The KEY is found in the items in the ark.
Heb 9.4 Items in the ark-golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod & tablets of the covenant.
The GLORY of GOD is found in THE WORD, THE NAME & THE LOVE OF GOD.
WE WILL SHINE EVER brighter and more and more as we move towards Him and as He moves towards us in the last days.
By SM Raj
@ GROW BM, 8pm, 18th Jan 2006
- The LORD said He will glorify THE HOUSE of His glory. Is 60:7
- WE ARE HIS HOUSE. 1 Cor 3.16-17; 2 Cor 6.16
- Therefore, WE WILL BE GLORIFIED!
- When will we see this GLORY?
- When the world is in darkness, we & the world will see the glory of God in and through us. Is 60.1-2
- Ex 33.18-Moses longed to see it.
- Jn 1.14-they saw the glory in Jesus
- Jn 17.22-I have given them. We can receive the glory.
- What is God's glory?
- Col 1.27-Christ..christos…(The Anointing) in you is the hope of glory, 1 Pet 4.14
- In the OT, the glory of God was upon the ARK of the Covenant. 1 Sam 4.21-22
- In the NT, we are the carriers of God’s presence and His GLORY. Col 1.27
The KEY is found in the items in the ark.
Heb 9.4 Items in the ark-golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod & tablets of the covenant.
- Tablets of the covenant signify the Word of God. Neh 8.1-3
- How does the GLORY come?
- Deut 28.1-obedience to the word.
- Jer 36.27-the Word was burnt. Jer 31.33-God knew this was going to happen so he put the Word in their/our (inward parts) hearts. Meditating upon the WORD.
- By Exercising the WORD. 1 Sam 17.49-Christ the stone destroys the visible (Goliath) & invisible enemy (shield bearer who was in front of Goliath when he fell face down).
- Aaron’s Rod signifies The Name.
- Jn 14.13-14 Ask anything in my Name. Use it, Don't abuse it.
- Mt 15.32-Golden pot of manna-the Love of God.
The GLORY of GOD is found in THE WORD, THE NAME & THE LOVE OF GOD.
WE WILL SHINE EVER brighter and more and more as we move towards Him and as He moves towards us in the last days.
Sunday Re-cap (15th Jan 2006)
“Restful” Violence “Loving” Force
by Ps Samuel Hari
Scripture:
Matt 11:12
“the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
Observation
Application
Prayer
Dear LORD help me to understand this and live this out. Help me not to be so easy! Help me not to give in and give up so easily. Help me to be different this year and when I suffer violence the next time. Help me to take back my inheritance by force. I know that I need to suffer violence for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven in my life. Help me stop pretending and help me be an overcomer as you’ve promised me in Your WORD. In Jesus Name, Amen.
by Ps Samuel Hari
Scripture:
Matt 11:12
“the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
Observation
- The Kingdom of Heaven (KOH) and “suffers and violence” sounds like a paradox. We even pray “thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. However another scripture says, “in the world we shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” Jn 16:33. See also Matt 5:3, 10; 18:3-4
- What is the Kingdom of heaven? In short, it is Col 1:12-14. In short it is heaven on earth.
- So what’s the suffering about? It’s every opposition that comes our way to prevent us from experiencing the KOH.
- What’s the violence? It’s the violence of decisions to do right even when the there’s every temptation to do what the flesh wants.
- What’s the source of this violence? Friends, family, satan, ourselves, worldly patterns of thinking and living, expectation of man, fear of man.
- No wonder we are defeated year after year, WE’RE SO EEEEASY!
- This is the suffering! Without suffering violence, there’s no KOH. No pain No Gain!
- It has another name, crucifying the flesh or dying to self.
Application
- If I can accept that suffering violence is part and parcel of the kingdom of God increasing in my life then I’ll not be sad or upset when things don’t go right. Rom 4:18-22; Gen 22:1-3
- I’m not supposed to passively sit back when things are not going right and accept them. I need to take it back by force. How? Prayer, moving in the opposite, lining up my thoughts, words and actions with the Word of God. It’s a different kind of force. It’s called a loving force. The power of love over these agents of violence.
- Not giving in to the fear of man.
Pro 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
- Jesus wanted to fight a different kind of fight but the disciples wanted a fight of the flesh. We laugh at them but are we the same as them?
- Isn’t this a picture of the cross and the resurrection?
Prayer
Dear LORD help me to understand this and live this out. Help me not to be so easy! Help me not to give in and give up so easily. Help me to be different this year and when I suffer violence the next time. Help me to take back my inheritance by force. I know that I need to suffer violence for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven in my life. Help me stop pretending and help me be an overcomer as you’ve promised me in Your WORD. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (8th January 2006)
How to use your life journal ........Ps. George Butron
step 1 Find the Bible reading corresponding today’s date at the back of this book Turn to the reading in your Bible and read. Don’t forget to ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and bring revelation. Mark off each daily reading as you complete it so you know what you’ve read.
step 2 As you read the passages, underline or take not of anything the Holy Spirit impresses on you as a personal word to be applied. When you read with an open heart, God will give you words of encouragement, direction and correction. (2 Timothy 3:16)
step 3 When the Holy Spirit reveals a life lesson to you , turn to a fresh page in your Daily Pages to record what God has just shown you. Then:
* Enter the date
* Title the page
* Record the main scripture
* Write an observation of the particular scripture verse(s) on which the Holy Spirit prompted you
* Write an application as to how you will be different today because of what you have just read
* Record a prayer
* Fill out the Table of Contents with the appropriate details, including a topic that generally describes what you have learned
* Conclude by filling out the Prayer Lost, and interceding for what you’ve written.
Remember, this life journal is designed to serve in your growth with God. You can
be flexible in how you use it, but, be sure to develop a healthy habit of spending
time daily with God.
Some have asked, “When should I have my quiet time – in the morning, or at
night?” The answer to that is - do your quiet time when you’re at your best!
If you are a morning person, have your quiet time in the morning. If you’re
a night owl, then do it at night! The bottom line is that God deserves our best,
so give Him the best part of your day.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Sunday Re-cap (1st January 2005)
The Day Of The Saints
Scripture:
10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, Eph 3:10
“to the Intent”
God has an intention for everything that He does. There’s nothing that takes place that is by chance. He has an intention for the church this year. He has an intention for each and every one of us. What is His intention?
“that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church”
For this year, the church will concentrating on growing in the Word of God and will be doing this through SOAP in the Cell Groups. Every member of the church is encouraged to attend Cell Group.
The theme of the church for this year is “The Day of the Saints”. We believe that this is the year where the Saints of God are going to experience growth and breakthrough in many areas of our lives. The Saints are going to go forth in the manifest power of God and do mighty exploits in Jesus Name.
Scripture:
10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, Eph 3:10
“to the Intent”
God has an intention for everything that He does. There’s nothing that takes place that is by chance. He has an intention for the church this year. He has an intention for each and every one of us. What is His intention?
“that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church”
- God intends to use us! His intention is to make known Himself to the world through the church.
- He desires that we GROW this year. Only a church that is committed to growth can reveal the “manifold wisdom” of GOD. We are each responsible for our own growth. Can we say that we have grown so much more than we have ever grown in all these years?
- To GROW, we need to first of all have the WORD of GOD in our lives.
For this year, the church will concentrating on growing in the Word of God and will be doing this through SOAP in the Cell Groups. Every member of the church is encouraged to attend Cell Group.
The theme of the church for this year is “The Day of the Saints”. We believe that this is the year where the Saints of God are going to experience growth and breakthrough in many areas of our lives. The Saints are going to go forth in the manifest power of God and do mighty exploits in Jesus Name.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Some Good Questions Before Y2006!
Our Help and Our Hope
by John Fischer
O God our help in ages past—Our hope for years to come…
This is the time of year when we focus on God and thank Him for getting us through another year. Remember Y2K? We were wondering if we’d survive the turnover to a new century. Hard to believe that was six years ago.
As the hymn writer has reminded us, God is both our help and our hope—two four-letter words that pretty much sum up what we need to move into 2006. First, we look back on how He has helped us in the past.
The greatest thing about this is you can go back as far as you want into the ages past and still find God there, thinking about you. "Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes" (Ephesians 1:4). (By the way, we are so thankful it says without fault "in His eyes," because we have plenty of faults in other people’s eyes, including our own.) The point being, you can never go too far back to not have anyone to worship. ("In the beginning, God…")
But right now, it would be good to focus on just this last year and think about how God has specifically helped us.
John Fischer is the Senior Writer for Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Marti and son, Chandler. They also have two adult children, Christopher and Anne. John is a published author and popular speaker.
by John Fischer
O God our help in ages past—Our hope for years to come…
This is the time of year when we focus on God and thank Him for getting us through another year. Remember Y2K? We were wondering if we’d survive the turnover to a new century. Hard to believe that was six years ago.
As the hymn writer has reminded us, God is both our help and our hope—two four-letter words that pretty much sum up what we need to move into 2006. First, we look back on how He has helped us in the past.
The greatest thing about this is you can go back as far as you want into the ages past and still find God there, thinking about you. "Long ago, even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes" (Ephesians 1:4). (By the way, we are so thankful it says without fault "in His eyes," because we have plenty of faults in other people’s eyes, including our own.) The point being, you can never go too far back to not have anyone to worship. ("In the beginning, God…")
But right now, it would be good to focus on just this last year and think about how God has specifically helped us.
- What do you have now that you didn’t have a year ago? Think in terms of personal growth, experiences, and people God has blessed you with.
- How do you know God better than you did at this time a year ago?
- What more do you know about Him?
- What more do you know about yourself that He has revealed to you?
- What struggle has He helped you overcome?
- Is there anyone in your life who wasn’t there a year ago that you can honestly thank God for? What has He helped you to accomplish? How has He been faithful to you even when you have been faithless?
Now think about this next year and how God is our only true hope. Think of specifically where you need to apply some of that hope.
- What are you afraid of?
- Where are you feeling inadequate?
- What do you want to change, and how can God help you?
- How about your plans?
- How big do you want to make them?
- How far are you willing to stretch?
For all of this, He is our hope. And for all that we will face this next year that we don’t know anything about right now, He is our hope. He will be enough.
"Our fears for today, our worries for tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away" (Romans 8:38).
John Fischer is the Senior Writer for Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Marti and son, Chandler. They also have two adult children, Christopher and Anne. John is a published author and popular speaker.
Graduation Day
My daughter ended up being a December college graduate. Graduating from the
Graduations are proud times for parents, but the older our kids get, the less we feel we had anything to do with this.
When our kids are just children, it’s easy to think they are little extensions of ourselves. We are led to believe, by their size, that we are in more control of their lives than we really are. As they grow older, the truth of the matter becomes more obvious: they belong to themselves and their choices. They belong to us in name and tradition, (and we hope in lots of personal visits), but they are also striking out on their own course. We hope and pray they will ultimately belong to God, but that is out of our hands as well. At some point, we give up trying to control them and just sit back and take it in. That’s what I did at this service. Pride wasn’t even appropriate. I was proud for her, but not proud for me because I had so little to do with this. So I relegated myself to being the photographer snapping memories for us all.
At least that’s what this graduation experience was to me -- a chance to stand back and wonder “Who is this person?” and thrill in the knowledge that the world is waiting to discover the answer to that.
Don’t you know that God gets a similar joy out of us? Of course He’s in control, but in some strange way known only to Him, He is not, because there is plenty of biblical evidence of His surprising give-and-take with His own creation. Soon, God will be like a proud Dad presiding over the graduation of His children into eternity, and somehow He will share with us the credit for what He has done. It’s the way He has chosen to allow us to partake in His work and His kingdom. He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
That’s a moment worth our attention now as we seek to follow His will day by day and on into the New Year.
John Fischer is the Senior Writer for Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Marti and son, Chandler. They also have two adult children, Christopher and Anne. John is a published author and popular speaker.
Sunday Re-cap (24th Dec 2005)
The Birthday
Ps Sam Hari
Ps Sam Hari
Birthdays are celebrated based on the achievement that one has in life.
Today we celebrate Jesus' birthday because of what He achieved.
What was His greatest achievement? There were many and The Cross is one of the them.
Scripture. Jn 3.16, Rom 5:6-8
What does the cross signify? One vertical bar and one horizontal bar which speaks of the following 3 points.
- God came down to save all mankind. From what? Destruction, sickness & disease, separation from God & one another, etc.
- God loved us, so love one another. Jn 15:12-14,
LOVE HAS A BIG HEART. (Covers a multitude of sins).
THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE. - God is coming again, for all mankind. (Are we ready to receive Him? Have we reconciled ourselves to Him & to one another?)
Let this Christmas be meaningful to us & let's put a smile on His face today.
Christmas will be meaningless if all we did was sing carols, shopped, ate did dramas & not understood, received & spread his love.
God is Love. Can we understand this? Christmas is God reaching out to all of us in friendship. It is a day signaling reconciliation. Can we respond?
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Special Meeting with Ps. Kuldip Bal Singh
Pastor Kul's full name is Kuldip Bal Singh.
He is the pastor for HIM Centre, Australia (Heidelberg International Ministry Centre). Originated from Ipoh.
Have been residing in Scotland for more than 22 years.
He is married to Elaine and has 2 daughters.
He has a vision to bring salvation, healing & deliverance to the nations…
Having a burning passion for the young and old generation of this world; to see them saved & living for CHRIST!
He is also affiliated with Planetshakers, Australia…and works closely with them.
A real prophet of God, yet humorous, who is able to blast the lives of teens & adults as he moves prophetically and also in areas of praise & worship while ministering the Word of God !!!
He is the pastor for HIM Centre, Australia (Heidelberg International Ministry Centre). Originated from Ipoh.
Have been residing in Scotland for more than 22 years.
He is married to Elaine and has 2 daughters.
He has a vision to bring salvation, healing & deliverance to the nations…
Having a burning passion for the young and old generation of this world; to see them saved & living for CHRIST!
He is also affiliated with Planetshakers, Australia…and works closely with them.
A real prophet of God, yet humorous, who is able to blast the lives of teens & adults as he moves prophetically and also in areas of praise & worship while ministering the Word of God !!!
Sunday Re-cap (18th Dec 2005)
Five Signs of Crises
by Ps. David Lai
2 Cor 3:17 -where the spirit of God is there is liberty. liberty in us is that He can transform our lives & bring us from glory to glory, so that He can change us to be more and more like Christ. In order for God to change us, He allows problems and crises.God wants to work in us first so that we can be greater impact & influence.
1. Depression
1 Sam 30 - Don't blame others when everything goes wrong. vs.6. David found strength in the Lord.
Heb 11:11- By faith Sarah received strength because she judged God faithful in what He had promised.
Rom 4:20-21 - Abraham was strenthened in faith believing that God is able to perform what He had promised.
Joshua 1:9 - Joshua faced a leadership crises and God promised to be with Him.
David began to rise up in strength & began to recover spiritually. He recovered all that he Amalekites had taken.
For the people of God, its not crises to crises,but from Glory to Glory in Christ.
2. Hopelessness
Hopelessness will kill; but God is the God of restoration. 1 Sam 30:6
Inpiration preaching does not change our lives but revalation does. 1 Kings 17:8 The hopeless widow served Elijah. Elijah imparted hope into her life.
3. Inferiority
1 sam 21:10 -David felf inferior
Paul knew that in order to overcome inferiority is to be grounded in the love of God.
'Who shall sperate us from the love of God?' We have been made more than conquerors, not based on our performance but in who we are.
4. Failure
God never plans failure for us.
Jer. 29:11 God's strenght towards us is of peace and not of evil; and of a future and hope.
Man was not cursed, only the ground and the devil, but man can fall subject to the curse and the curse of the law.
5. Give-up ( Get bitter and die on the inside).
Elijah wanted to give up when Jezebel wanted to kill him. He complained to he Lord, but the Lord ministered to him and restored him.
Father of the prodigal son did not give up on him.
So trust in God, for He will not give up on us. For God is the same yesterday, today & forever. And He desires to see us move from glory to glory and be more like His son Jesus Christ.
by Ps. David Lai
2 Cor 3:17 -where the spirit of God is there is liberty. liberty in us is that He can transform our lives & bring us from glory to glory, so that He can change us to be more and more like Christ. In order for God to change us, He allows problems and crises.God wants to work in us first so that we can be greater impact & influence.
1. Depression
1 Sam 30 - Don't blame others when everything goes wrong. vs.6. David found strength in the Lord.
Heb 11:11- By faith Sarah received strength because she judged God faithful in what He had promised.
Rom 4:20-21 - Abraham was strenthened in faith believing that God is able to perform what He had promised.
Joshua 1:9 - Joshua faced a leadership crises and God promised to be with Him.
David began to rise up in strength & began to recover spiritually. He recovered all that he Amalekites had taken.
For the people of God, its not crises to crises,but from Glory to Glory in Christ.
2. Hopelessness
Hopelessness will kill; but God is the God of restoration. 1 Sam 30:6
Inpiration preaching does not change our lives but revalation does. 1 Kings 17:8 The hopeless widow served Elijah. Elijah imparted hope into her life.
3. Inferiority
1 sam 21:10 -David felf inferior
Paul knew that in order to overcome inferiority is to be grounded in the love of God.
'Who shall sperate us from the love of God?' We have been made more than conquerors, not based on our performance but in who we are.
4. Failure
God never plans failure for us.
Jer. 29:11 God's strenght towards us is of peace and not of evil; and of a future and hope.
Man was not cursed, only the ground and the devil, but man can fall subject to the curse and the curse of the law.
5. Give-up ( Get bitter and die on the inside).
Elijah wanted to give up when Jezebel wanted to kill him. He complained to he Lord, but the Lord ministered to him and restored him.
Father of the prodigal son did not give up on him.
So trust in God, for He will not give up on us. For God is the same yesterday, today & forever. And He desires to see us move from glory to glory and be more like His son Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
CHRISTMAS INVITATION
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A CHRISTMAS PARTY
GUEST OF HONOR : HIS MAJESTY , JESUS CHRIST
DATE: Every day. Traditionally, December 25, but He's always around, sothe date is flexible.
TIME: Whenever you're ready. Please don't be too late though, or you'llmiss out on all the fun.
PLACE: In your heart. He'll meet you there--you'll hear Him knock.
ATTIRE: Come as you are. Grubbies are okay as He'll be washing ourclothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns foreveryone who stays till the last.
TICKETS: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone. He says youwouldn't have been able to afford it-it's cost Him everything He had!
REFRESHMENTS: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls "livingwater." This will be followed by a supper, that promises to be out of this world!!
GIFT SUGGESTIONS: Your heart. He's one of those people who already haseverything else. (He's very generous in return though-just wait until yousee what He has for you ! )
ENTERTAINMENT: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, RealHappiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing,Power, Eternity in Paradise...and much more!(All 'G' rated so bring your family and friends)
RSVP: Very Important! He must know ahead, so He can reserve a spot foryou at the table. Also, he's keeping a list of His friends for futurereference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life.
"PARTY GIVEN BY: His Kids. That's us! Hope To See You There! Let usrejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb hascome, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear(linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints) Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!
Revelation 19:7-9 ALL OF YOU WHO WILL BE THERE-PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITATION WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
(Author Unknown)
GUEST OF HONOR : HIS MAJESTY , JESUS CHRIST
DATE: Every day. Traditionally, December 25, but He's always around, sothe date is flexible.
TIME: Whenever you're ready. Please don't be too late though, or you'llmiss out on all the fun.
PLACE: In your heart. He'll meet you there--you'll hear Him knock.
ATTIRE: Come as you are. Grubbies are okay as He'll be washing ourclothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns foreveryone who stays till the last.
TICKETS: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone. He says youwouldn't have been able to afford it-it's cost Him everything He had!
REFRESHMENTS: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls "livingwater." This will be followed by a supper, that promises to be out of this world!!
GIFT SUGGESTIONS: Your heart. He's one of those people who already haseverything else. (He's very generous in return though-just wait until yousee what He has for you ! )
ENTERTAINMENT: Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, RealHappiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing,Power, Eternity in Paradise...and much more!(All 'G' rated so bring your family and friends)
RSVP: Very Important! He must know ahead, so He can reserve a spot foryou at the table. Also, he's keeping a list of His friends for futurereference. He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life.
"PARTY GIVEN BY: His Kids. That's us! Hope To See You There! Let usrejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb hascome, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear(linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints) Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!
Revelation 19:7-9 ALL OF YOU WHO WILL BE THERE-PLEASE SHARE THIS INVITATION WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
(Author Unknown)
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Birthday Celebration
Dear loved ones
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated.
During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
Remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face ... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" .. as if the party were in his honor!
At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know ... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.
I'm still making the final arrangements.
Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside.
Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.
See you soon.
I Love you!
Jesus
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated.
During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.
Remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face ... and I wanted to be with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" .. as if the party were in his honor!
At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know ... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me.
What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party.
I'm still making the final arrangements.
Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside.
Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party.
See you soon.
I Love you!
Jesus
Monday, December 12, 2005
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Sunday Re-cap (11th Dec 2005)
Hearing the Audible Voice of God
by Michael Lee
by Michael Lee
- Jn 2:5: Whatever Jesus says, do it!.
- 2 keys to bring the goodness of God to the world. Obedience & Hearing God.
- We must learn to hear His Voice.
- Jn 15:14-15; 2 Cor 3:5-6; Matt 4:4
- Lots of needs in the world. Searching for answers.
- In Revelation, we are reminded that ‘He who has an ear let him hear.’
- God speaks to everyone. To hear God speak, we must have a relationship with God.
- 2 Cor. 1:20: For all the promises of God in Him are Yes in Him.
- It’s very important to hear and identify as God speaks and enjoy Him. Only then we can serve enjoying God. 2 Kgs 5
- v3: Naaman’s slave girl had good relationship with God and heard from God.
- v7: The King of Israel had no faith in God. “Am I God”? Because the king wasn't hearing God. Not walking close with God.
- v8: Elisha grabs the opportunity as he heard God & walked with God. We miss God because we don't hear from God.
- v11-12: Naaman went away in rage. We want God to speak to us our way! Not His way. Rage clouds our hearing.
- v13: Servants of Naaman. Encouraging one another to do the will of God.
- v14: Had to strip himself to be healed. Sometimes we need to be stripped (our reputation, titles) to hear God.
- 1 Sam 3 – The boy Samuel ministered the Lord before Eli and heard from God.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14-“seek my face” .
- Heb.13:8 - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Sunday Re-cap (4th Dec 2005)
God has a plan for your LIFE!
by Rev. Anthony Perkins
Six Ways to Miss God’s Plan for Your Life:
Text: Gen 16:1-5
Learning from the example of Abraham and Sarah.
Ps 27:14: As we wait upon the LORD, we will have the blessings that He intends for us.
by Rev. Anthony Perkins
Six Ways to Miss God’s Plan for Your Life:
Text: Gen 16:1-5
Learning from the example of Abraham and Sarah.
- When we underestimate God’s ability to do the supernatural in our lives.
- When we try to build our house (Sarah) on someone else’s’ land (Hagar).
- When we don’t believe that God is a God of the supernatural.
- When we run ahead of God.
- When we can’t wait for God’s timing.
- It’s alright to listen to our wife but not when it’s wrong counsel.
- We need to be careful of getting into ungodly situations.
- God will sometimes allow us to wait because:
- He is preparing us for what lies ahead.
- He wants us to overcome our weaknesses.
- Our faith needs to be strengthened.
- Our lives will benefit those who are watching us.
- He desires to give us the BEST and not the WORST.
- When we go ahead with our actions without any thoughts of the consequences and those around us.
- When we blame someone else for our failures.
Ps 27:14: As we wait upon the LORD, we will have the blessings that He intends for us.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Children's Christmas Party
Date: Sat, 17th December 2005
Time: 5.00-7.00pm
Venue: GROW BM
We are inviting contributors for the following items:
- Food
- Party Packs
- Prizes
- Volunteers (Cleanup Crew and Helpers).
- Any contribution in Cash or Kind is most welcome.
- Please keep this event in prayer.
- We are preparing the event for 150 kids.
For further info, pls call Sis Agnes Thompson or Sis Mei Ling (number obtainable from Church Office).
Painting Project 2005
Hello Folks!
Tis' that time of year again to clean and spruce up DAD's House. Please do make your good-selves available to paint and clean the church on:
Thursday, 8th December 2005 at 9.30am SHARP!
God bless.
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