Quiet Time Seminar by Scripture Union

Sunday Re Cap (6th Jan 2008)

IN JESUS NAME

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We have used this phrase many times without fully realizing the power of that phrase or even what it really means.

Col 1:26-27

What does the phrase IN JESUS NAME signify?

1. IT’S A COVENANTAL STATEMENT.
1. VERTICAL: We are declaring that we are in covenant relationship with the LORD. Phil 2:5-11; John 14:12-14; John 15:12-17
2. HORIZONTAL: To operate in that Name, we are to acknowledge the covenant relationship we have with one another. God has however given us the power and the revelation of this relationship i.e. we don’t have to strive to get into the relationship, only to maintain it and to enhance it. The moment we say “In Jesus Name”, we are declaring that we are one in Jesus; we have the authority) and the privilege of using that Name because we are part of His Body! John 17:11; Eph 4:3

What if the other person doesn’t agree with me? We are still in covenant relationship not based on how the other person is responding or what they say! Our covenant relationship is based on what Christ has accomplished on the finished work of the cross! We are the BODY of Christ!

Matt 18:18-20; Mark 9:37; Mark 9:41

One of the biggest weapons of Satan is to cause brethren to be in disunity. If he can just keep us apart and from praying with each other, he has accomplished his purpose. Imagine the power that is released when husband and wife pray together, brothers and sisters, children and parents; is there anything that will be impossible to us as we believe in that NAME?

2. IT’S A NAME THAT GIVES US THE POWER & AUTHORITY.

Mark 16:16-18; Mark 9:39; Matt 28:18-20; Acts 3:16

3. WE ARE HUMBLED BY THAT NAME

We are declaring through Jesus Name, whatever we are praying for has been accomplished by Jesus on the cross i.e. healing, finances, salvation. It is grace released into that situation, not our strength. It’s an act of humility. We are saying we are submitted to that Name. Without that Name our prayers are powerless.

2 Chron 7:14-17

Let’s not use that Name in vain but use it with covenant, power/authority and humility!

Prayer: Give us New Understanding in this Year of New Beginnings of the Name of Jesus!

Sunday Re Cap (2nd Dec 2007)

The Resurrrection
By Rev Albert V Jebanayagam

1 Thess 4:13-18

Christians don’t die; we fall asleep when the time comes we can and will be woken up.

1. When the trumpet sounds:

• The Lord Himself will descend with a shout.
• The voice of the archangel and the trumpet sound
• The dead in Christ will rise first.
• We will be caught up to be with the LORD

2. There are 2 things that we are comforted about and bring this comfort to the world:

• Those who have fallen asleep can and will be woken up.
• Life is precious to those of us who are still alive. We are to use it with the greatest effect in bringing others to Christ.
  

3. Types of resurrection (of those who had fallen asleep) found in the NT and OT.

• Lk 7:11 The widow of Nain. She did not ask Jesus for help. He simply saw her grief and responded.
• Mark 5:41: Jesus saw the desperation of Jairus and responded to his plea.
• John 11:43 Jesus raised Lazarus in spite of being dead for 4 days.
• 1 Kg 17:24 The words of a “man of God” brought life to the boy.
• 2 Kgs 4:35 Elisha raises the Shunammite’s woman’s son from the dead.
  
  

THE WORD of the TRUE PROPHET of Malaysia shall bring life and revival to this land!

Sunday Re Cap (25th Nov 2007)

Here I am, Send me
By David Lai

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Isa 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

• There is a difference between “Here I am” and “I am here”.
• The first means we are present and available and the other one just means that we are present i.e. in class and paying attention or just in class, present.
• Our King Uzziah could be our carrier, friends, family, money, health. This could be the reason as to why many times we are present in church; “I am here”; but not available. Until we let our Uzziah die, we cannot become present and available; “Here am I”.
• We need to decide when our “King” dies; who is going to be our next “King”. We can allow another “King” to take the throne or we can turn to God.
• God is waiting for us to speak to him and once we turn to Him the veil over our eyes will be removed and we will see the supernatural take place v.1-3
• It is a place of total bankruptcy to self and total dependency upon God v.5-7
• Not by might i.e. political, educational or financial, etc; but by the Spirit of God.
• We can fix problems but only God can cleanse our sins. Isaiah was cleansed and he said “Here am I”.
• Moses turned to the burning bush (present and available) and God called him. Samuel ran to Eli (Present and available) and God called him.
• If we are present we may hear once “Samuel” but if we are available we will keep on hearing “Samuel, Samuel”. 1 Sam 3:1-10
• God calls the foolish. The Bible “foolish” here is not “stupid”. It’s a foolishness of not measuring the way the world measures things. 1 Cor 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
• Jn 15:16 God chose us and appointed us; when we are appointed, we need to simply make ourselves available. Appointment brings the anointing which is the empowerment and the authorization of God.
• That our “Fruit” should remain; only one fruit; to be conformed to the image of Christ i.e. sons!
• People begin to recognize God in us-when we are present and available.
• Is 8:18, Mark 16:15 Our lives begin to be a signboard leading people to God through signs, wonders and miracles.
  
  

Conclusion
Is 58:9 When we say “Here I am” and are available, God says to us “Here I am”. God is always available to those who are not just present but available to Him.

Is 66:1-2 We touch heaven and change earth!

Sunday Re Cap (18th Nov 2007)

Prayers That Move God’s Heart
Ps. Abel Phillips

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Text: Acts 10:1-8

Characteristics of Cornelius (verse 2) that moved God’s heart to answer:

1. Devoted – pious /godly and committed to the highest ideals. – God / authorities etc

2. God Fearing – world manipulates. God is respectful, the world does not respect,

• Respect one another/ authority, flag / rules/ other ethnics groups.
• Disrespect brings disorder and disunity and stops God from hearing us.
• God answers when there is a spirit of respect and unity. Our motions and money used to please God.
  

1 Thess 5:14-22 – call us to abstain from all form of evil
Eph 6:1-3 – Children obey your parents.

3. Generous – gives alms to the poor /needy. God is generous / we should not manipulate with money.
John. 3:16 – God is generous – He gave His only SON for us.
To be generous is to charitably contribute. Start to learn on how to give generously... to others, church, leaders for this pleases God

4. Servant - He served (v2) with his family. How did he make his soldiers and family follow him? He learnt to serve. Jesus, the Creator said, he came not to be served but to serve. (Matt 20:28)
Today, our society – likes to be served not to serve. Change now! We have all been called to serve.

Moral of the story

God knew Cornelius’ name. He knows your name too.

Cornelius had 3 encounters as the result of his prayer.

• Vision – God gives Pictures – praying / forgive/ helping etc.
• Instruction – God gives us information and direction in life
• Acceptance – acceptance in the KOG / God’s family.
  
  

Our duty is to let them (our neighbours, relatives and people we are acquainted with) know that God accepts them through GRACE by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

God answers when our hearts are ready.

Pray: Lord, give us a heart of disposition to respond to You, always abiding in You, that we may bear fruits that are pleasing to You, bringing blessings to others (John15:5).

Sunday Re Cap (11th Nov 2007)

Living A Burden-Free Life
by Ps Samuel Hari

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Mat 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (29) "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. (30) "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

• Who are “all who weary?” This is an invitation only to these and not to anyone else. Symptoms?

• What does weariness cause? We become tired, condemned, burdened, overwhelmed, sickness, stress, resentful, unforgiving, pride, fear, etc

• What are weary of? People’s expectation? Our own expectation? Your own “religious expectations? The law? Legalism? The world value system?

So this invitation is for each and everyone of us!

We have sometimes brought the world into the church. We have superimposed the world template onto the church template. Why? We live in the world and are exposed from the world systems from childhood. Rom 12:2

• It is a system of the law and legalism
• Our whole value system is based on point system!
• The LORD desires for us to live a burden free life!
• First of all we need to realize that a burden is a curse! Reject it! (Gen 3:17, Genesis 5:29, Ecclesiastes 1:13-14, Ecclesiastes 2:17, Romans 8:20-22)

• Where do we go? “Come to me” Don’t carry your own yoke (religion, expectations, self righteousness); take HIS yoke (the finished work of the cross that carries the unmerited favor of God).

• How to go? “learn from me” “I am gentle and humble in heart”. The key is to be humble. Humility is needed to stop and pray. Pride says we can go on ourselves (religion, legalism). God resists to proud but gives grace to the humble.

• What happens? “YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. (30) "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

· Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to change our mind-sets. Let’s begin to read scripture from the point of the NT. From the point of the finished work of the cross. The OT is important and must now read from the NT mindset. 2 Chr 7.14; Jn 10.10; 1 Cor 11.29, Col 1.10. What is worthy enough?

· The LORD desires for us to live a burden-free life. How? We are burden free as we look at Jesus and the finished work of the cross. He has born all our burdens. In fact carrying burdens is an act of pride and God resists the proud. No wonder we’ve been stressed out! (1 Pet 5:5-11 (AMP), Ps 37.5 (Roll thy way upon, the LORD. Heb))

CFM's response to the Prime Ministers Speech

Dear Pastors/ Elders/ Christian Leaders/ Bro & Sis

Please find with this email the CFM's response to the Prime Ministers Speech at the UMNO General Assembly on the 8th November 2007 for your attention.

Thanks

NECF Malaysia

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 26, Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cchurchm@streamyx.com

PRESS STATEMENT

A Response to the Prime Minister's Speech at the General Assembly of UMNO on November 8, 2007.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia has noted with great appreciation Datuk Seri Adbullah Badawi's presidential address to the UMNO 58th General Assembly where he had stressed the importance of maintaining harmony between the various communities and religions.

As Prime Minister, his speech was not only meant for the UMNO delegates but also for the whole nation.

In his speech he particularly highlighted the central place of the Federal Constitution and for it to be interpreted as a whole and in the spirit of the social contract of the founding leaders of the nation.

He also called for curbing all forms of religious extremism, bigotry and overzealous enforcement of laws that curb the freedom of religion as guaranteed in the Federal Constitution.

His clarion call must engage the best efforts of all Malaysians to ensure that our country is governed with honesty, integrity, justice, equality and peace.

The Christians of Malaysia want to assure the Prime Minister that we are prepared to work with all other religious communities in mutual dialogue and accountability. The well-being of our country can only be achieved by practicing religious moderation and respecting the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

The government should act decisively against those who promote religious chauvinism and extremism that can greatly harm the spirit of religious harmony existing in our country.

May God grant the Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers good health and wise counsel as they lead the country to become a model of inter-religious harmony for other nations to emulate.

Bishop Dr. Paul Tan Chee Ing, SJ
Chairman, Christian Federation of Malaysia
Dated: 9th November 2007

Sunday Re Cap (4th Nov 2007)

Walking in Repentance
By Ps Francis Peters

Amo 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing Unless He reveals His secret counsel To His servants the prophets.

How do we strengthen our inner man? By walking in repentance

• Offenses must come; however our inner man must be strong. Our inner man can be weakened by unconfessed sin. When we are strong in our inner man than we will be strong outwardly i.e. healing, deliverance, joy of the LORD, etc. Mt 18:7, Pro 18:14; Pro 17:22. We become strong by focusing on the Christ’s finish work on the cross.
• We must follow God’s way of correcting those who offend us. Mt 18:15-17
• God desires to give us abundant life Jn 10:10
• Speak and confess correct words that bring life and health. Mt 18:21; Mt 12:36
• Ps 41:4 Asking God to heal our soul through Christ.
• 1 Jn 1:8-9 If we say we have no sin, we are not telling the truth. However, through the finished work of Christ on the cross we are forgiven and have victory.
• Isa 38:3 (part) ….how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart, and have done the good in Your sight. And Hezekiah wept with a great weeping.
• Mic 6:13 Sickness can be due to unconfessed sin our lives. We can come to Jesus and receive His finished work on the cross and be made whole!
  
  

2 Cor 5:17 We are a New Creation! Old things (our flesh, our own efforts, works of the law) have passed away and behold ALL things (blessings, prosperity, health and healing, the joy of the LORD, etc) are new and ours!

When Trust Is Established

Ministries of Francis Frangipane Weekly Message System

Please read the article in the above link.

It is said that "Having RESENTMENT is like drinking a cup of poison and expecting the other person to die". Let's stop drinking poison today and trust in the finished work of the cross!

God bless.

Sunday Speaker 4th Nov 2007

Please take note that this coming Sunday we are blessed to have our own prayer warrior and man of God, Ps Francis Peters to share with us the word of God.

What We Project

What We Project

"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."1

On one occasion when I was in a particular group, one man constantly and bitterly complained how negatively other people treated him.

As kindly as I could I finally said to him, "You know, John, what we project is what we get back!"

I felt as though my words fell on "deaf, angry" ears!

The fact remains, if we constantly project negative vibes and express negative words, that is what we will receive in return. Also, if we constantly project feelings of anger and express angry words, anger responses is what we will receive in return.

On the other hand, if we constantly project loving and warm feelings and express kind, loving and encouraging words, that, too, is what we will receive in return.

Unless we are being persecuted because of our Christian faith, as a general rule what we consistently project is what we consistently get back. As Jesus also said, "We reap what we sow."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to realize and accept the fact that if I am constantly feeling put down, rejected or criticized, chances are (in most cases) it may just be because of the attitude that I am projecting. Help me see what my problem is and lead me to the help I need to change. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Jesus (Luke 6:38, NIV).

<:))))><

Sunday Re Cap (28th Oct 2007)

GODLY WISDOM – HOW TO GET IT AND HOW TO USE IT!
By Don Boots

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If our Father God offered you anything in the world that you wanted, what would you ask for?

• King Solomon asked for wisdom – Wisdom to discern good from evil, so that he could lead God’s people wisely.
• However, the attraction of wealth and possessions, plus, the foreign women he married eventually pulled his heart away from serving God, and caused Solomon, and the nation of Israel, to fall into idolatry.
• The lesson is clear. Keep our love for the Lord, and His Wisdom, as the number one primary objective in our lives – all our lives.

Godly Wisdom – How to get it and How to keep it.

(I) – What is Godly Wisdom?

Proverbs 1:1-7 (NLT) Psalms 14, 53 & Psalm 119:99

“Wisdom is Knowledge, and the power of applying it – or common sense.” Oxford Dictionary

(II) – What does Godly Wisdom do for us?

Proverbs 2: 1-12 (NLT)

People with Godly Wisdom are generally Faithful Available Submissive Teachable

Proverbs 2: 6-8 Who gives wisdom?

(III) How do we get this Godly Wisdom?

We learn it! (Proverbs 1: 2 NLT) We learn it by listening to God’s Holy Spirit and keep His advice – not man’s, and following what God’s Word says.

Proverbs 8:12-17 (NLT), Proverbs 8: 32-33 (NLT)

(IV) How do we keep Godly Wisdom?

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

1. STUDY God’s Word
2. MEDITATE on it
3. TWICE a Day – morning and night
4. OBEY what is written in it
5. Stay HUMBLE

James 4:6 and I Peter 5:5 say “God Resists the proud and gives Grace to the Humble.

Our actions often have repercussions our children feel. I Chronicles 12: 1

• Having Godly Wisdom requires work and diligent effort.
• The rewards are so much more beneficial than the effort it takes.
• God’s Wisdom is for EVERYONE
• Keep your heart in tune with God’s Wisdom and obey His Voice. James 3: 13-18
• People become lazy and neglect reading the Word and spending time in God.

CHOOSE TODAY – not to be one of those who get lazy – CHOOSE TODAY – Godly Wisdom and a Godly Lifestyle (Deuteronomy 30: 15-19)

TODAY – CHOOSE LIFE! YOU MAKE THE CHOICE!

Letter From YWAM

Dear Pastor Sam

Thank you for giving us an opportunity to share about YWAM in your churches. We had a great time and excited to see the respond of your church members. That was very encouraging.

We do have 2 fun and short ministries about to start in November and December'07.

1. King's kids in Ipoh -

It will be running from Dec 2nd until 18th. It will be in 2 phrase.

• Dec 2nd - 7th is the lecture phrase - kids will get to learn to dance, about God characters, hearing God's voice, presenting the gospel, etc.
• Dec 8th - 18th is the outreach phrase. The outreach location is the Philippines.
• School fee - it is RM700/- ground fee (excluding flight ticket)
• Who can get involve: children who are below 12 years old need to be accompany by their parents throughout the school and outreach. While children above 12 years old, they can come by themselves.
• One of the goals for this fun and exciting ministry is not only for children only but the ultimate aim is family value. It would be great for the parents to get involve with their children in thier process. It is a journey for parents and children grow together in their spiritual journey with the Lord.

2. MAC (Mission Adventure Camp) in Sabah

• Date: Nov 19 - Dec 8th
• school fee: RM200/- ( food and accommodation, including to and fro from the airport to the camp site)
• Outreach location - difference villages in Sabah
• topics: very basic teaching on: who God is; hearing God voice; spiritual warfare = approximately 10 topics
• classroom hours: teaching will be few hours in the morning, then follow by few hours of outreach prep.

3. DTS (Disciple Training School) in Sabah

• Date: Jan 19th - June 28th
• Fee : RM1,500/- only for 3 months lecture phrase, exclude outreach fee. Outreach fee is depending on location that choosen by the team(s).
• 3 months lecture phrase 2 months outreach
• outreach locations will probably be Indonesia, interior Sabah, Sawarak or East Malaysia
• Who can be involve: it can be a bilingual school (bahasa Malaysia and English). Mostly the school will be using Bahasa Malaysia as their main language.

If any of your church members are keen to join us. Please do not hesitate to write or call us. We will be pleased to assist them.

Thank you and blessings.

In Him

Nora Kua

YWAM Malaysia

Sunday Re Cap (21st Oct 2007)

Why we should give our lives to share the Gospel.
by Dr Peter Chin

We are in the business of ‘making disciples’ - Great Commission

1. God did not call the angels to preach the Gospel. God has given us this awesome privilege to witness for Him.

2. The modern church has many sins. Ranking high in the sins of the modern church is the sin that we would not dream of as a sin – the sin of silence. – failing to witness JC to this dying world.

Why we as Christians should be giving our lives to share the Gospel of JC?

A. COMMISSION OF JESUS 2 COR. 5:17-20

Command

– the supreme duty

– the supreme command.

B. COMPASSION OF JESUS - Jonah; Jude 21-23;Ps 126:5-6

OUR TEARS - Missing element in our life. Ps. 126:5-6, Matt. 9:36, Rom 9:2

PEOPLE DON’T CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE.

• Romans 8:9
• Going – Sowing – Weeping - Reaping
• If we want to grow in our spiritual life, the answer is share the Gospel to others.
• If you want your Christian life to be exciting, you must continue to share the Gospel
• I pray that you will dare enough and care enough to share the Gospel. To say, Lord, any time, anywhere, any cost, I will go.
• God has put feet on our faith to take the Gospel everywhere. Start where you are!

C. COMPETENCY IN JESUS Act 1:8; 2 Cor. 3:5

- Jesus has called us to a life of faithfulness not success. On the contrary, He has also called us to a life of fruitfulness. John 15

The COMPETENCE / adequacy of Jesus in us through the HS – will overcome our fears and reluctances to share the Gospel.

We must know who we are in Christ to begin with to be effective in sharing the Gospel. Then to know that He has deposited the HS power in every child of God to make contagious and mighty witnesses in this land.

He will make you able and adequate to accomplish His task.

Sunday Re Cap (21st Oct 2007)

Why we should give our lives to share the Gospel
by Dr Peter Chin

Click here to listen to this message

We are in the business of ‘making disciples’ - Great Commission

1. God did not call the angels to preach the Gospel. God has given us this awesome privilege to witness for Him.

2. The modern church has many sins. Ranking high in the sins of the modern church is the sin that we would not dream of as a sin – the sin of silence. – failing to witness JC to this dying world.

Why we as Christians should be giving our lives to share the Gospel of JC?

A. COMMISSION OF JESUS 2 COR. 5:17-20

Command

– the supreme duty

– the supreme command.

B. COMPASSION OF JESUS - Jonah; Jude 21-23;Ps 126:5-6

OUR TEARS - Missing element in our life. Ps. 126:5-6, Matt. 9:36, Rom 9:2

PEOPLE DON’T CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE.

• Romans 8:9
• Going – Sowing – Weeping - Reaping
• If we want to grow in our spiritual life, the answer is share the Gospel to others.
• If you want your Christian life to be exciting, you must continue to share the Gospel
• I pray that you will dare enough and care enough to share the Gospel. To say, Lord, any time, anywhere, any cost, I will go.
• God has put feet on our faith to take the Gospel everywhere. Start where you are!

C. COMPETENCY IN JESUS Act 1:8; 2 Cor. 3:5

- Jesus has called us to a life of faithfulness not success. On the contrary, He has also called us to a life of fruitfulness. John 15

The COMPETENCE / adequacy of Jesus in us through the HS – will overcome our fears and reluctances to share the Gospel.

We must know who we are in Christ to begin with to be effective in sharing the Gospel. Then to know that He has deposited the HS power in every child of God to make contagious and mighty witnesses in this land.

He will make you able and adequate to accomplish His task.

Harry Potter

For those of us who need some explanation on Harry Potter, please click on this link:

http://www.lasttrumpetministries.org/tracts/tract7.html

God bless!

Rugby and Grace

This is one of the best commentaries on grace that I've read. Moved me to tears...

Click the link to read. Amazing Grace How Sweet The Sound...

LookSmart's FindArticles - Parable of the kingdom: rugby and grace - South Africa

Christian Century, Jan 17, 1996, by Robin Petersen

God, the Internet, and life

God, the Internet, and life
by John Fischer

The Internet is a huge shared resource that is serviced and provided for by many. It is also used (and abused) by normal (whatever that is) people and many a nefarious character. It is a wonder that things work most of the time." Does it surprise you that when it comes to the Internet, no one seems to fully know what is going on? This huge web we have come to rely upon for everything from our bank accounts to our transportation, to our gas and electricity is no more reliable than this? Doesn't that make you feel real secure? One nefarious character out there could mess it up for all of us.

You know, I don't think life is much different. I think my webmaster has come up with a pretty good explanation of life, at least from a human perspective. Life is a huge shared resource that is serviced and provided for by many. It is also used (and abused) by normal (whatever that is) people and many a nefarious character. It is a wonder that things work most of the time.

Given this, it is an even bigger wonder that God is overseeing all of this, and what looks to us like uncontrollable chaos, to him is totally under control. Nothing escapes his watchful eye. Even the head nefarious character on the planet has to check in with God first before he can do anything. That should give you some security. The Internet is not secure, but God is. We need to be sure and pin our hopes on the right thing. So to all nefarious characters within the sound of this email, don't think you can get away with something God has not already allowed.

A JUST IN TIME WORD

"A JUST IN TIME WORD: Many Are Facing Problems that Only God Can Fix"

So Don't Believe the Devil's Lies....
...that you have to be perfect. That you can't be happy unless things go your way. That your worth is determined by your performance. That God only loves you when you do everything right.
Although Jesus has saved us, we are in the process of being repaired. This is called sanctification (Ephesians 5:26). When you allow the devil to tell you lies about yourself, you shipwreck your emotional and spiritual life. You will never be perfect in this life and you will never measure up to God's standards in your own power. This is one of the primary weapons of the devil--getting you to believe a lie.
God did not destine you to be a failure. Years ago, Ray Charles sang a song: Born to Lose. Not one of God's children was born to lose. You've got it all wrong. You were born to win! (Romans 8:37). The devil is the loser. Get that through your head.

Don't Ever Consider Quitting Because You Are Not Good Enough
Listen, God uses weak vessels (1 Corinthians 1:27). This immediately qualifies you and me. God uses the unsophisticated. He chose losers (1 Corinthians 1:28), sinners and disheveled people. God uses the rejected. He chose prostitutes (Luke 7:37) and the "down and outers." God loves to use the unlovely to confound the prideful. God uses the common people (Mark 12:37), not the rich, famous and beautiful. This is not Hollywood. He's the Holy Spirit not the Hollywood Spirit. Don't quit, instead spit--at the devil!

You Are Not A Failure, So Don't Act Like One
Don't repeat what the devil says. That's like telling God HE is a liar. God never lies (Numbers 23:19). You are so very precious to your Heavenly Father. You are not a failure. The devil is the failure. God doesn't birth losers. He takes what used to be a loser and makes them winners.
Agree with God, resist the devil (and he will flee from you) and stand up straight. Shake off doubt and embrace faith. You used to be part of the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 1:13), but are now in the Kingdom of Light (1 Peter 2:9). Shine, child of God and resist the darkness (1 John 2:8). You are very, very special to God. He loves you.
Failures whine. They complain, they moan, they snivel. They feel sorry for themselves. They have a "woe is me attitude." They throw massive pity parties. Listen, when you do those things, you are doing exactly what the devil wants you to do. The devil knows that when you do these things, you lose all interest in living the Victorious Kingdom life God has designed for you.
That's the life that cares more about others than itself. The life that is interested in spreading the good news of the Gospel and reaching a lost world for Christ. The life of joy is in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
You are not a failure, so don't act like one. Period.

Aggressively Dismiss the Negative Thoughts
If you lose the battle in your mind, you lose the battle completely. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). Practice thinking positively (until that's all you do). God is the ultimate "Norman Vincent Peale" type (champion of positive thinking). We are not to think evil or negatively (I Corinthians 13:5). When you think negative thoughts, you are ignoring the love God has for you.
Renew your mind (Romans 12:2) with God's Word. Yes, the Bible tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought (Romans 12:3), but many people have the opposite problem--thinking lower than they ought. Snap out of it. What should you be thinking? The Bible is very clear: true things, honest things, just things, pure things, lovely things, good things, virtuous things and all things worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). When we do this, we get the peace of God in our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Discover What the Word Says About You
You are greatly loved (Jeremiah 31:3; Ephesians 2:4; 1 John 3:1). Not just accepted; not just barely making it into Heaven. No, you are the object of His affection (Ephesians 3:17-20). You are being held in His arms (Deuteronomy 33:27). You are in God's thoughts now. God has plans for you. "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
Imagine that. God is thinking about you. This all powerful, loving God is thinking about you. Stop thinking negatively and start thinking what God thinks about you. When should you do this? Not tomorrow, not next week, not next year. Not when things get better. Not when the money rolls in. Do it NOW.

Declare What the Word Says About You...While God Works on Your Problem
Personalize Jeremiah 29:11 by saying, "I know that God has plans to prosper me. I know that God has a hope and a future for me and I know those plans are good and I know that they will come to pass because God said they would."
We are commanded to sing and rejoice in the Lord (Colossians 3:16). Do it by faith. I don't care how you feel. Faith your way out of those feelings by declaring who you are in Christ. Shout against every doubt and lie that the devil would throw at you. Declare it and do it. God is the ultimate authority on all truth and He says you are not a failure. Always look for the good (Philippians 4:8).
Get up and God will strengthen you. Get up and get moving. Get up and stay up. When you get up, the devil will stay down. He knows that when you take your rightful place, he has to stay in his (Luke 10:19). He's the loser. You are the winner. Get the picture?

Al Thomas
Celebrating His Life Ministries
Email: a.thomas@myactv.net

Sunday Re Cap (7th Oct 2007)

GODISNOWHERE
by Rev George Butron

Clearing the confusion about God’s presence and finding Him everywhere you turn.

2 Chron 2:6; Ps 139:7-10

I. GOD IS NEAR, RIGHT HERE!

Deut 4:7 Acts 17:26-28

II. WE DO NOT ALWAYS SEE THINGS CLEARLY

He is closer than you think

III. GOD COMES CLOSE AND SHOWS HIMSELF

• In Creation
• In the Garden
• Through events: Flood, Babel
• Through a Promise and a Covenant
• Through Dreams, Visions, Voices
• Through Circumstances (Joseph)
• In a burning bush
• Plagues, miracles, wonders
• A pillar of cloud and fire

Gen 28:10-13 and verse 16

IV. WE ARE OFTEN SLOW TO RECOGNIZE HIM

• Jacob at Bethel (Gen 28:10-17)
• Samuel being called (I Sam 3:1-10)
• The servant of Elisha (II Kings 6:16-17)
• The disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32)

“God has various was of drawing us to him, but sometimes he hides himself”

-Brother Lawrence

V. PRACTICING HIS PRESENCE, LOOKING FOR HIS HAND

• The central promise of the Bible
• Discovering how near He really is
• God’s persistent pursuit of us means we must learn to recognize and respond to:
• Divine Appointments
• Activity of the Holy Spirit
• God’s Word/Prayer/Worship
• Circumstances both good and bad

Ps 16:5-8