Monday, April 15, 2013
THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TO US…
THE EXCEEDING GREATNESS OF HIS POWER TO US…
Ephesians 1:19-20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
In a seminary mission class, Herbert Jackson told how, as a new missionary, he was assigned a car that would not start without a push.
After pondering his problem, he devised a plan.
He went to the school near his home, got permission to take some children out of class, and had them push his car off.
As he made his rounds, he would either park on a hill or leave the engine running. He used this ingenious procedure for two years.
Ill health forced the Jackson family to leave, and a new missionary came to that station.
When Jackson proudly began to explain his arrangement for getting the car started, the new man began looking under the hood.
Before the explanation was complete, the new missionary interrupted, "Why, Dr. Jackson, I believe the only trouble is this loose cable."
He gave the cable a twist, stepped into the car, pushed the switch, and to Jackson's astonishment, the engine roared to life.
For two years needless trouble had become routine. The power was there all the time. Only a loose connection kept Jackson from putting that power to work.
J.B. Phillips paraphrases Ephesians l:19-20, "How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God." When we make firm our connection with God, his life and power flow through us.
The exceeding greatness of God's power towards those who believe, Eph 1:19. The practical belief of the all-sufficiency of God, and of the omnipotence of divine grace, is absolutely necessary to a close and steady walking with him.
It is a desirable thing to know experimentally the mighty power of that grace beginning and carrying on the work of faith in our souls. It is a difficult thing to bring a soul to believe in Christ, and to venture its all upon his righteousness, and upon the hope of eternal life.
It is nothing less than an almighty power that will work this in us. The apostle speaks here with a mighty fluency and copiousness of expression, and yet, at the same time, as if he wanted words to express the exceeding greatness of God's almighty power, that power which God exerts towards his people, and by which he raised Christ from the dead, Eph 1:20.
That indeed was the great proof of the truth of the gospel to the world: but the transcript of that in ourselves (our sanctification, and rising from the death of sin, in conformity to Christ's resurrection) is the great proof to us. Though this cannot prove the truth of the gospel to another who knows nothing of the matter (there the resurrection of Christ is the proof), yet to be able to speak experimentally, as the Samaritans.
TRUST IN THE LORD...
Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Green Bay Packers' [now Seattle Seahawks] head coach Mike Holmgren looks back at a heartbreaking moment, when he was cut from the New York Jets as backup quarterback to Joe Namath, that directed him to a bigger plan.
"I had committed my life to Jesus Christ when I was 11, but in my pursuit to make a name for myself in football, I left God next to my dust-covered Bible.
But after getting cut from the Jets, I pulled out my Bible and found comfort in a verse I had memorized in Sunday school:
'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths' (Proverbs 3:5-6).
"I asked Jesus Christ to take control again. My priorities in life are faith, family, and football--in that order."
It's impossible to truly love God in your heart and live God's Word unless you have it committed to your heart and memory.
Green Bay Packers' [now Seattle Seahawks] head coach Mike Holmgren looks back at a heartbreaking moment, when he was cut from the New York Jets as backup quarterback to Joe Namath, that directed him to a bigger plan.
"I had committed my life to Jesus Christ when I was 11, but in my pursuit to make a name for myself in football, I left God next to my dust-covered Bible.
But after getting cut from the Jets, I pulled out my Bible and found comfort in a verse I had memorized in Sunday school:
'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths' (Proverbs 3:5-6).
"I asked Jesus Christ to take control again. My priorities in life are faith, family, and football--in that order."
It's impossible to truly love God in your heart and live God's Word unless you have it committed to your heart and memory.
"how can we have revival?"
Once a man asked an evangelist "how can we have revival?"
The evangelist answered by asking "Do you have a place where you can pray?"
Yes the man replied.
Tell you what to do, go to that place and take a piece of chalk along.
Kneel down there, and with the chalk draw a complete circle around you and pray for God to send revival on everything inside that circle.
Stay there until He answers, and you will have your revival.
You see, God is ready for revival...always!
But the question is are you ready for revival?
Are you sincerely and consistently seeking His face? Do you discipline yourself to read, memorize, and meditate God's Word?
Revival in your finances, health, relationships, and spiritual life won't happen until you completely immerse your heart and mind to scriptures.
Spiritual habit is the secret to spiritual success.
Make it a habit of reading, memorizing, and meditating God's Word and you're in sure path to a deeper relationship with God.
The evangelist answered by asking "Do you have a place where you can pray?"
Yes the man replied.
Tell you what to do, go to that place and take a piece of chalk along.
Kneel down there, and with the chalk draw a complete circle around you and pray for God to send revival on everything inside that circle.
Stay there until He answers, and you will have your revival.
You see, God is ready for revival...always!
But the question is are you ready for revival?
Are you sincerely and consistently seeking His face? Do you discipline yourself to read, memorize, and meditate God's Word?
Revival in your finances, health, relationships, and spiritual life won't happen until you completely immerse your heart and mind to scriptures.
Spiritual habit is the secret to spiritual success.
Make it a habit of reading, memorizing, and meditating God's Word and you're in sure path to a deeper relationship with God.
I will counsel you with My eye upon you. - Psalm 32:8
I will counsel you with My eye upon you. - Psalm 32:8
The devil watches you to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10), and his demons observe you to exploit your flaws. But God watches you to counsel you. The Hebrew term means “to consult together.” When you seek the advice of another human, you must describe situations and circumstances.
But God’s counsel is like that of a father watching his child learn to drive. The dad doesn’t instruct from a distance with his cell phone. He’s there, in the front seat. “Steer to the left,” he says; “put on the brakes a little,” he instructs. So God is in the “front seat” with you, gently guiding you through every turn.
The devil watches you to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10), and his demons observe you to exploit your flaws. But God watches you to counsel you. The Hebrew term means “to consult together.” When you seek the advice of another human, you must describe situations and circumstances.
But God’s counsel is like that of a father watching his child learn to drive. The dad doesn’t instruct from a distance with his cell phone. He’s there, in the front seat. “Steer to the left,” he says; “put on the brakes a little,” he instructs. So God is in the “front seat” with you, gently guiding you through every turn.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
THE WORD OF GOD IS A MIRROR
THE WORD OF GOD IS A MIRROR
James 1:23-24 If anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
In a mirror you see what you really look like. A mirror shows who you are physically, and it gives you messages about yourself. James said that going to the Word of God is like looking in a mirror. But if you only go to the mirror with the intent of looking in and not doing anything about what you see, if you only go to the Word of God to hear and not do anything about what you hear, you are deceiving yourself.
We may think we don’t have the power to change, but we’re not alone. The Holy Spirit will change us!
James 1:23-24 If anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
In a mirror you see what you really look like. A mirror shows who you are physically, and it gives you messages about yourself. James said that going to the Word of God is like looking in a mirror. But if you only go to the mirror with the intent of looking in and not doing anything about what you see, if you only go to the Word of God to hear and not do anything about what you hear, you are deceiving yourself.
We may think we don’t have the power to change, but we’re not alone. The Holy Spirit will change us!
ARE YOU HIDING BY THE BAGGAGE?
ARE YOU HIDING BY THE BAGGAGE?
Therefore they inquired further of the Lord, "Has the man come here yet?" So the Lord said, "Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage." 1 Samuel 10:22
One day, Saul went out to search for his lost donkeys. The next day, Saul was anointed to be the first king of Israel. Saul found something for which he wasn’t searching. Even though he was anointed by Samuel, Saul hid himself by the baggage when it came time to reveal his anointing as Israel’s first King. The Scriptures tell us that he was empowered by the Holy Spirit and changed internally. But on the outside, not much changed. He went back home and plowed the fields until one more day. At that point, Saul was ready to accept his calling and outwardly became what God had already changed in him inwardly.
The same thing happens to us. Many times God calls us to do something that we weren’t searching for either. We know that the prayers that we are praying seem impossible. We know that something is changing on the inside of our hearts, but to break free and become that person on the outside is beyond our doing. We then struggle between the God-given prayers on our hearts and the person we are in the flesh. How can the two become one?
And when? The answer is time or should I say, “in His time.” Regardless of what the Lord has put on your heart, you can’t receive all He has for you until you have the character to keep you there. In the passing of time, the Lord is molding you through different circumstances, conflicts and experiences as training for the real deal. Take every encounter you go through seriously. Praise Him through the difficulties and maintain self control when He pushes you to your limit. He will exalt you in due time. As the Scriptures say in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”
Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit.
Therefore they inquired further of the Lord, "Has the man come here yet?" So the Lord said, "Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage." 1 Samuel 10:22
One day, Saul went out to search for his lost donkeys. The next day, Saul was anointed to be the first king of Israel. Saul found something for which he wasn’t searching. Even though he was anointed by Samuel, Saul hid himself by the baggage when it came time to reveal his anointing as Israel’s first King. The Scriptures tell us that he was empowered by the Holy Spirit and changed internally. But on the outside, not much changed. He went back home and plowed the fields until one more day. At that point, Saul was ready to accept his calling and outwardly became what God had already changed in him inwardly.
The same thing happens to us. Many times God calls us to do something that we weren’t searching for either. We know that the prayers that we are praying seem impossible. We know that something is changing on the inside of our hearts, but to break free and become that person on the outside is beyond our doing. We then struggle between the God-given prayers on our hearts and the person we are in the flesh. How can the two become one?
And when? The answer is time or should I say, “in His time.” Regardless of what the Lord has put on your heart, you can’t receive all He has for you until you have the character to keep you there. In the passing of time, the Lord is molding you through different circumstances, conflicts and experiences as training for the real deal. Take every encounter you go through seriously. Praise Him through the difficulties and maintain self control when He pushes you to your limit. He will exalt you in due time. As the Scriptures say in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”
Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit.
I WORK IN HIS ENERGY
I WORK IN HIS ENERGY
“I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).
“… for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
“I try to read my Bible each morning, but sometimes I fall asleep. I guess I’m not a good Christian,” said a very sincere nurse who works night shift.
How many Christians carry a burden of guilt. “I’m not witnessing enough,” “ I’m not spending enough time in prayer,” “I should be doing more in the church.”
Our focus has become on legalistic doing: I must keep these rules and then I’m a good Christian. When we are doing this we’re treating Christianity like a religion. But vital Christianity is not a religion. It’s not a set of do’s and don’ts. It’s a new life in Christ, a new way of doing life.
We receive Jesus into our hearts and surrender to Him on a daily basis. He then lives His life in us and through us—a life that is totally impossible for us to live in our own strength. We recognize our own weakness and pray, “Lord Jesus, I give myself to you. Live your life in me and through me now. Be my strength…be my courage…be my wisdom.”
This doesn’t mean we can be lazy Christians. Paul, who spoke to us of this wonderful life in Christ, also wrote these words, “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:29) Notice whose energy it is—Jesus Christ’s energy. Being energized by Him we can live a life of love and good works which honors God.
Thank you, Jesus, that you are living in me, not just in theory, but in actual fact. Therefore, I have all the resources I need to live this day productively.
“I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).
“… for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
“I try to read my Bible each morning, but sometimes I fall asleep. I guess I’m not a good Christian,” said a very sincere nurse who works night shift.
How many Christians carry a burden of guilt. “I’m not witnessing enough,” “ I’m not spending enough time in prayer,” “I should be doing more in the church.”
Our focus has become on legalistic doing: I must keep these rules and then I’m a good Christian. When we are doing this we’re treating Christianity like a religion. But vital Christianity is not a religion. It’s not a set of do’s and don’ts. It’s a new life in Christ, a new way of doing life.
We receive Jesus into our hearts and surrender to Him on a daily basis. He then lives His life in us and through us—a life that is totally impossible for us to live in our own strength. We recognize our own weakness and pray, “Lord Jesus, I give myself to you. Live your life in me and through me now. Be my strength…be my courage…be my wisdom.”
This doesn’t mean we can be lazy Christians. Paul, who spoke to us of this wonderful life in Christ, also wrote these words, “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:29) Notice whose energy it is—Jesus Christ’s energy. Being energized by Him we can live a life of love and good works which honors God.
Thank you, Jesus, that you are living in me, not just in theory, but in actual fact. Therefore, I have all the resources I need to live this day productively.
WEEPING OF THE OLDER GENERATION
WEEPING OF THE OLDER GENERATION
Psalms 12 :1 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
Micah 7:2 The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.
The wish list of the older generation is very long; yet till they die and are no more, the coming generation might still be asleep, nonchalant, lazy and decide to abandon God for materialism.
This generation is very blessed with modern technology that should have advanced their lives if they embraced God, the maker of the whole universe, who made the heaven and the earth.
God is saying that they have corrupted themselves and have refused to become His children, because of their blemish; a perverse and crooked lifestyle.
Mathew 11:16 -19 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
The older generation are weeping and are wishing that the fear of the Lord which they had exhibited should not fade away from the people of this generation.
They wish that the respect, values, integrity, trust, humility etc which they inherited from the generation before them would also not fade away.
The psalmist- David cried and said, “help, Lord; the godly, the teachers of your word, godly instructors, Pastors called by God are dying to be with the Lord”. Do something, thing are becoming very bad.
The abnormality is becoming normality, values have been thrown into the dustbin, respect has been trampled upon, humility has lost its position to pride, and integrity has vanished from the surface of the earth.
Help, Lord, prospective husbands are in the prison, some in the asylum of life, marriages are being conducted without following the normal process as ordained by you Lord.
Help, Lord.
Psalms 12 :1 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
Micah 7:2 The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.
The wish list of the older generation is very long; yet till they die and are no more, the coming generation might still be asleep, nonchalant, lazy and decide to abandon God for materialism.
This generation is very blessed with modern technology that should have advanced their lives if they embraced God, the maker of the whole universe, who made the heaven and the earth.
God is saying that they have corrupted themselves and have refused to become His children, because of their blemish; a perverse and crooked lifestyle.
Mathew 11:16 -19 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
The older generation are weeping and are wishing that the fear of the Lord which they had exhibited should not fade away from the people of this generation.
They wish that the respect, values, integrity, trust, humility etc which they inherited from the generation before them would also not fade away.
The psalmist- David cried and said, “help, Lord; the godly, the teachers of your word, godly instructors, Pastors called by God are dying to be with the Lord”. Do something, thing are becoming very bad.
The abnormality is becoming normality, values have been thrown into the dustbin, respect has been trampled upon, humility has lost its position to pride, and integrity has vanished from the surface of the earth.
Help, Lord, prospective husbands are in the prison, some in the asylum of life, marriages are being conducted without following the normal process as ordained by you Lord.
Help, Lord.
DON’T GO FOR THE ALTERNATIVE………..HIS PROMISE IS BEST
DON’T GO FOR THE ALTERNATIVE………..HIS PROMISE IS BEST
Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit…
Anthony, a corn chip fanatic, received a call from a friend for whom he had done a favor. “Tomorrow night I’m buying you the biggest steak in town!” Antony fasted all the next day. But an hour before dinner, his friend phoned. “My car is busted, and I can’t make it.”
Desperate, Anthony swallowed a bag of corn chips, washing it down with a can of pop. Just then his pal called. “Car’s running after all.” But Anthony was so full of corn chips and pop he had no room for steak.
Don’t fill up your life with junk and miss the promise of the Holy Spirit’s fullness.
Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit…
Anthony, a corn chip fanatic, received a call from a friend for whom he had done a favor. “Tomorrow night I’m buying you the biggest steak in town!” Antony fasted all the next day. But an hour before dinner, his friend phoned. “My car is busted, and I can’t make it.”
Desperate, Anthony swallowed a bag of corn chips, washing it down with a can of pop. Just then his pal called. “Car’s running after all.” But Anthony was so full of corn chips and pop he had no room for steak.
Don’t fill up your life with junk and miss the promise of the Holy Spirit’s fullness.
Monday, April 8, 2013
WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS IN A MARRIAGE
WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS IN A MARRIAGE
1. AFFECTION
2. CLEANLINESS
3. COMPANIONSHIP
4. FAITHFULNESS
5. GOURMET COOK
6. HARMONY
7. HONESTY
8. INTIMACY
9. HOME-MAKER
10. JOINT ACCOUNT
11. LOVE
12. PARTNERSHIP
13. PEACE (JUST PEACE)
14. PRIVACY (PERSONAL TIME)
15. PROCREATION (CHILDREN)
16. QUALITY TIME
17. ROMANCE
18. SEX MORE SEX
19. SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS
20. SUNMISSION
21. TRUST
22. UNDERSTANDING
23. UNITY
In which of the following area do couples find frequent misunderstanding most?
Please, comment:
1. Communication
2. Domestic staff
3. In-laws
4. Trust
5. Sex
6. Children
7. Time
8. Money
WEEPING OF THE OLDER GENERATION
WEEPING OF THE OLDER GENERATION
Psalms 12 :1 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
Micah 7:2 The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.
The wish list of the older generation is very long; yet till they die and are no more, the coming generation might still be asleep, nonchalant, lazy and decide to abandon God for materialism.
This generation is very blessed with modern technology that should have advanced their lives if they embraced God, the maker of the whole universe, who made the heaven and the earth.
God is saying that they have corrupted themselves and have refused to become His children, because of their blemish; a perverse and crooked lifestyle.
Mathew 11:16 -19 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
The older generation are weeping and are wishing that the fear of the Lord which they had exhibited should not fade away from the people of this generation. The respect, humility, intetrgity,hard work,cleanliness,rightious living etc which they inbibed and helped them as a people have all disappeared from this generation.
They wish that the respect, values, integrity, humility, the style of fashion etc which they inherited from the generation before them would also not fade away.
The psalmist- David cried and said, “Help, Lord; the godly, the teachers of your word, godly instructors, Pastors called by God are dying to be with the Lord”. Do something, thing are becoming very bad.
The abnormality is becoming normality, values have been thrown into the dustbin, respect has been trampled upon, humility has lost its position to pride, and integrity has vanished from the surface of the earth.
Help, Lord, prospective husbands are in the prison, some in the asylum of life, marriages are being conducted without following the normal process as ordained by you Lord.
Help, Lord.
SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE
SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE
2 Kings 5:13 “Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, ‘My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?’”
When Naaman the gentile came to Elisha the Hebrew prophet to be cured of leprosy, he was told to bathe in the muddy Jordan. Furious about this seemingly ridiculous act, Naaman stubbornly refused. His servants rightly told him, “If Elisha had wanted something great [here think “expensive”], you would have done it!”
The people of this world continue with the same frame of mind. False religions by the dozens call for great sacrifice. Twisted Christian doctrine in some circles calls for continual penance, self-mutilation, and financial sacrifice. Humanly speaking, we forever seek to find elaborate schemes to be right with God.
All the while, the Word of the Lord is, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
For many, if God had asked for expensive gifts or difficult sacrifices, they would obey. But the simple act of confession of belief is too much for them to handle.
Some things never change because some people refuse to obey divine instructions.
Divine prescriptions are never downloaded to any man until divine instructuions are followed and obeyed.
HIS UNIQUE POSSESSION
His Unique Possession
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: {peculiar: or, purchased} {praises: or, virtues}
I can't help but feel inspired with confidence as I read the above verse! "Each child is God's unique possession just as if that child were the only human being in existence." I don't know about you, but knowing I'm God's unique, beloved, royal possession makes me feel awfully special.
The verse tells us that we're chosen to proclaim the excellencies of God. How does your life declare the outstanding nature of the One who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light?
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: {peculiar: or, purchased} {praises: or, virtues}
I can't help but feel inspired with confidence as I read the above verse! "Each child is God's unique possession just as if that child were the only human being in existence." I don't know about you, but knowing I'm God's unique, beloved, royal possession makes me feel awfully special.
The verse tells us that we're chosen to proclaim the excellencies of God. How does your life declare the outstanding nature of the One who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light?
Friday, April 5, 2013
IF YOU ARE GRATEFUL YOU CAN’T BE FEARFUL…..
IF YOU ARE GRATEFUL YOU CAN’T BE FEARFUL…..
Some years ago, the story was told of a Christian fisherman who lay in his boat one night when he heard a loud splash not far away.
Knowing that the owner of another craft nearby was a heavy drinker, he hurriedly jumped into the cold water and with a great effort succeeded in pulling the half-drowned man out of the bay.
He carried him to his berth and applied first aid until the alcoholic regained consciousness. Having done everything to make him comfortable, he swam back to his own boat.
The next morning he returned to inquire how he felt. "That's none of your business," said the man defensively.
The fisherman reminded him that he had risked his life to save him; but instead of showing gratitude, the man only cursed him.
As the Christian paddled away, tears filled his eyes.
Looking up to Heaven, he said, "When I think of how men have treated You, dear Lord, I'm filled with sorrow.
Now I can begin to understand how YOU must feel."
Our message for you today is...develop the habit of thanking God each morning and throughout the day.
If you're grateful you can't be fearful.
In addition, meditate your memory verse every time you can. Surely, there's no substitute to having God's word in your heart and mind.
Don't let your age, academic, business etc stop you. Just Do It!
I'm not sure what's preventing you from studying, memorizing and meditating God's word regularly, but what I'm certain is scripture memorization is a life changing habit.
It's one of the very few activities you can do here on earth that have eternal significance.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
THE FORMULA THAT WORKS
THE FORMULA THAT WORKS
No matter what you do for a living, no matter how old you are, and regardless of where you grew up, we all share something in common—a desire to be successful. True success should be defined by you, specific to you and your goals. What success means to one, can be very different for another. Success to some may mean fancy cars and homes. Success to others may mean being a good parent, spouse, or friend. For others, it may be simply to be happy. Or it can be all of the above.
What does it mean to you? As you meditate on this, do you have regrets, failures or you see a great future ahead of you. What do you see?
Your success, happiness—anything you truly want for your life—has to begin with unwavering, non-negotiable desire, commitment, and persistence. Without it, you cannot withstand and overcome the tests that will be put in your way, to not only see how badly you really want it, but to help you appreciate what you have once you get it. Because it is through the tests, that you discover yourself and your purpose, which is what you were really looking for to begin with.
Through my journey in life, I have faced many obstacles and made many mistakes. The gift from those obstacles and mistakes are these principles, which I use as my guidelines—or should I say my way of life—to keep building my foundation stronger, and reaching higher to live to my fullest potential.
1. The only thing in life you have control over is your perspective. No matter what happens, YOU control what the meaning is, and what to do with the meaning you give to the circumstance.
2. Have more fear of regret than failure.
3. Failure is only part of the journey to success. There is not one success story out there that hasn’t experienced failure. The reason you are hearing about it as a success story is because those people saw failure as a tool to get it right.
4. It’s not about what you want to do for a living, it’s about you who want to be. What is your purpose and legacy? I believe the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is wrong. We need to be asking, “Who do you want to be? What footprint do you want to leave in this world?” From there, you will have your answer as to what you should “do.”
5. Stay focused on your race within. When you are too busy looking behind and around you, people are passing you by.
6. True leadership comes from good energy. Worry more about what your energy is like than the firmness your handshake.
7. Life will give you the same challenges/problems over and over again until you learn your lesson.
8. Until you jump over your inner roadblocks, your outer ones will stay firmly in place. We spend so much time focused on all the exterior obstacles around us, letting them be our excuses. But the more clear and aware we are of our internal roadblocks, and dissolve them, the external roadblocks will begin to disappear, too.
9. The most successful people are the ones that work on themselves first.
10. Do not judge—be inspired. If you are too busy judging everyone and everything around you, you are not remaining open to find inspiration in everyone and everything around you.
11. You are not allowed to complain about something unless you are going to do something about it.
12. Surround yourself with people you want to be like.
13. Learn to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. The more fears you face, the more you will grow.
14. Always ask, “What if?” and, “Why Not?” Instead of thinking, “What if I fail?” ask, “What if I succeed?”
15. Creativity is your unlimited capital. Understand and harness its power.
16. “I only have good days.” If you start off everyday with this mindset, even when challenges emerge, your positive mindset will help you overcome them more readily.
17. Create your own footprint. You do not need to do what others have done before you.
Seriously meditate on the above, apply them to your daily living, and come out from among “ them” .. the unserious minded people, the lazy folks, the dreamless people ,…….etc and be who God ordained you to be; a solution and not a pain….
No matter what you do for a living, no matter how old you are, and regardless of where you grew up, we all share something in common—a desire to be successful. True success should be defined by you, specific to you and your goals. What success means to one, can be very different for another. Success to some may mean fancy cars and homes. Success to others may mean being a good parent, spouse, or friend. For others, it may be simply to be happy. Or it can be all of the above.
What does it mean to you? As you meditate on this, do you have regrets, failures or you see a great future ahead of you. What do you see?
Your success, happiness—anything you truly want for your life—has to begin with unwavering, non-negotiable desire, commitment, and persistence. Without it, you cannot withstand and overcome the tests that will be put in your way, to not only see how badly you really want it, but to help you appreciate what you have once you get it. Because it is through the tests, that you discover yourself and your purpose, which is what you were really looking for to begin with.
Through my journey in life, I have faced many obstacles and made many mistakes. The gift from those obstacles and mistakes are these principles, which I use as my guidelines—or should I say my way of life—to keep building my foundation stronger, and reaching higher to live to my fullest potential.
1. The only thing in life you have control over is your perspective. No matter what happens, YOU control what the meaning is, and what to do with the meaning you give to the circumstance.
2. Have more fear of regret than failure.
3. Failure is only part of the journey to success. There is not one success story out there that hasn’t experienced failure. The reason you are hearing about it as a success story is because those people saw failure as a tool to get it right.
4. It’s not about what you want to do for a living, it’s about you who want to be. What is your purpose and legacy? I believe the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is wrong. We need to be asking, “Who do you want to be? What footprint do you want to leave in this world?” From there, you will have your answer as to what you should “do.”
5. Stay focused on your race within. When you are too busy looking behind and around you, people are passing you by.
6. True leadership comes from good energy. Worry more about what your energy is like than the firmness your handshake.
7. Life will give you the same challenges/problems over and over again until you learn your lesson.
8. Until you jump over your inner roadblocks, your outer ones will stay firmly in place. We spend so much time focused on all the exterior obstacles around us, letting them be our excuses. But the more clear and aware we are of our internal roadblocks, and dissolve them, the external roadblocks will begin to disappear, too.
9. The most successful people are the ones that work on themselves first.
10. Do not judge—be inspired. If you are too busy judging everyone and everything around you, you are not remaining open to find inspiration in everyone and everything around you.
11. You are not allowed to complain about something unless you are going to do something about it.
12. Surround yourself with people you want to be like.
13. Learn to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. The more fears you face, the more you will grow.
14. Always ask, “What if?” and, “Why Not?” Instead of thinking, “What if I fail?” ask, “What if I succeed?”
15. Creativity is your unlimited capital. Understand and harness its power.
16. “I only have good days.” If you start off everyday with this mindset, even when challenges emerge, your positive mindset will help you overcome them more readily.
17. Create your own footprint. You do not need to do what others have done before you.
Seriously meditate on the above, apply them to your daily living, and come out from among “ them” .. the unserious minded people, the lazy folks, the dreamless people ,…….etc and be who God ordained you to be; a solution and not a pain….
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
MY FRIEND’S POSTURE OF PRAYERS
MY FRIEND’S POSTURE OF PRAYERS
Psalms 143:6-7 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
One of my friends said:
“I’ve been thinking a lot about prayer lately. Maybe it’s because I need prayer like I’ve never needed it before – well actually I’ve always need it. But it just seems like prayer has taken the forefront of my mind and heart recently. But it hasn’t always been this way for me. . .”
To be honest, he said he has wrestled a lot with this thing called prayer.
*Why does God want us to pray when He knows what we need even better than we know ourselves?
*What good does his prayer even do? Who am I to change God’s mind or challenge Him on His ideas?
*How do I know that I am praying in “God’s Will”? Can anyone really know the will of God?
These and other questions have done battle in my mind as I’ve tried to work out this idea of prayer. It seems like prayer comes so naturally to some people. They find no trouble in praying “without ceasing”. But me, well it seems like I’ve always struggled.
But as I’ve grappled with this, I come to realize that it’s not about my questions but more about my heart. And I’ve allowed my questions to hinder my pursuit of prayer.
Prayer is a conversation with my Heavenly Father. Prayer is pouring out my heart to Him. It’s declaring my frailness and His strength, my simple-mindedness and His wisdom, my need and His provision.
Prayer is a place of humility . . . Prayer admits that we NEED God, that we are DEPENDENT on Him, that we CANNOT do it without Him.
Just as a loyal citizen kneels before their king to declare their submission to his decisions, laws and judgments, we proclaim the same thing when we pray. Turning to God in prayer for guidance and help declares that, “He is God and we are not.” It’s our way of surrendering to His Ways, His Work and His Will for our lives.
In Psalm 143:6-7 David declares his dependence to the KING . . .
Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to You to hide me. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
In these verses it’s easy to see David’s posture in His prayer. He is kneeling before his King offering his trust, asking for guidance and surrendering to His leading.
Do you struggle with prayer? Have you come to God with pride in your heart? Maybe you’re kneeling on the outside but not on the inside? Whatever it may be, I encourage you to let go and turn to the One who is ready and waiting to hear from you.
Lord, I pray that you would humble me under Your mighty power and I trust that at the right time You will lift me up in honor. I give You all my worries and cares because I know You care about me. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Psalms 143:6-7 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
One of my friends said:
“I’ve been thinking a lot about prayer lately. Maybe it’s because I need prayer like I’ve never needed it before – well actually I’ve always need it. But it just seems like prayer has taken the forefront of my mind and heart recently. But it hasn’t always been this way for me. . .”
To be honest, he said he has wrestled a lot with this thing called prayer.
*Why does God want us to pray when He knows what we need even better than we know ourselves?
*What good does his prayer even do? Who am I to change God’s mind or challenge Him on His ideas?
*How do I know that I am praying in “God’s Will”? Can anyone really know the will of God?
These and other questions have done battle in my mind as I’ve tried to work out this idea of prayer. It seems like prayer comes so naturally to some people. They find no trouble in praying “without ceasing”. But me, well it seems like I’ve always struggled.
But as I’ve grappled with this, I come to realize that it’s not about my questions but more about my heart. And I’ve allowed my questions to hinder my pursuit of prayer.
Prayer is a conversation with my Heavenly Father. Prayer is pouring out my heart to Him. It’s declaring my frailness and His strength, my simple-mindedness and His wisdom, my need and His provision.
Prayer is a place of humility . . . Prayer admits that we NEED God, that we are DEPENDENT on Him, that we CANNOT do it without Him.
Just as a loyal citizen kneels before their king to declare their submission to his decisions, laws and judgments, we proclaim the same thing when we pray. Turning to God in prayer for guidance and help declares that, “He is God and we are not.” It’s our way of surrendering to His Ways, His Work and His Will for our lives.
In Psalm 143:6-7 David declares his dependence to the KING . . .
Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to You to hide me. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
In these verses it’s easy to see David’s posture in His prayer. He is kneeling before his King offering his trust, asking for guidance and surrendering to His leading.
Do you struggle with prayer? Have you come to God with pride in your heart? Maybe you’re kneeling on the outside but not on the inside? Whatever it may be, I encourage you to let go and turn to the One who is ready and waiting to hear from you.
Lord, I pray that you would humble me under Your mighty power and I trust that at the right time You will lift me up in honor. I give You all my worries and cares because I know You care about me. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
YOUR DESTINY REST IN YOUR OWN HANDS
YOUR DESTINY REST IN YOUR OWN HANDS
Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
Mathew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mathew18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
(KJV)
......A young boy was in training to become a good professional in his field.
One day, concludhe decidec to test the inteligence of his teacher .
He caught and hid a bird in his hand amd proceeded to his teacher to ask him if the bird was dead or alive?.
His plan was the following: if his teacher said 'dead', he would open his hand and the bird would fly away.
If the answer was 'alive', he would crush the bird between his fingers; that way the teacher would be wrong whichever answer he gave.
'Teacher, is the bird alive or dead?' he asked again.
'My dear student, that depends on you,' was the teacher's reply.
The fate of that little bird rested in the hands of that young man just as the destiny of your soul rest in your own hands.
God does not determine where you will spend eternity, that choice is made by you.
To accept Christ as Savior or to reject Him is totally up to you.
How close you want to be with God is your decision.
Again, I encourage you to study, meditate and memorize God's word. It's one way to be closer to God and resist the enemy.
If God meant for His Word to be remembered, then why is it so tough to study, meditate and memorize it?
The real problem is not you, your brain, or even your age. It's not the complexity of the scripture either. It lies on whether you choose to study, meditate the scriptures and posses your possession.
Job 22:28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.
Mathew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mathew18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
(KJV)
......A young boy was in training to become a good professional in his field.
One day, concludhe decidec to test the inteligence of his teacher .
He caught and hid a bird in his hand amd proceeded to his teacher to ask him if the bird was dead or alive?.
His plan was the following: if his teacher said 'dead', he would open his hand and the bird would fly away.
If the answer was 'alive', he would crush the bird between his fingers; that way the teacher would be wrong whichever answer he gave.
'Teacher, is the bird alive or dead?' he asked again.
'My dear student, that depends on you,' was the teacher's reply.
The fate of that little bird rested in the hands of that young man just as the destiny of your soul rest in your own hands.
God does not determine where you will spend eternity, that choice is made by you.
To accept Christ as Savior or to reject Him is totally up to you.
How close you want to be with God is your decision.
Again, I encourage you to study, meditate and memorize God's word. It's one way to be closer to God and resist the enemy.
If God meant for His Word to be remembered, then why is it so tough to study, meditate and memorize it?
The real problem is not you, your brain, or even your age. It's not the complexity of the scripture either. It lies on whether you choose to study, meditate the scriptures and posses your possession.
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