A Useful Vessel
So whoever cleanses himself (from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact wih contaminating and corrupting influences) will (then himself) be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work. 2 Timothy 2:21
The Bible refers to us as earthen vessels
2 Corinthians 4:7 Yet we who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us.
We are made of clay
Isaiah 64:8 But you are our father, Lord. We are like clay, and you are like the potter. You created us,
God formed Adam out of the dirt
Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God took some soil from the ground and formed a man out of it; he breathed life-giving breath into his nostrils and the man began to live.
and King David said, "Remember Lord, that I am but dust"
Psalm 103:14 He knows what we are made of; he remembers that we are dust.
When we fill ourselves with God's Word, we become containers of His blessing, ready to be poured out for His use. God can even use cracked pots! We are all valuable to the Lord. We can offer His truth to people everywhere we go.
Read God's Word before you go about your routine today, and see how many people you can bless with the truth of His love.
Show Jesus
And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another (readily and freely), as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
I hope to show to everyone I meet the character of Jesus through my words an actions. I pray that everyone who contacts any ministry team will say: " Those people are full of Jesus. They are patient, kind, and sweet."
We are containers capable of being filled to overflowing with the Spirit of Jesus, who dwells in our hearts. If we understand that everywhere we go we can demonstrated His character and virtue, we will be as the Word says- lights in a dark world
Philippians 2:15 so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky,
Jesus called us the salt of the earth
Matthew 5:13 You are like salt for all mankind. But if salt loses its saltiness, there is no way to make it salty again. It has become worthless, so it is thrown out and people trample on it.
Salt gives flavor to what is otherwise bland or tasteless. Be salt today-at home, at your job, wherever you go.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Day 22, April
Live to Full Potential
For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), (in) that though He was (so very) rich, yet for your sakes He became (so very) poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). 2 Corinthians 8:9
I used to wake up feeling guilty and condemned. I was full of judgment and criticism for every little mistake I made. But that outlook creates pressure inside of us that is apt to explode in the face of the first person who comes around.
If you struggle this way, begin your day by reading the Word. Knowledge of God's mercy and forgiveness is vital in learning to love yourself so that you can love others. Live today to its fullest potential.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), (in) that though He was (so very) rich, yet for your sakes He became (so very) poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). 2 Corinthians 8:9
I used to wake up feeling guilty and condemned. I was full of judgment and criticism for every little mistake I made. But that outlook creates pressure inside of us that is apt to explode in the face of the first person who comes around.
If you struggle this way, begin your day by reading the Word. Knowledge of God's mercy and forgiveness is vital in learning to love yourself so that you can love others. Live today to its fullest potential.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Day 18,19,20,21 April
Some Things Never Happen
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Many times we get upset about things that never happen. Satan likes to get us anxious about things that are not even real problems. Jesus said, " The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)" (John 10:10)
The Bible says that the kingdom of God is internal righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost
Romans 14:17 For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace and joy which the Holy Spirit gives.
When we make Jesus Lord of our heart, we have joy in our lives. Satan has no right to steal from you today, so enjoy the good life that Jesus paid for you to have.
Love Yourself
Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor (who practices loving others) has fulfilled the Law (relating to one's fellowmen, meeting all its requirements). Romans 13:8
Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself"
Matthew 22:39 The second most important commandment is like it :'Love your neighbour as you love yourself.'
So we need a healthy respect for ourself if we want to enjoy our relationships with other people. If we don't have a balanced love for ourselves, it is difficult to love others. Life is no fun if we can't enjoy other people, because they are everywhere we go!
Sometimes it is difficult to get along with people because they seem so different from us, but it is our differences that make us need one another. God designed us to need each other's friendships and talents. Do something nice for someone today. Let someone know that you appreciate him or her.
Get Along with Others
But the meek (in the end) shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:11
We can learn to get along with people. It is especially important to learn to get along with our immediate family members and coworkers. There are many informative books about personality differences to help us understand why people feel and act the way they do. Understanding helps to smooth over strained relationships.
People make decisions differently. Some give an immediate answer, while others want time to think about things first. Try to understand the people you will see today. Ask God to show you ways to get along with them. He will give you favor as you trust in Him.
Positive Change
Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking (in your obedience to it). Galatians 6:2
Our happiness and joy are not dependent on wheter or not other people do what we want them to do. We may never be able to influence anyone else to do what we think is right. But with God's help, we can change ourselves to bring about the results we want in life.
I have discovered that if I changed in a positive way, and if it is a permanent and stable change, it almost always provokes change in the people around me. if you want your life to be different, ask God to show you how you need to change. Accept others for who they are, and see how God works in you to complete your joy.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Many times we get upset about things that never happen. Satan likes to get us anxious about things that are not even real problems. Jesus said, " The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)" (John 10:10)
The Bible says that the kingdom of God is internal righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost
Romans 14:17 For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace and joy which the Holy Spirit gives.
When we make Jesus Lord of our heart, we have joy in our lives. Satan has no right to steal from you today, so enjoy the good life that Jesus paid for you to have.
Love Yourself
Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor (who practices loving others) has fulfilled the Law (relating to one's fellowmen, meeting all its requirements). Romans 13:8
Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself"
Matthew 22:39 The second most important commandment is like it :'Love your neighbour as you love yourself.'
So we need a healthy respect for ourself if we want to enjoy our relationships with other people. If we don't have a balanced love for ourselves, it is difficult to love others. Life is no fun if we can't enjoy other people, because they are everywhere we go!
Sometimes it is difficult to get along with people because they seem so different from us, but it is our differences that make us need one another. God designed us to need each other's friendships and talents. Do something nice for someone today. Let someone know that you appreciate him or her.
Get Along with Others
But the meek (in the end) shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalm 37:11
We can learn to get along with people. It is especially important to learn to get along with our immediate family members and coworkers. There are many informative books about personality differences to help us understand why people feel and act the way they do. Understanding helps to smooth over strained relationships.
People make decisions differently. Some give an immediate answer, while others want time to think about things first. Try to understand the people you will see today. Ask God to show you ways to get along with them. He will give you favor as you trust in Him.
Positive Change
Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking (in your obedience to it). Galatians 6:2
Our happiness and joy are not dependent on wheter or not other people do what we want them to do. We may never be able to influence anyone else to do what we think is right. But with God's help, we can change ourselves to bring about the results we want in life.
I have discovered that if I changed in a positive way, and if it is a permanent and stable change, it almost always provokes change in the people around me. if you want your life to be different, ask God to show you how you need to change. Accept others for who they are, and see how God works in you to complete your joy.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, April 17, 2009
Day 17, April
God Gives Us All We Need
And they who know Your name (who have experience and aquaintance with Your mercy) will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You (on the autority of God's Word and the right of their necessity). Psalm 9:10
In His Word God has given us the tools we need to help us through each new day. He has given us " the garment of praise for the spirit of haviness" (Isaiah 61:3 KJV). So, when you wake up in the morning, decided that no matter what happens, you will not be depressed today.
Put on the garment of praise first thing in the morning. Listen to worshipful music, read the Word, and renew your thoughts to bring them into line with what God says you are -- righteous and blessed. You can think right, talk right, and act right all day, if you spend time with God before trials come your way.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
And they who know Your name (who have experience and aquaintance with Your mercy) will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You (on the autority of God's Word and the right of their necessity). Psalm 9:10
In His Word God has given us the tools we need to help us through each new day. He has given us " the garment of praise for the spirit of haviness" (Isaiah 61:3 KJV). So, when you wake up in the morning, decided that no matter what happens, you will not be depressed today.
Put on the garment of praise first thing in the morning. Listen to worshipful music, read the Word, and renew your thoughts to bring them into line with what God says you are -- righteous and blessed. You can think right, talk right, and act right all day, if you spend time with God before trials come your way.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Day 16 April
Be a Blessing
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. Isaiah 26:3
Galatians 6:10 says, "Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith." Second Corinthians 10:5 speaks of casting down imaginations and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. In other words, keep (set) your mind on God's promises and on what is relevant to His plan for your life.
Don't let your mind be taken captive by the enemy. Instead, " lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ." Decide to be a blessing to everyone you meet today. Forgive anyone who has hurt you, and leave unreselved circumstances in God's hands. Don't use today to relive yesterday. Say, " I am moving forward today, in Jesus' name."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. Isaiah 26:3
Galatians 6:10 says, "Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith." Second Corinthians 10:5 speaks of casting down imaginations and every high and lofty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. In other words, keep (set) your mind on God's promises and on what is relevant to His plan for your life.
Don't let your mind be taken captive by the enemy. Instead, " lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ." Decide to be a blessing to everyone you meet today. Forgive anyone who has hurt you, and leave unreselved circumstances in God's hands. Don't use today to relive yesterday. Say, " I am moving forward today, in Jesus' name."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Day 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15 April
Today May Be " One Of Those Days"
Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 1 Corinthians 16:13
Have you ever had " one of those days" where nothing went right, yet you were hesitant to pray because you didn't know where God might lead you? God won't always ask you to do something; sometimes He just wants to talk to you.
If He does ask you to do something, He will anoint you to do it. You will enjoy the presence of His power, and someone will be blessed by your obedience. Those are the best days of your life. Take time to pray this morning. Today may be " one of those days" that God has a special assignment for you.
Praise God
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! Psalm 100:4
There are many opportunities to praise God throughout the day. If thankfulness for your many blessings suddenly rises in your heart, stop right then and tell the Lord how grateful you are for all He has given you.
Say, " I worship You, Lord, for You are worthy to be praised. I need You, and I just want to tell You that I love You. Thank You, Father, for everything."
Then go on with what you are doing as if it is for Him. You will be amazed at how much fun everyday life becomes in the presence of the Lord.
Be Fully Satisfied
Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Growing in grace) they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap (of spiritual vitality) and (rich in the ) verdure (of trust, love, and contentment). Psalm 92:13-14
Many people pursue possessions and awards to satisfy their inner need for contentment. But we can be fully satisfied in lean times and in times of abundance, wheter we abase or abound (see Philippians 4:12), when we learn to enjoy fellowship with the Lord as soon as we wake up.
Before you are fully awake, you can start talking to God. Just thank Him for seeing you through yesterday, and for being with you today. Praise Him for providing for you, and for working out all the situations in your life for your good.
Ask Him to make you aware of His presence all day long. Peace fills your heart when you mind is on the Lord. Nothing is more satisfying than walking with God.
Have a Glad Heart
From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hands shall come back to him (as a harvest). Proverbs 12:14
I used to live with an ongoing sense of dread until I asked God to show me what was wrong. He spoke the words " evil forebodings", and then showed me His word concerning this subject: " All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and forebodings), but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances)" (Proverbs 15:15)
Anxious thoughts make the day evil. If you expect to have a dismal day, you will be unpleasant yourself. Evil forebondings ruin the day, but faith makes the heart glad and brings miraculous results. If you want to have a good day, raise your expectations to be in line with God's Word.
Don't Dread It
The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24
Don't spend your day looking for something easy to do instead of tackling the hard things that need to be done. Do the hard things first, theons you dislike the most, and get them out of the way. For example, don't look at your distasteful jobs and think, I will do those later. The hard tasks will nag at you all day long and drain your energy for doing the things you want to do.
The spirit of passivity will rob you of productive energy, but you have the power of God in you to overcome procrastination. Pray and ask God to help you finish the tasks you have been dreading. Work on what is important first, and soon they will no longer be ruling or ruining you day.
Have Confidence in God
No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promist of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20-21
No one believed David could defeat the giant, but David wasn't discouraged. David had sought the Lord early, which gave him confidence in God to do what he was supposed to do that day. When David killed Goliath, he ran quickly to the battlefild and proclaimed victory in the name of the living God (1 Samuel 17:20-54)
People who rise early and seek God go forth to do what they must do with courage. Ask God for confidence to slay any giants in your life that have set themselves against God's plan for you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 1 Corinthians 16:13
Have you ever had " one of those days" where nothing went right, yet you were hesitant to pray because you didn't know where God might lead you? God won't always ask you to do something; sometimes He just wants to talk to you.
If He does ask you to do something, He will anoint you to do it. You will enjoy the presence of His power, and someone will be blessed by your obedience. Those are the best days of your life. Take time to pray this morning. Today may be " one of those days" that God has a special assignment for you.
Praise God
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! Psalm 100:4
There are many opportunities to praise God throughout the day. If thankfulness for your many blessings suddenly rises in your heart, stop right then and tell the Lord how grateful you are for all He has given you.
Say, " I worship You, Lord, for You are worthy to be praised. I need You, and I just want to tell You that I love You. Thank You, Father, for everything."
Then go on with what you are doing as if it is for Him. You will be amazed at how much fun everyday life becomes in the presence of the Lord.
Be Fully Satisfied
Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Growing in grace) they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap (of spiritual vitality) and (rich in the ) verdure (of trust, love, and contentment). Psalm 92:13-14
Many people pursue possessions and awards to satisfy their inner need for contentment. But we can be fully satisfied in lean times and in times of abundance, wheter we abase or abound (see Philippians 4:12), when we learn to enjoy fellowship with the Lord as soon as we wake up.
Before you are fully awake, you can start talking to God. Just thank Him for seeing you through yesterday, and for being with you today. Praise Him for providing for you, and for working out all the situations in your life for your good.
Ask Him to make you aware of His presence all day long. Peace fills your heart when you mind is on the Lord. Nothing is more satisfying than walking with God.
Have a Glad Heart
From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hands shall come back to him (as a harvest). Proverbs 12:14
I used to live with an ongoing sense of dread until I asked God to show me what was wrong. He spoke the words " evil forebodings", and then showed me His word concerning this subject: " All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and forebodings), but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances)" (Proverbs 15:15)
Anxious thoughts make the day evil. If you expect to have a dismal day, you will be unpleasant yourself. Evil forebondings ruin the day, but faith makes the heart glad and brings miraculous results. If you want to have a good day, raise your expectations to be in line with God's Word.
Don't Dread It
The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor. Proverbs 12:24
Don't spend your day looking for something easy to do instead of tackling the hard things that need to be done. Do the hard things first, theons you dislike the most, and get them out of the way. For example, don't look at your distasteful jobs and think, I will do those later. The hard tasks will nag at you all day long and drain your energy for doing the things you want to do.
The spirit of passivity will rob you of productive energy, but you have the power of God in you to overcome procrastination. Pray and ask God to help you finish the tasks you have been dreading. Work on what is important first, and soon they will no longer be ruling or ruining you day.
Have Confidence in God
No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promist of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20-21
No one believed David could defeat the giant, but David wasn't discouraged. David had sought the Lord early, which gave him confidence in God to do what he was supposed to do that day. When David killed Goliath, he ran quickly to the battlefild and proclaimed victory in the name of the living God (1 Samuel 17:20-54)
People who rise early and seek God go forth to do what they must do with courage. Ask God for confidence to slay any giants in your life that have set themselves against God's plan for you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, April 9, 2009
How to deal with wrath?
Steven Ooi
James 1:20 Man's anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose.
Colossians 3:8 But now you must get rid of all these things : anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insult or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.
Of all the 7 sin, anger is the most dangerous
If uncontrolled, it can lead to disastrous results!
Christlike life
anger is an emotion that is part of human experience
James 1:19-20 Remember this, my dear brothers! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry.
(He didn't say don't become angry, but slow to anger)
Ephesians 4:26-27 If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don't give the Devil a chance.
(In Your anger, do not sin)
God gave anger for good reasons
The goal in the believer's life is to learn how to express it appropriately
ppl do get angry
Nehemiah 13:23-25 At that time I also discovered that many of the Jewish men had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Half their chidren spoke the language of Ashdod or some other language and didn't know how to speak our language. I reprimanded the men, called down curses on them, beat them, and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath in God's name that never again would they or their children intermarry with foreigners.
(I rebuke, call curses, beat, pull hair)
1. Angry can be a normal response
2. Angry is the right response - we should get angry when..: abortion, pornography, drunk drivers
*Moses was also angry when they made a golden calf
*Jesus was justified wen the Pharisess accused for working on the Sabbath
Anger can lead into sin
*Never be out of control
Anger is an act of sinful nature & can be hurtful to self and others.
Galatians 5:19-21 What human nature does it quiet plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecentactions; in worship of idols and withcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before : those who do these things will not posess the Kingdom of God.
(Fits of rage)
Unmity- to be angry at someone for no good reason- must not be part of believers reaction
Colossians 3:8 But now you must get rid of all these things : anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.
(anger, rage)
Anger - not controlled well will lead into depression
How do you express it without sinning?
Anger becomes sinful when it motivates/directs us to the wrong direction.
Don't use as an occasion to sin.
When you get angry
1. You can nurse it
2. You can manage it
Proverbs 30:33 If you churn mike, you get butter. If you hit someone's nose, it bleeds. If you stir up anger, you get into trouble
(so stiring up anger produces strife)
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer quietens anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
(A gentle answer turns away wrath (manage anger)
(harsh words stirs up anger ( nursing anger)
Joseph 10 bro nurse anger by selling him away & lying
Moses nursed anger told him to talk to the stone, not struck
Saul alienated his son
King Harold nurse his anger, slaughtered male firstborn
Finger pointing, tongue welling feeds anger
anger becomes uncontrollable- evil lies at the doorstep
anger is justifiable value when it motivates us to positive & redemptive actions
Anger is more often work of the flesh
Anger in the believer's life must be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit
Manage anger? learn to act, not to REACT
Galatians 5:16 What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.
(walk in the desires)
anger makes us speak inpulsively
If you speak in anger chances, you will not produce the righteousness of God.
2. Pick up physical act that help you relieve stress (Stress opens the door to anger)
3. Learn to be accepting of others
- we cannot control other ppls behaviour
- Its how you respond to them
4. Whenever possible THINK before you REACT - deep breathing and prayer works!
Why are you angry? Is it something that you should be angry of?
How you react? Something constructive
5. Develop a Christ - like spirit toward the people that make you angry
Forgo the right of struggling back (resentment) to do the goodwill & not harm them back
How are you dealing with your anger?
Do you NURSE it or do you MANAGE it?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail.
Love is eternal. Thre are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass.
(Love is not easily angered).
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
James 1:20 Man's anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose.
Colossians 3:8 But now you must get rid of all these things : anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insult or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.
Of all the 7 sin, anger is the most dangerous
If uncontrolled, it can lead to disastrous results!
Christlike life
anger is an emotion that is part of human experience
James 1:19-20 Remember this, my dear brothers! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry.
(He didn't say don't become angry, but slow to anger)
Ephesians 4:26-27 If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. Don't give the Devil a chance.
(In Your anger, do not sin)
God gave anger for good reasons
The goal in the believer's life is to learn how to express it appropriately
ppl do get angry
Nehemiah 13:23-25 At that time I also discovered that many of the Jewish men had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Half their chidren spoke the language of Ashdod or some other language and didn't know how to speak our language. I reprimanded the men, called down curses on them, beat them, and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath in God's name that never again would they or their children intermarry with foreigners.
(I rebuke, call curses, beat, pull hair)
1. Angry can be a normal response
2. Angry is the right response - we should get angry when..: abortion, pornography, drunk drivers
*Moses was also angry when they made a golden calf
*Jesus was justified wen the Pharisess accused for working on the Sabbath
Anger can lead into sin
*Never be out of control
Anger is an act of sinful nature & can be hurtful to self and others.
Galatians 5:19-21 What human nature does it quiet plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecentactions; in worship of idols and withcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before : those who do these things will not posess the Kingdom of God.
(Fits of rage)
Unmity- to be angry at someone for no good reason- must not be part of believers reaction
Colossians 3:8 But now you must get rid of all these things : anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.
(anger, rage)
Anger - not controlled well will lead into depression
How do you express it without sinning?
Anger becomes sinful when it motivates/directs us to the wrong direction.
Don't use as an occasion to sin.
When you get angry
1. You can nurse it
2. You can manage it
Proverbs 30:33 If you churn mike, you get butter. If you hit someone's nose, it bleeds. If you stir up anger, you get into trouble
(so stiring up anger produces strife)
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer quietens anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
(A gentle answer turns away wrath (manage anger)
(harsh words stirs up anger ( nursing anger)
Joseph 10 bro nurse anger by selling him away & lying
Moses nursed anger told him to talk to the stone, not struck
Saul alienated his son
King Harold nurse his anger, slaughtered male firstborn
Finger pointing, tongue welling feeds anger
anger becomes uncontrollable- evil lies at the doorstep
anger is justifiable value when it motivates us to positive & redemptive actions
Anger is more often work of the flesh
Anger in the believer's life must be brought under the control of the Holy Spirit
Manage anger? learn to act, not to REACT
Galatians 5:16 What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature.
(walk in the desires)
anger makes us speak inpulsively
If you speak in anger chances, you will not produce the righteousness of God.
2. Pick up physical act that help you relieve stress (Stress opens the door to anger)
3. Learn to be accepting of others
- we cannot control other ppls behaviour
- Its how you respond to them
4. Whenever possible THINK before you REACT - deep breathing and prayer works!
Why are you angry? Is it something that you should be angry of?
How you react? Something constructive
5. Develop a Christ - like spirit toward the people that make you angry
Forgo the right of struggling back (resentment) to do the goodwill & not harm them back
How are you dealing with your anger?
Do you NURSE it or do you MANAGE it?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail.
Love is eternal. Thre are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass.
(Love is not easily angered).
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
How Do We Triumph Over the Sin of Envy?
Rev Abraham Buell
1 Samuel 18:1-9 Saul and David finished their conversation. After that, Saul's son Jonathan was deeply attracted to David and came to love him as much as he loved himself. Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him go back home. Jonathan swore eternal friendship with David because of his deep affection for him. He took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, together with his armour andalso his sword, bow, and belt. David was successful in all the missions on which Saul sent him, and so Saul made him an officer in his army. This pleased all of Saul's officers and men. As David was returning after killing Goliath and as the soldiers were coming back home, women from every town in Israel came out to mee King Saul. They were singing joyful songs, dancing, and playing tambourines and lyres. In their celebration the women sang, " Saul has killed thousands, but David ten of thousands." Saul did not like this, and he became very angry. He said, "For David they claim ten of thousands, but only thousands for me. They will be makinghim king next!" And so he was jealous and suspicious of David from that day on.
Romans 6:23 For sin pays its wage- death ; but God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord
James 2:10 Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all
Envy : This sin is that of jealousy or perverted love
Exodus 2:17 But some shepherds drove Jethro's daughters away. Then Moses went to their rescue and watered their animals for them.
*The transgression is the discontentment over another's superiority
*resentment of the good others will or have received
*hardest to avoid-with no reason
*word is unfair- someone has done it better
*over beauty, children (for women)...sports, richness, good at business (for men)
In the 10 commandments the 6th says 'Thou shall not covet other ppl's property.'
Brother Joseph. brothers were sick of dreams, they were envious of father's attention
As a result, they wanted to take something away
Antidote-self honesty (self questioning and honesty)
count my blessings (spouse, children, parents, house, sufficient money)
*how ungrateful we are, we never thank God
*seek essence, bold essence
*transform envy into gratitude
*be contented with what God has given you
*thinks the best of others than yourself
*Friendship between David & Jonathan
1 Samuel 18
*he loved him because he was a brave man
*Jonathan knew David loved God. He had the same love
*Made covenant of friendship stronger than jealousy
*David took the rob but he didn't push Saul. He let God take control
*Shows no envious. but love of God & us. Commitment will show the covenant
1. God must be involve in everythng we do
2. Real love must be shared together (give and recieve gifts)
3. Real love must clothed the poor with robes of royalty
*David fully submitted with Saul. To bless of King Saul, he must work hard
*David was not a Yes man pleaser but he was after God's heart.
*Saul's envy of David
*David went out when Saul called him
1 Samuel 18:14 says 'Even if your wise, glory comes from the Lord.Continue to serve the Lord.
*Saul's mind was filled with envy. Thought he was going to twist
*When insecurity turns evil & creats envy
1 Samuel 18:8 'But me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom when you have good news about the person?
*Must give your life to help the person
*Christ made each of us unique in God's eyes & has a plan. Thus, we must trust his purpose
Philippians 4:19 And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs.
*Must not be envious of another person. We are made different
*Sauls 1st attempt to kill David.- scene in Saul's royal court
1 Samuel 8:10 Samuel told the people who were asking him for a king everything that the Lord had said to him.
*Saul throws a spear at David
1Samuel 18:11 This is how your king will treat you," Samuel explained. " He will make soldiers of your sons; some of them will serve in his war chariots, others in his cavalry, and others will run before his chariots.
*David plays music. Saul had violence in his hands.
*David escape twice-wise? or God's will? He continually seek the Lord
*We need to pray for God's guidance
*Prayer is powerful
*Seek the Lord & you shall live
*David was available to do what Saul wanted
*Are you committed to God?
*Saul almost became suspicious, envied to paranoid
*Saul repented. He came back to the Lord. David came back to be a humble sevant eventhough he has great achievement.
1. Hebrews 2:12 Focus on God- seek the Lord & Live
He took the sin of envy on the cross for us-suffered the pain for us.
*Provided we focus on God & repent.
*difficulties don't come from God but discipline us. That moulds us.
2. John 16:22- Joy- The Christian armour. Such like the birth or death of a baby, we suffer 1st, then you will have eternal joy.
3. John 18:35 Do not be blocked by arrogance
Make a good confession
Some people has a sin that has not been removed
Am I a servant of God? Not am i a Jew
Honesty & truthfulness will remove us from our envious love
4. 1 John 3:15 -No habored resentment. Do you love all your bros?
No forward progress without confession. Jesus will forgive u & say come follow me?
Psalm 51:7-12
Remove my sin, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;
and though you have crushed me and broken me,
I will be happy once again.
Close your eyes to my sins
and wipe out all my evil.
Create a pure heart in me, O God,
and put a new and loyal spirit in me.
Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me.
Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.
David used this prayer to repent
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
1 Samuel 18:1-9 Saul and David finished their conversation. After that, Saul's son Jonathan was deeply attracted to David and came to love him as much as he loved himself. Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him go back home. Jonathan swore eternal friendship with David because of his deep affection for him. He took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, together with his armour andalso his sword, bow, and belt. David was successful in all the missions on which Saul sent him, and so Saul made him an officer in his army. This pleased all of Saul's officers and men. As David was returning after killing Goliath and as the soldiers were coming back home, women from every town in Israel came out to mee King Saul. They were singing joyful songs, dancing, and playing tambourines and lyres. In their celebration the women sang, " Saul has killed thousands, but David ten of thousands." Saul did not like this, and he became very angry. He said, "For David they claim ten of thousands, but only thousands for me. They will be makinghim king next!" And so he was jealous and suspicious of David from that day on.
Romans 6:23 For sin pays its wage- death ; but God's free gift is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord
James 2:10 Whoever breaks one commandment is guilty of breaking them all
Envy : This sin is that of jealousy or perverted love
Exodus 2:17 But some shepherds drove Jethro's daughters away. Then Moses went to their rescue and watered their animals for them.
*The transgression is the discontentment over another's superiority
*resentment of the good others will or have received
*hardest to avoid-with no reason
*word is unfair- someone has done it better
*over beauty, children (for women)...sports, richness, good at business (for men)
In the 10 commandments the 6th says 'Thou shall not covet other ppl's property.'
Brother Joseph. brothers were sick of dreams, they were envious of father's attention
As a result, they wanted to take something away
Antidote-self honesty (self questioning and honesty)
count my blessings (spouse, children, parents, house, sufficient money)
*how ungrateful we are, we never thank God
*seek essence, bold essence
*transform envy into gratitude
*be contented with what God has given you
*thinks the best of others than yourself
*Friendship between David & Jonathan
1 Samuel 18
*he loved him because he was a brave man
*Jonathan knew David loved God. He had the same love
*Made covenant of friendship stronger than jealousy
*David took the rob but he didn't push Saul. He let God take control
*Shows no envious. but love of God & us. Commitment will show the covenant
1. God must be involve in everythng we do
2. Real love must be shared together (give and recieve gifts)
3. Real love must clothed the poor with robes of royalty
*David fully submitted with Saul. To bless of King Saul, he must work hard
*David was not a Yes man pleaser but he was after God's heart.
*Saul's envy of David
*David went out when Saul called him
1 Samuel 18:14 says 'Even if your wise, glory comes from the Lord.Continue to serve the Lord.
*Saul's mind was filled with envy. Thought he was going to twist
*When insecurity turns evil & creats envy
1 Samuel 18:8 'But me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom when you have good news about the person?
*Must give your life to help the person
*Christ made each of us unique in God's eyes & has a plan. Thus, we must trust his purpose
Philippians 4:19 And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs.
*Must not be envious of another person. We are made different
*Sauls 1st attempt to kill David.- scene in Saul's royal court
1 Samuel 8:10 Samuel told the people who were asking him for a king everything that the Lord had said to him.
*Saul throws a spear at David
1Samuel 18:11 This is how your king will treat you," Samuel explained. " He will make soldiers of your sons; some of them will serve in his war chariots, others in his cavalry, and others will run before his chariots.
*David plays music. Saul had violence in his hands.
*David escape twice-wise? or God's will? He continually seek the Lord
*We need to pray for God's guidance
*Prayer is powerful
*Seek the Lord & you shall live
*David was available to do what Saul wanted
*Are you committed to God?
*Saul almost became suspicious, envied to paranoid
*Saul repented. He came back to the Lord. David came back to be a humble sevant eventhough he has great achievement.
1. Hebrews 2:12 Focus on God- seek the Lord & Live
He took the sin of envy on the cross for us-suffered the pain for us.
*Provided we focus on God & repent.
*difficulties don't come from God but discipline us. That moulds us.
2. John 16:22- Joy- The Christian armour. Such like the birth or death of a baby, we suffer 1st, then you will have eternal joy.
3. John 18:35 Do not be blocked by arrogance
Make a good confession
Some people has a sin that has not been removed
Am I a servant of God? Not am i a Jew
Honesty & truthfulness will remove us from our envious love
4. 1 John 3:15 -No habored resentment. Do you love all your bros?
No forward progress without confession. Jesus will forgive u & say come follow me?
Psalm 51:7-12
Remove my sin, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;
and though you have crushed me and broken me,
I will be happy once again.
Close your eyes to my sins
and wipe out all my evil.
Create a pure heart in me, O God,
and put a new and loyal spirit in me.
Do not banish me from your presence; do not take your holy spirit away from me.
Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.
David used this prayer to repent
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 7,8,9 April
Make It A Habit
Besides this you know what (a critical) hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up our of your sleep (rouse o reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah). Romans 13:11
The Word says that Jesus had a habit of going up the mountain to spend time with God. Luke 22:39 says, " And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples also followed Him." Jesus formed a habit of communicating with God every morning.
It has been said that if you do something consistently for thirty days, it will become a habit. You can either make or break a habit by consistently doing the same thing. Follow Jesus, and form a habit of starting your day with prayer.
Require God's Presence
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and (insistently) require : that I may dwell in the house of the Lord (in His presence) all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty (the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness) of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4
When I first became a Christian, I didn't desire to pray as much as I do now. Although I do spend time with God every morning, I also spend time with Him all day. It seems that I walk in prayer.
In her powerful book, Experiencing God through Prayer, Madame Guyon says there is a difference between praying to God and experiencing Him. At first you must discipline yourself to pray, but eventually you will give yourself to the ocean of God's love, and experience HIs continual presence.
Pray Anywhere
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)! Psalm 84:4
Once in the habit of spending time with God, you will miss these encounters if you start your day without talking and listening to Him. You can spend time with God anywhere, while doing anything-- in the grocery store, or while cleaning house, for example. I have had great encounters with God while driving my car.
God is always listening for the sound of your voice calling out to Him. Develop a ready ear for His voice too. Whatever you have to do today, do it with the Lord. Acknowledge Him and talk to Him about everything. You will greatly enjoy His company.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Besides this you know what (a critical) hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up our of your sleep (rouse o reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah). Romans 13:11
The Word says that Jesus had a habit of going up the mountain to spend time with God. Luke 22:39 says, " And He came out and went, as was His habit, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples also followed Him." Jesus formed a habit of communicating with God every morning.
It has been said that if you do something consistently for thirty days, it will become a habit. You can either make or break a habit by consistently doing the same thing. Follow Jesus, and form a habit of starting your day with prayer.
Require God's Presence
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and (insistently) require : that I may dwell in the house of the Lord (in His presence) all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty (the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness) of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4
When I first became a Christian, I didn't desire to pray as much as I do now. Although I do spend time with God every morning, I also spend time with Him all day. It seems that I walk in prayer.
In her powerful book, Experiencing God through Prayer, Madame Guyon says there is a difference between praying to God and experiencing Him. At first you must discipline yourself to pray, but eventually you will give yourself to the ocean of God's love, and experience HIs continual presence.
Pray Anywhere
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)! Psalm 84:4
Once in the habit of spending time with God, you will miss these encounters if you start your day without talking and listening to Him. You can spend time with God anywhere, while doing anything-- in the grocery store, or while cleaning house, for example. I have had great encounters with God while driving my car.
God is always listening for the sound of your voice calling out to Him. Develop a ready ear for His voice too. Whatever you have to do today, do it with the Lord. Acknowledge Him and talk to Him about everything. You will greatly enjoy His company.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sermon : "How To Overcome The 7 Deadly Sins-Pride"
Rev Ricky Ho
*Self examination- know yourself
*7 deadly sins lead to spiritual death - What we don't relise if we die.
*Pride, greed, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, sloth
*donkey was a symbol of humility
*humility are the opposite end of pride
*Pride - "an unduly high opinion of oneself".
*Pride and vanity are competitive
*Pride and vanity refuse the truth about who we really are and
*Pride and vanity substitude illusions for reality
Proverbs 6-16-19 There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate :
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
hands that kill innocent people,
a mind that thinks up wicked plans,
feet that hurry off to do evil,
a witness who tells one lie after another,
and a man who stirs up trouble among friends.
*The writer of proverbs puts pride ahead of murder
*God hates the sin of pride-calls it evil
*Pride promotes self-sufficiency rather than God-sufficiency
*Pride means " I don't need anybody else even God"
Pride -argumentative,lying and cheating all is the mother of all sins
*Another reason God feels so strongly about is because it has the capability of destroying our lives.
*Pride is a ticking time- born often without even us realising it
*Even if you would completely overcome it, you will still be proud of your own humility
*Pride Driven or Christ Driven?
*Best lesson learned would be none other than the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18-9-14 Jesus also told this parable to people who were sure of their own goodness and despised everybody else. " Once there were two men who went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector.
The Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed, ' I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there. I fast two days a week, and I give you a tenth of all my income.'
But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, ' God, have pity on me, a sinner!' I tell you," said Jesus, " the tax collector , and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For everyone who makes himself great will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be made great."
1. The Root of Pride
*Self-righteous
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it.
*Satan did not overcome pride. Him, being top of the angels wasn't enough. He wanted to be better than GOD
Ezekial 28:12-19 "Mortal man," he said, " grieve for the fate that is waiting for the king of Tyre. Tell him what I, Sovereign Lord, am saying: You were once an example of perfection. How wise and handsome you were! You lived in Eden, the garden of God, and wore gems of every kind: rubies and diamonds; topaz; beryl, carnelian, and jasper; sapphires, emeralds, and garnets. You had ornaments of gold. They were made for you on the day you were created. I put a terrifying angel there to guard you. You lived on my holy mountain and walked among sparkling gems. Your conduct was perfect from the day you were created until you began to do evil. You were busy buying and selling, and this led you to violence and sin. So I forced you to leave my holy mountain, and the angel who guarded you drove you away from the sparkling gems. You were proud of being handsome, and your fame made you act like a fool. Because of this, I hurled you to the ground and left you as a warning to other kings. You did such evil in buying and selling that your places of worship were corrupted. So I set fire to the city and burnt it to the ground. All who look at you now see you reduced to ashes. You are gone, gone for ever, and all the nations that had come to know you are terrified, afraid that they will share your fate."
* Self-sufficient
My faith is in myself. I have never failed me.
*Self-centered
Worship of me, myself and I. Forget the needs of others or the love of God.
Positive pride-comparison
Positive pride endeavoring become who God created you to be by maximising your potential
Poison/negative pride is minding other ppl's business for yourself
The Point of Comparison
*attempting to maximize yourself by comparing what you have with others
Negative pride is DESTRUCTION
Deceptive & Deceitful
Develish & Demonic
But all in all,we Need to give your best to God
2. The reality of pride-afraid to loose job and $
but when it comes to ministry, we give less to God
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
*Self examination- know yourself
*7 deadly sins lead to spiritual death - What we don't relise if we die.
*Pride, greed, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, sloth
*donkey was a symbol of humility
*humility are the opposite end of pride
*Pride - "an unduly high opinion of oneself".
*Pride and vanity are competitive
*Pride and vanity refuse the truth about who we really are and
*Pride and vanity substitude illusions for reality
Proverbs 6-16-19 There are seven things that the Lord hates and cannot tolerate :
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
hands that kill innocent people,
a mind that thinks up wicked plans,
feet that hurry off to do evil,
a witness who tells one lie after another,
and a man who stirs up trouble among friends.
*The writer of proverbs puts pride ahead of murder
*God hates the sin of pride-calls it evil
*Pride promotes self-sufficiency rather than God-sufficiency
*Pride means " I don't need anybody else even God"
Pride -argumentative,lying and cheating all is the mother of all sins
*Another reason God feels so strongly about is because it has the capability of destroying our lives.
*Pride is a ticking time- born often without even us realising it
*Even if you would completely overcome it, you will still be proud of your own humility
*Pride Driven or Christ Driven?
*Best lesson learned would be none other than the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18-9-14 Jesus also told this parable to people who were sure of their own goodness and despised everybody else. " Once there were two men who went up to the Temple to pray: one was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector.
The Pharisee stood apart by himself and prayed, ' I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there. I fast two days a week, and I give you a tenth of all my income.'
But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, ' God, have pity on me, a sinner!' I tell you," said Jesus, " the tax collector , and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For everyone who makes himself great will be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself will be made great."
1. The Root of Pride
*Self-righteous
Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it.
*Satan did not overcome pride. Him, being top of the angels wasn't enough. He wanted to be better than GOD
Ezekial 28:12-19 "Mortal man," he said, " grieve for the fate that is waiting for the king of Tyre. Tell him what I, Sovereign Lord, am saying: You were once an example of perfection. How wise and handsome you were! You lived in Eden, the garden of God, and wore gems of every kind: rubies and diamonds; topaz; beryl, carnelian, and jasper; sapphires, emeralds, and garnets. You had ornaments of gold. They were made for you on the day you were created. I put a terrifying angel there to guard you. You lived on my holy mountain and walked among sparkling gems. Your conduct was perfect from the day you were created until you began to do evil. You were busy buying and selling, and this led you to violence and sin. So I forced you to leave my holy mountain, and the angel who guarded you drove you away from the sparkling gems. You were proud of being handsome, and your fame made you act like a fool. Because of this, I hurled you to the ground and left you as a warning to other kings. You did such evil in buying and selling that your places of worship were corrupted. So I set fire to the city and burnt it to the ground. All who look at you now see you reduced to ashes. You are gone, gone for ever, and all the nations that had come to know you are terrified, afraid that they will share your fate."
* Self-sufficient
My faith is in myself. I have never failed me.
*Self-centered
Worship of me, myself and I. Forget the needs of others or the love of God.
Positive pride-comparison
Positive pride endeavoring become who God created you to be by maximising your potential
Poison/negative pride is minding other ppl's business for yourself
The Point of Comparison
*attempting to maximize yourself by comparing what you have with others
Negative pride is DESTRUCTION
Deceptive & Deceitful
Develish & Demonic
But all in all,we Need to give your best to God
2. The reality of pride-afraid to loose job and $
but when it comes to ministry, we give less to God
3. The Remedy Of Pride
How can we deal with pride?
*Be grateful to anyone & everyone - food, treat others how you want to be treated
*Beg forgiveness of God for the sin of Pride
*Ask God for a spirit of humility and gratitude (Philippians 2:3-11)
Go to the Lord in prayer & fasting
The older you are, the greater the challenge of PRIDE is
Conclusion
*All of us can be sure of-certainty of death
*1st step for repentance.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Paul Washer
Matthew 7:13-20
The Narrow Gate
Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it. But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.
A Tree and Its Fruit
" Be on your guard against false prophets; they come to you looking like sheep on the outside, but on the inside they are really like wild wolves. You will kno them by what they do. Thorn bushes do not bear grapes, and briars do not bear figs. A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a poor tree cannot bea good fruit. And any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. So then, you will know the false prophets by what they do.
Why am I a Christian?
Do you love the world, the music, talk like the world?
*Salvation is true faith alone through Jesus Christ
* We too often Hate things that God love and love things that God hate
Were you sincere when you ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart?
*The Bible tells us to examine yourself - to test yourself
Are you continuing to repent? and believe in Him?
Do you do things that are unpleasable to God and go for your cfs?
*1 Corinthians 3 briefly says if you are a child of God, you will alk in the way of righteousness.
*You don't tell yourself you are saved, God does.
How do you know you believe? How does the bible tell you that you are saved?
*Because the way you live your life is changing, you're being born again.
*God will make a difference in your life
Jesus knows you? or you know Jesus?
* We must profess that God is Lord and do what is pleases not the other way round
Do you think your youth group is saved?
*Some people might hear the word of God but doesnt have a solid foundation
* We might think :Others say you're saved, what makes your think you're not saved?
*The thruth is,only the word says whether we're save or not
So live your life for JESUS CHRIST! With all your HEART!
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
The Narrow Gate
Go in through the narrow gate, because the gate to hell is wide and the road that leads to it is easy, and there are many who travel it. But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are few people who find it.
A Tree and Its Fruit
" Be on your guard against false prophets; they come to you looking like sheep on the outside, but on the inside they are really like wild wolves. You will kno them by what they do. Thorn bushes do not bear grapes, and briars do not bear figs. A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a poor tree cannot bea good fruit. And any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. So then, you will know the false prophets by what they do.
Why am I a Christian?
Do you love the world, the music, talk like the world?
*Salvation is true faith alone through Jesus Christ
* We too often Hate things that God love and love things that God hate
Were you sincere when you ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart?
*The Bible tells us to examine yourself - to test yourself
Are you continuing to repent? and believe in Him?
Do you do things that are unpleasable to God and go for your cfs?
*1 Corinthians 3 briefly says if you are a child of God, you will alk in the way of righteousness.
*You don't tell yourself you are saved, God does.
How do you know you believe? How does the bible tell you that you are saved?
*Because the way you live your life is changing, you're being born again.
*God will make a difference in your life
Jesus knows you? or you know Jesus?
* We must profess that God is Lord and do what is pleases not the other way round
Do you think your youth group is saved?
*Some people might hear the word of God but doesnt have a solid foundation
* We might think :Others say you're saved, what makes your think you're not saved?
*The thruth is,only the word says whether we're save or not
So live your life for JESUS CHRIST! With all your HEART!
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sermon : How To Overcome The 7 Deadly Sins -" Pride"
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Watchman
I encountered this word 3 times in this period of time
*Watched the show "watchmen" on approx 18th of Feb 2009. It was an interesting show, potraying that hero's can be ordinary men and women like you and me as well, with a final twist at the end.
*I read through this passage in Psalm 130:6 which says
" I wait for the Lord more eagerly than watchmen wait for the dawn-than watchmen wait for the dawn.
on the 5th of April 2009
*As ive posted one of the daily readings from Starting Your Day Right
My eyes anticipate the night watches and I am awake before the cry of the watchman, that I may meditate on Your word. Psalm 119:148
Is God trying to say to me something?
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
*Watched the show "watchmen" on approx 18th of Feb 2009. It was an interesting show, potraying that hero's can be ordinary men and women like you and me as well, with a final twist at the end.
*I read through this passage in Psalm 130:6 which says
" I wait for the Lord more eagerly than watchmen wait for the dawn-than watchmen wait for the dawn.
on the 5th of April 2009
*As ive posted one of the daily readings from Starting Your Day Right
My eyes anticipate the night watches and I am awake before the cry of the watchman, that I may meditate on Your word. Psalm 119:148
Is God trying to say to me something?
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 3,4,5, & 6, April
Pray Before Answering
For (of course) I will not venture (presume) to speak thus of any work except what Christ has actually done through me (as an instrument in His hands) to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed. Romans 15:18
The Father has sent to us a Counselor- the Spirit of Truth - who teaches us all things
John 14:16,17,26 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you for ever. He is the Spirit who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.
As we stay sensitive to God's leading, He will direct us. If we pray before speaking, the Lord will keep us from overcommitting our time, and from misleading people.
Jesus took time to listen to the Father before speaking. God will also give us "a word in due season" for somebody
Proverbs 15:23 What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!
If we listen for His input before we give what we may think is a right answer. God will give us the right words to say if we expectantly listen for His direction before we speak.
Aim Higher!
Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. But (like a boxer) I buffet my body (handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships) and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit (not stand the test, beunapproved and rejected as a counterfeit). 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Excessive sleep causes the downfall of many good plans. You can set the clock to get up early and pray, but your flesh is not going to help you get up in the morning. Your body will nearly always beg for more sleep.
Don't let your flesh rob you of time with God. Aim for the higher goal, and wake up with your alarm to enjoy the best minutes of your day.
Start Moving
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord... who satisfies your mouth (your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation) with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's (strong, overcoming, soaring)! Psalm 103:1,5
Proverbs 6:4 says, " Give not (unnecssary) sleep to your eyes, not slumber to your eyelids. " The Bible is saying, " Get the sleep you need, but then wake up!" Too much sleep beings poverty. It is like a robber who steals from you and makes you helpless
Proverbs 6:11 But while he sleeps, poverty will attack him like an armed robber.
Too little sleep will ruin your day too. Being tired and cranky doesn't help you hear from God. Make rest a priority, but then get up. Start moving first thing in the morning, saying, " Thank You, Lord, that i am alive for another day with You. I believe I am anointed to do what You ask me to do today. My youth is renewed like the eagle's, just as You promised."
Love Not Sleep
My eyes anticipate the night watches and I am awake before the cry of the watchman, that I may meditate on Your word. Psalm 119:148
It is interesting that our popular greeting is " Good morning." Somewhere along the way, someone realized that if we get started off right in the morning, we will have a good day.
Proverbs 20:13 says, " Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes and you will be satisfied with bread." And Psalm 57:8-9 encourages us to wake up ready to sing praises : "Awake, my glory (my inner self); awake, harp and lyre! I will awake right early ( I will awaken the dawn)! I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For (of course) I will not venture (presume) to speak thus of any work except what Christ has actually done through me (as an instrument in His hands) to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed. Romans 15:18
The Father has sent to us a Counselor- the Spirit of Truth - who teaches us all things
John 14:16,17,26 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you for ever. He is the Spirit who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.
As we stay sensitive to God's leading, He will direct us. If we pray before speaking, the Lord will keep us from overcommitting our time, and from misleading people.
Jesus took time to listen to the Father before speaking. God will also give us "a word in due season" for somebody
Proverbs 15:23 What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!
If we listen for His input before we give what we may think is a right answer. God will give us the right words to say if we expectantly listen for His direction before we speak.
Aim Higher!
Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. But (like a boxer) I buffet my body (handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships) and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit (not stand the test, beunapproved and rejected as a counterfeit). 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Excessive sleep causes the downfall of many good plans. You can set the clock to get up early and pray, but your flesh is not going to help you get up in the morning. Your body will nearly always beg for more sleep.
Don't let your flesh rob you of time with God. Aim for the higher goal, and wake up with your alarm to enjoy the best minutes of your day.
Start Moving
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord... who satisfies your mouth (your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation) with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's (strong, overcoming, soaring)! Psalm 103:1,5
Proverbs 6:4 says, " Give not (unnecssary) sleep to your eyes, not slumber to your eyelids. " The Bible is saying, " Get the sleep you need, but then wake up!" Too much sleep beings poverty. It is like a robber who steals from you and makes you helpless
Proverbs 6:11 But while he sleeps, poverty will attack him like an armed robber.
Too little sleep will ruin your day too. Being tired and cranky doesn't help you hear from God. Make rest a priority, but then get up. Start moving first thing in the morning, saying, " Thank You, Lord, that i am alive for another day with You. I believe I am anointed to do what You ask me to do today. My youth is renewed like the eagle's, just as You promised."
Love Not Sleep
My eyes anticipate the night watches and I am awake before the cry of the watchman, that I may meditate on Your word. Psalm 119:148
It is interesting that our popular greeting is " Good morning." Somewhere along the way, someone realized that if we get started off right in the morning, we will have a good day.
Proverbs 20:13 says, " Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes and you will be satisfied with bread." And Psalm 57:8-9 encourages us to wake up ready to sing praises : "Awake, my glory (my inner self); awake, harp and lyre! I will awake right early ( I will awaken the dawn)! I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Day 1 & 2, April
Realize God's Continual Presence
Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and his dys (seemingly) are prolonged (in his wickedness), yet surely I know that it will be well with those who (reverently) fear God, who revere and worship Him, realizing His continual presence. Ecclesiastes 8:12
You can form such a habit of prayer that you will wake up in the morning talking to God. You can fall asleep at night talking to God, and wake up in the middle of the night still talking to Him. The Word calls it "prayer without ceasing"
2 Timothy 1:3 I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day.
I have learned to start my day with prayer and just keep paraying all day. I pray when I see somebody hurting. I pray if I don't feel good. I pray when I feel hurried.
Prayer is conversation with God. It is simply being aware of His continual presence and acknowledging Him in all of our ways. If we do, He promises to direct our path to a place of peace and victory.
Proverbs 3:6 Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.
Quit Complaining
Whoso is wise (if there be any truly wise) will observe and heed these things; and they will diligently consider the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord. Pslam 107:43
Today thank God and decide not to complain about anything. Ask Him to show you anytime you are getting ready to complain, and to help you hold your tongue. Today, give thanks for what you have without looking at what you don't have. Some people have the same problems you have, but they don't know God. At least you can give thanks that God is in your life.
The Word says, " Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness (to God)" (Ephesians 5:4)
Guard your tongue today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and his dys (seemingly) are prolonged (in his wickedness), yet surely I know that it will be well with those who (reverently) fear God, who revere and worship Him, realizing His continual presence. Ecclesiastes 8:12
You can form such a habit of prayer that you will wake up in the morning talking to God. You can fall asleep at night talking to God, and wake up in the middle of the night still talking to Him. The Word calls it "prayer without ceasing"
2 Timothy 1:3 I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day.
I have learned to start my day with prayer and just keep paraying all day. I pray when I see somebody hurting. I pray if I don't feel good. I pray when I feel hurried.
Prayer is conversation with God. It is simply being aware of His continual presence and acknowledging Him in all of our ways. If we do, He promises to direct our path to a place of peace and victory.
Proverbs 3:6 Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.
Quit Complaining
Whoso is wise (if there be any truly wise) will observe and heed these things; and they will diligently consider the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord. Pslam 107:43
Today thank God and decide not to complain about anything. Ask Him to show you anytime you are getting ready to complain, and to help you hold your tongue. Today, give thanks for what you have without looking at what you don't have. Some people have the same problems you have, but they don't know God. At least you can give thanks that God is in your life.
The Word says, " Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness (to God)" (Ephesians 5:4)
Guard your tongue today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 31, March
Operate In Wisdom
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchatble) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! Romans 11:33
Without wisdom we can make poor decisions and later wonder why we didin't pray first. It is wise to seek God early each day before we start making decisions in order to know ahead of time what we ought to do, and them to receive the grace to do it. Wisdom keeps us from a life of regret.
Jesus operated in wisdom. When others went home to rest, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives t spend time with God. And early in the morning (at dawn), He came back into the temple and taught people
John 7:53-8:2 Study the Scriptures and you will learn that no prophet ever comes from Galilee. Then everone went home, but Jesus went to the Mouth of Olives. Early the next morning he went back to the Temple. All the people gathered round him, and he sat down and began to teach them.
Jesus always spent time with the Father before facing the crowds. If Jesus needed time with God, we need even more time with Him. Walk in wisdom today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchatble) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! Romans 11:33
Without wisdom we can make poor decisions and later wonder why we didin't pray first. It is wise to seek God early each day before we start making decisions in order to know ahead of time what we ought to do, and them to receive the grace to do it. Wisdom keeps us from a life of regret.
Jesus operated in wisdom. When others went home to rest, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives t spend time with God. And early in the morning (at dawn), He came back into the temple and taught people
John 7:53-8:2 Study the Scriptures and you will learn that no prophet ever comes from Galilee. Then everone went home, but Jesus went to the Mouth of Olives. Early the next morning he went back to the Temple. All the people gathered round him, and he sat down and began to teach them.
Jesus always spent time with the Father before facing the crowds. If Jesus needed time with God, we need even more time with Him. Walk in wisdom today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
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