Finding Peace
Rev Ricky Ho
MYF Sunday, TMC PJ
31st May 2009
Philippians 4:1-9 So then, my brothers, how dear you are to me and how I miss you! How happy you make me, and how proud I am of you! This then, dear brothers, is how you should stand firm in your life in the Lord. Euodia and Syntyche, please, I beg you, try to agree as sisters in the Lord. And you too, my faithful partner, I want you to help these women; for they have worked hard with me to spread the gospel, together with Clement and all my other fellow-workers, whose names are in God's book of the living. May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and mind safe in union with Christ Jesus. In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. Put into practice what you learnt and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.
*There are many challenges in life today
*Peace is not the absence of conflict
*Rather the confidence that God is there with you always
*There are all sorts of things in our lives that keep us from experiencing the joy that is ours in Jesus Christ
*The Biggest one is anxiety or stress
*Philippians 4:1-9 Even in the worst of circumstances you can find peace
*We have hope and God has set out a big plan for us
*Not to be a generation to be spoon fed but to be creative
3 Keys to finding peace in the midst of anxiety
1. Pray with thanksgiving
Philippians 4:4-7 May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and mind safe in union with Christ Jesus.
*Command, requirement to pray with thanksgiving
*Acknowledge your anxiety
*Turn your worrying into a prayer of thanksgiving
*God bad news? Thank God for the opportunityu to grow in faith
*Thank him for his Holy Spirit- to withstand the troubles
*Thank him that he has all in his hand. (in control)
2. Fix your mind on all that is good
Philippians 4:8 May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and mind safe in union with Christ Jesus. In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable.
*The average person has more than 200 negative thoughts a day- worries, jealoursies, insecurities, craving for forbidden things.
*Depressed people have as many as 600
*You can't eliminate all the troublesome things that go through your mind
*Filtering system of Philippians 4:8-9 In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honourable. Put into practice what you learnt and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.
*Is it true, noble, right, pure, loving, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy?
3. Imitate Godly People
Philippians 4:9 Put into practice what you learnt and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.
*When it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety- there are lots of wrong ways to do it
*examples include being angry, get drunk, smoke, eat and escape into the television
*Paul says, "If you want the God of Peace to be with you-Then imitate the kinds of behaviors you've see me do."
Conclusion
1. If you learn to pay with thanksgiving
2. Fix your mind on all that is good,
3. and Imitate Godly people,
* You are promised not only the peace of God, but also the God of peace will be with you
*Peace be with you-catalyst, spark brought out from hopeless, given up, downthrown, fearful disciples that are able to turn the world upside down
*A message of hope and transformation
John 14:27 Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.
*Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE! (Philippians 4:4)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Day 30& 31, May
You Can Change
We were buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious (power) of the Father, so we too might (habitually) live and behave in newless of life. Romans 6:4
You will never reach your destiny by thinking negative thoughts. When you first wake up in the morning, start saying, "I love my life. It is wonderful. I thank God for everything He has given me."
You will do yourself a favor if you start thinking right thoughts so that you will also choose right actions. Sowing the right actions into your day will form new habits. As you begin to operate in those new habits, you will change in your character. And as your character changes, you will move into the destiny that God has for you. By God's power you can live in newness of life.
Enjoy Challenges
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28
Another key to starting your day right is not to dread things. Don't lie in bed dreading the whole day before you even get up. Dread is a close relative of the spirit of fear. When dread enters, joy leaves. Dread sets you up for misery, because by choosing to dread you decide that you cannot enjoy what you must do today.
Be exited when you face new tests. Close the door to the mindset of dread. Decide early to enjoy every challenge that faces you today, knowing that God will be with you to make your path straight and to prosper in everything you set out to do.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
We were buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious (power) of the Father, so we too might (habitually) live and behave in newless of life. Romans 6:4
You will never reach your destiny by thinking negative thoughts. When you first wake up in the morning, start saying, "I love my life. It is wonderful. I thank God for everything He has given me."
You will do yourself a favor if you start thinking right thoughts so that you will also choose right actions. Sowing the right actions into your day will form new habits. As you begin to operate in those new habits, you will change in your character. And as your character changes, you will move into the destiny that God has for you. By God's power you can live in newness of life.
Enjoy Challenges
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28
Another key to starting your day right is not to dread things. Don't lie in bed dreading the whole day before you even get up. Dread is a close relative of the spirit of fear. When dread enters, joy leaves. Dread sets you up for misery, because by choosing to dread you decide that you cannot enjoy what you must do today.
Be exited when you face new tests. Close the door to the mindset of dread. Decide early to enjoy every challenge that faces you today, knowing that God will be with you to make your path straight and to prosper in everything you set out to do.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, May 29, 2009
Day 29, May
Be Filled With God
My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Psalm 71:8
Consider again the verse from Ephesians 3:19 : "That you may be.. a body wholly filled and flooded with God himself!" Imagine what your day will be like if your body is wholly filled with God. You will be a container, carrying God everywhere you go. It will affect your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Being filled with the divine presence of God will change what you say, the entertainment you choose, and the people with whom you elect to spend time.
When we are born again, Jesus comes to live in us as a seed. Caring for that seed of new life by watering it with the Word, nurturing it through direction, and weeding out the sins in our lives makes the seed of His presence grow bigger and bigger until it fills our entire being.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Psalm 71:8
Consider again the verse from Ephesians 3:19 : "That you may be.. a body wholly filled and flooded with God himself!" Imagine what your day will be like if your body is wholly filled with God. You will be a container, carrying God everywhere you go. It will affect your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Being filled with the divine presence of God will change what you say, the entertainment you choose, and the people with whom you elect to spend time.
When we are born again, Jesus comes to live in us as a seed. Caring for that seed of new life by watering it with the Word, nurturing it through direction, and weeding out the sins in our lives makes the seed of His presence grow bigger and bigger until it fills our entire being.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Day 28, May
Bless Somebody Today
In everything I have pointed out to you (by example) that, by working diligently in this manner, we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said, It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
To have a healthy love walk today, spend time this morning thinking about what you can do for somebody else. Don't wait for God to ask you to do something; take the initiative and say, "Okay God, what can I do to be a blessing on Your behalf today?"
The best days you live are the ones you spend loving other people. Choose a particular person, and think about ways to bless him or her. If you don't know what to do, just listen to what he or she says, and before long you will hear of that individual's needs.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
In everything I have pointed out to you (by example) that, by working diligently in this manner, we ought to assist the weak, being mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said, It is more blessed (makes one happier and more to be envied) to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
To have a healthy love walk today, spend time this morning thinking about what you can do for somebody else. Don't wait for God to ask you to do something; take the initiative and say, "Okay God, what can I do to be a blessing on Your behalf today?"
The best days you live are the ones you spend loving other people. Choose a particular person, and think about ways to bless him or her. If you don't know what to do, just listen to what he or she says, and before long you will hear of that individual's needs.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Day 27, May
Decide To Be Positive
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them). Philippians 4:8
Negative people don't enjoy life. Viewing each day with positive expectations is one of the key principles to godly happiness.
We act on what we believe, so positive thoughts cause positive actions. If you want a positive life, begin thinking positive thoughts. It is easy to do so if you read the Word and meditate on all that God wants to do for you and through you. Get alone today, and think about all the good, positive things God has done for you in the past, and all He has planned for you in the future.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things (fix your minds on them). Philippians 4:8
Negative people don't enjoy life. Viewing each day with positive expectations is one of the key principles to godly happiness.
We act on what we believe, so positive thoughts cause positive actions. If you want a positive life, begin thinking positive thoughts. It is easy to do so if you read the Word and meditate on all that God wants to do for you and through you. Get alone today, and think about all the good, positive things God has done for you in the past, and all He has planned for you in the future.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 26, May
His Strength Is Perfect
And (God) Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your (resources for) sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness (which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity). 2 Corinthians 9:10
There are people who have a lot, but who do nothing for others with what they have. And there are people who have little, but who are able to do much with what they have. Use what you have today, and don't worry about what you don't have. God will make up the difference of what you lack, if you will just give Him what you can.
God's strength is always made perfect in your weaknesses. Don't apologize for your shortcomings; instead, watch for God's presence to fill your void. Be the best that you can possibly be, and enjoy the glory God receives through your testimony every single day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
And (God) Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your (resources for) sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness (which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity). 2 Corinthians 9:10
There are people who have a lot, but who do nothing for others with what they have. And there are people who have little, but who are able to do much with what they have. Use what you have today, and don't worry about what you don't have. God will make up the difference of what you lack, if you will just give Him what you can.
God's strength is always made perfect in your weaknesses. Don't apologize for your shortcomings; instead, watch for God's presence to fill your void. Be the best that you can possibly be, and enjoy the glory God receives through your testimony every single day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, May 25, 2009
Day 25, May
In Our Weaknesses He Is Strong
Yes. You are my Rock and my Fortress;therefore for Your name's sake lead me and guide me. Psalm 31:3
Each of us has our own unique flaws, like cracked pots. But if we will allow it, Jesus will use our flaws to grace His Father's table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste.
So as we seek ways to minister together and as God calls you to the tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them and allow Him to take advantage of them so that you too can be a thing of beauty in His pathway.
Go out boldly, knowing that in our weaknesses we will always find His strength. In Christ the answer to every one of His promises is "Yes", and for this reason we say, "Amen, so be it!"
2 Corinthians 1:20 For it is he who is the "Yes" to all God's promises. This is why through Jesus Christ our "Amen" is said to the glory of God.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Yes. You are my Rock and my Fortress;therefore for Your name's sake lead me and guide me. Psalm 31:3
Each of us has our own unique flaws, like cracked pots. But if we will allow it, Jesus will use our flaws to grace His Father's table. In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste.
So as we seek ways to minister together and as God calls you to the tasks He has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them and allow Him to take advantage of them so that you too can be a thing of beauty in His pathway.
Go out boldly, knowing that in our weaknesses we will always find His strength. In Christ the answer to every one of His promises is "Yes", and for this reason we say, "Amen, so be it!"
2 Corinthians 1:20 For it is he who is the "Yes" to all God's promises. This is why through Jesus Christ our "Amen" is said to the glory of God.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Day 19,20,21,22,23,24, May
Repent, and Move On
If we (freely) admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and (continuously) cleanse us from all unrighteousness (everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action). 1 John 1:9
It is important to be sincerely sorry if we do something wrong, but it doesn't help anybody for us to openly mourn over everything that is wrong with us. We will never mature in our faith if we stay angry at ourselves.
We are to repent of our sin, receive forgiveness of it, and then forget about it. We must not drag memories of our old behavior around with us all the time. Sooner or later we have to let go and say, "Well, I made a mistake because I am just an old cracked pot." Then we must let God's light shine through the holes in our surface.
God Wants Your Heart
But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for a man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Religious teaching turns our attention to our outward appearance, but it doesn't empower us to clean up our inside thoughts and intentions. Jesus called the religious Pharisees "whitewashed tombs full of dead man's bones"
Matthew 23:27 "How terrible for you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look fine on the outside but are full of bones and decaying corpses on the inside.
Because they boasted of their perfect obedience to the Hebrews laws.
But God didn't see them as perfect, because their hearts were not merciful as is His. God would rather have someone with a sweet, wonderful heart toward Him, who makes mistakes, than somebody with a slick performance, who is rotten inside.
When God looks at your heart today, let Him find it wholly seeking Him.
God Likes the Way He Made You
My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret (and) intricately and curiously wrought (as if embroidered with various colors) in the depths of the earth (a region of darkness and mystery). Psalm 139:15
Have you ever asked God, "Why did You make me this way?" Sometimes the things that we think are our worst faults, God will use to His greatest glory : "But who are you, a mere man, to criticize and contradict and answer back to God? Will what is formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?" (Romans 9:20)
Jesus died so that we might enjoy our life in abundance and to the fullest until it overflows. You are not going to enjoy your life if you don't enjoy yourself. Be satisfied with yourself, and celebrate the unique way God made you.
Live to Serve God
For even the Son of Man came not to have service rendered to Him, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for (instead of) many. Mark 10:45
As the potter forms clay into vessels, some for honorable use and some for menial use, so God forms us to serve His purpose. Regardless of how our position in life may look to others, we are all formed to serve the Lord in some way.
If God made you to be a helper, then help with all your heart. If you enjoy cleaning houses for people, then do so as if you are cleaning the Lord's house. If you want to stay home with your children instead of earning extra income, don't worry that God has called others to paying positions outside the home. Do whatever the Lord puts in your heart to do --- and enjoy fulfilling your God-given purpose.
Only God Can Change You
The Lord will sustain, refresh, and strengthen him on his bed of languishing; all his bed You (O Lord) will turn, change, and transform in his illness. I said, Lord, be merciful and gracious to me; heal my inner self, for I have sinned against You. Psalm 41:3-4
Don't obsess over your faults, or you will never enjoy the life that Jesus died to give you. Only God can change you, so talk to Him about your desires. The Word says that those who wait on the Lord will change
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.
Meanwhile, quit taking your flaws so seriously. Don't let discouragement or depression rob you of your energy and make you angry. If you do, you may take that anger our on other people and miss the blessings God has in store for you today. Enjoy yourself, and lighten up! Take the right steps today toward the change you want to make by asking God to help you all day long.
We Are Carriers
The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; the Lord life up His (approving) countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually). Numbers 6:25-26
Looking at seemingly successful people and thinking, Oh, I wish I was like them, wastes much time. We don't know their problems or their flaws. Everyone has trials, and we should thank God for our own, because if we didn't have problems, we wouldn't need Jesus anymore.
Reveal to others the glory of God's presence in your life by being grateful for what He is doing for you. Understand that God puts His treasures in earthen vessels, like us, so that those who don't know Him will see His grandeur and glory in us
2 Corinthians 4:7 Yet we who have this spiritual order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us.
Let the light of God shine through your life today.
God Likes the Way He Made You
My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret (and) intricately and curiously wrought (as if embroidered with various colors) in the depths of the earth ( a religion of darkness and mystery). Psalm 139:15
Have you ever asked God, " Why did You make me this way?" Sometimes the things that we think are our worst faults, God will use to His greatest glory: " But who are you, a mere man, to criticize and contradict and answer back to God? Will what is formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?" (Romans 9:20)
Jesus died so that we might enjoy our life in abundance and to the fullest until it overflows. You are not going to enjoy your life if you don't enjoy yourself. Be satisfied with yourself, and celebrate the unique way God made you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
If we (freely) admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and (continuously) cleanse us from all unrighteousness (everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action). 1 John 1:9
It is important to be sincerely sorry if we do something wrong, but it doesn't help anybody for us to openly mourn over everything that is wrong with us. We will never mature in our faith if we stay angry at ourselves.
We are to repent of our sin, receive forgiveness of it, and then forget about it. We must not drag memories of our old behavior around with us all the time. Sooner or later we have to let go and say, "Well, I made a mistake because I am just an old cracked pot." Then we must let God's light shine through the holes in our surface.
God Wants Your Heart
But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for a man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Religious teaching turns our attention to our outward appearance, but it doesn't empower us to clean up our inside thoughts and intentions. Jesus called the religious Pharisees "whitewashed tombs full of dead man's bones"
Matthew 23:27 "How terrible for you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look fine on the outside but are full of bones and decaying corpses on the inside.
Because they boasted of their perfect obedience to the Hebrews laws.
But God didn't see them as perfect, because their hearts were not merciful as is His. God would rather have someone with a sweet, wonderful heart toward Him, who makes mistakes, than somebody with a slick performance, who is rotten inside.
When God looks at your heart today, let Him find it wholly seeking Him.
God Likes the Way He Made You
My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret (and) intricately and curiously wrought (as if embroidered with various colors) in the depths of the earth (a region of darkness and mystery). Psalm 139:15
Have you ever asked God, "Why did You make me this way?" Sometimes the things that we think are our worst faults, God will use to His greatest glory : "But who are you, a mere man, to criticize and contradict and answer back to God? Will what is formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?" (Romans 9:20)
Jesus died so that we might enjoy our life in abundance and to the fullest until it overflows. You are not going to enjoy your life if you don't enjoy yourself. Be satisfied with yourself, and celebrate the unique way God made you.
Live to Serve God
For even the Son of Man came not to have service rendered to Him, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for (instead of) many. Mark 10:45
As the potter forms clay into vessels, some for honorable use and some for menial use, so God forms us to serve His purpose. Regardless of how our position in life may look to others, we are all formed to serve the Lord in some way.
If God made you to be a helper, then help with all your heart. If you enjoy cleaning houses for people, then do so as if you are cleaning the Lord's house. If you want to stay home with your children instead of earning extra income, don't worry that God has called others to paying positions outside the home. Do whatever the Lord puts in your heart to do --- and enjoy fulfilling your God-given purpose.
Only God Can Change You
The Lord will sustain, refresh, and strengthen him on his bed of languishing; all his bed You (O Lord) will turn, change, and transform in his illness. I said, Lord, be merciful and gracious to me; heal my inner self, for I have sinned against You. Psalm 41:3-4
Don't obsess over your faults, or you will never enjoy the life that Jesus died to give you. Only God can change you, so talk to Him about your desires. The Word says that those who wait on the Lord will change
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.
Meanwhile, quit taking your flaws so seriously. Don't let discouragement or depression rob you of your energy and make you angry. If you do, you may take that anger our on other people and miss the blessings God has in store for you today. Enjoy yourself, and lighten up! Take the right steps today toward the change you want to make by asking God to help you all day long.
We Are Carriers
The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; the Lord life up His (approving) countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually). Numbers 6:25-26
Looking at seemingly successful people and thinking, Oh, I wish I was like them, wastes much time. We don't know their problems or their flaws. Everyone has trials, and we should thank God for our own, because if we didn't have problems, we wouldn't need Jesus anymore.
Reveal to others the glory of God's presence in your life by being grateful for what He is doing for you. Understand that God puts His treasures in earthen vessels, like us, so that those who don't know Him will see His grandeur and glory in us
2 Corinthians 4:7 Yet we who have this spiritual order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us.
Let the light of God shine through your life today.
God Likes the Way He Made You
My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret (and) intricately and curiously wrought (as if embroidered with various colors) in the depths of the earth ( a religion of darkness and mystery). Psalm 139:15
Have you ever asked God, " Why did You make me this way?" Sometimes the things that we think are our worst faults, God will use to His greatest glory: " But who are you, a mere man, to criticize and contradict and answer back to God? Will what is formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?" (Romans 9:20)
Jesus died so that we might enjoy our life in abundance and to the fullest until it overflows. You are not going to enjoy your life if you don't enjoy yourself. Be satisfied with yourself, and celebrate the unique way God made you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Day 18, May
Grow Continually
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with he knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 NIV
God's Word encourages us to strive for perfection by growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and characted, having integrity, as our heavenly Father is perfect
Matthew 5:48 You must be perfect- just as your Father in heaven is perfect!
Paul said that even though he had not attained the ideal of perfection, he pressed on to grasp and make his own for which Christ had laid hold of him
Philippians 3:12 I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself.
We, too, should press toward maturity and integrity
today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with he knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 NIV
God's Word encourages us to strive for perfection by growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and characted, having integrity, as our heavenly Father is perfect
Matthew 5:48 You must be perfect- just as your Father in heaven is perfect!
Paul said that even though he had not attained the ideal of perfection, he pressed on to grasp and make his own for which Christ had laid hold of him
Philippians 3:12 I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself.
We, too, should press toward maturity and integrity
today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Day 16 & 17, May
God Uses What Others Throw Away
And the Lord said to him, Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you shall say. Exodus 4:11-12
God purposely calls people to serve Him who don't know how to do what He tells them to do. His tool chest is full of weak individuals who can't seem to do things right, " cracked pots" whom the world treats with contempt (1 Corinthians 1:28)
But God knows that these individuals will depend on Him and will pray, "Lord, help me," " so that no mortal man should (have pretense for glorying and boast in the presence of God"
(1 Corinthians 1:29).
Qualify yourself for God's tool chest today by telling someone what you have seen God do in your life.
God Enables Us
It is through Him that we have received grace (God's unmerited favor) and (our) apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name's sake among all the nations, and this includes you, called of Jesus Christ and invited (as you are) to belong to Him. Romans 1:5-6
God gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
Isaiah 61:3
To give to those who mourn in Zion,
Joy and gladness instead of grief,
A song of praise instead of sorrow.
They will be like trees
That the Lord himself has planted.
They will all do what is right,
And God will be praised for what he has done.
God gives us whatever we need to be victorious. Because He enables us, we credit Him for all the good things in our lives.
Get up today and do the best you can, and then let God do the rest. Don't try to make mistakes, don't try to fail; but when you do, repent and get things straight with God. If you need to apologize to somebody, go and apologize. Receive your forgiveness, and go on.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
And the Lord said to him, Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the dumb, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and will teach you what you shall say. Exodus 4:11-12
God purposely calls people to serve Him who don't know how to do what He tells them to do. His tool chest is full of weak individuals who can't seem to do things right, " cracked pots" whom the world treats with contempt (1 Corinthians 1:28)
But God knows that these individuals will depend on Him and will pray, "Lord, help me," " so that no mortal man should (have pretense for glorying and boast in the presence of God"
(1 Corinthians 1:29).
Qualify yourself for God's tool chest today by telling someone what you have seen God do in your life.
God Enables Us
It is through Him that we have received grace (God's unmerited favor) and (our) apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name's sake among all the nations, and this includes you, called of Jesus Christ and invited (as you are) to belong to Him. Romans 1:5-6
God gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
Isaiah 61:3
To give to those who mourn in Zion,
Joy and gladness instead of grief,
A song of praise instead of sorrow.
They will be like trees
That the Lord himself has planted.
They will all do what is right,
And God will be praised for what he has done.
God gives us whatever we need to be victorious. Because He enables us, we credit Him for all the good things in our lives.
Get up today and do the best you can, and then let God do the rest. Don't try to make mistakes, don't try to fail; but when you do, repent and get things straight with God. If you need to apologize to somebody, go and apologize. Receive your forgiveness, and go on.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, May 15, 2009
Quotes and A Whole Bunch of Encouragement Goodies (up for grabs)!
Philippians 4:13 "for I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Matthew 6:33 "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you"
Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you"
=) never been thanking YOU and friends for more of these.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Matthew 6:33 "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you"
Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you"
=) never been thanking YOU and friends for more of these.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 15, May
Christ is the Power
And God also selected (deliberately chose) what is the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt,... so that no mortal man should (have pretense for glorying and) boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:28-29
"But to those who are called,.. Christ (is) the Power of God and the Wisdom of God"
(1 Corinthians 1:24).
When God calls us to do something, He enables us to do it. Remember, God uses inadequate people to do important things because that way He gets the glory.
So if God calls you to do something today that seems too big for you to handle, Christ will give you the power and the wisdom that you need to do it. God has said to each of us, " My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in (your) weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
And God also selected (deliberately chose) what is the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt,... so that no mortal man should (have pretense for glorying and) boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:28-29
"But to those who are called,.. Christ (is) the Power of God and the Wisdom of God"
(1 Corinthians 1:24).
When God calls us to do something, He enables us to do it. Remember, God uses inadequate people to do important things because that way He gets the glory.
So if God calls you to do something today that seems too big for you to handle, Christ will give you the power and the wisdom that you need to do it. God has said to each of us, " My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in (your) weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
What I Love Being Reminded Of =)
"I always believe that He will never put us in situations that He knows we can't handle"
by a really nice friend i just got to know, sarawakian!
cheers =)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
by a really nice friend i just got to know, sarawakian!
cheers =)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Day 14, May
We Need Each Other
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever (anything and everything) they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19
We need each other in the body of Christ. Men and women need each other -- denominations need each other. I believe that when we get to heaven, we will learn the truth about our differences. We will learn that all of us were right about some things and wrong about others.
But even the things we were right about won't matter. God wants us to get along, to stop fighting with everyone over petty things we disagree about, and to begin to find the things we can agree about so that we may get along with one another. Practice looking for ways to agree with our believers, and then watch what God does through the unity of faith.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever (anything and everything) they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19
We need each other in the body of Christ. Men and women need each other -- denominations need each other. I believe that when we get to heaven, we will learn the truth about our differences. We will learn that all of us were right about some things and wrong about others.
But even the things we were right about won't matter. God wants us to get along, to stop fighting with everyone over petty things we disagree about, and to begin to find the things we can agree about so that we may get along with one another. Practice looking for ways to agree with our believers, and then watch what God does through the unity of faith.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Day 13, May
Enlarge Your Circle of Love
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1
We can dress up and look pretty on the outside, but God is more concerned about what is going on inside us. When we judge others by the way they look, we fall into the devil's trap of rejecting everyone who does not appear to be like us.
Purposely enlarge your circle of love today. Seek ways to include others you may have previously overlooked. Ask God to help you enlarge your circle of love by taking in people of all types, colors, and backgrounds. Pray for eyes to see into people's heart, and expect to enjoy a great day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1
We can dress up and look pretty on the outside, but God is more concerned about what is going on inside us. When we judge others by the way they look, we fall into the devil's trap of rejecting everyone who does not appear to be like us.
Purposely enlarge your circle of love today. Seek ways to include others you may have previously overlooked. Ask God to help you enlarge your circle of love by taking in people of all types, colors, and backgrounds. Pray for eyes to see into people's heart, and expect to enjoy a great day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Jesus Feeds the 5000
Ibu Maimunah Natasha
10th May 09'
Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus Feed Five Thousand Men
When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, so they left their towns and followed him by land. Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed those who were ill.
That evening his disciples came to hm and said, " It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves."
"They don't have to leave," answered Jesus. "You yourselves give them something to eat!"
" All we have here are five loaves and two fish," they replied.
"Then bring them here to me," Jesus said. He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children.
1. You want visions about your family, jobs, studies, anything? you got to get your feet wet
Joshua 1:1-5
God commands Joshua to Conquer Canaan
After the death of the Lord's servant Moses, the Lord spoke to Moses' helper, Joshua son of Nun. He said," My servant Moses is dead. Get ready now, you and all the people of Israel, and cross the River Jordan into the land that I am giving them. As I told Moses, I have given you and all my people the entire land that you will be marching over. Your borders will reach from the desert in the south to the Lebanon Mountains in the north; from the great River Euphrates in the east, through the Hitite country, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as i was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you.
2. You have to be confident, determined, OBEY THE LORD (do things according to the law) and all will succeed.
3. Wrong perspective :-
* We always think we can do everything
* Since God does everything, I shall just sit here doing nothing.
*Once we do our part, God will do HIS part
* We have to bring our children to Godly life, not our own life;
focus on their happiness, not our happiness, give them faith
*God is a MIRICLE God but he wants us to get our feet wet.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
10th May 09'
Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus Feed Five Thousand Men
When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, so they left their towns and followed him by land. Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed those who were ill.
That evening his disciples came to hm and said, " It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves."
"They don't have to leave," answered Jesus. "You yourselves give them something to eat!"
" All we have here are five loaves and two fish," they replied.
"Then bring them here to me," Jesus said. He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children.
1. You want visions about your family, jobs, studies, anything? you got to get your feet wet
Joshua 1:1-5
God commands Joshua to Conquer Canaan
After the death of the Lord's servant Moses, the Lord spoke to Moses' helper, Joshua son of Nun. He said," My servant Moses is dead. Get ready now, you and all the people of Israel, and cross the River Jordan into the land that I am giving them. As I told Moses, I have given you and all my people the entire land that you will be marching over. Your borders will reach from the desert in the south to the Lebanon Mountains in the north; from the great River Euphrates in the east, through the Hitite country, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as i was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you.
2. You have to be confident, determined, OBEY THE LORD (do things according to the law) and all will succeed.
3. Wrong perspective :-
* We always think we can do everything
* Since God does everything, I shall just sit here doing nothing.
*Once we do our part, God will do HIS part
* We have to bring our children to Godly life, not our own life;
focus on their happiness, not our happiness, give them faith
*God is a MIRICLE God but he wants us to get our feet wet.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 12, May
Identify Who You Are
Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating pasions,and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. (Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!) 1 Peter 3:11
Paul said, "I want to do what is right, but I can't "
Romans 7:15-25 I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. Since what I do is what I don't want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right. So I am not really the one who does this thing; rather it is the sin that lives in me. I know that good does not live in me--that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. I don't do The good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do, this means that I am no longer the one who does it; instead, it is the sin that lives in me.
So I find that this law is at work; when I want to do what i good, what is evil is the only choice I have. My inner being delights in the law of God. But I see a different law at work in my body-- a law that fights against the law which my mind approves of. I makes me a prisoner to the law of si which is at work in my body. Wat an unhappy man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is taking me to death? Thanks be to God, who does this through our Lord Jesus Christ!
This then, is my condition: on my own I can serve God's law only with my mind, while my human nature serves the law of sin.
He was a new person on the inside because he was born again, but he still had to resist the temptation to sin.
Paul explained that "the sin (principle)" (v20) continues to dwell in us. We want to do right, but we don't have the power to perform it, because evil is ever present to tempt us to do wrong. Only God can deliver us from this tendency to sin; that is why we must ask Him to deliver us from evil each day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating pasions,and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. (Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!) 1 Peter 3:11
Paul said, "I want to do what is right, but I can't "
Romans 7:15-25 I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. Since what I do is what I don't want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right. So I am not really the one who does this thing; rather it is the sin that lives in me. I know that good does not live in me--that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. I don't do The good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do, this means that I am no longer the one who does it; instead, it is the sin that lives in me.
So I find that this law is at work; when I want to do what i good, what is evil is the only choice I have. My inner being delights in the law of God. But I see a different law at work in my body-- a law that fights against the law which my mind approves of. I makes me a prisoner to the law of si which is at work in my body. Wat an unhappy man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is taking me to death? Thanks be to God, who does this through our Lord Jesus Christ!
This then, is my condition: on my own I can serve God's law only with my mind, while my human nature serves the law of sin.
He was a new person on the inside because he was born again, but he still had to resist the temptation to sin.
Paul explained that "the sin (principle)" (v20) continues to dwell in us. We want to do right, but we don't have the power to perform it, because evil is ever present to tempt us to do wrong. Only God can deliver us from this tendency to sin; that is why we must ask Him to deliver us from evil each day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, May 11, 2009
Day 10 & 11, May
Light Shines Through Cracked Pots
Let not those who wait and hope and look for You, O Lord of hosts, be put to shame through me; let not those who seek and inquire for and require You (as their vital necessary) be brought to confusion and dishonor through me, O God of Israel. Psalm 69:6
Everyone is like a pot that carries life. But not everyone carries a presence that blesses others. Religion tries to force people to follow laws to make them perfect, like pots without cracks. But if a light is put within a flawless pot and then covered, no one is able to see the light inside the pot. Perfect pots are not able to reveal internal light to illumine the way for others.
God chooses to shine through imperfect, cracked pots. People are blessed when our cracked pots let the light of Jesus shine through. Choose to be a glory-filled, cracked pot rather than an empty, pretty vessel.
Die to Sin
And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
Dying to sin requires a daily commitment. We all have weaknesses, but that is why we need Jesus. He would have died for us in vain if we didn't need Him. Each day we must ask Him to help us with our problems and our flaws.
He will save us from our sins, tempers, selfishness, jealousy, and greed. When we become Christians, our flesh desire to sin doesn't die in us, but Jesus will save us from our sins if we ask Him for strength to die to selfish desires and follow Him.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Let not those who wait and hope and look for You, O Lord of hosts, be put to shame through me; let not those who seek and inquire for and require You (as their vital necessary) be brought to confusion and dishonor through me, O God of Israel. Psalm 69:6
Everyone is like a pot that carries life. But not everyone carries a presence that blesses others. Religion tries to force people to follow laws to make them perfect, like pots without cracks. But if a light is put within a flawless pot and then covered, no one is able to see the light inside the pot. Perfect pots are not able to reveal internal light to illumine the way for others.
God chooses to shine through imperfect, cracked pots. People are blessed when our cracked pots let the light of Jesus shine through. Choose to be a glory-filled, cracked pot rather than an empty, pretty vessel.
Die to Sin
And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
Dying to sin requires a daily commitment. We all have weaknesses, but that is why we need Jesus. He would have died for us in vain if we didn't need Him. Each day we must ask Him to help us with our problems and our flaws.
He will save us from our sins, tempers, selfishness, jealousy, and greed. When we become Christians, our flesh desire to sin doesn't die in us, but Jesus will save us from our sins if we ask Him for strength to die to selfish desires and follow Him.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Day 8 & 9, May
A Precious Treasure
All these (gifts, achievemets, abilities) are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same (Holy) Spirit, Who apportionsto each person individually (exactly) as He chooses. 1 Corinthians 12:11
In 2 Corinthians 47, Paul says, "We posess this precious tresure (the divine Light of the Gospel) in (frail, human) vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves." God uses frail people (cracked pots!) to proclaim the power of His gospel.
He could send angels to preach the gospel, but He uses plain, ordinary, everyday people to demonstrate His power. He fills us with divine gifts, inspired and brought to pass by the Holy Spirit, and distributes them throughout His body of believers. Let us network with God's people today for the greater good, as we work together to accomplish His purpose.
It Must Be Good
For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness. Psalm 18:28
The Bible says that God works through our weakness so that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power in our lives may be shown to be from Him and not from ourselves
2 Corinthians 4:7 Yet we who have this spiritual treasure ae like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us.
God uses ordinary people like us with flaws and cracks in our pots (our earthen vessels), so that people will know that it has to be God working in us if we are doing good works.
If people knew us before we trusted in Jesus, they especially notice the difference that a few years of walking with the Lord has made in our lives. We become totally different creatures when we allow His love to shine through our weaknessess. We may look the same, but we don't act the same. We just ooze with love when we are filled with God's exceeding greatness. Let His glorious light shine through you all day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
All these (gifts, achievemets, abilities) are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same (Holy) Spirit, Who apportionsto each person individually (exactly) as He chooses. 1 Corinthians 12:11
In 2 Corinthians 47, Paul says, "We posess this precious tresure (the divine Light of the Gospel) in (frail, human) vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves." God uses frail people (cracked pots!) to proclaim the power of His gospel.
He could send angels to preach the gospel, but He uses plain, ordinary, everyday people to demonstrate His power. He fills us with divine gifts, inspired and brought to pass by the Holy Spirit, and distributes them throughout His body of believers. Let us network with God's people today for the greater good, as we work together to accomplish His purpose.
It Must Be Good
For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness. Psalm 18:28
The Bible says that God works through our weakness so that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power in our lives may be shown to be from Him and not from ourselves
2 Corinthians 4:7 Yet we who have this spiritual treasure ae like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us.
God uses ordinary people like us with flaws and cracks in our pots (our earthen vessels), so that people will know that it has to be God working in us if we are doing good works.
If people knew us before we trusted in Jesus, they especially notice the difference that a few years of walking with the Lord has made in our lives. We become totally different creatures when we allow His love to shine through our weaknessess. We may look the same, but we don't act the same. We just ooze with love when we are filled with God's exceeding greatness. Let His glorious light shine through you all day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Day 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 May
Use The Keys
They who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord (by right of their need and on the authority of His Word), none of them shall lack any beneficial thing. Psalm 34:10
Jesus said, " I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19).
As a believer, you have authority to live a life of victory and to forbid the devil to torment you. It is not lawful for him to destroy you in heaven, so it is not lawful for him to destroy you during your days on earth. Use the keys of the kingdom of heaven that Jesus has passed to you. Loose God's blessings upon your efforts and bind the evil works that come against the fruit of your labors today.
Brokenness Is Good
Show Your marvelous loving-kindness, O You Who save by Your right hand those who trust and take refuge in You from those who rise up against them. Keep and guard me as the pupil of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings. Psalm 17:7-8
David said, " Lord, I am like a broken vessel"
Psalm 31:12 Everyone has forgotten me, as though I were dead; I am like something thrown away.
They who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord (by right of their need and on the authority of His Word), none of them shall lack any beneficial thing. Psalm 34:10
Jesus said, " I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19).
As a believer, you have authority to live a life of victory and to forbid the devil to torment you. It is not lawful for him to destroy you in heaven, so it is not lawful for him to destroy you during your days on earth. Use the keys of the kingdom of heaven that Jesus has passed to you. Loose God's blessings upon your efforts and bind the evil works that come against the fruit of your labors today.
Brokenness Is Good
Show Your marvelous loving-kindness, O You Who save by Your right hand those who trust and take refuge in You from those who rise up against them. Keep and guard me as the pupil of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings. Psalm 17:7-8
David said, " Lord, I am like a broken vessel"
Psalm 31:12 Everyone has forgotten me, as though I were dead; I am like something thrown away.
Brokenness seems bad, but through brokenness we rid ourselves of the outer shell, the fleshly parts of us, that need to be thrown off in order to bring forth the good things that are in us.
All of us need to be broken as David was; we need to be totally dependent on God to deliver us from evil. Pray today as David did : "But I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God" (Psalm 31:14)
Broken and Poured Out
For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory (majesty, splendor) of His Father with His angels, and then He will render account and reward every man in accordance with what he has done. Matthew 16:27
Be willing to give your best to the Lord, and He will use your gifts in ways beyond your imagination. The lady with the alabaster jar of perfume that was worth a years' wages wanted to do something for Jesus because she loved Him. So she pired out the expensive perfume on Him, not realizing at the time that she was anointing Him for His burial
Mark 14:1-9 It was now two days before the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the teachers of the Law were looking for a way to arrest Jesus secretly and put him to death. We must not do it during the festival," they said, " or the people might riot."
Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon, a man who had suffered from a dreaded skin-disease. While Jesus was eating, a woman came in with an alabaster jar full of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on Jesus' head. Some of the people there became angry and said to one another, "What was the use of wasting the perfume? It could have been sold for more than three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor!"
And they critized her harshly.
But Jesus said, " Leave her alone! Why are you bothering her? She has done a fine and beautiful thing for me. You will always have poor people with you, and any time you want to, you can help them. But you will not always have me. She did waht she could; she poured perfume on my body to prepare it ahead of time for burial. Now, I assure you that wherever the gospel is preache all ove the world, what she has done will be told in memory of her."
God led her to give what she had, no matter how costly. As you pure out the gifts God has given you, He will use them to prepare the world for the second coming of His son. Your obedience today will reap rewards in heaven that you are not aware of now.
Bless People
For you, brethren were (indeed) called to freedom ; only (do not let your) freedom be an incentive to you flesh and an opportunity or excuse (for selfishness), but through love you should serve one another. Galatians 5:13
As a believer in Jesus Christ, you have wonderful, wonderful gifts on the inside of you. You have the ability to make others happy today. You can encourage. You can edify. You can exhort and uplift. You can believe. You can pray. You can lead somebody else to Christ,
People don't have to have desperate needs before we bless them. The Holy Spirit will lead us to be good to people every day, if we will be sensitive to His voice. Offer you gifts and talents to the Lord, and see what happens.
Do Good
This message is most trustworthy... so that those who have believed in (trusted in, relied on) God may be careful to apply themselves to honorable accupations and to doing good, for such things are (not only) excellent and right (in themselves), but ( they are) good and profitable for the people. Titus 3:8
What an awesome thing it is to be good to people. The Bible says that God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with strength, ability, and power; and that He went about doing good, for God was with Him
Acts 10:38 You know about Jesus of Nazareth and how God poured out on him the Holy Spirit and power. He went everywhere, doing good and healing all who were under the power of the Devil, for God was with him.
Jesus spent His days being good to people -- all people. He helped and encouraged people everywhere He went.
We are anointed to bless people as Jesus did. God has given us the strength, ability, and power to do awesome works in His name. Do good all day -- Today!
Humble Yourself
Let this same attitude and purpose and (humble) mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus : (Let Him be your example in humility). Philippians 2:5
Humility comes from brokenness; brokenness hurts so bad, but it "hurts good." Brokenness comes when we learn that we are not hotshots after all. Brokenness comes when we judge others, and then realize that we do the same things they do. Brokenness comes when we think we are going to step out and do something great, and then fall flat on our face because we forgot to stay plugged in to God.
Brokenness comes when we give our opinion, knowing that we are absolutely right to the point of arguing about it, and then find that we are wrong. Brokenness is good for us. Brokenness leads to humility, and humility precedes honor
Proverbs 15:33 Reverence for the Lord is an education in itself. You must be humble before you can ever receive honours.
Let God Be Exalted
The proud looks of man shall be brought low, and the haughtiness of men shall be humbled; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. Isaiah 2:11
None of us are whee we need to be, but, that God, we are not where we used to be. Don't look at what you are going through right now; look at the person you are becoming. We are always in the process of becoming like Chrst
2 Corinthians 3:18 All of us, then, reflect the flory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.
Brokenness hurts, but the alternative is much worse. The Word says, " Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor" (Proverbs 18:12)
Pray to be bendable, pliable, and moldable so that you will be more like Christ in all that you do today. pray to be broken so that the Lord may be exalted in your life.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 25,26,27,28,29,30 April
Stay Plugged In
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Jesus is the Light of the world and He lights up those who come into relationship with Him. When Moses spent time in God's presence, his face became so bright that he wore a veil because people feared to come near him
Exodus 34:29-30 When Moses went down from Mount Sinai carrying the Ten Commandments, his face was shining because he had been speaking with the Lord; but he did not know it. Aaron and all the people looked at Moses and saw that his face was shining, and they were afraid to go near him.
As a lamp must be plugged into the electrical outlet to illuminate the darkness around it, so we must stay plugged into God if we want our light to shine before others. The only way we can walk in love and behave the way we should is to pray, read the Word, and experience fellowship with God. Stay plugged in, and be a light wherever you go.
Don't Get Upset
May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the (Holy) Spirit (Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality). Ephesians 3:16
The devil set us up to get upset so that we act ugly, throw fits, and ruin out withness of what God has done in our lives. Without God's love flowing through us, it is hard to be nice to nice people, let alone to treat difficult people nicely. We need God's help to live well.
The Holy Spirit will give you the power to walk in love everywhere you go. Don't leave home without inviting Him to fill you with the grace to demonstrate God's love and compassion toward everyone you meet.
Really Come to Know God
(I pray) that you may be filled (through all your being) unto all the fullness of God (may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself)! Ephesians 3:19
Paul was praying for us (the church) when he said, " I pray that you might really come to know, practically and experientially for yourselves, the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge without experience" (Ephesians 3:19)
He knew that we needed to experience the love of God personally.
Our faith is not dependent on experiences, but our relationship with God is real, and we can expect visitations from God. We need times of God's outpouring in which we know, without a doubt, that He is moving in our lives.
Begin the journey of getting to know God better and better. Be aware of His love for you all day.
Desire More of God
I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You (progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly) and that I may find favor in Your sight. And (Lord, do) consider that this nation is Your people. Exodus 33:13
As you get to know God better, you will undergo a transition from just praying during times of trouble to wanting to serve Him with everything you are, every breath you take, and every talent you possess. When you fall in love with Jesus, you will crave more and more time with Him.
Once you offer your time, your money, and your gifts to the Lord, you will want to spend every day getting to know Him more intimately. Ask God to fill your entire being with His fullness as you seek Him with all of your heart.
Be Filled with God
My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Psalm 71:8
Consider again the verse from Ephesians 3:19 :"That you may be... a body wholly filled and flooded with God himself!"
Imagine what your day will be like if your body is wholly filled with God. You will be a container, carrying God everywhere you go. It will affect you thoughts,emotions, and actions. Being filled with the divine presence of God will change what you say, the entertainment you choose, and the people with whom you elect to spend time.
When we are born again, Jesus comes to live in us as a seed. Caring for that seed of new life by watering it with the Word, nurturing it through direction, and weeding out the sins in our lives makes the seed of His presence grow bigger and bigger until it fills our entire being.
Bearing Fruit
You have not chosen Me, but I have choosen you and I have appointed you (I have planted you), that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting (that it may remain, abide), so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name (as presenting all that I AM), He may give it to you. John 15:16
The Bible says that we are blessed if our confidence is in the Lord. We will be like trees planted by the waters that continue to bear fruit
Jeremiah 17:7-8 But I will bless the person who puts his trust in me. He is like a tree growing near a stream and sending out roots to the water. It is not afraid when hot weather comes, because its leaves stay green; it has no worries when there is no rain; it keeps on bearing fruit.
I admit that sometimes, at the end of a day, we may feel that all of our fruit has been picked! But God will replenish us if we abide in Him. If we put our trust in God, we will bear all kinds of fruit, and will have new fruit to share with others every morning.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
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