Depend on God
And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. Philippians 1:6
Whatever you may be struggling with today, the Holy Spirit will help you live a self-controlled life, because the Bible says that self-control is a fruit of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self control. There is no law against such things as these.
Allow the Holy Spirit to help you admit when you have a problem that you need His help to overcome; then ask God to help from the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, "Behold! I have given you authority and power... and (physical and mental strength and ability) over all the power that the enemy (possesses)" (Luke 10:19)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Day 27 & 28, September
Reap the Good Life
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have (perfect) peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer (take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted)! For I have overcome the world. (I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.) John 16:33
God showed me that my life was in a mess because of the decisions I had made. He said, "Joyce (the author), you have change; start sowing good seeds, and down the road somewhere, you will reap."
If trials come against you, don't try to figure out whether you sowed some bad seeds that produced them. Trials will come, but if you will obey the Word of God long enough (not just five minutes of trial and error), sooner or later, you will come into the good life that God has prearranged for you to live.
Plant Purposefully
Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or bby His precepts being set aside). (He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.) For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. Galatians 6:7
Choose carefully what you sow through your words and actions, and plant only what you want to reap:"For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:8).
Everything you do, all day long, is an opportunity to sow good seeds, or bad ones, that can drastically change things in your life. Get an early start in sowing only what you want to come back to you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have (perfect) peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer (take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted)! For I have overcome the world. (I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.) John 16:33
God showed me that my life was in a mess because of the decisions I had made. He said, "Joyce (the author), you have change; start sowing good seeds, and down the road somewhere, you will reap."
If trials come against you, don't try to figure out whether you sowed some bad seeds that produced them. Trials will come, but if you will obey the Word of God long enough (not just five minutes of trial and error), sooner or later, you will come into the good life that God has prearranged for you to live.
Plant Purposefully
Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or bby His precepts being set aside). (He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.) For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. Galatians 6:7
Choose carefully what you sow through your words and actions, and plant only what you want to reap:"For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:8).
Everything you do, all day long, is an opportunity to sow good seeds, or bad ones, that can drastically change things in your life. Get an early start in sowing only what you want to come back to you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Day 25 & 26 September
Sow What You Want to Reap
Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire fore and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you. Hosea 10:12
There is never a harvest without a time of sowing
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 Everything that happens in this world happens at that time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up.
God can do anything He wants to, but He has established a life principle that works for everyone: "First you sow, and then you reap." It always happens in that order.
Those who sow trouble and mischief reap the same. Those who sow righteousness reap mercy. If God tells you to do something, and you sow obedience, and one you have passed the test, you will reap a good harvest. Remember the sequence: What you sow today, you will reap tomorrow.
Sow Generously
(Remember) this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously (that blessings may come to someone) will also reap generously and with blessings. 2 Corinthians 9:6
We don't sow now and reap a harvest five minutes later. We need to endure patiently in order to reap the blessings of righteousness. Ten to fifteen years may pass before a harvest comes, but God's Word is still true.
Be willing to go through the test of time in order to enjoy the harvest God promises. His Word says, "In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withold not your hands, for you know not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both alike will be good" (Ecclesiastes 11:6). Sow good seeds generously today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sow for yourselves according to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); reap according to mercy and loving-kindness. Break up your uncultivated ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, to inquire fore and of Him, and to require His favor, till He comes and teaches you righteousness and rains His righteous gift of salvation upon you. Hosea 10:12
There is never a harvest without a time of sowing
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 Everything that happens in this world happens at that time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up.
God can do anything He wants to, but He has established a life principle that works for everyone: "First you sow, and then you reap." It always happens in that order.
Those who sow trouble and mischief reap the same. Those who sow righteousness reap mercy. If God tells you to do something, and you sow obedience, and one you have passed the test, you will reap a good harvest. Remember the sequence: What you sow today, you will reap tomorrow.
Sow Generously
(Remember) this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously (that blessings may come to someone) will also reap generously and with blessings. 2 Corinthians 9:6
We don't sow now and reap a harvest five minutes later. We need to endure patiently in order to reap the blessings of righteousness. Ten to fifteen years may pass before a harvest comes, but God's Word is still true.
Be willing to go through the test of time in order to enjoy the harvest God promises. His Word says, "In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withold not your hands, for you know not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both alike will be good" (Ecclesiastes 11:6). Sow good seeds generously today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Day 24, September
Be Responsible
But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the (Holy) Spirit of God (really) dwells within you (directs and controls you). But if anyone does not possess the (Holy) Spirit of Christ, he is none of His (he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God). Romans 8:9
Romans 8:8 declares :"Those who are living the life of the flesh (catering to the appetities and impulses of their carnal nature) cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him."
God wants us to enjoy the good life. Here He is saying to us, "If you walk in the Spirit, you will reap blessings from the Spirit-controlled life both now and hereafter."
Be responsible for your choices today. You cannot choose to live in the flesh and still expect everything to work out well. Choose to be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the (Holy) Spirit of God (really) dwells within you (directs and controls you). But if anyone does not possess the (Holy) Spirit of Christ, he is none of His (he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God). Romans 8:9
Romans 8:8 declares :"Those who are living the life of the flesh (catering to the appetities and impulses of their carnal nature) cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him."
God wants us to enjoy the good life. Here He is saying to us, "If you walk in the Spirit, you will reap blessings from the Spirit-controlled life both now and hereafter."
Be responsible for your choices today. You cannot choose to live in the flesh and still expect everything to work out well. Choose to be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Day 22 & 23 September
Be A Doer of the Word
My life makes its boast in the Lord. Psalm 34:2
I have found three principles to be life-changing when followed faithfully every day:
1. Eliminate excuses and avoid procrastination. Being a doer of the Word is putting your faith into action. Faith without action is dead faith
James 2:20 You fool! Do you want to be shown that faith without actions is useless?
2. Face the truth no matter how painful it is. Truth is the only thing that will set you free
John 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
God's Word is full of truth. Start your day in the Word of God.
3. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Understand who you are in Jesus Christ. You are more than capable in Him
Philippians 4:13 I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
Enjoy the Power to Love Others
So speak and so act as (people should) who are to be judged under the law of liberty (the moral instruction given by Christ, especially about love). James 2:12
It can be difficult to grasp the idea of the "law of liberty", because law and liberty seem to be worlds apart: A law says one thing, while liberty says another. I believe the law of liberty spoken of in James 1:25 refers to the freedom of self-control, because God puts a new heart in us that wants to obey His law of love.
With this new heart that Jesus gave you, you have the ability to be led of the Spirit, who gives you the power and freedom to love others. Enjoy your day by allowing the Lord to love others through you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
My life makes its boast in the Lord. Psalm 34:2
I have found three principles to be life-changing when followed faithfully every day:
1. Eliminate excuses and avoid procrastination. Being a doer of the Word is putting your faith into action. Faith without action is dead faith
James 2:20 You fool! Do you want to be shown that faith without actions is useless?
2. Face the truth no matter how painful it is. Truth is the only thing that will set you free
John 8:32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
God's Word is full of truth. Start your day in the Word of God.
3. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Understand who you are in Jesus Christ. You are more than capable in Him
Philippians 4:13 I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
Enjoy the Power to Love Others
So speak and so act as (people should) who are to be judged under the law of liberty (the moral instruction given by Christ, especially about love). James 2:12
It can be difficult to grasp the idea of the "law of liberty", because law and liberty seem to be worlds apart: A law says one thing, while liberty says another. I believe the law of liberty spoken of in James 1:25 refers to the freedom of self-control, because God puts a new heart in us that wants to obey His law of love.
With this new heart that Jesus gave you, you have the ability to be led of the Spirit, who gives you the power and freedom to love others. Enjoy your day by allowing the Lord to love others through you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, September 21, 2009
God was in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 No longer, then, do we judge anyone by human standards. Even if at one time standards, we no longer do so. When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. All this is done by God, who through Christ changed us from enemies into his friends and gave us the task of making others his friends also. Our message is that God was making all mankind his friends through Christ. God did not keep an account of their sins, and he has given us the message which tells how he makes them his friends.
Here we are, then, speaking for Christ, as though God himself were making his appeal thorugh us. We plead on Christ's behalf; let God change you from enemies into his firneds! Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God.
20/09/2009
*Love one another
*Love like God loves, can human do the same?
*It is possible to love like how God loves us
*Communities so suspicious of one another
*think creating new congregation is a sign of God's love
*Our spiritual journey will always post this question=what does it mean to be in Christ?
*Be in Christ=love like Christ loves
*It's so difficult
*How can we say that we cannot love, when God harnest his love for us.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Here we are, then, speaking for Christ, as though God himself were making his appeal thorugh us. We plead on Christ's behalf; let God change you from enemies into his firneds! Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God.
20/09/2009
*Love one another
*Love like God loves, can human do the same?
*It is possible to love like how God loves us
*Communities so suspicious of one another
*think creating new congregation is a sign of God's love
*Our spiritual journey will always post this question=what does it mean to be in Christ?
*Be in Christ=love like Christ loves
*It's so difficult
*How can we say that we cannot love, when God harnest his love for us.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Heaven
Rev Buell Abraham
John 14:2-3 There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.
Psalm 121
I look to the mountains,
where will my help come from?
My help will come from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let you fall;
your protector is always awake.
The protector of Isreal
never dozes or sleeps.
The Lord will guard you;
he is by your side to protect you.
The sun will not hurt you during the day,
nor the moon during the night.
The Lord will protect you from all danger;
he will keep you safe.
He will protect you as you come and go
now and for ever.
19/9/9
*Heaven is permanent, without suffering provided we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour
*Heaven is perfect holiness
*God will take us at the right time because Jesus loves us
*Jesus lives in everyone's heart
*When we go to heaven, we will not be old but would be able to walk freely in heaven like a young one
*We are here to continue the ministry
*Worship is more greater than ever in heaven
*Heaven is a wonderful place
*Heaven makes us learn more about Jesus
*We have to reach the road of righteousness before we go up to heaven
Psalm 121 says the faith of God can live a victorious feeling
*Only Jesus can give the ultimate entry no one can give
*Know Jesus is permanent to you
*We need to be prepared that one day we will die
*No more tears and pain will be involved, because God is there
*Take a good look at who Jesus is
*Without God, theres no family, relatives
*He took the pain from us because he LOVES us!
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
John 14:2-3 There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.
Psalm 121
I look to the mountains,
where will my help come from?
My help will come from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let you fall;
your protector is always awake.
The protector of Isreal
never dozes or sleeps.
The Lord will guard you;
he is by your side to protect you.
The sun will not hurt you during the day,
nor the moon during the night.
The Lord will protect you from all danger;
he will keep you safe.
He will protect you as you come and go
now and for ever.
19/9/9
*Heaven is permanent, without suffering provided we accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour
*Heaven is perfect holiness
*God will take us at the right time because Jesus loves us
*Jesus lives in everyone's heart
*When we go to heaven, we will not be old but would be able to walk freely in heaven like a young one
*We are here to continue the ministry
*Worship is more greater than ever in heaven
*Heaven is a wonderful place
*Heaven makes us learn more about Jesus
*We have to reach the road of righteousness before we go up to heaven
Psalm 121 says the faith of God can live a victorious feeling
*Only Jesus can give the ultimate entry no one can give
*Know Jesus is permanent to you
*We need to be prepared that one day we will die
*No more tears and pain will be involved, because God is there
*Take a good look at who Jesus is
*Without God, theres no family, relatives
*He took the pain from us because he LOVES us!
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 21, September
Get Fit
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of caven and cringing and fawning fear), but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
"Every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25, emphasis mine). That word all is a difficult concept for us to grasp.
We need to live a disciplined life, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, if we want to enjoy God's plan for us. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, and the fruit of the flesh is no control.
Paul said, "I buffet my body (handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships) and subdue it, for fear that after proclaming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit (not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit)" (1 Corinthians 9:27)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of caven and cringing and fawning fear), but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
"Every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25, emphasis mine). That word all is a difficult concept for us to grasp.
We need to live a disciplined life, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, if we want to enjoy God's plan for us. The fruit of the Spirit is self-control, and the fruit of the flesh is no control.
Paul said, "I buffet my body (handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships) and subdue it, for fear that after proclaming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit (not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit)" (1 Corinthians 9:27)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Day 19 & 20, September
Get Free
Out of my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5
If you find yourself running late everywhere you go (even 50 percent of the time), that is evidence of a stronghold that Satan has built in your life. Get free from it, or the devil will use it to keep you under pressure. You may have an excuse for every time you are behind schedule, but something is wrong if that behavior pattern is repetitive.
Ask God to show you how to get free from the pressure of always hurrying and being late. Starting your day with God will help you set priorities for your day. Get to the root of the problem, and enjoy the fruit of God 's indwelling presence to get you where you need to be --- on time and without hurrying.
Run the Race
I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. Philippians 3:14
We live in a society that is used to doing whatever feels good right now. But instant gratification never brings lasting satisfaction.
If you operate in self-control through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you, you will choose to do things that contribute to the goal that you have in mind. You must discipline yourself now so you will reap the reward of reaching your goal later.
Paul taught, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but (only) one recieves the prize? So run (your race) that you may lay hold (of the prize) and make it yours" (1 Corinthians 9:24). Stay focused on the goal. God will give you the grace to continue moving toward it.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Out of my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5
If you find yourself running late everywhere you go (even 50 percent of the time), that is evidence of a stronghold that Satan has built in your life. Get free from it, or the devil will use it to keep you under pressure. You may have an excuse for every time you are behind schedule, but something is wrong if that behavior pattern is repetitive.
Ask God to show you how to get free from the pressure of always hurrying and being late. Starting your day with God will help you set priorities for your day. Get to the root of the problem, and enjoy the fruit of God 's indwelling presence to get you where you need to be --- on time and without hurrying.
Run the Race
I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. Philippians 3:14
We live in a society that is used to doing whatever feels good right now. But instant gratification never brings lasting satisfaction.
If you operate in self-control through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you, you will choose to do things that contribute to the goal that you have in mind. You must discipline yourself now so you will reap the reward of reaching your goal later.
Paul taught, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but (only) one recieves the prize? So run (your race) that you may lay hold (of the prize) and make it yours" (1 Corinthians 9:24). Stay focused on the goal. God will give you the grace to continue moving toward it.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, September 18, 2009
Day 18, September
Find Truth
And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. John 8:32
If you lose your temper easily, you will never enjoy your day as God meant for it to be. Seek God with your whole heart and find out what is wrong. The way to get free from things that upset you is to find truth -- the truth will always set you free.
We don't always want to face truth because sometimes it is painful. Sometimes it shows us that we need to change. If we are behaving badly, we make excuses for our wrong behavior. But excuses will never make us free. Let God get involved with your day; when you feel your temper flare, ask Him to reveal the truth of that situation. The truth will always set you free to enjoy the rest of your day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. John 8:32
If you lose your temper easily, you will never enjoy your day as God meant for it to be. Seek God with your whole heart and find out what is wrong. The way to get free from things that upset you is to find truth -- the truth will always set you free.
We don't always want to face truth because sometimes it is painful. Sometimes it shows us that we need to change. If we are behaving badly, we make excuses for our wrong behavior. But excuses will never make us free. Let God get involved with your day; when you feel your temper flare, ask Him to reveal the truth of that situation. The truth will always set you free to enjoy the rest of your day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Day 17, September
Break Strongholds
For the weapon of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood), but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, ... and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The Bible teaches that Satan tries to build strongholds in our lives. One way to identify the strongholds in your life is to watch for repetitive situations that pull you down in spirit.
We all know inside when something is not right in our life or is getting our of control. If that happens to you, seek God early to find out what is going on. If a negative behaviour becomes repetitive, that is a signal that Satan is building himself a stronghold in your life. God will destroy the devil's strongholds within you, if you draw near to Him
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For the weapon of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood), but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, ... and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The Bible teaches that Satan tries to build strongholds in our lives. One way to identify the strongholds in your life is to watch for repetitive situations that pull you down in spirit.
We all know inside when something is not right in our life or is getting our of control. If that happens to you, seek God early to find out what is going on. If a negative behaviour becomes repetitive, that is a signal that Satan is building himself a stronghold in your life. God will destroy the devil's strongholds within you, if you draw near to Him
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Day 16, September
Don't Procrastinate
But the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit (the work which His presence within accomplishes) is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law (that can bring a charge). Galatians 5:22-23
The Bible says that we are to "be doers of the Word (obey the message), and not merely listeners to it" (James 1:22). In other words, we are to apply its teaching to our everyday lives.
Procrastination is one of the greatest barriers to putting God's word into action in our lives. It takes self-control to do something, and it also takes self-control not to do something. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that comes into our lives by spending time with God. Ask God to fill you with the power of self-control in order to overcome procrastination and be a doer of the Word.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Day 15, September
Get in Balance
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything (without weakening). 1 Corinthians 13:7
We all get emotional occasionally or lose our temper once in a while. But it you are out of balance in either one of these areas, it is very important to get back in balance if you want your day to go right.
If your feelings get hurt because someone looks at you crossways or because friends or family forget your birthday, you need to spend more time with God. He will fill you with so much love and such a sense of self-worth that you won't feel ill-tempered or touchy toward anyone. Seek God with your whole heart today. Talk to Him about your problems, and then enjoy yourself, knowing that He cares for you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything (without weakening). 1 Corinthians 13:7
We all get emotional occasionally or lose our temper once in a while. But it you are out of balance in either one of these areas, it is very important to get back in balance if you want your day to go right.
If your feelings get hurt because someone looks at you crossways or because friends or family forget your birthday, you need to spend more time with God. He will fill you with so much love and such a sense of self-worth that you won't feel ill-tempered or touchy toward anyone. Seek God with your whole heart today. Talk to Him about your problems, and then enjoy yourself, knowing that He cares for you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Lordship of Christ
Dato' Daniel Tay
13/9/9
Mark 2:1-14,23-28
A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum, and the news spread that he was at home. So many people came together that there was no room left, not even our in front of the door. Jesus was preaching the message to them when four men arrived, carrying a paralysed man to Jesus. Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they let the man down, lying on his mat. Seeing how much faith they had, Jesus said to the paralysed man, "My son, your sins are forgiven."
Some teachers of the Law who were sitting there thought to themselves, "How does he dare to talk like this? This is blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!"
At once Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he said to them, "Why do you think such things? Is it easier to say to this paralysed man, 'Your sins are forgiven', or to say, 'Get up, pick up your mat, and walk'? I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralysed man, "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home!'
While they all watched, the man got up, picked up his mat, and hurried away. They were all completely amazed and praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
v23-28
Jesus was walking through some cornfields on the Sabbath. As his disciples walked alog with him, they began to pick the ears of corn. So the Pharisees said to Jesus, "Look it is against our Law for your disciples to do that on the Sabbath!"
Jesus answered, "Have you never read what David did that time when he needed something to eat? He and his men were hungry, so he went into the house of God and ate the bread offered to God. This happened when Abiathar was the High Priest. According to our Law only the priests may eat this bread- but David ate it and even gave it to his men."
And Jesus concluded, "The Sabbath was made for the good of man; man was not made for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."
In the last verse, it says Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath= authority=conqueror
Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!
Introduction
*Academic Authority
*Military Authority
*Economic Authority
The Lordship of Christ
*Authority over sin and sickness
*Authority over sinners in bondage
*Authority over religious rules
1. Authority over sin and sickness
Job- He was covered with sores and everything was taken away =he must be a sinner
In the new testament, the man who was crippled, was he a sinner or was his parents sinners that made him crippled?
But God has authority over sin
He can take all our lives and change
Thats where the crippled man got up, took his mat and left=his sins are forgiven
God only can forgive sins=but people do not believe, they think He (Jesus) was blaspheming
2. Authority over sinners in bondage
Matthew=Levi
He was the lowest of lowest= a tax collector
*A jew= a traitor= scum for the country
*calls us to leave his victorious life
*he left- but gain clean hands
*something that would bring joy to people
We need to listen to our Lord
*God is not deaf, why do you think God is not hearing?
*the problem often is with US
*hardly hear the voice of God is when we don't go to church
*what do we hear when God speaks?
*If we keep our sins, God's voice will be like thunder
*You will hear God when we have an intimate relationship with him
3. Authority over religious rules
*We must have joy in our hearts to fast
*Sabbath rules are very absurd nowadays
*Sabbath is to enjoy the presence of the Lord
*Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath=Lord over rules
Conclusion
1. Paul's 1 thing
Philippians 3:13 Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.
He achieved so much but still pressing (Press on)
*Not spiritual there yet
*Press on what God wants to use about me
2. Mary's 1 thing
Luke 10:42 but just one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her."
Martha had so many distractions but 1 thing needed is to spend time with the Lord regularly
3. David's 1 thing
Psalm 27:4 I have asked the Lord for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the Lord's house all my life, to marvel there at his gooness, and to ask for his guidance.
David committed sin but was remorseful
*David's one thing is to dwell in the house of our Lord
What is our 1 thing?
Is there 1 thing more important than wealth, health, fame?
It must be the well being of our souls at the end of the day.
The song- it is well with my soul
(the well being of my soul)
It determines where we spend in eternity
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
13/9/9
Mark 2:1-14,23-28
A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum, and the news spread that he was at home. So many people came together that there was no room left, not even our in front of the door. Jesus was preaching the message to them when four men arrived, carrying a paralysed man to Jesus. Because of the crowd, however, they could not get the man to him. So they made a hole in the roof right above the place where Jesus was. When they had made an opening, they let the man down, lying on his mat. Seeing how much faith they had, Jesus said to the paralysed man, "My son, your sins are forgiven."
Some teachers of the Law who were sitting there thought to themselves, "How does he dare to talk like this? This is blasphemy! God is the only one who can forgive sins!"
At once Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he said to them, "Why do you think such things? Is it easier to say to this paralysed man, 'Your sins are forgiven', or to say, 'Get up, pick up your mat, and walk'? I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralysed man, "I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home!'
While they all watched, the man got up, picked up his mat, and hurried away. They were all completely amazed and praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
v23-28
Jesus was walking through some cornfields on the Sabbath. As his disciples walked alog with him, they began to pick the ears of corn. So the Pharisees said to Jesus, "Look it is against our Law for your disciples to do that on the Sabbath!"
Jesus answered, "Have you never read what David did that time when he needed something to eat? He and his men were hungry, so he went into the house of God and ate the bread offered to God. This happened when Abiathar was the High Priest. According to our Law only the priests may eat this bread- but David ate it and even gave it to his men."
And Jesus concluded, "The Sabbath was made for the good of man; man was not made for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."
In the last verse, it says Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath= authority=conqueror
Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!
Introduction
*Academic Authority
*Military Authority
*Economic Authority
The Lordship of Christ
*Authority over sin and sickness
*Authority over sinners in bondage
*Authority over religious rules
1. Authority over sin and sickness
Job- He was covered with sores and everything was taken away =he must be a sinner
In the new testament, the man who was crippled, was he a sinner or was his parents sinners that made him crippled?
But God has authority over sin
He can take all our lives and change
Thats where the crippled man got up, took his mat and left=his sins are forgiven
God only can forgive sins=but people do not believe, they think He (Jesus) was blaspheming
2. Authority over sinners in bondage
Matthew=Levi
He was the lowest of lowest= a tax collector
*A jew= a traitor= scum for the country
*calls us to leave his victorious life
*he left- but gain clean hands
*something that would bring joy to people
We need to listen to our Lord
*God is not deaf, why do you think God is not hearing?
*the problem often is with US
*hardly hear the voice of God is when we don't go to church
*what do we hear when God speaks?
*If we keep our sins, God's voice will be like thunder
*You will hear God when we have an intimate relationship with him
3. Authority over religious rules
*We must have joy in our hearts to fast
*Sabbath rules are very absurd nowadays
*Sabbath is to enjoy the presence of the Lord
*Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath=Lord over rules
Conclusion
1. Paul's 1 thing
Philippians 3:13 Of course, my brothers, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.
He achieved so much but still pressing (Press on)
*Not spiritual there yet
*Press on what God wants to use about me
2. Mary's 1 thing
Luke 10:42 but just one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her."
Martha had so many distractions but 1 thing needed is to spend time with the Lord regularly
3. David's 1 thing
Psalm 27:4 I have asked the Lord for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the Lord's house all my life, to marvel there at his gooness, and to ask for his guidance.
David committed sin but was remorseful
*David's one thing is to dwell in the house of our Lord
What is our 1 thing?
Is there 1 thing more important than wealth, health, fame?
It must be the well being of our souls at the end of the day.
The song- it is well with my soul
(the well being of my soul)
It determines where we spend in eternity
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 14, September
Love Isn't Touchy
Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own right or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it (it pays no attention to a suffered wrong). 1 Corinthians 13:5
The Bible says that God's love in us is not touchy. If we wear our emotions on our sleeve all the time, we may need to spend more time in His presence before we face the day. Our tears can provoke sympathy, but it is better to be a giver instead of a taker all the time.
Starting your day with God will keep you "sweetened up" and full of confidence. As you enjoy His gentleness and kindness, you will be built uo in your spirit and better able to overlook the offenses of others. Ask God to give you a strong heart, one ready to love people today as He does.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own right or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it (it pays no attention to a suffered wrong). 1 Corinthians 13:5
The Bible says that God's love in us is not touchy. If we wear our emotions on our sleeve all the time, we may need to spend more time in His presence before we face the day. Our tears can provoke sympathy, but it is better to be a giver instead of a taker all the time.
Starting your day with God will keep you "sweetened up" and full of confidence. As you enjoy His gentleness and kindness, you will be built uo in your spirit and better able to overlook the offenses of others. Ask God to give you a strong heart, one ready to love people today as He does.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Day 12 & 13 September
Control Your Temper
He who is slow to anger has great understanding. Proverbs 14:29
It is uncomfortable for others to be around us if we are easily angered. We need to learn how to respond to life instead of react to it, so that we can enjoy God's power in our lives. God says that a person who can control his or her anger is better and mightier than an individual who can take a whole city
Proverbs 16:32 It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.
God's Word says, "Understand (this), my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear (a ready listener), slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. For man's anger does not promote the righteouness God (wishes and requires)" (James 1:19-20)
Be a ready listener, and enjoy the freedom from anger that God offers you.
Be Slow to Speak
For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days (good --- whether apparent or not) keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). 1 Peter 3:10
Have you ever regretted something you said as soon as the words were out of your mouth? You can't take back the words you speak to others --- and words can damage relationships. The Bible says that if you can control your mouth, you can control your whole body
James 3:2 All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being.
Before you respond to people too quickly, stop and listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say about your situation. James taught, "Let ever man be quick to hear (a ready listener), slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry" (James 1:19).
Commit your mouth to God's service today, and use words that speak healing to others.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
He who is slow to anger has great understanding. Proverbs 14:29
It is uncomfortable for others to be around us if we are easily angered. We need to learn how to respond to life instead of react to it, so that we can enjoy God's power in our lives. God says that a person who can control his or her anger is better and mightier than an individual who can take a whole city
Proverbs 16:32 It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.
God's Word says, "Understand (this), my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear (a ready listener), slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. For man's anger does not promote the righteouness God (wishes and requires)" (James 1:19-20)
Be a ready listener, and enjoy the freedom from anger that God offers you.
Be Slow to Speak
For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days (good --- whether apparent or not) keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). 1 Peter 3:10
Have you ever regretted something you said as soon as the words were out of your mouth? You can't take back the words you speak to others --- and words can damage relationships. The Bible says that if you can control your mouth, you can control your whole body
James 3:2 All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being.
Before you respond to people too quickly, stop and listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say about your situation. James taught, "Let ever man be quick to hear (a ready listener), slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry" (James 1:19).
Commit your mouth to God's service today, and use words that speak healing to others.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, September 11, 2009
Day 11, September
Be Positive
I thank my God at all times for you because of the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which was bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, (so) that in Him in every respect you were enriched, in full power and readiness of speech (to speak of your faith) and complete knowledge and illumination (to give you full insight into its meaning). 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
The Word of God says, "Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!" (Psalm 34:14). "Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining (against God) and questioning and doubting (among yourselves)" (Philippians 2:14)
Be positive. Get rid of gossiping and complaining. Start your day by reading the Bible so that you will know how to speak from the authority of God's Word. Spend time listening to God, and then tell others what you hear Him say. Bring life to whatever situations you face.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
I thank my God at all times for you because of the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which was bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, (so) that in Him in every respect you were enriched, in full power and readiness of speech (to speak of your faith) and complete knowledge and illumination (to give you full insight into its meaning). 1 Corinthians 1:4-5
The Word of God says, "Depart from evil and do good; seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!" (Psalm 34:14). "Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining (against God) and questioning and doubting (among yourselves)" (Philippians 2:14)
Be positive. Get rid of gossiping and complaining. Start your day by reading the Bible so that you will know how to speak from the authority of God's Word. Spend time listening to God, and then tell others what you hear Him say. Bring life to whatever situations you face.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Seek God Wholeheartedly
Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation); seek and require His face and His presence (continually) evermore. Pslam 105:4
If you have a need today, seek God with your whole heart. The Bible says to "aim at and seek the (rich, eternal treasures) that are above" (Colossians 3:1). If you seek the fruit of the Spirit wholeheartedly, God will do a work in your life so that you will enjoy the abundant life Jesus died to give you.
God promises,"And the Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day and are watchful to do them" (Deuteronomy 28:13)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
If you have a need today, seek God with your whole heart. The Bible says to "aim at and seek the (rich, eternal treasures) that are above" (Colossians 3:1). If you seek the fruit of the Spirit wholeheartedly, God will do a work in your life so that you will enjoy the abundant life Jesus died to give you.
God promises,"And the Lord shall make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you this day and are watchful to do them" (Deuteronomy 28:13)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Day 8 & 9, September
Eliminate Excuses
For the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to give up your enemies before you. Therefore shall your camp be holy, that He may see nothing indecent among you and turn away from you. Deuteronomy 23:14
If a habit is controlling you, you will not enjoy the best that God offers you. Don't make excuses fro bondages that seem to have a hold on you. Denial and excuses will keep you from enjoying your life.
Whether it is an eating disorder or a bad temper, you cannot blame it on your genes or your family. God makes a way of escape for us and promises a good life for those who are born again. Claim your rights as a child of God. Say, "I am a new person in Christ; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Philippians 4:13 I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ give me.
God Will Change You
Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
Even though you may still be operating in old habits, you still have hope of change, but you can't change yourself. God will change you, if you seek Him with your whole heart.
Don't be in a hurry for God to finish working in your life. We want everything to be done instantly, but God is not interested in our schedule. The enemy may thwart your plans, but God's plans don't get thwarted, and He has a unique plan for you.
Seek God's plan for your life. Stay on fire, red hot, zealous. Pursue His purpose for you with every ounce of energy you have. There is nothing in this world that is worth seeking more.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to give up your enemies before you. Therefore shall your camp be holy, that He may see nothing indecent among you and turn away from you. Deuteronomy 23:14
If a habit is controlling you, you will not enjoy the best that God offers you. Don't make excuses fro bondages that seem to have a hold on you. Denial and excuses will keep you from enjoying your life.
Whether it is an eating disorder or a bad temper, you cannot blame it on your genes or your family. God makes a way of escape for us and promises a good life for those who are born again. Claim your rights as a child of God. Say, "I am a new person in Christ; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Philippians 4:13 I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ give me.
God Will Change You
Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
Even though you may still be operating in old habits, you still have hope of change, but you can't change yourself. God will change you, if you seek Him with your whole heart.
Don't be in a hurry for God to finish working in your life. We want everything to be done instantly, but God is not interested in our schedule. The enemy may thwart your plans, but God's plans don't get thwarted, and He has a unique plan for you.
Seek God's plan for your life. Stay on fire, red hot, zealous. Pursue His purpose for you with every ounce of energy you have. There is nothing in this world that is worth seeking more.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, September 7, 2009
Laughing faith
Rev Ricky Ho
Genesis 18:1-15
6 Sept 2009
*Research shown health benefits of laughter
*Connects us with others
*Humour is infectious
Laughter is the best medicine
*relaxes the whole body
*boosts the immune system
*triggers the release of endorphins
*protects the heart
Proverbs 17:23
A cheerful heart is good medicine
Stressful life in 21st century seems to be taking a toll on our faith
*Sarah laugh the laughter of doubt
compared to the laughter of faith
*Abraham and Sarah laugh in doubt
*all the various times in their journey, God reaffirmed the promise to Abraham by a covenant..yet Abraham also laughed
*Like Abraham and Sarah, we often don't admit we have doubt about things
Issac = laughter
*We feel we are suppose to be people of faith
*These days, what makes you laugh in doubt?
don't worry, God can help you
*It could be family, employment, finances, health concerns or a complicated combination of several things
*When asked "Is anything too hard, we quickly answer, "No, nothing is too hard for the Lord but we live in God"
2. Recognize the Heart of Matter
*Though we believe but we do not think it applies to us.
*Ask yourself, is this day in my life too hard for God?
*Is this habit I'm trying to break too hard for him?
*Is this a communication problem I'm having too hard for God?
*In this way, it reminds you that God i personally involved in your life and nudges you to ask for his power to help you
3. Making the transition to laughing faith
*Sarah is a picture of growing faith, not overnight faith
*How does Sarah go from laughing skeptically to laughing, joyfully
Psalm 5:3 you hear my voice in the morning; at sunrise I offer my prayer and wait for your answer
What is preventing you from having a laughing, confident faith today?
Are you getting your eyes on the overwhelming problem you are talking about?
Jeremiah 32:17 and 27 Sovereign Lord, you made the earth and the sky by your great power abnd might; nothing is too difficult for you..."I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Nothing is too difficult for me.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Genesis 18:1-15
6 Sept 2009
*Research shown health benefits of laughter
*Connects us with others
*Humour is infectious
Laughter is the best medicine
*relaxes the whole body
*boosts the immune system
*triggers the release of endorphins
*protects the heart
Proverbs 17:23
A cheerful heart is good medicine
Stressful life in 21st century seems to be taking a toll on our faith
*Sarah laugh the laughter of doubt
compared to the laughter of faith
*Abraham and Sarah laugh in doubt
*all the various times in their journey, God reaffirmed the promise to Abraham by a covenant..yet Abraham also laughed
*Like Abraham and Sarah, we often don't admit we have doubt about things
Issac = laughter
*We feel we are suppose to be people of faith
*These days, what makes you laugh in doubt?
don't worry, God can help you
*It could be family, employment, finances, health concerns or a complicated combination of several things
*When asked "Is anything too hard, we quickly answer, "No, nothing is too hard for the Lord but we live in God"
2. Recognize the Heart of Matter
*Though we believe but we do not think it applies to us.
*Ask yourself, is this day in my life too hard for God?
*Is this habit I'm trying to break too hard for him?
*Is this a communication problem I'm having too hard for God?
*In this way, it reminds you that God i personally involved in your life and nudges you to ask for his power to help you
3. Making the transition to laughing faith
*Sarah is a picture of growing faith, not overnight faith
*How does Sarah go from laughing skeptically to laughing, joyfully
Psalm 5:3 you hear my voice in the morning; at sunrise I offer my prayer and wait for your answer
What is preventing you from having a laughing, confident faith today?
Are you getting your eyes on the overwhelming problem you are talking about?
Jeremiah 32:17 and 27 Sovereign Lord, you made the earth and the sky by your great power abnd might; nothing is too difficult for you..."I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Nothing is too difficult for me.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 7, September
Ask for Help
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray (also) for one another, that you may be healed and restored (to a spiritual tone of mind and heart). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working). James 5:16
Addictions, habits, or negative attitudes can wear you out. If you need deliverance from some wrong behavior, the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is your Helper
John 14:16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you for ever.
Confess your need to God, and ask Him to deliver you.
He may lead you to confess your faults to other believers whom you can trust to pray for you. The Word says that we are to confess our faults to one another so that we may be healed and restored. If you are out of control in some area, be honest about it. Today can be your day of deliverance.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray (also) for one another, that you may be healed and restored (to a spiritual tone of mind and heart). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working). James 5:16
Addictions, habits, or negative attitudes can wear you out. If you need deliverance from some wrong behavior, the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is your Helper
John 14:16 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you for ever.
Confess your need to God, and ask Him to deliver you.
He may lead you to confess your faults to other believers whom you can trust to pray for you. The Word says that we are to confess our faults to one another so that we may be healed and restored. If you are out of control in some area, be honest about it. Today can be your day of deliverance.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, September 6, 2009
CE Sh'ma
1. Love according to children
Love according to Greeks
Storge-affection
Filia-friendship love
Agape-found in the New Testament of the Bible
-purest, deepest-form of love
-sacrificial
You shall love when Jesus Christ says you shall love
2. Love God=Obey God
Obey God can save your life
Jewish practise-tefilin-phylacteries
Mezuzah "door posts"
Modehani-give thanks!
Asher Yahzar-prayer to go washroom
The practice of circumcision-any Jewish male
Affirm loyalty to God
CE (Christian Education) is not an option, its an order.
*Its not part of the church, it is the church
No longer children are self-educated and teach their children
Challenges
*Your children don't belong to you
parents are just temporal
*Offer your children back to God
*Invest in your children spiritually
*If your children don't know how to love God, you are in trouble
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Love according to Greeks
Storge-affection
Filia-friendship love
Agape-found in the New Testament of the Bible
-purest, deepest-form of love
-sacrificial
You shall love when Jesus Christ says you shall love
2. Love God=Obey God
Obey God can save your life
Jewish practise-tefilin-phylacteries
Mezuzah "door posts"
Modehani-give thanks!
Asher Yahzar-prayer to go washroom
The practice of circumcision-any Jewish male
Affirm loyalty to God
CE (Christian Education) is not an option, its an order.
*Its not part of the church, it is the church
No longer children are self-educated and teach their children
Challenges
*Your children don't belong to you
parents are just temporal
*Offer your children back to God
*Invest in your children spiritually
*If your children don't know how to love God, you are in trouble
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
When the Glory of the Lord comes
Exodus 39:42-43
40:12-35
*Build the tabernacle with the best material
*The Lord commanded repeated 18 times
*The tent becomes the temple of God-a place where we can worship the Lord
*A tent is transformed to a moving temple
*The Spirit comes to you, you will be changed to another person
*Without God's presence, we are nothing
*The Tabernacle was nothing until God's presence came to it
*When God's presence comes, a beautiful building will transform to a temple of God
*Think about what God is doing about our lives
*What is your prayer life like?
*When we are nothing, we must seek him even more
*Are you and I doing everything God ask us to do?
*Are we serious in doing everything the Lord wants?
*Pursue God
*Exodus 33-how Moses sought God
*Seek ---> Presence--->Church & People renewed
*God 's presence is also known in many of our churches
*We must seek in repentance and humility
*Pride eats up everything and God can't go in
*Seek in studying his word seriously
*Seek in prayer and fasting
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
40:12-35
*Build the tabernacle with the best material
*The Lord commanded repeated 18 times
*The tent becomes the temple of God-a place where we can worship the Lord
*A tent is transformed to a moving temple
*The Spirit comes to you, you will be changed to another person
*Without God's presence, we are nothing
*The Tabernacle was nothing until God's presence came to it
*When God's presence comes, a beautiful building will transform to a temple of God
*Think about what God is doing about our lives
*What is your prayer life like?
*When we are nothing, we must seek him even more
*Are you and I doing everything God ask us to do?
*Are we serious in doing everything the Lord wants?
*Pursue God
*Exodus 33-how Moses sought God
*Seek ---> Presence--->Church & People renewed
*God 's presence is also known in many of our churches
*We must seek in repentance and humility
*Pride eats up everything and God can't go in
*Seek in studying his word seriously
*Seek in prayer and fasting
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 5 & 6, September
Stay Out of Strife
He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed. Proverbs 28:25
Probably 80 percent of the places we visit in our ministry have church members who are riddled with strife. Strife is the devil's tool against us. It takes personal self-control to stay out of strife.
If you want to keep peace, you can't always say everything you want to say. Sometimes you have to control yourself and apologize even when there is nothing in you that wants to do so. But if you sow the godly principle of harmony and unity today, a time will come when you will reap the blessings of all it can bring to you.
Keep Your Promises
He who honors those who fear the Lord (who revere and worship Him); who swears to his own hurt and does not change; (he who) does not put out his money for interest (to one of his own people) and who will not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15:4-5
There are times when I make a commitment to do something that later I regret. Then I try to figure out some way to get out of doing what I said I would do. I argue, "God, surely You don't want me to do this thing and miss this other great opportunity."
The only thing the Lord ever says to me is, "You gave your word. Be a woman of integrity, and I will bless you." If we are people of integrity, God will bring other good opportunities around another time with even more blessings.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed. Proverbs 28:25
Probably 80 percent of the places we visit in our ministry have church members who are riddled with strife. Strife is the devil's tool against us. It takes personal self-control to stay out of strife.
If you want to keep peace, you can't always say everything you want to say. Sometimes you have to control yourself and apologize even when there is nothing in you that wants to do so. But if you sow the godly principle of harmony and unity today, a time will come when you will reap the blessings of all it can bring to you.
Keep Your Promises
He who honors those who fear the Lord (who revere and worship Him); who swears to his own hurt and does not change; (he who) does not put out his money for interest (to one of his own people) and who will not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15:4-5
There are times when I make a commitment to do something that later I regret. Then I try to figure out some way to get out of doing what I said I would do. I argue, "God, surely You don't want me to do this thing and miss this other great opportunity."
The only thing the Lord ever says to me is, "You gave your word. Be a woman of integrity, and I will bless you." If we are people of integrity, God will bring other good opportunities around another time with even more blessings.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, September 4, 2009
Day 4, September
Walk in Integrity
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteouness (my conscious integrity and sincerity with Him); according to the cleanness of my hands has He recompensed me. Psalm 18:20
Talking about the Word isn't enough; we need to do what we say we believe. God will bless us if we are people of integrity. As believers, we need to keep our promises and do what we say we will do.
Look for ways to demonstrate integrity today. If you can't follow through with something you said you would do for someone, at least call or write a letter, saying, "Please forgive me; I was not being led by God, and I just cannot do what I said." This way you will honor God and keep your steps going in the right direction.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteouness (my conscious integrity and sincerity with Him); according to the cleanness of my hands has He recompensed me. Psalm 18:20
Talking about the Word isn't enough; we need to do what we say we believe. God will bless us if we are people of integrity. As believers, we need to keep our promises and do what we say we will do.
Look for ways to demonstrate integrity today. If you can't follow through with something you said you would do for someone, at least call or write a letter, saying, "Please forgive me; I was not being led by God, and I just cannot do what I said." This way you will honor God and keep your steps going in the right direction.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Series: Celebrating God's Faithfulness with Praises and Prayers Part 3- "The Church's One Foundation"
Rev Ricky Ho
Satan, Yourself, God
Love of God=Word of God
*Christianity is a praying faith because our Lord is a praying Lord
*John 17 is the occasion of Jesus' Longest Prayer in the Bible
*The hour came for Jesus glorification of his death
*What did Jesus pray for his hour of crisis?
Destiny?Deliverance?Dignity?
NO
but..
The Salvation of the Lost
*Long live, personal safety, divine intervention not high on Jesus prayer list when he was about to leave the world
*Instead, he offered Eternal Life to sinners.
*The Word "Give" occurs 17 times in this chapter
*Life on earth without God is unsatisfying, unbearable and unproductive
*Life without God is colossal rollercoaster, a downward spiral and a futile exercise
*Jesus has authority to forgive sins
Matthew 9:6 I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralysed man, "Get up, pick up your bed, and go home!"
Luke 5:24 "I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralysed man, "I tell you, get up, pick up your bed, and go home!"
The Santification of the Saints
*While conversion is one-time act and decision, santification is a lifetime process and determination
*Work of conversion on going with the work of the Holy Spirit to sanctify you
*E. Stanley James "conversion is the act of a moment and the work of a lifetime"
The Solidarity of the Church
*Thomas Jefferson said, "An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never existed.
*The word "one"-another keyword in John 17
*v23 reveals to us the nature of his unity
I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me.
*The son is obedient to the father and the father loves the son
*Disunity, weakens, scatters & muffles the church
*It has been said many churches were planned not by design but by default through church divisions, splits and fights
Conclusion
Lets pray for:-
1. Salvation of the lost
2. Santification of the saints
3. The solidarity of the church
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Satan, Yourself, God
Love of God=Word of God
*Christianity is a praying faith because our Lord is a praying Lord
*John 17 is the occasion of Jesus' Longest Prayer in the Bible
*The hour came for Jesus glorification of his death
*What did Jesus pray for his hour of crisis?
Destiny?Deliverance?Dignity?
NO
but..
The Salvation of the Lost
*Long live, personal safety, divine intervention not high on Jesus prayer list when he was about to leave the world
*Instead, he offered Eternal Life to sinners.
*The Word "Give" occurs 17 times in this chapter
*Life on earth without God is unsatisfying, unbearable and unproductive
*Life without God is colossal rollercoaster, a downward spiral and a futile exercise
*Jesus has authority to forgive sins
Matthew 9:6 I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralysed man, "Get up, pick up your bed, and go home!"
Luke 5:24 "I will prove to you, then, that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the paralysed man, "I tell you, get up, pick up your bed, and go home!"
The Santification of the Saints
*While conversion is one-time act and decision, santification is a lifetime process and determination
*Work of conversion on going with the work of the Holy Spirit to sanctify you
*E. Stanley James "conversion is the act of a moment and the work of a lifetime"
The Solidarity of the Church
*Thomas Jefferson said, "An association of men who will not quarrel with one another is a thing which has never existed.
*The word "one"-another keyword in John 17
*v23 reveals to us the nature of his unity
I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me.
*The son is obedient to the father and the father loves the son
*Disunity, weakens, scatters & muffles the church
*It has been said many churches were planned not by design but by default through church divisions, splits and fights
Conclusion
Lets pray for:-
1. Salvation of the lost
2. Santification of the saints
3. The solidarity of the church
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 3, September
A New Direction
O Lord, You have heard the desire and the longing of the humble and oppresed; You will prepare and strengthen and direct their hearts. Psalm 10:17
Sometimes we come to an unhappy place in our lives. If we examine ourselves on those days, we will most likely discover that the things that make us most unhappy are the fruit of the choices that we made earlier.
Today can be a new start, I think God gave us twenty-four-hour days because He knew that was all we could handle. His mercies are new every morning
Lamentations 3:22-23 The Lor'ds's unfailing loveand mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.
You can start over this morning and live today for the Lord. Determine to follow wherever God leads you, and do whatever He tells you to do. You can expect better tomorrows when you live right today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
O Lord, You have heard the desire and the longing of the humble and oppresed; You will prepare and strengthen and direct their hearts. Psalm 10:17
Sometimes we come to an unhappy place in our lives. If we examine ourselves on those days, we will most likely discover that the things that make us most unhappy are the fruit of the choices that we made earlier.
Today can be a new start, I think God gave us twenty-four-hour days because He knew that was all we could handle. His mercies are new every morning
Lamentations 3:22-23 The Lor'ds's unfailing loveand mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.
You can start over this morning and live today for the Lord. Determine to follow wherever God leads you, and do whatever He tells you to do. You can expect better tomorrows when you live right today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Day 1 & 2, September
Admirable Virtues
But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the (Holy) Spirit (responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit); then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). Galatians 5:16
"The fruit of the (Holy) Spirit, (the work which His presence within accomplishes) is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence)" (Galatians 5:22-23).
People throughout the world try to acquire these virtues through counseling or self-help books. Yet the Bible says that if we walk with God, the Spirit-filled life will produce all these things within us. Give your life to God each day, and He will create a right heart in you, one that will want to do the things He would have you do.
Sowing and Reaping
So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good (morally) to all people (not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage). Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith (those who belong to God's family with you, the believers). Galatians 6:10
"For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:8).
We can enjoy our life (and avoid trouble) if we follow the Holy Spirit's leading. The Word tells us not to grow weary from doing what is right, because God promises that whatever we sow today we will also reap sometime in the future
Galatians 6:9 So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.
Be courageous, act nobly, and continue doing what you know is right.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
But I say, walk and live (habitually) in the (Holy) Spirit (responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit); then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God). Galatians 5:16
"The fruit of the (Holy) Spirit, (the work which His presence within accomplishes) is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence)" (Galatians 5:22-23).
People throughout the world try to acquire these virtues through counseling or self-help books. Yet the Bible says that if we walk with God, the Spirit-filled life will produce all these things within us. Give your life to God each day, and He will create a right heart in you, one that will want to do the things He would have you do.
Sowing and Reaping
So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good (morally) to all people (not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage). Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith (those who belong to God's family with you, the believers). Galatians 6:10
"For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" (Galatians 6:8).
We can enjoy our life (and avoid trouble) if we follow the Holy Spirit's leading. The Word tells us not to grow weary from doing what is right, because God promises that whatever we sow today we will also reap sometime in the future
Galatians 6:9 So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest.
Be courageous, act nobly, and continue doing what you know is right.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 31, August
Initiate Solutions
I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19
Sometimes we complain about things that we could change if we would stop feelings sorry for ourselves long enough to do something about them. For example, if we are lonely, we can make the effort to be a friend to someone else. We can choose to be free or remain in bondage to self-pity. We can choose to be pitiful or powerful.
Psalm 25:12-14 says, "Who is the man who reverently fears and worships the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that he should choose. He himself shall dwell at ease, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The secret (of the sweet, satisfying companionship)of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them HIs covenant and reveal to them its (deep, inner) meaning."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19
Sometimes we complain about things that we could change if we would stop feelings sorry for ourselves long enough to do something about them. For example, if we are lonely, we can make the effort to be a friend to someone else. We can choose to be free or remain in bondage to self-pity. We can choose to be pitiful or powerful.
Psalm 25:12-14 says, "Who is the man who reverently fears and worships the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that he should choose. He himself shall dwell at ease, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The secret (of the sweet, satisfying companionship)of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them HIs covenant and reveal to them its (deep, inner) meaning."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
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