Ministry Is Fulfilling Work
For you shall eat (the fruit) of the labor of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you. Psalm 128:2
There is nothing more fulfilling than being rested and ready for the work that God has called us to do. God puts the desire in us to minister to people through whatever work we do. But ministry is work that requires physical, emotional and spiritual strength.
Hard work is rewarding when you follow God's way and minister to other people through "the labor of your hands." That is why it is so important to start your day with God. His presence will build you up emotionally, His words will strengthen you spiritually, and the time of rest that He calls you to enjoy will make you physically able to handle whatever may come your way.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Day 29 & 30 December :)
Get Rid of Distractions
That which is desired in a man is loyalty and kindness (and his glory and delight are his giving). Proverbs 19:22
Sometimes you may just need to clear away the clutter so you can clearly see what is worthwhile. Here is a simple suggestion: Don't keep more than you can take care of. If you have so much junk in your home that it takes you hours to dust it, get rid of something.
Find a big carton and write "Blessing Box" on the side of it. Start putting extra things into it until cleaning is more manageable. Find someone who doesn't have much and bless them. You will be amazed at how easy it is to start your day right when you are no longer distracted by things you don't need.
Get Up and Work
And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands -- yes, the work of our hands, confirm and establish it. Psalm 90:17
It is obvious we are supposed to work more than rest. Some people just lie on the couch, eating junk food and watching television all day, and then they wonder why their lives are a wreck.
Once rested, get up and work. You can't take authority over your life if you don't have authority over a sink full of dirty dishes or a messy garage. If you want to grow in ministry to others, the Word says you must get your own house in order first
1 Timothy 3:5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?
Stay home and clean if you need to; but win the battle of getting your life in order before tackling the whole world.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
That which is desired in a man is loyalty and kindness (and his glory and delight are his giving). Proverbs 19:22
Sometimes you may just need to clear away the clutter so you can clearly see what is worthwhile. Here is a simple suggestion: Don't keep more than you can take care of. If you have so much junk in your home that it takes you hours to dust it, get rid of something.
Find a big carton and write "Blessing Box" on the side of it. Start putting extra things into it until cleaning is more manageable. Find someone who doesn't have much and bless them. You will be amazed at how easy it is to start your day right when you are no longer distracted by things you don't need.
Get Up and Work
And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands -- yes, the work of our hands, confirm and establish it. Psalm 90:17
It is obvious we are supposed to work more than rest. Some people just lie on the couch, eating junk food and watching television all day, and then they wonder why their lives are a wreck.
Once rested, get up and work. You can't take authority over your life if you don't have authority over a sink full of dirty dishes or a messy garage. If you want to grow in ministry to others, the Word says you must get your own house in order first
1 Timothy 3:5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God?
Stay home and clean if you need to; but win the battle of getting your life in order before tackling the whole world.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, December 28, 2009
Day 28, December
Let God Set Your Agenda
But this things I did command them: Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God and you will be My people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you. Jeremiah 7:23
Remember, you made your schedule, and you can change it. Pray about your day, your week, and your life goals to find out what God wants you to do, and what He doesn't want you to do.
If you don't do what God is telling you to do, you may let people control and manipulate you to do what they want you to do. You may end up doing things for which you are not anointed. If you do what God tells you to do, He will bless you with joy, peace, rest, and wonderful relationships.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
But this things I did command them: Listen to and obey My voice, and I will be your God and you will be My people; and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you. Jeremiah 7:23
Remember, you made your schedule, and you can change it. Pray about your day, your week, and your life goals to find out what God wants you to do, and what He doesn't want you to do.
If you don't do what God is telling you to do, you may let people control and manipulate you to do what they want you to do. You may end up doing things for which you are not anointed. If you do what God tells you to do, He will bless you with joy, peace, rest, and wonderful relationships.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Finding True Meaning in Life
John 17:1-5 - Jesus's prayer, help them remember the true meaning of life
Rev Ricky Ho
Introduction
*The title is a thought provoking question
*What do we have to do to find this meaning?
*Is it possible to live our entire lives and never find true meaning
*Different people give different meaning on the true meaning of life
*Some believe life has no meaning
*Life is not found in general knowledge
*Knowledge is important but can't put that equal with God
*Background of John's Godspel-gnosticism presented a major challenge to Christianity
*As important as knowledge is general knowledge of what we consider important in our world will not necessarity lead us to find true meaning of life
2. It is not found in this world
*listen to God and hear what he wants us to do
3. It is found in a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ
*Jesus makes this very plain in many of his teachings
*true meaning - faith in Jesus Christ
*Many things can add meaning to life, but cannot bring true meaning of life
*God has a purpose for you to live whatever the cause may be
*When God gives you another extra day, live today at its best, (Like theres No Tomorrow!)
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Rev Ricky Ho
Introduction
*The title is a thought provoking question
*What do we have to do to find this meaning?
*Is it possible to live our entire lives and never find true meaning
*Different people give different meaning on the true meaning of life
*Some believe life has no meaning
*Life is not found in general knowledge
*Knowledge is important but can't put that equal with God
*Background of John's Godspel-gnosticism presented a major challenge to Christianity
*As important as knowledge is general knowledge of what we consider important in our world will not necessarity lead us to find true meaning of life
2. It is not found in this world
*listen to God and hear what he wants us to do
3. It is found in a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ
*Jesus makes this very plain in many of his teachings
*true meaning - faith in Jesus Christ
*Many things can add meaning to life, but cannot bring true meaning of life
*God has a purpose for you to live whatever the cause may be
*When God gives you another extra day, live today at its best, (Like theres No Tomorrow!)
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 27, December
Move Forward
I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet); but one thing I do (it is my one aspiration) : forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on. Philippians 3:13-14
God will anoint you to do what He calls you to do. But when His anointing is gone, let it go. Get rid of the things that God's anointing was on at one time, but not anymore. Don't keep doing the same things because people expect you to.
I encourage you to prune off activities that fill your day but don't add to your life. Sometimes we hold on to assignments that God is finished with for us. Ask God for wisdom, then walk away from tasks He no longer is asking you to do. Make room for new life to flourish through the work of your hands.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet); but one thing I do (it is my one aspiration) : forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on. Philippians 3:13-14
God will anoint you to do what He calls you to do. But when His anointing is gone, let it go. Get rid of the things that God's anointing was on at one time, but not anymore. Don't keep doing the same things because people expect you to.
I encourage you to prune off activities that fill your day but don't add to your life. Sometimes we hold on to assignments that God is finished with for us. Ask God for wisdom, then walk away from tasks He no longer is asking you to do. Make room for new life to flourish through the work of your hands.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Day 23, 24, 25 & 26, December
Rest is God's Law
Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest (of God, to know and experience it for ourselves), that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience (into which those in the wilderness fell). Hebrews 4:11
Don't work so hard that you miss your time with God. Rest is important for your spiritual and physical life. The need for rest can't be ignored; it is a law of God. Just like the laws concerning eating, sowing, and reaping, we cannot break the principle of rest without paying the price of disobedience.
Paul sent Epaphroditus home saying that he came near death through working for Christ
Philippians 2:25-30 I have thought it necessary to send you our brother Epaphroditus, who has worked and fought by my side and who has served as your messenger in helping me. He is anxious to see you all and is very upset because you had heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill and almost died. But God had pity on him, and not only on him but on me, too, and spared me an even greater sorrow. I am all the more eager, then, to send him to you, so that you will be glad again when you see him, and my own sorrow will disappear. Receive him, then, with joy, as a brother in the Lord. Show respect to all such people as he, because he risked his life and nearly died for the sake of the work of Christ, in order to give me the help that you yourselves could not give.
But God had mercy on him and spared his life. Find time to be still on a regular basis. It is in moments of rest that you are most likely to hear God speak to you.
Rest and Renew
So then, there is still awaiting a full and complete Sabbath-rest reserved for the (true) people of God; for he who has once entered (God's) rest also has ceased from (the weariness and pain) of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own. Hebrews 4:9-10
We all have gifts and talents far beyond what we use, but many of us are so worn out that we don't feel like doing anything. Even God rested from all of His labors, not because He was tired, but just to enjoy His creation
Genesis 2:1-3 And so the whole universe was completed. By the seventh day God finished what he had been doing and stopped working. He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a special day, because by that day he had completed his creation and stopped working.
Stop working all the time, and enjoy yourself.
Even the land needs to rest every several years to produce good crops. If you don't rest, you are going to cut down your production and stifle your creativity. You don't have to work at God's plan for you; He will cause it to come to pass
Philippians 1:6 And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus.
Rest in Him.
Reenergize Yourself
Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You (You only and altogether) do I wait (expectantly) all the day long. Psalm 25:5
If you are worn out all the time, it will affect your spiritual life because you won't want to pray, study the Word, or walk in the fruit of the Spirit. If you are no longer sensitive to other people's needs, you aren't hearing from God.
If you are this tired, it is time to reenergize your life. Prune away the things that wear you out; don't try to do what you think everyone else is doing. Wait on God to lead you, and get the rest you need to enjoy your walk with Him.
Enjoy Yourself
There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink and make himself enjoy good in his labor. Even this, I have seen, is from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24
We all have things that must be done, but God wants us to enjoy our life's journey. If we are too busy, we will block the flow of what the Holy Spirit wants to do through us.
Busyness keeps us from being fruitful in the kingdom of God. God didn't put us here just to work, strive, accumulate things, and become stressed out. He wants us to enjoy Him and His creation.
Take time to enjoy what God has given you. Enjoy your family, your home, and yourself today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest (of God, to know and experience it for ourselves), that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience (into which those in the wilderness fell). Hebrews 4:11
Don't work so hard that you miss your time with God. Rest is important for your spiritual and physical life. The need for rest can't be ignored; it is a law of God. Just like the laws concerning eating, sowing, and reaping, we cannot break the principle of rest without paying the price of disobedience.
Paul sent Epaphroditus home saying that he came near death through working for Christ
Philippians 2:25-30 I have thought it necessary to send you our brother Epaphroditus, who has worked and fought by my side and who has served as your messenger in helping me. He is anxious to see you all and is very upset because you had heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill and almost died. But God had pity on him, and not only on him but on me, too, and spared me an even greater sorrow. I am all the more eager, then, to send him to you, so that you will be glad again when you see him, and my own sorrow will disappear. Receive him, then, with joy, as a brother in the Lord. Show respect to all such people as he, because he risked his life and nearly died for the sake of the work of Christ, in order to give me the help that you yourselves could not give.
But God had mercy on him and spared his life. Find time to be still on a regular basis. It is in moments of rest that you are most likely to hear God speak to you.
Rest and Renew
So then, there is still awaiting a full and complete Sabbath-rest reserved for the (true) people of God; for he who has once entered (God's) rest also has ceased from (the weariness and pain) of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own. Hebrews 4:9-10
We all have gifts and talents far beyond what we use, but many of us are so worn out that we don't feel like doing anything. Even God rested from all of His labors, not because He was tired, but just to enjoy His creation
Genesis 2:1-3 And so the whole universe was completed. By the seventh day God finished what he had been doing and stopped working. He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a special day, because by that day he had completed his creation and stopped working.
Stop working all the time, and enjoy yourself.
Even the land needs to rest every several years to produce good crops. If you don't rest, you are going to cut down your production and stifle your creativity. You don't have to work at God's plan for you; He will cause it to come to pass
Philippians 1:6 And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus.
Rest in Him.
Reenergize Yourself
Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You (You only and altogether) do I wait (expectantly) all the day long. Psalm 25:5
If you are worn out all the time, it will affect your spiritual life because you won't want to pray, study the Word, or walk in the fruit of the Spirit. If you are no longer sensitive to other people's needs, you aren't hearing from God.
If you are this tired, it is time to reenergize your life. Prune away the things that wear you out; don't try to do what you think everyone else is doing. Wait on God to lead you, and get the rest you need to enjoy your walk with Him.
Enjoy Yourself
There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink and make himself enjoy good in his labor. Even this, I have seen, is from the hand of God. Ecclesiastes 2:24
We all have things that must be done, but God wants us to enjoy our life's journey. If we are too busy, we will block the flow of what the Holy Spirit wants to do through us.
Busyness keeps us from being fruitful in the kingdom of God. God didn't put us here just to work, strive, accumulate things, and become stressed out. He wants us to enjoy Him and His creation.
Take time to enjoy what God has given you. Enjoy your family, your home, and yourself today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
A Thankful Christmas
Rev Ricky Ho
25/12/2009
Introduction
*The name Jesus, means Saviour
- one who rescues another from distress
-one who risks his own life to save another
-one who saves another person from certain death
*The greatest problem every person faces
Matthew 1:21 She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus- because he will save his people from their sins.
*SIN!
"For he shall save his people from their sins"
1 John 3:4 "Sin is the transgression of the law"
*Sin is a big problem
-sin is to life what rust is to metal
-sin is to life what a virus is to a computer
-sin is to life what stain is to white clothes
-sin is to life what cancer is to a health functioning organ in the body
*successful in life but failure in family won't go anywhere
Greatest news
*good news that God has provided the solution for our sins
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life"
Greatest decision everyone faces
-life is a series of choices
-we make choices then we live with the consequences
-Jesus made a decision to leave heaven and come down to earth and be born into human flesh and bones
- you can move places if you don't like the weather, change a job if you don't like what your working now but there is not turning back in making a decision to accept Christ or not
-Jesus mentions hell more than heaven
Phillipians 2:5-11
The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:
He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by forve he should try to become equal with God.
Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant.
He became like man and appeared in human likeness.
He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death -- his death on the cross.
For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.
And so, in honour of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
-end of verse tells us you and I will bow before Jesus and you will hear these words coming out of your own mouth
-Let us be thankful then..
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
25/12/2009
Introduction
*The name Jesus, means Saviour
- one who rescues another from distress
-one who risks his own life to save another
-one who saves another person from certain death
*The greatest problem every person faces
Matthew 1:21 She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus- because he will save his people from their sins.
*SIN!
"For he shall save his people from their sins"
1 John 3:4 "Sin is the transgression of the law"
*Sin is a big problem
-sin is to life what rust is to metal
-sin is to life what a virus is to a computer
-sin is to life what stain is to white clothes
-sin is to life what cancer is to a health functioning organ in the body
*successful in life but failure in family won't go anywhere
Greatest news
*good news that God has provided the solution for our sins
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life"
Greatest decision everyone faces
-life is a series of choices
-we make choices then we live with the consequences
-Jesus made a decision to leave heaven and come down to earth and be born into human flesh and bones
- you can move places if you don't like the weather, change a job if you don't like what your working now but there is not turning back in making a decision to accept Christ or not
-Jesus mentions hell more than heaven
Phillipians 2:5-11
The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:
He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by forve he should try to become equal with God.
Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant.
He became like man and appeared in human likeness.
He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death -- his death on the cross.
For this reason God raised him to the highest place above and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.
And so, in honour of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees, and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
-end of verse tells us you and I will bow before Jesus and you will hear these words coming out of your own mouth
-Let us be thankful then..
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Day 22, December
Quality Makes the Difference
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves (his fellowmen) is begotten (born) of God and is coming (progressively) to know and understand God (to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him). 1 John 4:7
Sometimes we think that the busier we are, the more we are doing in the kingdom of God. But it is not how much we do, it is the quality of what we do that makes the difference. Most people will admit that they need to spend more of their time developing good relationships.
You can't be a good friend to somebody if you never put any time into your relationship. Ask God to bring someone to mind that He would like for you to bless today. Then follow through and let that person know that God brought them to your heart.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves (his fellowmen) is begotten (born) of God and is coming (progressively) to know and understand God (to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him). 1 John 4:7
Sometimes we think that the busier we are, the more we are doing in the kingdom of God. But it is not how much we do, it is the quality of what we do that makes the difference. Most people will admit that they need to spend more of their time developing good relationships.
You can't be a good friend to somebody if you never put any time into your relationship. Ask God to bring someone to mind that He would like for you to bless today. Then follow through and let that person know that God brought them to your heart.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, December 21, 2009
Day 21, December
Take a Break
Return to your rest, O my sould, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7
We all need a break in the action from time to time. Resting isn't just a good idea -- it is a command of God: "Six days you shall do your work, but the seventh day you shall rest and keep Sabbath, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your bondwoman, and the alien, may be refreshed" (Exodus 23:12). The Lord added that "even in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest (on the Sabbath)" (Exodus 34:21)
That means that for one day a week we are to withdraw from common labor and to rest. Don't work that day, even in the busy seasons. Dedicate that day to spending time with God, worshiping Him. Start your week off right by getting back to what is really important --- honoring God.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Return to your rest, O my sould, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7
We all need a break in the action from time to time. Resting isn't just a good idea -- it is a command of God: "Six days you shall do your work, but the seventh day you shall rest and keep Sabbath, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your bondwoman, and the alien, may be refreshed" (Exodus 23:12). The Lord added that "even in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest (on the Sabbath)" (Exodus 34:21)
That means that for one day a week we are to withdraw from common labor and to rest. Don't work that day, even in the busy seasons. Dedicate that day to spending time with God, worshiping Him. Start your week off right by getting back to what is really important --- honoring God.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Peace of the Puzzle
Rev Ricky Ho
20 December 2009
John 14:27 "Peace us 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.
*The world offers a christmas that is manufactured and designed according to its values and not the values of our bible.
*What then does Christmas mean to us?
*The presents are not important , its the message
*Have a room for the Prince of Peace
*Empty our hearts so Christ can come in
John 14:26 The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.
*We need to focus on the Prince of Peace, then nothing can let us fall.
*We were separated from God by sin
*We would need a truly holy sacrifice that was free of any and all sin
*Jesus was and is that all powerful holy sacrifice
*He alone would restore the peace that was missing in our relationship with our heavenly father
*For that reason Jesus is called the Prince of Peace
*Jesus gives peace freely and entirely
*Do you get troubled at Christmas time?
*Do you get afraid?
Christmas reminds us that when Jesus was about to arrive as a baby, there was no place for him for there was no room in the inn.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
20 December 2009
John 14:27 "Peace us 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.
*The world offers a christmas that is manufactured and designed according to its values and not the values of our bible.
*What then does Christmas mean to us?
*The presents are not important , its the message
*Have a room for the Prince of Peace
*Empty our hearts so Christ can come in
John 14:26 The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.
*We need to focus on the Prince of Peace, then nothing can let us fall.
*We were separated from God by sin
*We would need a truly holy sacrifice that was free of any and all sin
*Jesus was and is that all powerful holy sacrifice
*He alone would restore the peace that was missing in our relationship with our heavenly father
*For that reason Jesus is called the Prince of Peace
*Jesus gives peace freely and entirely
*Do you get troubled at Christmas time?
*Do you get afraid?
Christmas reminds us that when Jesus was about to arrive as a baby, there was no place for him for there was no room in the inn.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 19 & 20, December
Rest Awhile
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavyladen and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve nd refresh your souls.) Matthew 11:28
Getting stress out of your life takes more than prayer alone. You must take action to make changes and stop doing whatever is causing the stress. You can learn to calm down in the way you handle things.
Jesus invited us to come to Him if we are overburdened. He promised to refresh us if we are weary, worn out, or overworked. Take time to go to Jesus anytime you feel that you are going over the edge of peace and into the pit of stress. Let His presence refill and refresh you.
Come Apart to Stay Together
And the effect of righteousness will be peace (internal and external), and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. Isaiah 32:17
If you are feeling compelled to do so much that you are physically worn out, you may be driven instead of led. Remember, you have to come apart from a busy routine before you come apart yourself. You have to get away from everything before you come apart physically, mentally, and emotionally. Give yourself time to get a good night's sleep.
It is tempting to do everything that everybody else is doing, be involved in everything, know everything, hear everything, and be everywhere, but it isn't God's best for you. Be willing to separate yourself from compulsive activity before you come apart at the seams! Spend time with God, and ask Him to give order to your day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavyladen and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve nd refresh your souls.) Matthew 11:28
Getting stress out of your life takes more than prayer alone. You must take action to make changes and stop doing whatever is causing the stress. You can learn to calm down in the way you handle things.
Jesus invited us to come to Him if we are overburdened. He promised to refresh us if we are weary, worn out, or overworked. Take time to go to Jesus anytime you feel that you are going over the edge of peace and into the pit of stress. Let His presence refill and refresh you.
Come Apart to Stay Together
And the effect of righteousness will be peace (internal and external), and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. Isaiah 32:17
If you are feeling compelled to do so much that you are physically worn out, you may be driven instead of led. Remember, you have to come apart from a busy routine before you come apart yourself. You have to get away from everything before you come apart physically, mentally, and emotionally. Give yourself time to get a good night's sleep.
It is tempting to do everything that everybody else is doing, be involved in everything, know everything, hear everything, and be everywhere, but it isn't God's best for you. Be willing to separate yourself from compulsive activity before you come apart at the seams! Spend time with God, and ask Him to give order to your day.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, December 18, 2009
Day 18, December
Change, Don't Complain
All things are legitimate (permissible - and we are free to do anything we please), but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive (to character) and edifying (to spritual life). 1 Corinthians 10:23
People complain about stress, but some people would rather complain than change. It is easy to be frightened at the thought of jumping off life's high-speed treadmill, especially if you aren't sure what to give up in order to show down your life.
God wants you to enjoy a beautiful life with simplicity, sanity, and clear direction. That only comes by spending time with Him, and listening for His response. If you are too busy to get alone with Him each day, then set some boundaries in your life. Say no to whatever is keeping you from starting your day with God.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
All things are legitimate (permissible - and we are free to do anything we please), but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive (to character) and edifying (to spritual life). 1 Corinthians 10:23
People complain about stress, but some people would rather complain than change. It is easy to be frightened at the thought of jumping off life's high-speed treadmill, especially if you aren't sure what to give up in order to show down your life.
God wants you to enjoy a beautiful life with simplicity, sanity, and clear direction. That only comes by spending time with Him, and listening for His response. If you are too busy to get alone with Him each day, then set some boundaries in your life. Say no to whatever is keeping you from starting your day with God.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Day 17, December
Be Led by the Holy Spirit
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:14
We live in a society in which people are driven to engage in many activities. We can get almost too tired to move from doing so much in a day, but busyness is not the kind of life to which God has called us.
God will not drive us to do things; He will lead us by putting in our heart what we are supposed to do. If you follow the Holy Spirit, you may have to say no to some activities that you are saying yes to right now. If what you are doing leaves you drained and worn out, you may not have God's anointing to do it. When He leads you to do something, He will also energize you to fulfill your true call.
Prune your life of things that drain you, and trust God to lead you to the works that keep you growing and healthy.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Romans 8:14
We live in a society in which people are driven to engage in many activities. We can get almost too tired to move from doing so much in a day, but busyness is not the kind of life to which God has called us.
God will not drive us to do things; He will lead us by putting in our heart what we are supposed to do. If you follow the Holy Spirit, you may have to say no to some activities that you are saying yes to right now. If what you are doing leaves you drained and worn out, you may not have God's anointing to do it. When He leads you to do something, He will also energize you to fulfill your true call.
Prune your life of things that drain you, and trust God to lead you to the works that keep you growing and healthy.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Day 16, December
Don't Get Burned Out
And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind (having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude). Ephesians 4:23
Expect God to show you something new today. Some people resist change, but God created us to need variety in our life. If we do the same thing over and over, we get burned out on it. God will keep our lives exciting if we seek Him every day.
Look for new ways of doing things. If you have been working on the same job for thirty years, driving to it the same way, at least find a new route you can take once in a while to get there. Do something to invite newness into your life so you can discover God's many ways of revealing Himself to you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind (having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude). Ephesians 4:23
Expect God to show you something new today. Some people resist change, but God created us to need variety in our life. If we do the same thing over and over, we get burned out on it. God will keep our lives exciting if we seek Him every day.
Look for new ways of doing things. If you have been working on the same job for thirty years, driving to it the same way, at least find a new route you can take once in a while to get there. Do something to invite newness into your life so you can discover God's many ways of revealing Himself to you.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Day 15, December
Listen to God
Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come. Proverbs 19:20
You may wonder, "How do I know when to confront someone about an issue, and when to let it go"? If you are too eaget to get someone straight, it may not be God motivating you. Correction must be done in love to build up the person and not tear them down. Always pray and wait until you know what God wants you to do.
You must be led of the Spirit. if after prayer you still feel that you are to talk to someone about their behavior, be absolutely sure that you are doing it for their good and not yours. If it is what God has told you to do, you mauynot even want to do it, but it will be done as an act of obedience to Him. Whatever you do, do it in love.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come. Proverbs 19:20
You may wonder, "How do I know when to confront someone about an issue, and when to let it go"? If you are too eaget to get someone straight, it may not be God motivating you. Correction must be done in love to build up the person and not tear them down. Always pray and wait until you know what God wants you to do.
You must be led of the Spirit. if after prayer you still feel that you are to talk to someone about their behavior, be absolutely sure that you are doing it for their good and not yours. If it is what God has told you to do, you mauynot even want to do it, but it will be done as an act of obedience to Him. Whatever you do, do it in love.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, December 14, 2009
Day 14, December
Follow Jesus
All who keeps His commandments (who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and) abid in Him, and He in them. (They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.) 1 John 3:24
Some people wanted to follow Jesus, but they were afraid they would be put out of the synagogue
John 12:42 Even then, many of the Jewish authorities believed in Jesus; but because of the Pharisees they did not talk about it openly, so as not to be expelled from the synagogue.
Some people are still afraid to follow the Lord because they might be put out of their family, their group, or even their church.
Eventually, there will only be one Person to face- God. You won't want Him to say, "I had so much for you, but you didn't receive it because you were too concerned about what people thought; you were a people-pleaser." Jesus wasn't swayed by men's opinions, threats, judgments, or criticisms. Follow Jesus, and enjoy life.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
All who keeps His commandments (who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and) abid in Him, and He in them. (They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.) 1 John 3:24
Some people wanted to follow Jesus, but they were afraid they would be put out of the synagogue
John 12:42 Even then, many of the Jewish authorities believed in Jesus; but because of the Pharisees they did not talk about it openly, so as not to be expelled from the synagogue.
Some people are still afraid to follow the Lord because they might be put out of their family, their group, or even their church.
Eventually, there will only be one Person to face- God. You won't want Him to say, "I had so much for you, but you didn't receive it because you were too concerned about what people thought; you were a people-pleaser." Jesus wasn't swayed by men's opinions, threats, judgments, or criticisms. Follow Jesus, and enjoy life.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Baptised into One Body
Rev Ho Chee Sin
Matthew 3:11-13 I baptize you with water to show that you have repented, but the one who will come after me will baptize youwith the Holy Spirit and fire. He is much greater than I am; and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He has his winnowing shovel with him to thresh out all the grain. He will gather his wheat into his barn, but he will burn the chaff in a fire that never goes out.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts. In the same way, all of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free, have been baptized into the one body by the same Spirit, and we have all been given the one Spirit to drink.
13/12/2009
*Word dwelled tabernacle (tent)=temporary
*Mystery in New Testament - reveal secrets of God's Word
*Christmas story reveals God's secret to us
*God and humanity unite
*Jesus, Word of God became flesh
*4 gospels record the baptism of Jesus
*wanted to identify with us
*marks different from symbolic and real baptism
*baptism- communicate through signs and symbols
*RIT of baptism = baptism of Holy Spirit
*John talking about 2 baptism
*Holy Spirit took on the day of pentecost
*fire- judgement of God
*sending of father = waiting of Holy Sprit - day of pentecost - promised was fulfilled
Acts 1:4-5 And when they came together, he gave them this order : "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Sprit."
*baptism= form the (body of Christ)
*put individuals in the body of Christ
All (Jesus and Gentiles, Slaves and Freeman) - made to drink one Spirit
John 16:15 All that my Father has is mine; that is why I said that the Spirit will take what I give him and tell it to you.
*not intellectual treat but warmth and fellowship that makes us Christians
*Work of the Holy Spirit
*You and Me (Christ) and I (Christ) in You- St Paul
*seen fulfilled in Holy Spirit puts us in Christ
*part of him - made to drink in 1 Spirit
*given gifts by the same spirit
*change the world by the love of Christ
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Matthew 3:11-13 I baptize you with water to show that you have repented, but the one who will come after me will baptize youwith the Holy Spirit and fire. He is much greater than I am; and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He has his winnowing shovel with him to thresh out all the grain. He will gather his wheat into his barn, but he will burn the chaff in a fire that never goes out.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts. In the same way, all of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether slaves or free, have been baptized into the one body by the same Spirit, and we have all been given the one Spirit to drink.
13/12/2009
*Word dwelled tabernacle (tent)=temporary
*Mystery in New Testament - reveal secrets of God's Word
*Christmas story reveals God's secret to us
*God and humanity unite
*Jesus, Word of God became flesh
*4 gospels record the baptism of Jesus
*wanted to identify with us
*marks different from symbolic and real baptism
*baptism- communicate through signs and symbols
*RIT of baptism = baptism of Holy Spirit
*John talking about 2 baptism
*Holy Spirit took on the day of pentecost
*fire- judgement of God
*sending of father = waiting of Holy Sprit - day of pentecost - promised was fulfilled
Acts 1:4-5 And when they came together, he gave them this order : "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Sprit."
*baptism= form the (body of Christ)
*put individuals in the body of Christ
All (Jesus and Gentiles, Slaves and Freeman) - made to drink one Spirit
John 16:15 All that my Father has is mine; that is why I said that the Spirit will take what I give him and tell it to you.
*not intellectual treat but warmth and fellowship that makes us Christians
*Work of the Holy Spirit
*You and Me (Christ) and I (Christ) in You- St Paul
*seen fulfilled in Holy Spirit puts us in Christ
*part of him - made to drink in 1 Spirit
*given gifts by the same spirit
*change the world by the love of Christ
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Day 12 & 13, December
Start Something Good
For there shall the seed produce peace and prosperity; the vine shall yield her fruit and the ground shall give its increase and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to in herit and possess all these things. Zechariah 8:12
Start something good in someone's life today. Sow faith for a healing. Sow hope for a restoration. A sincere compliment can sow confidence in someone who is starving for encouragement. Your forgiveness of an ongoing offense can sow a seed for a miracle breakthrough in that situation.
Pray for someone else's need, or make a special offering to start something positive in the name of the Lord. Remember, God won't ask you to sow anything that He doesn't give you the grace to give. Enjoy the abundant harvest that is returned to your own life when you sow into someone else's life.
Be Christ's Bond Servant
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). 2 Corinthians 3:17
Paul said that he would not become the slave of anything or anyone but Jesus Christ: "Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power" (1 Corinthians 6:12)." He also said, "If I had been trying to be popular with people, I would not now be a bond servant of the Lord Jesus Christ"
Galatians 1:10 Does this sound as if I am trying to win man's approval? No indeed! What I want is God's approval! Am I trying to be popular with men? If I were still trying to do so, I would not be a servant of Christ.
If you let other people control you, you will not fulfill the call of God on your life. If you let their rejection frighten you and change your focus, you won't do what God wants you to do. Be a slave only to God, and a servant to people on His behalf.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
For there shall the seed produce peace and prosperity; the vine shall yield her fruit and the ground shall give its increase and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to in herit and possess all these things. Zechariah 8:12
Start something good in someone's life today. Sow faith for a healing. Sow hope for a restoration. A sincere compliment can sow confidence in someone who is starving for encouragement. Your forgiveness of an ongoing offense can sow a seed for a miracle breakthrough in that situation.
Pray for someone else's need, or make a special offering to start something positive in the name of the Lord. Remember, God won't ask you to sow anything that He doesn't give you the grace to give. Enjoy the abundant harvest that is returned to your own life when you sow into someone else's life.
Be Christ's Bond Servant
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). 2 Corinthians 3:17
Paul said that he would not become the slave of anything or anyone but Jesus Christ: "Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power" (1 Corinthians 6:12)." He also said, "If I had been trying to be popular with people, I would not now be a bond servant of the Lord Jesus Christ"
Galatians 1:10 Does this sound as if I am trying to win man's approval? No indeed! What I want is God's approval! Am I trying to be popular with men? If I were still trying to do so, I would not be a servant of Christ.
If you let other people control you, you will not fulfill the call of God on your life. If you let their rejection frighten you and change your focus, you won't do what God wants you to do. Be a slave only to God, and a servant to people on His behalf.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, December 11, 2009
Day 11, December
Start Something
(Let your) love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil (loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness), but hold fast to that which is good. Love one another with brotherly affection (as members of one family), giving precedence and showing honor to one another. Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:9-11
If all of us started having a godly attitude, it would catch hold and spread like a virus. Wouldn't it be great if we could spread a good virus?
Imagine the whispers: "Have you heard? There's something wonderful going around. Have you caught it? It is runnning rampant all over the place. Everywhere you look, people have a new attitude!"
Let's start something today! Let's decide to think like Christ. Let's decide to love everyone we meet today, and pass the word so that everybody catches on to it.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
(Let your) love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil (loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness), but hold fast to that which is good. Love one another with brotherly affection (as members of one family), giving precedence and showing honor to one another. Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:9-11
If all of us started having a godly attitude, it would catch hold and spread like a virus. Wouldn't it be great if we could spread a good virus?
Imagine the whispers: "Have you heard? There's something wonderful going around. Have you caught it? It is runnning rampant all over the place. Everywhere you look, people have a new attitude!"
Let's start something today! Let's decide to think like Christ. Let's decide to love everyone we meet today, and pass the word so that everybody catches on to it.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Day 10, December
Accept Responsibility
Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same (agreeable) mind one with another; live in peace, and (then) the God of love (Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men) and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Each one of us needs to accept our responsibility to do what is right in God's eyes, whether others do the right thing or not. Otherwise we will have a standoff:
"Well, if you won't say you're sorry, then I won't say I'm sorry."
"You're not nice, so I'm not going to be nice,"
"You haven't give me a compliment in a year, so I'm not giving you one either."
That attitude gets relationship in trouble. God wants us to live above the pettiness of selfish arguments by loving one another.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same (agreeable) mind one with another; live in peace, and (then) the God of love (Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men) and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Each one of us needs to accept our responsibility to do what is right in God's eyes, whether others do the right thing or not. Otherwise we will have a standoff:
"Well, if you won't say you're sorry, then I won't say I'm sorry."
"You're not nice, so I'm not going to be nice,"
"You haven't give me a compliment in a year, so I'm not giving you one either."
That attitude gets relationship in trouble. God wants us to live above the pettiness of selfish arguments by loving one another.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Day 9, December
Enjoy a New Beginning
But there is forgiveness with You (just what men needs), that You may be reverently feared and worshiped. Psalm 130:4
People sometimes tell me, "I did something wrong, and I just don't know if God can ever forgive me of it." Even when we have made serious mistakes, there is always a place of forgiveness and a new beginning in Christ. When we have a new beginning with Christ, we don't have to mourn over the past. We just have to repent and go on. We don't need to repent again and again.
If you know the character of God, you know He will forgive any sin, no matter how terrible, because to Him sin is sin. Remember, God can make miracles out of mistakes. If you need forgiveness today, simply confess to the Lord what you have done, and enjoy your new beginning
1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.
It begins at the moment of forgiveness.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
But there is forgiveness with You (just what men needs), that You may be reverently feared and worshiped. Psalm 130:4
People sometimes tell me, "I did something wrong, and I just don't know if God can ever forgive me of it." Even when we have made serious mistakes, there is always a place of forgiveness and a new beginning in Christ. When we have a new beginning with Christ, we don't have to mourn over the past. We just have to repent and go on. We don't need to repent again and again.
If you know the character of God, you know He will forgive any sin, no matter how terrible, because to Him sin is sin. Remember, God can make miracles out of mistakes. If you need forgiveness today, simply confess to the Lord what you have done, and enjoy your new beginning
1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.
It begins at the moment of forgiveness.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Day 8, December
Enjoy Liberty
Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will reveive (the victor's) crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
Life is miserable when we won't listen to anybody else, or when we get mad every time somebody doens't agree with us. To be so emotionally ruled and controlled that we are stressed every time something doesn't go our way is bondage. When Jesus sets us free, it means that we are free not to get upset just because we don't get everything we want.
It is wonderful to be free. We can give thanks for the liberty to receive God's help and walk in patience despite our circumstances. Our lives can be happy, blessed and peaceful. We can experience joy no matter what the situation may be.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will reveive (the victor's) crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
Life is miserable when we won't listen to anybody else, or when we get mad every time somebody doens't agree with us. To be so emotionally ruled and controlled that we are stressed every time something doesn't go our way is bondage. When Jesus sets us free, it means that we are free not to get upset just because we don't get everything we want.
It is wonderful to be free. We can give thanks for the liberty to receive God's help and walk in patience despite our circumstances. Our lives can be happy, blessed and peaceful. We can experience joy no matter what the situation may be.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, December 7, 2009
Day 7, December
Opportunity Brings Opposition
But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the (law) of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer (who obeys), he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience). James 1:25
Many people agree with a sermon of a Scripture, but they don't apply it in their everyday life, so nothing changes. They think that just because they agree with the Word, it should bring change into their life.
But change doens't happen automatically; a person has to be a doer of the Word, not a hearer only. Jesus said, "Keep awak (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into tempation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).
Every time you have an opportunity to believe God for something, you will have a temptation to give up on it. Pray that you will overcome temptation when it comes.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the (law) of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer (who obeys), he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience). James 1:25
Many people agree with a sermon of a Scripture, but they don't apply it in their everyday life, so nothing changes. They think that just because they agree with the Word, it should bring change into their life.
But change doens't happen automatically; a person has to be a doer of the Word, not a hearer only. Jesus said, "Keep awak (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into tempation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).
Every time you have an opportunity to believe God for something, you will have a temptation to give up on it. Pray that you will overcome temptation when it comes.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
John the Road-builder
Rev Buell Abraham
Malachi 3:1-4 The Lord Almighty answers, "I will send my messenger to prepare the way for me. Thn the Lord youa re looking for will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenget you long to see will come and proclaim my covenant." But who will be able to endure the day when he comes? Who will come to judge like one who refines and purifies silver. As a metalworker refines silver and gold, so the Lord's messenger will purify the priests, so that they will bring to the Lord the right kind of offerings. Then the offerings which the people of Judah and Jerusalem bring to the Lord will be pleasing to him, as they used to be in the past.
Luke 1:68-79 "Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to the help of his people and has set them free. He has provided for us a mighty Saviour, a descendant of his servant David. He promised through his holy prophets long ago that he would save us from our enemies, from the power of all those who hate us. He said he would show mercy to our ancestors and rremember his sacred covenant. WIth a solemn oath to our ancestor Abraham he promised to resuce us from our enemies and allow us to serve him without fear, so that we might be holy and righteous before him all the days of our live.
"You, my child,will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him, to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on ll those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace."
Luke 3:1-6 It was the fifteenth year of the rule of the Emperor Tiberius; Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip was ruler of the territory of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias was ruler of Abilene, and Anna and Caiaphas were high priests. At that time the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. So John went throughout the whole territory of the River Jordan, preaching, "Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins." As it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah;
"Someone is shouting in the desert: 'Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel! Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain levelled off. The winding roads must be made straight, and the rough paths made smooth. All mankind will see God's salvation!'"
6/12/2009
Isaiah 11:6 Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats. Calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them.
*Christ is willing to come in our lives to transform us
*Eternal death = eternal life
*2nd advent= he returns the 2nd time
*none of us are evil
*Prayer and fasting is about God, that he wants to have a conversation with you
*God did many things to prove his existence but we always turn away from him
*How can we praise God with distress and difficulty
*Am I or are we like that?
*Why are there, church differences?
*Do we examine ourselves in the light of the teaching of God's Word?
*He loves us so dearly, he wants to see repentence
*Are we transparent with God?
*Are we pursueing holiness and sincerity in all our dealings?
2 Corinthians 1:12 We are proud that our conscience assures us that our lives in this world, and especially our relations with you, have been rules by God-given frankness and sincerity, byt hte power of God's grace, and not by human wisdom.
*Being honest with others about where we are spiritually
Ephesians 4:25 No more lying, then! Everyone must tell the truth to his fellow-believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ.
*being willing to be admonished by those who love us
Proverbs 27:6 A friend means well, even when he hurts you. But when an enemy puts his arm round your shoulder- watch out!
*Most of the time, we don't listen to God, instead, we do things our own way
*When you pray, he will reward us openly
*Be willing to accept God
*Are we willing to be purified by Jesus?
*God speaks to John. Through the middle of the chaos of the world, the world of God comes
*Time is wasting. So, turn! Turn yourself, and turn the world. The revolution begins in you.
*John the Baptizer is also John the Road-builder
*Are we willing to listen like John who preached about repentence and forgiveness?
Luke 3:3-6
*Able being to work with others without any personal agenda so that God can work through you
*Each person should have the testimony of Christ
*Try and reconcile, never be a troublemaker
*Be a people-builder this Christmas
Hebrews 10:24 Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good.
A reminder for communion
1 Corinthians 11:29-30 For if he does not recognize the meaning of the Lord's body when he eats the bread and drinks from the cup, he brings judgement on himself as he eats and drinks. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and several have died.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Malachi 3:1-4 The Lord Almighty answers, "I will send my messenger to prepare the way for me. Thn the Lord youa re looking for will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenget you long to see will come and proclaim my covenant." But who will be able to endure the day when he comes? Who will come to judge like one who refines and purifies silver. As a metalworker refines silver and gold, so the Lord's messenger will purify the priests, so that they will bring to the Lord the right kind of offerings. Then the offerings which the people of Judah and Jerusalem bring to the Lord will be pleasing to him, as they used to be in the past.
Luke 1:68-79 "Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to the help of his people and has set them free. He has provided for us a mighty Saviour, a descendant of his servant David. He promised through his holy prophets long ago that he would save us from our enemies, from the power of all those who hate us. He said he would show mercy to our ancestors and rremember his sacred covenant. WIth a solemn oath to our ancestor Abraham he promised to resuce us from our enemies and allow us to serve him without fear, so that we might be holy and righteous before him all the days of our live.
"You, my child,will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him, to tell his people that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven on ll those who live in the dark shadow of death, to guide our steps into the path of peace."
Luke 3:1-6 It was the fifteenth year of the rule of the Emperor Tiberius; Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip was ruler of the territory of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias was ruler of Abilene, and Anna and Caiaphas were high priests. At that time the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. So John went throughout the whole territory of the River Jordan, preaching, "Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins." As it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah;
"Someone is shouting in the desert: 'Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel! Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain levelled off. The winding roads must be made straight, and the rough paths made smooth. All mankind will see God's salvation!'"
6/12/2009
Isaiah 11:6 Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats. Calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them.
*Christ is willing to come in our lives to transform us
*Eternal death = eternal life
*2nd advent= he returns the 2nd time
*none of us are evil
*Prayer and fasting is about God, that he wants to have a conversation with you
*God did many things to prove his existence but we always turn away from him
*How can we praise God with distress and difficulty
*Am I or are we like that?
*Why are there, church differences?
*Do we examine ourselves in the light of the teaching of God's Word?
*He loves us so dearly, he wants to see repentence
*Are we transparent with God?
*Are we pursueing holiness and sincerity in all our dealings?
2 Corinthians 1:12 We are proud that our conscience assures us that our lives in this world, and especially our relations with you, have been rules by God-given frankness and sincerity, byt hte power of God's grace, and not by human wisdom.
*Being honest with others about where we are spiritually
Ephesians 4:25 No more lying, then! Everyone must tell the truth to his fellow-believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ.
*being willing to be admonished by those who love us
Proverbs 27:6 A friend means well, even when he hurts you. But when an enemy puts his arm round your shoulder- watch out!
*Most of the time, we don't listen to God, instead, we do things our own way
*When you pray, he will reward us openly
*Be willing to accept God
*Are we willing to be purified by Jesus?
*God speaks to John. Through the middle of the chaos of the world, the world of God comes
*Time is wasting. So, turn! Turn yourself, and turn the world. The revolution begins in you.
*John the Baptizer is also John the Road-builder
*Are we willing to listen like John who preached about repentence and forgiveness?
Luke 3:3-6
*Able being to work with others without any personal agenda so that God can work through you
*Each person should have the testimony of Christ
*Try and reconcile, never be a troublemaker
*Be a people-builder this Christmas
Hebrews 10:24 Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good.
A reminder for communion
1 Corinthians 11:29-30 For if he does not recognize the meaning of the Lord's body when he eats the bread and drinks from the cup, he brings judgement on himself as he eats and drinks. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and several have died.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Day 6, December
Lend a Helping Hand
He who is greaterst among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11
If we help someone become what God wants them to be, God will send someone along to help us be everything God wants us to be.
One day I asked one of our musicians if he would like to do something that needed to be done. He said, "I will do whatever you tell me to do; I am here to serve you."
I said, "But do you want to do this? You don't have to do it; we can find someone else."
He said, "It doesn't matter if I want to or not. Tell me what you want me to do, and I will do it." He was anointed to help others and enjoyed doing whatever needed to be done.
To enjoy your day, be ready to help people with whatever God has called them to do.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
He who is greaterst among you shall be your servant. Matthew 23:11
If we help someone become what God wants them to be, God will send someone along to help us be everything God wants us to be.
One day I asked one of our musicians if he would like to do something that needed to be done. He said, "I will do whatever you tell me to do; I am here to serve you."
I said, "But do you want to do this? You don't have to do it; we can find someone else."
He said, "It doesn't matter if I want to or not. Tell me what you want me to do, and I will do it." He was anointed to help others and enjoyed doing whatever needed to be done.
To enjoy your day, be ready to help people with whatever God has called them to do.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Day 5, November
Change Things with Knowledge
Commit your way to the Lord (roll and repose each care of your load on Him); trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
We are all eager for our situations and relationships to change, but nothing will change in our lives without knowledge of God's Word. In Hosea 4:6 God says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
Change comes through prayer, and then through waiting patiently on God. While we are waiting for God to solve our problems, we are not to complain to everybody else about our situation.
God tells us to trust Him. He is not asking us to trust the people involved in our problems; He is asking us to trust Him. There is a difference. He is faithful to rescue us from all our troubles.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Commit your way to the Lord (roll and repose each care of your load on Him); trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
We are all eager for our situations and relationships to change, but nothing will change in our lives without knowledge of God's Word. In Hosea 4:6 God says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
Change comes through prayer, and then through waiting patiently on God. While we are waiting for God to solve our problems, we are not to complain to everybody else about our situation.
God tells us to trust Him. He is not asking us to trust the people involved in our problems; He is asking us to trust Him. There is a difference. He is faithful to rescue us from all our troubles.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, December 4, 2009
Day 4, December
Use Your Authority Well
Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you must be your slave -- just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (the price paid to set them free). Matthew 20:26-28
God desires to restore us to our rightful position of authority in Christ. But first, we must learn to respect authority before we are fit to be in authority.
We all have authorities to whom God expects us to submit. Our government, our law officers, and even our merchants have the right to set rules for us to follow. If we are not submitting to God's appointed authority, it will soon be revealed.
Keep a submissive attitude in your heart, and enjoy the authority you have been given to spend time in God's presence today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you must be your slave -- just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (the price paid to set them free). Matthew 20:26-28
God desires to restore us to our rightful position of authority in Christ. But first, we must learn to respect authority before we are fit to be in authority.
We all have authorities to whom God expects us to submit. Our government, our law officers, and even our merchants have the right to set rules for us to follow. If we are not submitting to God's appointed authority, it will soon be revealed.
Keep a submissive attitude in your heart, and enjoy the authority you have been given to spend time in God's presence today.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Day 3, December
Choose to Be Changed
But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of his heart. 1 Corinthians 2:16
Do you get mad every time somebody tries to correct you, or tell you what to do, because you alwasy have to be right? If you answered yes, I am sure that you are not a happy person. You cannot change others, but you can allow God to change you so that things don't bother you anymore.
With Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can learn how to live a different way. You can have peace. You can sleep well at night. You can like yourself. You can restore relationships that have been ruined. Your mind can be renewed to be like Jesus', if you read His Word and ask Him to help you live the abundant life He came to give you
John 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life -- life in all its fullness.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of his heart. 1 Corinthians 2:16
Do you get mad every time somebody tries to correct you, or tell you what to do, because you alwasy have to be right? If you answered yes, I am sure that you are not a happy person. You cannot change others, but you can allow God to change you so that things don't bother you anymore.
With Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can learn how to live a different way. You can have peace. You can sleep well at night. You can like yourself. You can restore relationships that have been ruined. Your mind can be renewed to be like Jesus', if you read His Word and ask Him to help you live the abundant life He came to give you
John 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life -- life in all its fullness.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Day 2, December
Wait for God's Justice
Knowing (with all certainty) that it is from the Lord (and not from men) that you will receive the inheritance which is your (real) reward. (The One Whom) youa re actually serving (is) the Lord Christ (the Messiah). Colossians 3:24
God has brought a great reward in my life in recompense for the abuse that I suffered in my earlier days. Now I have a wonderful life. God blesses me. He does things for me. He opens doors of opportunity for me. He makes me happy. He gives me joy.
When you really trust God, He will bring justice into your life. In Isaiah 61:7 the Lord says, "For your former shame I will give you a double reward" (paraphrased). If someone has mistreated you, rejected you, abused you, or abandoned you, hold on to that promise. You have many blessings ahead of you. Trust God with your future, and enjoy your day as you wait for God's justice.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Knowing (with all certainty) that it is from the Lord (and not from men) that you will receive the inheritance which is your (real) reward. (The One Whom) youa re actually serving (is) the Lord Christ (the Messiah). Colossians 3:24
God has brought a great reward in my life in recompense for the abuse that I suffered in my earlier days. Now I have a wonderful life. God blesses me. He does things for me. He opens doors of opportunity for me. He makes me happy. He gives me joy.
When you really trust God, He will bring justice into your life. In Isaiah 61:7 the Lord says, "For your former shame I will give you a double reward" (paraphrased). If someone has mistreated you, rejected you, abused you, or abandoned you, hold on to that promise. You have many blessings ahead of you. Trust God with your future, and enjoy your day as you wait for God's justice.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Day 1, December
Trust God
But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. Psalm 5:11
Many wounded people don't know how to get what they really need, so they wallow in self-pity. God once told me, "Joyce (the author), you can be pitiful or powerful, but you can't be both."
Taking our eyes off of ourselves enables us to look to God. This positions us to trust Him to meet every need in our lives. God knows exactly what we need, and He promises to provide it through His abundant grace and mercy.
Ask Him to fill you with His power today, and trust Him as Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord our Provider
Genesis 22:14 Abraham named that place "The Lord Provides." And even today people say, "On the Lord's mountain he provides."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. Psalm 5:11
Many wounded people don't know how to get what they really need, so they wallow in self-pity. God once told me, "Joyce (the author), you can be pitiful or powerful, but you can't be both."
Taking our eyes off of ourselves enables us to look to God. This positions us to trust Him to meet every need in our lives. God knows exactly what we need, and He promises to provide it through His abundant grace and mercy.
Ask Him to fill you with His power today, and trust Him as Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord our Provider
Genesis 22:14 Abraham named that place "The Lord Provides." And even today people say, "On the Lord's mountain he provides."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
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