My ways are not your ways

''Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! ... For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.''...... 

- Romans 11:33-36 -

Thoughts on This Verse... Some things in Scripture don't need commentary, explanations, or elaboration; they just need to be spoken and believed. I encourage you to memorize this short passage of praise and keep it close to your heart, and let it come from your lips during all your times of difficulty as well as times of bounty and blessing.


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Would a Loving God Really Send People to Hell?

 *The Doctrine of Hell may bring you to go closer to God but may bring you to question if God would bring people to hell
*People not knowing Go dis doing fine. It would be better for them to know God earlier but what we are concern is letting people accept Jesus Christ before they die
*It is ok to question but pray, discuss and be humble
*Did we ever think the decisions God make are something we do not even think of because He knows a higher level than us

3 arguments

1) We want justice

*We see injustice in the world, how people treat us and we become angry
*The reality is that we want justice
*Romans 12:19: ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[a] says the Lord.

*God will eventually come through and revenge
*We might not want justice because some of our family/relatives/friends are not Christians

2)Did Jesus have to die?

*If there's any other way (to go to heaven/hell)
 *God of universe have to pour his wrath for our punishment-> spend eternity in hell
*Good news-> along comes Jesus to take our place and cut God's wrath
*If we get rid of God's wrath, Jesus had no reason to die

Time Keller

"In our effort to make God more loving (no justice), we have made God less loving (Jesus should not have died)"

3)People remove themselves from His presence

*God is good, people are evil
*Jesus says "Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest"
*God does not just send people to hell but gives us a choice to decide what you really want

CS Lewis

"There are only two kinds of people in the end, those who say to God, 'Thy will be done' or those God say 'Thy will be done'

*God does not actively send people to hell but He keeps wanting to bring them over to heaven
*However, there is a point where He would say that our chance it up
Romans 1:21-26: ²¹ For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools ²³ and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
 ²⁴ Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. ²⁵ They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
 ²⁶ Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.

Matthew 22:13: ¹³ “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Revelation 20:14-15: ¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
(God is actively, deliberately want to punish us)

Romans 9:17-22:
¹⁷ For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”^{[a] 18} Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
 ¹⁹ One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” ²⁰ But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”^{[b] 21} Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
 ²² What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?

*This may not be what you grew up hearing as Christians
*We might find it unfair because God only brings people who believe in Jesus and not someone who just does good
*As a result, some of us might walk away
*But at the end of the day, we can't wait for others
*Once we surrender all our worries, future, everything to him, we feel the peace of God
*Still other non-believers are not going to join us
*Thus we should just try our best to bring people to know and accept Christ and that is what the church is for
*If we are unsure about throwing ourselves to Jesus, just be sure and recommit to Him again
*If we have believed in Jesus, then be contented and appreciate what God has done to us


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Revive us Lord once again

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?...... 

- Psalm 85:6 -

Thoughts on This Verse... God loves his children even when they are rebellious. However, God showed Israel that their rebellion would drive his presence and blessing from them. But with their genuine repentance and their confession of sin, God joyously returned to their lives to bring revival, renewal, and restoration.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Help!

''Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'''...... 

- Matthew 25:37-40 -

Thoughts on This Verse... When we help those who can't help themselves -- those who have gotten themselves in trouble, those who have been falsely accused, those who are facing death -- we are helping Jesus himself. What would Jesus do? He would be helping someone find God out of their hopelessness and despair.


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Holy are you Lord

I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.......

- Ezekiel 36:23 -

 
 Thoughts on This Verse... God can and will use us even though we are not worthy vessels for him to use. Scripture gives us many examples of people God used when they did not measure up to his moral and holy requirements -- for example, think a little about Samson or most of the other Judges! God will be revealed as the holy, mighty, and awesome God that he is. So let's not be unwilling tools in his hands. Instead, let's offer ourselves to him for his service and his glory.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

In the name of the Lord

...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.......

- Philippians 2:10-11 -

Thoughts on This Verse... I love the fact that I do each day what everyone will one day do: bow before the majesty and proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ to honor the Father's glory. How wonderful it is to be able to make that proclamation because of grace rather than in fear at the end of a life that has been spent in what is rebellion, denial, and waste.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

PTL!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God....... 

- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 -

Thoughts on This Verse... We are comforted because we are heartbroken. We are comforted because we need a blessing. We are comforted because God loves us. We are comforted to comfort others. While each of the above statements is true, the last is the most crucial one. There is something about comfort that cannot be fully realized until it is shared with someone else. It is that final step in the healing process of grief, disappointment, hurt, and loss. Until we share the comfort we have received, until we pass it on to another, our comfort is weak and shallow and limited. Comfort, pass it on!

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Maker of all Creation

For your Maker is your husband-- the LORD Almighty is his name-- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth....... 

- Isaiah 54:5 -

Thoughts on This Verse... ''For God so loved the world...''''The Father, from whom every family on earth derives its name...'' God is not just the God of Israel. The LORD God, ruler of heaven and earth, is the God of all nations and one day''every knee will bow and every tongue will confess... that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.''

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Sons of God

[T]hose who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.......

- Romans 8:14 -

Thoughts on This Verse... Over the last two weeks we have been blessed to read a number of Scriptures that speak of the Spirit's work in our lives. In the last several days, we've celebrated being God's children. Now the two concepts come together in one glorious declaration: we are God's''sons,'' his children with full inheritance rights. We have not only been given grace, but we live as his children and enjoy the blessings of his eternal family.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Spiritual Experiences

Dan Harding

23rd October 2011

*Sometimes we use to experience miraculous, supernatural things but not anymore
*We ignore the supernatural experience in our faith
*If we have some supernatural experience, that does not mean we are elite christians

Supernatural Experiences

1. We came from the Supernatural

*Do not have to be surprised about supernatural events

2. God has supernaturally worked in history

*In the Bible, God has worked supernaturally (talking donkey, Jonah and the Whale, Jesus spoke to dead people and brought them to life)
*He has supernatural words of knowledge
*God is and was working supernaturally through people's hearts
*Sometimes, we encounter things so difficult but to others, it is so easy

3. God now supernaturally lives in us

*If He lives inside us, we would at some point experience supernatural powers
*The church does mess up at times but the Bible encourage us, normal people to ask and experience supernatural powers

Ephesians 3:14-21:

A Prayer for the Ephesians

 ¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

*We all need strength in our inner being
*He would not just answer your prayers but do more than He would
*He will break out to our relationships, work, life to express the love of Christ to people who needs it

*Paul says we can do supernatural miracles but God wants to supernaturally go into your inner being
*God longs to work in our lives and our church's life
*We need to know that God loves us
*Should we change our attitude to change our lives so that we allow God to do supernatural things for us?
*All we need to do is ask
*Where do you need God to supernaturally work in our lives?


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Neo Leader Conference!

FAITHFILLED and FAITHFULL

1 Kings 18 (Story of Elijah and false prophets of Baal sacrificing bulls)

¹⁸ “I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the LORD’s commands and have followed the Baals. ¹⁹ Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.”
 ²⁰ So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. ²¹ Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
   But the people said nothing.
 ²² Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the LORD’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. ²³ Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. ²⁴ Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God.”
   Then all the people said, “What you say is good.”
 ²⁵ Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” ²⁶ So they took the bull given them and prepared it.
   Then they called on the name of Baal from morning till noon. “Baal, answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.
 ²⁷ At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said. “Surely he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or busy, or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” ²⁸ So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. ²⁹ Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention.
 ³⁰ Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come here to me.” They came to him, and he repaired the altar of the LORD, which had been torn down. ³¹ Elijah took twelve stones, one for each of the tribes descended from Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying, “Your name shall be Israel.” ³² With the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD, and he dug a trench around it large enough to hold two seahs^[a] of seed. ³³ He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, “Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood.”
 ³⁴ “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again.
   “Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. ³⁵ The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.
 ³⁶ At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. ³⁷ Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”
 ³⁸ Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.
 ³⁹ When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD—he is God! The LORD—he is God!”
 ⁴⁰ Then Elijah commanded them, “Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!” They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there.
 ⁴¹ And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” ⁴² So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees.
 ⁴³ “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked.
   “There is nothing there,” he said.
   Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.”
 ⁴⁴ The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.”
   So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’”
 ⁴⁵ Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. ⁴⁶ The power of the LORD came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.


*Have great expectations for God's great work and do not stop expecting
*We should expect but do not keep yourself from doing nothing along the process
*Ministry can change us as well while we try our best to build on and change the ministry for the better
*Go back if you have to, even if we fail more than seven times
*We must still adher to God's timing and purpose 

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Good vs Evil

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it....... 

- Psalm 34:14 -

Thoughts on This Verse... It is not enough to turn from evil. We can clean the putrid things out of our life, but if we do not actively pursue what is good then a worse evil will rush into the void. (cf. Mat. 12:43-45) Let's be a people eager to do good and with a passion to''wage peace.''


 

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Revive us Lord

Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved....... 

- Psalm 80:19 -

Thoughts on This Verse... In the days of Jesus' birth, there was a group of devout and lowly people who still looked for God's redemption. They knew that salvation could not, and would not, come without great cost -- not just to themselves, but also to God. Isaiah had hinted about this in his Servant Songs (see Isaiah 53). They had experienced it in their own history. So with honest hearts, they confessed that they didn't have the power to bring salvation and deliverance. This power had to come from God and had to be released to people who were seeking God's transformation in their lives. They needed to ask God for it! They needed to seek his face, his presence, in their daily lives. So must we!

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Grow!

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen....... 

- 2 Peter 3:18 -

Thoughts on This Verse... Where do you need to grow in your walk with the Lord? How about keeping the tandem targets of grace and knowledge together as your goal. So often we pursue one or the other. But something seems to come unhinged in our soul when either of those becomes more important than the other. Let's keep grace and knowledge together because we see them together in our Savior.


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Lips of an angel

The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse....... 

- Proverbs 10:32 -

Thoughts on This Verse... How many times have you said just the''wrong'' thing? For me, it is more often than I would like to recall. Jesus' words on this topic are indeed convicting to me:''Out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak.'' In other words, poor words and bad timing in our speech are more issues of our heart than issues of social skills and decorum. Let's ask God to purify, mend, and re-focus our heart on his will and passions


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Plans that will prosper

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails....... 

- Proverbs 19:21 -

Thoughts on This Verse... ''What are your plans for today?'' If you are like me, you prayerfully try to plan your day. You make appointments with people in the future so you can address their needs, hear their concerns, or discuss issues and projects. But, we need to always live humbly, recognizing that none of our plans will be of value unless those plans come from the Father!

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Chill out what your yelling for

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.......

- Psalm 37:6-7 -

Thoughts on This Verse... ''Chill out!'' we hear heaven say to us. Come into God's presence with dependent, yet confident, patience. But how can we? We know God will do what is right for us over the passage of time. The Bible is God's story (HIS-story); it is the great testimony that he is always faithful to his promises, gracious in his power to redeem, and generous with his love shared with his children. So come into his presence and be willing to be still ... and patient ... and trusting ... and hopeful!

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

No rights

Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand....... 

- Romans 14:4 -

Thoughts on This Verse... Paul is talking about passing judgment on folks in matters that are central to our faith. He reminds us whose job it is to judge these sorts of matters. He also reminds us that the person we are judging actually belongs to the Lord and what right do we have to pass judgment on that person. So often we can find fault with others, pass judgment on them about some inconsequential matter, but then never deal with the blatant sin in our own life. Let's remember that we will answer to God for what we do every bit as much as someone we are wrongly passing judgment upon.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

One true love

We love because he first loved us....... 

- 1 John 4:19 -

Thoughts on This Verse... We love others because God has first loved us. Our Heavenly Father taught us how to love in Jesus. Our Abba Father has given us security and confidence so we can love more fully. Our Holy and Almighty God loved us boldly and sacrificially so we could properly understand and define love. We are not the source of love; God is. We are not the great example of love; God is. We tend to be careful and share our love with only those with whom we want to share it: God's love is expansive and open to all. We love because he first loved us.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Do Only Crazy Peopl Hear God's Voice?

*Its often hard to make decisions

1. Does God speak today?

*There is a need for Personal Guidance
*The Bible promises personal guidance
These are just assumptions

Acts 2:17-19: ¹⁷ “‘In the last days, God says,
   I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
   your young men will see visions,
   your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women,
   I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
   and they will prophesy.
¹⁹ I will show wonders in the heavens above
   and signs on the earth below,
   blood and fire and billows of smoke.

*There is a point where the Bible will be complete
*God is speaking directly to selected people but now we have an explosion which all believer will have guidance from God

Instead, we have experienced personal guidance
*Sometimes we will know God has spoke to you when unbelievers believe on the same day we just spoke to them
*God guides us when we are sinning. The Holy Spirit convicts us to stay away from our sinful nature
*God is our father to guide us
*We need to be in an intimate relationship with God to guide us
*God will do whatever He can to get to us
*As we get to know God, we begin to understand his ways and how he talks to us
*Listen the best we can

General Principles when we know we have heard God's voice
1. He will never contradict the Bible
*We compromise and justify stuff because it is what we want
2. Sometimes confusing
*We often pray to God to get clarity but He does not answer all the time

Philippians 1:21-28:
²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

 ²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. *Paul is not completely sure at things so are we

3. You don't have to hear from God in order to do something

*Luke 1:3-4: With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴ so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

*We can do it just because it seems or feels like a good thing
4. You don't always have 'peace' in God's calling

*Luke 22:42-44:
⁴² “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” ⁴³ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. ⁴⁴ And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.


*eg: Jesus had no peace when God told him to sacrifice himself at the garden of Gethsemane
*He often calls us to places which require courage and boldness
*Definition of "peace" is different - the feeling to know that it is right is the right one instead of the feeling to know that it is non fearful
*God speaks to different people in different ways

So what can we do?
1. Read Bible
2. Ask God to speak
3. Work through the Lord's prayer
4. Ask him to speak to you, tell him about your relationship with Him
5. Write and pray about God and your desires
6. Forgive our sins everyday and release others with any bitterness towards others
7. Rip up opportunities for attention from the Devil
8. Ask for anything else God wants to say

or

Set aside time to fast

Acts 13:2-3: While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

*There is no formula but when we fast, God would speak more prominently

-God speaks through an audible voice
-The way God wants to speak is up to Him
-A lot of things cannot be explained scientifically 
-We would know whether God or Satan is speaking because Satan would never want to make our lives happy whereas something that is good will always come from God

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

We bring nothing to and out of the materialistic world

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that....... 

- 1 Timothy 6:7-8 -

Thoughts on This Verse... Godliness with contentment is great wealth! (see 1 Tim. 6:6). So what does it take for us to be content? Paul reminds Timothy that as long as we have food and clothing, we should be able to be content. It's when our desires get out of that channel, when covetousness and greed take over, that our lives get out of control and we replace God with a hunger for what is idolatrous. (cf. Col. 3:5).

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Beattitudes

[B]e made new in the attitude of your minds; .......... 

- Ephesians 4:23 -

Thoughts on This Verse... We cannot renew ourselves on our own. We can guard ourselves from corrupting influences. We can offer ourselves to God and come to better discern his will. Ultimately, however, God himself must do the renewing, not just when we are saved, but daily. Only God's grace can sustain, empower, and renew us. Let's offer ourselves to him. Then, let's confidently ask for his grace to empower, perfect, and renew us!

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

God loves a Cheerful Giver

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver....... 

- 2 Corinthians 9:7 -

Thoughts on This Verse... God is working in us to conform our character and will to be like his own. God is a giver. God finds delight in generously blessing us. Now he asks us to do the same. Giving is not some arbitrary task given us to support our churches and ministries; no, giving is part of our character transformation to become more like God. It may be one of the truest ways we have placed our allegiance, dependence, and priorities in the gracious work of God.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Trinity

For your Maker is your husband-- the LORD Almighty is his name-- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth....... 

- Isaiah 54:5 -

Thoughts on This Verse... ''For God so loved the world...''''The Father, from whom every family on earth derives its name...'' God is not just the God of Israel. The LORD God, ruler of heaven and earth, is the God of all nations and one day''every knee will bow and every tongue will confess... that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.''

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Temptation is the Devil's Instrument

This is what the LORD says:''Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'''...... 

- Jeremiah 6:16 -

Thoughts on This Verse... Temptation is a choice between God's will for us -- the old path -- and a shortcut provided by Satan -- the new path. So often, Satan's path is presented to us as a shortcut to happiness, prosperity, and accomplishment. However, this path leads us away from God and the blessings he longs to give us. Let's not be like the people of God in Jeremiah's day who refused God's way and said,''We will not walk in it.'' The outcome of their choice was their own destruction.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Wicked

What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted....... 

- Proverbs 10:24 -

Thoughts on This Verse... The wicked fear the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness. They fear not being in control. They fear death's overtaking them. The righteous desire the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness. They offer their lives to be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God. They recognize death is an enemy, but one that has been conquered by their Savior. In times like these, isn't it comforting to know that the things that the wicked fear are really things that they can be sure of receiving!

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

God is closer than you think

*We all have some concept of the Holy Spirit
*The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity
*But we have little knowledge about the Holy Spirit
*We naturally do not talk about the Holy Spirit

Receive the Holy Spirit
a.k.a = baptism by the Holy Spirit, anointed by the Holy Spirit

aim = conversion

Matthew 3:11: “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
(John the Baptist speaking)

*They knew they were getting the Holy Spirit. but we have to wait
*Once we have it, it is ours

Acts 2:1-4:

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

 ¹ When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.  *Holy Spirit will be with all Christians

Acts 2:38-39: ³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Galatians 3:1-6:  ¹ You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. ² I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? ³ Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?⁴ Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? ⁵ So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? ⁶ So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
*We now have the Holy Spirit

When = once-off, permanent

Our role = repent & believe

God's role = Holy Spirit dwells in us (forever) when we are baptised

*When we ask for the Holy Spirit, He hears and will give the Holy Spirit to you

Be empowered by the Holy Spirit
a.k.a. = filled with/by the Holy Spirit

aim = mission

Acts 4:8:  ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!

Acts 4:31:  ³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 13:9: Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said,

Acts 13:50-52: ⁵⁰ But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. ⁵¹ So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. ⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

When = specific time and purpose

Our role = be on mission, pray, fast

God's role = empowers us for mission= natural feeling

Walking in the Holy Spirit
a.k.a = filled with, walk with, live in, led by exciting, empowering and life transforming

aim = transformation

*Holy Spirit becomes a dominating force in our lives

Galatians 5:16-25: ¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
 ¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
 ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
 (Paul speaking to the Christians)

*When we walk by the Holy Spirit, we do good

Ephesians 4:30-32: ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 5:18: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

*debauchery = does not produce anything good
but be filled and walk with the Spirit. Only then, we can see the Holy Spirit at work with you, speaking to others and to be thankful about the bad things
(Produce things which are Godly)

When = available every day

Our role = commanded to walk in Holy Spirit

God's role = Fruitful transformation

*Spiritual breathing = normal for everyone

1) Exhale

- Confess our sin
- Agree with God concerning your sin
- Thank him for His forgiveness of it

*Trust that God will guide and impower

2) Inhale

- Surrender your desires to Christ
- Appropriate (receive) the fullness of Holy Spirit by faith


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

He picks you up when you fall down

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express....... 

- Romans 8:26 -

Thoughts on This Verse... Isn't it incredible! Even in those times when my words are blocked and my heart is heavy, God hears my prayers. It is not because I am articulate, wise, or faithful enough to pray as I should. No, it is because God has graciously placed his Spirit in our hearts to make known what my words cannot capture and my mind cannot verbalize. God hears my groanings, my yearnings, my heartbreaks, and my heart-cries. He knows what I cannot think, but only feel. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, he answers those unuttered prayers with his presence, grace, and power.


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Rumours of God: The one thing that changes everything

Sun 2nd October

*Its not enough to just know about knowledge because it is a relationship with God
*He does not leave for us models for discipleship but a person which is the Holy Spirit

*Acts 1:4-9:
⁴ On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
 ⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
 ⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
  ⁹ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

*When the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are compelled to listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say

*Acts 7:54-59: When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶ “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
 ⁵⁷ At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, ⁵⁸ dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
 ⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

*When Steven was being stoned, he still had the power to forgive others. This is one of the examples portraying the Holy Spirit
*We are journeying with the Holy Spirit in our lives just like our driving instructor
*John 14:15-17:

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

    ¹⁵ “If you love me, keep my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

*John 14:25-27: ²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

*The Holy Spirit is a person and a force
*Sometimes we do not talk and develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit is available
*It is not a bad thing that we understanding the Holy Spirit as a person or a force alone but it is important to acknowledge that he is a person, a force and is readily available for us

*John 14:16-18: And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. ¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

*John 14:26: But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

*John 16:8,13: When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
 
*Focus on the aspect of counselor on the Holy Spirit
*Most of us do not need the Holy Spirit when we are happy
*We can talk to the Holy Spirit anytime and anywhere
*We have God to give advice on anything
*We normally pray to God then continue with our daily lives
*If we want to connect with the Holy Spirit, we need to talk to the Holy Spirit
*It is hard to give him space and silence but He desperately want to talk to you
*It might be a feeling, a word repeating, try it out unless you know it is something really stupid

Question: How do you know if it is the Holy Spirit?
*He is a person and you will know by circumstances, reading the word etc

How do you know if the Holy Spirit is working through you?

*He will work over and above what you do not expect by your gifts
*The Holy Spirit does things to bring life to people.
*If it is something awesome, it is from God.

How do you know which Spiritual gifts you have?

*It is debated but we should do everything and eventually certain gifts are more powerful and prominent

What about the gifts of tongues, why does it not happen in certain churches?

*Because each church have different goals such as to speak out to non-Christians, we know they cannot understand. However, we are encouraged to practice it if we have it.

Is it important to address the Father, Son and Holy Spirit at certain times?

*They are all 1 but it is important to differentiate the difference between the 3 and to acknowledge that their wills are not aligned (eg: when the Son was about to be sacrifice, He told the Father not to let this happen to him)
*We pray to God as our Father, through the son by the Holy Spirit
*All in all, it is just a protocol.


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Consoler, Comforter

 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul....... 

- Psalm 94:19 -

Thoughts on This Verse... God is our comforter, sustainer, and Lord. Only his gracious presence and tender blessings can bring consolation and comfort to our restless and discouraged souls. So let's turn to him, honestly confessing both our sins and our sorrows. Let's ask him to take our anxiety away and restore to us the passion, the joy, and the confidence of our salvation.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

*Proverbs 4:23: Above all else, guard your heart, 
   for everything you do flows from it.

*Everybody is facing certain circumstances now
*We can have issues with God, husband, wife, friend, church and in so many areas of our lives
*Issues happens in the heart which will determine the parameters of your life

*1 Corinthians 7:5: Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.


*2 Corinthians 7:8: Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while


-apologizing and challenge the Corinthians
*We should not get things in our lives and let it take over
*We should  be disappointed only for a while
*We should allow this distress to bring you to God and not away from God
*It should turn us around and that we will never regret that pain

*2 Corinthians 7:11: See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

*What are the issues in your heart that you are facing right now?

*It may be a lost of a loved one which is a long dreadful grief but some people let those issues of their heart get into them and become part of their life
*Only for a while that we can speak the issues of our heart
*We may turn to other stuff for comfort but Paul turns to God who comforts the downcast


*1 Corinthians 7:6-7: I say this as a concession, not as a command. ⁷ I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.


*It is easy to run from God but Paul despite the troubles turn to God


*Hebrews 1:1-2: 

Hebrews 1

God’s Final Word: His Son

 ¹ In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

*In the issues, when God speaks through His Son and send His Holy Spirit, we can work through our issues and got to commit that these issues is just for a while
*The important part- Titus was God ordained in Paul's life
*We also have people with God relationships and we can turn all people
(Who you let in the issues in your heart) to God
*We have to commit to a clean heart


*2 Corinthians 7:1: 

2 Corinthians 7

 ¹ Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

*We cannot let the issues let us have a filthy spirit

1. God has a promise in our lives
*We need to do it for our own sake
*Thus, having these promises, let us have a clean and clear heart

*2 Corinthians 6:12: We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us.


*However, because we are humans weak in flesh, we will automatically have negative perceptions when we hold a grudge against that person and will interpret things about what he/she says or do in a negative way

2. Keep our hearts open especially in a God ordained relationship
*Critical in working through our issues to create a pure heart
*2 Corinthians 6:12


3. We got to be committed to a loyal heart when it comes with heart issues, keep it only for a while

4. We should have a teachable heart


*2 Corinthians 7:12: So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.


*Cares about the issues and impact of our lives, be teachable
*If not, we are not taking care and being diligent
*Keep the Lord by your side and family of God for comfort
*Only for a while will you let the issues of your life rule your heart

HE HAS A GOD GIVEN FUTURE FOR YOU

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Tour guide to eternity

He will not let your foot slip -- he who watches over you will not slumber; ..........


- Psalm 121:3 -


 Thoughts on This Verse... I still remember when my children were little. I would sneak in and watch them sleep. Sometimes it was to check on them when they were sick. Sometimes it was to just sit and pray for them, joining the Lord as he watched over them while they slept. Sometimes it was to bathe myself in the grace and wonder of God's love for giving me such blessings. Even now that they are much older, I still love to look in on them and pray for them -- on those rare nights we share the same roof -- marveling at the wonder of these precious gifts from the Father. To know that my Abba Father looks at me in the same way, but with even greater delight and joy, fills me with unspeakable wonder.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Purity

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God....... 

- 2 Corinthians 7:1 -

Thoughts on This Verse... God has blessed us with so many wonderful promises. He has secured them through the sending of his Son''to conquer death and bring life and immortality to light.'' He will''transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body.'' He will take us home to be with him eternally, but until that day, he will live inside us and reveal himself to us. He will make us more than conquerors and will not allow anything to separate us from his love. So what should our response be? Yes, surely we should offer him praise. But, we must not limit our praise to words. God wants our lives to be pure, staying away from what is evil, vile, putrid, and corrupt. He wants us to do this, not so we can claim some moral superiority, but so that we can show him our adoration and reverence. In our desire to offer God praise, let's not forget that one of the greatest ways to praise him is to seek him in purity and holiness!


**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Saviour at birth

''She [Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.''...... 

- Matthew 1:21 -

Thoughts on This Verse... Jesus. Yeshua. Joshua of the spiritual world. Mary's boy, God's Son, comes to help us tear down the strongholds Satan has built in our lives. He comes to bring peace to our troubled spirits and joy to our nights of despair. He comes to not only minister to us and bless us; he comes to do what no one else could do: he comes to deliver us from our sins, those spiritual blemishes, rebellions, mistakes, and transgressions. Praise God! A deliverer who actually conquered what we could not to make us what we could not otherwise be -- pure, perfect, and holy children of God, like him (cf. Col. 1:21-23).

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Only God can judge

Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand....... 

- Romans 14:4 -

Thoughts on This Verse... Paul is talking about passing judgment on folks in matters that are central to our faith. He reminds us whose job it is to judge these sorts of matters. He also reminds us that the person we are judging actually belongs to the Lord and what right do we have to pass judgment on that person. So often we can find fault with others, pass judgment on them about some inconsequential matter, but then never deal with the blatant sin in our own life. Let's remember that we will answer to God for what we do every bit as much as someone we are wrongly passing judgment upon.

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**

Defender

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy....... 

- Proverbs 31:9 -

Thoughts on This Verse... ''No room in the inn!'' ''Placed him in a manger!'' So often we play favorites with the rich, beautiful, powerful, and prestigous. Isn't it interesting that God revealed himself as the defender of the widow, the orphan, and the alien and then entered the world as the child of a Jewish carpenter and a young virgin from a small town? God wants us to notice those in need around us. He wants us to be advocates for the folks like Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. We're not just told to be fair; we're told to defend and to plead the rights of those in need. When we do, we do it for him (see Matthew 25).

**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**