Prepare For Ministry
You prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my (brimming) cup runs over. Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord (and His presence) shall be my dwelling place. Psalm 23:5-6
Every day offers opportunities to "be in ministry." Someone will always need a helping hand, but you won't minister well if you don't prepare yourself by spending time with God. People can tell when you have had intimate moments with God recently, and also when you haven't.
The Lord anoints us to meet the needs of others, but if we are not being filled by Him, we will hinder the flow of His healing oil in our lives. Seek God early, before someone calls and needs your help.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Series : Investing in a joyfull life in spite of a global economic downturn
Part 3 - Checking Your Attitude (Philippians 2:1-18)
Rev Ricky Ho
*Attitude in line with Christ Jesus
*Attitude more important than appearance, skills
*Attitude can break a church/home
*Attitude cannot change the past
Life is 10% what happens to be & 90% how I react
Key attitude -humility
wrong false perception on humility
1. What does it mean in the bible?
Philippians 2:3-4 Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble towards one another, always considering others better than yourselves. And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.
*consider others better than yourself
*If you want to be great, you gotto put yourself last
*Do give ways to others rather than ourselves
In the economic situation = stress
One true humility is through Jesus Christ
2. Philippians 2:5-6 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 force he should try to become equal with God.
*Be unconcern about your personal decision
*The word "grasped" (v6) brings the idea that it was not something to be seized
*Many great congregations have suffered from people with divisive attitudes
*The Lord has placed each of us in his body to be lovingly
*Minor disagreements often escalate into huge differences that could easily have been overlooked for the greater good.
3. Make Yourself A Servant
*Now can there be joy in making yourself a servant?
*Now can it be that if you want to be joyfull,it is somehow bound up in choosing to be a servant to those around you?
*Attitude should be that of the good samaritan
*It should be that of giving
4. Obey even it is inconvenient
Philippians 2:8-18 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 that 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. So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is eve more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine amopng them like stars lighting up the sky, as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted. Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all. In the same way, you too must be glad and share your joy with me.
*How far does my obedience go?
*Am I willing to obey the word of God if it means someone might not understand
*Am I willing to obey the word of God even if I don't really like what it has to say?
Philippians 2:12-13 So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is eve more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose
Work hard & Change the way of thinking (Let God change your will)
*How can you develop humility?
we must earn our salvations..it is to do with sanctification rather than justification
*In other words, we must do our part
*The world is full of ppl clamoring for attention, honor and prestige.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Rev Ricky Ho
*Attitude in line with Christ Jesus
*Attitude more important than appearance, skills
*Attitude can break a church/home
*Attitude cannot change the past
Life is 10% what happens to be & 90% how I react
Key attitude -humility
wrong false perception on humility
1. What does it mean in the bible?
Philippians 2:3-4 Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble towards one another, always considering others better than yourselves. And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.
*consider others better than yourself
*If you want to be great, you gotto put yourself last
*Do give ways to others rather than ourselves
In the economic situation = stress
One true humility is through Jesus Christ
2. Philippians 2:5-6 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 force he should try to become equal with God.
*Be unconcern about your personal decision
*The word "grasped" (v6) brings the idea that it was not something to be seized
*Many great congregations have suffered from people with divisive attitudes
*The Lord has placed each of us in his body to be lovingly
*Minor disagreements often escalate into huge differences that could easily have been overlooked for the greater good.
3. Make Yourself A Servant
*Now can there be joy in making yourself a servant?
*Now can it be that if you want to be joyfull,it is somehow bound up in choosing to be a servant to those around you?
*Attitude should be that of the good samaritan
*It should be that of giving
4. Obey even it is inconvenient
Philippians 2:8-18 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 that 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. So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is eve more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine amopng them like stars lighting up the sky, as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted. Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all. In the same way, you too must be glad and share your joy with me.
*How far does my obedience go?
*Am I willing to obey the word of God if it means someone might not understand
*Am I willing to obey the word of God even if I don't really like what it has to say?
Philippians 2:12-13 So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is eve more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose
Work hard & Change the way of thinking (Let God change your will)
*How can you develop humility?
we must earn our salvations..it is to do with sanctification rather than justification
*In other words, we must do our part
*The world is full of ppl clamoring for attention, honor and prestige.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Mind Your Language
Dr Lee Bee Teik
MYF meeting
28th March 2009
Many ways God can get his msg across
*Dance
*Music
*Song
*Language
Conflicts-2 or more ppl meet
God gives us gifts-Ephesians 4:14-16 Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful men, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love
*Speaking the truth in love-truthing in love
*We can't be revealed about everything
*They are one- because they do everything together, Don't quarrel
*Noone has a perfect relationship together
*Not only reflect the image of God in relationships to your spouse, parents, friends, couples but to the community as well
*We need to come to our language through each other -gift of God.
*Speech-to many take it lightly
Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act towards those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you sould know how to give the right answer to everyone.
A. Why Should We Discuss Speech?
3 reasons
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, " And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small."
Genesis 3:8-9 That evening they heard the Lord God walking in the garden, and the hid from him among the trees. But the Lord God called out to the man, " Where are you?"
Genesis 18 A Son Is Promised To Abraham
Exodus 3:6 I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." So Moses covered his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
B. 3 Factors Influencing Speech and Relationships
Temparament + Character = Personality
Temparament - unique basics creation gifts
Character - how we manage our temparament
Extrovert -the more voice the better
introvert - recharge their energy without using external stimules
to conterfeit it
Extroverts should learn to be quiet sometimes
Introverts should get enough rest but once in a while come out of the nutshell too
2 ways to make decsions
-in a logical way
- in a subjective/rational
the world tends to respect thinking more than feeling
4 Functions that effect how to speak
*Temparament
*Gender
*Conversation skills - small talk to fill in time
control talk(words use to influence)- heavy control talk & light control talk
search talk (use to obtain information)
straight talk - go straight and tell the person off - speaking the truth inlove
*The word affect relationships
We are encourage to be natural but do remember to use your strength instead of your weaknessess.
You can allow weakness to push to sin
Jesus have inperfect parents but he didin't allow weakness to push into sin
We have to control- matter of character and attitude
Jesus doens't condemn us.- confession, ask for forgiveness
quiet time- help us relate
practise speech to God
C. What Shall We Do Then?
Psalm 141:3 Lord, place a guard at my mouth, a sentry at the door ofmy lips.
John 3:16-17 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who beleves in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its saviour.
John 2:24-25 But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew them all. There was no need for anyone to tell him about them, because he himself knew what was in their hearts.
Revelations 3:20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with me.
Exodus 3 & 4 God Calls Moses and God Gives Moses Miraculous Power
1 Samuel 3:10 The Lord came and stood there, and called as he had before, " Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered, " Speak; your sevant is listening."
1 Samuel 3:19-21 As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and made everything that Samuel said come true. So all the people of Israel, from one end of the counrty to the other, knew that Samuel was indeed a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to reveal himself at Shiloh, where he had appeared to Samuel and had spoken to him. And when Samuel spoke, all Israel listened.
To me, communication is the key point to all relationships. The way we talk, how our body language is towards others means a lot to the other person. When facing conflict, one way to face it is to tell him/her directly alone how you feel, speak in a gentle manner without raising your voice or ask questions that would clear your doubts. Be understanding towards each other and always put yourself in that person's shoes. Always, be straight forward, clear your doubts before more conflicts and problems and uneasiness starts pilling up. This is make yourself and the other person better. This is the real meaning of speaking the truth in love.Most importantly, always keep the communication going on by spending time with the person and also, give and take. That is why we are always called to spend as much time with our family, friends, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend because that will keep the relationship going and especially spend some time with the word or praying to our eternal FATHER in heaven.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
MYF meeting
28th March 2009
Many ways God can get his msg across
*Dance
*Music
*Song
*Language
Conflicts-2 or more ppl meet
God gives us gifts-Ephesians 4:14-16 Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful men, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head. Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love
*Speaking the truth in love-truthing in love
*We can't be revealed about everything
*They are one- because they do everything together, Don't quarrel
*Noone has a perfect relationship together
*Not only reflect the image of God in relationships to your spouse, parents, friends, couples but to the community as well
*We need to come to our language through each other -gift of God.
*Speech-to many take it lightly
Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act towards those who are not believers, making good use of every opportunity you have. Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you sould know how to give the right answer to everyone.
A. Why Should We Discuss Speech?
3 reasons
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, " And now we will make human beings; they will be like us and resemble us. They will have power over the fish, the birds, and all animals, domestic and wild, large and small."
Genesis 3:8-9 That evening they heard the Lord God walking in the garden, and the hid from him among the trees. But the Lord God called out to the man, " Where are you?"
Genesis 18 A Son Is Promised To Abraham
Exodus 3:6 I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." So Moses covered his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
B. 3 Factors Influencing Speech and Relationships
Temparament + Character = Personality
Temparament - unique basics creation gifts
Character - how we manage our temparament
Extrovert -the more voice the better
introvert - recharge their energy without using external stimules
to conterfeit it
Extroverts should learn to be quiet sometimes
Introverts should get enough rest but once in a while come out of the nutshell too
2 ways to make decsions
-in a logical way
- in a subjective/rational
the world tends to respect thinking more than feeling
4 Functions that effect how to speak
*Temparament
*Gender
*Conversation skills - small talk to fill in time
control talk(words use to influence)- heavy control talk & light control talk
search talk (use to obtain information)
straight talk - go straight and tell the person off - speaking the truth inlove
*The word affect relationships
We are encourage to be natural but do remember to use your strength instead of your weaknessess.
You can allow weakness to push to sin
Jesus have inperfect parents but he didin't allow weakness to push into sin
We have to control- matter of character and attitude
Jesus doens't condemn us.- confession, ask for forgiveness
quiet time- help us relate
practise speech to God
C. What Shall We Do Then?
Psalm 141:3 Lord, place a guard at my mouth, a sentry at the door ofmy lips.
John 3:16-17 For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who beleves in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its saviour.
John 2:24-25 But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew them all. There was no need for anyone to tell him about them, because he himself knew what was in their hearts.
Revelations 3:20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with me.
Exodus 3 & 4 God Calls Moses and God Gives Moses Miraculous Power
1 Samuel 3:10 The Lord came and stood there, and called as he had before, " Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered, " Speak; your sevant is listening."
1 Samuel 3:19-21 As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and made everything that Samuel said come true. So all the people of Israel, from one end of the counrty to the other, knew that Samuel was indeed a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to reveal himself at Shiloh, where he had appeared to Samuel and had spoken to him. And when Samuel spoke, all Israel listened.
To me, communication is the key point to all relationships. The way we talk, how our body language is towards others means a lot to the other person. When facing conflict, one way to face it is to tell him/her directly alone how you feel, speak in a gentle manner without raising your voice or ask questions that would clear your doubts. Be understanding towards each other and always put yourself in that person's shoes. Always, be straight forward, clear your doubts before more conflicts and problems and uneasiness starts pilling up. This is make yourself and the other person better. This is the real meaning of speaking the truth in love.Most importantly, always keep the communication going on by spending time with the person and also, give and take. That is why we are always called to spend as much time with our family, friends, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend because that will keep the relationship going and especially spend some time with the word or praying to our eternal FATHER in heaven.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 28 & 29, March
God Will Brighten Your Day
He set himself to seek God... and as long as he sought (inquired of, yearned for) the Lord, God made him prosper 2 Chronicles 26:5
Jesus got up early in the morning, long before daylight, and went out to a deserted place, and prayed --- He got alone
Mark 1:35 Very early the next morning, long before daylight, Jesus got up and left the house. He went out of the town to a lonely place, where he prayed.
There were so many people who followed Jesus everywhere He went that He probably wouldn't have had any time alone if He hadn't gotten up really early.
If you aren't a morning person, the thought of getting up early may make you nervous. But you can decipher yourself what " early" means for you. Nine o'clock is early if you are used to staying in bed until noon. Even if you only get up fifteen minutes earlier than usual to have some time alone with God, you will still honor Him, and that time with Him, will make your whole day brighter.
Enjoy the Pursuit
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is he who considers the weak and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble. Psalm 41:1
Do you ever feel that no matter where you go, somebody pursues you and hunts you down? Does someone seem to need something every time you start doing what you set out to do? Someone needs a ride to school, or somebody forgets their lunch, and before you know it, half your day is wasted.
Jesus knows what it is like to be pursued, but H was never upset by it. As soon as He ministered to everyone in one place, He went to the next town to find more people who needed Him. He never said, " Leave me alone." Ask God to show you the needs of people through the eyes of Jesus today, and your days will never be wasted.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
He set himself to seek God... and as long as he sought (inquired of, yearned for) the Lord, God made him prosper 2 Chronicles 26:5
Jesus got up early in the morning, long before daylight, and went out to a deserted place, and prayed --- He got alone
Mark 1:35 Very early the next morning, long before daylight, Jesus got up and left the house. He went out of the town to a lonely place, where he prayed.
There were so many people who followed Jesus everywhere He went that He probably wouldn't have had any time alone if He hadn't gotten up really early.
If you aren't a morning person, the thought of getting up early may make you nervous. But you can decipher yourself what " early" means for you. Nine o'clock is early if you are used to staying in bed until noon. Even if you only get up fifteen minutes earlier than usual to have some time alone with God, you will still honor Him, and that time with Him, will make your whole day brighter.
Enjoy the Pursuit
Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is he who considers the weak and the poor; the Lord will deliver him in the time of evil and trouble. Psalm 41:1
Do you ever feel that no matter where you go, somebody pursues you and hunts you down? Does someone seem to need something every time you start doing what you set out to do? Someone needs a ride to school, or somebody forgets their lunch, and before you know it, half your day is wasted.
Jesus knows what it is like to be pursued, but H was never upset by it. As soon as He ministered to everyone in one place, He went to the next town to find more people who needed Him. He never said, " Leave me alone." Ask God to show you the needs of people through the eyes of Jesus today, and your days will never be wasted.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Friday, March 27, 2009
haha!
When you just had a bad day or woke up at the wrong side of the bed, its always nice to switch on the tv or plop in a video or two or more on funny shows like MR BEAN where you can never get bored off.
ahhh...don't you just thank God for comedians =)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
ahhh...don't you just thank God for comedians =)
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Day 27, March
Petition With Thanksgiving
And God's peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
We can petition the Lord for things we need every morning. God's Word tells us to lay our requests before Him : "Do not fret or any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God"
Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.
But don't spend all your time with God petitioning for things. You are out of balance if your petitions outweigh your praise and thanksgiving. A heart full of thankfulness will make any day better.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
And God's peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
We can petition the Lord for things we need every morning. God's Word tells us to lay our requests before Him : "Do not fret or any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God"
Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.
But don't spend all your time with God petitioning for things. You are out of balance if your petitions outweigh your praise and thanksgiving. A heart full of thankfulness will make any day better.
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Day 26, March
Be God's Ambassador
And (Pray) also for me, that (freedom of) utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), for which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain (in prison. Pray) that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do. Ephesians 6:19-20
If you start your day right, you will have a better day, and you will be a better witness for the Lord. Dedicate yourself to God afresh each morning.
Tell Him, " Lord, I give You the gifts and talents that You put in me. I want to use them for Your glory. I want to lead somebody to You. Put in my path someone to whom I can minister, someone I can encourage. Help me to be a blessing to someone today. Lord, I want to be Your ambassador and represent You today."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
And (Pray) also for me, that (freedom of) utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), for which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain (in prison. Pray) that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do. Ephesians 6:19-20
If you start your day right, you will have a better day, and you will be a better witness for the Lord. Dedicate yourself to God afresh each morning.
Tell Him, " Lord, I give You the gifts and talents that You put in me. I want to use them for Your glory. I want to lead somebody to You. Put in my path someone to whom I can minister, someone I can encourage. Help me to be a blessing to someone today. Lord, I want to be Your ambassador and represent You today."
**Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path**
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