1 Thessalonians 5:16
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Look around you and take notice of all that you observe. What are you truly thankful for? I give thanks to the Lord for the air that we breathe, the sun, the stars that shine in the night sky, the trees, flowers, plants, shrubs, especially for the richness of the earth and soil, for without that richness and the mineral content of the soil, we would not have the abundant crops growing that help sustain us every single day. I am so thankful for the animals that in turn feed us. I am thankful as well for the oceans, rivers, lakes, streams and other bodies of water which give us the most important fluid, water, to keep us alive, healthy and clean. I am thankful for my job, for my family, for my children, for education, for health, for the people that I have known all my life, for the friends that I have met along the way and for the ones who lift me up in prayer.
I am even thankful for the problems that come up, as they help to strengthen my relationship with my heavenly Father. I am most thankful for Jesus Christ, for He died on the cross for me. I am thankful for salvation and the promise of an eternal life in heaven with Him. I am also thankful that as I sit down at my Thanksgiving table, heavily laden with food, that I know Jesus loves me and has given to me and to you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, all of this and so much more. "Give thanks with a grateful heart."
Lord, stop us in our tracks and make us open wide our eyes to all that You have so graciously provided and given for our enjoyment. Make us truly grateful to You. Thank you, Lord, for the most precious gift of our salvation. In all that we have, let us lift Your name in praise and thanksgiving.
Monday, November 26, 2007
The Believer's War Cry
Ephesians 6:10-15
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
A righteous believer is Satan's enemy. The greater our impact for God's kingdom, the harder he works to stir up frustration, doubt, and anxiety. The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesian believers, warning them that the Devil would scheme against a successful Christian life.
Satan loathes those who please the Lord with their lifestyle, and he rallies the "spiritual forces of wickedness" to attack believers in mind, body, and spirit (Ephesians 6:12). His primary goal is to divert our attention from the Lord so that our relationship suffers and our witness is weakened or ruined. The Devil cannot snatch our eternal spirit from God's hand (John 10:29), but he will settle for leading us to make a mess of this present life.
Paul counseled the saints to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). Fending off a satanic attack is not done in our own strength. No man or woman can match wits with the Adversary. He is smarter and stronger than even the most intelligent people. Instead, we are continually empowered by God through the Holy Spirit, who is far greater than Satan (1 John 4:4).
Believers have God's strength and His orders, which are to stand firm. That means we're to trust the Lord and wait patiently for Him to intervene. We are to be like a soldier on the battlefield, who digs his heels into the ground, puts up his shield, and stands ready for the oncoming enemy. The war is already won--our soul belongs to God--but the battle for our testimony on earth rages on. Stand firm.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
A righteous believer is Satan's enemy. The greater our impact for God's kingdom, the harder he works to stir up frustration, doubt, and anxiety. The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesian believers, warning them that the Devil would scheme against a successful Christian life.
Satan loathes those who please the Lord with their lifestyle, and he rallies the "spiritual forces of wickedness" to attack believers in mind, body, and spirit (Ephesians 6:12). His primary goal is to divert our attention from the Lord so that our relationship suffers and our witness is weakened or ruined. The Devil cannot snatch our eternal spirit from God's hand (John 10:29), but he will settle for leading us to make a mess of this present life.
Paul counseled the saints to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" (Ephesians 6:10). Fending off a satanic attack is not done in our own strength. No man or woman can match wits with the Adversary. He is smarter and stronger than even the most intelligent people. Instead, we are continually empowered by God through the Holy Spirit, who is far greater than Satan (1 John 4:4).
Believers have God's strength and His orders, which are to stand firm. That means we're to trust the Lord and wait patiently for Him to intervene. We are to be like a soldier on the battlefield, who digs his heels into the ground, puts up his shield, and stands ready for the oncoming enemy. The war is already won--our soul belongs to God--but the battle for our testimony on earth rages on. Stand firm.
Changing People Through Prayer
Colossians 1:9-14
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Look around, and you'll find people who need to make changes in their lives. Maybe you have a sister who does not know Christ or a believing neighbor who struggles to tame a gossiping tongue. The most powerful way to effect change in another person's life--or your own--is by praying. God, through the apostle Paul, has given us a prayer pattern that is Christ-centered and specific.
Too often, believers are lazy in prayer. We say, "Lord, bless so-and-so" without giving any thought to what form the blessing should take. God doesn't work in generalities; He moves deliberately in people's lives. And He's pleased when we use His Word in communicating with Him. The prayer from Colossians chapter one includes God's greatest desires for His children. When we go before Him and read the name of a friend or family member-- or our own--into this passage, we are praying His specific will for that person.
When you pray these Colossians verses, watch for transformation. The Lord delights in responding to requests that someone be filled with knowledge of His will and a desire to please Him!
Results may not be instantaneous. We could wait weeks or even years before we see a loved one turn to Christ or finally witness that gossipy neighbor bear loving fruit instead of rotten. But behind the scenes, the Lord is working to build that person's spiritual understanding and impress on him or her a desire to choose a faithful lifestyle. Our responsibility is to keep praying in a Christ-centered and specific manner.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Look around, and you'll find people who need to make changes in their lives. Maybe you have a sister who does not know Christ or a believing neighbor who struggles to tame a gossiping tongue. The most powerful way to effect change in another person's life--or your own--is by praying. God, through the apostle Paul, has given us a prayer pattern that is Christ-centered and specific.
Too often, believers are lazy in prayer. We say, "Lord, bless so-and-so" without giving any thought to what form the blessing should take. God doesn't work in generalities; He moves deliberately in people's lives. And He's pleased when we use His Word in communicating with Him. The prayer from Colossians chapter one includes God's greatest desires for His children. When we go before Him and read the name of a friend or family member-- or our own--into this passage, we are praying His specific will for that person.
When you pray these Colossians verses, watch for transformation. The Lord delights in responding to requests that someone be filled with knowledge of His will and a desire to please Him!
Results may not be instantaneous. We could wait weeks or even years before we see a loved one turn to Christ or finally witness that gossipy neighbor bear loving fruit instead of rotten. But behind the scenes, the Lord is working to build that person's spiritual understanding and impress on him or her a desire to choose a faithful lifestyle. Our responsibility is to keep praying in a Christ-centered and specific manner.
Solving Problems through Prayer
Problems are an inevitable part of life whether or not a person is saved. The difference is that once a man or woman becomes a believer, the Father strengthens His child to face every difficulty.
Our omniscient and all-powerful God is greater than any problem. He knows our future circumstances and prepares our hearts and minds to withstand coming trials. The moment we encounter a problem, we can tap into His omnipotence. He promised to meet believers’ needs; therefore, He is under His own divine obligation to give guidance and direction.
Our first response should always be to call out, “Father!” Instantly, two things take place: the problem’s growth is stunted, and God’s child is reminded of the unique position given those who trust in the sovereign Lord.
God always provides a solution to the problem. However, we don’t simply sit back and wait for Him to work out the details. The Lord usually requires an act of faith from His children to jump-start the process. Experience and trust should tell us that His solutions are always best, but human strength may falter when we hear what He asks of us. Thankfully, the One who gives us endurance also offers courage to act at the right moment.
Long before a crisis arises or any solution is needed, the wise believer will be consistently seeking God. In trouble-free times, we can build a foundation of trust and communion with Him that can withstand any hardship. Problems are unavoidable, but the Father is faithful to solve our difficulties through prayer.
Our omniscient and all-powerful God is greater than any problem. He knows our future circumstances and prepares our hearts and minds to withstand coming trials. The moment we encounter a problem, we can tap into His omnipotence. He promised to meet believers’ needs; therefore, He is under His own divine obligation to give guidance and direction.
Our first response should always be to call out, “Father!” Instantly, two things take place: the problem’s growth is stunted, and God’s child is reminded of the unique position given those who trust in the sovereign Lord.
God always provides a solution to the problem. However, we don’t simply sit back and wait for Him to work out the details. The Lord usually requires an act of faith from His children to jump-start the process. Experience and trust should tell us that His solutions are always best, but human strength may falter when we hear what He asks of us. Thankfully, the One who gives us endurance also offers courage to act at the right moment.
Long before a crisis arises or any solution is needed, the wise believer will be consistently seeking God. In trouble-free times, we can build a foundation of trust and communion with Him that can withstand any hardship. Problems are unavoidable, but the Father is faithful to solve our difficulties through prayer.
Monday, November 19, 2007
God Is Not Out To Get You But To Bless You
2 Corinthians 5:19 God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them…
On which two ancient cities did God rain brimstone and fire?
If your answer is Sodom and Gomorrah, you are right. But if you think that God was all eager to destroy the two cities, you are wrong!
God wasn’t willing at all. In fact, God was on a righteousness hunt so that He could spare the cities. (Genesis 18:23–32) And I believe that if Abraham had asked God, “What if You can find just one righteous man?” God’s answer would have been the same: “I will not destroy the place for the sake of one righteous man.”
Today, the righteousness of one Man has come. His name is Jesus. He died for our sins and rose again for our justification. And God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not counting our sins against us!
Therefore, no judgment will fall on you today because it fell on Jesus 2,000 years ago at Calvary. And if God was gracious enough to remove Lot and his family before the judgment fell (Genesis 19:12–22), how much more will He do for you who are no longer under judgment!
And because God does not judge you, do not be like Lot’s wife, who turned back to look at the brimstone and fire, and became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:24–26) She wanted to see God’s judgment, even though the angels had warned, “Don’t look back, lest you be destroyed.” (Genesis 19:17)
So do not be judgment-focused. God is not against you. God is for you. God is on your side. God remembers that He judged and punished your sins in the body of His Son. God is faithful to His Son and to what His Son has done, so He will never judge or punish you.
Any trouble you might have is not from God. But He will always show you a way of escape because He is on your side. God loves you. He has your and your family’s best interests at heart. Today, God is not out to get you, He is out to bless you. And He wants you blessed more than you can ever know!
How Jesus Meets the Deepest Longings of Your Heart by Dr. Jack Graham
More than likely, you've heard the story out of the New Testament of the chief tax collector, a man named Zacchaeus. As I have read his story over and over, I have come to realize that Zacchaeus' story is everyone's story-including yours and mine. As you read his story, you come to realize that Zacchaeus illustrates the four basic weaknesses and needs of every human heart: the feeling of emptiness, the feeling of loneliness, the weight of guilt, and the fear of death.
There really are some great life-lessons you and I can learn as we look at this man. Let's pick up his story in Luke 19:1-9:
Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner." Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Zacchaeus was a wealthy man in his day, but he was empty inside. His story is a great reminder that it doesn't matter how well off you are financially or physically, there is a need deep within every human heart to be filled with something that will last...something that will fill that emptiness we feel in souls.
Friend, you and I were made to know God, to love God, to experience grace, and to know true, saving faith in Him. It doesn't matter how much money you have...how much status you achieve...or how many things you have. You need God because you were made to know Him...just like Zacchaeus was. But Zacchaeus had another problem. He was lonely. He was a Jew working for the Romans to collect taxes, one of the most hated professions of that day. He was skimming off the top, swindling and scandalizing his friends. Zacchaeus was a man who seemingly had no conscience-and no friends. He was an outcast of society!
As a result, he was a very lonely man...just like so many people today. We were made to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so we naturally feel lonely without Him. And this is how Zacchaeus felt. Along with that loneliness, Zacchaeus carried around a huge weight of guilt...a feeling everyone experiences.
Some people try to numb the pain of guilt with excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, or unhealthy relationships. But no matter how you try to hide it...no matter how far you may try to run, you will never be able to dissolve that sense of guilt apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Finally, just like anyone who doesn't have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus was afraid to die. And while most people don't admit this fact, it's true. Even though many considered Zacchaeus a waste case, Jesus knew that he was empty and lonely...Jesus knew that he felt guilty...and Jesus knew that he was afraid to die. And that's why Jesus stopped!
I don't know where you may be in life today, my friend. Maybe you can relate to one or more of Zacchaeus' weaknesses. Whatever your station may be today...good, bad, rich or poor...I hope you have come to realize all that God is offering you through Jesus Christ...the Friend of the wounded heart. Because through Jesus you can indeed know fullness for your emptiness, forgiveness for your guilt, and intimacy with God for your loneliness. And through Him you have the ultimate victory, the victory over death.
There really are some great life-lessons you and I can learn as we look at this man. Let's pick up his story in Luke 19:1-9:
Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner." Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Zacchaeus was a wealthy man in his day, but he was empty inside. His story is a great reminder that it doesn't matter how well off you are financially or physically, there is a need deep within every human heart to be filled with something that will last...something that will fill that emptiness we feel in souls.
Friend, you and I were made to know God, to love God, to experience grace, and to know true, saving faith in Him. It doesn't matter how much money you have...how much status you achieve...or how many things you have. You need God because you were made to know Him...just like Zacchaeus was. But Zacchaeus had another problem. He was lonely. He was a Jew working for the Romans to collect taxes, one of the most hated professions of that day. He was skimming off the top, swindling and scandalizing his friends. Zacchaeus was a man who seemingly had no conscience-and no friends. He was an outcast of society!
As a result, he was a very lonely man...just like so many people today. We were made to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, so we naturally feel lonely without Him. And this is how Zacchaeus felt. Along with that loneliness, Zacchaeus carried around a huge weight of guilt...a feeling everyone experiences.
Some people try to numb the pain of guilt with excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, or unhealthy relationships. But no matter how you try to hide it...no matter how far you may try to run, you will never be able to dissolve that sense of guilt apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Finally, just like anyone who doesn't have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus was afraid to die. And while most people don't admit this fact, it's true. Even though many considered Zacchaeus a waste case, Jesus knew that he was empty and lonely...Jesus knew that he felt guilty...and Jesus knew that he was afraid to die. And that's why Jesus stopped!
I don't know where you may be in life today, my friend. Maybe you can relate to one or more of Zacchaeus' weaknesses. Whatever your station may be today...good, bad, rich or poor...I hope you have come to realize all that God is offering you through Jesus Christ...the Friend of the wounded heart. Because through Jesus you can indeed know fullness for your emptiness, forgiveness for your guilt, and intimacy with God for your loneliness. And through Him you have the ultimate victory, the victory over death.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
God is in Control
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Nothing that happens is beyond God's control. Ultimately, whatever comes into our life is either sent by our Father or permitted by Him, and that which does not enter is withheld according to His will. But believers sometimes get so caught up in the moment that they forget about the Lord's omnipotence. Then when life is challenging or uncomfortable, the temptation is to react against whatever seems to be causing them trouble. Fired? Blame the boss. Single? Blame the opposite sex.
To illustrate this idea, think about a child who has to swallow a nasty-tasting antibiotic. In a fit of frustration, he slaps away the bottle from his mother's hand, even though the container is only a "secondary agent." Mom is the one who dispenses the medicine, but since he cannot slap her, he turns his irritation against the vessel.
When we "slap away the bottle," we take out our anger and resentment on the vessel the Lord is using instead of accepting that His will is at work. God does assure us He is working out the details of our life for good, but we cannot assume this means everything will turn out to our liking.
Sometimes it's easier to turn our wrath against an earthly agent than to be honest with our Father about frustration over our circumstances. But God welcomes honesty. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul cried out to Him in anguish (Matthew 26:39; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9). If we recognize that God is in control and guiding our future for good, then we will not stay discouraged for long.
God is in Control by Avalon
Monday, November 12, 2007
You Got To Work This Thing by Pastor Deborah
Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
When your body is out of shape, isn't it up to you to work your own body back in shape? Nobody works out for you, right? Well, in the same sense, the Bible tells you to work out your own salvation. Nobody can do it for you. You cannot depend on ministers, your family or friends to do it for you. It is your salvation. You have to work this thing.
You work out your own salvation by working God's word into your life, and by personalizing and making His word real to you. When you do this, God can complete His plans for you, and then you will see success in your life. Not a smidgen of s uccess every now and again, but the everyday success that God has for you.
Now, here's the good news! God is not asking you to work it out all by yourself. But God is, all the while, effectively at work in you, energizing and creating in you the power and desire to do His will. So, while you are working it out, you are giving God control to do His will in your life. There is no excuse for you to not work out your own salvation when God is the source of your strength. Yes, problems may come against you, but if you allow them to keep you from working out your salvation, then those same problems will stop you from doing what God has called you to do. God didn't say to work out your own salvation as long as no one talks about you, bothers you, or hurts you. He said to work it out everyday.
If you need help working out your salvation, go to God. He's the only One who can help you. Give God every area of your life. Don't pick and choose what God can handle! He can handle all your problems. Do it God's way and you will have victory every time.
Scripture References: Hebrews 2:1-3; 13:20-21
When your body is out of shape, isn't it up to you to work your own body back in shape? Nobody works out for you, right? Well, in the same sense, the Bible tells you to work out your own salvation. Nobody can do it for you. You cannot depend on ministers, your family or friends to do it for you. It is your salvation. You have to work this thing.
You work out your own salvation by working God's word into your life, and by personalizing and making His word real to you. When you do this, God can complete His plans for you, and then you will see success in your life. Not a smidgen of s uccess every now and again, but the everyday success that God has for you.
Now, here's the good news! God is not asking you to work it out all by yourself. But God is, all the while, effectively at work in you, energizing and creating in you the power and desire to do His will. So, while you are working it out, you are giving God control to do His will in your life. There is no excuse for you to not work out your own salvation when God is the source of your strength. Yes, problems may come against you, but if you allow them to keep you from working out your salvation, then those same problems will stop you from doing what God has called you to do. God didn't say to work out your own salvation as long as no one talks about you, bothers you, or hurts you. He said to work it out everyday.
If you need help working out your salvation, go to God. He's the only One who can help you. Give God every area of your life. Don't pick and choose what God can handle! He can handle all your problems. Do it God's way and you will have victory every time.
Scripture References: Hebrews 2:1-3; 13:20-21
"The Heart of Worship" Video by Louie Giglio
For those who missed out on Hillsong Conference 2007 or those who want to relive those indescrible moments again. Here’s the link to Louie’s morning rally session on “The Heart of Worship”
Ps: it’s the one that got everyone singing “Pass it on”
Enjoy!
http://268generation.com/videoplayer/player.php?videoid=hillsongworship&quality=hi
Thursday, October 25, 2007
God Is A Giver, Not A Taker
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Some Christians mistakenly believe that God gives and also takes away. At funerals, we sometimes hear the minister say, “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job displayed this very same attitude when he received the news that he had lost his property and children. Thinking that God was the source of his problems and not knowing that it was actually Satan who had come against him, he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) Such a statement seems to honour God, but in reality, it reveals an erroneous view of our heavenly Father.
As children of God, we know what the Father’s will is for us. He is a giver, not a taker! Jesus said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) It is the devil who is the thief. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus came to give us life more abundant. (John 10:10)
Jesus met every need and healed every sickness brought before Him, and at the cross, He gave His own life. Never once did He take anything away from the people who came to Him. And the Bible says that whoever has seen Jesus has seen the Father. (John 14:9)
Beloved, your heavenly Father wants you to know today that He is the one who gives you all good things. If He has already given us heaven’s best — Jesus — “how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things”?
Some Christians mistakenly believe that God gives and also takes away. At funerals, we sometimes hear the minister say, “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job displayed this very same attitude when he received the news that he had lost his property and children. Thinking that God was the source of his problems and not knowing that it was actually Satan who had come against him, he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) Such a statement seems to honour God, but in reality, it reveals an erroneous view of our heavenly Father.
As children of God, we know what the Father’s will is for us. He is a giver, not a taker! Jesus said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) It is the devil who is the thief. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus came to give us life more abundant. (John 10:10)
Jesus met every need and healed every sickness brought before Him, and at the cross, He gave His own life. Never once did He take anything away from the people who came to Him. And the Bible says that whoever has seen Jesus has seen the Father. (John 14:9)
Beloved, your heavenly Father wants you to know today that He is the one who gives you all good things. If He has already given us heaven’s best — Jesus — “how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things”?
Keep the Faith!
by Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
Evidence is defined as "something that indicates" or "an outward sign. "In a court of law, the evidence you present to a judge can mean the difference between prison and freedom, or in some cases, life and death. In the kingdom of God, the evidence you present to your heavenly Father will determine whether or not you receive from Him the things you desire. When it comes to proving to God that you are ready to receive all that He has predestined for you, faith is the most compelling evidence you can present to Him.
The term faith is sometimes used as if it means "belief" or "hope." But faith is really much more than either of these words suggest. According to Hebrews 11:1, "...faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." In other words, faith is knowing that the things you hope for are available to you, even when you don't see any outward signs that they exist. Believers often sincerely "hope" that God will help them— they even pray for hours— but nothing happens without faith. If you don't understand faith, you won't know how to operate in God's system.
Imagine that you need money to pay your car. You've tried several options, but they've all failed. Now you're desperate and you need God to "work a miracle" on your behalf. What are your options? You could cry, feel sorry for yourself and say, "I'm a good person. Why doesn't God just help me?" If you take this approach, God will see you crying and sympathize with you, but His Word says,"Without faith it is impossible to please him..." (Hebrews 11:6), so your emotional expression is unlikely to change anything.
To get God to act on your behalf, you could choose to pray a traditional "religious" prayer: "Lord, You work in mysterious ways. Please stop by my house, God. Please! Please, Father. Please don't pass me by...." This is the way many people pray, but this type of prayer doesn't express faith. It has the form of a prayer, but it lacks the power to produce results. James 1:6 (AMP) says that we must ask in faith without wavering or doubting. As a Believer, you have the right to receive answers to every one of your prayers.
But the key to getting answers is faith. Whenever you pray or call upon God to help you, you must present evidence of your faith. For example, if you want God to show you how to get your car paid, you have to petition Him correctly: "Father, your Word says that You will supply all of my needs according to Your riches in heaven. I ask you, Father, to show me how to pay my car note. I surrender this problem to you, and I know that it is already resolved. I thank You, Father, for answering my prayer."
A faith–filled prayer that is firmly rooted in God's Word will get answers! Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, so build your faith by spending time reading and studying the Word. God's Word (His book of promises) is the evidence you must present to receive the answers you need. His Word is your confession. It is the thing you say to Him in prayer, thereby increasing your faith. Pick up your Bible and find scriptures to match the things you're petitioning God for.
Using His Word assures your response. When you know what the Word says about the things you are entitled to receive, you can pray for those things and receive the answers you need. You never have to beg, plead or bargain with God to have Him answer your prayers. He is moved by your faith in His Word.
Show God your faith, and He will show you His love by pouring out His blessings in your life and fulfilling all of the promises He made in His Word.
Evidence is defined as "something that indicates" or "an outward sign. "In a court of law, the evidence you present to a judge can mean the difference between prison and freedom, or in some cases, life and death. In the kingdom of God, the evidence you present to your heavenly Father will determine whether or not you receive from Him the things you desire. When it comes to proving to God that you are ready to receive all that He has predestined for you, faith is the most compelling evidence you can present to Him.
The term faith is sometimes used as if it means "belief" or "hope." But faith is really much more than either of these words suggest. According to Hebrews 11:1, "...faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." In other words, faith is knowing that the things you hope for are available to you, even when you don't see any outward signs that they exist. Believers often sincerely "hope" that God will help them— they even pray for hours— but nothing happens without faith. If you don't understand faith, you won't know how to operate in God's system.
Imagine that you need money to pay your car. You've tried several options, but they've all failed. Now you're desperate and you need God to "work a miracle" on your behalf. What are your options? You could cry, feel sorry for yourself and say, "I'm a good person. Why doesn't God just help me?" If you take this approach, God will see you crying and sympathize with you, but His Word says,"Without faith it is impossible to please him..." (Hebrews 11:6), so your emotional expression is unlikely to change anything.
To get God to act on your behalf, you could choose to pray a traditional "religious" prayer: "Lord, You work in mysterious ways. Please stop by my house, God. Please! Please, Father. Please don't pass me by...." This is the way many people pray, but this type of prayer doesn't express faith. It has the form of a prayer, but it lacks the power to produce results. James 1:6 (AMP) says that we must ask in faith without wavering or doubting. As a Believer, you have the right to receive answers to every one of your prayers.
But the key to getting answers is faith. Whenever you pray or call upon God to help you, you must present evidence of your faith. For example, if you want God to show you how to get your car paid, you have to petition Him correctly: "Father, your Word says that You will supply all of my needs according to Your riches in heaven. I ask you, Father, to show me how to pay my car note. I surrender this problem to you, and I know that it is already resolved. I thank You, Father, for answering my prayer."
A faith–filled prayer that is firmly rooted in God's Word will get answers! Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, so build your faith by spending time reading and studying the Word. God's Word (His book of promises) is the evidence you must present to receive the answers you need. His Word is your confession. It is the thing you say to Him in prayer, thereby increasing your faith. Pick up your Bible and find scriptures to match the things you're petitioning God for.
Using His Word assures your response. When you know what the Word says about the things you are entitled to receive, you can pray for those things and receive the answers you need. You never have to beg, plead or bargain with God to have Him answer your prayers. He is moved by your faith in His Word.
Show God your faith, and He will show you His love by pouring out His blessings in your life and fulfilling all of the promises He made in His Word.
Praise Your Way to a Breakthrough!
by Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
Do you need God to make a way out of no way? The swiftness and surety of your deliverance starts with how you respond to hard times and difficult situations. Hear me when I say that it is not just enough to thank God and honor Him only when you've received a blessing. God wants you to show the extent of your faithfulness and trust in Him even in the midst of going through a challenge. The power of your praise will determine the magnitude of your breakthrough.
Praise is not just clapping your hands or applauding God. It is showing respect, honor, and gratefulness using your whole heart, mind, spirit and body despite your circumstances. Paul and Silas didn't wait until they experienced a breakthrough to praise and thank God. In the midst of difficult circumstances, they praised God and received the breakthrough they desired.
Acts 16:25, 26 (New Living Translation) reveals, "Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!"
Paul and Silas praised God even when their backs were bleeding and their feet and hands were in chains. Despite the pain and suffering they were going through, they praised God anyway; and as a result, God shook the very foundations of the prison, setting them free. God will shake the foundation of your prison; your bondage, your problem...if you make a decision to praise and give Him thanks, no matter what.
Praising God should become second-nature for all Believers. "This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord" (Psalm 102:18). We were created to praise God, and it becomes a natural expression of your love for the Father when you spend time in the Word and meditate on His goodness.
When you have a heart for God and you know He loves you, your confidence in His ability to deliver you soars. You know help is on the way and you eagerly anticipate it. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" (NLT). God doesn't tell you to thank Him for negative circumstances; He says to thank Him while you're in the midst of them. Doing this shows that you trust Him to bring you out.
The storms of life are going to come; but don't let them disturb your peace and affect your thoughts and emotions. This will only move you into self-pity and frustration. Instead, maintain an attitude of praise.
Your first line of defense is the Word of God. Meditate on it and give it life by speaking it over your circumstances. If you need healing meditate on scriptures that reveal God's ability to heal. Receive that Word in your spirit and begin praising God for your healing.
The Word of God declares, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, NIV).
When you are in a situation and there seems to be no way out, open your mouth and praise the Lord-and don't stop. Instead of crying and complaining, give God praise because you know He has a plan for you that includes deliverance, restoration and peace. Thank Him for His goodness because your praise will stop the enemy and move the hand of God
When your deliverance comes, continue to praise Him because He has more in store for you. Thank Him for breakthrough in your home, on your job and with your children. Through your authority in Jesus, place a demand on your breakthrough and watch God show up in your life in ways you would have never imagined.
Do you need God to make a way out of no way? The swiftness and surety of your deliverance starts with how you respond to hard times and difficult situations. Hear me when I say that it is not just enough to thank God and honor Him only when you've received a blessing. God wants you to show the extent of your faithfulness and trust in Him even in the midst of going through a challenge. The power of your praise will determine the magnitude of your breakthrough.
Praise is not just clapping your hands or applauding God. It is showing respect, honor, and gratefulness using your whole heart, mind, spirit and body despite your circumstances. Paul and Silas didn't wait until they experienced a breakthrough to praise and thank God. In the midst of difficult circumstances, they praised God and received the breakthrough they desired.
Acts 16:25, 26 (New Living Translation) reveals, "Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!"
Paul and Silas praised God even when their backs were bleeding and their feet and hands were in chains. Despite the pain and suffering they were going through, they praised God anyway; and as a result, God shook the very foundations of the prison, setting them free. God will shake the foundation of your prison; your bondage, your problem...if you make a decision to praise and give Him thanks, no matter what.
Praising God should become second-nature for all Believers. "This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord" (Psalm 102:18). We were created to praise God, and it becomes a natural expression of your love for the Father when you spend time in the Word and meditate on His goodness.
When you have a heart for God and you know He loves you, your confidence in His ability to deliver you soars. You know help is on the way and you eagerly anticipate it. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" (NLT). God doesn't tell you to thank Him for negative circumstances; He says to thank Him while you're in the midst of them. Doing this shows that you trust Him to bring you out.
The storms of life are going to come; but don't let them disturb your peace and affect your thoughts and emotions. This will only move you into self-pity and frustration. Instead, maintain an attitude of praise.
Your first line of defense is the Word of God. Meditate on it and give it life by speaking it over your circumstances. If you need healing meditate on scriptures that reveal God's ability to heal. Receive that Word in your spirit and begin praising God for your healing.
The Word of God declares, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, NIV).
When you are in a situation and there seems to be no way out, open your mouth and praise the Lord-and don't stop. Instead of crying and complaining, give God praise because you know He has a plan for you that includes deliverance, restoration and peace. Thank Him for His goodness because your praise will stop the enemy and move the hand of God
When your deliverance comes, continue to praise Him because He has more in store for you. Thank Him for breakthrough in your home, on your job and with your children. Through your authority in Jesus, place a demand on your breakthrough and watch God show up in your life in ways you would have never imagined.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Our moments of Pain - Read Romans 8:18-31
Future Glory
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
More Than Conquerors
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
More Than Conquerors
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
A Real Life Walking Miracle
Life has been dealing me a couple of hard cards lately and I've been praying to God for help and strength and the faithfulness of our God is just so AWESOME. He always answers my cries for help... A random email came into my email with a video link and it was all I needed to hear...
Guys... if you think you're having a hard season at the moment, watch the videos, your strength will be renewed... They really spoke in my heart. Thank you Jesus for never giving up on me...
"The reason why God has not rescued you from your suffereing is so that He can strengthen your heart and preparing your heart for something more. The joy of the Lord is knowing that no matter what happens, He will never leave you or forsake you. There are times in your life and there are storms that will come in your way and they might not be in your control as often they are. He might not stop the storm but He will embrace you and keep you warm till the storm passes..."
Nick Vujicic - Life Without Limbs
His surmon
His interview with another Pastor
Guys... if you think you're having a hard season at the moment, watch the videos, your strength will be renewed... They really spoke in my heart. Thank you Jesus for never giving up on me...
"The reason why God has not rescued you from your suffereing is so that He can strengthen your heart and preparing your heart for something more. The joy of the Lord is knowing that no matter what happens, He will never leave you or forsake you. There are times in your life and there are storms that will come in your way and they might not be in your control as often they are. He might not stop the storm but He will embrace you and keep you warm till the storm passes..."
Nick Vujicic - Life Without Limbs
His surmon
His interview with another Pastor
Thursday, September 27, 2007
A Revelation of Prayer by Bishop Eddie L. Long
I challenge you to eliminate everything from prayer that has nothing to do with God. Many of us are mad with God because He has not answered our prayer, and half the time we have not even prayed. It is not as complicated as we make it.
It appears that we pray only when we are at our wits end, when we run out of ourselves. You are not really praying, because you do not know what prayer is until you come to your wits end, then you cry out. That's prayer, because at that moment you have no agenda. Prayer is really not a part of our natural life. It is not ordinary. To worldly-minded people, it's not sensible. Prayer is actually an interruption of our personal goals. You are telling God, "I interrupt my personal goals and ambitions to submit myself to yours." Most folks pray according to their desire and are actually asking God to fall in line with what will personally satisfy them. Unless you understand that prayer is an interruption in your plans, I propose to you that you are not talking to God.
Prayer is not a way of developing us; what God is doing through prayer is waking up Him in you. Most folks pray to improve their program or their self-image. God says, "I'm telling you to commune with Me because I'm in you, so My character and nature can come through you."
We look at prayer as a means of getting things for ourselves. God's idea of prayer is for His holiness, purpose, and wise order to come into our lives. We must remember that there is a difference between God's order and His permissive will. His order is His character and His permissive will is what He will permit. It is His order that there should be no sin, but in His permissive will, He allows it. The only way you get into God's order is by prayer.
The bible says, if you ask in His name, you will get it, and so you think, "I don't care if it is His will or not. It's in the name." No, it's not! I'm sorry. It's not in His name, it's in His nature. God is saying, "If you don't know Me and you use My name, you still don't get access." When a king walks in a room, he doesn't have to say it. If you don't carry God's spirit, you can say "Jesus" and "hail Mary" all you want in prayer. The bible says His nature is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit when we are born from above. It has to be nourished. Jesus promised to only be at those prayer meetings where two or three are gathered together "in My name," meaning, "in My nature."
I've sat in prayer meetings where folks trip out on the way people pray, "God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The one who brought something out of nothing...The one who flung all the stars..." God isn't listening to that. When you pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathens do....God is not deaf. So volume doesn't make Him hear any better than speaking softly. The only reason you can talk to God is because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His blood bought and empowered you. If you don't understand that it is the blood of Jesus, then words and volume can easily impress you. When you pray, you don't have to put on a show. Just talk to Him. The church is so messed up because we want somebody that can stand before us and tickle our ears. These persons in turn begin to think they are the ones getting you to the throne, but it is Christ.
You have to have the knowledge in prayer that God is "Master." Here is the problem: We like "Savior"; we like "healer"; and we like "our provider." We like anything that keeps God as a "supernatural buddy." If He is our provider, then we are only going to call Him when we need something and base the prayer on the need and not the cost and who paid it. If we just look at Him as healer, then we will only get in tune with Him when we are sick. Once you dance about your healing, you forget what it cost you to get it. If we just know Him as "my deliverer," then we only get serious about it when we need to be delivered. When you get down to pray, God says He is not responding because you are hurting or sorrowful, but rather because "My Son went through the agony, pain, crucifixion, death and burial, and I raised Him up." When you pray, understand this, and then pray, submitting your agenda to His, and pray in His name.
It appears that we pray only when we are at our wits end, when we run out of ourselves. You are not really praying, because you do not know what prayer is until you come to your wits end, then you cry out. That's prayer, because at that moment you have no agenda. Prayer is really not a part of our natural life. It is not ordinary. To worldly-minded people, it's not sensible. Prayer is actually an interruption of our personal goals. You are telling God, "I interrupt my personal goals and ambitions to submit myself to yours." Most folks pray according to their desire and are actually asking God to fall in line with what will personally satisfy them. Unless you understand that prayer is an interruption in your plans, I propose to you that you are not talking to God.
Prayer is not a way of developing us; what God is doing through prayer is waking up Him in you. Most folks pray to improve their program or their self-image. God says, "I'm telling you to commune with Me because I'm in you, so My character and nature can come through you."
We look at prayer as a means of getting things for ourselves. God's idea of prayer is for His holiness, purpose, and wise order to come into our lives. We must remember that there is a difference between God's order and His permissive will. His order is His character and His permissive will is what He will permit. It is His order that there should be no sin, but in His permissive will, He allows it. The only way you get into God's order is by prayer.
The bible says, if you ask in His name, you will get it, and so you think, "I don't care if it is His will or not. It's in the name." No, it's not! I'm sorry. It's not in His name, it's in His nature. God is saying, "If you don't know Me and you use My name, you still don't get access." When a king walks in a room, he doesn't have to say it. If you don't carry God's spirit, you can say "Jesus" and "hail Mary" all you want in prayer. The bible says His nature is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit when we are born from above. It has to be nourished. Jesus promised to only be at those prayer meetings where two or three are gathered together "in My name," meaning, "in My nature."
I've sat in prayer meetings where folks trip out on the way people pray, "God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The one who brought something out of nothing...The one who flung all the stars..." God isn't listening to that. When you pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathens do....God is not deaf. So volume doesn't make Him hear any better than speaking softly. The only reason you can talk to God is because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His blood bought and empowered you. If you don't understand that it is the blood of Jesus, then words and volume can easily impress you. When you pray, you don't have to put on a show. Just talk to Him. The church is so messed up because we want somebody that can stand before us and tickle our ears. These persons in turn begin to think they are the ones getting you to the throne, but it is Christ.
You have to have the knowledge in prayer that God is "Master." Here is the problem: We like "Savior"; we like "healer"; and we like "our provider." We like anything that keeps God as a "supernatural buddy." If He is our provider, then we are only going to call Him when we need something and base the prayer on the need and not the cost and who paid it. If we just look at Him as healer, then we will only get in tune with Him when we are sick. Once you dance about your healing, you forget what it cost you to get it. If we just know Him as "my deliverer," then we only get serious about it when we need to be delivered. When you get down to pray, God says He is not responding because you are hurting or sorrowful, but rather because "My Son went through the agony, pain, crucifixion, death and burial, and I raised Him up." When you pray, understand this, and then pray, submitting your agenda to His, and pray in His name.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The Power of Praying with Faith
by Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
The prayer of faith, also known as petition prayer, is the prayer that most people think of when they use the term prayer. Petition prayer is between you and God. It is you asking God for a particular outcome, whether it's a job, money, a lifetime mate, or whatever. The key verse for the prayer of faith is Mark 11:24, where Jesus says: "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
The rule to consider here is when you pray-not after you pray...not when you feel something...not when you see something. When you pray (the moment that you pray) you must believe that you receive what you asked for.
This is a difficult concept for some people. God is a present tense God. He doesn't operate in the past or in the future, but in the now. Whenever you pray, at that moment you are in the present. At that precise time, you must believe that you receive what you are praying for. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Your faith is substance-it is something real, something tangible. It is the evidence of things you cannot see.
Think of a court of law. The jury was not at the scene of a crime, but the attorney introduces a photo of the crime scene that shows blood. That photo takes the place of the "thing" itself, the crime scene. The evidence is proof of something the juror cannot see but knows nonetheless. Your faith is proof of something that you have received...but can't yet see. The Amplified Bible says it this way: "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]."
Notice that Mark 11:24 does not say when you will actually see the result of your prayer. It does not tell you how long it will take for that prayer result to appear, and this is where many Christians get hung up. God lives in one eternal now. There is no past or present for Him. But in the natural world, due to a number of factors, it may take time for the answer to manifest itself. As an example, when you make a stock market transaction and tell your broker to sell $100 of stock, he sells it right then. But you do not possess the actual money until he sends it to you through the mail or transmits it electronically to your account. Even then, you will likely get a check, and that check does you no good until you endorse it and put it in your account. We do not have a problem understanding these processes that we have to go through in the natural world. We know they are required to bring something you have into a reality you can use.
Part of the faith required to make a prayer transaction, to activate your faith request, is that you can only pray one time for something-because if you believe you have already receive it, why would you ask for it again? Imagine I'm standing in front of you, and I say, "Please give me your Bible."
You reach down, pull out your Bible, and hand it to me. Then I say, "Please give me your Bible."
What? You would rightly say, "Are you crazy? I just gave you my Bible." If you have asked God for something once, you must have faith enough to believe that He heard you and that He has answered your prayer. That's what Jesus meant when He said, "Believe that you receive them" (referring to the things you prayer for).
God answers prayers, and He will answer your specific prayer in line with His Word, but it is your faith that brings that answer out of the spiritual world and into the physical world. How many times in Scripture does Jesus say to someone, "According to your faith...," or "Daughter, you faith has made you whole"? He referred to people's faith constantly, and even though it was His power that healed them, He always credited their faith with being the catalyst. In fact, when Jesus went to His hometown, we are told: "Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief" (Matt. 13:58). Well, I have a question for you: Did Jesus suddenly lose His power on that visit to Nazareth? No! His power never changed. What changed? It was the people's level of faith mixed with His power.
There is a simple spiritual explanation for this. God will not do something against your will. God will not violate free will. If you don't have faith to do something, He won't violate your will. When the blind men came to Jesus and asked that He restore their sight, He asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" (Matt. 9:28). They said, "Yes," and He said, "According to your faith let it be to you" (v. 29). The Bible actually indicates that they received their sight. Just as the air you breathe is already there-but you must inhale it, so your healing is already here to be taken by faith.
The prayer of faith, also known as petition prayer, is the prayer that most people think of when they use the term prayer. Petition prayer is between you and God. It is you asking God for a particular outcome, whether it's a job, money, a lifetime mate, or whatever. The key verse for the prayer of faith is Mark 11:24, where Jesus says: "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
The rule to consider here is when you pray-not after you pray...not when you feel something...not when you see something. When you pray (the moment that you pray) you must believe that you receive what you asked for.
This is a difficult concept for some people. God is a present tense God. He doesn't operate in the past or in the future, but in the now. Whenever you pray, at that moment you are in the present. At that precise time, you must believe that you receive what you are praying for. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Your faith is substance-it is something real, something tangible. It is the evidence of things you cannot see.
Think of a court of law. The jury was not at the scene of a crime, but the attorney introduces a photo of the crime scene that shows blood. That photo takes the place of the "thing" itself, the crime scene. The evidence is proof of something the juror cannot see but knows nonetheless. Your faith is proof of something that you have received...but can't yet see. The Amplified Bible says it this way: "Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]."
Notice that Mark 11:24 does not say when you will actually see the result of your prayer. It does not tell you how long it will take for that prayer result to appear, and this is where many Christians get hung up. God lives in one eternal now. There is no past or present for Him. But in the natural world, due to a number of factors, it may take time for the answer to manifest itself. As an example, when you make a stock market transaction and tell your broker to sell $100 of stock, he sells it right then. But you do not possess the actual money until he sends it to you through the mail or transmits it electronically to your account. Even then, you will likely get a check, and that check does you no good until you endorse it and put it in your account. We do not have a problem understanding these processes that we have to go through in the natural world. We know they are required to bring something you have into a reality you can use.
Part of the faith required to make a prayer transaction, to activate your faith request, is that you can only pray one time for something-because if you believe you have already receive it, why would you ask for it again? Imagine I'm standing in front of you, and I say, "Please give me your Bible."
You reach down, pull out your Bible, and hand it to me. Then I say, "Please give me your Bible."
What? You would rightly say, "Are you crazy? I just gave you my Bible." If you have asked God for something once, you must have faith enough to believe that He heard you and that He has answered your prayer. That's what Jesus meant when He said, "Believe that you receive them" (referring to the things you prayer for).
God answers prayers, and He will answer your specific prayer in line with His Word, but it is your faith that brings that answer out of the spiritual world and into the physical world. How many times in Scripture does Jesus say to someone, "According to your faith...," or "Daughter, you faith has made you whole"? He referred to people's faith constantly, and even though it was His power that healed them, He always credited their faith with being the catalyst. In fact, when Jesus went to His hometown, we are told: "Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief" (Matt. 13:58). Well, I have a question for you: Did Jesus suddenly lose His power on that visit to Nazareth? No! His power never changed. What changed? It was the people's level of faith mixed with His power.
There is a simple spiritual explanation for this. God will not do something against your will. God will not violate free will. If you don't have faith to do something, He won't violate your will. When the blind men came to Jesus and asked that He restore their sight, He asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" (Matt. 9:28). They said, "Yes," and He said, "According to your faith let it be to you" (v. 29). The Bible actually indicates that they received their sight. Just as the air you breathe is already there-but you must inhale it, so your healing is already here to be taken by faith.
We Inherited Power
Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.
We have power. Its about the strength that progressively increases. Its about that vigor, that dominion, and that manifested power that can be seen. This is all part of the inheritance of the saints.
You inherit His power, to us "...and what is the exceeding greatness of his power who believe..." This inheritance belongs to the believers. An inheritance is something you don't earn; it's something that was left to you.
When Jesus died on the cross, He left you some power, some anointing, some blessings, and some ability. Jesus understood that when it was time for Him to leave the earth, believers would need weapons that were beyond their thinking ability, speaking ability, and beyond their natural education in order for God's will to be done. Without these, they were not going to be able to get the job done.
So, He said that he would not leave us comfortless. "I will send you another comforter, and he will teach you all things and remind you of what I said unto you." That comforter is the Holy Ghost. And the Holy Ghost is active, energizing, and effective. He is the power, He is the might, and He performs where you can see it.
Verse 19 tells us this power works "according to the working of his mighty power." The word mighty here means force-His force, His ability. In other words, God wants us to increase in that which is in the Lord, increase in His dominion and in the manifested power of His force and His ability.
Jesus knew we would need power to defeat the enemy. He knew we would need power to perform miracles when necessary, to have supernatural strength when necessary, and to be able to flow and function when everything else was going contrary, so He prayed the Father to send us the Holy Ghost.
Walk in the inheritance that was given to you, it's the power of the Holy Ghost.
The Church Tablecloth That Reunited A Husband and Wife Separated by War
This is an amazing story that I came across doing one of my reads....
THE TABLECLOTH
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities.
When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc. and on Dec 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On Dec 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm - hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.
On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry.The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area. Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"
The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. She was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again. The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church.The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyoneat the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood, continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn’t leaving. The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike? He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman’s apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid Who says God does not work in mysterious ways.
THE TABLECLOTH
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities.
When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc. and on Dec 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On Dec 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm - hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.
On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry.The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area. Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"
The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. She was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again. The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church.The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyoneat the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood, continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn’t leaving. The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike? He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman’s apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid Who says God does not work in mysterious ways.
Cast your cares on Him
Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.
“I was up the whole night — my boy was running a high fever.”
“I slept only for two hours — I was trying to improve my assigment.”
“I couldn’t sleep at all — I was worried about the bills that are piling up.”
The Bible says that God “gives His beloved sleep”. Who are His beloved? You and I! Because we are in Christ, we are His beloved. (Ephesians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13)
God says, “It is vain for you to rise up early; to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows…” In other words, it is pointless to worry and lose sleep because the truth is, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
You see, God is the one who builds your career and guards your marriage. He is the one who watches over your children and future. He is the one who guards your bank account, and watches over your financial investments and business ventures. You are not the one!
So don’t worry and stay up late as if you are the source of the increase or the one who has the power to make things happen and save the situation. God is the one and He says to you, “My beloved child, throw that care, that burden, to Me and go to sleep.” For when you are sleeping, He is working on your situation. He, who neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:3–4), works the night shift for you as you sleep!
But because we are such doers and performers, it is hard for us to let go and let God take over. But when we actually do, casting all our cares, anxieties, worries and concerns once and for all into His hands, we will see how He cares for us affectionately and watchfully. (1 Peter 5:7) We will see Him taking care of our problems and working things out for our good. (Romans 8:28)
Trust your Father’s love for you. Cast your cares on Him and have no more sleepless nights!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
See The Work Accomplished
John 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
What do you see when it comes to healing for your sick body, restoration for your failing marriage or breakthroughs for your financial woes? Do you see a finished work or a work that is yet to be completed?
God wants you to know that what you desperately need Him to do for you has already been done! Jesus’ finished work at the cross so satisfied the Father’s heart that from heaven’s throne came the pronouncement, “It is done!” (Revelation 16:17) in response to Jesus’ cry on earth, “It is finished!” So God wants you to have this revelation that whatever you need Him to do for you has been done because Jesus has accomplished it all for you.
You are not waiting to be healed — your healing has been accomplished. You are not going to receive restoration for your marriage or a breakthrough in your finances — your restoration and breakthrough have been accomplished. You are not going to die from any lack — you have been abundantly supplied. All these things have been accomplished, not by you, but by Christ alone!
If you are bothered by a pain in your body, God wants you to see your healing finished or accomplished for you by His Son’s death on the cross. If it is a loss or debt you face, or a certain sin you are struggling with, my friend, believe that your provision, restoration and deliverance have been accomplished or done for you.
Don’t worry about what you see or feel, or the presence of contradicting reports. These are lying symptoms and though they may seem very real, they are temporal and not the truth. God’s Word is the truth and it will remain because it is eternal. And when you believe that only what God’s Word says about your situation is the truth, all the lying symptoms will eventually line up with His Word.
God the Son says, “It is finished!”
God the Father says, “It is done!”
What do you say?
What do you see when it comes to healing for your sick body, restoration for your failing marriage or breakthroughs for your financial woes? Do you see a finished work or a work that is yet to be completed?
God wants you to know that what you desperately need Him to do for you has already been done! Jesus’ finished work at the cross so satisfied the Father’s heart that from heaven’s throne came the pronouncement, “It is done!” (Revelation 16:17) in response to Jesus’ cry on earth, “It is finished!” So God wants you to have this revelation that whatever you need Him to do for you has been done because Jesus has accomplished it all for you.
You are not waiting to be healed — your healing has been accomplished. You are not going to receive restoration for your marriage or a breakthrough in your finances — your restoration and breakthrough have been accomplished. You are not going to die from any lack — you have been abundantly supplied. All these things have been accomplished, not by you, but by Christ alone!
If you are bothered by a pain in your body, God wants you to see your healing finished or accomplished for you by His Son’s death on the cross. If it is a loss or debt you face, or a certain sin you are struggling with, my friend, believe that your provision, restoration and deliverance have been accomplished or done for you.
Don’t worry about what you see or feel, or the presence of contradicting reports. These are lying symptoms and though they may seem very real, they are temporal and not the truth. God’s Word is the truth and it will remain because it is eternal. And when you believe that only what God’s Word says about your situation is the truth, all the lying symptoms will eventually line up with His Word.
God the Son says, “It is finished!”
God the Father says, “It is done!”
What do you say?
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thanking God At All Times
Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Lifting up your hands and thanking God is spontaneous and easy when you have just received a wonderful blessing. Perhaps you came so close to being killed, but God protected you and plucked you out of danger just in time. Or your grandmother, an unbeliever for many years, finally received Jesus as her Saviour and got healed of a long-term disease.
But there are times when you don’t feel like lifting up your hands to thank and praise God — yet you do it!
Perhaps you feel very discouraged lately. Perhaps everything is going wrong for you and you feel like you are not in control of your life. You can’t even control your tears. Still, you make a conscious decision to lift your hands and thank God for being in the situation with you. You open your mouth and begin to praise Him even though you really don’t feel like doing it.
In the midst of the trial that you are going through, you praise Him that He is your righteousness in spite of all the mistakes you have made. You thank Him that He is your Prince of Peace, and that He will bring His peace into you and His calm into your chaotic world.
God sees and appreciates such times when, despite feeling so discouraged and depressed, you offer a freewill thanksgiving offering to Him. In fact, your thanksgiving during such times is more highly prized by Him than your thanksgiving during those times you are feeling joyful because you have just been blessed.
And when you choose to thank Him for His unfailing love and His faithfulness to deliver, protect and provide for you even when you don’t see it yet, before long, you will find yourself experiencing and enjoying the blessings! So lift your hands and praise the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever! (Psalm 106:1)
Lifting up your hands and thanking God is spontaneous and easy when you have just received a wonderful blessing. Perhaps you came so close to being killed, but God protected you and plucked you out of danger just in time. Or your grandmother, an unbeliever for many years, finally received Jesus as her Saviour and got healed of a long-term disease.
But there are times when you don’t feel like lifting up your hands to thank and praise God — yet you do it!
Perhaps you feel very discouraged lately. Perhaps everything is going wrong for you and you feel like you are not in control of your life. You can’t even control your tears. Still, you make a conscious decision to lift your hands and thank God for being in the situation with you. You open your mouth and begin to praise Him even though you really don’t feel like doing it.
In the midst of the trial that you are going through, you praise Him that He is your righteousness in spite of all the mistakes you have made. You thank Him that He is your Prince of Peace, and that He will bring His peace into you and His calm into your chaotic world.
God sees and appreciates such times when, despite feeling so discouraged and depressed, you offer a freewill thanksgiving offering to Him. In fact, your thanksgiving during such times is more highly prized by Him than your thanksgiving during those times you are feeling joyful because you have just been blessed.
And when you choose to thank Him for His unfailing love and His faithfulness to deliver, protect and provide for you even when you don’t see it yet, before long, you will find yourself experiencing and enjoying the blessings! So lift your hands and praise the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever! (Psalm 106:1)
Saturday, August 25, 2007
God Is Not Punishing You For Some Sin
Ephesians 1:77 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Some Christians believe that although you have forgiveness of sins, you are not free from the penalties of your sins. In other words, you can still expect punishment from God.
For example, some married Christian couples have been told by ministers that they are childless because God is punishing them for having had pre-marital sex. So although God has forgiven them of that sin, He still has to punish them for it.
I am not encouraging pre-marital sex, but I want you to know that God, who is the only one who can fully appreciate the full value of His Son’s blood and who is completely satisfied by His Son’s sacrifice, is at rest in His heart today concerning your sins! That is why He is not against you when you sin. Neither is He out to punish you when you sin. No, He still loves you, is for you and wants to help you overcome that sin. In the Old Testament, the blood of bulls and goats could only “cover” sins and not take them away. (Hebrews 10:4) But the blood of Jesus is not like the blood of animals! For by one sacrifice, the eternal blood of the Son of God has forever removed your sins (Hebrews 8:12) and cleansed you of all unrighteousness! (1 John 1:9). In fact, God is so satisfied with His Son’s perfect work that He says to you today, “Your sins and lawless deeds I will by no means remember!” (Hebrews 10:17) And if God does not remember them, why should He punish you for them? Beloved, you “have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace”. Because Jesus’ work is complete, all your sins have been completely forgiven. And complete forgiveness means that the penalties for your sins can no longer fall on you because they already fell on Jesus at the cross. (Isaiah 53:5)
So should something bad happen to you, don’t think for one moment that God is punishing you for some sin. Look to the cross, instead, and know that all your sins have already been fully punished in the body of Christ!
From :Pastor Joseph Prince, New Creation Church.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Amazing Grace: Let us never fail to fight for social injustic, for those who cannot fight for themselves...
Those who have not watched the movie Amazing Grace should go borrow the DVD...
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me." Those familiar words open perhaps the most famous and beloved hymn of all time. There's no doubt that this powerful hymn has helped save countless souls. But few of us are aware of the pivotal role it played in saving countless lives from the cruel bonds of slavery. The movie, Amazing Grace, is a powerfully inspiring account of the life of English parliamentarian and abolitionist William Wilberforce and his lifelong struggle to end the British slave trade-a mission inspired and urged on by John Newton, a redeemed "wretch," and the amazing hymn he wrote.
Great Britain banned the slave trade a generation before America did, and then abolished slavery altogether. More than anyone else, William Wilberforce was the driving force behind this legislation. The son of a wealthy merchant, the naturally kind-hearted "Wilber" gravitated towards social causes, inviting beggars in for lunch and advocating kindness to animals. At 21 he was elected to the House of Commons, along with school friend William Pitt, who was destined to become Britain's youngest Prime Minister. Ioan Gruffudd and Benedict Cumberbatch shine as Wilberforce and Pitt, two political firebrands old enough to know what they want to accomplish, but young enough to still believe they can change the world. Young Wilber passionately believes that the odious institution of slavery must be abolished.
Spurred on by the Christian conviction that God "created all men as equals," Wilber made it his life's work to convince Parliament to abolish slavery. The film begins in 1797, at which time 11 million black men, women and children had been snatched from their homes in Africa and the West Indies and forced into slave labor, mostly on the sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean. The sea passage was particularly inhumane. Slaves were chained into coffin-sized wooden compartments with little food or water and no sanitation. Half of those captured died before reaching shore and, we are told, the chains were used to keep them from ending their suffering by jumping overboard.
Directed by seasoned pro Michael Apted (Coal Miner's Daughter), Amazing Grace is anything but a stuffy period piece. He coaxes dynamic performance from his two leads—particularly Gruffudd as the driven, but fragile Wilberforce—and a veteran British cast that includes Michael Gambon, Toby Jones and the towering Albert Finney as John Newton the ex-slave ship captain, who repented, turned to the ministry and wrote, among many other hymns, "Amazing Grace." The action shuttles adroitly between Wilber's early struggles against an intransigent Parliament and his later success in ending slave trafficking and slavery itself with decisive laws in 1807 and finally 1833, just days before his death.
Amazing Grace is a portrait of faith and persistence of the highest order. It boldly tackles the debate between principle and practicality. Pitt, as Prime Minister, must consider political survival, balancing the complex economic impact of abolition and the art of "the possible." Wilberforce's single-minded devotion to the abolitionist cause at the exclusion of almost everything else—including his own health—caused him to be described by friends as "all spirit and no body."
Perhaps most stirring and enlightening is the film's depiction of the relationship between Wilberforce and John Newton, his childhood friend and adult mentor. Only the saving, redeeming grace of God sustains Newton who admits to being "haunted by 20,000 ghosts" from his slaver days. Though forgiven, he remains so overwhelmed by the depth of his past sin that he chooses to live out the remainder of his days as a simple pastor in service to the church. When Wilber comes to him for guidance following his own religious reawakening, Newton urges him not to seek spiritual solitude, but to put his convictions into action and work to abolish the inhumanity of slavery. Their scenes together are electric and grapple with the dynamic between faith and action, social responsibility and monk-like piety. As Newton wisely reminds him, Christianity "leads to action, as well as reflection."
2007 marks the 200th anniversary of the passing of Wilberforce's most critical anti-slavery legislation, and I could give you 200 reasons to see this inspiring film. Instead I'll give you just one: You will leave the theatre feeling renewed. Amazing Grace will recharge you with a positive message about the power of faith, the belief that good people can change a nation, the conviction that God's grace is indeed so amazing that anyone can be saved, and—just as the song says—the assurance that grace will, in the end, "lead us home." Only one question remains: 200 years later, slavery still persists in many parts of the world, including Cambodia, India and Peru. Will grace inspire a new generation of "Wilberforces" to take a stand and end slavery once and for all? That would indeed be the result of amazing Grace.
Amazing Grace MTV by Chris Tomlin
Saturday, August 18, 2007
I saw a dead man walking...
Melbourne just had their Youth Alive Rally at the Rod Laver Arena this evening and I was kindly invited by my classmate to attend it with some of her friends. The beginning parts were too noisy for my liking. It sounded like KISS or Metallica was in the house and I couldn’t hear a word the band was singing or actually more like screaming. I took out my MP3 player in an attempt that my Hillsongs will block out the music but even when my earphones on at max volume, it still failed miserably. I still couldn’t hear Darlene or JD at all. It was THAT loud… anyways, that’s not what this blog entry is about…
There were many singing performances, many dance items, a few sermons but what really blew my mind away was this Tuesday I was having brunch with my Planetshakers caregroup leader Juni, we were talking about our Youth Pastor Michael Guglielmucci (one of the most sought after Youth Pastor in Australia) how he contracted bone cancer or some sort, how he became so sick suddenly, how he broke about 10 of his bones just attempting to speak at this year’s Planetshakers Conference in the early part of 2007. How he’s just been keeping such a low profile and how sad it is for us to see and illness strike such a wonderful man of God down.
Guess what…?
This evening he walked up unto the stage well and healthy, saying that he had a dream, he and a vision that he went to a particular Pastor’s service (so sorry I can’t remember the name of the Pastor he mentioned) and got healed. He woke up from the dream and told himself, what has he got to lose but to go attend that one service and see what God will do? What’s the worst that can happen? Break some more bones? Pastor Michael Guglielmucci was already so broken and in so much pain that it really didn’t seem to matter that if he suffered more… so he followed his heart and had the faith in God that his dream will become a reality and faithful as our God is, He received his healing and let me show you his words from his “MySpace”…
HEY GUYS!!!! INCREDIBLE NEWS!!!! THE HEALING PROCESS HAS BEGUN!!!! ON MONDAY I WENT TO JOHN WESLEYS CHAPEL IN BRISTOL. AS I STOOD IN WESLEYS PULPIT GODS POWER TOUCHED MY BODY!!!! TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT. I LEFT MY WHEELCHAIR THERE!!!! MY BACK IS HEALED, MY HIPS ARE HEALED, MY LEGS ARE HEALED!!!! I STILL HAVE PAIN IN MY UPPER BODY BUT IT HAS STARTED!!!! PRAISE AND GLORY TO THE KING OF ALL KINGS!!!! MY SAVIOUR, MY PORTION, MY FREEDOM, MY HEALER!!!!!
I rest my case… what more need I say other than
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD !
There were many singing performances, many dance items, a few sermons but what really blew my mind away was this Tuesday I was having brunch with my Planetshakers caregroup leader Juni, we were talking about our Youth Pastor Michael Guglielmucci (one of the most sought after Youth Pastor in Australia) how he contracted bone cancer or some sort, how he became so sick suddenly, how he broke about 10 of his bones just attempting to speak at this year’s Planetshakers Conference in the early part of 2007. How he’s just been keeping such a low profile and how sad it is for us to see and illness strike such a wonderful man of God down.
Guess what…?
This evening he walked up unto the stage well and healthy, saying that he had a dream, he and a vision that he went to a particular Pastor’s service (so sorry I can’t remember the name of the Pastor he mentioned) and got healed. He woke up from the dream and told himself, what has he got to lose but to go attend that one service and see what God will do? What’s the worst that can happen? Break some more bones? Pastor Michael Guglielmucci was already so broken and in so much pain that it really didn’t seem to matter that if he suffered more… so he followed his heart and had the faith in God that his dream will become a reality and faithful as our God is, He received his healing and let me show you his words from his “MySpace”…
HEY GUYS!!!! INCREDIBLE NEWS!!!! THE HEALING PROCESS HAS BEGUN!!!! ON MONDAY I WENT TO JOHN WESLEYS CHAPEL IN BRISTOL. AS I STOOD IN WESLEYS PULPIT GODS POWER TOUCHED MY BODY!!!! TO CUT A LONG STORY SHORT. I LEFT MY WHEELCHAIR THERE!!!! MY BACK IS HEALED, MY HIPS ARE HEALED, MY LEGS ARE HEALED!!!! I STILL HAVE PAIN IN MY UPPER BODY BUT IT HAS STARTED!!!! PRAISE AND GLORY TO THE KING OF ALL KINGS!!!! MY SAVIOUR, MY PORTION, MY FREEDOM, MY HEALER!!!!!
I rest my case… what more need I say other than
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD !
Thursday, August 9, 2007
The best week of my life...
Its been a really long time since I had a week like that, 5 days of basking in the presence of God. What more can a gal ask. Looking back its been amazing the things that had happened leading up to this day and how the 5 days was God's assurance and confirmation on the things He wants me to do for Him in my life. Now that I've started on my counselling programme. I'm just really really excited about the many day, week, months, years to come just doing His work.
Here's some highlights from the best week of my life... Enjoy... :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie-Rp9gT2GM
Here's some highlights from the best week of my life... Enjoy... :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie-Rp9gT2GM
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
God's Purposes for Our Work by Steve Scalici
We know that work is God-ordained. We read in Genesis 2:2 - "On the seventh day, having finished his task, God rested from all his work.." Genesis 2:15 says "The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for it." Work is normal. It's part of God's created order for humanity. Everything that we bring to work (skills, intelligence, experience, and reputation) is a gift from God that He allows us to use. God's original intention for work was to bless us. I feel sorry for the many people who view their work as simply a job: something to be performed for a wage and nothing else. We spend more time at work than doing any single activity except for sleep and some of us work more than we sleep. I would like to take a look at three areas where the world's view of work differs from God's view.
My Work and the Income I Earn from it Define My Self-Worth
As Christians, we must remember that it is not our work that defines us, but the attitude with which we do our work that pleases God the most. Sometimes the work we do earns a significant income. Unfortunately, some Chistians have guilt issues related to this. But, there’s never any reason to feel guilty as long as you have earned the money honestly and ethically. Proverbs 14:23 (NKJV) says, "In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty."In his book The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn says: "God does not raise our income so that we can increase our standard of living, but rather our standard of giving." One of the great remedies to having a large income is giving the money away. The more you give, the less you have to manage. In fact, this attitude of stewardship is one of the great ways for a believer to distinguish his world view from the secular worldview. In the end, we must remember that while God may choose to bless us financially through our occupation, we are defined neither by our work nor by the income we earn from it. What defines us in God’s eyes is the manner in which our work is done in honor of Him.
Work is a Necessary Evil
For the Christian, work is not a necessary evil, but a mission field for which we can be an example of Christ’s love and spiritual integrity. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:6: "Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart." Each of us has a conscience. Your conscience is God's built-in warning system. By following it we can build Godly character. Building character takes focus and patience, with attention to detail and an ability to be consistent over time.
While God is ultimately our Potter, we also play the role of potter in forming our own character. Christians would be horrified to be accused of stealing from their employers, but there are many small ways in which employees do it everyday. If someone is paid for 40 hours per week but really only worked 30 hours, they’ve stolen 10 hours worth of salary. If someone takes supplies from work and doesn't replace them or pay for them, their integrity is shot. Patrick Morley (Man in the Mirror Ministries) says that when we limit our thinking to major matters, we miss the point that to be trustworthy with much, we must first prove trustworthy with little.
One thing that has not changed even in our fast-paced society is that relationships are built on trust. The fragile thread of trust upon which relationships depend can be easily broken. Integrity is priceless. It's one of the few things that can't be taken from you. You can only lose it.
My Job Should Always Make Me Happy
There are all sorts of clichés that deal with being satisfied: "the grass is always greener on the other side" is the one that comes to mind first. But, as the pessimist said, it's only greener because they're laying more fertilizer over there. The point is, contentment isn't found in always getting what we want but in always being satisfied with what we have. Sometimes, it isn't your position that makes you happy or unhappy, it's your disposition.
That’s not to say that we should never find or take a new job. But, before I ever tell anyone to find a new job, I encourage them to earnestly pray about any decision before they make it. They need to discover what it is that God wants them to do. I remind them that they are at their current job for a reason. They may not know what that reason is, but there is a reason. Of course, God may be directing them elsewhere and that is fine, but they need to spend time seeking God's will before making a move.
Sometimes I meet people who simply work for awful people and they probably should leave, but I'm a big fan of praying for the people you are working for. More importantly, pray for yourself that you would be the person God wants you to be. Positive people are much more likely to turn their ideas into positive behavior. Positive behavior, in turn, does change circumstances, and nearly always for the better.
Steve Scalici is the Vice President of Treasure Coast Financial, a financial planning firm in Stuart, FL. He is co-host of God's Money which can be heard weekdays at www.oneplace.com . He can also be reached at his website www.tcfin.com.
Monday, June 25, 2007
You Are Already Blessed
Joshua 24:13 ‘I have given you a land for which you did not labour, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.’
God is more eager to prosper you than you are willing to be prospered! In fact, He is so keen for you to enjoy His prosperity that in His mind, giving you a multiplication of wealth and assets is already a settled matter.
God has already promised: “I have given you a land for which you did not labour, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.”
He did not say, “I may give,” which means that it may or may not happen, but He said, “I have given,” which means that it has already happened. It is only a matter of time before your revelation of what you have through the work of Christ brings forth the prosperity He has already blessed you with.
My friend, expect prosperity in your life because you are already rich in Christ. Jesus took your place of poverty at the cross — “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) In Him, you are poor no more.
So stop looking at the lack in your natural resources. Look to the cross and say, “Yes, Christ has made me rich. It is a matter of time before I will see His prosperity in my life!”
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Let Your Heart Be Established By Grace
Hebrews 13:99 It is good that the heart be established by grace…
God does not want your heart full of worries and fears, tossed and turned by every challenge that comes your way. He wants your heart at rest and established by His grace towards you.
But when you think that the breakthroughs to your challenges depend on your ability to obey God, then your heart will never be at rest. It will be full of worries and anxieties. Why? Because you can never obey God perfectly.
But when you depend on God’s grace, that is, His undeserved, unmerited favour, the opposite happens — your heart becomes established. When you know that the only thing that qualifies you to receive God’s blessings is faith in the finished work of Christ, your heart becomes established. Then, you will walk without fear of your troubles swallowing you up. You will walk with full assurance that His blessings will be manifested in your life.
My friend, God wants your heart established, knowing that His righteousness, healing, protection and prosperity are yours — all paid for by Jesus’ finished work at the cross. God’s blessings are sure in your life because they are not dependent on your ability to keep His laws.
You see, under the old covenant, you receive God’s blessings only if you keep all His laws. (Deuteronomy 28:1–2) If you sin and fail to keep even one law, you are disqualified from receiving His blessings. But today, under the new covenant, your sins no longer disqualify you because God Himself has said, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)
So let your heart be established by God’s grace. Because of His grace, you have full access to His blessings. You no longer have to worry about whether you are good enough. You can stand firm on the promises made in His Word and enjoy His blessings today because Jesus has paid the price. Your part is only to believe and receive!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
'I Will Be Your God'
Hebrews 8:10 “… and I will be their God, and they shall be My people...”
When God says, “I will be your God,” that is a declaration that He will work miracles in your life. So if it is a miracle you need, it is a miracle you will get!
If there is a huge sea blocking the way to your blessing and God says, “I will be your God,” it means that He will open the sea for you so that you can receive your blessing.
If you are poor and God says, “I will be your God,” it means that you will be well-provided for. Since God fed nearly three million Israelites in the wilderness every single day for 40 years, you can be sure that God will provide for you too.
If you are sick and God says, “I will be your God,” it means that He is going to be “the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26), and you will be healthy.
If you have incurred a huge debt and God says to you, “I will be your God,” it means that He will bring about a supernatural cancellation of your debt.
But not only does God say, “I will be their God,” He also says, “they shall be My people”.
To be God’s people means to be the protected ones. Not all on earth are God’s people — only you and I who are redeemed by the blood of Christ. During times of uncertainties, God says to you, “You shall be My people.” This means that you are protected from all pestilences, plagues, attacks and destruction.
Even when you hear people say that the economic crisis is coming, God says to you, “You shall be My people.” This means that you don’t have to worry or be anxious. The crisis will not affect you. Regardless of the situation in the world, you are protected and you will walk in the blessings of God.
God’s power comes into every challenge you face when He says to you, “I will be your God and you shall be My people.” You will experience the supernatural life. Your part is to believe what He declares and act like it is so!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
You Already Are, You Already Have...
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
God’s Word tells us that we can have what we ask for in prayer — by simply believing that we already have it!
As you are praying, know that you already have your answer, miracle or breakthrough. The Bible tells us that we already have whatever we are praying for because we are already blessed with all blessings in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
And you are in Christ the moment you received Him as your Saviour. So when you pray, you are actually releasing your faith to lay hold of what you already have in Christ. And as you keep saying that you have it already (Mark 11:23), you will see the manifestation of it in the natural realm.
In one of our church camps, a church member shared about her back problem of 15 years as a result of a fall from her rooftop. She needed an operation for the shooting pains in her tailbone. She had also been taking anti-stress pills for five years.
After coming to church, she realised that she had already received her healing through the finished work of Christ. Refusing the operation and even the pills, she would rebuke the pain which kept coming back, saying, “In Jesus, I believe I am healed. I am not trying or going to be healed. I am already healed. I have a brand new backbone for I am in Christ. For as Christ is, so am I in this world.” It was not very long before this sister saw the manifestation of her healing.
Sometimes, the devil will try to bring back symptoms of the sickness or lack to make you feel and think that you still have not received your blessing. That is the time to release your faith and believe that you have it already. You are not confessing to get it, you are confessing because you already have it in Christ!
My friend, the Bible tells us that Christ is in us. (Colossians 1:27) This means that right now, in you, is your healing, prosperity, wellness, family’s well-being and everything your heart desires. So say, “I have everything I need in Christ right now!”
God’s Word tells us that we can have what we ask for in prayer — by simply believing that we already have it!
As you are praying, know that you already have your answer, miracle or breakthrough. The Bible tells us that we already have whatever we are praying for because we are already blessed with all blessings in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
And you are in Christ the moment you received Him as your Saviour. So when you pray, you are actually releasing your faith to lay hold of what you already have in Christ. And as you keep saying that you have it already (Mark 11:23), you will see the manifestation of it in the natural realm.
In one of our church camps, a church member shared about her back problem of 15 years as a result of a fall from her rooftop. She needed an operation for the shooting pains in her tailbone. She had also been taking anti-stress pills for five years.
After coming to church, she realised that she had already received her healing through the finished work of Christ. Refusing the operation and even the pills, she would rebuke the pain which kept coming back, saying, “In Jesus, I believe I am healed. I am not trying or going to be healed. I am already healed. I have a brand new backbone for I am in Christ. For as Christ is, so am I in this world.” It was not very long before this sister saw the manifestation of her healing.
Sometimes, the devil will try to bring back symptoms of the sickness or lack to make you feel and think that you still have not received your blessing. That is the time to release your faith and believe that you have it already. You are not confessing to get it, you are confessing because you already have it in Christ!
My friend, the Bible tells us that Christ is in us. (Colossians 1:27) This means that right now, in you, is your healing, prosperity, wellness, family’s well-being and everything your heart desires. So say, “I have everything I need in Christ right now!”
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Reflection from "He Chose the Nails"
by Max Lucado
John didn’t know on that Friday what you and I now know. He didn’t know that Friday’s tragedy would be Sunday’s triumph. John would later confess that he “did not yet understand from the Scriptures that Jesus must rise from the dead” (John 20:9).
That’s why what he did on Saturday is so important.
We don’t know anything about this day; we have no passage to read, no knowledge to share. All we know is this: When Sunday came, John was still present. When Mary Magdalene came looking for him, she found him.
Jesus was dead. The Master’s body was lifeless. John’s friend and future were buried. But John had not left. Why? Was he waiting for the resurrection? No. As far as he knew, the lips were forever silent and the hands forever still. He wasn’t expecting a Sunday surprise. Then why was he here?
You’d think he would have left. Who was to say that the men who crucified Christ wouldn’t come after him? The crowds were pleased with one crucifixion; the religious leaders might have called for more. Why didn’t John get out of town?
Perhaps the answer was pragmatic; perhaps he was taking care of Jesus’ mother. Or perhaps he didn’t have anywhere else to go. Could be he didn’t have any money or energy or direction … or all of the above.
Or maybe he lingered because he loved Jesus.
To others, Jesus was a miracle worker. To others, Jesus was a master teacher. To others, Jesus was the hope of Israel. But to John, he was all of these and more. To John, Jesus was a friend.
You don’t abandon a friend? not even when that friend is dead. John stayed close to Jesus.
He had a habit of doing this. He was close to Jesus in the upper room. He was close to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was at the foot of the cross at the crucifixion, and he was a quick walk from the tomb at the burial.
Did he understand Jesus? No.
Was he glad Jesus did what he did? No.
But did he leave Jesus? No.
What about you? When you’re in John’s position, what do you do? When it’s Saturday in your life, how do you react? When you are somewhere between yesterday’s tragedy and tomorrow’s triumph, what do you do? Do you leave God? or do you linger near him?
John chose to linger. And because he lingered on Saturday, he was around on Sunday to see the miracle.
Psalm 40:2
He brought me out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings.
Gina held onto the branch for dear life. The floodwaters swirled around her, pulling at her, threatening to carry her off in the raging torrent. The pouring rain blinded her, and large clumps of mud kept bumping into her. Her arms ached and throbbed. The last of her strength gave out, but as she let the branch slip through her fingers, a strong hand gripped her wrist. Gina felt herself slide up onto the bank of the swollen river, and she spread herself out to feel the firm ground beneath her.
There are days that feel like a struggle for life. How wonderful it would be to have someone come along and lift us up out of the struggle. God can do that. His Spirit renews and strengthens us. Through the loving power of God, we are pulled out of the darkest pit and set upon solid ground.
Prayer:
Lord, hear me as I call out to You. Whether my prob lems are huge or tiny, I find I need Your help to get me through. Pull me up into Your loving arms, and surround me in Your love. Amen.
Psalm 40:12
For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: theref ore my heart faileth me.
Church made Sue feel uncomfortable. She wanted to be there, but she felt so unworthy. Just sitting in the church made her feel like a hypocrite. She asked forgiveness for her sins, and she believed that God gave it to her, but there was so much to forgive. All her life, she had been told that God was great and that human beings were unworthy of the attention He gave them. Sue figured she must be about the most unworthy of all.
Too often we come before the Lord with the feeling that we shouldn't be there. True, we have sinned, but God does not want us to dwell on the fact that we have sinned, but that we have been forgiven, and that we are His chosen people. The love of God is greater than any sin we might commit. God makes us able to look up, because He lifts the burden of guilt from our shoulders.
Prayer:
Your grace has made me worthy, Lord. What I could not do on my own, You have done for me. Thank You, Father, from the depths of my soul. Amen.
Church made Sue feel uncomfortable. She wanted to be there, but she felt so unworthy. Just sitting in the church made her feel like a hypocrite. She asked forgiveness for her sins, and she believed that God gave it to her, but there was so much to forgive. All her life, she had been told that God was great and that human beings were unworthy of the attention He gave them. Sue figured she must be about the most unworthy of all.
Too often we come before the Lord with the feeling that we shouldn't be there. True, we have sinned, but God does not want us to dwell on the fact that we have sinned, but that we have been forgiven, and that we are His chosen people. The love of God is greater than any sin we might commit. God makes us able to look up, because He lifts the burden of guilt from our shoulders.
Prayer:
Your grace has made me worthy, Lord. What I could not do on my own, You have done for me. Thank You, Father, from the depths of my soul. Amen.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Reflection on 13 April at 3am in the morning...
You are blood bought and heaven made.
A sweet child of God who is forever saved.
So be grateful, joyful for isnt it true?
What you dont have is much less than what you do...
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Sanctification: The Process
2 Timothy 2 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Imagine walking into a room and noticing two ceramic vessels. One is a gracefully curved gold pitcher. The other is a plain pot. Which would catch your eye and draw you in for a closer look?
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul used this metaphor to explain how some Christians honor the Lord with their life and service. Others bring shame to the Gospel through selfish living. Scripture commonly uses the vessel image because believers should be “filled with” the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 says the Holy Spirit trains us in righteousness and strengthens us in suffering. His work begins on the inside, where He adjusts our thinking to align with God’s Word. Our beliefs affect our actions. The Lord wants our behavior to conform to the perceptions the Holy Spirit places on our spirit.
If a person cooperates with the Lord in removing ungodly actions and attitudes, then he becomes a “vessel of honor.” He can be used for God’s kingdom. As believers, our responsibility in the sanctification process is to work with God to eliminate sin from our lives.
The believer’s job is to deal with sin. We must flee from it, or confess and repent when necessary. When we’re vigilant about keeping a sinless life, then the Holy Spirit can work to mature our faith. This makes us golden vessels who pour God’s love upon the world.
Imagine walking into a room and noticing two ceramic vessels. One is a gracefully curved gold pitcher. The other is a plain pot. Which would catch your eye and draw you in for a closer look?
In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul used this metaphor to explain how some Christians honor the Lord with their life and service. Others bring shame to the Gospel through selfish living. Scripture commonly uses the vessel image because believers should be “filled with” the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 says the Holy Spirit trains us in righteousness and strengthens us in suffering. His work begins on the inside, where He adjusts our thinking to align with God’s Word. Our beliefs affect our actions. The Lord wants our behavior to conform to the perceptions the Holy Spirit places on our spirit.
If a person cooperates with the Lord in removing ungodly actions and attitudes, then he becomes a “vessel of honor.” He can be used for God’s kingdom. As believers, our responsibility in the sanctification process is to work with God to eliminate sin from our lives.
The believer’s job is to deal with sin. We must flee from it, or confess and repent when necessary. When we’re vigilant about keeping a sinless life, then the Holy Spirit can work to mature our faith. This makes us golden vessels who pour God’s love upon the world.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Doubt : When Doubt is at Work
Exodus 4:10-13 Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it."
Doubt is destructive. It fills us with uncertainty and makes us indecisive. It affects our ability to connect with God and receive His wisdom. We will know doubt is at work when we struggle to believe the following truths:
First, God loves us all the time. Most of us accept the Lord’s deep affection for us when we’re “good.” But how about when we’re disobedient? Our behavior doesn’t change His love. We can be certain of this because of the promises in Romans 5:8, which says, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God loved us while we rebelled against Him. That’s amazing grace.
Second, doubt is working in our lives when we struggle to believe that God has forgiven our disobedience. We know God promises to forgive us when we confess our sins. But we may have trouble believing we’re forgiven. Feelings don’t determine truth. We know God’s word is true. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” That’s a description of complete forgiveness.
Finally, we know doubt is a problem when we forget that God has called us to serve Him. The Lord often invites believers to join Him in His work. This can include teaching a Sunday school class, helping a family in need, taking a leadership role, or telling another person about Jesus. Doubt can cause us to make excuses for our disobedience, just as Moses did in Exodus chapter four. In Ephesians 2:10, God promises that He’s equipped us with everything we need to follow His will.
The opposite of doubt is faith.
Which word best describes your state of mind?
Doubt is destructive. It fills us with uncertainty and makes us indecisive. It affects our ability to connect with God and receive His wisdom. We will know doubt is at work when we struggle to believe the following truths:
First, God loves us all the time. Most of us accept the Lord’s deep affection for us when we’re “good.” But how about when we’re disobedient? Our behavior doesn’t change His love. We can be certain of this because of the promises in Romans 5:8, which says, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God loved us while we rebelled against Him. That’s amazing grace.
Second, doubt is working in our lives when we struggle to believe that God has forgiven our disobedience. We know God promises to forgive us when we confess our sins. But we may have trouble believing we’re forgiven. Feelings don’t determine truth. We know God’s word is true. Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” That’s a description of complete forgiveness.
Finally, we know doubt is a problem when we forget that God has called us to serve Him. The Lord often invites believers to join Him in His work. This can include teaching a Sunday school class, helping a family in need, taking a leadership role, or telling another person about Jesus. Doubt can cause us to make excuses for our disobedience, just as Moses did in Exodus chapter four. In Ephesians 2:10, God promises that He’s equipped us with everything we need to follow His will.
The opposite of doubt is faith.
Which word best describes your state of mind?
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