1 Peter 5:8
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
The devil cannot just walk right up to you and rob you of your health, peace or family. He cannot just come into your life to enforce disease and destruction.
If the devil can do that, then he does not have to walk about seeking whom he may devour. He only has to walk straight up to the one he wants to devour and devour him!
But since the Bible says that he goes about seeking whom he may devour, the truth then is that there are people whom the devil cannot devour.
You see, the devil goes about like a roaring lion trying to stir fear in people with his roars. But the people who are not devourable are those who refuse to be intimidated by his roars because they know that the true Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ (Revelation5:5), has already come and destroyed him who had the power of death.(Hebrews 2:14) They know that the devil cannot do anything to them because the Lion of Judah resides in them, and that He is greater than the devil who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
The Lion of Judah is in you. He has given you rights, privileges, authority and power. He has redeemed you with His blood. Therefore, everything about you and your life is redeemed by His blood. If you are fearful about losing your job, cover your job with the blood of Jesus. If you are worried about your childrens safety in these days of terrorist attacks, plead the blood of Jesus over them. If you have received a bad report from the doctor, apply the blood over yourself.
Whatever you have covered with the blood of Jesus, God says, Protected! Redeemed! And the devil flees when he sees the blood. And when he flees, he takes with him sicknesses, diseases, pains, sufferings, destruction and loss.
Once the devil knows that you know who you are in Christ and what you have in Him, his days of intimidating you are over, and you are numbered among theundevourable!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Be Full Of The Conciousness Of God!
1 Corinthians 2:12
12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
I believe that you know the story of David the shepherd boy who defeated the 10-foot-tall Goliath, a champion warrior. Ever wondered why David succeeded while the others failed? David's secret was that he didn't know defeat because he was not conscious of a God who cannot. He was only conscious of a God who had rescued him time and again.
You can imagine him saying, "One day, I was taking care of my sheep when a lion came and took one of them. I was not willing to settle for that! I went after the lion, caught it by its beard and smote it. The Lord delivered me from the lion's mouth. On another occasion, a bear came and took one of my flock. I went after the bear and smote it. The Lord delivered me from the bear. The same God, who delivered me from the paws of the lion and bear, will deliver me from this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:34-37)
David was conscious of what God had done for him. He knew that God was the one who was for him, loved him, favoured him, and gave him success. You can also remind yourself that the same God, who did tremendous things in the past for you, will do the same thing for you again.
Be like David, who was full of the consciousness of God. Do not be like the army of Israel, who were full of the consciousness of the words of Goliath. I believe that they must have talked about Goliath's threats, rehearsed his words, and as a result, filled their hearts with fear and trembling. (1 Samuel 17:11,24)
Do not feed on man's words nor the devil's which only give you anxiety and fear. Feed on God's Word by reading the Bible and listening to messages about who you are in Christ and what He has done for you. Pump yourself up with God's Word until you are filled with the consciousness of God, that you might know the things that have been freely given to you by God!
12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
I believe that you know the story of David the shepherd boy who defeated the 10-foot-tall Goliath, a champion warrior. Ever wondered why David succeeded while the others failed? David's secret was that he didn't know defeat because he was not conscious of a God who cannot. He was only conscious of a God who had rescued him time and again.
You can imagine him saying, "One day, I was taking care of my sheep when a lion came and took one of them. I was not willing to settle for that! I went after the lion, caught it by its beard and smote it. The Lord delivered me from the lion's mouth. On another occasion, a bear came and took one of my flock. I went after the bear and smote it. The Lord delivered me from the bear. The same God, who delivered me from the paws of the lion and bear, will deliver me from this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:34-37)
David was conscious of what God had done for him. He knew that God was the one who was for him, loved him, favoured him, and gave him success. You can also remind yourself that the same God, who did tremendous things in the past for you, will do the same thing for you again.
Be like David, who was full of the consciousness of God. Do not be like the army of Israel, who were full of the consciousness of the words of Goliath. I believe that they must have talked about Goliath's threats, rehearsed his words, and as a result, filled their hearts with fear and trembling. (1 Samuel 17:11,24)
Do not feed on man's words nor the devil's which only give you anxiety and fear. Feed on God's Word by reading the Bible and listening to messages about who you are in Christ and what He has done for you. Pump yourself up with God's Word until you are filled with the consciousness of God, that you might know the things that have been freely given to you by God!
He Is Willing, Be Healed!
Matthew 8:3
3Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed."...
Do you know that it is God's will for you to be healed? In fact, Jesus always healed the sick who came to Him. The blind, lame, maimed, mute deaf, and demon-possessed - He healed them all. (Matthew 8:16)
The Bible says that he who has seen Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:9). You want to see what God is like? Look at Jesus! He never gave sickness to anybody. When the leper came to Him, He didn't say, "Tough luck, I don't like your face. By the way, receive Aids as well!" Instead, He told the leper, "I am willing; be cleansed!"
Unfortunately, there are Christians who say, "It is God's will for me to be sick. God has some purpose, some mysterious purpose for my situation. It is all part of His divine plan and we shall all know in the sweet by and by, the reason why!" But these same people go to their doctors to get well. They take their medication and rest. Why do they do that if they really believe that God wants them sick? Doesn't make sense, does it?
Come on, what makes perfect sense is this : God wants you well. God wants you whole. God's will is for you to be healed! In fact, He is so willing that He took all your sicknesses and diseases upon His own body so that you don't have to suffer them today!
He allowed Himself to be beaten and scourged, so that by His scourging - by His stripes - you are healed! (Isaiah 53:5). Since He has already suffered the pain on your behalf, why should you suffer it today?
So, my friend, if you are sick, know that God did not give you the disease. Read every healing miracle that Jesus did in the gospels and see how Jesus is the Lord who heals you (Exodus 15:26).
Hear Jesus' gracious word, "I am willing, be healed!" and know that they are as much for you today as they were for the leper!
3Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed."...
Do you know that it is God's will for you to be healed? In fact, Jesus always healed the sick who came to Him. The blind, lame, maimed, mute deaf, and demon-possessed - He healed them all. (Matthew 8:16)
The Bible says that he who has seen Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:9). You want to see what God is like? Look at Jesus! He never gave sickness to anybody. When the leper came to Him, He didn't say, "Tough luck, I don't like your face. By the way, receive Aids as well!" Instead, He told the leper, "I am willing; be cleansed!"
Unfortunately, there are Christians who say, "It is God's will for me to be sick. God has some purpose, some mysterious purpose for my situation. It is all part of His divine plan and we shall all know in the sweet by and by, the reason why!" But these same people go to their doctors to get well. They take their medication and rest. Why do they do that if they really believe that God wants them sick? Doesn't make sense, does it?
Come on, what makes perfect sense is this : God wants you well. God wants you whole. God's will is for you to be healed! In fact, He is so willing that He took all your sicknesses and diseases upon His own body so that you don't have to suffer them today!
He allowed Himself to be beaten and scourged, so that by His scourging - by His stripes - you are healed! (Isaiah 53:5). Since He has already suffered the pain on your behalf, why should you suffer it today?
So, my friend, if you are sick, know that God did not give you the disease. Read every healing miracle that Jesus did in the gospels and see how Jesus is the Lord who heals you (Exodus 15:26).
Hear Jesus' gracious word, "I am willing, be healed!" and know that they are as much for you today as they were for the leper!
Hope Does Not Disappoint!
Romans 5:5
5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Today, we express hope as if we can't be sure what will really happen. We say, "I hope I'll win the prize.. I hope it won't rain tomorrow... I hope everything works out well.."
But "hope" in the Bible is a confident and positive expectation of good. This is because as His child, your heavenly Father favours you. Because Christ is in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), you can expect the glory of God to shine into every area in your life, including your family, job, ministry, health, and finances!
God's Word says, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us!" My friend, you may have experienced disappointed hopes, but there is a hope that does not disappoint when you are conscious of how much God loves you. It is the hope that springs from the heart of God, who loves you very much.
It is interesting that the first mention of the Holy Spirit in the book of Romans is tied up with the love of God. Now, the book of Romans is considered foundation for all Christians. Could it be that the first thing that the Holy Spirit wants to do is to establish in your heart that God loves you? Many people think that the Holy Spirit has come to teach us about power, but the truth is that the Holy Spirit has come not to reveal the love for power, but the power of love!
My friend, you may have just lost your job, but if you believe that "Jesus loves me this I know!", you can say, "I believe I will get a better job tomorrow." Your girlfriend may have just left you for your best friend, but because, "Jesus loves me this I know," you can say, "I'll meet a better girl tomorrow!"
you believe that God loves you, you will have a positive expectation of good. You will have hope that does not disappoint, so be careful what you hope for because you are bound to get it!
5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Today, we express hope as if we can't be sure what will really happen. We say, "I hope I'll win the prize.. I hope it won't rain tomorrow... I hope everything works out well.."
But "hope" in the Bible is a confident and positive expectation of good. This is because as His child, your heavenly Father favours you. Because Christ is in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), you can expect the glory of God to shine into every area in your life, including your family, job, ministry, health, and finances!
God's Word says, "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us!" My friend, you may have experienced disappointed hopes, but there is a hope that does not disappoint when you are conscious of how much God loves you. It is the hope that springs from the heart of God, who loves you very much.
It is interesting that the first mention of the Holy Spirit in the book of Romans is tied up with the love of God. Now, the book of Romans is considered foundation for all Christians. Could it be that the first thing that the Holy Spirit wants to do is to establish in your heart that God loves you? Many people think that the Holy Spirit has come to teach us about power, but the truth is that the Holy Spirit has come not to reveal the love for power, but the power of love!
My friend, you may have just lost your job, but if you believe that "Jesus loves me this I know!", you can say, "I believe I will get a better job tomorrow." Your girlfriend may have just left you for your best friend, but because, "Jesus loves me this I know," you can say, "I'll meet a better girl tomorrow!"
you believe that God loves you, you will have a positive expectation of good. You will have hope that does not disappoint, so be careful what you hope for because you are bound to get it!
He Is Right There Upholding You!
Isaiah 41:10
10"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
It is easy to say, "Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!" when times is good. It is easy to believe that God loves you when you are on the mountain top enjoying the sunshine. But what happens when you are down in the dark valley surrounded by your enemies?
Maybe today, you are in the valley of marital, financial, or bodily trouble and you are asking, "Where is God?"
My friend, He is right there with you. The God of the valleys says to you, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
When the King Jehoshaphat was surrounded, outnumbered and overwhelmed by his enemies, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he said to the king, "Don't be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude for the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you. Don't fear nor dismayed. Tomorrow, go out against them for the Lord is with you." (2 Chronicles 20:14-17)
What King Jehoshaphat did then was brilliant - he acted with wisdom from on high. Instead of putting "commandos" in front, he put worshippers in front! They sang of God's love for them - "Praise the Lord for His love endures forever!" And God utterly destroyed their enemies! (2 Chronicles 20:21-23).
Beloved, it is not the trials that make us strong, but our responses in those trials. The devil wants us to respond by asking, "Where is God?" But God wants us to respond with faith in His love for us. We are more than conquerors not because of our love for Him, but through Him who loves us (Romans 8:37).
So, whatever valley you are in today, don't be afraid. God is right there upholding you. Just sing of His love for you and let Him fight your battles for you!
10"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
It is easy to say, "Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!" when times is good. It is easy to believe that God loves you when you are on the mountain top enjoying the sunshine. But what happens when you are down in the dark valley surrounded by your enemies?
Maybe today, you are in the valley of marital, financial, or bodily trouble and you are asking, "Where is God?"
My friend, He is right there with you. The God of the valleys says to you, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
When the King Jehoshaphat was surrounded, outnumbered and overwhelmed by his enemies, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he said to the king, "Don't be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude for the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you. Don't fear nor dismayed. Tomorrow, go out against them for the Lord is with you." (2 Chronicles 20:14-17)
What King Jehoshaphat did then was brilliant - he acted with wisdom from on high. Instead of putting "commandos" in front, he put worshippers in front! They sang of God's love for them - "Praise the Lord for His love endures forever!" And God utterly destroyed their enemies! (2 Chronicles 20:21-23).
Beloved, it is not the trials that make us strong, but our responses in those trials. The devil wants us to respond by asking, "Where is God?" But God wants us to respond with faith in His love for us. We are more than conquerors not because of our love for Him, but through Him who loves us (Romans 8:37).
So, whatever valley you are in today, don't be afraid. God is right there upholding you. Just sing of His love for you and let Him fight your battles for you!
Jesus Understands What You Are Going Through!
Hebrews 4:15
15For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
"Does God really understand what I am going through?"
Sometimes, we can't help but wonder if God really knows what it is like to be poor, rejected by people, backed into a corner by our enemies or sick with aches and pains.
My friend, Jesus was no stranger to emotional or physical pains, poverty or hardships. He was born into a poor family. He had a smelly manger for His birthplace (Luke 2:7). From an early age, as a carpenter, He knew all about working hard with His hands, standing on His feet all day long and returning home with aches in His body.
The religious of His days made life difficult for Him. They challenged His authority (Matthew 21:23) and tested His teachings (Matthew 19:3). They also called Him a glutton, winebibber, friend of tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 11:19), and blasphemer (Mark 2:7).
They said that He was demon-possessed and mad (John 10:20), put Him on the spot when they brought and adulterous woman to Him (John 8:2-11), attempted to stone Him (John 8:59, 10:31-39) and accused Him of perverting the nation (Luke 23:2).
Have you been chased out of your home because of your Christian beliefs? Jesus understands what you are going through. He was chased out of His own hometown (Luke 4:29). Have you ben rejected by someone you love? Jesus also experienced the pain of being denied by a loved one (Luke 22:54-62) and betrayed by one considered close to Him (Luke 22 :47-48). He also knows all about sickness you are suffering because He bore your sicknesses and pains on the cross (Isaiah 53:4).
Jesus certainly understands all that we are going through because being born fully Man, He was "in all points tempted as we are". He endured His sufferings for our sakes so that we can have His peace and the anointing to rise above the troubles we are facing!
15For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
"Does God really understand what I am going through?"
Sometimes, we can't help but wonder if God really knows what it is like to be poor, rejected by people, backed into a corner by our enemies or sick with aches and pains.
My friend, Jesus was no stranger to emotional or physical pains, poverty or hardships. He was born into a poor family. He had a smelly manger for His birthplace (Luke 2:7). From an early age, as a carpenter, He knew all about working hard with His hands, standing on His feet all day long and returning home with aches in His body.
The religious of His days made life difficult for Him. They challenged His authority (Matthew 21:23) and tested His teachings (Matthew 19:3). They also called Him a glutton, winebibber, friend of tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 11:19), and blasphemer (Mark 2:7).
They said that He was demon-possessed and mad (John 10:20), put Him on the spot when they brought and adulterous woman to Him (John 8:2-11), attempted to stone Him (John 8:59, 10:31-39) and accused Him of perverting the nation (Luke 23:2).
Have you been chased out of your home because of your Christian beliefs? Jesus understands what you are going through. He was chased out of His own hometown (Luke 4:29). Have you ben rejected by someone you love? Jesus also experienced the pain of being denied by a loved one (Luke 22:54-62) and betrayed by one considered close to Him (Luke 22 :47-48). He also knows all about sickness you are suffering because He bore your sicknesses and pains on the cross (Isaiah 53:4).
Jesus certainly understands all that we are going through because being born fully Man, He was "in all points tempted as we are". He endured His sufferings for our sakes so that we can have His peace and the anointing to rise above the troubles we are facing!
Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Mark 8:29
29He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ."
Do you know that how you see Jesus determines what you receive from Him? If you see Jesus as your healer, you will receive healing. If you see Jesus as your refuge and fortress, you will receive protection.
The people from Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, saw Jesus in the natural. They said of Him, "Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters are they not all with us?" (Matthew 13:55-56). They saw Jesus in the natural. They did not see Him as God in the flesh. As a result, He could not do many mighty works there (Matthew 13:58).
Many people, including some philosophers, see Jesus of Nazareth as a good man who led an exemplary life. They feel that if all of us could live our lives like Him, the world would be a better place. They do not see Jesus as the bread of God who came from heaven to give life to the world (John 6:33). They do not see Him as the one who came to give them living water so that they would never thirsty again (John 4:14). They do not see Him as the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world (John 1:29). They do not receive from Him what they need because they do not esteem Him rightly.
But Jesus did not come just to set a good example. He came to be your Redeemer (Galatians 3:13). He came to be your righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). He came to be your Shepherd so that you will not lack anything (Psalm 23:1).
Jesus asked His disciples once, "But who do you say that I am?" How you answer this question depends on how you see Jesus. And how you see Jesus is how you will receive from Him. So, see Him as your God, as everything He claims to be in His Word, and He will do mighty works in your life!
29He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ."
Do you know that how you see Jesus determines what you receive from Him? If you see Jesus as your healer, you will receive healing. If you see Jesus as your refuge and fortress, you will receive protection.
The people from Nazareth, Jesus' hometown, saw Jesus in the natural. They said of Him, "Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters are they not all with us?" (Matthew 13:55-56). They saw Jesus in the natural. They did not see Him as God in the flesh. As a result, He could not do many mighty works there (Matthew 13:58).
Many people, including some philosophers, see Jesus of Nazareth as a good man who led an exemplary life. They feel that if all of us could live our lives like Him, the world would be a better place. They do not see Jesus as the bread of God who came from heaven to give life to the world (John 6:33). They do not see Him as the one who came to give them living water so that they would never thirsty again (John 4:14). They do not see Him as the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world (John 1:29). They do not receive from Him what they need because they do not esteem Him rightly.
But Jesus did not come just to set a good example. He came to be your Redeemer (Galatians 3:13). He came to be your righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30). He came to be your Shepherd so that you will not lack anything (Psalm 23:1).
Jesus asked His disciples once, "But who do you say that I am?" How you answer this question depends on how you see Jesus. And how you see Jesus is how you will receive from Him. So, see Him as your God, as everything He claims to be in His Word, and He will do mighty works in your life!
He Took Your Place So That You can Took His!
Matthew 27:46
46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
Do you know that it was at the cross that Jesus addressed His Father as "God" for the first time? He had always addressed His Father as "Father". But at the Calvary's tree, He addressed His Father as "God".
Jesus lost that Father-Son relationship when He was representing you and carrying your sins on the cross so that today, you can call God, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15), and have a loving father-son relationship with God forever. He was forsaken by God when His world became very dark on that lonely hill so that in your darkest hour, God will always say to you, "I will never leave you nor forsake you!" (Hebrews 13:5).
At the time when Jesus needed God most, God turned His back on Him. God had to turn His back on His Son because His eyes are too holy to behold all the sin that was in His Son's body. And because God turned His back on Jesus, He will never turn His back on you. Instead, you will see God's face of favour shining on you all the time!
Jesus also took your place of no protection at the cross. For the first time, He gave up divine protection so that you can enjoy it all the days of your life! And because He became sin, He took your curse at the cross so that today, as you take His gift of righteousness, you receive only blessings from God.
Jesus receive the full burnt of God's wrath in His body once and for all when He carried your sins. All of God's anger and condemnation fell on Him, consuming all your sins until there was no anger left.
Today, God is not angry with you. The body of Jesus absorbed everything - you sins, curses, and God's wrath and condemnation. So live life expecting not to see the judgement, but the goodness and blessings of God!
46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
Do you know that it was at the cross that Jesus addressed His Father as "God" for the first time? He had always addressed His Father as "Father". But at the Calvary's tree, He addressed His Father as "God".
Jesus lost that Father-Son relationship when He was representing you and carrying your sins on the cross so that today, you can call God, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15), and have a loving father-son relationship with God forever. He was forsaken by God when His world became very dark on that lonely hill so that in your darkest hour, God will always say to you, "I will never leave you nor forsake you!" (Hebrews 13:5).
At the time when Jesus needed God most, God turned His back on Him. God had to turn His back on His Son because His eyes are too holy to behold all the sin that was in His Son's body. And because God turned His back on Jesus, He will never turn His back on you. Instead, you will see God's face of favour shining on you all the time!
Jesus also took your place of no protection at the cross. For the first time, He gave up divine protection so that you can enjoy it all the days of your life! And because He became sin, He took your curse at the cross so that today, as you take His gift of righteousness, you receive only blessings from God.
Jesus receive the full burnt of God's wrath in His body once and for all when He carried your sins. All of God's anger and condemnation fell on Him, consuming all your sins until there was no anger left.
Today, God is not angry with you. The body of Jesus absorbed everything - you sins, curses, and God's wrath and condemnation. So live life expecting not to see the judgement, but the goodness and blessings of God!
Scourged For Your Wholeness!
Isaiah 53:5
5... And by His stripes we are healed.
The striped Matzah bread used in the Jewish Passover meal speaks of Jesus' body, which was beaten and scourged for us.
Under Roman law, a criminal was either scourged for a lesser crime and then set free, or crucified straightaway if guilty of a greater crime. But Jesus was both scourged and crucified.
Pontius Pilate had hoped that after scourging Jesus and presenting His bloodied body to the people, they would be satisfied and willing to let Him go. But the people were not and demanded His crucifixion.
Do not think for a moment that the people had power to inflict such sufferings on Jesus. It was God's plan and the scourging was necessary for only bu His stripes we are healed.
The Roman whip used for scourging was a leather whip made up of leather straps embedded with glass fragments and metal hooks. With just one strike, the instrument would have been wrapped around Jesus' body, causing the crushed glass to cut deep into His flesh. And as the whip was pulled back, the hooks would have stripped off His flesh, exposing muscle and bone. Indeed, the Psalmist says, "They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me." (Psalm 22:16-17) and "The plowers plowed on My back; they made their furrows long." (Psalm 129:3).
Although 39 was the maximum number of times one could be whipped according to Jewish law, I believe that Jesus was whipped more than that because the Romans, who were not likely to regard Jewish law, carried out the scourging. Whichever the case, His back would have been reduced to a mass of bloody, mutilated flesh. That day, Jesus' blood flowed freely from His body for your deliverance from every kind of disease and physical affliction. God allowed every one of those stripes to fall on His Son's body so that your body need not be scourged with disease.
My friend, if you are sick or suffering from some physical condition, know that Jesus took the scourging as full payment for you to be free of that condition. He bore those stripes so that, today, there is no sickness, no disease left for you to bear. By His stripes you have been healed!
5... And by His stripes we are healed.
The striped Matzah bread used in the Jewish Passover meal speaks of Jesus' body, which was beaten and scourged for us.
Under Roman law, a criminal was either scourged for a lesser crime and then set free, or crucified straightaway if guilty of a greater crime. But Jesus was both scourged and crucified.
Pontius Pilate had hoped that after scourging Jesus and presenting His bloodied body to the people, they would be satisfied and willing to let Him go. But the people were not and demanded His crucifixion.
Do not think for a moment that the people had power to inflict such sufferings on Jesus. It was God's plan and the scourging was necessary for only bu His stripes we are healed.
The Roman whip used for scourging was a leather whip made up of leather straps embedded with glass fragments and metal hooks. With just one strike, the instrument would have been wrapped around Jesus' body, causing the crushed glass to cut deep into His flesh. And as the whip was pulled back, the hooks would have stripped off His flesh, exposing muscle and bone. Indeed, the Psalmist says, "They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me." (Psalm 22:16-17) and "The plowers plowed on My back; they made their furrows long." (Psalm 129:3).
Although 39 was the maximum number of times one could be whipped according to Jewish law, I believe that Jesus was whipped more than that because the Romans, who were not likely to regard Jewish law, carried out the scourging. Whichever the case, His back would have been reduced to a mass of bloody, mutilated flesh. That day, Jesus' blood flowed freely from His body for your deliverance from every kind of disease and physical affliction. God allowed every one of those stripes to fall on His Son's body so that your body need not be scourged with disease.
My friend, if you are sick or suffering from some physical condition, know that Jesus took the scourging as full payment for you to be free of that condition. He bore those stripes so that, today, there is no sickness, no disease left for you to bear. By His stripes you have been healed!
A Holiday Letter From God!
Dear Children,
It has come to My attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just get along and love one another. Now, having said, that let Me go on.
If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put it in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree are holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here is My wish list:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
4. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
5. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk to people like that everyday.
6. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in you town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day, they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
7. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
8. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to some charity that believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
9. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of Mine.
P.S : Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those you love and, remember, I love you!
It has come to My attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just get along and love one another. Now, having said, that let Me go on.
If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put it in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that, there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree are holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here is My wish list:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
4. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
5. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk to people like that everyday.
6. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in you town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day, they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
7. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
8. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to some charity that believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
9. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of Mine.
P.S : Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those you love and, remember, I love you!
Jesus Wore The Crown Of Thorns For You!
John 19:2
2And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head...
If hard work is the formula of prosperity, then everyone who works hard should be prosperous. But this is certainly not the case. Many people who work very hard are still poor!
I am not advocating laziness. What I am saying is that working hard by the sweat of your brow is not how God's prosperity comes. In fact, if you have to work overtime all the time and are stressed out, you are operating under a curse.
What curse is that? It is that curse: "In the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread..." (Genesis 3:19). And it refers to the stress, struggle, and anxieties that come with working hard and yet producing little. Now, work itself is not a curse since God gave Adam work before the fall - Adam was to tend the garden of Eden. It was only after Adam sinned that the land was cursed and it brought forth thorns, and man had to toil to eat of it. (Genesis 3:17-18).
But praise God Jesus wore the thorns on His head to show you that He has borne this curse for you and redeemed you from it. He wore the crown of thorns so that you can work stress-free and yet have the results. You don't have to toil night and day like the world just to get ahead in life. Your heavenly Father can get you there without the stress (Matthew 6:22-23). Beloved, every curse that was supposed to fall on your head fell on Jesus' head, typified by the crown of thorns. He wore the crown of thorns for you so that you can have peace on mind. He wore the crown of thorns for you and took your curse so that you can wear the crown of glory and take His righteousness, and all the benefits of that righteousness!
Today, don't labour and toil like the people of the world. Instead, expect the blessings of God come into your life without the blood, sweat, and tears because Jesus wore the crown of thorns for you!
2And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head...
If hard work is the formula of prosperity, then everyone who works hard should be prosperous. But this is certainly not the case. Many people who work very hard are still poor!
I am not advocating laziness. What I am saying is that working hard by the sweat of your brow is not how God's prosperity comes. In fact, if you have to work overtime all the time and are stressed out, you are operating under a curse.
What curse is that? It is that curse: "In the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread..." (Genesis 3:19). And it refers to the stress, struggle, and anxieties that come with working hard and yet producing little. Now, work itself is not a curse since God gave Adam work before the fall - Adam was to tend the garden of Eden. It was only after Adam sinned that the land was cursed and it brought forth thorns, and man had to toil to eat of it. (Genesis 3:17-18).
But praise God Jesus wore the thorns on His head to show you that He has borne this curse for you and redeemed you from it. He wore the crown of thorns so that you can work stress-free and yet have the results. You don't have to toil night and day like the world just to get ahead in life. Your heavenly Father can get you there without the stress (Matthew 6:22-23). Beloved, every curse that was supposed to fall on your head fell on Jesus' head, typified by the crown of thorns. He wore the crown of thorns for you so that you can have peace on mind. He wore the crown of thorns for you and took your curse so that you can wear the crown of glory and take His righteousness, and all the benefits of that righteousness!
Today, don't labour and toil like the people of the world. Instead, expect the blessings of God come into your life without the blood, sweat, and tears because Jesus wore the crown of thorns for you!
Thanking Your Way To Your Miracle!
John 11:41
41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me."
Jesus lived a life of thanksgiving. He always thanked His Father for what He had and for always hearing Him when He prayed. That was how He released miracles in His life.
In the story of the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-13), Jesus' attitude was one of the thankfulness. He took a little boy's lunch of five loaves and two fish, gave thanks and had them distributed. He gave thanks for the little that was there and the little multiplied. Not only did the people eat as much as they wanted, there were 12 basketfuls left over!
So, when you see your meagre balance in your bank account, thank the Lord for what you have. It could be your "five loaves and two fish". When you give Him thanks, your little will become much, with leftovers!
Even when faced with the impossible, the solution was still, "Father, I thank You.." When Jesus stood outside Lazarus' tomb, and the people took away the stone that was covering the tomb, Jesus did not see the situation as hopeless and impossible. He simply lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me." Then, He proceeded to call forth Lazarus, and the man came forth alive once more.
The raising of Lazarus, who was dead for more than four days, was one of Jesus' greatest miracles. And He accomplished this by saying, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me." He thanked His way to an awesome miracle.
The next time you find yourself praying, "God, please! Do this for me... God, please! Give me this!" STOP! Instead say, "Thank You God, for hearing me. And because You have heard me, I thank You that I have what I asked for." And when you thank God, the little that you have will multiply. Your impossible situations will turn around for God's provision. And resurrection life will hit you!
41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me."
Jesus lived a life of thanksgiving. He always thanked His Father for what He had and for always hearing Him when He prayed. That was how He released miracles in His life.
In the story of the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-13), Jesus' attitude was one of the thankfulness. He took a little boy's lunch of five loaves and two fish, gave thanks and had them distributed. He gave thanks for the little that was there and the little multiplied. Not only did the people eat as much as they wanted, there were 12 basketfuls left over!
So, when you see your meagre balance in your bank account, thank the Lord for what you have. It could be your "five loaves and two fish". When you give Him thanks, your little will become much, with leftovers!
Even when faced with the impossible, the solution was still, "Father, I thank You.." When Jesus stood outside Lazarus' tomb, and the people took away the stone that was covering the tomb, Jesus did not see the situation as hopeless and impossible. He simply lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me." Then, He proceeded to call forth Lazarus, and the man came forth alive once more.
The raising of Lazarus, who was dead for more than four days, was one of Jesus' greatest miracles. And He accomplished this by saying, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me." He thanked His way to an awesome miracle.
The next time you find yourself praying, "God, please! Do this for me... God, please! Give me this!" STOP! Instead say, "Thank You God, for hearing me. And because You have heard me, I thank You that I have what I asked for." And when you thank God, the little that you have will multiply. Your impossible situations will turn around for God's provision. And resurrection life will hit you!
Jesus Bore Your Diseases!
Isaiah 53:4
4Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...
Imagine the dreadful disease leprosy eating a man alive. The poor leper in Matthew 8:2 could stand his suffering no longer, so he came out into the open to look for Jesus. He needed to know if Jesus was willing to heal him. So when he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." (Matthew 8:2). The Son of God looked at the outcast with love in His eyes, reached out His hand, touched him and said, "I am willing; be cleansed." (Matthew 8:3).
Perhaps you are suffering from some disease and wondering if God is willing to heal you? And you are not sure if He is willing because just as you have seen people not get healed. My friend, don't look to people's experiences, look at the cross! As surely as Jesus bore away your sins, He also bore away your diseases!
I want to give you a solid foundation today for believing this truth. In Isaiah 53, the chapter on our Lord's crucifixion, it says in verse four : "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried out our sorrows." Now, let's learn a little Hebrews. The word "griefs" and "sorrows" here means "sicknesses" and "pains" in the original Hebrew text. So, Isaiah is referring to physical healing.
Once, I asked a Jewish friend to read this verse in his Hebrew Bible and tell me what it means. He told me that his Bible says clearly that Jesus has borne our sicknesses and carried out our pains.
If that is not enough, look at Matthew 8:16-17 : "....they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying : 'He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.'" Matthew quotes Isaiah 53:4, saying that Jesus took our "infirmities" and bore our "sicknesses". And the context is physical healing.
My friend, if you will just believe this report, your days of sickness will be over. You will walk in greater health because the One who has surely borne your sicknesses and carried your pains says to you, I am willing, be cleansed."
4Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...
Imagine the dreadful disease leprosy eating a man alive. The poor leper in Matthew 8:2 could stand his suffering no longer, so he came out into the open to look for Jesus. He needed to know if Jesus was willing to heal him. So when he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." (Matthew 8:2). The Son of God looked at the outcast with love in His eyes, reached out His hand, touched him and said, "I am willing; be cleansed." (Matthew 8:3).
Perhaps you are suffering from some disease and wondering if God is willing to heal you? And you are not sure if He is willing because just as you have seen people not get healed. My friend, don't look to people's experiences, look at the cross! As surely as Jesus bore away your sins, He also bore away your diseases!
I want to give you a solid foundation today for believing this truth. In Isaiah 53, the chapter on our Lord's crucifixion, it says in verse four : "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried out our sorrows." Now, let's learn a little Hebrews. The word "griefs" and "sorrows" here means "sicknesses" and "pains" in the original Hebrew text. So, Isaiah is referring to physical healing.
Once, I asked a Jewish friend to read this verse in his Hebrew Bible and tell me what it means. He told me that his Bible says clearly that Jesus has borne our sicknesses and carried out our pains.
If that is not enough, look at Matthew 8:16-17 : "....they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying : 'He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.'" Matthew quotes Isaiah 53:4, saying that Jesus took our "infirmities" and bore our "sicknesses". And the context is physical healing.
My friend, if you will just believe this report, your days of sickness will be over. You will walk in greater health because the One who has surely borne your sicknesses and carried your pains says to you, I am willing, be cleansed."
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Choose The Good Part And Profit!
Isaiah 48:17
17Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel : "I am the Lord your God, who teached you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go."
God instructs us for our own benefit. He wants us to profit in every area of our lives - our health, finances, social life, marriages, and family relationships. The Bible says that it is God who leads us in the way we should go. God always has our best interests at heart. We only have to sit at His feet, listen to His word and just have fresh, daily communion with Him, and He will make our way prosperous.
We are constantly bombarded with things to do n our daily lives, like sending the kids to school, attending a business meeting and making a sales presentation. Likewise, in church, there are just as many as important things to attend to - ministering to the needy, reaching out to the lost and healing the sick. But you know what? All these things will be taken care of when we sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His Word.
What was the Lord's response to Martha's complaint that her sister was sitting at His feet and listening to Him, instead of helping her with the many tasks? "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)
Yet, many of us like Martha. We worry about many things. And we are so busy that we have no time to sit at Jesus' feet to listen to His Word and enjoy communion with Him. When we fail to draw from Him, we end up running on our own strength, and relying on our own flesh and wisdom to get things done. Listen, you can never have a plan that is better than God's!
My friend, let's choose the good part like Mary did. Let's follow God's way today. Spend time with Jesus, open your Bible and say, "Lord, speak to me." You will find that your heavenly Father takes care of your troubles, and teaches and leads you to profit!
17Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel : "I am the Lord your God, who teached you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go."
God instructs us for our own benefit. He wants us to profit in every area of our lives - our health, finances, social life, marriages, and family relationships. The Bible says that it is God who leads us in the way we should go. God always has our best interests at heart. We only have to sit at His feet, listen to His word and just have fresh, daily communion with Him, and He will make our way prosperous.
We are constantly bombarded with things to do n our daily lives, like sending the kids to school, attending a business meeting and making a sales presentation. Likewise, in church, there are just as many as important things to attend to - ministering to the needy, reaching out to the lost and healing the sick. But you know what? All these things will be taken care of when we sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His Word.
What was the Lord's response to Martha's complaint that her sister was sitting at His feet and listening to Him, instead of helping her with the many tasks? "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)
Yet, many of us like Martha. We worry about many things. And we are so busy that we have no time to sit at Jesus' feet to listen to His Word and enjoy communion with Him. When we fail to draw from Him, we end up running on our own strength, and relying on our own flesh and wisdom to get things done. Listen, you can never have a plan that is better than God's!
My friend, let's choose the good part like Mary did. Let's follow God's way today. Spend time with Jesus, open your Bible and say, "Lord, speak to me." You will find that your heavenly Father takes care of your troubles, and teaches and leads you to profit!
God Always Wants You Well!
John 14:9
9Jesus said to him, "... He who has seen Me has seen the Father..."
Imagine the following scenario :
"Come here, girl. Mummy says that you have been playing by the roadside. Is that true?"
"Yes, Daddy. I'm sorry."
"Sorry? How many times have I told you that you must not play near the road? Come here! Now, lie down on the road and stretch out your legs!"
Daddy drives his car over his little girl's legs. There is the sound of bones being crushed and the poor girl screams in pain.
"Now girl, you know Daddy loves you. And Daddy did that to you to teach you a lesson, to tell you that playing by the roadside is dangerous!"
If you are shaking your head in horror by now, wondering which sick mind would do that to one's own daughter, imagine what people are accusing our heavenly Father of - that He gives sicknesses, accidents, destruction, and even death just to teach people lessons.
Jesus said, "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father." Jesus is the nature of God in action. Throughout the gospel, we see God going about healing the sick. If God wants people sick, there should at least be one incident in the gospel where you see Him saying, "Behold, your complexion is too lovely, receive leprosy." or "Blindness is good for you. Remain blind." But no, never once! In fact, Jesus "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil." (Acts 10:38). That's the heart of God.
As a father, if your child is sick and in great pain, your heart just wants him well. How much more your heavenly Father! God does not give your child sicknesses to teach both of you some lesson or to glorify Himself. To think so is to talk out of a warped mind bound by religion! Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with your Father in heaven. It is a heart matter.
As His heart speaks to your heart, saying, "I will never ever punish My children. I do not wish you ill. I will not take away your child. I will not give you car wrecks to teach you a lesson. My heart always wants My children well!"
9Jesus said to him, "... He who has seen Me has seen the Father..."
Imagine the following scenario :
"Come here, girl. Mummy says that you have been playing by the roadside. Is that true?"
"Yes, Daddy. I'm sorry."
"Sorry? How many times have I told you that you must not play near the road? Come here! Now, lie down on the road and stretch out your legs!"
Daddy drives his car over his little girl's legs. There is the sound of bones being crushed and the poor girl screams in pain.
"Now girl, you know Daddy loves you. And Daddy did that to you to teach you a lesson, to tell you that playing by the roadside is dangerous!"
If you are shaking your head in horror by now, wondering which sick mind would do that to one's own daughter, imagine what people are accusing our heavenly Father of - that He gives sicknesses, accidents, destruction, and even death just to teach people lessons.
Jesus said, "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father." Jesus is the nature of God in action. Throughout the gospel, we see God going about healing the sick. If God wants people sick, there should at least be one incident in the gospel where you see Him saying, "Behold, your complexion is too lovely, receive leprosy." or "Blindness is good for you. Remain blind." But no, never once! In fact, Jesus "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil." (Acts 10:38). That's the heart of God.
As a father, if your child is sick and in great pain, your heart just wants him well. How much more your heavenly Father! God does not give your child sicknesses to teach both of you some lesson or to glorify Himself. To think so is to talk out of a warped mind bound by religion! Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with your Father in heaven. It is a heart matter.
As His heart speaks to your heart, saying, "I will never ever punish My children. I do not wish you ill. I will not take away your child. I will not give you car wrecks to teach you a lesson. My heart always wants My children well!"
Thanking God At All Times!
Hebrews 13:15
15Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
"God, I can't thank You enough for this miracle!"
"Thank You, Father, for answering my prayer!"
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 from 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 because He is your Prince of Peace, and that He will bring His peace into you and His calm into your chaotic world.
My friend, God sees and appreciates such times when, despite feeling so discouraged and depressed, you offer a freewill thanksgiving offering to Him (Leviticus 7:16). 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).
15Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
"God, I can't thank You enough for this miracle!"
"Thank You, Father, for answering my prayer!"
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 from 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 because He is your Prince of Peace, and that He will bring His peace into you and His calm into your chaotic world.
My friend, God sees and appreciates such times when, despite feeling so discouraged and depressed, you offer a freewill thanksgiving offering to Him (Leviticus 7:16). 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).
God Wants You Free From Worries!
Matthew 6:25
25Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what will you eat or what will you drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Is your heart full of worries about your health, finance, family, or future? Even when all is well, you still worry because you have heard people say, "You should worry when everything is peaceful because something is wrong when the devil leaves you alone." So you worry even when there is nothing to worry about!
But Jesus does not want you to worry about what you will eat or drink, or about your body and what you will put on your back. He tells you not to worry about your daily provisions because God, who is your heavenly Father, knows that you need all these things and He wants to add these things to you (Matthew 6:32-33).
God is the same God who took care of the children of Israel in the wilderness, feeding them with manna every day for 40 years! (Exodus 16). Under His care, His people had no lack. When the people wanted meat for dinner, God simply rained quails on them (Numbers 11:31-32). The children of Israel only had to pick them up. If they had gone to look for meat themselves, they may not have found any in the desert.
The problem with us is that we feel that we must do something to help ourselves. Some of us may think that it is easy for Jesus to say, "Don't worry. Take no thought for your life" because He does not know the problems we face in life.
But the truth is that Jesus knows the problems we face in life. In fact, He faced what I would call the "final problem" - death. Death is the "final problem" because it puts an end to all our other problems. Jesus faced death at the cross, conquered it and rose from the dead. And because He conquered the problem of problems, we ought to trust Him when He tells us, "Do not worry."
25Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what will you eat or what will you drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Is your heart full of worries about your health, finance, family, or future? Even when all is well, you still worry because you have heard people say, "You should worry when everything is peaceful because something is wrong when the devil leaves you alone." So you worry even when there is nothing to worry about!
But Jesus does not want you to worry about what you will eat or drink, or about your body and what you will put on your back. He tells you not to worry about your daily provisions because God, who is your heavenly Father, knows that you need all these things and He wants to add these things to you (Matthew 6:32-33).
God is the same God who took care of the children of Israel in the wilderness, feeding them with manna every day for 40 years! (Exodus 16). Under His care, His people had no lack. When the people wanted meat for dinner, God simply rained quails on them (Numbers 11:31-32). The children of Israel only had to pick them up. If they had gone to look for meat themselves, they may not have found any in the desert.
The problem with us is that we feel that we must do something to help ourselves. Some of us may think that it is easy for Jesus to say, "Don't worry. Take no thought for your life" because He does not know the problems we face in life.
But the truth is that Jesus knows the problems we face in life. In fact, He faced what I would call the "final problem" - death. Death is the "final problem" because it puts an end to all our other problems. Jesus faced death at the cross, conquered it and rose from the dead. And because He conquered the problem of problems, we ought to trust Him when He tells us, "Do not worry."
Like Father, Like Son!
Romans 8:16
16The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God...
Everything produces after its kind. Dogs give birth to puppies, cats give birth to kittens and tigers give birth to tiger cubs.
In the same manner, when you are born again, you are born of God. You are a child of the Most High God and He is your Father. He doesn't see you in the flesh, He sees you in the Spirit. And His Spirit bears witness with your spirit that you are His child.
So, when the devil comes to you and says, "Well, your father died of cancer, his father died of cancer, and you are going to die of cancer, just like your father," you should say to him, "Yes, devil, you are right, I am like my father - my Father in Heaven. I am a child of the Most High God. He doesn't have cancer, so neither do I!"
In the same way, when you are born again of the Spirit, you are born to win. Because your Daddy God is a winner, you are too! When you wake up in the morning, say, "I am born to be a winner because God is a winner!"
When you say that you cannot afford to buy something that you need, you have forgotten which family you now belong to. You have been born again into a very rich family - your Father owns every beast in the forest and the cattle on a thousand hills! (Psalm 50:10). You have a Daddy God in Heaven who can supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19). Even if you don't have the money now, you need not worry. Just ask God for the supply because your Heavenly Father is rich.
When someone talks to you about a problem and asks, "What are we going to do about it?" you should say, "Don't worry. Let's talk to Daddy God about it. It's not a problem for Him, so it will not be a problem for us."
Even when all around you is going under, your Daddy God is still the same heavenly Father who kept Noah's world afloat, his loved ones safe and sound, and his possessions intact. Your world will never go under because you are God's beloved child!
16The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God...
Everything produces after its kind. Dogs give birth to puppies, cats give birth to kittens and tigers give birth to tiger cubs.
In the same manner, when you are born again, you are born of God. You are a child of the Most High God and He is your Father. He doesn't see you in the flesh, He sees you in the Spirit. And His Spirit bears witness with your spirit that you are His child.
So, when the devil comes to you and says, "Well, your father died of cancer, his father died of cancer, and you are going to die of cancer, just like your father," you should say to him, "Yes, devil, you are right, I am like my father - my Father in Heaven. I am a child of the Most High God. He doesn't have cancer, so neither do I!"
In the same way, when you are born again of the Spirit, you are born to win. Because your Daddy God is a winner, you are too! When you wake up in the morning, say, "I am born to be a winner because God is a winner!"
When you say that you cannot afford to buy something that you need, you have forgotten which family you now belong to. You have been born again into a very rich family - your Father owns every beast in the forest and the cattle on a thousand hills! (Psalm 50:10). You have a Daddy God in Heaven who can supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19). Even if you don't have the money now, you need not worry. Just ask God for the supply because your Heavenly Father is rich.
When someone talks to you about a problem and asks, "What are we going to do about it?" you should say, "Don't worry. Let's talk to Daddy God about it. It's not a problem for Him, so it will not be a problem for us."
Even when all around you is going under, your Daddy God is still the same heavenly Father who kept Noah's world afloat, his loved ones safe and sound, and his possessions intact. Your world will never go under because you are God's beloved child!
Round-The-Clock Protection!
Psalm 91:5-6
5You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6nor of the pestilence that walks in the darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste of noonday.
During World War II, German planes bombed the city of London. Houses were levelled, but there was one that remained standing amidst the rubble. Its owner said that when she read Psalm 121:4, which says, "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep", she told the Lord, "Lord, if You don't sleep, then there is no point in both of us keeping awake. I will sleep." And she did, and the Lord protected her and her house.
In 2005, terrorists bombed London's public transport system. That day, a Singaporean girl found herself unexpectedly late for work and could not get to the train station in time to board her usual train. When she finally reached the station, she realised that it had been bombed just a few minutes earlier. Her mother, who worships in our church, believes that God protected her that day.
God wants you to know that you have round-the-clock protection - "You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday."
He protects you from "the terror by night", which could refer to evils such as rapes, assaults, kidnaps, and murders. And in places of conflicts or violence, He promises you protection from "the arrow that flies by day". This could refer to bullets from a sniper, drive-by shootings or even home-made bombs.
God also shields you from "the pestilence that walks in darkness", referring to diseases which you cannot see. You don't have to be afraid of deadly viruses lurking somewhere or wonder if some deadly disease is developing in your body.
And God doesn't want you to be afraid of "the destruction that lays waste at noonday", such as a tsunami striking the beach resort that you are at, or a bomb going off in the shopping mall you are in.
You need not afraid because God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, is watching over you 24 hours a day
5You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6nor of the pestilence that walks in the darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste of noonday.
During World War II, German planes bombed the city of London. Houses were levelled, but there was one that remained standing amidst the rubble. Its owner said that when she read Psalm 121:4, which says, "Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep", she told the Lord, "Lord, if You don't sleep, then there is no point in both of us keeping awake. I will sleep." And she did, and the Lord protected her and her house.
In 2005, terrorists bombed London's public transport system. That day, a Singaporean girl found herself unexpectedly late for work and could not get to the train station in time to board her usual train. When she finally reached the station, she realised that it had been bombed just a few minutes earlier. Her mother, who worships in our church, believes that God protected her that day.
God wants you to know that you have round-the-clock protection - "You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday."
He protects you from "the terror by night", which could refer to evils such as rapes, assaults, kidnaps, and murders. And in places of conflicts or violence, He promises you protection from "the arrow that flies by day". This could refer to bullets from a sniper, drive-by shootings or even home-made bombs.
God also shields you from "the pestilence that walks in darkness", referring to diseases which you cannot see. You don't have to be afraid of deadly viruses lurking somewhere or wonder if some deadly disease is developing in your body.
And God doesn't want you to be afraid of "the destruction that lays waste at noonday", such as a tsunami striking the beach resort that you are at, or a bomb going off in the shopping mall you are in.
You need not afraid because God, who neither slumbers nor sleeps, is watching over you 24 hours a day
A Beautiful Flower In A Broken Pot!
Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to outpatients at the clinic.
One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man.
"Why, he's hardly taller than my eight-year-old," I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face, lopsided from swelling, red and raw.
Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, "Good evening. I've come to see if you've a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there's no bus 'til morning."
He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon but with no success, no one seemed to have a room. "I guess it's my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctors says with a few more treatments..."
For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: "I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning."
I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finish getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us.
"No, thank you. I have plenty." And he held up a brown paper bag.
When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see that this old man had an over sized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children, and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury.
He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was preface with a thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going.
At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children's room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded and the little man was out on the porch. He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favour, he said, "Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair."
He paused for a moment and then added, "Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind." I told him he was welcome to come again.
And on his next trip, he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he was shucked them that morning before he left so that they'd be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4:00 am and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us.
In the years he came to stay overnight with us, there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden. Other time we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in the box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these, and knowing how little money he had made the gifts doubly precious.
When I received this little remembrance, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbour made after he left that first morning, "Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!"
Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But only if they could have known him, perhaps their illnesses would have been easier to bear.
I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him, we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God.
Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms.
But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket.
I thought to myself, "If this were my plant, I'd put it in the loveliest container I had!"
My friend changed my mind.
"I ran shot of pots," she explained, "and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in this old pail. It's just for a little while, till I can put it out in the garden." She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven.
"Here's an especially beautiful one," God might have said when he came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman. "He won't mind starting in this small body."
All this happened long ago -- and now, in God's garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand.
"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b).
One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man.
"Why, he's hardly taller than my eight-year-old," I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face, lopsided from swelling, red and raw.
Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, "Good evening. I've come to see if you've a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there's no bus 'til morning."
He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon but with no success, no one seemed to have a room. "I guess it's my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctors says with a few more treatments..."
For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: "I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning."
I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finish getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us.
"No, thank you. I have plenty." And he held up a brown paper bag.
When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see that this old man had an over sized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children, and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury.
He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was preface with a thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going.
At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children's room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded and the little man was out on the porch. He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favour, he said, "Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair."
He paused for a moment and then added, "Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind." I told him he was welcome to come again.
And on his next trip, he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he was shucked them that morning before he left so that they'd be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4:00 am and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us.
In the years he came to stay overnight with us, there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden. Other time we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in the box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these, and knowing how little money he had made the gifts doubly precious.
When I received this little remembrance, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbour made after he left that first morning, "Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!"
Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But only if they could have known him, perhaps their illnesses would have been easier to bear.
I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him, we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God.
Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms.
But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket.
I thought to myself, "If this were my plant, I'd put it in the loveliest container I had!"
My friend changed my mind.
"I ran shot of pots," she explained, "and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in this old pail. It's just for a little while, till I can put it out in the garden." She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven.
"Here's an especially beautiful one," God might have said when he came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman. "He won't mind starting in this small body."
All this happened long ago -- and now, in God's garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand.
"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b).
Make Room For The Blessings!
Deuteronomy 28:8
8The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses...
When Jesus walked on earth, He had no bank account or visa card. Yet, He was rich, lacking nothing. He had whatever He needed for Himself as well as for the people around Him. When they needed healing, He provided it (Matthew 12:15). When they needed food, He provided it (Matthew 14:13-21). As long as they had Him, they had whatever they needed.
Likewise, when you have Jesus, you have an anointing within that makes you rich, even though in the natural, when you look at your finances, there is not much. God Himself has promised that He will command the blessing on you in your storehouses. Notice that He said "storehouses". This means that He will command the blessing on your bank accounts, investment plans, and everywhere that you put your money! Your storehouses will be blessed because when God commands the blessing, the blessing has no choice but to come on you in your storehouses!
We saw this happen to one of our church's storehouses - our investment in Marine Cove, and open-air seaside sopping-cum-dining-cum-leisure resort complex. We invested in the place because we wanted to multiply the Lord's money. We did not want to leave the money in the bank because the interest rate then was less than one percent. We prayed about it and the Lord led us to Marine Cove.
And since day one, we have been making money from that investment! In fact, in one particular year, our highest return was 11 percent nett! When SARS hit Singapore in 2003, people were avoiding the air-conditioned malls and coming to Marine Cove. The place was packed. Only God could have known how things would turn out. We even made money from the parking charges!
That was how much the Lord was multiplying His money through our investment!
Beloved, just believe God when He says that He will command His blessing on you in your storehouses. Get ready your storehouses and make room for the blessings. Position yourself to capitalise on the opportunities that He is sending your way!
8The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses...
When Jesus walked on earth, He had no bank account or visa card. Yet, He was rich, lacking nothing. He had whatever He needed for Himself as well as for the people around Him. When they needed healing, He provided it (Matthew 12:15). When they needed food, He provided it (Matthew 14:13-21). As long as they had Him, they had whatever they needed.
Likewise, when you have Jesus, you have an anointing within that makes you rich, even though in the natural, when you look at your finances, there is not much. God Himself has promised that He will command the blessing on you in your storehouses. Notice that He said "storehouses". This means that He will command the blessing on your bank accounts, investment plans, and everywhere that you put your money! Your storehouses will be blessed because when God commands the blessing, the blessing has no choice but to come on you in your storehouses!
We saw this happen to one of our church's storehouses - our investment in Marine Cove, and open-air seaside sopping-cum-dining-cum-leisure resort complex. We invested in the place because we wanted to multiply the Lord's money. We did not want to leave the money in the bank because the interest rate then was less than one percent. We prayed about it and the Lord led us to Marine Cove.
And since day one, we have been making money from that investment! In fact, in one particular year, our highest return was 11 percent nett! When SARS hit Singapore in 2003, people were avoiding the air-conditioned malls and coming to Marine Cove. The place was packed. Only God could have known how things would turn out. We even made money from the parking charges!
That was how much the Lord was multiplying His money through our investment!
Beloved, just believe God when He says that He will command His blessing on you in your storehouses. Get ready your storehouses and make room for the blessings. Position yourself to capitalise on the opportunities that He is sending your way!
Jesus - King And Lord Over The Storm!
Matthew 14:27
27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
Are you going through a dark, difficult moment in your life? Perhaps the storm just rages on you with no let-up and you are trembling in fear. You feel that anytime now, you may just cave in and go under because you cannot beat this storm.
Be comforted that Jesus sees what you are going through and He always comes to where you are in your darkest hour. He did that for His disciples one stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus came, walking on the stormy sea, walking on top of the problem that was threatening to overwhelm them. He is indeed the King and Lord over the storm!
When you know that you are in Christ, you will know that though the storms are raging and the winds are blowing, you are above your troubles and above your circumstances. When people ask you how you are doing under the circumstances, tell them, "I am not under the circumstances, I am on top of them because my God is above all!"
He will come walking to you, but sometimes you may not recognise Him because the storm has made you fearful. Hear His comforting voice telling you, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid!"
And as you behold Jesus, you become like Him. You will find yourself doing things you didn't know you could do. You will, like Peter, walk on water. This happens when you are occupied with the person of Jesus, with His resources, His love, His wisdom, His ability, His power, and His majesty.
However, know that even during the times when you take your eyes off Jesus, He never takes His eyes off you. And when you cry out to Him, He will immediately stretch out His hand to catch hold of you. You will not go under.
There will be times you will not be able to find your way back. Jesus will then hold your hand and walk you back to the boat. And like Peter, you will realise that with your hand in His, the storm will come to a standstill!
27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
Are you going through a dark, difficult moment in your life? Perhaps the storm just rages on you with no let-up and you are trembling in fear. You feel that anytime now, you may just cave in and go under because you cannot beat this storm.
Be comforted that Jesus sees what you are going through and He always comes to where you are in your darkest hour. He did that for His disciples one stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus came, walking on the stormy sea, walking on top of the problem that was threatening to overwhelm them. He is indeed the King and Lord over the storm!
When you know that you are in Christ, you will know that though the storms are raging and the winds are blowing, you are above your troubles and above your circumstances. When people ask you how you are doing under the circumstances, tell them, "I am not under the circumstances, I am on top of them because my God is above all!"
He will come walking to you, but sometimes you may not recognise Him because the storm has made you fearful. Hear His comforting voice telling you, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid!"
And as you behold Jesus, you become like Him. You will find yourself doing things you didn't know you could do. You will, like Peter, walk on water. This happens when you are occupied with the person of Jesus, with His resources, His love, His wisdom, His ability, His power, and His majesty.
However, know that even during the times when you take your eyes off Jesus, He never takes His eyes off you. And when you cry out to Him, He will immediately stretch out His hand to catch hold of you. You will not go under.
There will be times you will not be able to find your way back. Jesus will then hold your hand and walk you back to the boat. And like Peter, you will realise that with your hand in His, the storm will come to a standstill!
Let God Loves You Instead!
1 John 4:10
10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
"You have to love God more! You must have more passion for God!"
You have probably heard that before and maybe even tried your best to love God, only to fail miserably.
But, what is the true definition of love? Let the Bible define it for us: "...this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us..." Yes, it is not about our love for Him, but His love for us!
"But, the Bible says that you must love God with all your heart, soul, and strength!"
Yes, that is true according to the law (Deuteronomy 6:5), and even Jesus taught as the great commandment when He walked on earth (Matthew 22:37). But that was before He died on the cross. At the cross, He became the very fulfilment of this law for us when He loved us with all His heart, soul, and strength - He laid down His body and life on the cross for us.
Today, we are no longer under the law but under grace. And grace tells us that God loves us, not that we love God. That is why, after the cross, the great commandment was never quoted to remind us to love God because we will love Him when we see how much He loves us - while we are still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Beloved, God has seen you trying your best to love Him. And because He loves you, He wants you to sit down and be still, let Him love you instead. He wants to love you with all that He is and all that He has. He loves you unconditionally regardless of who you are or what you have done because His love is not dependent on you but Him. He will never stop loving you.
So, let God loves you today. Don't worry about loving Him. The more of His love you receive, the more you will fall in love with Him!
10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
"You have to love God more! You must have more passion for God!"
You have probably heard that before and maybe even tried your best to love God, only to fail miserably.
But, what is the true definition of love? Let the Bible define it for us: "...this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us..." Yes, it is not about our love for Him, but His love for us!
"But, the Bible says that you must love God with all your heart, soul, and strength!"
Yes, that is true according to the law (Deuteronomy 6:5), and even Jesus taught as the great commandment when He walked on earth (Matthew 22:37). But that was before He died on the cross. At the cross, He became the very fulfilment of this law for us when He loved us with all His heart, soul, and strength - He laid down His body and life on the cross for us.
Today, we are no longer under the law but under grace. And grace tells us that God loves us, not that we love God. That is why, after the cross, the great commandment was never quoted to remind us to love God because we will love Him when we see how much He loves us - while we are still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Beloved, God has seen you trying your best to love Him. And because He loves you, He wants you to sit down and be still, let Him love you instead. He wants to love you with all that He is and all that He has. He loves you unconditionally regardless of who you are or what you have done because His love is not dependent on you but Him. He will never stop loving you.
So, let God loves you today. Don't worry about loving Him. The more of His love you receive, the more you will fall in love with Him!
God Wants Your Household Saved!
Acts 16:31
31So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."
When God got you saved, He didn't just have you in mind - He had your whole family in mind!
That is why His Word says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Now, this does not mean that once you believe on Jesus, your family members are automatically saved. What it means is that you have opened a big door for God to move into your family's life and to touch every member of your family.
So, don't worry about your unsaved dialect-speaking grandparents. God knows how to reach out to them. I have a relative who speaks only Cantonese. She can't go to church because she is very old and her legs are weak. But Jesus appeared to her in a vision and spoke to her in pure Cantonese. She never met Jesus, but knew it was Him and understood what He said to her. After that encounter, those who have visited her have been amazed by her knowledge of Jesus.
Even up to the very last moment, God will reach out to your unsaved family members. This happened to my late maternal grandfather who used to make fun of me being a Christian. On his deathbed, he was gasping for air and was in great discomfort. My mother, who was with him, told him, "Dad, just say, 'God, forgive me.' Call on Jesus." My grandfather remained hardened even towards the end and he was in great pain. But at the very last moment, he cried out,
"Jesus, forgive me!"
You see, my grandfather had no time to pray the sinner's prayer. But God says that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21). Jesus will find every excuse to save a person. My mother said that after my grandfather called out to Jesus, she saw the peace of God come upon his face, and he passed away peacefully,
God's desire is for your entire household to be saved. Right now, your family may be giving you a hard time, but because you are a Christian, a big door has been opened for your Daddy God in heaven to touch them!
31So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."
When God got you saved, He didn't just have you in mind - He had your whole family in mind!
That is why His Word says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Now, this does not mean that once you believe on Jesus, your family members are automatically saved. What it means is that you have opened a big door for God to move into your family's life and to touch every member of your family.
So, don't worry about your unsaved dialect-speaking grandparents. God knows how to reach out to them. I have a relative who speaks only Cantonese. She can't go to church because she is very old and her legs are weak. But Jesus appeared to her in a vision and spoke to her in pure Cantonese. She never met Jesus, but knew it was Him and understood what He said to her. After that encounter, those who have visited her have been amazed by her knowledge of Jesus.
Even up to the very last moment, God will reach out to your unsaved family members. This happened to my late maternal grandfather who used to make fun of me being a Christian. On his deathbed, he was gasping for air and was in great discomfort. My mother, who was with him, told him, "Dad, just say, 'God, forgive me.' Call on Jesus." My grandfather remained hardened even towards the end and he was in great pain. But at the very last moment, he cried out,
"Jesus, forgive me!"
You see, my grandfather had no time to pray the sinner's prayer. But God says that "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2:21). Jesus will find every excuse to save a person. My mother said that after my grandfather called out to Jesus, she saw the peace of God come upon his face, and he passed away peacefully,
God's desire is for your entire household to be saved. Right now, your family may be giving you a hard time, but because you are a Christian, a big door has been opened for your Daddy God in heaven to touch them!
Psalm 23!
A special look at one of the most quoted passages of the Bible.
The Lord is my Shepherd.
That's RELATIONSHIP!
I shall not want
That's SUPPLY!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
That's REST!
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
That's REFRESHMENT!
He restoreth my soul.
That's HEALING!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.
That's GUIDANCE!
For His name sake.
That's PURPOSE!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
That's TESTING!
I will fear no evil.
That's PROTECTION!
For Thou art with me
That's FAITHFULNESS!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me,
That's DISCIPLINE!
Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies.
That's HOPE!
Thou annoiest my head with oil,
That's CONSECRATION!
My cup runneth over.
That's ABUNDANCE!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
That's BLESSING!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.
That's SECURITY!
Forever.
That's ETERNITY!
Our Lord is a cool Lord izzit? Hehehehe.
The Lord is my Shepherd.
That's RELATIONSHIP!
I shall not want
That's SUPPLY!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
That's REST!
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
That's REFRESHMENT!
He restoreth my soul.
That's HEALING!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.
That's GUIDANCE!
For His name sake.
That's PURPOSE!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
That's TESTING!
I will fear no evil.
That's PROTECTION!
For Thou art with me
That's FAITHFULNESS!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me,
That's DISCIPLINE!
Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of my enemies.
That's HOPE!
Thou annoiest my head with oil,
That's CONSECRATION!
My cup runneth over.
That's ABUNDANCE!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
That's BLESSING!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.
That's SECURITY!
Forever.
That's ETERNITY!
Our Lord is a cool Lord izzit? Hehehehe.
LET GO!
A man named Jack was walking along a steep cliff. One day when he accidentally got too close to the edge and fell.
On the way down he grabbed a branch, which temporarily stopped his fall. He looked down and to his horror he saw that the canyon fell straight down for more than a thousand feet.
He couldn't hang onto the branch forever, and there was no way for him to climb up the steep wall of the cliff. So Jack began yelling for help, hoping that someone passing by would hear him and lower a rope or something.
"Help! Help! Is there anyone up there? Help!!"
He yelled for a long time, but no one heard him. He was about to give up when he heard a voice.
"Jack. Jack. Can you hear Me?"
"Yes, yes. I hear you. I'm down here!"
"I can see you, Jack. Are you all right?"
"Yes, but who are you, and where are you?"
"I am the Lord, Jack. I'm everywhere."
"The Lord? You mean, God?"
"That's Me."
"God, please help me! I promise if You'll get me down from here, I'll stop sinning. I'll be a really good person. I'll serve You for the rest of my life."
"Easy on the promises, Jack. Let's get you off from there; then we can talk. Now, here's what I want you to do. Listen carefully."
"I'll do anything, Lord. Just tell me what to do."
"Okay. Let go of the branch."
"What?" asked Jack.
"I said, let go of the branch. Just trust Me. Let go!"
There was a long silence.
Finally Jack yelled, "Help! Help! Is anyone else up there?"
Have you ever felt like Jack?
We say that we want to know the will of God, but when we find out what it is, we can't handle it.
Sounds too scary or too difficult and we decide to look elsewhere.
When He says, "Let go of the things that stand between you and Me, and trust Me with your life," it sounds pretty scary. But when we let go, we find freedom and safety in His hands.
LET GO AND LET GOD!!!
On the way down he grabbed a branch, which temporarily stopped his fall. He looked down and to his horror he saw that the canyon fell straight down for more than a thousand feet.
He couldn't hang onto the branch forever, and there was no way for him to climb up the steep wall of the cliff. So Jack began yelling for help, hoping that someone passing by would hear him and lower a rope or something.
"Help! Help! Is there anyone up there? Help!!"
He yelled for a long time, but no one heard him. He was about to give up when he heard a voice.
"Jack. Jack. Can you hear Me?"
"Yes, yes. I hear you. I'm down here!"
"I can see you, Jack. Are you all right?"
"Yes, but who are you, and where are you?"
"I am the Lord, Jack. I'm everywhere."
"The Lord? You mean, God?"
"That's Me."
"God, please help me! I promise if You'll get me down from here, I'll stop sinning. I'll be a really good person. I'll serve You for the rest of my life."
"Easy on the promises, Jack. Let's get you off from there; then we can talk. Now, here's what I want you to do. Listen carefully."
"I'll do anything, Lord. Just tell me what to do."
"Okay. Let go of the branch."
"What?" asked Jack.
"I said, let go of the branch. Just trust Me. Let go!"
There was a long silence.
Finally Jack yelled, "Help! Help! Is anyone else up there?"
Have you ever felt like Jack?
We say that we want to know the will of God, but when we find out what it is, we can't handle it.
Sounds too scary or too difficult and we decide to look elsewhere.
When He says, "Let go of the things that stand between you and Me, and trust Me with your life," it sounds pretty scary. But when we let go, we find freedom and safety in His hands.
LET GO AND LET GOD!!!
Three Days After Christmas!
It's three days after Christmas
And all through the house
The parents are nervous
About their checking accounts
They sit and they tally
The figures with care
And discover what they used
To have is no longer there
The lights that were hanging
Shot the bills through the sky
And the bill collectors, smilingly,
Are standing by
The fifty dollar doll
You thought was brand new
Has an arm and leg missing,
And the head broke off, too
With tears of depression,
You say, "What a sight"
When you leave Christ out of Christmas
It never turns out right
No lights, tree, or present
Could ever represent
The marvelous gift
That our God sent
So, next time, my friends,
Let's get thing right
Make Jesus Christ your all
And have a blessed night
And all through the house
The parents are nervous
About their checking accounts
They sit and they tally
The figures with care
And discover what they used
To have is no longer there
The lights that were hanging
Shot the bills through the sky
And the bill collectors, smilingly,
Are standing by
The fifty dollar doll
You thought was brand new
Has an arm and leg missing,
And the head broke off, too
With tears of depression,
You say, "What a sight"
When you leave Christ out of Christmas
It never turns out right
No lights, tree, or present
Could ever represent
The marvelous gift
That our God sent
So, next time, my friends,
Let's get thing right
Make Jesus Christ your all
And have a blessed night
Pray Perfect Prayers In The Spirit!
Romans 8:27
27Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because
He makes intercession for the saints to the will of God.
Wouldn't you like to pray effective prayers that are always in line with the will of God and which always hit the mark? Well, when you pray in the Spirit, you can.
You see, when we pray in English or our known language and according to our limited understanding, we can pray amiss. Sometimes, our heads get in the way and we find ourselves asking, "Isn't it selfish of me to pray life this?" or "Am I praying in line with God's will?"
My friend, that is why God gives us the gift of praying in tongues. When we pray in tongues or in the Holy Spirit, we can never pray out of God's will because the Holy Spirit "makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God".
In other words, we pray perfect prayers in line with God's will when we pray in tongues. And the Bible goes on tell us that "if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him" (1 John 5:14-15).
Isn't it wonderful that God has put in you the Holy Spirit who prays perfectly? He knows the heart of God and precisely what you need. And He makes intercession for you because He loves you very much.
The Holy Spirit is like your lawyer or legal counsellor. He knows what belongs to you legally. He knows what your blood-bought rights are in Christ. Best of all, He knows exactly how to enforce them in your life! When you pray in tongues, you allow the Holy Spirit to pray perfect prayers through you. He pleads your case before God. He knows where you have gone wrong and the root of the problem is. He also has the wisdom, solution, and power to win your case. With the Holy Spirit on your side, you cannot but come out victorious!
27Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because
He makes intercession for the saints to the will of God.
Wouldn't you like to pray effective prayers that are always in line with the will of God and which always hit the mark? Well, when you pray in the Spirit, you can.
You see, when we pray in English or our known language and according to our limited understanding, we can pray amiss. Sometimes, our heads get in the way and we find ourselves asking, "Isn't it selfish of me to pray life this?" or "Am I praying in line with God's will?"
My friend, that is why God gives us the gift of praying in tongues. When we pray in tongues or in the Holy Spirit, we can never pray out of God's will because the Holy Spirit "makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God".
In other words, we pray perfect prayers in line with God's will when we pray in tongues. And the Bible goes on tell us that "if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him" (1 John 5:14-15).
Isn't it wonderful that God has put in you the Holy Spirit who prays perfectly? He knows the heart of God and precisely what you need. And He makes intercession for you because He loves you very much.
The Holy Spirit is like your lawyer or legal counsellor. He knows what belongs to you legally. He knows what your blood-bought rights are in Christ. Best of all, He knows exactly how to enforce them in your life! When you pray in tongues, you allow the Holy Spirit to pray perfect prayers through you. He pleads your case before God. He knows where you have gone wrong and the root of the problem is. He also has the wisdom, solution, and power to win your case. With the Holy Spirit on your side, you cannot but come out victorious!
Done As You Have Believed!
Matthew 8:13
13Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.
What are you expecting God to do for you today? Do you believe that God will respond according to your expectation?
When Jairus, distraught at the sickness that was claiming his daughter's life, fell at Jesus' feet, he entreated Jesus to personally come to his house to lay His hands on his daughter so that she would be healed (Mark 5:23).
But do you know that Jesus can heal at a distance? He didn't need to go to Jairus' house to heal his daughter. Still, Jesus went and didn't even chide Jairus for his little faith. He met Jairus' expectation - his little daughter was raised from the dead that day (Mark 5:41-42).
Why do I say that Jairus had a little faith? Because there was a Roman centurion who came to
Jesus about his servant suffering at home. He recognise the power Jesus had and asked only that Jesus "speak a word, and my servant will be healed." (Matthew 8:8). Jesus told him, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." The centurion's servant was healed that same hour - true to his expectation.
My friend, there is no particular level for your faith must reach before God gives you what you are asking for. Your faith does not initiate God's giving. God has already given to you all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). His blessings are pressing on you already! And at whatever level of faith you are at, God will respond. Jairus needed Jesus to go to his house and lay His hands on his daughter, and Jesus did. The centurion just needed Jesus to speak the word for his servant to be healed, and Jesus did. He met both their expectations.
My friend, don't fix your eyes on how much faith you have or don't have. Fix your eyes on the
One who loves you, who has already given you what you need. When you come to Him, simply believe that He is waiting to meet your expectation. He will say to you, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you."
13Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." And his servant was healed that same hour.
What are you expecting God to do for you today? Do you believe that God will respond according to your expectation?
When Jairus, distraught at the sickness that was claiming his daughter's life, fell at Jesus' feet, he entreated Jesus to personally come to his house to lay His hands on his daughter so that she would be healed (Mark 5:23).
But do you know that Jesus can heal at a distance? He didn't need to go to Jairus' house to heal his daughter. Still, Jesus went and didn't even chide Jairus for his little faith. He met Jairus' expectation - his little daughter was raised from the dead that day (Mark 5:41-42).
Why do I say that Jairus had a little faith? Because there was a Roman centurion who came to
Jesus about his servant suffering at home. He recognise the power Jesus had and asked only that Jesus "speak a word, and my servant will be healed." (Matthew 8:8). Jesus told him, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you." The centurion's servant was healed that same hour - true to his expectation.
My friend, there is no particular level for your faith must reach before God gives you what you are asking for. Your faith does not initiate God's giving. God has already given to you all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). His blessings are pressing on you already! And at whatever level of faith you are at, God will respond. Jairus needed Jesus to go to his house and lay His hands on his daughter, and Jesus did. The centurion just needed Jesus to speak the word for his servant to be healed, and Jesus did. He met both their expectations.
My friend, don't fix your eyes on how much faith you have or don't have. Fix your eyes on the
One who loves you, who has already given you what you need. When you come to Him, simply believe that He is waiting to meet your expectation. He will say to you, "Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you."
GOD's Way!
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him.
Everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky.
The worst had happened. Everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.
"God, how could You do this to me?" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was wakened by the sound of ship that was approaching the island.
It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It's easy to discouraged sometimes when things appear to be going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.
Everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky.
The worst had happened. Everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.
"God, how could You do this to me?" he cried.
Early the next day, however, he was wakened by the sound of ship that was approaching the island.
It had come to rescue him.
"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.
"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
It's easy to discouraged sometimes when things appear to be going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.
Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.
He Doesn't Remember How Bad You Were!
Hebrews 8:12
12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
"Oh, if only you have seen my husband in the early years of our marriage. He had such an explosive temper that I used to seek shelter at my mother's house!"
"No one would have ever guessed that she had such a promiscuous past."
"As a young boy, he would always lie through his teeth and not even bat an eyelid!"
Man looks at you and remembers what you were like in the past. But when God looks at you, He doesn't remember that you were once a little rascal, drunk or drug addict. He looks at you and doesn't remember that act of adultery nor the mess you were in. In the new covenant, God declares, "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
It is as if God is saying, "When you come to Me, please don't think that I am thinking about your sins. Don't think that every time I look at you, I am reminded of your sins. Not only am I not keeping a record, but I am also not mindful of your failures and shortcomings. I am telling you that I will remember your sins no more - never again!"
God can say that all our sins He remembers no more because there was a time when He remembered them and punished every one of them - in the body of His Son at the cross. God punished every one of them until Jesus cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). So today, God can justly say, "Your sins I will remember no more."
We all know that we sin from time to time. But the good news is that all our sins have already been dealt with at the cross. They have been washed away by Jesus' blood (Revelation 1:5). So now, when we come into God's presence, He sees us without our sins. And when God talks about us, He only talks about the good things that we have done, not the wrong things because He remembers them no more!
12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
"Oh, if only you have seen my husband in the early years of our marriage. He had such an explosive temper that I used to seek shelter at my mother's house!"
"No one would have ever guessed that she had such a promiscuous past."
"As a young boy, he would always lie through his teeth and not even bat an eyelid!"
Man looks at you and remembers what you were like in the past. But when God looks at you, He doesn't remember that you were once a little rascal, drunk or drug addict. He looks at you and doesn't remember that act of adultery nor the mess you were in. In the new covenant, God declares, "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
It is as if God is saying, "When you come to Me, please don't think that I am thinking about your sins. Don't think that every time I look at you, I am reminded of your sins. Not only am I not keeping a record, but I am also not mindful of your failures and shortcomings. I am telling you that I will remember your sins no more - never again!"
God can say that all our sins He remembers no more because there was a time when He remembered them and punished every one of them - in the body of His Son at the cross. God punished every one of them until Jesus cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). So today, God can justly say, "Your sins I will remember no more."
We all know that we sin from time to time. But the good news is that all our sins have already been dealt with at the cross. They have been washed away by Jesus' blood (Revelation 1:5). So now, when we come into God's presence, He sees us without our sins. And when God talks about us, He only talks about the good things that we have done, not the wrong things because He remembers them no more!
God Is In It With You!
Romans 8:28
28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Do you feel misunderstood and forsaken by the people you love? Have you been falsely accused and stripped for everything, without a dime to your name? Is your life messed up? Maybe today is the day you hit rock-bottom and you wonder if you can ever rise again.
Joseph, who was sold by his brothers into slavery (Genesis 37:28), went through all these emotion. Still, he was conscious that God was in it with him every step of the way. Though his life was a mess, he believed that it was not an accident Though the things that were happening to him were not good, he believed that God was making all things work together for his good. And it was indeed so, for Joseph eventually rose to the most powerful position in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:40).
Probably, this consciousness that God was in it with him was the reason he forgave his brothers when they came back later in his life to seek his forgiveness. Joseph told them, "But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life." (Genesis 45:5).
So like Joseph, whatever you are facing now, be conscious that God is in it with you. For when you are Jesus-conscious, though you may have nothing or not much now, you have everything when you have Jesus!
The same Jesus who went around enriching others with 12 basketfuls of leftovers, a net-braking, boat-sinking load of fishes, and who never impoverished anybody, will empower you to prosper and succeed in life. The same Jesus who went about doing good will cause good to explode in your life. The same Jesus who went about healing the sick and never giving anyone disease will keep you in divine health and protect you from harm.
Because "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), as He was with Joseph, He is with you. And He will empower you to live the high life - the abundant life in which you will see all of God's promises manifest!
28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Do you feel misunderstood and forsaken by the people you love? Have you been falsely accused and stripped for everything, without a dime to your name? Is your life messed up? Maybe today is the day you hit rock-bottom and you wonder if you can ever rise again.
Joseph, who was sold by his brothers into slavery (Genesis 37:28), went through all these emotion. Still, he was conscious that God was in it with him every step of the way. Though his life was a mess, he believed that it was not an accident Though the things that were happening to him were not good, he believed that God was making all things work together for his good. And it was indeed so, for Joseph eventually rose to the most powerful position in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh (Genesis 41:40).
Probably, this consciousness that God was in it with him was the reason he forgave his brothers when they came back later in his life to seek his forgiveness. Joseph told them, "But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life." (Genesis 45:5).
So like Joseph, whatever you are facing now, be conscious that God is in it with you. For when you are Jesus-conscious, though you may have nothing or not much now, you have everything when you have Jesus!
The same Jesus who went around enriching others with 12 basketfuls of leftovers, a net-braking, boat-sinking load of fishes, and who never impoverished anybody, will empower you to prosper and succeed in life. The same Jesus who went about doing good will cause good to explode in your life. The same Jesus who went about healing the sick and never giving anyone disease will keep you in divine health and protect you from harm.
Because "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), as He was with Joseph, He is with you. And He will empower you to live the high life - the abundant life in which you will see all of God's promises manifest!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Be Mature In Spirit!
Hebrews 5 : 12 - 14
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
We have to be righteous to be mature in Spirit! We ARE righteous coz Jesus is!
Hebrews 4 : 16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
2 Corinthians 5 : 21
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
2 Samuel 9 : 1 - 13
'Ziba' means stone. Stone refers to law! Whoever are under law, they will fall.
'Lo Debar' means no food.
When Ziba took Mephibosheth and ran away, she fell down. That's why Mephibosheth is lame in his feet.
REMEMBER! It's not we find God, but GOD finds us!
Mephibosheth din have to do any special things that made David loved him so much, so do we! We dun have to do lots of things to receive His annointment! Coz it's no longer what we do, but Jesus already done it all! All we need to do is just BELIEVE!! It's really a simple thing rite?
Matthew 11 : 11
"Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
Why God said that no one has greater than John the Baptist? Coz all the prophets (e.q. Elijah, Moses) only did miracle, but John the Baptist showed to the whole word that Jesus is MESIAH. He never did any miracles at all. But God said, who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist. Who is the least? US!
John 17 : 6
"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word."
John 17 : 11
"Now I am no longer in the world, but those are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are."
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
We have to be righteous to be mature in Spirit! We ARE righteous coz Jesus is!
Hebrews 4 : 16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
2 Corinthians 5 : 21
"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
2 Samuel 9 : 1 - 13
'Ziba' means stone. Stone refers to law! Whoever are under law, they will fall.
'Lo Debar' means no food.
When Ziba took Mephibosheth and ran away, she fell down. That's why Mephibosheth is lame in his feet.
REMEMBER! It's not we find God, but GOD finds us!
Mephibosheth din have to do any special things that made David loved him so much, so do we! We dun have to do lots of things to receive His annointment! Coz it's no longer what we do, but Jesus already done it all! All we need to do is just BELIEVE!! It's really a simple thing rite?
Matthew 11 : 11
"Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
Why God said that no one has greater than John the Baptist? Coz all the prophets (e.q. Elijah, Moses) only did miracle, but John the Baptist showed to the whole word that Jesus is MESIAH. He never did any miracles at all. But God said, who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist. Who is the least? US!
John 17 : 6
"I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word."
John 17 : 11
"Now I am no longer in the world, but those are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are."
STILL!
Genesis 3 : 7
"Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings."
Genesis 3 : 19
"In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return."
SWEAT = CURSE! ; FACE = ANGER!
Genesis 3 : 21
"Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God make tunics of skin, and clothed them."
God made Adam n his wife tunics of skin coz animals have blood to wash up their sins.
In the old testament, God couldn't forgive our sins without blood. But in new testament, God forgives our sins by the blood of His child.
Isaiah 61 : 10
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my GOD; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
We deserve to be clothed with the garments of salvation & the robe of righteousness. And we can do so much supernatural things with our robe of righteousness. And we can get those things (garments of salvation & robe of righteousness) by TRUST.
"BU YAO GAI BIAN WO MEN ZI JI.. YE SU HUI GAI BIAN DE.. YIN WEI WO MEN SHI YE SU DE BAO BEI! AMEN!"
Galatians 3 : 6
"Just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Galatians 3 : 7 - 9
Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed."
So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22 : 44) -> Jesus already redeemed the curse of the ground!
Whatever started in Eden, Jesus ended it all in Gethsemane!
"Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings."
Genesis 3 : 19
"In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return."
SWEAT = CURSE! ; FACE = ANGER!
Genesis 3 : 21
"Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God make tunics of skin, and clothed them."
God made Adam n his wife tunics of skin coz animals have blood to wash up their sins.
In the old testament, God couldn't forgive our sins without blood. But in new testament, God forgives our sins by the blood of His child.
Isaiah 61 : 10
"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my GOD; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
We deserve to be clothed with the garments of salvation & the robe of righteousness. And we can do so much supernatural things with our robe of righteousness. And we can get those things (garments of salvation & robe of righteousness) by TRUST.
"BU YAO GAI BIAN WO MEN ZI JI.. YE SU HUI GAI BIAN DE.. YIN WEI WO MEN SHI YE SU DE BAO BEI! AMEN!"
Galatians 3 : 6
"Just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Galatians 3 : 7 - 9
Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed."
So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22 : 44) -> Jesus already redeemed the curse of the ground!
Whatever started in Eden, Jesus ended it all in Gethsemane!
Annointment!
Galatians 2 : 20
"I have been crucified with Christ; It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himslef to me."
1 Corinthians 1 : 26 - 27
"For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called."
"But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty."
1 Thessalonians 5 : 16 - 18
"Rejoice always"
"Pray without ceasing"
"In everything GIVE THANX; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"
Romans 4 : 16
"Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all."
Romans 3 : 21 - 28
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstarte His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
Romans 5 : 1 - 2
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5 : 5
"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 12 : 3
"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himslef more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith."
Ephesians 2 : 8 - 9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast.
1 Timothy 1 : 14
"And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3 : 29
"And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
John 10 : 10
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and they may have it more abundantly."
Romans 8 : 37
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
Romans 8 : 22
"For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now."
Romans 8 : 34
"Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us."
Proverbs 6 : 16 - 19
These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
John 16 : 7 - 11
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement;
"of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
"of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;
"of judgement, because the ruler of this world is judged."
1 Corinthians 15 : 10
Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.
2 Corinthians 8 : 9
"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 9 : 8
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
2 Corinthians 12 : 9
"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Galatians 5 : 4
"You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace."
Ephesians 4 : 29
"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
Romans 6 : 1 - 2
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Malachi 4 : 6
"And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."
Isaiah 53 : 5
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
Luke 8 : 11
"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God."
Luke 24 : 32
"And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
Isaiah 58 : 8
"Then your light shall break forth like the morning., your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard."
Revelation 22 : 21
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen"
"I have been crucified with Christ; It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himslef to me."
1 Corinthians 1 : 26 - 27
"For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called."
"But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty."
1 Thessalonians 5 : 16 - 18
"Rejoice always"
"Pray without ceasing"
"In everything GIVE THANX; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"
Romans 4 : 16
"Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all."
Romans 3 : 21 - 28
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstarte His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,
to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
Romans 5 : 1 - 2
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5 : 5
"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Romans 12 : 3
"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himslef more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith."
Ephesians 2 : 8 - 9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest anyone should boast.
1 Timothy 1 : 14
"And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3 : 29
"And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
John 10 : 10
"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and they may have it more abundantly."
Romans 8 : 37
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
Romans 8 : 22
"For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now."
Romans 8 : 34
"Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us."
Proverbs 6 : 16 - 19
These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
John 16 : 7 - 11
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
"And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement;
"of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
"of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;
"of judgement, because the ruler of this world is judged."
1 Corinthians 15 : 10
Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.
2 Corinthians 8 : 9
"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 9 : 8
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
2 Corinthians 12 : 9
"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Galatians 5 : 4
"You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace."
Ephesians 4 : 29
"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."
Romans 6 : 1 - 2
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Malachi 4 : 6
"And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."
Isaiah 53 : 5
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
Luke 8 : 11
"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God."
Luke 24 : 32
"And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
Isaiah 58 : 8
"Then your light shall break forth like the morning., your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard."
Revelation 22 : 21
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen"
Monday, August 6, 2007
Nothing Wrong With God, His Word, And You!
Hebrews 10:14
14For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Sometimes, when we are not receiving our healing, breakthrough, restoration, or miracle child, we can't help but think that something is wrong with us. We tell ourselves, "Nothing wrong with God, nothing wrong with the Word, so something must be wrong with me!" My friend, if you think that your miracle depends on you, then you are on rocky ground.
In the old covenant, we see this "it's all up to me" demand put on man. God's part was to bless His people, but only if they played their part by obeying all of His laws. If they didn't do their part, not only would they not be blessed, the curse would come on them.
Most of the time, they ended up under the curse because they just could not keep all of God's laws. So God found fault with that covenant because though He wanted to bless man, man's sins made it difficult for Him to do so. Man himself was the weak link.
In the new covenant, man has no part to play except to believe and receive. The new covenant of grace was cut between God the Father and God the Son - both infallible and more than able to keep the covenant.
God the Son is man's representative. Jesus is representing you and I. So in this covenant, how much we can receive from God depends on how good our representative is, how perfect His obedience is. Of course, Jesus is the perfect Man with perfect obedience. So in Him, we are qualified to receive all the blessings of God! We only need to believe and receive.
Jesus' blood has been shed for the remission of all your sins. You are now the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). By His one perfect sacrifice for all your sins, He has perfected you forever.
Today, the devil has no right to tell you that you cannot be blessed because there is something wrong with you. So as you are waiting for your miracle, you can say, "Nothing wrong with God, nothing wrong with the Word, and nothing wrong with me."
14For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Sometimes, when we are not receiving our healing, breakthrough, restoration, or miracle child, we can't help but think that something is wrong with us. We tell ourselves, "Nothing wrong with God, nothing wrong with the Word, so something must be wrong with me!" My friend, if you think that your miracle depends on you, then you are on rocky ground.
In the old covenant, we see this "it's all up to me" demand put on man. God's part was to bless His people, but only if they played their part by obeying all of His laws. If they didn't do their part, not only would they not be blessed, the curse would come on them.
Most of the time, they ended up under the curse because they just could not keep all of God's laws. So God found fault with that covenant because though He wanted to bless man, man's sins made it difficult for Him to do so. Man himself was the weak link.
In the new covenant, man has no part to play except to believe and receive. The new covenant of grace was cut between God the Father and God the Son - both infallible and more than able to keep the covenant.
God the Son is man's representative. Jesus is representing you and I. So in this covenant, how much we can receive from God depends on how good our representative is, how perfect His obedience is. Of course, Jesus is the perfect Man with perfect obedience. So in Him, we are qualified to receive all the blessings of God! We only need to believe and receive.
Jesus' blood has been shed for the remission of all your sins. You are now the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). By His one perfect sacrifice for all your sins, He has perfected you forever.
Today, the devil has no right to tell you that you cannot be blessed because there is something wrong with you. So as you are waiting for your miracle, you can say, "Nothing wrong with God, nothing wrong with the Word, and nothing wrong with me."
Angels Walk With You!
Psalm 91:11-12
11For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. 12In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You are bout to step onto the road when something pulls you back just in time to avoid being smashed by a car that swooshes by. You are shocked. When you come to your senses, you ask yourself, "Was that an angel that just saved me from a fatal accident?"
I believe that angels walk with us. The verse tells us that God has given His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways. And in their hands they will bear us up, so that not even a stone will trip us up.
But we may not know it when we encounter an angel (Hebrews 13:2). This was probably the case with a couple in our church who was holidaying at a beach resort on Penang Island when a tsunami struck it at about 12.30pm on 26 December 2004.
It was slightly past 11am when the wife suddenly had a craving for food from the mainland. So the couple decided to check out earlier so that they could reach the mainland in time for lunch. While loading their luggage into their car at the hotel driveway, a man impatiently motioned to them to hurry up and get moving.
Annoyed by his impatience, they quickly loaded in their stuff and drove off. The minute they reached the mainland, they heard that a tsunami had struck Penang Island at the same beach where they were at just a while ago. While thanking God for their narrow escape, it suddenly dawned on them that the impatience man could have been an angel charged by God to hurry them off!
God tells us that we have an innumerable company of angels (Hebrews 12:22). And He has given them charge over us to protect us from accidents, natural disasters, terrorist bombings, and other dangers. So, don't fear these things and lock yourself at home. Go for that holiday. Go for that appointment. Believe that God who loves you has His angels walking with you and watching over you!
11For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. 12In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You are bout to step onto the road when something pulls you back just in time to avoid being smashed by a car that swooshes by. You are shocked. When you come to your senses, you ask yourself, "Was that an angel that just saved me from a fatal accident?"
I believe that angels walk with us. The verse tells us that God has given His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways. And in their hands they will bear us up, so that not even a stone will trip us up.
But we may not know it when we encounter an angel (Hebrews 13:2). This was probably the case with a couple in our church who was holidaying at a beach resort on Penang Island when a tsunami struck it at about 12.30pm on 26 December 2004.
It was slightly past 11am when the wife suddenly had a craving for food from the mainland. So the couple decided to check out earlier so that they could reach the mainland in time for lunch. While loading their luggage into their car at the hotel driveway, a man impatiently motioned to them to hurry up and get moving.
Annoyed by his impatience, they quickly loaded in their stuff and drove off. The minute they reached the mainland, they heard that a tsunami had struck Penang Island at the same beach where they were at just a while ago. While thanking God for their narrow escape, it suddenly dawned on them that the impatience man could have been an angel charged by God to hurry them off!
God tells us that we have an innumerable company of angels (Hebrews 12:22). And He has given them charge over us to protect us from accidents, natural disasters, terrorist bombings, and other dangers. So, don't fear these things and lock yourself at home. Go for that holiday. Go for that appointment. Believe that God who loves you has His angels walking with you and watching over you!
Go's Blessings Are Yours To Take!
Deuteronomy 28:2
2And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you...
God wants to bless you and He delights in blessing you. He has even declared that "all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you". This means that you can't run fast enough to escape them! When you turn one corner, there is a blessing waiting for you. When you turn another corner, you run smack into another blessing!
Now, you may think that you are disqualified by the first verse in Deuteronomy 28, which says that these blessings will come to pass only if you diligently obey God's voice and keep all of His commandments. And you know that no matter how hard you try, you can never keep them all. If you fail to keep just one commandment, you disqualify yourself from the blessings of God!
My friend, I have a good news for you: Jesus is the one who qualifies us for every single blessing because He kept all of God's commandments. When He died for us on the cross, He not only fulfilled all of God's commandments, He also redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). He did not redeem us from the blessings of the law, so the blessings are still ours today!
As you read the list of blessings in Deuteronomy 28, starting with "Blessed you shall be in the city.. in the country.. the fruit of your body.. your basket.. when you come in.. when you go out.." (Deuteronomy 28:3-13), I believe Jesus is saying to you, "Like the blessings? Take them."
You may say, "But I don't deserve them."
Yes, you don't deserve them, but you still get them - undeserved blessings! The law says, "You must deserve the blessings." But the law is no longer here. Grace is here. So take the blessings by grace through faith. Believe God for the blessings.
Today, it is no longer a question of how much or how well you have kept God's commandments.
It is a question of how much you can believe God for His blessings. All the promises of God in Christ are "Yes", and because you are in Christ, you can say "Amen!" to your blessings (2 Corinthians 1:20).
2And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you...
God wants to bless you and He delights in blessing you. He has even declared that "all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you". This means that you can't run fast enough to escape them! When you turn one corner, there is a blessing waiting for you. When you turn another corner, you run smack into another blessing!
Now, you may think that you are disqualified by the first verse in Deuteronomy 28, which says that these blessings will come to pass only if you diligently obey God's voice and keep all of His commandments. And you know that no matter how hard you try, you can never keep them all. If you fail to keep just one commandment, you disqualify yourself from the blessings of God!
My friend, I have a good news for you: Jesus is the one who qualifies us for every single blessing because He kept all of God's commandments. When He died for us on the cross, He not only fulfilled all of God's commandments, He also redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). He did not redeem us from the blessings of the law, so the blessings are still ours today!
As you read the list of blessings in Deuteronomy 28, starting with "Blessed you shall be in the city.. in the country.. the fruit of your body.. your basket.. when you come in.. when you go out.." (Deuteronomy 28:3-13), I believe Jesus is saying to you, "Like the blessings? Take them."
You may say, "But I don't deserve them."
Yes, you don't deserve them, but you still get them - undeserved blessings! The law says, "You must deserve the blessings." But the law is no longer here. Grace is here. So take the blessings by grace through faith. Believe God for the blessings.
Today, it is no longer a question of how much or how well you have kept God's commandments.
It is a question of how much you can believe God for His blessings. All the promises of God in Christ are "Yes", and because you are in Christ, you can say "Amen!" to your blessings (2 Corinthians 1:20).
Missing Target!
An archer when shooting his arrows will set his focus on the target. He cannot just put his focus anywhere, because his goal is to hit the target. However, although he has set his focus on the target, he can still miss it. No matter how good he is, there is still a possibility for him to miss the target.
Same with our life, we are meant to have targets in our life (good ones, of course). In our works, relationship, ministry, for examples. We set our focus on our targets, we will work hard towards them. However, this world we are living in is not perfect, the people we are dealing with are not perfect, we.. ourselves, are not even perfect. We can still miss the targets, no matter how hard we work for it.
So, does that means that we don't have to set our targets and work towards them? Does that means that rather than getting disappointed, it would be better for us to have no expectations at all?
NO, definitely NO. Just like the archer, if he wants to hit the target, he must always set his focus on it when he shoots. There is always a possibility of missing the target but that's okay. But don't lose heart. "There is more to life than just here and now. We are made to last forever." Rick Warren (Purpose of Driven Life). If we have received our saviour, we have hope of a life after this life, spent with our saviour forever. I bet that life would be perfect!
Same with our life, we are meant to have targets in our life (good ones, of course). In our works, relationship, ministry, for examples. We set our focus on our targets, we will work hard towards them. However, this world we are living in is not perfect, the people we are dealing with are not perfect, we.. ourselves, are not even perfect. We can still miss the targets, no matter how hard we work for it.
So, does that means that we don't have to set our targets and work towards them? Does that means that rather than getting disappointed, it would be better for us to have no expectations at all?
NO, definitely NO. Just like the archer, if he wants to hit the target, he must always set his focus on it when he shoots. There is always a possibility of missing the target but that's okay. But don't lose heart. "There is more to life than just here and now. We are made to last forever." Rick Warren (Purpose of Driven Life). If we have received our saviour, we have hope of a life after this life, spent with our saviour forever. I bet that life would be perfect!
Your Sins Are Not Being Recorded
Hebrews 8:12
12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
I once saw a comic book which showed how a man lusted after a woman, then died of a heart attack and went to heaven. In heaven, he sees a big screen showing everyone present a recording of all the sins he had committed on earth, including the last one! How embarrassing!
Don't worry, that is not going to happen to you in heaven. There is no big screen with front-row and circle seats for everyone to sit and watch your past sins. There is no video recorder in heaven recording your sins right now. Because your lifetime of sins has already been punished in the body of Jesus, God declares to you, "Your sins and your lawless deeds, I will by no means, even remember!"
This is true even for the Old Testament heroes of faith such as Abraham, Moses, and David. If you read Hebrews 11, which was written after the cross of Jesus, you will notice that there are no records of their sins or failures. Yet, their life stories tell us that they were far from perfect.
Abraham lied twice about his wife Sarah. He told Pharaoh and later, king Abimelech, that she was his sister to protect his own life. Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, and hid him in the sand. David committed adultery with Bathsheba and later arranged for her husband to be killed in battle. Yet, their sins are not recorded in Hebrews 11, but their deeds done in faith are!
God is showing you that He does not record your sins or failures today. Instead, He records your faith beliefs and deeds done in response to what His Son has done for you. Every time you sin, every time you waver in your faith, God does not record it. But every time you believe Him and respond in faith, He records it! That should not make you want to sin more. It should free you to love God more!
So don't be conscious of your failures. If God Himself does not remember them, who are you to remember them? Be conscious instead, of your righteousness in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), and you will reign in life! (Romans 5:17).
12For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
I once saw a comic book which showed how a man lusted after a woman, then died of a heart attack and went to heaven. In heaven, he sees a big screen showing everyone present a recording of all the sins he had committed on earth, including the last one! How embarrassing!
Don't worry, that is not going to happen to you in heaven. There is no big screen with front-row and circle seats for everyone to sit and watch your past sins. There is no video recorder in heaven recording your sins right now. Because your lifetime of sins has already been punished in the body of Jesus, God declares to you, "Your sins and your lawless deeds, I will by no means, even remember!"
This is true even for the Old Testament heroes of faith such as Abraham, Moses, and David. If you read Hebrews 11, which was written after the cross of Jesus, you will notice that there are no records of their sins or failures. Yet, their life stories tell us that they were far from perfect.
Abraham lied twice about his wife Sarah. He told Pharaoh and later, king Abimelech, that she was his sister to protect his own life. Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, and hid him in the sand. David committed adultery with Bathsheba and later arranged for her husband to be killed in battle. Yet, their sins are not recorded in Hebrews 11, but their deeds done in faith are!
God is showing you that He does not record your sins or failures today. Instead, He records your faith beliefs and deeds done in response to what His Son has done for you. Every time you sin, every time you waver in your faith, God does not record it. But every time you believe Him and respond in faith, He records it! That should not make you want to sin more. It should free you to love God more!
So don't be conscious of your failures. If God Himself does not remember them, who are you to remember them? Be conscious instead, of your righteousness in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), and you will reign in life! (Romans 5:17).
We Must Ask More From God, Than We Have Ever Asked!
We're supposed to ask big things of God. Lately, the Lord has had me tell several people that they are not asking enough - that is to say, they are not praying for things BIG ENOUGH from Him.
For instance, Jabez was more honorable than his brothers because he asked for more. He wasn't satisfied with the possible or the likely. He wanted what seemed impossible. What seemed unlikely.
Here it is :
1 Corinthians 4:9-10"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.. Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' AND GOD GRANTED HIS REQUEST."
An interesting point about the Word of God is that we are to take it for what it means and what it CAN mean. Jabez realized that God would allow him to pray that, "Your hand, Lord, would be with me." He didn't listen for those of his day that might have said (as they often do today), "God's people should seek His Face and NOT His hand."
It's not in the Bible folks.. "seek His Face and not His hand" is NOT in the Bible. So why do we "quote" it so much, as if it is? We ARE to ask for all that His hand can and wants to give to us and to do for us. What is prayer if it's not that. God delivered Israel by His mighty hand. Should we ask less today?
God wants you to be asking for big things.. Huge things.. IMPOSSIBLE things. He likes it when we do.
For instance, Jabez was more honorable than his brothers because he asked for more. He wasn't satisfied with the possible or the likely. He wanted what seemed impossible. What seemed unlikely.
Here it is :
1 Corinthians 4:9-10"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.. Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' AND GOD GRANTED HIS REQUEST."
An interesting point about the Word of God is that we are to take it for what it means and what it CAN mean. Jabez realized that God would allow him to pray that, "Your hand, Lord, would be with me." He didn't listen for those of his day that might have said (as they often do today), "God's people should seek His Face and NOT His hand."
It's not in the Bible folks.. "seek His Face and not His hand" is NOT in the Bible. So why do we "quote" it so much, as if it is? We ARE to ask for all that His hand can and wants to give to us and to do for us. What is prayer if it's not that. God delivered Israel by His mighty hand. Should we ask less today?
God wants you to be asking for big things.. Huge things.. IMPOSSIBLE things. He likes it when we do.
Words To Live By!
1. Give God what's right -- not what's left.
2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- God's way leads to an endless hope.
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
5. In the sentence of life, the devil maybe a comma -- but never let him be the period.
6. Don't put a question mark where God puts a period.
7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to church for a face-lift.
8. When praying, don't give God instructions -- just report for duty.
9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.
10. We don't change God's messages -- His messages changes us.
11. The church is prayer-conditioned.
12. When God ordains, He sustains.
13. WARNING : Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.
14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
15. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position.
16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.
17. Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord.
18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.
19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
21. He who angers you controls you.
22. Worry is the darkroom in which negative can develop.
23. Give Satan an inch & he'll be a ruler.
24. Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them & He'll clean them.
25. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
26. Read the Bible -- It will scare the hell out of you.
PRAYER :Father God, bless Your child reading this in whatever it is that You know he or she maybe needing this day. Let him/her experience Your steadfast love and experience Your loving ways. And may Your Word protect, guide, and draw each one close to You today and forever. Amen.
2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- God's way leads to an endless hope.
3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
4. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.
5. In the sentence of life, the devil maybe a comma -- but never let him be the period.
6. Don't put a question mark where God puts a period.
7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to church for a face-lift.
8. When praying, don't give God instructions -- just report for duty.
9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.
10. We don't change God's messages -- His messages changes us.
11. The church is prayer-conditioned.
12. When God ordains, He sustains.
13. WARNING : Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.
14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
15. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position.
16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.
17. Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord.
18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.
19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.
20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
21. He who angers you controls you.
22. Worry is the darkroom in which negative can develop.
23. Give Satan an inch & he'll be a ruler.
24. Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them & He'll clean them.
25. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
26. Read the Bible -- It will scare the hell out of you.
PRAYER :Father God, bless Your child reading this in whatever it is that You know he or she maybe needing this day. Let him/her experience Your steadfast love and experience Your loving ways. And may Your Word protect, guide, and draw each one close to You today and forever. Amen.
Your Double-Portion Inheritance!
Isaiah 61:6-7, NIV
6And you will be called priests of the Lord... You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. 7Instead of their shame My people will receive a double portion... they will inherit a double portion in their land..
You are called "priests of the Lord" because Jesus has cleansed you with His blood and make you kings and priests to God (Revelation 1:5-6). And as priests of the Lord, God says to you, "You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. "And you will" inherit a double portion in their land."
This promise came true for a church member who received his double portion while working for one of the top American companies in Singapore. Within a short time, he received two pay increments. And within just two years, he received and unexpected promotion to a senior post in the company. It was unexpected because the norm to qualify for such a promotion in the company was four years, but God shortened it to two years for him!
He was also name the recipient of a privileged stock award worth a five-figure sum, but the net value of which was likely to double, judging by the then prevailing bullish stock market. He acknowledged that it was certainly God's favor because past awardees were a very small number of top management personnel who had made significants contributions to the company. And only a small percent of their worldwide employees received this prestigious award. He was the second recipient, beside his boss, in the Singapore office to receive it!
This church member literally inherited a double portion - two pay increments, a promotion within two years and a stock award which was likely to double in value. Indeed, he was feeding on the wealth of the nations and boasting in their riches!
Beloved, God promises you that "My people will receive a double portion". This double portion includes your blessings of favor, fruitfulness, success, riches, and health. In fact, the people around you will look at you and your descendants, and acknowledge that you are a people that the Lord has blessed!
6And you will be called priests of the Lord... You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. 7Instead of their shame My people will receive a double portion... they will inherit a double portion in their land..
You are called "priests of the Lord" because Jesus has cleansed you with His blood and make you kings and priests to God (Revelation 1:5-6). And as priests of the Lord, God says to you, "You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. "And you will" inherit a double portion in their land."
This promise came true for a church member who received his double portion while working for one of the top American companies in Singapore. Within a short time, he received two pay increments. And within just two years, he received and unexpected promotion to a senior post in the company. It was unexpected because the norm to qualify for such a promotion in the company was four years, but God shortened it to two years for him!
He was also name the recipient of a privileged stock award worth a five-figure sum, but the net value of which was likely to double, judging by the then prevailing bullish stock market. He acknowledged that it was certainly God's favor because past awardees were a very small number of top management personnel who had made significants contributions to the company. And only a small percent of their worldwide employees received this prestigious award. He was the second recipient, beside his boss, in the Singapore office to receive it!
This church member literally inherited a double portion - two pay increments, a promotion within two years and a stock award which was likely to double in value. Indeed, he was feeding on the wealth of the nations and boasting in their riches!
Beloved, God promises you that "My people will receive a double portion". This double portion includes your blessings of favor, fruitfulness, success, riches, and health. In fact, the people around you will look at you and your descendants, and acknowledge that you are a people that the Lord has blessed!
Friday, August 3, 2007
For Your Greater Blessing!
Romans 8:31
31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Whenever the devil throws something evil at us, you can be sure that God will turn it around for our greater blessing because He is for us.
When God first made man, He gave man dominion over everything on earth (Genesis 1:26). But when Adam fell, sin and death entered the world and man lost his authority to the devil. So, did the devil win?
No! God executed His redemption plan by sending Jesus to die for us. And God wants us to know that Jesus' death did not just restore us to the same position Adam had - in fact, it gave us a higher position!
When the Father raised Jesus from the dead, we who are in Christ were raised with Him. We are now seated with Him at God's right hand in the heavenly places, "far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21). Adam never had this position. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we have received so much more.
The Bible also tells of how God promised to bring the children of Israel out of bondage and into a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:17). The devil thought that he could foil God's plan by putting giants in the promised land to stop God's people from inheriting it.
But God outsmarted the devil. He allowed the giants to build their homes and cities, dig their wells and cultivate their crops until the right time. Then He brought the children of Israel into the land and evicted the giants!
God's people ended up inheriting large beautiful cities which they did not build, houses full of all good things which they did not fill, hewn-out wells which they did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees which they did not plant (Deuteronomy 6:10-11). Although the devil tried to prevent God's plan for His people from coming to pass, they ended up receiving so much more!
Beloved, the devil may throw obstacles and evil circumstances at you, but God will turn those evil schemes around for your greater blessing because He is for you!
31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Whenever the devil throws something evil at us, you can be sure that God will turn it around for our greater blessing because He is for us.
When God first made man, He gave man dominion over everything on earth (Genesis 1:26). But when Adam fell, sin and death entered the world and man lost his authority to the devil. So, did the devil win?
No! God executed His redemption plan by sending Jesus to die for us. And God wants us to know that Jesus' death did not just restore us to the same position Adam had - in fact, it gave us a higher position!
When the Father raised Jesus from the dead, we who are in Christ were raised with Him. We are now seated with Him at God's right hand in the heavenly places, "far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21). Adam never had this position. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we have received so much more.
The Bible also tells of how God promised to bring the children of Israel out of bondage and into a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:17). The devil thought that he could foil God's plan by putting giants in the promised land to stop God's people from inheriting it.
But God outsmarted the devil. He allowed the giants to build their homes and cities, dig their wells and cultivate their crops until the right time. Then He brought the children of Israel into the land and evicted the giants!
God's people ended up inheriting large beautiful cities which they did not build, houses full of all good things which they did not fill, hewn-out wells which they did not dig, and vineyards and olive trees which they did not plant (Deuteronomy 6:10-11). Although the devil tried to prevent God's plan for His people from coming to pass, they ended up receiving so much more!
Beloved, the devil may throw obstacles and evil circumstances at you, but God will turn those evil schemes around for your greater blessing because He is for you!
You Are An Heir Of God!
Galatians 4:6-7
6And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" 7Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of god through Christ.
"If you are Christians, why are you sick?"
If your Heavenly Father is so wonderful, why do you have so many problems?"
"Doesn't your God help you, His child?"
Imagine such questions levelled at you. If you are tempted to ask, "God, I am Your child. Why is this happening to me?" know that Jesus knows how you feel because 2,000 years ago, the devil played the same trick on Him - "If You are the Son of God..." (Matthew 4:3). You see, his intention was to make Jesus doubt His Son-ship, and the devil wants to do the same thing to you today.
The devil wants to destroy the Spirit of son-ship in you and in the body of believers. He knows that once you really believe that you are a son of God, something happens - you begin to live life as "an heir of God through Christ".
As a son, you inherit! You inherit all the blessings of God which Jesus died to give you, including salvation, healing, prosperity. wholeness, favour, intimacy with God, and answered prayers. And Jesus rose from the dead to make sure that what He died to give you, you get! He is alive today to enforce this rich, blood-bought inheritance in your life! You are an heir of God through Christ. This means that you are joint heirs with Jesus - what He inherits, you inherit.
What is prosperity when you are an heir of God? All the diamonds and gold came from Him.
What is provision when you are an heir of God? God owns every beast in the forest and the cattle on a thousand hills. What is healing when you are an heir of God? God is your Creator and the very breath of your life.
Enjoy every bit of your inheritance in Christ, not because you deserve it, but because it was paid for by Jesus' blood. It is your blood-bought right!
6And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" 7Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of god through Christ.
"If you are Christians, why are you sick?"
If your Heavenly Father is so wonderful, why do you have so many problems?"
"Doesn't your God help you, His child?"
Imagine such questions levelled at you. If you are tempted to ask, "God, I am Your child. Why is this happening to me?" know that Jesus knows how you feel because 2,000 years ago, the devil played the same trick on Him - "If You are the Son of God..." (Matthew 4:3). You see, his intention was to make Jesus doubt His Son-ship, and the devil wants to do the same thing to you today.
The devil wants to destroy the Spirit of son-ship in you and in the body of believers. He knows that once you really believe that you are a son of God, something happens - you begin to live life as "an heir of God through Christ".
As a son, you inherit! You inherit all the blessings of God which Jesus died to give you, including salvation, healing, prosperity. wholeness, favour, intimacy with God, and answered prayers. And Jesus rose from the dead to make sure that what He died to give you, you get! He is alive today to enforce this rich, blood-bought inheritance in your life! You are an heir of God through Christ. This means that you are joint heirs with Jesus - what He inherits, you inherit.
What is prosperity when you are an heir of God? All the diamonds and gold came from Him.
What is provision when you are an heir of God? God owns every beast in the forest and the cattle on a thousand hills. What is healing when you are an heir of God? God is your Creator and the very breath of your life.
Enjoy every bit of your inheritance in Christ, not because you deserve it, but because it was paid for by Jesus' blood. It is your blood-bought right!
God & The Spider!
During World War II, an US Marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific Island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire, he had lost touch with his comrades.
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although save for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him came up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be Your will, please protect me. Whatever You will though, I love You and trust You. Amen!"
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one."
Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.
As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.
"Ha", he thought, "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humour."
As the enemy drew closer, he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quiet a while.
"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man, "I had forgotten that in You, a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget what God can work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways.
And remember, with God, a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection
Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although save for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him came up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.
As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be Your will, please protect me. Whatever You will though, I love You and trust You. Amen!"
After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one."
Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.
As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.
"Ha", he thought, "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humour."
As the enemy drew closer, he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quiet a while.
"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man, "I had forgotten that in You, a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."
We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget what God can work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways.
And remember, with God, a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection
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