Are You In Step With God
People are saved when they trust Jesus Christ as Savior and choose to follow Him. Right then, most Christians realize that they will dwell with Him forever in heaven. But many don't understand what they can expect for the remainder of their lives on earth.
One benefit that’s available immediately is a growing relationship with the Lord. The Father’s oneness with Jesus John (10:30) illustrates the intimacy God wants to have with His children. He had this type of closeness in mind at creation-a relationship with man is an avenue for Him to express His love and for us to worship and understand our Maker.
Another advantage is that Christ-followers are promised clear guidance through God’s Holy Spirit. Decision making is a part of everyday life. It is impossible for a mere human to know every variable and nuance before choosing which path to take. But the Lord knows all things-past, present, and future. With godly wisdom available, it’s hard to understand why anyone would prefer to trust his own hunches.
Provision is yet another blessing guaranteed for believers. There will be hard times, but God gives Christians everything necessary for following Him, Philippians (4:19). And His grace will always prove more than sufficient, 2 Corinthians (12:9).
How abundantly God gives to His children! One word of caution, though: these gifts are effective only when believers walk obediently with Him. Sin can stifle them.
The heavenly Father desires that all of His sons and daughters have these blessings; if you're living in obedience before Him, they are available to you. Is anything getting in the way of your total submission to Him?
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Overcoming Your Fears
Psalm (56:3)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
If fear is causing you to hide from somebody. Your boss, your wife or husband. Your strong willed child. Maybe your grouchy co-worker.
Remember when God asked Adam, Where are you?”
He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Genesis (3:9-10).
We have all been hiding from things ever since. We hide behind forced smiles, agreeable words we don't mean and social rituals we detest. Or worse, we hide behind things we do not believe but don't express because we are afraid of what people might think or say. We try to avoid the pain of confronting someone, and the emotional energy we're afraid well have to invest in cleaning up afterwards. Short-term it may be easier to act as if things don't bother you, or pretend to agree when, in reality, you disagree.
But long-term it doesn't work, because peace isn't the absence of discord. When we remain silent in order to avoid confrontation we just end up avoiding something far more important: relationships.
For example, when we don't speak up on the job because we fear making waves, we end up resentful, alienated from our fellow workers, and maybe losing an opportunity to make things better. When we're afraid to confront our marriage partner(and this should be done in love, not anger), we end up emotionally distant. When we refuse to share our faith because we're afraid of being ridiculed, we lose the opportunity to bring hope to someone who really needs it.
So rise up and say, 'When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.' Confront your fears, come out of hiding and start living.
Psalm (56:3)
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
If fear is causing you to hide from somebody. Your boss, your wife or husband. Your strong willed child. Maybe your grouchy co-worker.
Remember when God asked Adam, Where are you?”
He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Genesis (3:9-10).
We have all been hiding from things ever since. We hide behind forced smiles, agreeable words we don't mean and social rituals we detest. Or worse, we hide behind things we do not believe but don't express because we are afraid of what people might think or say. We try to avoid the pain of confronting someone, and the emotional energy we're afraid well have to invest in cleaning up afterwards. Short-term it may be easier to act as if things don't bother you, or pretend to agree when, in reality, you disagree.
But long-term it doesn't work, because peace isn't the absence of discord. When we remain silent in order to avoid confrontation we just end up avoiding something far more important: relationships.
For example, when we don't speak up on the job because we fear making waves, we end up resentful, alienated from our fellow workers, and maybe losing an opportunity to make things better. When we're afraid to confront our marriage partner(and this should be done in love, not anger), we end up emotionally distant. When we refuse to share our faith because we're afraid of being ridiculed, we lose the opportunity to bring hope to someone who really needs it.
So rise up and say, 'When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.' Confront your fears, come out of hiding and start living.
Monday, 3 March 2014
Faith
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Hebrews (11:1)
Confidence, Assurance, Substance, and Title-deed – what kind of word is this that can be translated with such diverse meanings? Look at the following, ‘hupostasis’ in English:
Hupostasis
Strong’s Concordance #5287 – ὑπόστασις “upostasi” hupostasis; gen. hupostaseos , fem. noun from huphstemi (n.f.), to place or set under. In general, that which underlies the apparent, hence, reality, essence, substance; that which is the basis of something, hence, assurance guarantee, confidence (with the ob. sense).
If I say I have faith, and in my heart soul and mind, I truly do believe in something or someone unseen, then thats evidence of something I believe in thats unseen. The evidence is my belief.
You may never see God with your eyes right in front of you, so thats ,what evidence you could be thinking of.."physical proof".
In my heart and mind I have all the evidence I need which is faith in God.
Something special happens the moment faith is born in the heart. In a certain momentary flash of God’s grace, an ownership of a hope is placed within the heart. God places within us the ‘heart reality’ of our promised hope.
An ownership of sorts, conveyed prior to our ever seeing our new possession. A new possession gained by a divine approval, and bestowed upon a cultivated hope. The diligent underground cultivation of hope brings a visible harvest of faith, which when combined with prayer and patience, brings forth the manifested reality. Hupostasis is the word chosen to describe the heart reality of hope’s promise.
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Hebrews (11:1)
Confidence, Assurance, Substance, and Title-deed – what kind of word is this that can be translated with such diverse meanings? Look at the following, ‘hupostasis’ in English:
Hupostasis
Strong’s Concordance #5287 – ὑπόστασις “upostasi” hupostasis; gen. hupostaseos , fem. noun from huphstemi (n.f.), to place or set under. In general, that which underlies the apparent, hence, reality, essence, substance; that which is the basis of something, hence, assurance guarantee, confidence (with the ob. sense).
If I say I have faith, and in my heart soul and mind, I truly do believe in something or someone unseen, then thats evidence of something I believe in thats unseen. The evidence is my belief.
You may never see God with your eyes right in front of you, so thats ,what evidence you could be thinking of.."physical proof".
In my heart and mind I have all the evidence I need which is faith in God.
Something special happens the moment faith is born in the heart. In a certain momentary flash of God’s grace, an ownership of a hope is placed within the heart. God places within us the ‘heart reality’ of our promised hope.
An ownership of sorts, conveyed prior to our ever seeing our new possession. A new possession gained by a divine approval, and bestowed upon a cultivated hope. The diligent underground cultivation of hope brings a visible harvest of faith, which when combined with prayer and patience, brings forth the manifested reality. Hupostasis is the word chosen to describe the heart reality of hope’s promise.
Thursday, 27 February 2014
Use Your Authority!
I have given you authority, to overcome the enemy... Luke (10:19)
Has Satan singled you out for attack? Are you wondering, 'Why would he even bother with someone like me?' The answer is - influence. Job's influence was a constant irritant to Satan. One day God said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him?' Job (1:8).
Shortly after that conversation Satan attacked Job's health, his children, his marriage and his business. You can't get God's attention without getting Satan's too! Whatever glorifies God, enrages our enemy. But you have the power to overcome him. Jesus said, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
I have given you authority - to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you' Luke (10:18-19). Notice, you haven't been called to defeat Satan; Jesus already did that 2,000 years ago. You have been called to enforce His defeat each day. Jesus already disarmed and made a public spectacle of him at the cross Colossians (2:15). When General MacArthur met the Supreme Commander of the Japanese forces at the end of World War II, he took the sword out of his hand, declared victory and enforced the terms of unconditional surrender.
And that's what Jesus did for you at the cross. When He died and rose again He stripped the devil of his power and declared, '..."All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go", Matthew (28:18-19). Go in His power. Go in His strength. Go in His name. He has given you authority over the enemy - use it.
I have given you authority, to overcome the enemy... Luke (10:19)
Has Satan singled you out for attack? Are you wondering, 'Why would he even bother with someone like me?' The answer is - influence. Job's influence was a constant irritant to Satan. One day God said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him?' Job (1:8).
Shortly after that conversation Satan attacked Job's health, his children, his marriage and his business. You can't get God's attention without getting Satan's too! Whatever glorifies God, enrages our enemy. But you have the power to overcome him. Jesus said, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
I have given you authority - to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you' Luke (10:18-19). Notice, you haven't been called to defeat Satan; Jesus already did that 2,000 years ago. You have been called to enforce His defeat each day. Jesus already disarmed and made a public spectacle of him at the cross Colossians (2:15). When General MacArthur met the Supreme Commander of the Japanese forces at the end of World War II, he took the sword out of his hand, declared victory and enforced the terms of unconditional surrender.
And that's what Jesus did for you at the cross. When He died and rose again He stripped the devil of his power and declared, '..."All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go", Matthew (28:18-19). Go in His power. Go in His strength. Go in His name. He has given you authority over the enemy - use it.
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Cavalier Culture
There is a friend who
sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs (18:24)
A hurry-up lifestyle results in a throwaway culture. Things that should be lasting and meaningful are sacrificed on the altar of the temporary and superficial.
The major fallout in such a setting is the habit of viewing relationships casually. This cavalier attitude cripples society in various ways:
Friends walk away instead of work through.
Partnerships dissolve rather than solve.
Neighbors no longer visit and relax together.
The aged are resented, not honored.
Husbands and wives divorce rather than persevere.
Children are brushed aside rather than nourished.
Relationships! Never sell them short.
If we'll slow down the hurry-up lifestyle for a moment and pause to catch our breath, we'll realize the need to call a halt to our throwaway culture.
There is a friend who
sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs (18:24)
A hurry-up lifestyle results in a throwaway culture. Things that should be lasting and meaningful are sacrificed on the altar of the temporary and superficial.
The major fallout in such a setting is the habit of viewing relationships casually. This cavalier attitude cripples society in various ways:
Friends walk away instead of work through.
Partnerships dissolve rather than solve.
Neighbors no longer visit and relax together.
The aged are resented, not honored.
Husbands and wives divorce rather than persevere.
Children are brushed aside rather than nourished.
Relationships! Never sell them short.
If we'll slow down the hurry-up lifestyle for a moment and pause to catch our breath, we'll realize the need to call a halt to our throwaway culture.
Friday, 14 February 2014
Assurance In Trials
Romans (8:32-39)
We all experience hardship, and trials can shake us unless we cling to truth. Let me share three assurances to remember when troublesome circumstances arise.
First, God will always meet our needs. This doesn't mean He provides everything we want. Instead, the Lord will bless us with all that is necessary to fulfill His purpose for our lives. His goal is to sanctify us, not simply to satisfy each immediate desire.
Second, we're never alone. God promised to be with us always, Hebrews (13:5). Loneliness often accompanies hardship, so we may feel deserted or opposed by family and friends. But our Father has sent His Spirit to be with us and in us, until the day He brings us to heaven, John (14:16-17). He is all we need--our advocate, guide, helper, and comforter. Recognizing His intimate presence gives us confidence in the midst of trials.
Third, God's love is eternal. Regardless of our circumstances or poor decisions, His care is unconditional--even when He reprimands us. Loving parents allow disobedient children to experience the consequences of wrong choices; they recognize the benefit of learning from mistakes. Of course, there are also times when we are negatively affected by others' wrong actions. Even then, God is sovereign and allows only what will bring good in His followers' lives.
In difficult times, we can remember that God will meet all of our needs, is always with us, and loves us forever. Though Jesus said we would face troubles in this life, He offered encouragement: The ultimate victory is His. So keep in mind that trials are fleeting, whereas our Father's love is forever.
Yes be assured my friend's I really appreciate you".
Romans (8:32-39)
We all experience hardship, and trials can shake us unless we cling to truth. Let me share three assurances to remember when troublesome circumstances arise.
First, God will always meet our needs. This doesn't mean He provides everything we want. Instead, the Lord will bless us with all that is necessary to fulfill His purpose for our lives. His goal is to sanctify us, not simply to satisfy each immediate desire.
Second, we're never alone. God promised to be with us always, Hebrews (13:5). Loneliness often accompanies hardship, so we may feel deserted or opposed by family and friends. But our Father has sent His Spirit to be with us and in us, until the day He brings us to heaven, John (14:16-17). He is all we need--our advocate, guide, helper, and comforter. Recognizing His intimate presence gives us confidence in the midst of trials.
Third, God's love is eternal. Regardless of our circumstances or poor decisions, His care is unconditional--even when He reprimands us. Loving parents allow disobedient children to experience the consequences of wrong choices; they recognize the benefit of learning from mistakes. Of course, there are also times when we are negatively affected by others' wrong actions. Even then, God is sovereign and allows only what will bring good in His followers' lives.
In difficult times, we can remember that God will meet all of our needs, is always with us, and loves us forever. Though Jesus said we would face troubles in this life, He offered encouragement: The ultimate victory is His. So keep in mind that trials are fleeting, whereas our Father's love is forever.
Yes be assured my friend's I really appreciate you".
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
Times Of Warfare
Psalm (149:6-9)
This Psalm is not only a call to praise the Lord in times of blessing, and encouragement to praise Him in times of suffering, it's also a call to arms.
Praise the Lord in Times of Warfare
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
To execute vengeance on the nations
And punishment on the peoples,
To bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron,
To execute on them the judgment written;
This is an honor for all His godly ones.
Praise the LORD!
In verse 6, the people of God were told, in effect, "While you're singing praises, keep your sword ready!" This may be a word picture drawn from the days of Nehemiah, where the Jews rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem sang praise as they worked and maintained battle-readiness against marauders. The visual picture is a worker with a mason's trowel in one hand and a sword in the other. In other words, "Don't drop your defenses, don't become disheartened, and don't give up! Victory is inevitable for those who remain faithful."
In practical terms, the message is, "Stay faithful to the Word of God-the sword of the Spirit, Ephesians (6:17), the two-edged sword, Hebrews (4:12)." Sickness and suffering have a tendency to weaken our faith if we fail to feed our thoughts with God's Word. Praise, like a fragrant blossom, wilts quickly. The sufferer is encouraged to hold fast to the sword of truth-good counsel. This is one of the reasons a visit with those who are ill should include sharing a portion of the living Book, the Bible. It helps the sufferer keep a firm grip on the two-edged sword.
Psalm (149:7-9) these verses are the most difficult in the song to understand. It is important for us to interpret this psalm historically, with the believing Jew in mind. You see, the enemies of Israel were enemies of God, so Israel was trained to be a militant, aggressive force against wrong (and they still are!). Once they were given the land of Canaan, they were never permitted by God to conquer other lands, only to defend their own.
The land given to Abraham and his Hebrew descendants was considered holy ground, the territory owned by the kingdom of God. Therefore, invaders were subject to God's judgment. Consequently, He used Israel to "execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples" who desecrated the kingdom of God. This work of judgment was actually "written" (verse 9) in such passages as Deuteronomy (32:41–43), Joel 3, and Zechariah 14.
Practically, however, verses (7–9) exhort the Christian today to stand and fight against Satan and all his hosts of demons. Our warfare is not in the realm of the seen, but the unseen; not in the tangible realm of guns and bombs, but the spiritual realm of Satan's deception and sin's temptation. This is precisely what 2 Corinthians (10:3–5) is saying:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
So then, let us be just as aggressive and militant against our spiritual foe as Israel was against its national foes. After all, "this is an honor for all His godly ones" (149:9). To think that God would even allow us to be a part of His combat unit is an honor, indeed! May He be praised for equipping us for battle, empowering us for the fight, and encouraging us with the absolute promise of victory. Praise-less times are often times of demonic warfare, but the victory is ours!
Psalm (149:6-9)
This Psalm is not only a call to praise the Lord in times of blessing, and encouragement to praise Him in times of suffering, it's also a call to arms.
Praise the Lord in Times of Warfare
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
To execute vengeance on the nations
And punishment on the peoples,
To bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron,
To execute on them the judgment written;
This is an honor for all His godly ones.
Praise the LORD!
In verse 6, the people of God were told, in effect, "While you're singing praises, keep your sword ready!" This may be a word picture drawn from the days of Nehemiah, where the Jews rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem sang praise as they worked and maintained battle-readiness against marauders. The visual picture is a worker with a mason's trowel in one hand and a sword in the other. In other words, "Don't drop your defenses, don't become disheartened, and don't give up! Victory is inevitable for those who remain faithful."
In practical terms, the message is, "Stay faithful to the Word of God-the sword of the Spirit, Ephesians (6:17), the two-edged sword, Hebrews (4:12)." Sickness and suffering have a tendency to weaken our faith if we fail to feed our thoughts with God's Word. Praise, like a fragrant blossom, wilts quickly. The sufferer is encouraged to hold fast to the sword of truth-good counsel. This is one of the reasons a visit with those who are ill should include sharing a portion of the living Book, the Bible. It helps the sufferer keep a firm grip on the two-edged sword.
Psalm (149:7-9) these verses are the most difficult in the song to understand. It is important for us to interpret this psalm historically, with the believing Jew in mind. You see, the enemies of Israel were enemies of God, so Israel was trained to be a militant, aggressive force against wrong (and they still are!). Once they were given the land of Canaan, they were never permitted by God to conquer other lands, only to defend their own.
The land given to Abraham and his Hebrew descendants was considered holy ground, the territory owned by the kingdom of God. Therefore, invaders were subject to God's judgment. Consequently, He used Israel to "execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples" who desecrated the kingdom of God. This work of judgment was actually "written" (verse 9) in such passages as Deuteronomy (32:41–43), Joel 3, and Zechariah 14.
Practically, however, verses (7–9) exhort the Christian today to stand and fight against Satan and all his hosts of demons. Our warfare is not in the realm of the seen, but the unseen; not in the tangible realm of guns and bombs, but the spiritual realm of Satan's deception and sin's temptation. This is precisely what 2 Corinthians (10:3–5) is saying:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
So then, let us be just as aggressive and militant against our spiritual foe as Israel was against its national foes. After all, "this is an honor for all His godly ones" (149:9). To think that God would even allow us to be a part of His combat unit is an honor, indeed! May He be praised for equipping us for battle, empowering us for the fight, and encouraging us with the absolute promise of victory. Praise-less times are often times of demonic warfare, but the victory is ours!
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