We all have needs: physical, emotional and spiritual.
Some of us feel totally helpless. In today’s Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 hungry people with five loaves and two fishes. Do not forget that Jesus who fed the hungry will also see to your needs; trust Him more fully.
TODAY'S POINTERS ON GOD'S WORD
With the multiplication of loaves and fish, Jesus manifests the compassion and generosity of God as He feeds the multitudes that hunger for nourishment.
The materialistic and scientific world is filled with millions hungering for spiritual fulfillment. This is because our deepest longings can only be filled by God’s Spirit.
Let us pray for the grace to be more open to Gods’ abundant spiritual gifts that He so generously gives us daily.
Are we aware of our need for spiritual fulfillment?
Monday, July 31, 2006
When The Wall Gives Way
Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness.
Jeremiah 22:13
You can only hide your lack of integrity for so long. Eventually you'll experience failure, and whatever influence you've temporarily gained will be swept away. Hurricane Katrina taught us that.
When the storm came, the river embankments in New Orleans broke and the city went under.
You see, integrity is like a wall - erected one brick at a time. That's why it's crucial to take care of the little things. A lot of us don't understand that. We think we can do whatever we want when it comes to small things; we believe so long as we don't have any major lapses we're doing well. But that's not the way it works.
Webster's New International Unabridged Dictionary
describes integrity as adherence to moral and ethical principles, soundness of character, and honesty.
Ethical principles are not flexible.
A little white lie is still a lie.Theft is still theft, whether it's one dollar or one million.
The truth is, if you can't be trusted at all points you probably can't be trusted at any point.
Each time you break a moral principle you create a crack in the wall of your character, and when times get tough it becomes harder to act with integrity - not easier.
You see, character isn't created in a crisis; it just comes to light.
Everything you've done in the past, including the things you've neglected to do, comes to a head when you're under pressure.
One Christian leader writes, "Integrity commits itself to character over personal gain, people over things, service over power, discipline over impulse, commitment over convenience, and the long view over the immediate."
Jeremiah 22:13
You can only hide your lack of integrity for so long. Eventually you'll experience failure, and whatever influence you've temporarily gained will be swept away. Hurricane Katrina taught us that.
When the storm came, the river embankments in New Orleans broke and the city went under.
You see, integrity is like a wall - erected one brick at a time. That's why it's crucial to take care of the little things. A lot of us don't understand that. We think we can do whatever we want when it comes to small things; we believe so long as we don't have any major lapses we're doing well. But that's not the way it works.
Webster's New International Unabridged Dictionary
describes integrity as adherence to moral and ethical principles, soundness of character, and honesty.
Ethical principles are not flexible.
A little white lie is still a lie.Theft is still theft, whether it's one dollar or one million.
The truth is, if you can't be trusted at all points you probably can't be trusted at any point.
Each time you break a moral principle you create a crack in the wall of your character, and when times get tough it becomes harder to act with integrity - not easier.
You see, character isn't created in a crisis; it just comes to light.
Everything you've done in the past, including the things you've neglected to do, comes to a head when you're under pressure.
One Christian leader writes, "Integrity commits itself to character over personal gain, people over things, service over power, discipline over impulse, commitment over convenience, and the long view over the immediate."
Be Resolute
Blessed is the man...whose confidence is in Him.
Jeremiah 17:7
When you know you've heard from God, be resolute.
Things worth having never come easy. If you find yourself weakening, remind yourself thatGod has given you the grace to succeed at whatever He's called you to do!
This means being sensitive to His voice. God's voice isn't like ahammer pounding on your head; it's more like a gentle prompting within.
Paul says: "We serve...[under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit" ( Romans 7:6 ). Now you can ignore His promptings, disobey them, argue with them or even try to postpone them, but when you do that you end up stressed out.
How could it be otherwise? The word obedience can be a real turn-off. We think of God asking us for a whole bunch of money or sending us to some mission field. Get real! If you won't turn off your television and spend a few minutes with God each day, what makes you think He'd tell you to go to the mission field? Obeying God in little things, not big ones, is the key to learning how to be led by Him.
For example, when He prompts you not to say another word but you keep on talking - that's when you get into trouble, right?
God's Word says, "If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God...you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath" (Dt28:1&13 ).
The difference between being under the situation and on top of it lies in one word - obedience. Want to get on top of things? Do what God prompts you to, and be resolute about it!
Jeremiah 17:7
When you know you've heard from God, be resolute.
Things worth having never come easy. If you find yourself weakening, remind yourself thatGod has given you the grace to succeed at whatever He's called you to do!
This means being sensitive to His voice. God's voice isn't like ahammer pounding on your head; it's more like a gentle prompting within.
Paul says: "We serve...[under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit" ( Romans 7:6 ). Now you can ignore His promptings, disobey them, argue with them or even try to postpone them, but when you do that you end up stressed out.
How could it be otherwise? The word obedience can be a real turn-off. We think of God asking us for a whole bunch of money or sending us to some mission field. Get real! If you won't turn off your television and spend a few minutes with God each day, what makes you think He'd tell you to go to the mission field? Obeying God in little things, not big ones, is the key to learning how to be led by Him.
For example, when He prompts you not to say another word but you keep on talking - that's when you get into trouble, right?
God's Word says, "If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God...you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath" (Dt28:1&13 ).
The difference between being under the situation and on top of it lies in one word - obedience. Want to get on top of things? Do what God prompts you to, and be resolute about it!
Putting God's Kingdom First (2)
Seek...the Kingdom of God [above all else].
Matthew 6:33
As you read the following ten qualities ask yourself, "Are these things evident in my life today?
Am I developing these fruits so that I may been trusted with greater responsibility for the advancement of God's Kingdom?"
(1) Merciful and grace-giving. "God blesses those who are merciful."
"Stop judging others, and you will not be judged" (Mt 5:7; Mt 7:1 ).(
2) Reconciliatory. "If...a friend has something against you...go and apologise and be reconciled to Him" ( Matthew 5:23-24 ).
(3)Teachable. "Anyone who listens to My teaching and obeys Me is wise" (Matthew 7:24 ).
(5) Courageous. "Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves...don't be afraid" (Mt 10:16&26 ).
(6) Submitted."Anyone who does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother" ( Matthew 12:50 ).
(7) Surrendered. "If any of you wants to be My follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow Me" ( Matthew 16:24 ).
(8) Repentant."Unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven" ( Matthew 18:3 ).
(9) Humble."But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" ( Matthew 23:12 ).
(10) Servant-minded."But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be aleader among you must be your servant" ( Matthew 20:26-27 ).
If you're willing to make Jesus Lord of your life, make His Word the last word on all issues and seek the fullness of His Spirit - you can live this lifestyle too!
Matthew 6:33
As you read the following ten qualities ask yourself, "Are these things evident in my life today?
Am I developing these fruits so that I may been trusted with greater responsibility for the advancement of God's Kingdom?"
(1) Merciful and grace-giving. "God blesses those who are merciful."
"Stop judging others, and you will not be judged" (Mt 5:7; Mt 7:1 ).(
2) Reconciliatory. "If...a friend has something against you...go and apologise and be reconciled to Him" ( Matthew 5:23-24 ).
(3)Teachable. "Anyone who listens to My teaching and obeys Me is wise" (Matthew 7:24 ).
(5) Courageous. "Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves...don't be afraid" (Mt 10:16&26 ).
(6) Submitted."Anyone who does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother" ( Matthew 12:50 ).
(7) Surrendered. "If any of you wants to be My follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow Me" ( Matthew 16:24 ).
(8) Repentant."Unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven" ( Matthew 18:3 ).
(9) Humble."But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" ( Matthew 23:12 ).
(10) Servant-minded."But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be aleader among you must be your servant" ( Matthew 20:26-27 ).
If you're willing to make Jesus Lord of your life, make His Word the last word on all issues and seek the fullness of His Spirit - you can live this lifestyle too!
Putting God's Kingdom First (1)
Seek...the Kingdom of God [above all else].
Matthew 6:33
What does it mean to put God's Kingdom first in your life?
It means 12 things.
Read them carefully then ask, "How do I measure up?"
(1) Obedience to God. "Anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven" ( Matthew 5:19 ).
(2) Love. "Love your enemies... If you love only those who love you, what good is that?"(Mt 5:44,46 ).
(3) Justice. "God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice" ( Matthew 5:6 ).
(4) Peace. "God blesses those who work for peace" ( Matthew 5:9 ).
(5) Holy living. "Let your gooddeeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" ( Matthew 5:16 ).
(6) Integrity. "Just say a simple,'Yes, I will' or 'No, I won't'" ( Matthew 5:37 ).
(7) Generosity. When you give a gift to someone in need...give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you" (Mt 6:2,4 ).
(8)Spiritual wholeness. "Is anything worth more than your soul?" ( Matthew16:26 ).
(9) Biblical knowledge. "Your problem is that you don't know the Scriptures" ( Matthew 22:29 ).
(10) Faith in God. "If you had faith as small as a mustard seed...nothing would be impossible." "But with God, everything is possible." (Mt 17:20; Mt 19:26 ).
(11)Blessing people. Jesus not only taught this, but His constant healing of, training, and serving others demonstrated how to do it.
(12)Disciple-making. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19 ). According to Jesus that's the only agenda worth living for - and if necessary, dying for!
Matthew 6:33
What does it mean to put God's Kingdom first in your life?
It means 12 things.
Read them carefully then ask, "How do I measure up?"
(1) Obedience to God. "Anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven" ( Matthew 5:19 ).
(2) Love. "Love your enemies... If you love only those who love you, what good is that?"(Mt 5:44,46 ).
(3) Justice. "God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice" ( Matthew 5:6 ).
(4) Peace. "God blesses those who work for peace" ( Matthew 5:9 ).
(5) Holy living. "Let your gooddeeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father" ( Matthew 5:16 ).
(6) Integrity. "Just say a simple,'Yes, I will' or 'No, I won't'" ( Matthew 5:37 ).
(7) Generosity. When you give a gift to someone in need...give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you" (Mt 6:2,4 ).
(8)Spiritual wholeness. "Is anything worth more than your soul?" ( Matthew16:26 ).
(9) Biblical knowledge. "Your problem is that you don't know the Scriptures" ( Matthew 22:29 ).
(10) Faith in God. "If you had faith as small as a mustard seed...nothing would be impossible." "But with God, everything is possible." (Mt 17:20; Mt 19:26 ).
(11)Blessing people. Jesus not only taught this, but His constant healing of, training, and serving others demonstrated how to do it.
(12)Disciple-making. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19 ). According to Jesus that's the only agenda worth living for - and if necessary, dying for!
Sunday, July 30, 2006
You'll Get Through It!
In all these things we are more than conquerors.
Romans 8:37
Have you heard the story of the old farmer whose mule fell into a well?
Since there was no way to get him out the farmer decided to bury him there. But the mule had a different idea. Initially when the shovels of dirt began landing on him he became hysterical. Then this thought struck him;
"Just shake it off and step on it." So he did.
Hour after hour as the dirt fell on him he kept telling himself, "Just shake it off and step on it." No matter how much dirt they threw on him, he just kept shaking it off and stepping on it - until finally he stepped triumphantly out of the well.
Life will either bless you or bury you; the difference lies in having the right attitude. When they throw dirt on you, and they will, just shake it off and step on it. Use it as fertilizer and grow stronger.
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
What's important is not what others say about you - it's what you say to yourself after they get through talking!
Jesus said, "Offences will come" ( Luke 17:1), so expect them. People will take from you without giving back. They'll criticise you for simply rising above your beginnings. When you decide to seize the moment and move ahead, you'll leave others behind and some of them won't be too happy about it. The only way to avoid that is to do nothing and stay where you are. And that's simply not acceptable - is it?
Romans 8:37
Have you heard the story of the old farmer whose mule fell into a well?
Since there was no way to get him out the farmer decided to bury him there. But the mule had a different idea. Initially when the shovels of dirt began landing on him he became hysterical. Then this thought struck him;
"Just shake it off and step on it." So he did.
Hour after hour as the dirt fell on him he kept telling himself, "Just shake it off and step on it." No matter how much dirt they threw on him, he just kept shaking it off and stepping on it - until finally he stepped triumphantly out of the well.
Life will either bless you or bury you; the difference lies in having the right attitude. When they throw dirt on you, and they will, just shake it off and step on it. Use it as fertilizer and grow stronger.
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
What's important is not what others say about you - it's what you say to yourself after they get through talking!
Jesus said, "Offences will come" ( Luke 17:1), so expect them. People will take from you without giving back. They'll criticise you for simply rising above your beginnings. When you decide to seize the moment and move ahead, you'll leave others behind and some of them won't be too happy about it. The only way to avoid that is to do nothing and stay where you are. And that's simply not acceptable - is it?
Dealing With Our Guilt
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.
Acts 3:19
Whether by thought, word or deed, we all sin more than we care to admit.And there are three ways of dealing with it:
(1) Ignore it. Don't think about it; don't ask what damage lies back there; don't ask if there is mopping up to do. Bury yesterday in a flood of distracting experiences. Just keep on running. Perhaps the past won't have time to catch up withus.
(2) Accept the burden and get used to it. This means living with an increasing weight of guilt, recognising that life will get slower and slower as the burden gets greater and greater. That's a recipe for depression.
(3) Deal with it. A lot of us spend our lives apologising and feeling bad about our habits and hang-ups - but we never do anything about them! Repentance literally means "a change of direction." Jesus told the story of the Prodigal Son who squandered half of his father's wealth before making a total mess of his life. When he reached a point at which the pigs he tended were eating better than he was, he finally acknowledged that he was lost: "How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will...go back to my father and say to him: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you'" ( Luke 15:17-18). The father opened his heart and his arms and welcomed him back home. And God will do that for you too, if you'll just repent and return to Him.
Acts 3:19
Whether by thought, word or deed, we all sin more than we care to admit.And there are three ways of dealing with it:
(1) Ignore it. Don't think about it; don't ask what damage lies back there; don't ask if there is mopping up to do. Bury yesterday in a flood of distracting experiences. Just keep on running. Perhaps the past won't have time to catch up withus.
(2) Accept the burden and get used to it. This means living with an increasing weight of guilt, recognising that life will get slower and slower as the burden gets greater and greater. That's a recipe for depression.
(3) Deal with it. A lot of us spend our lives apologising and feeling bad about our habits and hang-ups - but we never do anything about them! Repentance literally means "a change of direction." Jesus told the story of the Prodigal Son who squandered half of his father's wealth before making a total mess of his life. When he reached a point at which the pigs he tended were eating better than he was, he finally acknowledged that he was lost: "How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will...go back to my father and say to him: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you'" ( Luke 15:17-18). The father opened his heart and his arms and welcomed him back home. And God will do that for you too, if you'll just repent and return to Him.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Workplace Contamination
Be prepared.
Ephesians 6:13
The "toxins" in our work environment can invade our attitudes, thoughts and behaviours. So, stay focused on the Spiritual battle that awaits you. Prepare for it each morning by putting on your armour.
What armour?
Listen: "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take...every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness,peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them...God's Word is an indispensable weapon...prayer is essential in this on going warfare...Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind" ( Ephesians 6:13-18 ).
Perhaps you'd like to pray the following prayer to get you started:
"Father, thank you for the blessings of my present job. As I suit up for work today, protect me, strengthen me, use me and bless me. Let me remain focused on You, allowing Your Word and Your presence to shield me from all contaminants such as pride, insensitivity, being short-tempered, and failure to show love. My worth comes from You, not my job, so I rest in the knowledge that You see all I do, and that my labour will not go unrewarded. Amen."
Ships sail on water, but if the water gets in even a battleship will sink. So, go through the waters of your work environment without allowing them to contaminate you. And be realistic in expecting what the job will deliver. Keep your focus on why you're there, Who sent you, Who sees you, and Who's preparing you for greater things.
Ephesians 6:13
The "toxins" in our work environment can invade our attitudes, thoughts and behaviours. So, stay focused on the Spiritual battle that awaits you. Prepare for it each morning by putting on your armour.
What armour?
Listen: "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take...every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness,peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them...God's Word is an indispensable weapon...prayer is essential in this on going warfare...Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind" ( Ephesians 6:13-18 ).
Perhaps you'd like to pray the following prayer to get you started:
"Father, thank you for the blessings of my present job. As I suit up for work today, protect me, strengthen me, use me and bless me. Let me remain focused on You, allowing Your Word and Your presence to shield me from all contaminants such as pride, insensitivity, being short-tempered, and failure to show love. My worth comes from You, not my job, so I rest in the knowledge that You see all I do, and that my labour will not go unrewarded. Amen."
Ships sail on water, but if the water gets in even a battleship will sink. So, go through the waters of your work environment without allowing them to contaminate you. And be realistic in expecting what the job will deliver. Keep your focus on why you're there, Who sent you, Who sees you, and Who's preparing you for greater things.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
The Need For Good Communication
I appeal to you...that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.
1 Corinthians 1:10
A guy walking down a street one day noticed a man struggling with a washing machine in the doorway of his home. When he volunteered to help the homeowner was overjoyed. After several minutes of fruitless struggle the man said to the homeowner, "We'll never get this washing machine in there."
To which the homeowner replied in amazement, "In? I'm trying to get it out!"
Cooperation is impossible without good communication. And that principle holds whether it's in your home, your business or your church. Never assume that anybody "knows" anything.
The truth is, some people are afraid to admit that they don't know, lest they be ridiculed. Others need more time and personal attention before they "get it."
If you're a fast-tracker with a diary and a short fuse people won't feel comfortable asking for your help. So, if the job's not getting done right, the problem could be your inability to communicate clearly and consistently rather than their inability to do the job properly.
Without clear communication two things happen:
(1) The right people get discouraged and quit, like one worker who complained, "I feel like I'm part of a mushroom farm; left completely in the dark and fed manure from time to time!"
(2) The wrong people become empowered, and chaos results. So, if there's strife and confusion where you live and work, rather than harmony and clear direction, go back and read Paul's thoughts on good communication:
"I appeal to you...that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."
1 Corinthians 1:10
A guy walking down a street one day noticed a man struggling with a washing machine in the doorway of his home. When he volunteered to help the homeowner was overjoyed. After several minutes of fruitless struggle the man said to the homeowner, "We'll never get this washing machine in there."
To which the homeowner replied in amazement, "In? I'm trying to get it out!"
Cooperation is impossible without good communication. And that principle holds whether it's in your home, your business or your church. Never assume that anybody "knows" anything.
The truth is, some people are afraid to admit that they don't know, lest they be ridiculed. Others need more time and personal attention before they "get it."
If you're a fast-tracker with a diary and a short fuse people won't feel comfortable asking for your help. So, if the job's not getting done right, the problem could be your inability to communicate clearly and consistently rather than their inability to do the job properly.
Without clear communication two things happen:
(1) The right people get discouraged and quit, like one worker who complained, "I feel like I'm part of a mushroom farm; left completely in the dark and fed manure from time to time!"
(2) The wrong people become empowered, and chaos results. So, if there's strife and confusion where you live and work, rather than harmony and clear direction, go back and read Paul's thoughts on good communication:
"I appeal to you...that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."
Money Matters
Fools spend whatever they get.
Proverbs 21:20 Proverbs
Rather than exercising financial discipline, the Bible says, "Fools spend whatever they get."
Here are some of their excuses:
(1) "I'm okay, I'm making ends meet." That's like saying you feel great carrying too much weight. Debt is putting a strain on you, whether you notice it or not. God says, "Pay all your debts" ( Romans 13:8), because when you're over-committed, one financial slip can spell disaster.
(2)"Interest rates are low, why worry?" Why? Because when rates increase -and they do - property values can decrease, and a hefty mortgage may mean owing more than your property is worth. Plus, when your debt-to-income ratio is too high it stops you from obtaining future credit.
(3) "I plan to work till I drop." What'll happen if you can't work? Instead of just working to pay off debt, put your money to work for you. The sooner you develop a wise investment strategy, the better." A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children" (Proverbs 13:22 ).
(4) "It's my partner's fault." Money can fuel your best dreams or your worst nightmares. It's the main reason couples argue, and the leading cause of divorce.
Solomon says, "There is treasure...in the dwelling of the wise." Freedom from financial pressure means that, instead of always arguing about money, you can plan how to allocate it.
So get on the same page, create a financial plan you can both live with - and involve God by honouring Him with a tithe of your income (Malachi 3:10). Having God's input on your investments and His blessing on your finances is the only way to go!
Proverbs 21:20 Proverbs
Rather than exercising financial discipline, the Bible says, "Fools spend whatever they get."
Here are some of their excuses:
(1) "I'm okay, I'm making ends meet." That's like saying you feel great carrying too much weight. Debt is putting a strain on you, whether you notice it or not. God says, "Pay all your debts" ( Romans 13:8), because when you're over-committed, one financial slip can spell disaster.
(2)"Interest rates are low, why worry?" Why? Because when rates increase -and they do - property values can decrease, and a hefty mortgage may mean owing more than your property is worth. Plus, when your debt-to-income ratio is too high it stops you from obtaining future credit.
(3) "I plan to work till I drop." What'll happen if you can't work? Instead of just working to pay off debt, put your money to work for you. The sooner you develop a wise investment strategy, the better." A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children" (Proverbs 13:22 ).
(4) "It's my partner's fault." Money can fuel your best dreams or your worst nightmares. It's the main reason couples argue, and the leading cause of divorce.
Solomon says, "There is treasure...in the dwelling of the wise." Freedom from financial pressure means that, instead of always arguing about money, you can plan how to allocate it.
So get on the same page, create a financial plan you can both live with - and involve God by honouring Him with a tithe of your income (Malachi 3:10). Having God's input on your investments and His blessing on your finances is the only way to go!
Stay In Touch
Pray all the time.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Finding time to pray every day will always be a challenge for you.That's because prayer is a learned behaviour; nobody ever "masters" it.
So:
(1) Start your day right. When you first wake up say, "Lord, thanks for giving me this day. Help me to rejoice and be glad in it." ( Psalm118:24).
Then, before other demands creep in, spend time in God's Word. Let it lead you into meditation, then praise.
One woman says she prays while she walks on her treadmill. She says, "I know those treadmill-prayers work because I've experienced the answers first-hand!"
(2) Tune in to visual clues. Use your daily activities as springboards to prayer. For example, whenever you meet somebody, silently ask God to bless them. When you're showering, pray, "Lord, give me a clean heart and a right attitude" (Psalm 51:10).
When your fellow workers act badly, pray, "Lord, make me an instrument of grace, a light where it's dark."
Are these rituals?
No!
It's how you "pray all the time."
(3)Devise ways to stay focused. Ever notice how your mind wanders the minute you start praying? If that's a problem try taking a note pad and jotting down the things that are distracting you. Once your mind is clear, say, "I'll get to that later" - then talk to God. And remember,God wants to talk to you too, so sit still and listen.
What He tells you will be more important than anything else you'll hear that day. With a little planning and some commitment, you can "pray all the time." But you have to want to.
Do you?
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Finding time to pray every day will always be a challenge for you.That's because prayer is a learned behaviour; nobody ever "masters" it.
So:
(1) Start your day right. When you first wake up say, "Lord, thanks for giving me this day. Help me to rejoice and be glad in it." ( Psalm118:24).
Then, before other demands creep in, spend time in God's Word. Let it lead you into meditation, then praise.
One woman says she prays while she walks on her treadmill. She says, "I know those treadmill-prayers work because I've experienced the answers first-hand!"
(2) Tune in to visual clues. Use your daily activities as springboards to prayer. For example, whenever you meet somebody, silently ask God to bless them. When you're showering, pray, "Lord, give me a clean heart and a right attitude" (Psalm 51:10).
When your fellow workers act badly, pray, "Lord, make me an instrument of grace, a light where it's dark."
Are these rituals?
No!
It's how you "pray all the time."
(3)Devise ways to stay focused. Ever notice how your mind wanders the minute you start praying? If that's a problem try taking a note pad and jotting down the things that are distracting you. Once your mind is clear, say, "I'll get to that later" - then talk to God. And remember,God wants to talk to you too, so sit still and listen.
What He tells you will be more important than anything else you'll hear that day. With a little planning and some commitment, you can "pray all the time." But you have to want to.
Do you?
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Guarding, Girding, Guiding
If anyone does not provide for...his...family, he...is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8 1
Parent, you've got three major responsibilities:
(1) Guarding your children: apart from safe guarding them Spiritually (television, the Internet, paedophiles, and peer groups), you need to look out for their total well-being. If they're struggling in school, you go and talk to their teachers. If a stranger comes to the door, you answer it. If you hear a noise during the night, you get up. This calls for being sensitive to their needs and sacrificing yourself for them.
(2) Girding(surrounding/strengthening) them: Paul says if you don't provide for your family you're "worse than an unbeliever." You need to provide them with food, shelter and clothing, as well as making sure your spouse has what he/she needs to do the job. Make your family feel secure by letting them know you're there for them.
(3) Guiding them: Solomon writes, "Train up a child in the way he should go" ( Proverbs 22:6). Lead your children into a greater understanding of God. Equip them for the future by teaching them to honour and love Him, His Word and His church. And involve them in your long-term planning. They won't have hope if you don't have a plan for something better in the future. For example, if you're struggling financially, tell them where you plan to be in 12months, in five years, and by the time they reach varsity age.
Guarding...girding...guiding...make that your motto. And one more thing, ask God to do the same for you, as you work to honour Him in the life of your family. Come on, parent, get serious about it!
1 Timothy 5:8 1
Parent, you've got three major responsibilities:
(1) Guarding your children: apart from safe guarding them Spiritually (television, the Internet, paedophiles, and peer groups), you need to look out for their total well-being. If they're struggling in school, you go and talk to their teachers. If a stranger comes to the door, you answer it. If you hear a noise during the night, you get up. This calls for being sensitive to their needs and sacrificing yourself for them.
(2) Girding(surrounding/strengthening) them: Paul says if you don't provide for your family you're "worse than an unbeliever." You need to provide them with food, shelter and clothing, as well as making sure your spouse has what he/she needs to do the job. Make your family feel secure by letting them know you're there for them.
(3) Guiding them: Solomon writes, "Train up a child in the way he should go" ( Proverbs 22:6). Lead your children into a greater understanding of God. Equip them for the future by teaching them to honour and love Him, His Word and His church. And involve them in your long-term planning. They won't have hope if you don't have a plan for something better in the future. For example, if you're struggling financially, tell them where you plan to be in 12months, in five years, and by the time they reach varsity age.
Guarding...girding...guiding...make that your motto. And one more thing, ask God to do the same for you, as you work to honour Him in the life of your family. Come on, parent, get serious about it!
Dealing With Your Fears!
Say to those who are fearful-hearted, 'Be strong.'
Isaiah 35:4
An elderly man was once asked what had stolen most of his life's joy. He replied, "Things that never happened! " Wow! Our fears are the worst liars in the world; we should never make decisions based on them. Instead we should:
(1) Tackle them head-on. David did: "When I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You" ( Psalm 56:3 ).
(2) Hang out with courageous people. Solomon said, "He who walks with the wise grows wise" ( Proverbs 13:20 ). Success rubs off; so does failure! Don't hang out with people who habitually cave in or play it safe. Hang out with courageous people. If you can't find any,read up on Bible characters like Daniel, Deborah, Esther and Peter.
(3)Go for it. Courage isn't optional; it's foundational. You need it to live each day for Jesus, build a better relationship with your spouse,expand your business, and tackle your bad habits. Today God says to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong." But you can't sit back and expect Him to do all the work. You've got to go for it!
Isaiah 35:4
An elderly man was once asked what had stolen most of his life's joy. He replied, "Things that never happened! " Wow! Our fears are the worst liars in the world; we should never make decisions based on them. Instead we should:
(1) Tackle them head-on. David did: "When I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You" ( Psalm 56:3 ).
(2) Hang out with courageous people. Solomon said, "He who walks with the wise grows wise" ( Proverbs 13:20 ). Success rubs off; so does failure! Don't hang out with people who habitually cave in or play it safe. Hang out with courageous people. If you can't find any,read up on Bible characters like Daniel, Deborah, Esther and Peter.
(3)Go for it. Courage isn't optional; it's foundational. You need it to live each day for Jesus, build a better relationship with your spouse,expand your business, and tackle your bad habits. Today God says to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong." But you can't sit back and expect Him to do all the work. You've got to go for it!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Repairing The Past
If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.
Luke 19:8
Zacchaeus discovered that you can't be right with God until you're first right with those you've hurt.
Joseph discovered that being Prime Minister doesn't mean much if your family relationships are strained.
Relationships are like a house. If you don't maintain it, your task won't be to repair it - it'll be to rebuild it.
We each carry within us the experience of our yesterdays. They influence our relationships, our choices, our view of ourselves, even our understanding of God. You can't live in a Spiritually healthy fashion if you have an unrepaired past.
For a long time Jacob lived that way. He took advantage of his brother Esau, manipulating him out of his inheritance. Then when things got bad between them he fled the country. When he returned home, he did so fearing the face of his brother. In his case the relationship was healed, but it doesn't always end that way.
Repairing the past is best done immediately.
Patching up wounded relationships, dealing with festering regrets, letting go of feelings toward someone who's betrayed you; these issues lie deep within us as if asleep.
Then suddenly they're awakened by some "trigger." It could be an anniversary, an old face inthe crowd or a particular song on the radio, but they don't go away until we deal with them.
How?
By forgiving, and when possible making restitution. You see, forgiveness isn't just for the other person's benefit - it's for yours.
Is there a relationship you need to repair today?
If so, take care of it!
Luke 19:8
Zacchaeus discovered that you can't be right with God until you're first right with those you've hurt.
Joseph discovered that being Prime Minister doesn't mean much if your family relationships are strained.
Relationships are like a house. If you don't maintain it, your task won't be to repair it - it'll be to rebuild it.
We each carry within us the experience of our yesterdays. They influence our relationships, our choices, our view of ourselves, even our understanding of God. You can't live in a Spiritually healthy fashion if you have an unrepaired past.
For a long time Jacob lived that way. He took advantage of his brother Esau, manipulating him out of his inheritance. Then when things got bad between them he fled the country. When he returned home, he did so fearing the face of his brother. In his case the relationship was healed, but it doesn't always end that way.
Repairing the past is best done immediately.
Patching up wounded relationships, dealing with festering regrets, letting go of feelings toward someone who's betrayed you; these issues lie deep within us as if asleep.
Then suddenly they're awakened by some "trigger." It could be an anniversary, an old face inthe crowd or a particular song on the radio, but they don't go away until we deal with them.
How?
By forgiving, and when possible making restitution. You see, forgiveness isn't just for the other person's benefit - it's for yours.
Is there a relationship you need to repair today?
If so, take care of it!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Father's Love Letter
Father's Love Letter
The Cry Of A Father's Heart
From Genesis To Revelation
My Child...
You may not know me, but I know everything about you ...
Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ...
Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ...
Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ...
Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ...
Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ...
Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ...
Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ...
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ...
Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ...
Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ...
Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ...
Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ...
Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ...
Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ...
John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love...
1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ...
1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father ...
1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ...
Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ...
Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ...
James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ...
Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ...
Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ...
Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ...
Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ...
Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ...
Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ...
Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ...
Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ...
Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ...
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ...
Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ...
Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ...
Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ...
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ...
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ...
Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ...
Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ...
Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ...
Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ...
John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ...
John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ...
Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ...
Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ..
.2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ...
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ...
1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ...
Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ...
1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ...
Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ...
Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father ...
Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is...Will you be my child? ...
John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ...
Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad. Almighty God
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