Friday, July 30, 2010
Take a step to speak out the truth………..
A woman stands before judge and jury, places one hand on the Bible and the other in the air, and makes a pledge. For the next few minutes, with God as her helper, she will “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” She is a witness. Her job is not to expand upon nor dilute the truth. Her job is to tell the truth. Leave it to the legal counsel to interpret. Leave it to the jury to resolve. Leave it to the judge to apply. But the witness, The witness speaks the truth. Let her do more or less and she taints the outcome. But let her do that - let her tell the truth- and justice has a chance. The Christian, too, is a witness. We, too, make a pledge. Like the witness in court, we are called to tell the truth. The bench may be absent and the judge unseen, but the Bible is present, the watching world is the jury, and we are the primary witnesses. We are subpoenaed by no less than Jesus himself: "You will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). And like witnesses in a court, we are called to testify, to tell what we have seen and heard. And we are to speak truthfully. Our task is not to whitewash nor bloat the truth, but to exactly speak out as it is. There is, however, one difference between the witness in court and the witness for Christ. The witness in court eventually steps down from the witness chair, but the witness for Christ never does. For the Christian, deception is never an option. It wasn't an option for Jesus. So, we should take a step to speak out the truth and be witnesses for Christ.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Living in the fish bowl
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord." ~ Colossians 3:23
Christians live in a fishbowl! Everyone who follows Christ is being watched at work, at school, at the marketplace, and in your glass house. You live in a fishbowl, and people are watching to see if your walk matches your talk. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that our lives should be lived on a deeper level of righteousness. He deals with the motives and attitudes of the heart. We're to live as salt and light. We're to have a lifestyle that gives a positive message to a watching world.
We're to be like Daniel, whose life was scrutinized, and they could not find any dishonesty or inconsistency! That is the heart of what Jesus is saying -- honesty and truth. Christians are to live by such a high standard of integrity that a simple "yes" is binding. I was involved in a business arrangement, recently, and I asked the other person what I needed to do to finalize the deal. His response, "your word is good enough for me." Others are watching the way you live, and will only be influenced by those they trust.
People are watching you! They are watching how you dress, how you take care of your home, how you take care of your lawn, and a whole host of things you do. They're watching you at work. They watch how you treat other people. They watch you and me, to see if we are being a good example of the God we claim to serve. We're not called to a life of mediocrity; we are set apart to be exceptional! Become an ambassador of excellence for Jesus Christ!
Christians live in a fishbowl! Everyone who follows Christ is being watched at work, at school, at the marketplace, and in your glass house. You live in a fishbowl, and people are watching to see if your walk matches your talk. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught that our lives should be lived on a deeper level of righteousness. He deals with the motives and attitudes of the heart. We're to live as salt and light. We're to have a lifestyle that gives a positive message to a watching world.
We're to be like Daniel, whose life was scrutinized, and they could not find any dishonesty or inconsistency! That is the heart of what Jesus is saying -- honesty and truth. Christians are to live by such a high standard of integrity that a simple "yes" is binding. I was involved in a business arrangement, recently, and I asked the other person what I needed to do to finalize the deal. His response, "your word is good enough for me." Others are watching the way you live, and will only be influenced by those they trust.
People are watching you! They are watching how you dress, how you take care of your home, how you take care of your lawn, and a whole host of things you do. They're watching you at work. They watch how you treat other people. They watch you and me, to see if we are being a good example of the God we claim to serve. We're not called to a life of mediocrity; we are set apart to be exceptional! Become an ambassador of excellence for Jesus Christ!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Plans to Prosper
but your sorrow will be turned into joy
(John 16:20)
Dear Friend! Our loving God says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). It is God’s desire to grant you His divine peace and make you happy (John 14:27). He has unconditional love for you and wants your soul to be prosperous always (3 John 2).
A certain sister met me in person and shared with me all her experiences. Once it so happened that suddenly both her legs were swollen. When she sought medical help, the doctor remarked, “There is fluid in your legs. It has to be sucked out by a needle”. Following this, she visited the hospital everyday for treatment. There was none to help her. She had two small children. She had to get her children ready for school, drop them at school, bring them back and also cook for them. On account of the problem in her legs she could neither stand nor walk. Somehow she dragged herself inside the house and did all the work.
Although her children wanted to help their mother they could not do anything as they were very small. Her condition became worse. One day they were watching the Jesus Calls TV program. That day while I offered prayers in that program I said, “Oh Lord, please heal those who are suffering with swelling in their legs”. She felt as if that prayer was meant only for her. When I prayed she was in her bed unable to move or lift her legs.
After the prayer the Holy Spirit descended on her and lifted her up from the bed. Realizing the change that has come into her body she tried to stand on her legs. At that moment a new strength surged into her. Immediately after that prayer she began to walk and started doing all the household work cheerfully with divine joy and peace enveloping her heart.
The Bible says, “From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory” (Isaiah 59:19). “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Romans 16:20). Therefore, be of good cheer! The Lord shall certainly perform a miracle for you. Are you troubled by your own family members? Today the Holy Spirit shall descend upon them also. They may be your children or your spouse, whoever they may be, the Lord of peace shall descend upon them. The plan of God which He has for you is a plan of peace to prosper your soul. On this wonderful day, my friend, please place your trust on Him without any reservation.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus Christ,
You who guard and guide my ways, I come to Your throne of grace not considering my good works but In Your sheer mercy. I approach You as one having been blessed with the privilege of being able to call You “Abba Father”. I fall prostrate at Your feet on this day and ask You to cleanse me of my sins. Let my sins not be a barrier in my communion with You. May all my thoughts, words and deeds be pleasing in Your sight. Help me to receive Your favour and be protected under Your mighty wings.
In Your precious and matchless name I pray.
Amen.
(John 16:20)
Dear Friend! Our loving God says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). It is God’s desire to grant you His divine peace and make you happy (John 14:27). He has unconditional love for you and wants your soul to be prosperous always (3 John 2).
A certain sister met me in person and shared with me all her experiences. Once it so happened that suddenly both her legs were swollen. When she sought medical help, the doctor remarked, “There is fluid in your legs. It has to be sucked out by a needle”. Following this, she visited the hospital everyday for treatment. There was none to help her. She had two small children. She had to get her children ready for school, drop them at school, bring them back and also cook for them. On account of the problem in her legs she could neither stand nor walk. Somehow she dragged herself inside the house and did all the work.
Although her children wanted to help their mother they could not do anything as they were very small. Her condition became worse. One day they were watching the Jesus Calls TV program. That day while I offered prayers in that program I said, “Oh Lord, please heal those who are suffering with swelling in their legs”. She felt as if that prayer was meant only for her. When I prayed she was in her bed unable to move or lift her legs.
After the prayer the Holy Spirit descended on her and lifted her up from the bed. Realizing the change that has come into her body she tried to stand on her legs. At that moment a new strength surged into her. Immediately after that prayer she began to walk and started doing all the household work cheerfully with divine joy and peace enveloping her heart.
The Bible says, “From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory” (Isaiah 59:19). “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Romans 16:20). Therefore, be of good cheer! The Lord shall certainly perform a miracle for you. Are you troubled by your own family members? Today the Holy Spirit shall descend upon them also. They may be your children or your spouse, whoever they may be, the Lord of peace shall descend upon them. The plan of God which He has for you is a plan of peace to prosper your soul. On this wonderful day, my friend, please place your trust on Him without any reservation.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus Christ,
You who guard and guide my ways, I come to Your throne of grace not considering my good works but In Your sheer mercy. I approach You as one having been blessed with the privilege of being able to call You “Abba Father”. I fall prostrate at Your feet on this day and ask You to cleanse me of my sins. Let my sins not be a barrier in my communion with You. May all my thoughts, words and deeds be pleasing in Your sight. Help me to receive Your favour and be protected under Your mighty wings.
In Your precious and matchless name I pray.
Amen.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Know about Psalm 23rd
A Sunday school teacher asked her children if anyone could quote the entire 23rd Psalm. A golden-haired, four-and-a-half-year-old girl was among those who raised their hands. A bit skeptical, the teacher asked if she could really quote the entire psalm. The little girl came to the front of the room, faced the class, made a perky little bow, and said, "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want" She bowed again and went and sat down. That may well be the greatest interpretation of the 23rd Psalm ever heard. King David, himself a former shepherd, begins this Psalm with, "The Lord is my shepherd, immediately putting himself as a sheep in the care of Jesus Christ (who is the same being as the Lord of the Old Testament-see John 1:1-3, 14 and Heb. 1:2). This analogy of Christ as a shepherd and His chosen ones as sheep, is reinforced in several scriptures, especially in John 10, John 21:15-17 and Hebrews 13:20. The shepherd is the provider and protector of his flock. The sheep are helpless without him. Similarly, human existence is a sinful, carnal experience without God in our lives (John 5:30; Rom. 8:6-11). Continuing with, "I shall not want," David indicates here that as a sheep in Christ's care, he was confident that he would lack nothing. This sentiment is repeated in Psalms 34:9-10, and clearly indicates David's understanding in regards to putting God and God's way first in his life (see Matthew 6:25-34). He goes on to write, "He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters." Both the "green pastures" and "still waters" indicate a blessed abundance, further illustrating the benefits of a God-led life. Friends that little girl's words are true, "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want."
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
AMTHE VICTORIOUS WALK
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
(2 Timothy 3:12)
Everyone born in this world live with their own characteristic attitudes that are different one from another including one’s spiritual life. Nevertheless, whatever be the state of affairs of everyone, difficulties faced in passing a single day cannot be expressed.
Those who wallow in poverty lament, “When shall my plight change?” Some of those who are caught up in problems relating to family life say with tears, “Is there a way for my life to blossom?” When we think about such sufferings, the question that arises in our mind is that, “Why did I enter this world?’
But Paul the Apostle who was chosen by God triumphed over all afflictions in this world uttered as follows: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4: 7, 8).
He also writes to Timothy his son begotten in Jesus Christ who ministered with Him the following so that we too can triumph over all our problems in this world. “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11, 12).
Leading a true Christian life is definitely difficult. Probably those who lead a worldly life with the aim of “Let us eat, drink and die,” seem to have an easy life. But those who would like to live as true servants of Christ shall certainly go through trials and temptations.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Paul the Apostle has clearly explained as to how we can overcome all our struggles and walk victoriously in our life so that we can wear the crown of righteousness and live in the presence of God forever and ever more.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus Christ,
I confess that if in this life only I have hope in You, I am of all men the most pitiable. You have risen to give me the hope that in You all shall be made alive. You have promised to abide with me always until the end of ages. I praise You with all my heart, strength, mind and body. You alone are the way, the truth, the life and the resurrection. On this day, give me the grace to run the race which you have granted into my hands with all patience. Please make Your divine light shine upon me and bless me.
Amen.
(2 Timothy 3:12)
Everyone born in this world live with their own characteristic attitudes that are different one from another including one’s spiritual life. Nevertheless, whatever be the state of affairs of everyone, difficulties faced in passing a single day cannot be expressed.
Those who wallow in poverty lament, “When shall my plight change?” Some of those who are caught up in problems relating to family life say with tears, “Is there a way for my life to blossom?” When we think about such sufferings, the question that arises in our mind is that, “Why did I enter this world?’
But Paul the Apostle who was chosen by God triumphed over all afflictions in this world uttered as follows: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4: 7, 8).
He also writes to Timothy his son begotten in Jesus Christ who ministered with Him the following so that we too can triumph over all our problems in this world. “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11, 12).
Leading a true Christian life is definitely difficult. Probably those who lead a worldly life with the aim of “Let us eat, drink and die,” seem to have an easy life. But those who would like to live as true servants of Christ shall certainly go through trials and temptations.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Paul the Apostle has clearly explained as to how we can overcome all our struggles and walk victoriously in our life so that we can wear the crown of righteousness and live in the presence of God forever and ever more.
Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus Christ,
I confess that if in this life only I have hope in You, I am of all men the most pitiable. You have risen to give me the hope that in You all shall be made alive. You have promised to abide with me always until the end of ages. I praise You with all my heart, strength, mind and body. You alone are the way, the truth, the life and the resurrection. On this day, give me the grace to run the race which you have granted into my hands with all patience. Please make Your divine light shine upon me and bless me.
Amen.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Change your environment……….
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Are you happy?
The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17)
Dear Friend! The awesome, mighty, incomparable, victorious and compassionate God who has the power to save you is with you on this day. He is not just sitting down somewhere far way in heaven but He is in the midst of you and is approachable always. “The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness” (Zephaniah 3:17). He is surrounded by light (1 Timothy 6:16).
Normally no man can enter into His presence. However, our loving Lord Jesus Christ says that He can take us to the Father. Therefore, Jesus Christ says, “My dear children! Ask anything in My name and I will give it to you.” It is for this reason that whenever we make our supplications to our heavenly Father we offer it in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ one can enter into the presence of the Almighty God. “…For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people… I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6: 16, 18). Definitely this is a blessed privilege.
"But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people.” (Jeremiah 7:23). The Lord longs to walk and dwell with us as a mighty God to pull you out of all your troubles. What does He do? He rejoices over you with gladness. God is glad upon seeing us happy.
Therefore, for God to rejoice, He is going to bless you on this day. God dislikes seeing you weep. When my sister Angel passed away we wept. One day the Lord spoke to us through the Holy Spirit. He told, “My children! I am also crying with you. Don’t think that I am hard-hearted. If I were to explain the reason as to why I allowed this, you will not understand. At the right time you will understand it. You must understand that now I am weeping with you.” Truly, He weeps along with us when we weep.
Jesus Christ rejoiced upon seeing the overwhelming happiness on the faces of Martha and Mary even as they embraced Lazarus. He rejoiced in the banquet that ensued to celebrate the resurrection of Lazarus. This is the wonderful heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. He wants to rejoice seeing you glad. It is for this purpose that
Jesus Christ has suffered on the cross at Calvary. He has destroyed the powers of sorrows, sickness and sin.
Today when you cry out to Him, “Lord! Save me from sin, sickness and devil” He descends as a mighty God in your midst to deliver you. He rejoices over you with gladness.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
I confess that You are with me as a mighty warrior and rejoice when I am happy. Just as how apostle Paul stated, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ help me also to place my trust in You to be strengthened always. May I be strengthened to do whatever my hand finds to do, with all my might never growing weary in doing good just as how Jesus Christ sojourned on this earth being anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for You are with Him. Grant me also the anointing of the Holy Spirit is a similar measure that I may be strengthened to do good works throughout my life. Help me to watch and pray. I trust that Your only begotten Son is the Bread of Life and He shed His blood to cleanse me of my sins. On this day, may the joy of the Lord be my strength.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Amen.
http://www.jesuscalls.org/
He will rejoice over you with singing."
(Zephaniah 3:17)
Dear Friend! The awesome, mighty, incomparable, victorious and compassionate God who has the power to save you is with you on this day. He is not just sitting down somewhere far way in heaven but He is in the midst of you and is approachable always. “The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness” (Zephaniah 3:17). He is surrounded by light (1 Timothy 6:16).
Normally no man can enter into His presence. However, our loving Lord Jesus Christ says that He can take us to the Father. Therefore, Jesus Christ says, “My dear children! Ask anything in My name and I will give it to you.” It is for this reason that whenever we make our supplications to our heavenly Father we offer it in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ one can enter into the presence of the Almighty God. “…For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people… I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6: 16, 18). Definitely this is a blessed privilege.
"But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people.” (Jeremiah 7:23). The Lord longs to walk and dwell with us as a mighty God to pull you out of all your troubles. What does He do? He rejoices over you with gladness. God is glad upon seeing us happy.
Therefore, for God to rejoice, He is going to bless you on this day. God dislikes seeing you weep. When my sister Angel passed away we wept. One day the Lord spoke to us through the Holy Spirit. He told, “My children! I am also crying with you. Don’t think that I am hard-hearted. If I were to explain the reason as to why I allowed this, you will not understand. At the right time you will understand it. You must understand that now I am weeping with you.” Truly, He weeps along with us when we weep.
Jesus Christ rejoiced upon seeing the overwhelming happiness on the faces of Martha and Mary even as they embraced Lazarus. He rejoiced in the banquet that ensued to celebrate the resurrection of Lazarus. This is the wonderful heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. He wants to rejoice seeing you glad. It is for this purpose that
Jesus Christ has suffered on the cross at Calvary. He has destroyed the powers of sorrows, sickness and sin.
Today when you cry out to Him, “Lord! Save me from sin, sickness and devil” He descends as a mighty God in your midst to deliver you. He rejoices over you with gladness.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
I confess that You are with me as a mighty warrior and rejoice when I am happy. Just as how apostle Paul stated, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ help me also to place my trust in You to be strengthened always. May I be strengthened to do whatever my hand finds to do, with all my might never growing weary in doing good just as how Jesus Christ sojourned on this earth being anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for You are with Him. Grant me also the anointing of the Holy Spirit is a similar measure that I may be strengthened to do good works throughout my life. Help me to watch and pray. I trust that Your only begotten Son is the Bread of Life and He shed His blood to cleanse me of my sins. On this day, may the joy of the Lord be my strength.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Amen.
http://www.jesuscalls.org/
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