Being in the KING’S service 10th July 11
1 Tim 1:1-17
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,
2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia --- remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,
7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully,
9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,
11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Living a life that really matters
*Q. What do you think is a life that really matters?
*Q. Do you agree that most people think it is the kind of jobs they have?
In 1 Timothy Paul the aged Apostle was writing to Timothy who was left in Ephesus to establish the church that has already been started. Paul here writes of the most important matter – God’s love for His church and His will through His church.
To live a life that really matters is to be in the King’s service
From this passage we see a few vital things about being in the King’s service.
We are to:-
· Obey HIS commands – His command is not a suggestion or advice to us
· Receive HIS grace, mercy & peace –Paul obtained mercy and received His exceedingly abundant grace. Timothy need to receive and so does all of us
· Learn and teach HIS doctrine soundly – we are to stop wrong teachings, not to be deceived or be distracted from the truth
· Know HIS heart – LOVE – love the Lord will all our hearts, souls, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves
· Be faithful to HIS mission to bring the Glorious Gospel of Grace and Truth to the lost
We see here that Paul was constantly before the throne of God, the throne of grace to OBTAIN MERCY and find GRACE to help!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Reigning under the King's authority
Living a life that really matters – Reigning under the King’s authority
Read 1 Tim 1: 17- 2:15
Introduction
The greatest privilege in life is to be in THE KINGS’S service.
Being in the King’s service is to serve the King in His Kingdom with His authority. The reality of being in God’s Kingdom is that there are enemies to the King. There is a kingdom called the kingdom of darkness where satan is “king”. And we are in a war, a spiritual battle against him. The good news is that satan has already been defeated by King Jesus. However he uses lies, deception, fear, pride and temptations to defeat man. When men believe his lies, fall into his temptation; they defeat themselves. The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy lives with his deceptions. We are to follow our victorious King to destroy the works of the devil, to save lives, to make disciples, to shine His light and dispel darkness.
1:18-20
Timothy was charged to wage a good warfare having faith and a good conscience according to the prophecies given.
“We are in a war”
· Comment on this statement.
· Share how conscious you are that we are in a spiritual war.
· Share what you see in this war that is taking place now e.g. the fight that is going on, casualties etc.
· Can you think of the weapons the devil is using in this war? Name them.
· One of the battlefields is the MOUTH – i.e. what we say. Have you been wounded by what people say? What are some words that we should not say? 2 Tim 2:16-17, Eph 4:29
· What are words that we should consciously and constantly say to win in the war?
Prophecies are always in line with God’s written Word. They are words that the Holy Spirit takes from the Word of God and declares to us and we are to believe them and hold fast to them and obey them till it is fulfilled.
There are just 3 main things we are to do in this war for victory.
1. Hear the Word
2. Pray the Word
3. Obey the Word
Our King wants His subjects, men and women to fight in this war in unity. In doing so we will be used of Him to extend His Kingdom reign.
God wants men to be victorious in prayer.
· Share on the strengths and weaknesses of men.
· Share why it is so important for men to pray and do God’s will.
· What are some of men’s greatest temptations?
God wants women to be victorious in His love and security.
· Share on the strengths and weaknesses of women.
· Share what women should do to be even more effective for God.
· What are some of women’s greatest temptations?
God wants us all to be victorious under His Divine order.
Women are to respect God’s order of authority, have a submissive spirit and to serve under authority. In this way they can teach/preach the Word. When Paul says that he does not permit women to teach or to have authority over a man, it was in the context of the church then and was a temporary instruction and not a permanent rule.
Conclusion
Men and women need to understand how God made us differently and dwell together in unity. Then we can be effective and mighty soldiers in His army that will fight victoriously to extend God’s Kingdom territories in our lives, our families, our community and nation.
Read 1 Tim 1: 17- 2:15
Introduction
The greatest privilege in life is to be in THE KINGS’S service.
Being in the King’s service is to serve the King in His Kingdom with His authority. The reality of being in God’s Kingdom is that there are enemies to the King. There is a kingdom called the kingdom of darkness where satan is “king”. And we are in a war, a spiritual battle against him. The good news is that satan has already been defeated by King Jesus. However he uses lies, deception, fear, pride and temptations to defeat man. When men believe his lies, fall into his temptation; they defeat themselves. The devil is out to steal, kill and destroy lives with his deceptions. We are to follow our victorious King to destroy the works of the devil, to save lives, to make disciples, to shine His light and dispel darkness.
1:18-20
Timothy was charged to wage a good warfare having faith and a good conscience according to the prophecies given.
“We are in a war”
· Comment on this statement.
· Share how conscious you are that we are in a spiritual war.
· Share what you see in this war that is taking place now e.g. the fight that is going on, casualties etc.
· Can you think of the weapons the devil is using in this war? Name them.
· One of the battlefields is the MOUTH – i.e. what we say. Have you been wounded by what people say? What are some words that we should not say? 2 Tim 2:16-17, Eph 4:29
· What are words that we should consciously and constantly say to win in the war?
Prophecies are always in line with God’s written Word. They are words that the Holy Spirit takes from the Word of God and declares to us and we are to believe them and hold fast to them and obey them till it is fulfilled.
There are just 3 main things we are to do in this war for victory.
1. Hear the Word
2. Pray the Word
3. Obey the Word
Our King wants His subjects, men and women to fight in this war in unity. In doing so we will be used of Him to extend His Kingdom reign.
God wants men to be victorious in prayer.
· Share on the strengths and weaknesses of men.
· Share why it is so important for men to pray and do God’s will.
· What are some of men’s greatest temptations?
God wants women to be victorious in His love and security.
· Share on the strengths and weaknesses of women.
· Share what women should do to be even more effective for God.
· What are some of women’s greatest temptations?
God wants us all to be victorious under His Divine order.
Women are to respect God’s order of authority, have a submissive spirit and to serve under authority. In this way they can teach/preach the Word. When Paul says that he does not permit women to teach or to have authority over a man, it was in the context of the church then and was a temporary instruction and not a permanent rule.
Conclusion
Men and women need to understand how God made us differently and dwell together in unity. Then we can be effective and mighty soldiers in His army that will fight victoriously to extend God’s Kingdom territories in our lives, our families, our community and nation.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Love that disciplines
CORRECTION or DISCIPLINE is part of God’s love for us. God wants us to grow from glory to glory, to become more and more like Jesus. We are not perfect yet, but we are being perfected.
Discussion Questions
The 10 letter word for LOVE is DISCIPLINE
Correction or Discipline can come through God’s Word
By allowing it to correct & set things right - 2 Tim 3:16 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
By allowing it to renew our mind
God’s People speaking the truth in love - Eph 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ
Without Correction we will not grow up or grow mature to become a greater testimony and witness for Jesus. This aspect of loving by correcting or discipline is what needs to be developed.
Read Heb 12:1-15 We are called to endure God’s discipline by looking at the great example of Jesus. Through His great work on the cross grace is provided for us.
Read through the verses carefully together and answer the questions below:
1. How did Jesus endure the cross and its shame, and faced the hostility of sinners?
For the JOY that was set before Him v 2
2. Who will be disciplined by God?
a. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves v 6
b. Only His children will partake of His discipline v 7
3. What are the purposes of God’s discipline?
a. For our good v 10
b. To make us holy like Him v 10
c. Painful at first but will bring forth fruits of righteousness v 11
d. Training for us v 11
e. Heal us v 13
4. How should we behave when disciplined?
a. Don’t despise it (take lightly) or be discouraged by it but WELCOME it as God’s love v 5
b. Remember Jesus in it v 2
c. Submit ourselves to the Father’s discipline and live v 9
d. Endure it as His training
e. Don’t be feeble but be strong v 12
f. Be at peace with everyone and live a holy life v 14
g. Receive grace of God for it v 15
h. Benefit from it
i. Rejoice in it.
Don’t fall from grace or allow root of bitterness to spring up v 15
Discussion Questions
1. Share your personal experiences of giving discipline and receiving discipline.
Was it easy or difficult and share the reasons why?
How does God normally discipline you?
Are you open to people’s correction?
Would you give permission for your leaders or trusted friends to speak truth into your lives?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Everything for the Gospel
- We were very blessed with the ministry of Sister Lata from India when she preached in our prayer meeting last night and also in the other meetings. What encouraged us most is her uncompromising, bold, courageous, tenacious, childlike great faith in the Lord and His promises.
- She shared that she received news from her family that her 79 years old mother was dying of cancer. They requested her to immediately return home as the doctor said that she only has 2 weeks to live. She was very angry with the devil and she took her stand and declared that her mother will not die of cancer. She ministered to her mother and she was delievered from unforgiveness and was instantly healed of cancer. Her countenance changed immediately and joy radiated from her. The doctor was adamant that it was impossible and ran a series of test on her and found no trace of cancer left! Halelujah! Because of this miracle many came to the Lord and were saved.
- Sister Lata also had many other adventurous and "troublesome" experiences with the Lord which all turned our for the good of the furtherance of the Gospel. The experiences include being in a lock up in the immigration office for 24 hours which eventually led to the main officer in charge coming to the Lord. The healing of a Hindu lady of cancer which led to the salvation of her whole family. And many more.
- Phil 1: 12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel
- Truly we have the life and authority of the resurrected Lord living inside of us. Greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world.
- Some powerful quotes from her messages:-
- The touch of Jesus is more powerful than any chemotherapy!
- Let Jesus touch you before the surgeon touch you.
- What matters to you matters to The Lord!
- Live a life that is "troublesome" for Jesus!
- Don't live a pathetic life - live a powerful life!
- The devil is a coward! The devil is scared of us!
- Only one life to live - live it to spread the Gospel - this is the most important!
- Great is HE in us!
- Greater things He will do in and through us!
- New things He will do in us and through us!
- God is always doing new things. His mercies are new every morning. Sing a new song to Him! We are new creation in Christ!
- We ought to have new testimonies everyday!
- Wherever you are, you RULE in His name!
- Only when you have His Word in your heart will you have power.
- If His Word is not in your heart you will be shaken and you will worry. You will forget that He is with you.
- Only when His Word is in your heart will you have peace and be able to hear His voice and guidance. Then you will have victory as you obey His voice.
- Only when we use our spiritual senses will we be strong. If we don't use it we will grow weak and powerless.
- Don't let our spiritual muscles grow weak. Pray, prophesy, worship, praise, give thanks, speak faith, love, listen and obey etc.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Loving and Correcting
Love is the greatest. We are commanded to love God and love people. We are exhorted to MAKE LOVE OUR HIGHEST GOAL (1 Cor 14:1 NLT). When we love we become the light that shines in the dark, salt that stops decay or corruption. We become a testimony to God who is love.
- John Townsend has a simple definition of love:- Seeking and doing the best for another
- When we say God loves us, God is….seeking and doing what is best for us, that help us connect, grow and heal
The LOVE of God:
We love because God first loved us. The love of God is shown in the cross of Jesus. (1 John 4:9-10)
From His cross flows His love that is able to do 2 things for us:
- 1. The Power to HEAL the offended (wounded) & to make whole
- 2. The Power to FORGIVE the offender & Power of RIGHTEOUSNESS
This is tied to 2 aspects of Love:
- 1. CARING for those who are wounded, who got hurt by others or are offended. We care and bring to them the grace of Jesus to heal their wounds and make them whole.
- 2. CORRECTING those who sin against others, who need repentance, to change, to grow into Christ-likeness, to be mature and righteous
The CORRECTING aspect of love is just as important as CARING. Without correcting in love that brings discipline (discipleship is just this) and change into Christlikeness, we will not grow up or grow mature to become a greater testimony and witness for Jesus. This aspect of loving by correcting or discipline is what needs to be developed.
There are 3 AREAS we can help DISCIPLE each other:
- BEHAVIOUR – e.g. always late, never volunteer to help, spend too much money, control others by intimidation, drink too much, drive too fast
- SPEECH – e.g. critical words, silence & passivity, laughing at people’s mistakes, inability to share personal matters
- ATTITUDES – ways we look at life and relationships; e.g. pride – look down on others, laziness, blaming others for problems, too hard on oneself, being negative about everything
“Wrong” Love”
Often in the name of love we have actually made things worse for the one we love. E.g. the story of a 16 year old who was “spoilt” by parents who in the name of love gave him everything he wanted, gave in to all his demands and had no discipline for him or boundaries for his life. This boy now just plays computer at home, refuses to go to school or even go out of his room. If someone from young always gets what he wants – he is being “trained” to be selfish and lustful. He is just sowing to his flesh and his flesh just gets stronger and stronger, and he will reap corruption which will lead to destruction (Gal 6:8).
Some forms of “Wrong” Love
- Carry the burdens of those who don’t want to carry their own burdens Gal 6:5
- Helping people who refuse to help themselves
- Giving handouts that robs people of their dignity Gen 47:25
- Giving in to manipulation of guilt, tears, etc.
- Giving in to control of anger, intimidation, threats, etc
Discipline from Proverbs
- He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. Prov 13: 24
- Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him. Prov 22:15
- Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod, And deliver his soul from hell. Prov 23:13-14
- The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. Prov 29:15,17
Questions to ask yourself:-
- What is your highest goal or aim in life?
- For those who are parents, what is your highest goal for your children?
- Do you agree that the ‘correction’ aspect of love is important?
- Do you struggle to bring correction to fellow brothers and sisters?
- What are some of the struggles?
- How often do you have a self examination on your personal behaviour, speech and attitude?
- Are you open to correction that seeks to help you mature in Christ?
- How do you feel when someone brings out your faults or mistakes or blind spots in life?
- What attitude should we have towards correction?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Set The LORD Always Before You
I have set the LORD always before me;Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Ps 16:8 NKJV
I am always aware of the LORD's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. Ps 16:8 GNB
The Psalmist says that he will not be shaken because the LORD is at his right hand. How can the Lord be at his right hand? HE can because the psalmist has set HIM always before him. To set the LORD always before us is to BE CONSTANTLY IN HIS PRESENCE.
Indeed the Lord has promised that HE will never leave us nor forsake us. He is Emmanuel, God with us! Because He is with us, we will not be shaken. Not only that but we will have His peace, His providence, protection, power and prosperity. Joseph can testify to that. Gen 39:2-3 reads, “The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.”
Whatever the Lord wants us to do; He has first done it for us or given it to us.We love because He first loved us.We can come to Him because He first came to us.We can set the Lord before us because He first set us before Him.
Heb 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What is this joy that is set before Him? It is the multitudes of all nations, tribes and peoples who trust in Him for salvation. We, believers in Jesus, are the joy that was set before Him. He was willing to go to the cross for us whom He loves passionately. We are the apple of His eye, His great treasure. He has set His affection, His heart and His love on us! (Job 7:17). He loves us so much that He was willing to pay the greatest price, to offer up the greatest sacrifice, to go through the worst sufferings in order to redeem us, to make us His own, to have us, to hold us and to make us His beautiful bride! WOW! That’s the truth! Let it sink deep into our hearts!
Since He has set us before Himself with such love and passion, let us set HIM before our hearts and eyes passionately! He is the eternal lover of our soul. The Lord God Almighty is our wonderful SAVIOUR and SHEPHERD; our SHELTER and STRENGTH; our SUN and SHIELD! If He is at our right hand we will not be shaken come what may!
How Do We Set HIM Before Us?
In life experiences, we may be subjected to “storms or shakings” of life. It can be in our relationships, jobs, finances or health. Let’s consider an example. Confronted with more setbacks than he could handle at work, ‘Christian’ immediately felt "stressed". Fearful and negative thoughts assailed him. He could feel his blood pressure rising and his first tendency was to complain and find someone to blame. It is so natural for most of us to do that although we recognize that letting off our tension on others doesn’t really solve our problems and we ought not to do it. Let’s consider how we can set the Lord before us during such times.
Instead of looking at the problem, look first to God and offer a prayer of thanksgiving, difficult though it maybe to do at those times. Remember there is victory in praise. Also instead of looking to yourself, look to His promises. He has promised to lead you and give you strength. He has promised that His grace will be sufficient for you and that He would never allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. He has promised to help you and counsel you. As you focus on God and His Word, move on to confess or declare it. You can confess, "Lord, You are with me, You are for me, You are my help, You are a shield of favour and protection around me. You are blessing me!" and so forth. Doing that with faith releases God’s life, light and power into our lives and situation. You can immediately experience a change of atmosphere as darkness is being dispelled and His glorious presence invades your heart and circumstances. That’s what it means to believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus (the Word) and you will be saved, helped, delivered, strengthened and blessed! (Rom 10:9)
Then, tune in to hear what He would say to you. He is faithful to guide and instruct you. He is your good shepherd. He will lead you into His providence and peace even if you are in danger and going through difficulties. He will protect you and comfort you and see you through! He will never leave you nor forsake you. Amen!
Ways We Can Set The LORD Before Us Always
1. Rejoice always - I Thess 5:16 Rejoicing in Him always is having constant faith in Him and in what Jesus has done for us. He is risen from the dead! He is reigning on His Throne! If you are disturbed by fears and anxieties, lift your heart up to the Lord and proclaim that He is Lord! Resist fears and worries and it will flee from you. Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and again I say rejoice! Phil 4:4 The joy of the Lord is our strength!
2. Pray without ceasing – 1 Thess 5:17
To pray without ceasing is to commune with Him all the time. We can bring everything and anything to the Lord in prayer. We can express our love for Him and our trust in Him. And we can do that all the time. He is always there.
3. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.- 1 Thess 5:18That’s right, in everything. In good times or bad times, in problems times or when everything is great. The moment you give thanks you will be in His presence! You will find His grace to help in thanksgiving.
4. Thinking of His Word - Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy --- meditate on these things. Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
Scripture memory is for this purpose! It will help us to think on His promises, His counsels,
His commandments, His wisdom, His warnings and all things that pertain to life and godliness.
5. Speaking forth His Word
Rom 10:8-10 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Speak forth His Word constantly in your life throughout the whole day. Say, “I am blessed and I am a blessing”, “I am strong in the Lord”, “I am wise and humble in Christ” etc. Life will be released when we boldly speak life!
6. Listening to His voice
John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
The Lord always wants to speak to us. Tune in to Him and allow Him to speak into your life. He will guide you and he will instruct you the way you should go.
7. Choosing to obey Him
John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.
2 Cor 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men”
Choose to willingly obey Him in your life.
As we set Him always before us we can say “Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved - come what may!”
I am always aware of the LORD's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. Ps 16:8 GNB
The Psalmist says that he will not be shaken because the LORD is at his right hand. How can the Lord be at his right hand? HE can because the psalmist has set HIM always before him. To set the LORD always before us is to BE CONSTANTLY IN HIS PRESENCE.
Indeed the Lord has promised that HE will never leave us nor forsake us. He is Emmanuel, God with us! Because He is with us, we will not be shaken. Not only that but we will have His peace, His providence, protection, power and prosperity. Joseph can testify to that. Gen 39:2-3 reads, “The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.”
Whatever the Lord wants us to do; He has first done it for us or given it to us.We love because He first loved us.We can come to Him because He first came to us.We can set the Lord before us because He first set us before Him.
Heb 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What is this joy that is set before Him? It is the multitudes of all nations, tribes and peoples who trust in Him for salvation. We, believers in Jesus, are the joy that was set before Him. He was willing to go to the cross for us whom He loves passionately. We are the apple of His eye, His great treasure. He has set His affection, His heart and His love on us! (Job 7:17). He loves us so much that He was willing to pay the greatest price, to offer up the greatest sacrifice, to go through the worst sufferings in order to redeem us, to make us His own, to have us, to hold us and to make us His beautiful bride! WOW! That’s the truth! Let it sink deep into our hearts!
Since He has set us before Himself with such love and passion, let us set HIM before our hearts and eyes passionately! He is the eternal lover of our soul. The Lord God Almighty is our wonderful SAVIOUR and SHEPHERD; our SHELTER and STRENGTH; our SUN and SHIELD! If He is at our right hand we will not be shaken come what may!
How Do We Set HIM Before Us?
In life experiences, we may be subjected to “storms or shakings” of life. It can be in our relationships, jobs, finances or health. Let’s consider an example. Confronted with more setbacks than he could handle at work, ‘Christian’ immediately felt "stressed". Fearful and negative thoughts assailed him. He could feel his blood pressure rising and his first tendency was to complain and find someone to blame. It is so natural for most of us to do that although we recognize that letting off our tension on others doesn’t really solve our problems and we ought not to do it. Let’s consider how we can set the Lord before us during such times.
Instead of looking at the problem, look first to God and offer a prayer of thanksgiving, difficult though it maybe to do at those times. Remember there is victory in praise. Also instead of looking to yourself, look to His promises. He has promised to lead you and give you strength. He has promised that His grace will be sufficient for you and that He would never allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. He has promised to help you and counsel you. As you focus on God and His Word, move on to confess or declare it. You can confess, "Lord, You are with me, You are for me, You are my help, You are a shield of favour and protection around me. You are blessing me!" and so forth. Doing that with faith releases God’s life, light and power into our lives and situation. You can immediately experience a change of atmosphere as darkness is being dispelled and His glorious presence invades your heart and circumstances. That’s what it means to believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus (the Word) and you will be saved, helped, delivered, strengthened and blessed! (Rom 10:9)
Then, tune in to hear what He would say to you. He is faithful to guide and instruct you. He is your good shepherd. He will lead you into His providence and peace even if you are in danger and going through difficulties. He will protect you and comfort you and see you through! He will never leave you nor forsake you. Amen!
Ways We Can Set The LORD Before Us Always
1. Rejoice always - I Thess 5:16 Rejoicing in Him always is having constant faith in Him and in what Jesus has done for us. He is risen from the dead! He is reigning on His Throne! If you are disturbed by fears and anxieties, lift your heart up to the Lord and proclaim that He is Lord! Resist fears and worries and it will flee from you. Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS and again I say rejoice! Phil 4:4 The joy of the Lord is our strength!
2. Pray without ceasing – 1 Thess 5:17
To pray without ceasing is to commune with Him all the time. We can bring everything and anything to the Lord in prayer. We can express our love for Him and our trust in Him. And we can do that all the time. He is always there.
3. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.- 1 Thess 5:18That’s right, in everything. In good times or bad times, in problems times or when everything is great. The moment you give thanks you will be in His presence! You will find His grace to help in thanksgiving.
4. Thinking of His Word - Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy --- meditate on these things. Ps 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
Scripture memory is for this purpose! It will help us to think on His promises, His counsels,
His commandments, His wisdom, His warnings and all things that pertain to life and godliness.
5. Speaking forth His Word
Rom 10:8-10 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Speak forth His Word constantly in your life throughout the whole day. Say, “I am blessed and I am a blessing”, “I am strong in the Lord”, “I am wise and humble in Christ” etc. Life will be released when we boldly speak life!
6. Listening to His voice
John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
The Lord always wants to speak to us. Tune in to Him and allow Him to speak into your life. He will guide you and he will instruct you the way you should go.
7. Choosing to obey Him
John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.
2 Cor 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men”
Choose to willingly obey Him in your life.
As we set Him always before us we can say “Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved - come what may!”
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
As You See The Day Approaching!
Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
The Day approaching is the Day of the Lord's return!
Prior to that we will be in the days that Jesus calls the ..
1. The BEGINNING OF SORROWS Matt 24: 3-9, Luke 21
a. When the disciples asked Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things be?
And what will be the sign of Your coming,
and of the end of the age?”
b. What was Jesus’ answer? (Matt 24: 4-9)
i. Many false Christ/prophets will deceive many - Don’t be deceive
ii. Wars and rumours of wars, Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom - Don’t be troubled
iii. famines
iv. pestilences
v. earthquakes in various places
vi. tribulation /persecuted for Christ’s nam
vii. Many offended, betray and hate one another
viii. Lawlessness abound
ix. Love of many grow cold - He who endures to the end shall be saved
It is obvious that the Day of His return is approaching!
2. As the DAYS OF NOAH
Luke 17: 26-27: And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Gen 6: 5-6, 11-12 5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
Don't you agree that our days are as the Days of Noah.
3. What is the EXHORTATION in Hebs 10:19-25 for us brethren/brothers & sisters in the Lord as we see the Day approaching?
Because of what Jesus has done and the victory He has won, we are exhorted to LET US…… and SO MUCH THE MORE AS WE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.
a. LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water v22 Read also Heb 4:16 Let us have FACE TO FACE COMMUNION with the Lord!
b. LET US HOLD FAST THE CONFESSION OF OUR HOPE without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. v23 Let us be FAITHFUL as He is faithful!
c. LET US CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER - Let us have FELLOWSHIP that edifies!
· in order to stir up love and good works,
· not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some,
· but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Conclusion: Let us challenge one another to do the above SO MUCH THE MORE as we see the DAY APPROACHING!
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
The Day approaching is the Day of the Lord's return!
Prior to that we will be in the days that Jesus calls the ..
1. The BEGINNING OF SORROWS Matt 24: 3-9, Luke 21
a. When the disciples asked Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things be?
And what will be the sign of Your coming,
and of the end of the age?”
b. What was Jesus’ answer? (Matt 24: 4-9)
i. Many false Christ/prophets will deceive many - Don’t be deceive
ii. Wars and rumours of wars, Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom - Don’t be troubled
iii. famines
iv. pestilences
v. earthquakes in various places
vi. tribulation /persecuted for Christ’s nam
vii. Many offended, betray and hate one another
viii. Lawlessness abound
ix. Love of many grow cold - He who endures to the end shall be saved
It is obvious that the Day of His return is approaching!
2. As the DAYS OF NOAH
Luke 17: 26-27: And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.
Gen 6: 5-6, 11-12 5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
Don't you agree that our days are as the Days of Noah.
3. What is the EXHORTATION in Hebs 10:19-25 for us brethren/brothers & sisters in the Lord as we see the Day approaching?
Because of what Jesus has done and the victory He has won, we are exhorted to LET US…… and SO MUCH THE MORE AS WE SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.
a. LET US DRAW NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water v22 Read also Heb 4:16 Let us have FACE TO FACE COMMUNION with the Lord!
b. LET US HOLD FAST THE CONFESSION OF OUR HOPE without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. v23 Let us be FAITHFUL as He is faithful!
c. LET US CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER - Let us have FELLOWSHIP that edifies!
· in order to stir up love and good works,
· not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some,
· but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Conclusion: Let us challenge one another to do the above SO MUCH THE MORE as we see the DAY APPROACHING!
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