'... The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them ...' 1 Samuel 16:7
'Could do better!' Ever had that written on your school report by a well-meaning teacher?
Ever been told by a parent that you need to 'do better' or 'try harder?' Or has someone called you a 'waste of space' or told you 'you're not good enough'?
It can be really difficult to walk around carrying other people's opinions about yourself.
Maybe you say to yourself, 'It doesn't matter what they think, what do they know?' But truthfully we all know that words sometimes stick to us like glue and we very easily end up agreeing with them.
What do you believe to be true about yourself today?
How many negative things do you say about yourself, or worse actually believe to be true about you?
When people say negative things about us or we don't fit in with the stereotypes of perfection that the media portrays, we can start to believe that we are 'a nothing' or 'a nobody.' We can feel unloved, unwanted, useless, an 'it' - something of no significance. '... The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them ...' He sees you as you really are: His perfect creation packed full of potential!
You are someone He has chosen to use. In fact, He has things only you can do - there's no one else better for the job! That's how brilliant you are to God. Look at yourself through God's eyes today - see how t'riffic you really are.
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Mar 4, 2010
Mar 3, 2010
Belt up!
'... Judge me, O Lord ... according to my ... integrity' Psalm 7:8
If we're going to be judged by our integrity, I guess we should know what it means, right?
The Cambridge Dictionary says it's 'being honest ... having strong moral principles that you refuse to change'. So how do we go about that then?
Paul advises us to 'Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist ...' (Ephesians 6:14 NIV).
He was talking about a leather girdle Roman soldiers wore around their waist to protect their loins (that's the bit above your legs and below your waist), carry weapons, and also hold their tunic together so it wouldn't get snagged and hold them back. Are you starting to see the point?
Just like a belt can hold your trousers up, and stop you tripping up (not to mention flashing your underware!), integrity can help you with not tripping in your spiritual life.
Being honest in everything, starting with the very small things, and sticking to the guidelines the Bible gives you on how to live life, no matter what, will act like spiritual armour.
It'll protect you and mean you're prepared when tough stuff comes your way, and you'll find it easier to survive the bigger things. A belt may seem small or uninteresting - like the foundations of a house which are unseen, but without them, it'll crumble.
Integrity is vital for you to have a good life reflecting Jesus. So what are you waiting for - belt up!
If we're going to be judged by our integrity, I guess we should know what it means, right?
The Cambridge Dictionary says it's 'being honest ... having strong moral principles that you refuse to change'. So how do we go about that then?
Paul advises us to 'Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist ...' (Ephesians 6:14 NIV).
He was talking about a leather girdle Roman soldiers wore around their waist to protect their loins (that's the bit above your legs and below your waist), carry weapons, and also hold their tunic together so it wouldn't get snagged and hold them back. Are you starting to see the point?
Just like a belt can hold your trousers up, and stop you tripping up (not to mention flashing your underware!), integrity can help you with not tripping in your spiritual life.
Being honest in everything, starting with the very small things, and sticking to the guidelines the Bible gives you on how to live life, no matter what, will act like spiritual armour.
It'll protect you and mean you're prepared when tough stuff comes your way, and you'll find it easier to survive the bigger things. A belt may seem small or uninteresting - like the foundations of a house which are unseen, but without them, it'll crumble.
Integrity is vital for you to have a good life reflecting Jesus. So what are you waiting for - belt up!
Feb 14, 2010
Get real
'...your sin will track you down.' Numbers 32:23
Heard about a guy called Moses?
The man God chose to lead all the Israelite people out from Egypt?
It was no easy feat; but Moses did it!
There were 12 tribes of Israel, it was a tough, gruelling journey and just as they were about to reach their destination, two of the tribes decided they wanted to settle somewhere else (read it in Numbers 32).
The thing was, the other ten tribes still needed help so Moses kinda said, 'Get real; don't be so selfish. You can't just stop and look out for yourselves. We've all chipped in to get us this far; you can't give up on the rest of us now!'
So they agreed, and promised they would help and then Moses said this: 'If you don't do what you say, you will be sinning against God; you can be sure that your sin will track you down.
So, go ahead ... Do what you said you'd do." We can all have good intentions to do the right thing, but when we mess up; or 'sin', as the Bible calls it, we are sinning against God.
God knows about it (there's no hiding it from Him) and if we don't put it right things will only get worse.
Today: Get real! Put it right! Ask God to forgive you, then live, knowing He has!
Take action! Ask God to help you stop going against Him, help you stop sinning and live knowing He is!
God Bless,
Chrissie
Heard about a guy called Moses?
The man God chose to lead all the Israelite people out from Egypt?
It was no easy feat; but Moses did it!
There were 12 tribes of Israel, it was a tough, gruelling journey and just as they were about to reach their destination, two of the tribes decided they wanted to settle somewhere else (read it in Numbers 32).
The thing was, the other ten tribes still needed help so Moses kinda said, 'Get real; don't be so selfish. You can't just stop and look out for yourselves. We've all chipped in to get us this far; you can't give up on the rest of us now!'
So they agreed, and promised they would help and then Moses said this: 'If you don't do what you say, you will be sinning against God; you can be sure that your sin will track you down.
So, go ahead ... Do what you said you'd do." We can all have good intentions to do the right thing, but when we mess up; or 'sin', as the Bible calls it, we are sinning against God.
God knows about it (there's no hiding it from Him) and if we don't put it right things will only get worse.
Today: Get real! Put it right! Ask God to forgive you, then live, knowing He has!
Take action! Ask God to help you stop going against Him, help you stop sinning and live knowing He is!
God Bless,
Chrissie
Feb 11, 2010
Caught in the headlights
'Tell ... the mighty things I have done ...' Exodus 10:2
Have you seen police helicopters out at night, spotlight shining down, focusing on the suspect, following their every move, chasing them wherever?
Imagine being the suspect, your heart pounding, your legs flying, your brain in overdrive trying to think; where now, what next, is there any escape?
It doesn't matter what alley you run down, what garden you hide in, or car you hide under. It doesn't even matter how fast you run, what amount of distance you put between you and that helicopter; it is going to catch you up again.
There is no escape!
Sometimes it feels like your past is chasing you just like that police helicopter. You thought it was all over, but then you find yourself caught in the headlights again.
That past experience raises its ugly head, stares you in the face, leaving you reliving the same hurt, shame, mess again: 'Will this ever go away, will this ever leave me alone? Is there any escape?', you cry.
Great news today: the answer is yes!
Jesus said, 'With God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26). When you put your trust in Him, your past has to back off. God says, 'Tell ... the mighty things I have done' - talk about all the times He's won in the past, know that the battles are easy for God to win, even the battle you have with your past.
Give your past to God, and don't stay caught in the headlights.
Its hard I know, sometimes things just eat at us and eat at us and we can't forget them. We are only human and sadly we dont have an erase button programmed into us to erase the things of the past. But with Gods help we will always be able to feel at ease with the things of the past, he will not erase it from our memory. I believe we remember so we cant make the same mistake again, we learn from our mistakes and failures.
God Bless,
Chrissie
Have you seen police helicopters out at night, spotlight shining down, focusing on the suspect, following their every move, chasing them wherever?
Imagine being the suspect, your heart pounding, your legs flying, your brain in overdrive trying to think; where now, what next, is there any escape?
It doesn't matter what alley you run down, what garden you hide in, or car you hide under. It doesn't even matter how fast you run, what amount of distance you put between you and that helicopter; it is going to catch you up again.
There is no escape!
Sometimes it feels like your past is chasing you just like that police helicopter. You thought it was all over, but then you find yourself caught in the headlights again.
That past experience raises its ugly head, stares you in the face, leaving you reliving the same hurt, shame, mess again: 'Will this ever go away, will this ever leave me alone? Is there any escape?', you cry.
Great news today: the answer is yes!
Jesus said, 'With God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26). When you put your trust in Him, your past has to back off. God says, 'Tell ... the mighty things I have done' - talk about all the times He's won in the past, know that the battles are easy for God to win, even the battle you have with your past.
Give your past to God, and don't stay caught in the headlights.
Its hard I know, sometimes things just eat at us and eat at us and we can't forget them. We are only human and sadly we dont have an erase button programmed into us to erase the things of the past. But with Gods help we will always be able to feel at ease with the things of the past, he will not erase it from our memory. I believe we remember so we cant make the same mistake again, we learn from our mistakes and failures.
God Bless,
Chrissie
Feb 10, 2010
Let's stick together
'He raised us up together...' Ephesians 2:6
Hang around some people long enough and it's easy to get irritated; even in church.
Sometimes other Christians can really get on our nerves and 'annoy the pants off us'.
We can become so frustrated, fed-up and bored with church that we want to get as far away from it as possible. We begin to think, 'I don't need them, I can do without church'.
We even start believing, 'It's OK to be a Christian and not go to church.' God says, 'He raised us up together ...'
We're not meant to go it alone. God wants us to stick together; support, encourage and help each other.
Can you imagine trying to get around today without your skeleton? Leaving all your bones behind in your wardrobe? Without your bones you'd fall to the floor in some kind of blobby mess, not being able to get very far.
Keeping your skeleton intact, people get to see the real you, they get to see how great you are, how you move, what you can do. Take away those bones and the you they see would be very different.
Church is a bit like your Christian skeleton. Without it people don't get to see the real Jesus.
Church community can be really challenging, it can feel difficult or seem unimportant. But it's only when we stand together, grow together, learn together, worship God together and work together with God that He can truly be seen.
Encourage one another every day or as often as you can. Some people, maybe even YOU, find it hard to get out of bed on a Sunday morning and go sit in the same seats and see the same people. But remember each time you go to church its not those people who you are concentrating on, its Jesus. He wants you to come and spend time worshipping with other believers like you!!
So why not try and encourage someone today, sent them a text or email or even call them and just tell them you were thinking of them and wondered if there was anything you could do to help them out!! They may say NO, but at least they know someone is there if they need them!! Mos of the time that feeling is better than thinking your on your own!
God Bless,
Chrissie
Hang around some people long enough and it's easy to get irritated; even in church.
Sometimes other Christians can really get on our nerves and 'annoy the pants off us'.
We can become so frustrated, fed-up and bored with church that we want to get as far away from it as possible. We begin to think, 'I don't need them, I can do without church'.
We even start believing, 'It's OK to be a Christian and not go to church.' God says, 'He raised us up together ...'
We're not meant to go it alone. God wants us to stick together; support, encourage and help each other.
Can you imagine trying to get around today without your skeleton? Leaving all your bones behind in your wardrobe? Without your bones you'd fall to the floor in some kind of blobby mess, not being able to get very far.
Keeping your skeleton intact, people get to see the real you, they get to see how great you are, how you move, what you can do. Take away those bones and the you they see would be very different.
Church is a bit like your Christian skeleton. Without it people don't get to see the real Jesus.
Church community can be really challenging, it can feel difficult or seem unimportant. But it's only when we stand together, grow together, learn together, worship God together and work together with God that He can truly be seen.
Encourage one another every day or as often as you can. Some people, maybe even YOU, find it hard to get out of bed on a Sunday morning and go sit in the same seats and see the same people. But remember each time you go to church its not those people who you are concentrating on, its Jesus. He wants you to come and spend time worshipping with other believers like you!!
So why not try and encourage someone today, sent them a text or email or even call them and just tell them you were thinking of them and wondered if there was anything you could do to help them out!! They may say NO, but at least they know someone is there if they need them!! Mos of the time that feeling is better than thinking your on your own!
God Bless,
Chrissie
Jan 15, 2010
Your money or your life
'...You cannot serve both God and Money.' Matthew 6:24
The Bible is full of quirky old stories.
Case study: Exodus 32.
All the Israelites have witnessed a serious case of God kicking Pharaoh's butt and yet here they are by Exodus 32 giving thanks and praise to a gold cow!
If the Israelites had a brain between them at this point, let's say it would comfortably fit into an aspirin bottle.
Come on, how does a chunk of metal with udders compare to the almighty Creator of the universe?
Those old beardy Israelites sure had it all wrong... not like us wonderfully wise Christians today, eh?
I wonder what those old Israelite idiots would make of our ink-dyed pieces of wood shavings or our little squares of precious plastic we feed into holes in the wall. I mean money, of course.
That's our main rival to God, isn't it?
We make such a song and dance about earning, spending and saving those paper rectangles we may as well be giving them our full worship. We see them as the keys to our comfort, the tickets to happiness and the vouchers to our security. But happiness isn't found in the 'ker-ching' of a cash till.
Listen: 'Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you"' (Hebrews 13:5 TM).
What's your song and dance about, God or money?
The Bible is full of quirky old stories.
Case study: Exodus 32.
All the Israelites have witnessed a serious case of God kicking Pharaoh's butt and yet here they are by Exodus 32 giving thanks and praise to a gold cow!
If the Israelites had a brain between them at this point, let's say it would comfortably fit into an aspirin bottle.
Come on, how does a chunk of metal with udders compare to the almighty Creator of the universe?
Those old beardy Israelites sure had it all wrong... not like us wonderfully wise Christians today, eh?
I wonder what those old Israelite idiots would make of our ink-dyed pieces of wood shavings or our little squares of precious plastic we feed into holes in the wall. I mean money, of course.
That's our main rival to God, isn't it?
We make such a song and dance about earning, spending and saving those paper rectangles we may as well be giving them our full worship. We see them as the keys to our comfort, the tickets to happiness and the vouchers to our security. But happiness isn't found in the 'ker-ching' of a cash till.
Listen: 'Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you"' (Hebrews 13:5 TM).
What's your song and dance about, God or money?
Jan 14, 2010
What's the time?
'... teach us to number our days' Psalm 90:12
When we're young it feels like the world is our oyster.
We've got all the time in the world.
Psalm 90 (the oldest Psalm) was written by Moses and He asks God to '... teach us to make the most of our time, so that we can grow in wisdom.'
It's possible Moses wrote this psalm when all he could see was sand. For 40 years Moses was with the people of Israel, living in a desert.
God promised them good things for their lives, but instead they ignored God and did their own thing. As a result the majority of them never left the desert; they never got to see God's better way for their lives. They lived and died in a desert, over six hundred thousand of them. They wasted their time doing their own thing, becoming right miserable numpties!
You may not be living in a desert, but how many times already have you 'wasted your time?' or been told by someone else that you're wasting theirs?
How many times have you wished time away, wanting to sack off your teenage years because you're sick of people 'treating you like a little kid!'
Moses saw firsthand the horror of people wasting the time they have.
Today ask God to '... teach you to make the most of your time, so that you can grow in wisdom.'
Let your life be a life of significance; not a waste!
When we're young it feels like the world is our oyster.
We've got all the time in the world.
Psalm 90 (the oldest Psalm) was written by Moses and He asks God to '... teach us to make the most of our time, so that we can grow in wisdom.'
It's possible Moses wrote this psalm when all he could see was sand. For 40 years Moses was with the people of Israel, living in a desert.
God promised them good things for their lives, but instead they ignored God and did their own thing. As a result the majority of them never left the desert; they never got to see God's better way for their lives. They lived and died in a desert, over six hundred thousand of them. They wasted their time doing their own thing, becoming right miserable numpties!
You may not be living in a desert, but how many times already have you 'wasted your time?' or been told by someone else that you're wasting theirs?
How many times have you wished time away, wanting to sack off your teenage years because you're sick of people 'treating you like a little kid!'
Moses saw firsthand the horror of people wasting the time they have.
Today ask God to '... teach you to make the most of your time, so that you can grow in wisdom.'
Let your life be a life of significance; not a waste!
Jan 12, 2010
Loving God, loving others
'... which is the greatest commandment? ..' Matthew 22:36
So how do you know when you've arrived as a super-duper top-notch premier league Christian?
Is it when you can raise your arms higher than anyone else during the worship time?
Is it when you've mastered the art of pronouncing those long names in difficult Bible readings?
Or is it when you have a variation of a 'WWJD' bracelet strapped to every spare inch of skin?
You get the vibe off Jesus, that the things that require the least fuss and attention to us are the things that God smiles on the most.
Someone once asked Jesus, 'Which is the greatest commandment?'
He answered, '"Love the Lord ... and ... Love your neighbour as yourself' (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV).
Don't you just love the simplicity of Jesus?
We make 'religion' so hard and complicated, when really it's all about loving God and loving others. When it comes to singing, it's not about who's making the sweetest sound, it's about who you're singing to.
When it comes to Bible study, it's not about who knows the most Greek root words, it's about the words shaping your life.
When it comes to 'WWJD' wristbands, it's not about who has the funkiest collection, it's about applying the 'What Would Jesus Do' principle to your everyday choices.
How do you know when you're getting there?
Simple: when you're loving God and loving others.
It can be very hard at times to love certain people and treat them as we know Jesus would....but those are the people we need to pay extra attention to. After all we could be the only light in their view, so we should set a Christian example in their sight.
So how do you know when you've arrived as a super-duper top-notch premier league Christian?
Is it when you can raise your arms higher than anyone else during the worship time?
Is it when you've mastered the art of pronouncing those long names in difficult Bible readings?
Or is it when you have a variation of a 'WWJD' bracelet strapped to every spare inch of skin?
You get the vibe off Jesus, that the things that require the least fuss and attention to us are the things that God smiles on the most.
Someone once asked Jesus, 'Which is the greatest commandment?'
He answered, '"Love the Lord ... and ... Love your neighbour as yourself' (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV).
Don't you just love the simplicity of Jesus?
We make 'religion' so hard and complicated, when really it's all about loving God and loving others. When it comes to singing, it's not about who's making the sweetest sound, it's about who you're singing to.
When it comes to Bible study, it's not about who knows the most Greek root words, it's about the words shaping your life.
When it comes to 'WWJD' wristbands, it's not about who has the funkiest collection, it's about applying the 'What Would Jesus Do' principle to your everyday choices.
How do you know when you're getting there?
Simple: when you're loving God and loving others.
It can be very hard at times to love certain people and treat them as we know Jesus would....but those are the people we need to pay extra attention to. After all we could be the only light in their view, so we should set a Christian example in their sight.
Jan 10, 2010
Tough love
'...Arise and walk...' Matthew 9:5
'Arise and walk', Jesus says to a man who is paralyzed.
Can you imagine what must have been going through this guy's mind?
There He was, being carried on a mat down the street by his buddies who put him down right by this guy called Jesus.
By now everyone wanted to meet Jesus, who was getting a reputation for doing miraculous stuff.
The place was packed and Jesus looks at him, mentions nothing about his paralysis but basically says, 'Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins.'
This causes some religious people there to start kicking off at Jesus, because they didn't like what He was saying. This guy is now stuck in the middle of all this. Jesus turns to him and says 'Get up. Take your bed and go home.'
Talk about pressure! Everyone's now looking at him: what can he do?
He knows he's paralyzed and can't move!
Where's the sympathy and understanding from Jesus, eh?
Where's the love?
How tough is Jesus on this poor guy?
Even so, this guy chooses to trust Jesus, and, guess what? He stood up! He was healed. He didn't just walk out that room; he ran!
Sometimes, what Jesus asks us to do can seem too hard, too tough. It can even seem like Jesus doesn't care about us, doesn't understand our situation. But if you trust Him the benefits will blow your mind. Don't forget, He knows best and as your Heavenly Father...he won't put you through something you won't be able to come out of.
'Arise and walk', Jesus says to a man who is paralyzed.
Can you imagine what must have been going through this guy's mind?
There He was, being carried on a mat down the street by his buddies who put him down right by this guy called Jesus.
By now everyone wanted to meet Jesus, who was getting a reputation for doing miraculous stuff.
The place was packed and Jesus looks at him, mentions nothing about his paralysis but basically says, 'Cheer up, son. I forgive your sins.'
This causes some religious people there to start kicking off at Jesus, because they didn't like what He was saying. This guy is now stuck in the middle of all this. Jesus turns to him and says 'Get up. Take your bed and go home.'
Talk about pressure! Everyone's now looking at him: what can he do?
He knows he's paralyzed and can't move!
Where's the sympathy and understanding from Jesus, eh?
Where's the love?
How tough is Jesus on this poor guy?
Even so, this guy chooses to trust Jesus, and, guess what? He stood up! He was healed. He didn't just walk out that room; he ran!
Sometimes, what Jesus asks us to do can seem too hard, too tough. It can even seem like Jesus doesn't care about us, doesn't understand our situation. But if you trust Him the benefits will blow your mind. Don't forget, He knows best and as your Heavenly Father...he won't put you through something you won't be able to come out of.
Jan 2, 2010
New Year, new vision (part 4)
'For the vision ... will surely come ...' Habakkuk 2:3
Whether your dream for 2010 is to kick-start a credible youth service in your church or to impress Simon Cowell with your bump 'n grind rendition of 'Millennium Prayer' (best seek the advice of a church elder on that one) you're going to need plenty of iron in your soul.
Every dream will taste the pin-prick test sooner or later. But it's not the pain, it's the praise that will say whether you survive. Early church hero Paul dreamed of spreading God's happy-clappiness around the ancient world.
After 16 months of being chained in a Roman dungeon, you'd expect him to be all 'woe is me', but this guy's happy-clappy is still going strong.
Listen: 'Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice' (Philippians 4:4 NAS).
How did he keep his smile when the world was telling him to frown?
Extra brownie points for all you who answered: vision.
Vision says: It's not over till God says it's over.
Circumstances and people don't have the last word; God does!
He is 'the author and finisher of our faith ...' (Hebrews 12:2 NKJ).
With God, quitting is not an option. When you quit without his permission you're 'AWOL'; you abandon His protection and provision.
Vision also says: Nothing can defeat you without your permission. You can't control what happens to you, but you can control what you say and do.
Take control; hold onto vision.
Whether your dream for 2010 is to kick-start a credible youth service in your church or to impress Simon Cowell with your bump 'n grind rendition of 'Millennium Prayer' (best seek the advice of a church elder on that one) you're going to need plenty of iron in your soul.
Every dream will taste the pin-prick test sooner or later. But it's not the pain, it's the praise that will say whether you survive. Early church hero Paul dreamed of spreading God's happy-clappiness around the ancient world.
After 16 months of being chained in a Roman dungeon, you'd expect him to be all 'woe is me', but this guy's happy-clappy is still going strong.
Listen: 'Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice' (Philippians 4:4 NAS).
How did he keep his smile when the world was telling him to frown?
Extra brownie points for all you who answered: vision.
Vision says: It's not over till God says it's over.
Circumstances and people don't have the last word; God does!
He is 'the author and finisher of our faith ...' (Hebrews 12:2 NKJ).
With God, quitting is not an option. When you quit without his permission you're 'AWOL'; you abandon His protection and provision.
Vision also says: Nothing can defeat you without your permission. You can't control what happens to you, but you can control what you say and do.
Take control; hold onto vision.
Jan 1, 2010
New Year, new vision (part 3)
'For the vision ... will surely come ...' Habakkuk 2:3
New year, new beginnings and all that stuff, but what if this year you really meant it?
Let's not be like your best friend, who will today swear by the god of 'new year resolutions' that no carbohydrate will pass her lips until she can squeeze into her Kylie-style hot-pants.
Let's set ourselves some quality goals at the beginning of 2010. Let's start acting on the vision that God has given us. Let God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven this year, courtesy of our fresh faith-like approach to life.
Unlike your best friend, who come January 4, will be having withdrawals from the cookies, we're going to have the will power of a saint. Why? Because, '... we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way' (Hebrews 10:39 TM).
Remember when things get tough pray for the strengh....Psalm 119: 'Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well. Use your decrees to put iron in my soul' (v.175).
Whatever up and downs 2010 has planned for you, 'Don't burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame. Be alert servants to the Master...' (Romans 12:11 TM).
The year is always what you make of it and this year God has alot on the to-do list for you so do each task with joy in your heart!!!
New year, new beginnings and all that stuff, but what if this year you really meant it?
Let's not be like your best friend, who will today swear by the god of 'new year resolutions' that no carbohydrate will pass her lips until she can squeeze into her Kylie-style hot-pants.
Let's set ourselves some quality goals at the beginning of 2010. Let's start acting on the vision that God has given us. Let God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven this year, courtesy of our fresh faith-like approach to life.
Unlike your best friend, who come January 4, will be having withdrawals from the cookies, we're going to have the will power of a saint. Why? Because, '... we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way' (Hebrews 10:39 TM).
Remember when things get tough pray for the strengh....Psalm 119: 'Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well. Use your decrees to put iron in my soul' (v.175).
Whatever up and downs 2010 has planned for you, 'Don't burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame. Be alert servants to the Master...' (Romans 12:11 TM).
The year is always what you make of it and this year God has alot on the to-do list for you so do each task with joy in your heart!!!
Dec 31, 2009
New Year, new vision (part 2)
'For the vision ... will surely come ...' Habakkuk 2:3
Remember yesterday and all that looking into the future with a special type of eyesight, well there's more!
What kind of secret-mission has God planted in your heart?
If you're not sure, then ask him: 'Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get' (Proverbs 20:18 TM).
If you want to know why you're here on this sphere, ask him. God has all your answers. God has all your purposes. God has all your dreams. Plus, here's the 'win-win' situation, not only will He give you wild dreams to chase, He'll give you all you need to fulfil them.
Yes, there'll be set-backs and hurdles, it won't all be plain-sailing. (Hey, even Rocky has to do the hard graft of running up all those steps to his theme tune, before he gets his world title, so why should you get off lightly?) But if you stick it out, with God's help, you'll change history.
Winston Churchill did it: when it looked like the war was lost, Britain's leader looked over the mountain, beyond the now and into the future, rallying his nation with these words, 'Never give up! Never give up! Never, never, never, give up!'
Now there was a man of vision, a man of purpose, certain of his impending victory despite the overwhelming odds.
Whatever righteous cause God entrusts to you, never, never, never give up!
Remember yesterday and all that looking into the future with a special type of eyesight, well there's more!
What kind of secret-mission has God planted in your heart?
If you're not sure, then ask him: 'Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get' (Proverbs 20:18 TM).
If you want to know why you're here on this sphere, ask him. God has all your answers. God has all your purposes. God has all your dreams. Plus, here's the 'win-win' situation, not only will He give you wild dreams to chase, He'll give you all you need to fulfil them.
Yes, there'll be set-backs and hurdles, it won't all be plain-sailing. (Hey, even Rocky has to do the hard graft of running up all those steps to his theme tune, before he gets his world title, so why should you get off lightly?) But if you stick it out, with God's help, you'll change history.
Winston Churchill did it: when it looked like the war was lost, Britain's leader looked over the mountain, beyond the now and into the future, rallying his nation with these words, 'Never give up! Never give up! Never, never, never, give up!'
Now there was a man of vision, a man of purpose, certain of his impending victory despite the overwhelming odds.
Whatever righteous cause God entrusts to you, never, never, never give up!
Dec 30, 2009
New Year, new vision (part 1)
'For the vision ... will surely come ...' Habakkuk 2:3
You know when you put on your Nan's spectacles on for a laugh? The world seems a stranger place. Everything seems not only blurred but out of proportion and your head gets that dull aching feeling.
When you don't have perfect vision the world takes on a shadowy edge.
The Bible says the same about our lives: 'Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained...' (Proverbs 29:18 NAS).
Now we're not talking about going and getting new glasses here, we're talking about a vision for your life, a dream for your future, your God-destiny, if you like.
Did you know that you are a VIP? One of God's special detached agents on a mission that only you can do? (Yes, that's right, you!)
Even before you were a flirty-flicker in your Mum's eye, God had dreamed up things for you to do here on earth.
The good news is you can avoid the dull aching feeling you get when you can't see where you're going. As this New Year begins. it's your mission (should you choose to accept it) to check in with Kingdom HQ for your next briefing.
Here's a report from a former God-agent: 'Trust God from the bottom of your heart. Don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go. He's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil' (Proverbs 3:5-7 TM).
Its a New Year and this year make it a good one by having an even stronger relationship with your Heavenly Father that last year!! He has always been there, year after year but sometimes we just forget!!!
You know when you put on your Nan's spectacles on for a laugh? The world seems a stranger place. Everything seems not only blurred but out of proportion and your head gets that dull aching feeling.
When you don't have perfect vision the world takes on a shadowy edge.
The Bible says the same about our lives: 'Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained...' (Proverbs 29:18 NAS).
Now we're not talking about going and getting new glasses here, we're talking about a vision for your life, a dream for your future, your God-destiny, if you like.
Did you know that you are a VIP? One of God's special detached agents on a mission that only you can do? (Yes, that's right, you!)
Even before you were a flirty-flicker in your Mum's eye, God had dreamed up things for you to do here on earth.
The good news is you can avoid the dull aching feeling you get when you can't see where you're going. As this New Year begins. it's your mission (should you choose to accept it) to check in with Kingdom HQ for your next briefing.
Here's a report from a former God-agent: 'Trust God from the bottom of your heart. Don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go. He's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil' (Proverbs 3:5-7 TM).
Its a New Year and this year make it a good one by having an even stronger relationship with your Heavenly Father that last year!! He has always been there, year after year but sometimes we just forget!!!
Dec 11, 2009
'Come and see'
The nation's most famous evangelist is in town, and you've gone to hear him speak.
But he starts talking about someone better who's coming along, who's going to change things.
So what do you do?
Stay where you are, or go and try and find the guy he's talking about?
Well, duh!
Can you blame Andrew and his buddies for going off to hunt out Jesus, and find out if he really was 'all that'? They knew the only way to find out was to spend time with the man Himself, find out what floated His boat, what made Him tick - so they did.
When they found Him, His response was to tell them to 'come and see'. So what exactly did He want them to see?
1) See how He handles power. Not once did Jesus use His power to impress others or enrich Himself in any way.
2) See how He handles people. He didn't see them as interruptions, irritations or obstacles on His path to personal fulfilment. No. '... when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion ...' (Matthew 9:36 NKJ).
3) See how He handles priorities. '... vast crowds came to hear him ... But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer' (Luke 5:15-16 NLT). Did He know something we don't?
No commitment is harder to keep, or more important, than spending time in prayer each day. Prayer really does pay off, in time!!! It may not be in OUR time but it does get answered in HIS time!!
Don't think that if you pay for something you are going to get the answer YOU want!!! Oh boy....your going on the wrong track if thats the way your thinking!! God knows what is best for you and when it is best.....so the answer given may be very different from what you expect but try to remember God knows what he is doing!!
Nov 20, 2009
Turn aside and listen to God
'... "I must turn aside to see this great sight" ...' Exodus 3:3
Moses was just doing his job as a shepherd when he saw a burning bush, only this time the bush was on fire with God's presence.
Moses said, 'I must turn aside to see this great sight.'
In that moment, everything depended on his willingness to interrupt his daily routine and make time for God. He could have said, 'I'm busy,' and kept on going. But he didn't; he 'turned aside' and his life changed!
God wanted to begin a new nation with Moses leading it. The timing seemed strange. With God, it often does.
Forty years ago Moses was young, the product of the finest education system in the world. He had powerful connections and high hopes. But now he was a nobody, a lowly shepherd in a forgotten desert, rejected by his people and a fugitive on the run. '... "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" ...' (Exodus 3:11 ESV). Moses asked God. '"Nobody knows me. I don't speak too well. And my track record isn't too good."
God said, 'I know about your past, and it doesn't matter. Your failure and inadequacies are no longer the ultimate truth about you. You are what you are, but you're not yet what you will be; because I will be with you.'
Do you need direction for your life? Slow down, turn aside, and listen to God. What He has to say is more important than anything else you'll hear.
Nov 6, 2009
Who says?
'...Your word is settled in heaven.' Psalm 119:89
OK, lots of Bible reading today as we look at Our Word vs God's Word...
You say, 'It's impossible.'
God says, '.. "What is impossible with men is possible with God."' (Luke 18:27 NIV).
You say, 'I'm too tired.'
He says, '"But those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength ..."' (Isaiah 40:31 NKJ).
You say, 'Nobody loves me.'
He says, '... "I have loved you with an everlasting love" ...' (Jerermiah 31:3 NIV).
You say, 'I've had enough.'
He says, '... "My grace is sufficient for you" ...' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
You say, 'I don't know what to do.'
He says, '... "He shall direct your paths."' (Proverbs 3:6 NKJ).
You say, 'I can't do it.'
He says, '"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."' (Philippians 4:13 NKJ).
You say, 'It's not worth it.'
He says, '... we will reap a harvest if we do not give up' (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
You say, 'I can't forgive myself.'
He says, '... in Christ God forgave you' (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).
You say, 'I'm broke.'
He says, ' ... God shall supply all your need ... ' (Philippians 4:19 NKJ).
You say, 'I'm scared.'
He says, '... God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power ...' (2 Timothy 1:7NKJ).
You say, 'I can't handle this.'
He says, 'Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you ...' (Psalms 55:22 NIV).
You say, 'I'm stupid.'
He says, '... if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it ...' (James 1:5 NCV).
You say, 'I'm all alone.'
He says, '... I will never leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5 NKJ).
Whatever we say or believe God always has an answer and a way! Always remember those verses when you have just hit a wall and have the negative thoughts beginning to flow!
OK, lots of Bible reading today as we look at Our Word vs God's Word...
You say, 'It's impossible.'
God says, '.. "What is impossible with men is possible with God."' (Luke 18:27 NIV).
You say, 'I'm too tired.'
He says, '"But those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength ..."' (Isaiah 40:31 NKJ).
You say, 'Nobody loves me.'
He says, '... "I have loved you with an everlasting love" ...' (Jerermiah 31:3 NIV).
You say, 'I've had enough.'
He says, '... "My grace is sufficient for you" ...' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
You say, 'I don't know what to do.'
He says, '... "He shall direct your paths."' (Proverbs 3:6 NKJ).
You say, 'I can't do it.'
He says, '"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."' (Philippians 4:13 NKJ).
You say, 'It's not worth it.'
He says, '... we will reap a harvest if we do not give up' (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
You say, 'I can't forgive myself.'
He says, '... in Christ God forgave you' (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).
You say, 'I'm broke.'
He says, ' ... God shall supply all your need ... ' (Philippians 4:19 NKJ).
You say, 'I'm scared.'
He says, '... God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power ...' (2 Timothy 1:7NKJ).
You say, 'I can't handle this.'
He says, 'Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you ...' (Psalms 55:22 NIV).
You say, 'I'm stupid.'
He says, '... if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it ...' (James 1:5 NCV).
You say, 'I'm all alone.'
He says, '... I will never leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5 NKJ).
Whatever we say or believe God always has an answer and a way! Always remember those verses when you have just hit a wall and have the negative thoughts beginning to flow!
Nov 1, 2009
Oct 21, 2009
Tell the truth....
'...put off falsehood and speak truthfully...' Ephesians 4:25
'Do you like my new hair cut?', 'Where's your homework?', 'Do you have a crush on him?'
Can you always be trusted to give an honest answer?
Or are you tempted to tell just an little lie?
How many of those little lies do you tell in a week? None? Are you sure?
Ever started with a little white lie but then had to lie to cover up the first one and then lie again and before you know it the little white lie has become a BIG fat dark bundle of deceit?
It starts off as a good idea but...'Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with grave' (Proverbs 20:17 NKJV).
If you have a problem telling the truth you must take these four steps:
1) Repent - 'If we confess our sins, he...will forgive us...' (1 John 1:9 NIV). And with God's forgiveness comes His help
2) Become accountable. Find somebody who's not afraid to ask you tough questions. This is a good idea for any issues you face!
3) Drop the attitude. It's not okay to lie because God will forgive you. That cheapens His grace. '...Shall we go on sinning...that grace may increase? By no means!..' (Romans 6:1-2 NIV)
4) Keep short accounts with God. When you blow it, 'fess up' and make it right with God and the people you've misled.
It can be hard sometimes, because you know that if you do tell the truth you may hurt someones feelings. But consider this, if they find out you told a lie (which by the way most of time people DO find out eventually) it will hurt them a 100 times more than you telling the truth at the time.
You don't ave to deliver the truth in a nasty way, but the truth is the best answer!! ALWAYS!!!
If you find it hard to tell the truth make sure to ask God for guidance and I am sure you will find a way!
Oct 8, 2009
Keep strife out of your life!
'Let nothing be done through strife' PHILIPPIANS 2:3
Strife is defined as 'conflict...struggle...rivalry,' and God's Word says to avoid it at all cost: 'Let nothing be done through strife...but in lowliness of mind let each esteem [the] other better than themselves.'
Strife is custom-designed to play havoc in marriages, churches, businesses and relationships. It stems from our self-centred ego and leads to comparing, competing and condemning.
The Word of God says: 'Where envying and strife is, there is...every evil work' (James 3:16).
Keeping strife out of your life means recognising and uprooting it before it grows; ' See...no root of bitterness springing up, causes trouble, and...many be defiled' (Hebrews 12:15 NAS).
And Paul adds, '...Complete my joy by living in harmony...being of the same mind...having the same love...' (Philippians 2:2 AMP).
Enjoying God's blessings requires doing all we can to live in harmony with one another. Is that easy to do? No, but the sooner you learn it, the better things will be.
When David saw Goliath he didn't stop to consider the odds or listen to the opinions of others. Instead, he '...ran quickly toward the battle...to meet him' (1Samuel 17:48 NIV).
Rapid response is required here. When God prompts you to turn the other cheek or take the short end of the stick, draw on His grace and do it. In fact, when you do it on your timetable you end up doing it in your own strength.
So: a) forgive those who hurt you
b) pray for them
c) bless them by speaking well of them and wanting only good things for them.
Your commitment to walk each day in love and forgiveness (yes, it's a daily commitment!) will open the door to God's blessing in your life.
Oct 6, 2009
Don't be a Drifter
'...fight hard for the faith...' Jude 3:3
There's nothing like the feeling of just lying back on an inflatable lilo as it bobs up and down on the gentle waves. Mmmm, the sun shining down, just close your eyes for a minute and reeeelax. Then AAAAH!
You open your eyes and you've drifted out to sea on the tide! One minute you're catching the rays, bobbing around the waves, and now you're way out at sea fighting for your life!
Maybe you think you'd never be stupid enough to do that but you could still be a drifter. If you've ever day-dreamed, drifted away in your thoughts when you should have been paying attention in class or in a meeting, or during the pastor's talk on a Sunday, then listen up today.
Drifting can be a dangerous habit, because it makes you think everything is ok until it's too late! Drift off in class and it's no problem until you're sitting with that exam paper in front of you and you don't know the answers!
Hebrews 2:1 says, 'We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.'
God's telling us, it's important we pay attention to the truth about Him, otherwise we'll drift away and believe lies. Paying careful attention is hard work! Everyday pray: 'Today God, Help me live so close to you, that whoever comes into contact with me, comes into contact with you!'
My Pastor actually used a saying yesterday in his sermon that stuck in my mind while typing this post, 'My I walk so close to Jesus that the dust from his sandles catch in my clothes!' This simply means that we sould be so close to Jesus that when he walks in the dust our clothes are catching the dust which comes from his footsteps.
I pray that each of us are that close to Jesus!
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