Feeling of inadequacy
Sometimes we struggle with feelings of failure because some responsibilities appear to be bigger than we are able to do. Problems can develop when we feel inadequate. We try to convince ourselves that a task is too great and He should not expect so much.
Inadequacy can cause us to turn away from some opportunities given by God. The Lord may have provided us with a situation that is just right for sharing the Good News of Christ with a friend or acquaintance. But how many times do we back off and end up without making use of such opportune moments because we are afraid that we would not know what to say?
Inadequacy grows out of fear - fear of failure and fear of not meeting people's expectations. No matter how unqualified we feel, fear is not an acceptable excuse for avoiding responsibility. The truth is that no believer has the perfect qualifications or skills to accomplish some of the awesome tasks God calls us to do. Only the Holy Spirit is adequate! We need only to be willing.
God has given us a spirit of power, not one of timidity (2 Timothy 1: 7) and we only need to step out in faith and the Holy Spirit’s strength and courage will be there to help us.
Ephesians 3:14 - 21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge— that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
(Stops & Steps 0783 01XII2008)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Stops & Steps 0782 30XI2008
Be serious only to HIM
All concerns of life are designed by God. The little things of life, eating and drinking, walking and talking, are all designed by God. These are the things in which our Lord lived.
Do not pose as someone who is philosophical.
We should take God seriously.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
(Stops & Steps 0782 30XI2008)
All concerns of life are designed by God. The little things of life, eating and drinking, walking and talking, are all designed by God. These are the things in which our Lord lived.
Do not pose as someone who is philosophical.
We should take God seriously.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
(Stops & Steps 0782 30XI2008)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Stops & Steps 0781 29XI2008
Be a cheerful worker
It pleases God to do things without complaining or arguing, so that we may be blameless and pure
It please God to be His child without fault in this dishonest and wicked generations
It please God that we have not disappoint or frustrate the efforts of those who led us to HIM
It pleases God to rejoice together with all His followers
Philippians 2:14-18
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life— in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
(Stops & Steps 0781 29XI2008)
It pleases God to do things without complaining or arguing, so that we may be blameless and pure
It please God to be His child without fault in this dishonest and wicked generations
It please God that we have not disappoint or frustrate the efforts of those who led us to HIM
It pleases God to rejoice together with all His followers
Philippians 2:14-18
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life— in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
(Stops & Steps 0781 29XI2008)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Stops & Steps 0780 28XI2008
Ask HIM for help
How many times do we carry a burden or a problem we cannot solve? We are upset and worried instead of asking God for help.
We must realize that
God has been very good to us.
God makes us realize that with Him all things are possible.
God listens and answers our prayers
God loves us.
God wants to help us.
What problems are you carrying today? Why don't you stop and ask God to help you.
Luke 11 : 9
So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you
(Stops & Steps 0780 28XI2008)
How many times do we carry a burden or a problem we cannot solve? We are upset and worried instead of asking God for help.
We must realize that
God has been very good to us.
God makes us realize that with Him all things are possible.
God listens and answers our prayers
God loves us.
God wants to help us.
What problems are you carrying today? Why don't you stop and ask God to help you.
Luke 11 : 9
So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you
(Stops & Steps 0780 28XI2008)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Stops & Steps 0779 27XI2008
Be persistent
What do you do when you become
exhausted in prayer,
desperate of ever seeing God answer?
Do you give up?
Do not quit. Do not lose hope. In Luke 11:1 - 13 Jesus tells us to persist until we see the answer. We are to keep on asking until it is given to us. We are to keep on seeking until we find it. We are to keep on knocking until the door is opened. Ask, seek, and knock are all present tense verbs here in the original Greek, which means that they speak of continuous or habitual action. Therefore, if we believe Jesus means what He says, we will do what He tells us to do.
One of the major keys to answered prayer is persistence. . . .
Bear in mind that God’s ways is not our ways. If there is a delay in the answer, you can be sure it is because God has a purpose.
(Stops & Steps 0779 27XI2008)
What do you do when you become
exhausted in prayer,
desperate of ever seeing God answer?
Do you give up?
Do not quit. Do not lose hope. In Luke 11:1 - 13 Jesus tells us to persist until we see the answer. We are to keep on asking until it is given to us. We are to keep on seeking until we find it. We are to keep on knocking until the door is opened. Ask, seek, and knock are all present tense verbs here in the original Greek, which means that they speak of continuous or habitual action. Therefore, if we believe Jesus means what He says, we will do what He tells us to do.
One of the major keys to answered prayer is persistence. . . .
Bear in mind that God’s ways is not our ways. If there is a delay in the answer, you can be sure it is because God has a purpose.
(Stops & Steps 0779 27XI2008)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Stops & Steps 0778 26XI2008
Be a good audience
In our daily journey through life, we come across many successful people who believe in money and trusted no one. It is a fact that their personal lives are falling apart. This will happen soon !!
How can you help ? You only need to be a good listener. You need not have to preach or give a Bible tract. Just be a friend. By your life and attitude, reflecting Christ who is genuine, caring and worthy of trust, you will ultimately bring the Lord Jesus into their lives !!
Proverbs 22 : 11
He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend
(Stops & Steps 0778 26XI2008)
In our daily journey through life, we come across many successful people who believe in money and trusted no one. It is a fact that their personal lives are falling apart. This will happen soon !!
How can you help ? You only need to be a good listener. You need not have to preach or give a Bible tract. Just be a friend. By your life and attitude, reflecting Christ who is genuine, caring and worthy of trust, you will ultimately bring the Lord Jesus into their lives !!
Proverbs 22 : 11
He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend
(Stops & Steps 0778 26XI2008)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Stops & Steps 0777 25XI2008
The power of prayer
We must understand that it is a great privilege and responsibility to pray for one another.
We need God’s intervention in our hearts and our lives !! Our prayers invite God to be at work for His purposes in our lives. There is power in prayer !
Philippians 4:5, 6.
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
(Stops & Steps 0777 25XI2008)
We must understand that it is a great privilege and responsibility to pray for one another.
We need God’s intervention in our hearts and our lives !! Our prayers invite God to be at work for His purposes in our lives. There is power in prayer !
Philippians 4:5, 6.
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
(Stops & Steps 0777 25XI2008)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Stops & Steps 0776 24XI2008
Living from the future
Let us ask God for
- the motivations of our life to come from the future God has appointed for us rather than from the past we have lived.
- every one of our fellow Christians to be mature in this matter too.
- help, if we are lacking in any way, that God may disclose this to us, and change us!
- help to hold true to what we have already attained.
Philippians 3:11-15
I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
(Stops & Steps 0776 24XI2008)
Let us ask God for
- the motivations of our life to come from the future God has appointed for us rather than from the past we have lived.
- every one of our fellow Christians to be mature in this matter too.
- help, if we are lacking in any way, that God may disclose this to us, and change us!
- help to hold true to what we have already attained.
Philippians 3:11-15
I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.
(Stops & Steps 0776 24XI2008)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Stops & Steps 0775 23XI2008
Do not quit
We must not give up on any difficult situations. There is hope. God, through His Spirit and His word, can powerfully change your lives.
Proverbs 3 : 5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
(Stops & Steps 0775 23XI2008)
We must not give up on any difficult situations. There is hope. God, through His Spirit and His word, can powerfully change your lives.
Proverbs 3 : 5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
(Stops & Steps 0775 23XI2008)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Stops & Steps 0774 22XI2008
Looking for love, joy and peace ?
- The answer is – be filled with the Holy Spirit !!
- The Holy Spirit has pure spiritual power.
- Love is so powerful, the scripture says, that it never fails.
- Patience is so powerful it cannot be stopped. No matter what the circumstances, it will not quit.
- Self-control is so powerful it can master all the uncontrollable desires of your flesh.
- The fruits of the Spirit are strong. So strong that if you will let them flow out of you, they will correct the problems in your life. They will keep you steadfast when all the people around you are falling down. They will keep you on your feet in all circumstances and situations.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Stops & Steps 0774 22XI2008)
- The answer is – be filled with the Holy Spirit !!
- The Holy Spirit has pure spiritual power.
- Love is so powerful, the scripture says, that it never fails.
- Patience is so powerful it cannot be stopped. No matter what the circumstances, it will not quit.
- Self-control is so powerful it can master all the uncontrollable desires of your flesh.
- The fruits of the Spirit are strong. So strong that if you will let them flow out of you, they will correct the problems in your life. They will keep you steadfast when all the people around you are falling down. They will keep you on your feet in all circumstances and situations.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Stops & Steps 0774 22XI2008)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Stops & Steps 0773 21XI2008
Do not be afraid
God is our helper ! We will not let fear be our master because our future, our destiny, our eternity rest in the hands of the eternal Lord.
Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
(Stops & Steps 0773 21XI2008)
God is our helper ! We will not let fear be our master because our future, our destiny, our eternity rest in the hands of the eternal Lord.
Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
(Stops & Steps 0773 21XI2008)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Stops & Steps 0772 20XI2008
HE plans all our moves
Are you looking for direction, for purpose, for meaning to your life?
Finding the will of God has been difficult for many people. But the truth remains that He promises to give wisdom to any who ask, and we have that privilege when we belong to Him by virtue of having received the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.
If you are facing a difficult situation in your life, wait on Him and avoid the usual rush to a decision that might be disastrous. "He is faithful who promised." Depend upon Him to make the way clear as you lay the decision prayerfully before Him.
Psalm 37 : 23
If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;
(Stops & Steps 0772 20XI2008)
Are you looking for direction, for purpose, for meaning to your life?
Finding the will of God has been difficult for many people. But the truth remains that He promises to give wisdom to any who ask, and we have that privilege when we belong to Him by virtue of having received the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.
If you are facing a difficult situation in your life, wait on Him and avoid the usual rush to a decision that might be disastrous. "He is faithful who promised." Depend upon Him to make the way clear as you lay the decision prayerfully before Him.
Psalm 37 : 23
If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;
(Stops & Steps 0772 20XI2008)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Stops & Steps 0771 19XI2008
He knows everything !!
It is amazing that God knows and hears our prayers even before we think about them or open our mouths.
God examines our hearts and knows everything about us. He knows when we sit or stand. He knows our every thought. He charts our path ahead of us, and tells us where to stop and rest. Every moment, He knows where we are. He knows what I am going to say before we even say it.
Matthew 6 : 8
Your Father knows what you need before you ask
(Stops & Steps 0771 19XI2008)
It is amazing that God knows and hears our prayers even before we think about them or open our mouths.
God examines our hearts and knows everything about us. He knows when we sit or stand. He knows our every thought. He charts our path ahead of us, and tells us where to stop and rest. Every moment, He knows where we are. He knows what I am going to say before we even say it.
Matthew 6 : 8
Your Father knows what you need before you ask
(Stops & Steps 0771 19XI2008)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Stops & Steps 0770 18XI2008
I am not weak
Jesus gave all Christians the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:3-7). The Spirit lives in us, making our bodies a Temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and blessing us in many ways (Romans 8).
The Holy Spirit
makes us courageous even in the face of attack, criticism and ridicule.
produces fruits (Galatians 5 : 22 – 23)
pours love into our heart (Romans 5 : 5) do not make us weak
is a powerful force to help us overcome sin (Romans 8 : 13)
helps us to live self disciplined lives
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline
(Stops & Steps 0770 18XI2008)
Jesus gave all Christians the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:3-7). The Spirit lives in us, making our bodies a Temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and blessing us in many ways (Romans 8).
The Holy Spirit
makes us courageous even in the face of attack, criticism and ridicule.
produces fruits (Galatians 5 : 22 – 23)
pours love into our heart (Romans 5 : 5) do not make us weak
is a powerful force to help us overcome sin (Romans 8 : 13)
helps us to live self disciplined lives
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline
(Stops & Steps 0770 18XI2008)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Stops & Steps 0769 17XI2008
Remove that mountain
We all have mountains in our lives from time to time – our problems, our attitudes, our stubbornness,………
Sometimes God responds to our faith and He removes our mountain immediately. But other times it is like the iceberg. It seems to cast a shadow on our lives for too long and we fear it may never go.
We must have faith in God, believing in God's power. He will do the casting into the sea in His time. He is the mountain mover and as we ask Him for a tenacity of faith to believe, He will work! Trust God and His power.
Let us ask God to give us a tenacity of faith to believe. Ask God to give us confidence in His power to work in His time.
Mark 11 : 22-23
Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him"
(Stops & Steps 0769 17XI2008)
We all have mountains in our lives from time to time – our problems, our attitudes, our stubbornness,………
Sometimes God responds to our faith and He removes our mountain immediately. But other times it is like the iceberg. It seems to cast a shadow on our lives for too long and we fear it may never go.
We must have faith in God, believing in God's power. He will do the casting into the sea in His time. He is the mountain mover and as we ask Him for a tenacity of faith to believe, He will work! Trust God and His power.
Let us ask God to give us a tenacity of faith to believe. Ask God to give us confidence in His power to work in His time.
Mark 11 : 22-23
Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him"
(Stops & Steps 0769 17XI2008)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Stops & Steps 0768 16XI2008
How to describe men’s love for money
Men’s love for money is being ruined by materialism, the love of money and the love of things. Men are greedy and are grasping for more than they have. Their appetites become insatiable.
Stay away from the love of money. There is nothing wrong with money.
Men’s love for money can be compared to a pan of frogs in cold water placed over a low flame. As the flame warms the water, the frogs relax. And by the time the water is boiling, it is too late for them to jump out of the pan. They are boiled alive. In contrast, if the frogs were placed in a pan of boiling water, they would leap out instantly.
Hebrews 13 :5
Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never, never fail you nor forsake you'
(Stops & Steps 0768 16XI2008)
Men’s love for money is being ruined by materialism, the love of money and the love of things. Men are greedy and are grasping for more than they have. Their appetites become insatiable.
Stay away from the love of money. There is nothing wrong with money.
Men’s love for money can be compared to a pan of frogs in cold water placed over a low flame. As the flame warms the water, the frogs relax. And by the time the water is boiling, it is too late for them to jump out of the pan. They are boiled alive. In contrast, if the frogs were placed in a pan of boiling water, they would leap out instantly.
Hebrews 13 :5
Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never, never fail you nor forsake you'
(Stops & Steps 0768 16XI2008)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Stops & Steps 0767 15XI2008
Spend time with Him
Some begin prayer times by reading God’s Word. It is best to have a daily quiet time that includes prayer. It may be hours, but start somewhere with a regular time. You cannot expect God's blessing if you fail to spend time with Him.
Frankly, the benefits of time spent in prayer are so great; at times I wonder why we do not pray more! God will bless you as you devote more time to prayer.
(Stops & Steps 0767 15XI2008)
Some begin prayer times by reading God’s Word. It is best to have a daily quiet time that includes prayer. It may be hours, but start somewhere with a regular time. You cannot expect God's blessing if you fail to spend time with Him.
Frankly, the benefits of time spent in prayer are so great; at times I wonder why we do not pray more! God will bless you as you devote more time to prayer.
(Stops & Steps 0767 15XI2008)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Stops & Steps 0766 14XI2008
The transformed Life
The experience of salvation means that
• in your actual life things are really altered,
• you no longer look at things as you used to;
• your desires are new,
• old things have lost their power.
If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the alteration evident in your actual life and reasoning, and when the crisis comes you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. It is this complete and amazing alteration that is the evidence that you are a saved soul.
The salvation that is worked out by the Holy Ghost releases you entirely, and as long as you walk in the light as God is in the light, He sees nothing to censure because His life is working out in every particular, not to your consciousness, but deeper than your consciousness.
2 Corinthians 5:17
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(Stops & Steps 0766 14XI2008)
The experience of salvation means that
• in your actual life things are really altered,
• you no longer look at things as you used to;
• your desires are new,
• old things have lost their power.
If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the alteration evident in your actual life and reasoning, and when the crisis comes you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. It is this complete and amazing alteration that is the evidence that you are a saved soul.
The salvation that is worked out by the Holy Ghost releases you entirely, and as long as you walk in the light as God is in the light, He sees nothing to censure because His life is working out in every particular, not to your consciousness, but deeper than your consciousness.
2 Corinthians 5:17
If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(Stops & Steps 0766 14XI2008)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Stops & Steps 0765 13XI2008
Tested faith
Faith that is not tested may be true faith, but it is sure
to be little faith, and
likely to remain small so long as it is without trials.
Faith never prospers so well as when all things are against you.
Tried faith brings experience. You could not have believed your own weakness. Faith increases in solidity, assurance, and intensity, the more it is exercised with tribulation. Faith is precious, and its trial is precious too.
All of us will have trials enough without seeking them.
Meanwhile, if you cannot yet claim the result of long experience,
thank God for what grace you have;
praise Him for that degree of holy confidence where you have attained:
walk according to that rule, and you shall yet have more and more of the blessing of God, till your faith shall remove mountains and conquer impossibilities.
1 Peter 1:7
The trial of your faith.
(Stops & Steps 0765 13XI2008)
Faith that is not tested may be true faith, but it is sure
to be little faith, and
likely to remain small so long as it is without trials.
Faith never prospers so well as when all things are against you.
Tried faith brings experience. You could not have believed your own weakness. Faith increases in solidity, assurance, and intensity, the more it is exercised with tribulation. Faith is precious, and its trial is precious too.
All of us will have trials enough without seeking them.
Meanwhile, if you cannot yet claim the result of long experience,
thank God for what grace you have;
praise Him for that degree of holy confidence where you have attained:
walk according to that rule, and you shall yet have more and more of the blessing of God, till your faith shall remove mountains and conquer impossibilities.
1 Peter 1:7
The trial of your faith.
(Stops & Steps 0765 13XI2008)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Stops & Steps 0764 12XI2008
Judging Others
It is so easy to judge others.
We have no right to judge others when
• we do not know their struggles.
• we do not know their situation.
• we do not know their hearts.
When we judge others
- we put up a barrier between others and ourselves.
- we often spread that judgmental feeling to others in gossip.
- our stubbornness to only view them with a judgmental spirit erects a barrier, an obstacle, which can cause them to become discouraged and fall.
We must ask God
- to help us be more patient with the failures of others, just as He is patient with ours.
- to forgive us for not being more of an encouragement to those who are weak and struggling.
- to forgive us for being a hindrance to others.
Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
(Stops & Steps 0764 12XI2008)
It is so easy to judge others.
We have no right to judge others when
• we do not know their struggles.
• we do not know their situation.
• we do not know their hearts.
When we judge others
- we put up a barrier between others and ourselves.
- we often spread that judgmental feeling to others in gossip.
- our stubbornness to only view them with a judgmental spirit erects a barrier, an obstacle, which can cause them to become discouraged and fall.
We must ask God
- to help us be more patient with the failures of others, just as He is patient with ours.
- to forgive us for not being more of an encouragement to those who are weak and struggling.
- to forgive us for being a hindrance to others.
Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
(Stops & Steps 0764 12XI2008)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Stops & Steps 0763 11XI2008
Looking forward
As we approach each new day with some introspection, we are reminded of the briefness of time.
As we look back over our failures, mistakes and missed opportunities,
we must make plans to make better use of our time during the days ahead.
we must take time to be pleasant,
we smile,
we should extend the small courtesies we often omit
we should show love to our family and loved ones.
We must take time get acquainted with our families as we go to work with a sweet spirit.
Let us take time to express our love.
Philippians 3 : 13
Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,
(Stops & Steps 0763 11XI2008)
As we approach each new day with some introspection, we are reminded of the briefness of time.
As we look back over our failures, mistakes and missed opportunities,
we must make plans to make better use of our time during the days ahead.
we must take time to be pleasant,
we smile,
we should extend the small courtesies we often omit
we should show love to our family and loved ones.
We must take time get acquainted with our families as we go to work with a sweet spirit.
Let us take time to express our love.
Philippians 3 : 13
Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead,
(Stops & Steps 0763 11XI2008)
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Stops & Steps 0762 10XI2008
Be impartial
Do you have partiality toward some individuals over others?
Do you harbor discrimination toward those who may be different from you?
Allow God to change your way of thinking!
It is a fact of life in most societies that the attractive individual has many advantages in regard to employment, educational assignment, social life, and more.
We as human beings have a natural preference to be partial in our relationships and dealings with others over a broad range.
Most of us have been on the receiving end of one form or another of partiality by others. If such partiality when experienced is in the negative, it is not very pleasant and sometimes affects him for life.
The good news is that God
is not a respecter of persons or
has partiality based on certain qualities that a person may or not have.
Acts 10:34-36
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ - He is Lord of all.
Romans 2 : 10-11
...but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.
Galatians 2:6.
But from those who seemed to be something - whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man - for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.
(Stops & Steps 0762 10XI2008)
Do you have partiality toward some individuals over others?
Do you harbor discrimination toward those who may be different from you?
Allow God to change your way of thinking!
It is a fact of life in most societies that the attractive individual has many advantages in regard to employment, educational assignment, social life, and more.
We as human beings have a natural preference to be partial in our relationships and dealings with others over a broad range.
Most of us have been on the receiving end of one form or another of partiality by others. If such partiality when experienced is in the negative, it is not very pleasant and sometimes affects him for life.
The good news is that God
is not a respecter of persons or
has partiality based on certain qualities that a person may or not have.
Acts 10:34-36
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ - He is Lord of all.
Romans 2 : 10-11
...but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.
Galatians 2:6.
But from those who seemed to be something - whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man - for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.
(Stops & Steps 0762 10XI2008)
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Stops & Steps 0761 09XI2008
The secret that has not been revealed !!
Today most of us feel unhappy and unsatisfied with life because we have put emphasis on the wrong thing. The great enemy to the Lord Jesus Christ in the present day is no private life with God.
The central thing about the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship to Himself, not public usefulness to men.
John 18:36
My kingdom is not of this world.
(Stops & Steps 0761 09XI2008)
Today most of us feel unhappy and unsatisfied with life because we have put emphasis on the wrong thing. The great enemy to the Lord Jesus Christ in the present day is no private life with God.
The central thing about the kingdom of Jesus Christ is a personal relationship to Himself, not public usefulness to men.
John 18:36
My kingdom is not of this world.
(Stops & Steps 0761 09XI2008)
Friday, November 07, 2008
Stops & Steps 0760 08XI2008
The irony
To follow Christ means
that we give up everything and follow him.
that we receive untold blessings in this life and eternal life with God in the life to come.
Yes, it is hard
Yes, the burden is light because we know our lives are not lived in vain, that we are living life as God intended it, and when life is over, it is not really over! We get to go home and be with our Lord!
Let us ask God to
give us courage to face the challenges that we must confront.
give us charity to deal appropriately with those we meet.
give us thankfulness for all that we have done to bless us.
give us clarity to see that living for Jesus is the best of all choices.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
(Stops & Steps 0760 08XI2008)
To follow Christ means
that we give up everything and follow him.
that we receive untold blessings in this life and eternal life with God in the life to come.
Yes, it is hard
Yes, the burden is light because we know our lives are not lived in vain, that we are living life as God intended it, and when life is over, it is not really over! We get to go home and be with our Lord!
Let us ask God to
give us courage to face the challenges that we must confront.
give us charity to deal appropriately with those we meet.
give us thankfulness for all that we have done to bless us.
give us clarity to see that living for Jesus is the best of all choices.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
(Stops & Steps 0760 08XI2008)
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Stops & Steps 0759 07XI2008
What holds you back ?
If you have a desire to give, yet financial commitments keep holding you back, you may be surprised to learn that what you need is not more money. What you need is a spiritual advance.
You need to take the Word of God and destroy the images of poverty and lack within you. You need to replace them with a vision of the sufficiency of God. Then more things, including money, will come.
How?
By spending time thinking on the prosperity promises He's provided for you in His Word.
By meditating on them.
By believing you receive those promises actually being fulfilled in your life.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
(Stops & Steps 0759 07XI2008)
If you have a desire to give, yet financial commitments keep holding you back, you may be surprised to learn that what you need is not more money. What you need is a spiritual advance.
You need to take the Word of God and destroy the images of poverty and lack within you. You need to replace them with a vision of the sufficiency of God. Then more things, including money, will come.
How?
By spending time thinking on the prosperity promises He's provided for you in His Word.
By meditating on them.
By believing you receive those promises actually being fulfilled in your life.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
(Stops & Steps 0759 07XI2008)
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Stops & Steps 0758 06XI2008
Food for the year
Anthropologists say that eating certain food to change one’s fortune goes back to ancient Babylonia.
The prophet Jeremiah was not looking for good luck As God’s spokesman during a difficult time in Israel’s history, he suffered rejection and persecution. Yet God’s Word produced deep joy in his heart.
Eating special food would not influence the year ahead. But if I make God’s Word a part of my life each day through reading, study and memorization, that will make a difference.
Jeremiah 15 : 16
Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.
(Stops & Steps 0758 06XI2008)
Anthropologists say that eating certain food to change one’s fortune goes back to ancient Babylonia.
The prophet Jeremiah was not looking for good luck As God’s spokesman during a difficult time in Israel’s history, he suffered rejection and persecution. Yet God’s Word produced deep joy in his heart.
Eating special food would not influence the year ahead. But if I make God’s Word a part of my life each day through reading, study and memorization, that will make a difference.
Jeremiah 15 : 16
Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.
(Stops & Steps 0758 06XI2008)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Stops & Steps 0757 05XI2008
Reach out
God has a plan to reach the world with His grace.
We start where we are and reach out to those around us. We then share our joy with those in our region. Then we reach out and take the gospel all over the world. As we offer ourselves to be used, we also trust that the Holy Spirit's power and presence will go with us.
Acts 1:8
[Jesus said] "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
(Stops & Steps 0757 05XI2008)
God has a plan to reach the world with His grace.
We start where we are and reach out to those around us. We then share our joy with those in our region. Then we reach out and take the gospel all over the world. As we offer ourselves to be used, we also trust that the Holy Spirit's power and presence will go with us.
Acts 1:8
[Jesus said] "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
(Stops & Steps 0757 05XI2008)
Monday, November 03, 2008
Stops & Steps 0756 04XI2008
Our daily devotion
We put aside time for the spiritual exercise of prayer and Bible study. This devotion requires diligence. Very often, as we sat down to get a nice little routine going, only to have it interrupted, shortened or terminated by any number of crisis moments, attentions or demands of those close to us. These interruptions become very easy for us to come to the conclusion that we might as well just quit even trying to seek and take time for this area in our lives. We must not quit – diligence in this area is always for our benefit and the benefit of those around us. Such rewards should encourage us never to quit seeking and taking time for spiritual exercise.
Luke 18:1
Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit.
Psalm 119:105
Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me, and keep me from stumbling.
(Stops & Steps 0756 04XI2008)
We put aside time for the spiritual exercise of prayer and Bible study. This devotion requires diligence. Very often, as we sat down to get a nice little routine going, only to have it interrupted, shortened or terminated by any number of crisis moments, attentions or demands of those close to us. These interruptions become very easy for us to come to the conclusion that we might as well just quit even trying to seek and take time for this area in our lives. We must not quit – diligence in this area is always for our benefit and the benefit of those around us. Such rewards should encourage us never to quit seeking and taking time for spiritual exercise.
Luke 18:1
Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit.
Psalm 119:105
Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me, and keep me from stumbling.
(Stops & Steps 0756 04XI2008)
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Stops & Steps 0755 03XI2008
Love is the greatest
As we live each day of our lives, there will be the untimely passing of someone dear to us. Someone who meant so much to us. Someone who had given us his life and his love. That someone is now gone. Gone and never to return our calls and our smiles.
Let us now remember that no matter what we are doing, no matter how busy we are, no matter how we feel, we must never forget to show love. We must not wait until it is too late. Tell someone that we love them, and not wait for life to pass us by. Let us enjoy life to the fullest
If we live life to the fullest -- no matter what our health problems may be -- if we live life to the fullest, we will be loved and remembered all our days. No matter what we can offer each other, no matter what we can do for each other, we must never forget to give love. To give love to the fullest is to receive love in return.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
(Stops & Steps 0755 03XI2008)
As we live each day of our lives, there will be the untimely passing of someone dear to us. Someone who meant so much to us. Someone who had given us his life and his love. That someone is now gone. Gone and never to return our calls and our smiles.
Let us now remember that no matter what we are doing, no matter how busy we are, no matter how we feel, we must never forget to show love. We must not wait until it is too late. Tell someone that we love them, and not wait for life to pass us by. Let us enjoy life to the fullest
If we live life to the fullest -- no matter what our health problems may be -- if we live life to the fullest, we will be loved and remembered all our days. No matter what we can offer each other, no matter what we can do for each other, we must never forget to give love. To give love to the fullest is to receive love in return.
1 Corinthians 13:13
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
(Stops & Steps 0755 03XI2008)
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Stops & Steps 0754 02XI2008
To have a master
It means that there is
one who knows me better than I know myself,
one who is closer than a friend,
one who understands the remotest abyss of my heart and satisfies it,
one who has brings me into the secure sense and
one who solves every confusion and problem of my mind.
To have a master is this and nothing less
Our Lord never enforces obedience;
In the Bible obedience is based on the relationship of equals, that of a son with his father. Our Lord was not God's servant, He was His Son.
John 13 : 13
You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord', and rightly so, for that is what I am.
(Stops & Steps 0754 02XI2008)
It means that there is
one who knows me better than I know myself,
one who is closer than a friend,
one who understands the remotest abyss of my heart and satisfies it,
one who has brings me into the secure sense and
one who solves every confusion and problem of my mind.
To have a master is this and nothing less
Our Lord never enforces obedience;
In the Bible obedience is based on the relationship of equals, that of a son with his father. Our Lord was not God's servant, He was His Son.
John 13 : 13
You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord', and rightly so, for that is what I am.
(Stops & Steps 0754 02XI2008)
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