Facing uncertain times
Everyday we try hard to maintain some degree of control in our day and in our plans. This measure of control can be shaken at times. God knows we will face uncertainty in our lives. HE offers encouragement and instruction. In order not to be shaken, we have to bring God into focus daily as we begin each day. Walk with Him step by step through whatever our day holds. His presence will not only enrich our ordinary steps today, but will also hold us steady through the uncertain steps of the days ahead.
Psalm 16 : 7 - 8
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken
(Stops & Steps 0814 01I2009)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Stops & Steps 0813 31XII2008
HE knows everything
God always know everything.
God knows everything - all things possible, everything actual; all events and all creatures of the past, the present, and the future. Nothing escapes His notice. You cannot hide anything from God
We need not have to be concerned whether God hears our prayers because He knows our thoughts and the intent of our hearts. He is capable of giving the same attention to our prayers as to the million individuals who are praying to Him. He knows everything.
Ezekiel 11:5
For I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.
Psalm 139 : 1 - 5
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head.
(Stops & Steps 0813 31XII2008)
God always know everything.
God knows everything - all things possible, everything actual; all events and all creatures of the past, the present, and the future. Nothing escapes His notice. You cannot hide anything from God
We need not have to be concerned whether God hears our prayers because He knows our thoughts and the intent of our hearts. He is capable of giving the same attention to our prayers as to the million individuals who are praying to Him. He knows everything.
Ezekiel 11:5
For I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.
Psalm 139 : 1 - 5
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head.
(Stops & Steps 0813 31XII2008)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Stops & Steps 0812 30XII2008
What is faith ?
You have faith in your friends or colleagues because they have demonstrated themselves to be trustworthy. How much more should you have faith in God who has demonstrated His faithfulness and trustworthiness many times over ??
However, God promises can only become a reality only when we act upon them and claim them in faith. Be assured that God’s promises are faithful and true.
Hebrews 11 : 1
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead
(Stops & Steps 0812 30XII2008)
You have faith in your friends or colleagues because they have demonstrated themselves to be trustworthy. How much more should you have faith in God who has demonstrated His faithfulness and trustworthiness many times over ??
However, God promises can only become a reality only when we act upon them and claim them in faith. Be assured that God’s promises are faithful and true.
Hebrews 11 : 1
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead
(Stops & Steps 0812 30XII2008)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Stops & Steps 0811 29XII2008
The way I live my life
Every person gives evidence to personal beliefs and priorities by the way he or she lives. As Christians, we should be like salt and light, which simply cannot be ignored.
It is like adding salt to soup, the improved taste is obvious, and when we bring light into a darkened room, we shall see the difference.
Our character, conduct, and conversation should make a statement about the importance of God, the necessity of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
To achieve that we begin by reading and studying the Word of God. Through His Word, God reveals Himself and this will affect the way we lead our daily lives.
Matthew 5: 13 - 16
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
(Stops & Steps 0811 29XII2008)
Every person gives evidence to personal beliefs and priorities by the way he or she lives. As Christians, we should be like salt and light, which simply cannot be ignored.
It is like adding salt to soup, the improved taste is obvious, and when we bring light into a darkened room, we shall see the difference.
Our character, conduct, and conversation should make a statement about the importance of God, the necessity of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
To achieve that we begin by reading and studying the Word of God. Through His Word, God reveals Himself and this will affect the way we lead our daily lives.
Matthew 5: 13 - 16
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
(Stops & Steps 0811 29XII2008)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Stops & Steps 0810 28XII2008
HE will be there to help me
Imagine you a little fish swimming in a huge river. Are you apprehensive of drinking the whole river dry ?
Imagine you are stranded in a cave high up in the mountain and there is no hope that help will come to you. Are you afraid you might exhaust all the oxygen in the atmosphere ?
"My grace is sufficient for thee."
On many occasions, under all kinds of circumstances, God’s promise always comes true. It has happened in your lives as well as those of many others.
What kinds of needs do you have today?
Are they needs for which God is not able to provide ?
Do you trust Him?
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
(Stops & Steps 0810 28XII2008)
Imagine you a little fish swimming in a huge river. Are you apprehensive of drinking the whole river dry ?
Imagine you are stranded in a cave high up in the mountain and there is no hope that help will come to you. Are you afraid you might exhaust all the oxygen in the atmosphere ?
"My grace is sufficient for thee."
On many occasions, under all kinds of circumstances, God’s promise always comes true. It has happened in your lives as well as those of many others.
What kinds of needs do you have today?
Are they needs for which God is not able to provide ?
Do you trust Him?
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
(Stops & Steps 0810 28XII2008)
Friday, December 26, 2008
Stops & Steps 0809 27XII2008
Be obedient
Whenever things become difficult, who do you blame ?
The right attitude must be one of complete reliance on God. When once we get there, there is nothing easier than living the saintly life; difficulty comes in when we want to take over the authority of the Holy Spirit for our own ends.
Whenever you obey God, you will enjoy peace. Whenever the peace does not come, tarry till it does or find out the reason why it does not.
You have doubts whenever you cease to obey. When you have obeyed God, the problems never come between you and God. Any problem that comes between God and yourself springs out of disobedience.
John 14 : 27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: . . Let not your heart be troubled.
(Stops & Steps 0809 27XII2008)
Whenever things become difficult, who do you blame ?
The right attitude must be one of complete reliance on God. When once we get there, there is nothing easier than living the saintly life; difficulty comes in when we want to take over the authority of the Holy Spirit for our own ends.
Whenever you obey God, you will enjoy peace. Whenever the peace does not come, tarry till it does or find out the reason why it does not.
You have doubts whenever you cease to obey. When you have obeyed God, the problems never come between you and God. Any problem that comes between God and yourself springs out of disobedience.
John 14 : 27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: . . Let not your heart be troubled.
(Stops & Steps 0809 27XII2008)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Stops & Steps 0808 26XII2008
Secret for success
Be encouraged and never give up!
Proverbs 3 : 5 - 6
Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge Him
(Stops & Steps 0808 26XII2008)
Be encouraged and never give up!
Proverbs 3 : 5 - 6
Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge Him
(Stops & Steps 0808 26XII2008)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Stops & Steps 0807 25XII2008
Do not judge others
Very often we allow our personal preference, peer pressure and concerns affect our relationship with our family members and friends. We should not let our personal opinion or position to influence them. Most important of all, we must not judge others. We should always bear in mind to always please God and honour Him in ways we feel are appropriate.
Let us ask God to guide us and help us not to judge others based on human observations and our preference about those conclusions. Ask God to help give us courage to honor Christ according to our convictions, but also to give us the wisdom to do so in ways that bless God’s people.
Romans 14 : 5
One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
(Stops & Steps 0807 25XII2008)
Very often we allow our personal preference, peer pressure and concerns affect our relationship with our family members and friends. We should not let our personal opinion or position to influence them. Most important of all, we must not judge others. We should always bear in mind to always please God and honour Him in ways we feel are appropriate.
Let us ask God to guide us and help us not to judge others based on human observations and our preference about those conclusions. Ask God to help give us courage to honor Christ according to our convictions, but also to give us the wisdom to do so in ways that bless God’s people.
Romans 14 : 5
One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
(Stops & Steps 0807 25XII2008)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Stops & Steps 0806 24XII2008
Everything is OK
You can find peace, joy and contentment when you focus on God instead of your circumstances. Believe in God's sovereignty. It enables you to view life differently, because no matter what happens around you... everything is well.
Galatians 5 : 22 - 23
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
(Stops & Steps 0806 24XII2008)
You can find peace, joy and contentment when you focus on God instead of your circumstances. Believe in God's sovereignty. It enables you to view life differently, because no matter what happens around you... everything is well.
Galatians 5 : 22 - 23
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
(Stops & Steps 0806 24XII2008)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Stops & Steps 0805 23XII2008
Continue to grow
We know something is horribly wrong when a child is not making progress in his or her growth and maturation. Arrested development is a cause of great concern. The same is true of our spiritual lives. God wants us to progress and mature spiritually. HE wants us to continue to grow.
We must thank God for loving us and saving us. We must ask God to help us to mature, as we seek to follow HIS habits and fill ourselves spiritually with the things that will help us to grow. We must acknowledge that true growth can only come from God.
1 Peter 2 : 2 - 3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
(Stops & Steps 0805 23XII2008)
We know something is horribly wrong when a child is not making progress in his or her growth and maturation. Arrested development is a cause of great concern. The same is true of our spiritual lives. God wants us to progress and mature spiritually. HE wants us to continue to grow.
We must thank God for loving us and saving us. We must ask God to help us to mature, as we seek to follow HIS habits and fill ourselves spiritually with the things that will help us to grow. We must acknowledge that true growth can only come from God.
1 Peter 2 : 2 - 3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
(Stops & Steps 0805 23XII2008)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Stops & Steps 0804 22XII2008
Don’t you ever worry ?
Yes sometimes we just can’t help it. Sometimes problems are too big for us not to worry. Yet God tells us to worry about nothing.
We must pray about everything.
God can handle anything, big or small. If it concerns you, it concerns Him.
We must tell God our needs.
We must talk things over with God and tell Him what we need. We must ask Him for guidance and His supply
We must also remember to thank Him for His answers.
We must start by thanking in advance. Then we must exercise our faith.
If we do this we will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep our thoughts and our hearts quiet and at rest as we trust in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
We must ask God to tell us how to deal with the worries that crowd in upon our heart and mind today. We must ask God to quiet our heart and mind today. We must ask God to help us to see each worry that creeps in as a call for prayer.
Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything: tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers
(Stops & Steps 0804 22XII2008)
Yes sometimes we just can’t help it. Sometimes problems are too big for us not to worry. Yet God tells us to worry about nothing.
We must pray about everything.
God can handle anything, big or small. If it concerns you, it concerns Him.
We must tell God our needs.
We must talk things over with God and tell Him what we need. We must ask Him for guidance and His supply
We must also remember to thank Him for His answers.
We must start by thanking in advance. Then we must exercise our faith.
If we do this we will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep our thoughts and our hearts quiet and at rest as we trust in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
We must ask God to tell us how to deal with the worries that crowd in upon our heart and mind today. We must ask God to quiet our heart and mind today. We must ask God to help us to see each worry that creeps in as a call for prayer.
Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything: tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers
(Stops & Steps 0804 22XII2008)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Stops & Steps 0803 21XII2008
Do you have the patience to wait ?
Many of us do not like to wait, standing in lines, waiting for appointments or held up in the traffic. We do not like our plans to be delayed !!
When God is taking a bit longer to answer our prayers we struggle to wait on the Lord.
Be patient ! do not make any changes without God’s approval.
We will discover God's will and purpose.
Our impatience can cause us to miss out on the best that God has planned when we make alternative plans. The goodness of the Lord will be poured out upon those who choose to be still before Him. (Lamentations 3:25)
We will acquire supernatural strength for the work.
Frequently, the Lord asks us to serve in capacities beyond our natural abilities. Through His Holy Spirit, He will provide the empowerment needed for the task that He has assigned.
We will receive answers to prayer.
By remaining where we are, we will be rewarded with a response from our God as well as His direction and help. (Psalm 40:1 - 3)
We will see God at work.
The sovereign Lord - Creator of heaven and earth, giver and sustainer of life - will turn His efforts toward us for our gain and also for the benefit of others. (Isaiah 64:4 )
Ask God to develop in you a character that is willing to wait.
Isaiah 40:28 - 31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no-one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
(Stops & Steps 0803 21XII2008)
Many of us do not like to wait, standing in lines, waiting for appointments or held up in the traffic. We do not like our plans to be delayed !!
When God is taking a bit longer to answer our prayers we struggle to wait on the Lord.
Be patient ! do not make any changes without God’s approval.
We will discover God's will and purpose.
Our impatience can cause us to miss out on the best that God has planned when we make alternative plans. The goodness of the Lord will be poured out upon those who choose to be still before Him. (Lamentations 3:25)
We will acquire supernatural strength for the work.
Frequently, the Lord asks us to serve in capacities beyond our natural abilities. Through His Holy Spirit, He will provide the empowerment needed for the task that He has assigned.
We will receive answers to prayer.
By remaining where we are, we will be rewarded with a response from our God as well as His direction and help. (Psalm 40:1 - 3)
We will see God at work.
The sovereign Lord - Creator of heaven and earth, giver and sustainer of life - will turn His efforts toward us for our gain and also for the benefit of others. (Isaiah 64:4 )
Ask God to develop in you a character that is willing to wait.
Isaiah 40:28 - 31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no-one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
(Stops & Steps 0803 21XII2008)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Stops & Steps 0802 20XII2008
Peace
We need inner peace but we also need peace with others.
Inner peace begins with a relationship with God and it continues as we focus on His strength and allow Him to fill us. In Isaiah 26 : 3 we are taught that God will keep us in perfect peace as our mind focus on Him and trust Him. Inner peace hinges on our trust in God. If you cannot find inner peace in you and you are filled with anxiety, choose to trust God. He will guide you through the maze of life. If you choose not trust Him, you will find yourself walking the road to stress and worry.
Peace with others begins as we understand that God has called us to be peacemakers in our world. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
Isaiah 26 : 3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
(Stops & Steps 0802 20XII2008)
We need inner peace but we also need peace with others.
Inner peace begins with a relationship with God and it continues as we focus on His strength and allow Him to fill us. In Isaiah 26 : 3 we are taught that God will keep us in perfect peace as our mind focus on Him and trust Him. Inner peace hinges on our trust in God. If you cannot find inner peace in you and you are filled with anxiety, choose to trust God. He will guide you through the maze of life. If you choose not trust Him, you will find yourself walking the road to stress and worry.
Peace with others begins as we understand that God has called us to be peacemakers in our world. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9).
Isaiah 26 : 3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
(Stops & Steps 0802 20XII2008)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Stops & Steps 0801 19XII2008
Be loyal
Do you believe that God engineers circumstances ??
Most of the time we treat the things that happen as if they were engineered by men.
To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, and that is to our Lord. If we learn to worship God in the difficult circumstances, He will alter them in our favour when He chooses.
The idea is not that we do work for God, but that we are so loyal to Him that He can do His work through us
Romans 8 : 28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.
(Stops & Steps 0801 19XII2008)
Do you believe that God engineers circumstances ??
Most of the time we treat the things that happen as if they were engineered by men.
To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, and that is to our Lord. If we learn to worship God in the difficult circumstances, He will alter them in our favour when He chooses.
The idea is not that we do work for God, but that we are so loyal to Him that He can do His work through us
Romans 8 : 28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.
(Stops & Steps 0801 19XII2008)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Stops & Steps 0800 18XII2008
Life can be very tough.
In the process of living, we face some very difficult circumstances and experience some awful pain.. The pain and inconvenience are only temporary. The things that cause our pain are temporary. All these things that we have seen and experienced are passing.
Our eternal glory, our indescribable bliss, that wonderful future that we cannot yet see, is eternal ... forever ... incorruptible ... and reserved for us
Let us ask God to be with us during the painful and difficult passages of our life. Ask God to help keep our hearts fixed on what is unseen.
2 Corinthians 4 : 17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
(Stops & Steps 0800 18XII2008)
In the process of living, we face some very difficult circumstances and experience some awful pain.. The pain and inconvenience are only temporary. The things that cause our pain are temporary. All these things that we have seen and experienced are passing.
Our eternal glory, our indescribable bliss, that wonderful future that we cannot yet see, is eternal ... forever ... incorruptible ... and reserved for us
Let us ask God to be with us during the painful and difficult passages of our life. Ask God to help keep our hearts fixed on what is unseen.
2 Corinthians 4 : 17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
(Stops & Steps 0800 18XII2008)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Stops & Steps 0799 17XII2008
Pray and be patient
Do you regard prayer as simply as a list of requests to God, asking Him to solve our problems and get us out of a sticky situation ? If so, you have missed what He is offering us through prayer !!
He knows we will all have times of need. He invites us to come to Him boldly. It is not a promise of an immediate solution to our problem. It is a promise to find the mercy and the grace... the strength to walk where we need to walk right there in our need.
God answers our crisis prayer right in the moment of need. Other times there is no immediate answer.
He offers grace, giving us strength and wisdom, patience and endurance.
He offers mercy and holds us through the storm.
He helps us in our time of need.
Be patient and continue praying and looking expectantly to receive just what you need to carry you through
Hebrews 4 : 16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need
(Stops & Steps 0799 17XII2008)
Do you regard prayer as simply as a list of requests to God, asking Him to solve our problems and get us out of a sticky situation ? If so, you have missed what He is offering us through prayer !!
He knows we will all have times of need. He invites us to come to Him boldly. It is not a promise of an immediate solution to our problem. It is a promise to find the mercy and the grace... the strength to walk where we need to walk right there in our need.
God answers our crisis prayer right in the moment of need. Other times there is no immediate answer.
He offers grace, giving us strength and wisdom, patience and endurance.
He offers mercy and holds us through the storm.
He helps us in our time of need.
Be patient and continue praying and looking expectantly to receive just what you need to carry you through
Hebrews 4 : 16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need
(Stops & Steps 0799 17XII2008)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Stops & Steps 0798 16XII2008
# 798
Step out in faith
There are times when you know what God has called you to do, but you just do not feel you have the inner resources you need to do it.
Everything you will ever need to accomplish what God has called you to do has been placed inside you by God.
Faith is in there.
Power is in there.
Love is in there.
Believe that. Speak it out.
Step out in faith
2 Timothy 1:4,6-7
Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears.... I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.... For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
(Stops & Steps 0798 16XII2008)
Step out in faith
There are times when you know what God has called you to do, but you just do not feel you have the inner resources you need to do it.
Everything you will ever need to accomplish what God has called you to do has been placed inside you by God.
Faith is in there.
Power is in there.
Love is in there.
Believe that. Speak it out.
Step out in faith
2 Timothy 1:4,6-7
Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears.... I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.... For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
(Stops & Steps 0798 16XII2008)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Stops & Steps 0797 15XII2008
Tithing.
Christians should be excited about tithing if only we understand how to do it properly.
Scriptural tithing rouses our faith. It activates the power of God in our lives when we do it in appreciation and joy.
Deuteronomy 26:1-2
When you have entered the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name
(Stops & Steps 0797 15XII2008)
Christians should be excited about tithing if only we understand how to do it properly.
Scriptural tithing rouses our faith. It activates the power of God in our lives when we do it in appreciation and joy.
Deuteronomy 26:1-2
When you have entered the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name
(Stops & Steps 0797 15XII2008)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Stops & Steps 0796 14XII2008
Always give thanks
Prayer is more than making requests to God.
Remember the Bible story of the ten lepers Jesus healed. Those outcasts were miserable, falling apart and isolated. They were hated, feared and despised. Then Jesus healed them.
Nine of them ran towards town anxious for others to see them... to receive their approval and acceptance. Only one returned to Jesus. He fell at His feet, thanking God for the incredible gift of a new life.
1 Thessalonians 5 : 18
.. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
(Stops & Steps 0796 14XII2008)
Prayer is more than making requests to God.
Remember the Bible story of the ten lepers Jesus healed. Those outcasts were miserable, falling apart and isolated. They were hated, feared and despised. Then Jesus healed them.
Nine of them ran towards town anxious for others to see them... to receive their approval and acceptance. Only one returned to Jesus. He fell at His feet, thanking God for the incredible gift of a new life.
1 Thessalonians 5 : 18
.. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
(Stops & Steps 0796 14XII2008)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Stops & Steps 0795 13XII2008
Trust HIM
God will faithfully meet the needs of those who seek Him. In whatever He leads us to do, He will enable us to do by supplying us with the necessary needs as we continue to trust and obey Him. We must bear in mind that we do not receive when our motives are not pure and not according to His will. Most important of all, we do not receive and do not have God’s help because we do not ask. (James 4 : 2)
Let us examine our motives and relate our needs to God’s commands.
Philippians 4 : 19
And it is He who will supply all your needs from His riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us
(Stops & Steps 0795 13XII2008)
God will faithfully meet the needs of those who seek Him. In whatever He leads us to do, He will enable us to do by supplying us with the necessary needs as we continue to trust and obey Him. We must bear in mind that we do not receive when our motives are not pure and not according to His will. Most important of all, we do not receive and do not have God’s help because we do not ask. (James 4 : 2)
Let us examine our motives and relate our needs to God’s commands.
Philippians 4 : 19
And it is He who will supply all your needs from His riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us
(Stops & Steps 0795 13XII2008)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Stops & Steps 0794 12XII2008
Do you have the Holy Spirit ?
You may have been given all sorts of ways to know whether or not you have the Holy Spirit. There is only one simple answer : by their fruit you will know them.
What is the definition of fruit ?
Paul gives us the definition of holy fruit
LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL.
Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
(Stops & Steps 0794 12XII2008)
You may have been given all sorts of ways to know whether or not you have the Holy Spirit. There is only one simple answer : by their fruit you will know them.
What is the definition of fruit ?
Paul gives us the definition of holy fruit
LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL.
Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
(Stops & Steps 0794 12XII2008)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Stops & Steps 0793 11XII2008
Be satisfied
We must learn not to complain of want, for we have learned in whatever condition we are to be content. We must know how to be abased, and how to abound. In any and all circumstances we must learn to face plenty and hunger, abundance and want. We can do all things through God
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
(Stops & Steps 0793 11XII2008)
We must learn not to complain of want, for we have learned in whatever condition we are to be content. We must know how to be abased, and how to abound. In any and all circumstances we must learn to face plenty and hunger, abundance and want. We can do all things through God
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
(Stops & Steps 0793 11XII2008)
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Stops & Steps 0792 10XII2008
A life of faith
Do you live a life of faith ?
Or do you live a life based on intellect and reason ?
The root of faith is the knowledge of the Person leading you, the assurance that you are safe with Him A life of faith changes your character. There are many stages in the change of your character, as each time you pray you experience the blessing of God and change takes place in you. A life of faith is a life of experiencing the love of God and His blessings. You will experience many situations where your faith will be tried and proved and it will stand the test. You will live a life of tried faith built on a real God.
Hebrews 11:8
He went out, not knowing whither he went.
(Stops & Steps 0792 10XII2008)
Do you live a life of faith ?
Or do you live a life based on intellect and reason ?
The root of faith is the knowledge of the Person leading you, the assurance that you are safe with Him A life of faith changes your character. There are many stages in the change of your character, as each time you pray you experience the blessing of God and change takes place in you. A life of faith is a life of experiencing the love of God and His blessings. You will experience many situations where your faith will be tried and proved and it will stand the test. You will live a life of tried faith built on a real God.
Hebrews 11:8
He went out, not knowing whither he went.
(Stops & Steps 0792 10XII2008)
Monday, December 08, 2008
Stops & Steps 0791 09XII2008
Where to ask for help
Very often when we encounter times of difficulties we say "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?"
In the story in Chronicles, King Asa had previously received God's support in battle not because he was a good guy, but because he had asked God. And he was not losing it now because he was unworthy. He lost it because he depended on human help when he could have had God's.
We know very well that from the time of Adam and Eve, God's will has been
that we trust Him;
that we come to Him; and
that we rely on Him
instead of some substitute.
Let us ask God that we may totally rely on Him for any battles we are fighting. Ask God to help us not to keep going for human help and that we could rely only HIS help
2 Chronicles 16:7 - 9
Just after that, Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said, Because you went for help to the king of Aram and didn't ask GOD for help, you've lost a victory over the army of the king of Aram. Didn't the Ethiopians and Libyans come against you with superior forces, completely outclassing you with their chariots and cavalry? But you asked GOD for help and he gave you the victory. GOD is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God's help. Now you're in trouble - one round of war after another
(Stops & Steps 0791 09XII2008)
Very often when we encounter times of difficulties we say "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?"
In the story in Chronicles, King Asa had previously received God's support in battle not because he was a good guy, but because he had asked God. And he was not losing it now because he was unworthy. He lost it because he depended on human help when he could have had God's.
We know very well that from the time of Adam and Eve, God's will has been
that we trust Him;
that we come to Him; and
that we rely on Him
instead of some substitute.
Let us ask God that we may totally rely on Him for any battles we are fighting. Ask God to help us not to keep going for human help and that we could rely only HIS help
2 Chronicles 16:7 - 9
Just after that, Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said, Because you went for help to the king of Aram and didn't ask GOD for help, you've lost a victory over the army of the king of Aram. Didn't the Ethiopians and Libyans come against you with superior forces, completely outclassing you with their chariots and cavalry? But you asked GOD for help and he gave you the victory. GOD is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God's help. Now you're in trouble - one round of war after another
(Stops & Steps 0791 09XII2008)
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Stops & Steps 0790 08XII2008
HE is my attorney
Are you going through some kind of trial right now?
Are you having a difficult marriage or a problem child ?
Whatever you are going through right now, do not give up. Ask God to help you.
Jesus intercedes on our behalf! An intercessor is one who pleads the case of another in prayer. Jesus goes to God in prayer for us.
1 John 2 : 1
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defence— Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
(Stops & Steps 0790 08XII2008)
Are you going through some kind of trial right now?
Are you having a difficult marriage or a problem child ?
Whatever you are going through right now, do not give up. Ask God to help you.
Jesus intercedes on our behalf! An intercessor is one who pleads the case of another in prayer. Jesus goes to God in prayer for us.
1 John 2 : 1
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defence— Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
(Stops & Steps 0790 08XII2008)
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Stops & Steps 0789 07XII2008
HE is always there
I have encountered difficulties, opposition, problems and challenges. In such times as these, I have needed and claimed the promises of God.
Not only can we be free from fear, but He will strengthen and help and uphold us.
Isaiah 41 : 10
Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand
(Stops & Steps 0789 07XII2008)
I have encountered difficulties, opposition, problems and challenges. In such times as these, I have needed and claimed the promises of God.
Not only can we be free from fear, but He will strengthen and help and uphold us.
Isaiah 41 : 10
Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand
(Stops & Steps 0789 07XII2008)
Friday, December 05, 2008
Stops & Steps 0788 06XII2008
Change of attitude
God wants us to treat each other as He has treated us, thinking of others' needs and God's will before our own.
Let us ask God to transform our heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to take control of our thoughts and make our heart’s desire to reflect the passion of Jesus Christ. Ask God to forgive our tendency to think of our own importance, our own will and our own self-justification.
Philippians 2 : 5 - 6
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped…
(Stops & Steps 0788 06XII2008)
God wants us to treat each other as He has treated us, thinking of others' needs and God's will before our own.
Let us ask God to transform our heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to take control of our thoughts and make our heart’s desire to reflect the passion of Jesus Christ. Ask God to forgive our tendency to think of our own importance, our own will and our own self-justification.
Philippians 2 : 5 - 6
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped…
(Stops & Steps 0788 06XII2008)
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Stops & Steps 0787 05XII2008
Uniquely you !!
Do you know that is a special set of clothing that is always in style. It is the clothing of character and is best worn in the company of your friends and acquaintances. It requires good qualities to wear this special clothing and it is always a blessing to those who meet us.
Colossians 3 : 12
As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
(Stops & Steps 0787 05XII2008)
Do you know that is a special set of clothing that is always in style. It is the clothing of character and is best worn in the company of your friends and acquaintances. It requires good qualities to wear this special clothing and it is always a blessing to those who meet us.
Colossians 3 : 12
As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
(Stops & Steps 0787 05XII2008)
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Stops & Steps 0786 04XII2008
The Bible
The Bible is the book of God's love for us. Throughout its pages, in every chapter and verse, we can discover who God is and how much He loves us.
The Old Testament tells of God's love and faithfulness to His chosen people Israel, while the New Testament reveals, through Jesus Christ, God's amazing love for each one of us.
There is endless food waiting for you in God's book of love. Become one to feast on the abundance of God’s house.(Psalm 36 : 8)
Exodus 34 : 6-7
The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin
(Stops & Steps 0786 04XII2008)
The Bible is the book of God's love for us. Throughout its pages, in every chapter and verse, we can discover who God is and how much He loves us.
The Old Testament tells of God's love and faithfulness to His chosen people Israel, while the New Testament reveals, through Jesus Christ, God's amazing love for each one of us.
There is endless food waiting for you in God's book of love. Become one to feast on the abundance of God’s house.(Psalm 36 : 8)
Exodus 34 : 6-7
The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin
(Stops & Steps 0786 04XII2008)
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Stops & Steps 0785 03XII2008
Turn our weaknesses into strengths
Our inadequacy can prevent us from stepping out in faith to do what God calls us to do. We must turn our inadequacy to a blessing.
Even the apostle Paul felt inadequate, but he did not allow his feelings to hold him prisoner and prevent his sharing the Gospel. He drew closer to God. Let us pray and meditate more often so that our reliance upon God will be strengthened. We shall no longer rely on our own strength but become more motivated to work in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Remember how God demonstrate the great things HE can do with so little and accomplished amazing feats through these men
Moses and David were mere shepherds, and
Gideon was least among Israel's men (Judges 6:15),
2 Corinthians 3:1 - 6
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant— not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Let us draw closer to God.
(Stops & Steps 0785 03XII2008)
Our inadequacy can prevent us from stepping out in faith to do what God calls us to do. We must turn our inadequacy to a blessing.
Even the apostle Paul felt inadequate, but he did not allow his feelings to hold him prisoner and prevent his sharing the Gospel. He drew closer to God. Let us pray and meditate more often so that our reliance upon God will be strengthened. We shall no longer rely on our own strength but become more motivated to work in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Remember how God demonstrate the great things HE can do with so little and accomplished amazing feats through these men
Moses and David were mere shepherds, and
Gideon was least among Israel's men (Judges 6:15),
2 Corinthians 3:1 - 6
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant— not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Let us draw closer to God.
(Stops & Steps 0785 03XII2008)
Monday, December 01, 2008
Stops & Steps 0784 02XII2008
HE keeps His promises
Are you in a situation where you are torn between the desire to surrender your life to the Lord and the desire to be your own person. You may have great plans for your life and you are afraid of God and what HE might do to change your plans.
Do you really love God ?
Do you trust God to give you a full and abundant life here on earth and for all eternity ?
Say yes to both questions and let God take command of your life at this very moment.
Pray to God that you will surrender your will to do the will of God in all things. Acknowledge that HE is a God of love, wisdom, compassion and concern who wants the very best for you.
Deuteronomy 7 : 9
Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is the faithful God who for a thousand generations keeps His promises and constantly loves those who love Him and who obey His commands
(Stops & Steps 0784 02XII2008)
Are you in a situation where you are torn between the desire to surrender your life to the Lord and the desire to be your own person. You may have great plans for your life and you are afraid of God and what HE might do to change your plans.
Do you really love God ?
Do you trust God to give you a full and abundant life here on earth and for all eternity ?
Say yes to both questions and let God take command of your life at this very moment.
Pray to God that you will surrender your will to do the will of God in all things. Acknowledge that HE is a God of love, wisdom, compassion and concern who wants the very best for you.
Deuteronomy 7 : 9
Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is the faithful God who for a thousand generations keeps His promises and constantly loves those who love Him and who obey His commands
(Stops & Steps 0784 02XII2008)
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