Stops & Steps 1178 31XII2009

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE

Think before we speak

We ask God to be with us each day, to guide us to think before we speak and to speak only helpful and loving things to others.

James 3:6,8
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. But no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Psalm 140:3
They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips.


(Stops & Steps 1178 31XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1177 30XII2009

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE

Our pride

We ask God to search our hearts and to show us where pride has kept us from learning the good things. To teach us how to be disciplined and to be obedient.

Isaiah 2:3
“He will teach us his ways so that we may walk in his paths.”


(Stops & Steps 1177 30XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1176 29XII2009

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE


Our limitations

We ask God to forgive us of our own insecurities and limitations and to look on Him to be our strength so that we can continue to love, praise and glorify Him

Genesis 2 : 5
“.... God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive – a living soul!”

(Stops & Steps 1176 29XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1175 28XII2009

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE


Our weakness and inadequacy

God knows our weakness and inadequacy as we come up short when He calls on us or depends on us. We ask God to keep us protected and to teach us how to be prepared when the need arises.

Matthew 25:1-5
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep




(Stops & Steps 1175 28XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1174 27XII2009

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONEAlways give HIM glory

We ask God to help us to remember to praise Him everyday and to desire to boldly and unashamedly proclaim His glorious name in all that we say, think, and do.


Exodus 24:29
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD."



(Stops & Steps 1174 27XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1173 26XII2009

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE

Pray for care givers

We ask God for strength and courage for those who are living with a prolonged illness, and for those who look after them.

2 Peter 1:19
And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.


(Stops & Steps 1173 26XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1172 25XII2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

Be responsible

God gives us blessings and gifts. We ask God to continue to help us to be responsible with the gifts and help us to remain faithful to Him.


Proverbs 31 : 16
“She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard..


(Stops & Steps 1172 25XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1171 24XII2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE

HE is always there

We thank God for constantly watching over us

Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked straight at them and answered, "This is impossible for man, but for God everything is possible."

Zephaniah 3 : 17.
"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."



(Stops & Steps 1171 24XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1170 23XII2009

Have faith in HIM

We can trust God, we can trust Jesus and we can trust His Word and no matter what the day brings, our faith in Him remains unshaken.

2 Timothy 3 : 16 - 17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.


(Stops & Steps 1170 23XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1169 22XII2009

Remove all obstacles

God helps us to renounce obstacles in our lives that prevent us from becoming the children He created us to be. We ask God to work on us and continue to reveal any of the old that obstructs us from being transformed into a new identity – one on and in which He can dwell in.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.



(Stops & Steps 1169 22XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1168 21XII2009

HE empowers all

We acknowledge that God has given us variety of gifts, variety of service and variety of activities and all these come from Him who empowers than all in everyone

1 Corinthians 12 : 4 - 7
Dear God, help me to use the gifts You have given me to glorify You and help those around me. Open my heart and mind to Your will. May I not only see, but also act upon the opportunities You place before me today.


(Stops & Steps 1168 21XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1167 20XII2009

Be positive

We seek God to help us to be positive about things in our lives, to fill our minds with praise and help us to see the beautiful things in life.

Philippians 4:8-9
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious -- the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.


(Stops & Steps 1167 20XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1166 19XII2009

Help the non-believers


We ask God to help our non-believers to discover and believe that Jesus died for our sins. To grant them this understanding, be healed and to accept Jesus as their Savior.

Isaiah 53 : 5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”


(Stops & Steps 1166 19XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1165 18XII2009

The truth will set us free

We seek God and trust Him in life’s circumstances. We ask God to teach us to be completely frank with Him because He knows our hearts and our thoughts and speaking the truth will set us free.

Psalm 31:1
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed.


(Stops & Steps 1165 18XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1164 17XII2009

HE watches over us

We thank God for watching over us throughout our lives and giving us assurance that He will continue to be there for us as time goes by.

Isaiah 46 : 4
Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.



(Stops & Steps 1164 17XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1163 16XII2009

HE is always there for us

We turn to God to search our heart, to call us and help us hear His voice and to rescue us when we are in need of help. We trust God who has given us hope where there is horror, joy where there is judgment, peace where there is disturbance and disruptions.


Luke 15 : 5 - 6
And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep”.


(Stops & Steps 1163 16XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1162 15XII2009

HE helps us

We thank God for providing us with mentors and friends in our lives. We ask God to help us to also reach out to others with encouragement, refreshment and prodding.

Ecclesiastes 4 : 10 - 11
“If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! … Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”


(Stops & Steps 1162 15XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1161 14XII2009

HE is always in

We thank God for allowing us to come to Him anytime and ask for help when we are faced with problems in our lives.

Psalm 12:5
"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the Lord. "I will protect them from those who malign them."


(Stops & Steps 1161 14XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1160 13XII2009

Trust HIM

We ask God to give us strength and wisdom as we go about each day to tell others of His love. To strength our faith and to make our witness and faith more solid. We rely on God and we trust in His promises.

Luke 9 : 23
Then He said to them all: "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."



(Stops & Steps 1160 13XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1159 12XII2009

HE will not disappoint us


We ask God to continue to guide us by His grace and to lead us by His love.

Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.


(Stops & Steps 1159 12XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1158 11XII2009

Be forgiving

We ask God to forgive us of all that we have done wrong and to forgive us for trying to pass the blame of our sins onto others.

Genesis 3 : 12 - 13
The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate." Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."



(Stops & Steps 1158 11XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1157 10XII2009

Remember God always

God enables us to be mindful of what His will requires of us. We ask God to guide us against straying away and to help us to renew our commitment to His love.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of our need.


(Stops & Steps 1157 10XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1156 09XII2009

HE is in charge

We surrender control of all things to God and let Him take charge.

Mathew 11 : 28 - 29
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls."



(Stops & Steps 1156 09XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1155 08XII2009

HE protects us

God shields us from sin and helps us to overcome our problems. We need God for guidance and assurance, for safety and security. We acknowledge to God that we depend on God to get us through the good and bad times of our lives.

Isaiah 32:14
The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks.


(Stops & Steps 1155 08XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1154 07XII2009

God loves this world

We acknowledge to God that His love can reach out to every sinners in this world
and that we rejoice and thank Him for this love.

John 3 : 16a
For God so loved the world. . .


(Stops & Steps 1154 07XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1153 06XII2009

Show good examples

We ask God to teach us to lead more by examples than by word and to show us the way and help us to walk in it.

Isaiah 43:1
But now thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."


(Stops & Steps 1153 06XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1152 05XII2009

Understand our own differences


We ask God to teach us to understand our differences as He sees them and to show us how to help others to accept the beauty of their differences by loving them as He does.

Revelation 2 : 17
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.


(Stops & Steps 1152 05XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1151 04XII2009

Do not judge others

We ask God to teach us not to make judgments of others based on outward appearances. That we must understand their hearts and their directions and goals and when these are aligned with God, to affirm and support their choices.

2 Corinthians 5 : 11 - 12
“What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.”

(Stops & Steps 1151 04XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1150 03XII2009

Trust and follow HIM

We ask God to help us to hold on to Him and trust Him to lead us safely everyday of our lives to walk in the paths that He has chosen for us.

Psalm 27:11
Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path.

(Stops & Steps 1150 03XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1149 02XII2009

HE is always there

We acknowledge to God that we are assured to know that He will always be there, constant and unchanging, to provide us with hope and help in response to our faith in Him.

Hebrews 13 : 8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.



(Stops & Steps 1149 02XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1148 01XII2009

Submit to HIM

We ask God to help us to be open and honest with Him, submitting to Him and to help us to trust Him in every detail of our lives.

1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.


(Stops & Steps 1148 01XII2009)

Stops & Steps 1147 30XI2009

Wait for HIS answer

We confide to God that we will be patient to wait for His answer to our prayers. We admit to God that we understand that He will answer our requests according to His will and according to His time and not ours.


Colossians 1:28
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.


(Stops & Steps 1147 30XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1146 29XI2009

Acknowledge Him

We confess to God that we realize that we cannot save ourselves and that we are sorry and thank Him for forgiving us of all our sins, regardless of our status, our colour or our culture.

Galatians 3 : 26 - 28
For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.



(Stops & Steps 1146 29XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1145 28XI2009

Be convicted and committed

We ask God to teach us to live a life of conviction and commitment to the things that matter.

Ephesians 4 : 14 - 15
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”

(Stops & Steps 1145 28XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1144 27XI2009

Be grateful to HIM

We thank God being the giver of all good things. Let us ask God to open our eyes to all His blessings and let our hearts be filled with gratitude.

1 Timothy 2 : 3 - 4
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

(Stops & Steps 1144 27XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1143 26XI2009

Follow HIS will

We ask God to help and guide us to do things always according to His will and to make decisions that will glorify His name.

Colossians 3 : 15-17
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”


(Stops & Steps 1143 26XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1142 25XI2009

Be submissive to HIM

We ask God to teach us not to do things on our own way but to do things according to HIS will.


2 Kings 20:1
In those days Hezekiah became deadly ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came and said to him, "Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover."


(Stops & Steps 1142 25XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1141 24XI2009

Be self-controlled and alert

We thank God for helping us when we are in difficulties, for forgiving us and helping us to recognize His love. We thank God for warning us of the dangers of shallow living and for bringing us back to HIM when we have gone astray.

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.



(Stops & Steps 1141 24XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1140 23XI2009

We are protected

We thank God for His overflowing love and readiness to answer our calls for help. We ask God to help us to spend more time in prayers and to read His Word.

Jeremiah 17 : 8
He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit


(Stops & Steps 1140 23XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1139 22XI2009

HE is our shelter

We thank God for being our shelter and cover when we are experiencing stormy days and trials.

Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.


(Stops & Steps 1139 22XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1138 21XI2009

HE is responsive

We thank God for listening to us, for caring for us and for helping us.

Psalm 17 : 6
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words.

(Stops & Steps 1138 21XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1137 20XI2009

Be faithful

We ask God to help us to be useful servants to bring more people to know of His love

Matthew 25:21
His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"


(Stops & Steps 1137 20XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1136 19XI2009

The Word is living and active

We thank God for the Word that clearly tells of His great love and grace for sinners.

Hebrews 4 : 12a
For the word of God is living and active. . .


(Stops & Steps 1136 19XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1135 18XI2009

The Word is flawless

We ask God to help us to teach and train the kids of this world to become useful servants and godly shepherds to win over their peers.

Proverbs 30:5-6
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

(Stops & Steps 1135 18XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1134 17XI2009

Be obedient

We thank God for forgiving us for our disobedience. We ask God to help us to become obedient in thought, word and deed and to be ready to experience the blessings that obedience brings.

1 Samuel 15 : 11
“’I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.’ Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the Lord all that night.”


(Stops & Steps 1134 17XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1133 16XI2009

HE knows me


We ask God to
(a) remind us to be sensitive to the situations and needs of others as they are presented to us.
(b) help us and to give us refreshing strengths as we live each day.
(c) remember to call on Him for assurance of His continuing help and support

Job 23:10
He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.


(Stops & Steps 1133 16XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1132 15XI2009

Be alert

We ask God to send His Holy Spirit to guide and help us
(a) to identify the true and false messages of salvation.
(b) to strengthen our faith

Matthew 7 : 15
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.



(Stops & Steps 1132 15XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1131 14XI2009

Ask for wisdom and strength

We ask God to give us wisdom and strength to turn the stumbling blocks in our lives into stepping stones.

1 Corinthians 1 : 23
But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.



(Stops & Steps 1131 14XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1130 13XI2009

Be committed

We ask God to help us to be committed to Him. We pray that all our decisions and actions will lead us closer to Him. We ask God to search us and if there is anything keeping us from being fully committed to Him, let us be willing to lay that down.

2 Chronicles 16 : 9
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.



(Stops & Steps 1130 13XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1129 12XI2009

In His image

We ask God to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. To help us to keep our lives pure so that we can reflect His image to the world around us.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24
"Everything is permissible" -- but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible" -- but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.



(Stops & Steps 1129 12XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1128 11XI2009

Shelter in His love


We thank God for the privilege to find shelter in His love during the stormy periods of our lives.

1 Corinthians 10:4
And all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that travelled with them, and that rock was Christ.


(Stops & Steps 1128 11XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1127 10XI2009

Go to HIM

We ask God to break sin’s hold on our lives as we continue to strive to break old habits. We ask God to forgive us for doing things on our own ways instead of turning to Him for advice and guidance.

Galatians 4 : 8 - 9
“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God or rather are known by God how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?”



(Stops & Steps 1127 10XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1126 09XI2009

His glorious gift

We thank God for the glorious gift of His beloved son, Jesus Christ. We thank God for the privilege to call upon His name and believe in His mercy, grace and saving power so that we have hope of eternal life. We thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide us and help us in our lives.

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Galatians 5:22-23
But 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 1126 09XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1125 08XI2009

Responsive mind

We thank God for responsive minds to differentiate between fact and fiction. Let us continue to ask God for the Holy Spirit’s direction and confidence to share the truth of our salvation with others.

2 Timothy 4 : 3 - 4
For the time is coming when people will .turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.


(Stops & Steps 1125 08XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1124 07XI2009

A right time to do things

We ask God to help us and show us the areas in our lives that need improvement. To help us to submit to those changes and yield to His working in our lives.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth
A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap.



(Stops & Steps 1124 07XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1123 06XI2009

Goals and dreams

We thank God for giving us goals and dreams, and for the smooth progress to accomplish those targets and successes. Let us continue to look to God for strength and perseverance to continue on the path that God wants us to go on. Let us ask God to bless us as we seek to fulfill God’s plans for us.

Jeremiah 29:11
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out -- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.



(Stops & Steps 1123 06XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1122 05XI2009

Obey what HE says

We hank God for the warnings and gifts He gives us through the Holy Scripture. Let us continue to hear the Word, pay heed to what it says, and allow the Holy Spirit to translate those words into responsive action

Jeremiah 13 : 17
But if you will not listen, my soul will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the LORD's flock has been taken captive.



(Stops & Steps 1122 05XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1121 04XI2009

HE does not forget

We thank God for His faithful love, for being near and for never forgetting us. We thank God for helping us to accept His love and to trust Him more.

Isaiah 49 : 15
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!


(Stops & Steps 1121 04XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1120 03XI2009

Accept who we are !!

God has made us differently. God has created us to be individuals. But each one of us wants to be special. We ask God to help us to accept who we are.

John 21:22
Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."



(Stops & Steps 1120 03XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1119 02XI2009

Listen to HIM

We were destined for destruction and God redeemed us. We thank god for treating us as His treasure in eternity.

Mark 9 : 7 - 8
Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!" Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.


(Stops & Steps 1119 02XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1118 01XI2009

Be obedient


We ask God to open our eyes and our ears. We want to hear from Him, feed on His Word, in whatever way it comes to us.

Jeremiah 15:16
When your words showed up, I ate them -- swallowed them whole. What a feast! What delight I took in being yours, O God, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!



(Stops & Steps 1118 01XI2009)

Stops & Steps 1117 31X2009

HE strengthens me

We thank God for Jesus who strengthens us each day as we face difficult challenges in our lives. We thank Him for sending friends and mentors to love and encourage us.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.




(Stops & Steps 1117 31X2009)

Stops & Steps 1116 30X2009

Do not abuse your freedom

We rejoice in the knowledge that we have been made free. We thank God for sending His Holy Spirit to help and give us complete and total pardon.

Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature.



(Stops & Steps 1116 30X2009)

Stops & Steps 1115 29X2009

We are different

We thank God for making us all different, giving us different gifts and unique personalities so that we may all serve Him in our own different ways.

1 Corinthians 12:12
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.


(Stops & Steps 1115 29X2009)

Stops & Steps 1114 28X2009

Be responsive

We ask God to open our hearts and minds to His will. No matter what time of year it is, may we not only see, but also act upon the opportunities He places before us .

John 1 : 5
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.


(Stops & Steps 1114 28X2009)

Stops & Steps 1113 27X2009

Be thankful at all times

We thank God for being the giver of all good things, we can emerge victorious. We ask God to teach us to be grateful, to open our eyes to all of God’s blessings so that our hearts may overflow with thanksgiving.

Isaiah 63 : 7
I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which He is to be praised.



(Stops & Steps 1113 27X2009)

Stops & Steps 1112 26X2009

We do not belong here

We thank God for the country of our birth. We thank God for its culture and all that it brings. We ask God to keep us mindful that it is not our final resting place. God helps us to live as citizens of heaven, for that is what we are.

Hebrews 11:16a
But the truth is that they were yearning for and aspiring to a better and more desirable country, that is, a heavenly [one].


(Stops & Steps 1112 26X2009)

Stops & Steps 1111 25X2009

To re-examine our lives

We ask God for wisdom to re-examine our lives. To teach us how to expose the sins in our lives and deal with them head on.

Mark 9 : 45 - 48
"And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'"



(Stops & Steps 1111 25X2009)

Stops & Steps 1110 24X2009

Spread His Word

We ask God to fill our lives with His words. To give us courage to bring these words forward and weave them into minds and hearts of those we meet. To energise us to put them into service for Him in His kingdom.

Philippians 3:10-14
that I may know [Jesus] and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this... But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.



(Stops & Steps 1110 24X2009)

Stops & Steps 1109 23X2009

Resist the devil

We thank God for sending Jesus to stand between us and the devil. Jesus gave His life so we might live. God, we ask that you will give us the courage, the wisdom and the faith that will enable us to do what we can to stop Satan’s stalking.

1 Peter 5 : 8b – 9
Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.


(Stops & Steps 1109 23X2009)

Stops & Steps 1108 22X2009

To see where the need is

We ask God to protect us as we live in a world full of conflict, suffering, and greed. To forgive us when we become a part of this world, whether in thought, word, or deed. To grant us the grace to be able to see where the need is today.

Exodus 3:10-12
"Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain."



(Stops & Steps 1108 22X2009)

Stops & Steps 1107 21X2009

HE alone can save

We thank God for all faithful pastors, preachers, and teachers. Let them clearly see and cleanly share the Savior's story of salvation for sinners. Let them point to Jesus who alone can save. .

Acts 4 : 12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.



(Stops & Steps 1107 21X2009)

Stops & Steps 1106 20X2009

Be fruitful

We ask God to remove any part in us that stands in the way of our serving God or bearing fruit that will be a witness to God. We ask God to prune and shape us in God’s image, and use us to show forth His kingdom on earth.

John 15:2
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be more fruitful



(Stops & Steps 1106 20X2009)

Stops & Steps 1105 19X2009

Going to higher places

We ask God to forgive us for allowing the things of the earth, our family, preoccupations, challenges, and struggles to get in the way of our climb to the ultimate high. Going to God is the place we want to go so we ask God to keep us moving until we reach the final goal.

Psalm 61 : 2
From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.


(Stops & Steps 1105 19X2009)

Stops & Steps 1104 18X2009

Do not compound evil

To help us to avoid compounding evil, we ask God to teach us to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

Matthew 6:34
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.



(Stops & Steps 1104 18X2009)

Stops & Steps 1103 17X2009

Be patient

We ask God to teach us to be patient and to endure until we reach our goals and find results.

Matthew 7:7-9
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?



(Stops & Steps 1103 17X2009)

Stops & Steps 1102 16X2009

HE protects us at all times

God protects us from our enemy when we are aware of it and when we are not. We ask God to fill our hearts with gratitude and love.

2 Timothy 4:17b-18,
And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”




(Stops & Steps 1102 16X2009)

Stops & Steps 1101 15X2009

HE is merciful

God chooses to redeem us and forgive us when we embarrass Him, sin against Him or dishonour Him. We thank God for the mercy He has shown to this world.

Luke 6:35-36
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.



(Stops & Steps 1101 15X2009)

Stops & Steps 1100 14X2009

Look to God's Word


We all face struggles in our daily lives. God gives us the following verses to lean on :

Psalm 139:1-36
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

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.

Philippians 4:6-7
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.

These scriptures need no explanation, and they are powerful because they are God's word. They helped us to be victorious in our struggle.




(Stops & Steps 1100 14X2009)

Stops & Steps 1099 13X2009

Our times are in His hands.


We must remember that when we wait on the Lord, we are not being idle or careless. Waiting prepares us. God works in us so that He can work for us. He knows what He is doing and has His own schedule.

Waiting ultimately leads to worship. The day will come when you will rejoice in the Lord because you have trusted in His holy name. We have hope and faith in waiting on the Lord. If you find it hard to wait, remember that God's delays are not His denials. He has a greater blessing in store for you. You can be sure that one day the waiting will end, and you will start worshiping and praising Him.

2 Peter 3 : 9
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some [people] count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish



(Stops & Steps 1099 13X2009)

Stops & Steps 1098 12X2009

Can you wait?


For most of us waiting is one of the hardest things to do. Our impatience is
probably why the Lord reminds us of Psalm33 : 20 "Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield."

Why does God delay in answering prayer?
He wants to give us a better blessing.
Why does God delay in bringing deliverance or healing?
He has something better in store for us.

Psalm 33:20-22
Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.


(Stops & Steps 1098 12X2009)

Stops & Steps 1097 11X2009

Keep on praying

Never give up praying until the answer comes.

Elijah believed in persistent praying. Seven times he bowed in prayer; seven times he sent his servant to see if God had answered yet. While there is nothing magical about the number seven, it is the number associated with completeness in the Bible. When this seventh prayer was offered, the servant came back with the report that a cloud was on the horizon. Elijah kept praying until his prayer was completed.


A prayer is never complete until God has answered. We need to keep praying until we have the assurance in our hearts that God's answer has been given or is on the way. To stop praying too soon may forfeit the very thing we are praying for.


1 Kings 18:42-44
So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." So he went up and looked, and said, "There is nothing." And seven times he said, "Go again." Then it came to pass the seventh time,that he said, "There is a cloud, as small as a man's hand, rising out of the sea!"





(Stops & Steps 1097 11X2009)

Stops & Steps 1096 10X2009

A sure expectation


In 1 Kings 18 : 41-42 Elijah not only prayed, but he expected an answer. Before the clouds formed or the thunder boomed, he heard the "sound of abundance of rain." He knew that he was praying according to the will of God and he was confident, before any external evidence could confirm his faith, that God would supply the rain He promised. Elijah's command to Ahab was based on the assurance of God's answer, not the whims of nature.

The Bible tells us to pray without doubting (James 1:6). When we come to God, knowing that we are asking according to His will, we don't have to be intimidated by our circumstances. We can have the confidence that when the time is right, God will answer. We need to act according to His promised answer, not according to our fearful uncertainties.

As you pray, do not look around you; look above you. Real answers to prayer don't come from the situations we find ourselves in. Real answers come from our Heavenly Father.
Pray according to faith, not circumstances.

1 Kings 18:41-42
Then Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain." So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; then he bowed down on the ground, and put his face between his knees.





(Stops & Steps 1096 10X2009)

Stops & Steps 1095 09X2009

The grace of strength


Whenever there is trouble, there is an opportunity to develop strength. Trouble is a moral and spiritual task. Strength is increased each time we encounter with the difficult. A world without trouble in it would be, to people of our kind, a place of spiritual enervation and moral laziness.

Each day brings with it its fair share of questions and worries and its tasks bring its load of trouble. This is our spiritual exercise and we are blessed with opportunities for the development of strength of soul.

2 Timothy 2 : 1
Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.



(Stops & Steps 1095 09X2009)

Stops & Steps 1094 08X2009

Lord, strengthen my hands

From the Bible, we know that Nehemiah had to deal with adverse conditions when he set out to rebuild the walls surrounding Jerusalem. His local rivals were bent on destroying his efforts, and they resorted to blackmail and deceit. But Nehemiah's strength came from the Lord, and when he and his fellow workers felt weak or troubled, he prayed a simple, successful prayer: "Lord, strengthen my hands."

Today, some of us may be facing an uphill task, a serious problem, or a painful issue. We may not feel strong enough to overcome our troubles because we are weakened by worry. During times like these, we look to the Lord to help us by simply praying for the strength to endure and to overcome.

Nehemiah 6:9
They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed." But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands."




(Stops & Steps 1094 08X2009)

Stops & Steps 1093 07X2009

In tune with the Word

The same Word that created the universe holds the universe together. When we are in tune with the Word of God, we are in tune with the whole universe and with what He is doing in this world.

God’s will for each one of us comes from His heart, completely tailor made. The will of God is His expression of love for each one of us. Let us build our lives on the counsel of the Lord. We must stay in tune with the Word of God and He will guide us according to His will.

Psalm 33:6-11
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

(Stops & Steps 1093 07X2009)

Stops & Steps 1092 06X2009

New challenges


When we go through new experiences and new challenges, God gives us new victories.
God wants us to walk closely with Him so He may lead us into new experiences and challenges. If we are not experiencing new challenges, it could mean that we need to renew our walk with the Lord. Feed on the Word of God and look at what He is doing
in our life. We must ask Him to give us a new experience.

Psalm 33:1-5
Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.



(Stops & Steps 1092 06X2009)

Stops & Steps 1091 05X2009

Our renewal

It is normal for the body and mind to get tired. We all get tired, and we all need rest to renew our strength. We also need spiritual rest and renewal. When we feel defeated, discouraged, and spiritually worn out, God has promised to take care of us, give us rest, and renew our strength.

Psalm 23 assures us that the Lord is our shepherd. As we spend time in prayer and studying the Bible, we allow God to care for us. In God's care, we find rest and the strength to face whatever life brings. We are renewed.

Psalm 23 : 2
[The Lord] lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.

(Stops & Steps 1091 05X2009)

Stops & Steps 1090 04X2009

On the edge of the future

Life is always lived on the brink of the future. Our knowledge is severely limited, but we do have the revelation of God in His Word. So give obedient attention to it as you live on the brink.

As the saying goes, we may not know what the future holds but we know who holds the future. Ask God for peace in your heart as you look ahead.

Mark 14 : 54-72
And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. But neither so did their witness agree together. And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest: And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth. But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew. And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them. And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto. But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak. And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.

Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.


(Stops & Steps 1090 04X2009)

Stops & Steps 1089 03X2009

How to have a good day

"Have a good day!" may be a common expression, but you can have a good day if you follow certain instructions from Scripture. Try following the guidelines of this psalm. Not only will you have a good day, but those with whom you come in contact will be blessed.


Psalm 34:11-16
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.



(Stops & Steps 1089 03X2009)

Stops & Steps 1088 02X2009

Foolish fears

Fear is one of the major causes for disobedience among Christians. God's Word is filled with promises of His provision (Phil. :19) and our protection (Ps. 91). Yet we often fail to accomplish God's will because we are afraid that we will be physically harmed or financially humbled in the process.


1 Kings 19:1-3
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah ad done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time." And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there


(Stops & Steps 1088 02X2009)

Stops & Steps 1087 01X2009

Vengeance


Although we may be slandered or maligned by others, we are not at liberty to do anything but show the love of the Lord Jesus unto them. Perhaps today you have someone spreading falsehood about you. Do not plan to avenge the wrong you have been done; give place to God's wrath instead and speak kindly of that person. Then and then alone will a difficult situation bring glory to the name of God.

1 Samuel 25:1-38


(Stops & Steps 1087 01X2009)

Stops & Steps 1086 30IX2009

We have the powerful hand

When confronted with difficult tasks, we often hesitate because we fail to take into account the divine power we have behind us. When God's hand is upon us, no challenge is too great for us. Others may have advantages we do not possess. They may be more experienced, more knowledgeable or more talented, but all of that is irrelevant if God's hand is upon us. Human resources are no match for God's power. Others may appear to have the upper hand, but God has the more powerful hand.


1 Kings 18:45-46
Now it happened in the meantime that the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain. So Ahab rode away and went to Jezreel. Then the hand of the Lord came upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran ahead of Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.



(Stops & Steps 1086 30IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1085 29IX2009

God knows the truth

Have you been guilty of speaking against someone and have not realized how it may have hurt them. Then when someone speaks against you, you suddenly realize how deeply such words hurt, and you become sensitive to what you have done.

If you have been mistreated, cheated or deceived, and if your heart has been right all along, be assured that God knows this.

God will eventually vindicate you, but in the meantime you should be confidently aware that God knows the truth concerning what has happened to you. He knows if your heart has been right.

Psalm 139 : 23
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts"

Genesis 31:1-7
And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

(Stops & Steps 1085 29IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1084 28IX2009

Fearfully and wonderfully made

If you have looked at the inside of a computer, you would be amazed at all the cables, circuit boards and other fixtures that made up this fantastic machine. Then think of how amazing our God is !! Our God is an awesome God!


Isaiah 40:28
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

Psalm 139:13-16
For You created me in my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

(Stops & Steps 1084 28IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1083 27IX2009

Which way to go

Our travel with God is filled with uncertainties. We do not know where our journey will lead us. We do not know what we will learn, or what He will teach along the way. We do not know the trials we will have to face. But, by following Christ, we will be sure of our final destination.

John 14:2-4
There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.




(Stops & Steps 1083 27IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1082 26IX2009

A gentle reminder

We need to converse daily with God and to read His word, the Bible, in order to be washed, refreshed, and renewed.
Is our Bible collecting dust on a bookshelf in a room somewhere, or is it a constant guide, nearby and readily available?
Are we in constant prayer or conversation with our heavenly Father, or are we too busy to give Him even a minute of our time?
Are we too involved with things that are temporal, neglecting the eternal?

Let us take a few moments to examine our lives and return to doing what God would want us to do.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

(Stops & Steps 1082 26IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1081 25IX2009

Our hiding place

We all need to have a hiding place, to be alone with God in prayer, to take time to listen, to look up far into the sky, to take time away in silence, to meditate, and to appreciate God's gifts and the awesome greatness that is beyond and, at the same time, within.

Isaiah 4:6
It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.


(Stops & Steps 1081 25IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1080 24IX2009

The just shall live by faith

Do you substitute gut feelings for faith ?

Trials, conflicts, battles and testings lie along the way, and are not to be counted as misfortunes, but rather as part of our necessary discipline.

In all these varying experiences we are to reckon on Christ as dwelling in the heart, regardless of our feelings if we are walking obediently before Him. Here is where many get into trouble; they try to walk by feeling rather than faith.

Believe God's word and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences.

Look to Jesus and believe, look to Jesus and live!

Hebrew 10 : 38
The just shall live by faith.


(Stops & Steps 1080 24IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1079 23IX2009

Time

"My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those
who persecute me" (Psalm 31 : 15). That's a marvelous declaration of faith.

In writing "my times are in Your hand," David teaches us several lessons.

First, time is important. If you waste time, you are wasting eternity. If you waste time, you are wasting opportunity. And if we do not give Him my time, He can not use our body or our ability. Time is valuable—do not waste it. Invest it.

Second, David reminds us how important surrender is. Who controls the available time we have when we're not working or doing the things that must be done to maintain life--that unregistered, undirected time? If we surrender to the Lord, He
can control that time.

Third, this leads to God's blessings for us. When our times are in His hand, we can trust Him

Time is perhaps our most basic resource. How we use God's gift of time has a profound effect not only on our life but on the lives of others.
It's important that we surrender our time to His care. When we give God our time, we
surrender it to His control. He will bless us for it.

Psalm 31:14-24
But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake. Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

(Stops & Steps 1079 23IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1078 22IX2009

Love and light

Both light and love give warmth and produce healing and growth. Light shines all around, without discriminating or requiring that certain conditions be met. Likewise, if we love we should do so without discrimination.

God is love. If we know God and walk in God's light, we love one another. To have a clearer picture of love is helpful. We need God's light and God's love to shine through us. Learning to love has taken time, but it has been a great joy to realize that we can be an agent of healing, growth, and light in our relationships with other people. So can we all, if we allow God to teach us.

1 John 4:7-12
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

1 John 1 : 5
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.



(Stops & Steps 1078 22IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1077 21IX2009

How to embrace an active and moving faith ?

Many believers are in the midst of a crisis of faith. They continually feel as if they are losing ground because of trials and setbacks. How can we move beyond the obstacles and genuinely embrace an active, moving faith?

First, we must understand the importance of assurance. This godly confidence gives us strength to look into the future and see that what the Lord has planned will produce benefit. Assurance calms our fears, reminding us God is in charge and His will shall be accomplished - no matter what challenges we face.

Second, we must live a life of anticipation. In other words, if we truly believe that the heavenly Father will answer our Spirit-led prayers, then we should act as if we believe it! We need to wait expectantly for His answer and plan accordingly.

When you trust that God will faithfully and graciously respond to your petitions, you can rejoice, knowing that He will make a way, even before you see the results. This is the power of assurance and anticipation, and it can revolutionize your walk with Him.

1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.


(Stops & Steps 1077 21IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1076 20IX2009

Pay attention to how you use your words

Have you listened to the words you use when you speak to those nearest and dearest to you?

Sometimes in the hurried flurry of our day we simply overlook the way we are communicating. We excuse our hasty words and harsh tones because we are tired or stressed.

God's Word reminds us that our words are very important. We need to take responsibility for what comes out of our mouths. Listen to these wise words...

Our sharp words have the ability to cut the people around us. A wise person will consider what his/her words are doing and will seek to communicate in a way that brings healing rather than hurt.

Take note today of what your communication sounds and looks like. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to be wise in your speech and gentle in your tones and body language.

The world out there is filled with sharp words of sarcasm, criticism, negativity and worry. Go against the flow and ask God to help you bring a calm and gentle spirit to your home and workplace today through the way you communicate.

Let us ask God to forgive us for the many times words spring from our mouths that are unnecessary comments of gossip, hurt or criticism.
Let us ask the Holy Spirit to
be our guide in our communication.
nudge us when we are ready to speak piercing words.
fill us with His gentleness and compassion
remind us that our tones and body language are communicating too.
help us to take responsibility for what comes out of our mouth.

Proverbs 12 : 18
Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.


(Stops & Steps 1076 20IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1075 19IX2009

Why is there a need to pray ?

There are several reasons. The first is : God has told us to pray. It is a commandment, and if we love Him we obey His commands.

Second, Jesus prayed. Jesus was not being made more holy by prayer. He was communing with his Father. He was asking for things. He thanked God.

The Bible is full of examples of people doing what they could do and asking God to do what they could not do. In other words, the pattern given to us is both to work and pray. Nehemiah and the people of Israel worked hard to build the wall of Jerusalem but were strenuously opposed by Sanballat and Tobiah, who banded together with Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites to attack. "So we prayed to our God," wrote Nehemiah, "and posted a guard day and night against them" (Neh 4:9).

(Stops & Steps 1075 19IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1074 18IX2009

Changing names

Some people assume new names to disguise their identity. Other people change their names when they move to a new country to make them more pronounceable.

Society today is also good at changing the name of things that honor God. Having standards is now called intolerance. Taking a stand for what you believe is understood as dedication.

Change in names is also used to disguise their original meanings. Adultery is called
an affair. Drunkenness is now alcoholism.

Despite all these changes, God's principles have not changed.
Guide your life by God's Word, and you will be pleasing to the Lord no matter what the world calls it. After all, what is in a name? Not much if God is not in it.

Changing the name does not change the truth.


Daniel 1:6–7
Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.


(Stops & Steps 1074 18IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1073 17IX2009

Drawing strength from weakness


Have you ever benefited from someone telling you about a mistake he made?
When he heard you were traveling to the same place or buying the same item, he passed on to you the "benefit" of his experience. It's good to learn from mistakes, whether they are our mistakes or the mistakes of others.

We are not to make mistakes just to have a lesson to teach, but when they happen, we need to be concerned about others enough to teach them. We can be quick to give directions for trips and purchases. We also need to be quick to teach the lessons that are of eternal benefit.

Plan to succeed in your spiritual life. Plan also to pass on to others the benefit of your successes, and at times, your failures. When you do, in the positive sense, of helping strengthen your brothers. Let us ask God to help us realize when we need to learn a lesson He has for us, and may we be ready to help others, strengthening them in their walk.

Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

(Stops & Steps 1073 17IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1072 16IX2009

There is no substitute to prayer


What is the substitute for talking with God? Nothing.

What Does God Say?

If you want to communicate with God, there is really only one way to do it.


Matthew 6:5-6,
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

When you pray , you talk to God. The hypocrites Jesus talked about were not really talking to God though it looked like they were. They were putting on a performance so people would admire them. These hypocrites substituted a public performance for real communication with God the Father.

'And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him' (Matthew 6:7-8).

Prayer is coming humbly and sincerely before God. The Gentiles (Jesus mentioned) were trying to impress their gods by the continuous repetition of memorized prayers (1 Kings 18:26). They believed the more often they asked, the more likely their god would be to answer. They thought they could substitute quantity for quality. Of course there is nothing wrong with being persistent in prayer (Matthew 26:36-48, 2 Corinthians 12:7-8); but God is looking at our hearts, not our words.

(Stops & Steps 1072 16IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1071 15IX2009

Pray hard

Prayer is one kind of work, necessary to the proper doing of all other kinds. When we pray, we are in touch with God, expectant, trusting: He is at work. He does what we cannot do. We are to be at work also, doing what we can do.

In Paul's closing remarks to the Christians in Colossae he includes greetings from Epaphras. He prays hard for you all the time....He works tirelessly for you. (Col 4:12-13)

As we pray, the Lord frequently shows us what we ourselves can do to cooperate with Him in bringing about the answer. Let us listen as we pray. Then let us go out and work tirelessly.

Colossians 4 : 12-13
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

(Stops & Steps 1071 15IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1070 14IX2009

Do not grow weary in your prayers

A typical remark : “ I'm tired of praying and not getting results."
Admittedly, it would be discouraging to think that God does not answer our prayers.


Elijah had no such doubts. If God is truly God, He will answer. And his confidence was well rewarded. Not only did God answer, but He answered in such a dramatic way that the people could no longer question who was really God. Even the things that do not normally burn, the stones and the dust, were consumed when God answered by fire ( 1 Kings 18 v. 38). In an unmistakable way, the Lord responded to Elijah's prayer.


The distinguishing mark of the Christian faith is that we have a living God who not only hears but answers our prayers. His answers may not come at the time we want them, but they will come at the time when they will do the most good. He does not always answer in the way we expect, but He will always answer in the way that's best for us.


It's not always easy to trust God for the right answer at the right time, but it's always best.
Our confident assurance is that if we ask according to His will, "we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him" (1 John 5:15).


Do not grow weary in your prayers. Seek to know God's will and then confidently pray for His response.

1 Kings 18:24
Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord; and the God who answers by fire, He is God." So all the people answered and said, "It is well spoken.



(Stops & Steps 1070 14IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1069 13IX2009

Do not forget the Lord

When things are going well, it is very easy to forget God.

The way of life for the people of Israel had been rough. For 40 years the people had endured the difficulties of being desert nomads, literally burying a generation (Deut.
1:35). Only the young, along with Caleb and Joshua, were spared from the judgment of God. Now Moses was preparing them to move into the Promised Land.

God was giving them cities that they did not build, houses filled with good things, wells that were in place, and vineyards and olive groves that they did not plant.

With blessing, however, comes a peril. The peril of prosperity is that we sometimes forget God and His blessings. Instead, we rely on self, enjoying the ease.
The words of Moses ring true for us today. He said, "When you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD" (6:11-12).

Solomon's prayer also is vital in this regard: "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?'" (Prov. 30:8-9).

Remember God’s blessings and this will keep you from forgetting the goodness of God

Deuteronomy 6:12
Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

(Stops & Steps 1069 13IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1068 12IX2009

How do you want God to treat you ?

Did you know there are three levels on which God can deal with us?
We must decide whether you want Him to treat you as a thing, an animal or one of His own children.

God had to treat David as a thing (a sponge), and His hand was heavy on him (Psalm 32 v 3,4). David was rebelling. He was not acting like God's child. Instead of confessing his sin, he was covering it. But the Bible says, "He who covers his sins will not prosper" (Prov.28:13). So God had to treat David like a thing. He put His hand on David and began to squeeze all the life out of him. David finally woke up and confessed his sin.

God also had to treat David like an animal. He warns us, "Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you" (Psalm 32 v. 9). David had acted like a horse--impulsively, he rushed ahead and sinned. And then he became stubborn like a mule and would not confess his sin. So God dealt with him as He would an animal.

But God wants to deal with us as children. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye [on you]" (Psalm 32 v 8). He doesn't want to control us with bits and bridles, although sometimes He has to do that. Sometimes He has to send us sickness or a handicap or an accident to break our wills.

Decide today: Is God going to treat us as a thing because we are rebelling or as an animal because we are stubborn? Or will we let Him guide us as His own child?


Psalm 32:8-11
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.


(Stops & Steps 1068 12IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1067 11IX2009

What God requires


What does God want from us?

What does God say?

The answer begins in Deuteronomy 10. "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good".

God is reviewing His instructions for His people, and He starts with the heart. If your heart is not right with God, it will be impossible to do what He requires.

We start with fearing God. That is awe and reverence, a healthy respect for God who is greater than us on every level and who deserves absolute trust, worship and honor. He is not to be taken lightly or used as a lucky charm or good buddy. He is God, and we are not.

We are to live in a way that pleases God, to "walk in all his ways" (Deuteronomy 10:12). To live according to His instructions, to do the things that please God

God also wants our love and our service. Usually, when we love someone we want to serve, it fuels our desire to do something good for them, to put them first, to treat them with respect and honor. Love also motivates our obedience.

Deuteronomy 10


(Stops & Steps 1067 11IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1066 10IX2009

Praising God always

It's amazing how our whole attitude and whole outlook can be transformed by praising God.

God did some marvelous things for David. He defeated his enemy, answered his prayer, saved his life and established him (v. 7). And then He gave him joy. "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" (v. 11).

Transform your life today. Change your attitude in humility, praise God for what He has done.

Submitting to God is an exercise in humility. Until you humble yourself before Him and concern yourself with the things of God, you will not become established. For God to work in your life, your will must be aligned with His. Are you submitted to Him? If not, humble yourself before Him and allow Him to transform your life.

Psalm 30 : 1 - 12
I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

(Stops & Steps 1066 10IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1065 09IX2009

Pray passionately

Today we need more men whom the Holy Spirit can use – not just men of prayer but mighty in prayer.

Elijah, the prophet was a man mighty in prayer because he was fervent in prayer. When faced with a major crisis—the death of a young boy, the only child of a widow who had shown him much kindness—he immediately resorted to the most potent power he knew: prayer. Without hesitation, he cast himself upon the mercy of God and cried out for His grace to be extended to this young man and his widowed mother. With passion Elijah entreated the Lord, and He answered. It is no surprise, then, that when the apostle James looked for an example of fervent prayer, he chose Elijah (James 5:16-17).


Today most of us petition God with prayers. They convey the facts, but they lack the fervor. They are sincere, but they do not sizzle. Find a time and place today where you can pour out your heart to God. Do not fake your emotions, but pray for those needs that have a strong grip on your spirit. If you have none, ask God to give you some. Let your approach to God reflect the urgency and the ardor of your concerns.


1 Kings 17:20-22
Then he cried out to the Lord and said, "O Lord my God, have You also brought tragedy on the widow with whom I lodge, by killing her son?" And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the Lord and said, "O Lord my God, I pray, let this child's soul come back to him." Then the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came back to him, and he revived.

(Stops & Steps 1065 09IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1064 08IX2009

Walk in Love


Have you ever come up to a traffic light that has just turned yellow and wondered if you should go through or not? If you do, you just might make it to that appointment in time. But if you stop, you might avoid an accident and someone getting hurt.

The Bible teaches us about how we live.
When we participate in ungodly activities, people get hurt. We must live in such a way that it is pleasing to God and loving to others.

Ephesians 5 : 3
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people

Ephesians 5 : 10
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord

What do these two verses teach us about walking in obedience?

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

Romans 13 : 9 – 10
The commandments, 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law


We are to walk in love. And when our lifestyle reflects love for the Lord and others,
we can be sure we are walking in the right way.

We must also continue to take time to pray asking that God would deepen our love for Him and others so that each day we would walk in love.


(Stops & Steps 1064 08IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1063 07IX2009

Stay close to God

We must recognize that while faith is steady nothing can bother us, and when faith totters nothing can establish us. If we ramble out among means and creatures, we are presently lost, and can come to no end. But if we stay close to God, and leave Him to work in His own way and time, we are at rest, and can lie down and sleep in a promise, though a thousand rise up against us. Therefore our way is not to cast beforehand, but to walk with God by the day. Keep close to God, and then we need fear nothing. We must maintain our secret and intimate acquaintance with Him


Matthew 9 : 29
According to your faith be it unto you.

John 11 : 40
Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

(Stops & Steps 1063 07IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1062 06IX2009

How to survive a slander

We can't help what others do and say. We can help only what we do. When others start talking about us or fighting against us, we may not be able to control that. It's difficult when people start to slander the righteous. This is what David had to endure.

What was causing all of this for David? Saul was lying about him. He was telling his assistants and officers, "David said this. David did that." And this gossip, this awful slander, was spreading through the nation, and David was suffering. "I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel" (v. 12). David wanted to be a vessel filled to overflowing, but now he was broken.

What should you do when people start slandering you?

First, be sure your life is right. "For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away" (v. 10). David is saying, "Lord, if I've sinned, I'll confess it."

Second, trust in the Lord. "But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.' " (v. 14). Third, remember that others have gone through this. You're not experiencing something unique. Everyone who has done anything for the Lord has been slandered, ridiculed, criticized--including the perfect Son of God. Do not listen to the slander of the enemy; listen to the Word of God. Get close to His heart, and you will have His help when you suffer misunderstanding.

When someone falsely accuses you, take comfort in knowing that others have gone through the difficulty of slander. Then look to the Lord, for He is your Strength and Salvation. Use this difficult experience to examine your own heart and draw closer to Him.

Psalm 31:9-13
Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me. I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

(Stops & Steps 1062 06IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1061 05IX2009

A forgiving heart


Is it possible to forgive others and forget the offense ?


It is important to know what gives forgiveness its power. Forgiving a friend when they offend you means next to nothing if all that happens is your memory is erased. But when you choose to forgive a friend, when you intentionally decide to let go of your grudge and accept them as a friend again, then you are showing the true power of forgiveness.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul describes characteristics Christians should have:
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Colossians 3:12-13)

Forgiveness is hard because being offended strikes at our heart and stirs up our pride. We want to defend ourselves; we want to lash out with a devastating insult; we want the other person to feel the hurt we are feeling.

But Jesus came here to heal our hurts, and He healed the biggest hurt in our lives by dying on the cross and paying for our sins--our offenses--against His Father. As Paul pointed out, this is our greatest example of how to forgive others.


But even before He died, Jesus gave us a great illustration of the power of forgiveness in the parable recorded in Matthew 18:21-35.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do

(Stops & Steps 1061 05IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1060 04IX2009

Refreshment

Do you often feel like parched ground, unable to produce anything worthwhile?

When we are in need of refreshment, it is not easy to think of the needs of others. But, instead of praying for our own comfort and satisfaction, we ask the Lord to enable us to give to others, amazing thing often happens – we will find our own needs wonderfully met. Refreshment comes in ways we would never have thought of, both for others, and then, incidentally, for ourselves


Proverb 11 : 25
He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed

Isaiah 58 : 10 - 11
If you...satisfy the needs of the wretched...the Lord will satisfy your needs


(Stops & Steps 1060 04IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1059 03IX2009

An answer to prayer

Sometimes it is so hard to have patience when we are waiting for an answer to prayer. The answer may not come immediately. We must remember that our Lord works on a different time schedule than we do. We always want answers immediately. God will answer, but when He feels it is time -- His time, not our time.


Mark 11:24
You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it.

Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.

(Stops & Steps 1059 03IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1058 02IX2009

I would like to be like HIM

Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us to "imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ" . We are to imitate God's character and follow or build our lives around the example of Christ.

There are some things about God we can not imitate--things that only God can be, like infinite, all-knowing, eternal, sovereign, etc. But there are traits shared by God the Father and God the Son (Jesus) that we can copy.

In Ephesians 5:2--love. We need to love others as Christ loved us: "He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God". This kind of love sacrifices, commits, forgives, and by the way, pleases God.

In Colossians 3:13: "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others". Forgiveness is one of those things we all need, we all want, but we find it so hard to give to others. Follow Christ's example, put aside being offended and forgive others.

The best way to learn to copy or imitate Christ is to read God's Word and see what He was like. In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul tells us to "put on" the actions and attitudes of Christ.

Ephesians 5 : 1 – 2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.

Colossians 3 : 12 – 17
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.


(Stops & Steps 1058 02IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1057 01IX2009

Deceptive appearances

Today most of all homes are built quickly, with little concern for quality, with the paint and the trim look impressive.
Today most of all automobiles feature fancy gadgets, plush seats, and racing stripes, but rattles and vibrations come early. Poor workmanship covered up to look good.

Today, we often build our lives in the same fashion. Not much attention to a solid foundation of Biblical truth. Not much character building. Not much painstaking attention to quality parenting. Instead, we concentrate on body building, social graces, fashion design, and cosmetics. Deceptive appearances covered up to look good.

Ezekiel uses similar imagery to describe the false prophets of Israel. They cry “‘Peace’ when there is no peace” (Ezekiel 13:10) and make Jerusalem falsely secure. In reality Jerusalem is like a flimsy wall built on a shaky foundation. The prophets merely cover that wall with whitewash to make it look good. But the Sovereign Lord will unleash a violent wind with hailstones and rain so that the wall collapses. Flimsy building exposed. No whitewash cover-up will help.

But God also brings hope. He sent His Son Jesus Christ as chief cornerstone of a new building. By His sin-atoning death on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus provides a solid base for the building of His church. By baptism we are “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). No flimsy building. No need for cover-up. We concentrate on inner growth in the Word, which keeps us strong.

Ezekiel 13 : 10 - 11
Because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall


(Stops & Steps 1057 01IX2009)

Stops & Steps 1056 31VIII2009

Transitions

How can we face transitions with confidence?

Each of us faces transition points in life. Transitions often bring much pain, create anxiety, and disrupt our lives. They also present new challenges and opportunities for growth.

In Deuteronomy 31, Moses comes to the end of his life. Israel gathers at the Jordan River ready to enter the Promised Land. God taps Joshua as Moses’ successor. Truly a time of transition. Joshua may have felt overwhelmed by the new responsibilities. But Moses gives these reassuring words: “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

God comes to each of us in our transitions. His Son moved from heaven to earth as a human being, began His ministry with His baptism in the Jordan, set His face toward Jerusalem, and went willingly from Gethsemane to Calvary. He faced each transition with confidence and made the transition from death to life to demonstrate his victory over sin. That saving and helping God now says to us, in the midst of our transition anxiety: “The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31 : 8
The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.


(Stops & Steps 1056 31VIII2009)

Stops & Steps 1055 30VIII2009

Changeless

We face many transitions in life and realize how rapidly our world changes. Change can be positive or negative, but in either case we need to adjust to it.

In Malachi God says to Israel, “I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendents of Jacob, are not destroyed. He implies that Israel has turned from God and gone back on her covenant responsibilities. She has changed in her relationship to God. But God reaffirms His love. He does not go back on His covenant promises. He pleads, “Return to Me and I will return to you” (Malachi 3:7).

In this changing world we often stand guilty of changing our loyalties from God to the enticements of worldly progress. But God, who sent His Son to fulfill His covenant promise by dying on the cross for our sins, declares to us, “I the LORD do not change.” He provides solid ground for us as we come to Him in repentance. Indeed, we have “a changeless Christ for a changing world." We can see God’s hand in change and turn to Him for strength until He calls us home eternally.

Malachi 3:6
I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

(Stops & Steps 1055 30VIII2009)

Stops & Steps 1054 29VIII2009

Beware !!

Jesus tells a parable about a man who sows wheat in his field. By night his enemy comes and sows weeds among the wheat. Not until the wheat sprouts do the servants realize that weeds stand side by side with the wheat. In the early stages it resembles wheat exactly. Its roots become intertwined with the wheat.

Satan, the enemy, still plants weeds today among the believers. He sows an evil influence in society. Side by side with believers live people who strive to undermine God’s law. We often react naively in an undiscriminating fashion. We see people as “nice, beautiful, friendly.” We begin to accept their values. We intermarry and choose close friends from among them. Before we recognize them as weeds, we discover intertwined roots and a tremendous weakening of our faith. Destruction threatens.

While we should oppose Satan’s evil planting in society, we should not judge the individual plants We must realize that only faith in Christ makes the difference. Some whom we consider our kind of people may in fact be weeds, and vice versa. Some make early mistakes and repent. Others begin in the faith and fall away. Only God can judge the heart.

Jesus cautions us to await God’s judgment at harvest time. Then the weeds will be separated and receive eternal punishment in hell. The wheat will be harvested and gathered to eternal life in heaven. God alone makes us wheat by His grace in our baptism. He sent His Son to die for us. He keeps us growing to maturity.

Matthew 13:26
When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.


(Stops & Steps 1054 29VIII2009)

Stops & Steps 1053 28VIII2009

Do not be depressed


Have you ever felt downcast? Head bowed.Thoughts race through your mind without focus and clarity. Gloom overwhelms you. Why ?? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise HIM, my Saviour and my God, says Psalm 43 : 5 The human predicament provides no hope. Sin grips our hearts and makes us downcast. But God provides hope of forgiveness and salvation through the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The psalmist feels cut off from God, longs for worship in the temple, and experiences the depression of emptiness. He cries out, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” He answers his own question with a glance upward. “Put your hope in God.”

We need hope in God. He comes to us in our discouragement. He knows our depression.
God takes us where we are – downcast, hopeless, discouraged, afraid, uncertain, self-pitying – and lifts our hands to praise Him, our Savior and our God. Filled with the hope of Christ’s resurrection, we long for regular worship in God’s house and praise Him day by day. We have moved from downcast hearts to hands upraised in praise!

Psalm 43 : 5
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

(Stops & Steps 1053 28VIII2009)

Stops & Steps 1052 27VIII2009

Are we productive ?


The Bible has the following fruit-bearing possibilities:

Bad fruit.
Jesus says, “A bad tree bears bad fruit” (Matthew 7:17).
Backbiting, badmouthing, and gossip all evidence bad fruit in a life.

No fruit.
Jesus says, “He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit” (John 15:2).
If bad fruit represents sins of commission, no fruit describes sins of omission – a lack of love, joy, peace and the other fruits of the Spirit.

Little fruit.
“Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:2).
Sometimes unnecessary leaves and shoots drain off nourishment needed to produce fruit. The result – little fruit in both quantity and quality. We are bogged down by the world and its cares.

Good fruit.
“If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit” (John 15:5).
The godly person is like a tree “which yields its fruit in season” (Psalm 1:3). The fruits of the Spirit are evident, and a life of witnessing brings many into the kingdom of God.

John 15 : 4
Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.


Now do you know how can we bear much good fruit?



(Stops & Steps 1052 27VIII2009)

Stops & Steps 1051 26VIII2009

Why suffer ?

Do you share this same experience ?
We observe suffering all around us. Innocent people perish in terrorist attacks. Hurricanes and tornadoes claim lives. Diving accidents result in permanent paralysis. The list goes on. Why suffering?

On a more personal level, we watch troubles come into our lives and ask, “Why is this happening to me? Doesn’t God care? Why does He permit it?”

Paul answers in Romans 5 : 3 – 4. Suffering causes us to despair of ourselves and look to God. We are then reminded that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, an objective reality. God’s peace in the midst of continued suffering produces perseverance in us, which in turn builds character. Ultimately suffering leads to the hope of God’s glory. From start to finish, suffering immerses us in the loving God who sent His Suffering Servant Son to pay the price for us.

The suffering may continue. We may feel deserted by God. But He stands ready with His unfailing hope for today, tomorrow, and through eternity.


Romans 5 : 3 - 4
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.



(Stops & Steps 1051 26VIII2009)