Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Stops & Steps 1511 30Nov2010

According to HIS plan

No matter what physical condition you may be in, whether you are a diabetic, or a cancer patient, you must hold on to God’s promises of a plan for your life. Pray to God and ask to be healed and also for His plan for your life. You must continue to study God’s word and step out in faith, trusting God would use you according to His plan for you.

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

Stops & Steps 1511 30Nov2010

Monday, November 29, 2010

Stops & Steps 1510 29Nov2010

Renewing your mind

We may be born again in the image of Jesus but do you still find yourself falling short of that perfection ?

To avoid such a situation, we must renew our mind. We need to study God’s Word, meditate on it and let it change us from inside out. We must be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Stops & Steps 1510 29Nov2010

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Stops & Steps 1509 28Nov2010

Be helpful

What is a spiritual hypocrite ?
When we see other folks fall, we discriminate, mock and criticize them instead of interceding on their behalf. By doing such acts, we are not listening to the way the Spirit of God works in us.

Do you take the burden of these souls before God ?

1 John 5:16
If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that.

Stops & Steps 1509 28Nov2010

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Stops & Steps 1508 27Nov2010

Meditation

We encounter moments of challenge or discomfort every moment of our life and meditation is the key to remain strong and fruitful during each trying circumstances. Each day as we read the Word, we must ask God to show us by His Spirit what a passage means and how we can apply His words to our life. We act as we receive whatever action He impresses on our minds.

Meditation is focusing on God’s Word, learning more and increasing our thirst for Him. By doing so, we will reap the spiritual benefits of increased discernment and a clear sense of purpose.

God is always with us. No matter how difficult the challenge we may be facing, God will always sustain us.

Psalm 145:1 - 5
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no-one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

Stops & Steps 1508 27Nov2010

Friday, November 26, 2010

Stops & Steps 1507 26Nov2010

Joy

Joy is a spiritual force. Joy is strength

You will be filled with joy when you do God’s work and this makes you strong in the Lord. Your faith is also strengthened.

Nehemiah 8:10
The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Stops & Steps 1507 26Nov2010

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Stops & Steps 1506 25Nov2010

Lost !!

Some people want their sins and they do not want to give them up. That is the condition of many people before salvation and it sadly is the condition that some find themselves in even after they know the Lord.

What should our response be to the lost who appear to be perfectly happy being lost?

We are not to leave them alone.
Someone who
has an addiction is usually not able to think clearly.
become involved in adultery or sexual sins is probably not thinking clearly.
is involved in sin most likely has a flaw in their thinking processes

How should we intervene?

Do you recall how Nathan confronted David with the truth about his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 12). In Matthew 18 and Jude 1 we are given instructions about how to proceed.
We should actively work in the lives of the lost and pray for them,

We must not give up on them!

Matthew 18:15-17.
Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus

Jude 1:22-23
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh

Stops & Steps 1506 25Nov2010

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Stops & Steps 1505 24Nov2010

Wisdom comes from HIM

Whether your goal is to be an excellent administrator or a first-rate scientist in the service of the Lord, it is the wisdom that comes from the Word of God that will get you there. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

So devote yourself right now to do whatever it takes to totally saturate yourself with the Word of God. Use every available moment to read, study, listen to, and meditate on it.

Proverbs 4:5-6
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.


Stops & Steps 1505 24Nov2010

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Stops & Steps 1504 23Nov2010

The price to pay for not waiting

We like to be in charge of our own lives. To be committed to God’s calling and to wait upon God challenges us because it requires that we put aside our present lifestyles and instead submit to Him.

If we do not wait on the Lord

We will find ourselves out of His will. "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).Our self - efforts, which are accomplished without God's leading, do not please Him.

We do not get His blessings.
Being outside His purpose delays His planned blessing. Divine reward is promised to those who believe in the Savior and are obedient to Him. (Ephesians 6:8) To obey requires that we wait on the Lord for both instruction and timing before responding.

It cost Moses his home in Egypt.
Our independent lifestyle can bring us unnecessary pain, can also cause others heartache and suffering. We may suffer loss in relationships, finances, and future opportunities.

Exodus 2:11 – 15
One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, "Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?" The man said, "Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and thought, "What I did must have become known." When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.

Stops & Steps 1504 23Nov2010

Monday, November 22, 2010

Stops & Steps 1503 22Nov2010

Being singled out

When you are being discriminated, do not just sit around whining about it. You have been persecuted because you have become a threat to the devil. Under such circumstances, trust the Lord knowing that He is there to help and protect you.

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Stops & Steps 1503 22Nov2010

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Stops & Steps 1502 21Nov2010

Direct access

We do not need to have another being, no matter how strong, holy or special, to mediate for us before God. We can go to God directly, freely, knowing that God has provided us with Jesus Christ, who is our saviour.

1 Timothy 2 : 5 - 6
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men – the testimony given in its proper time.

Stops & Steps 1502 21Nov2010

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Stops & Steps 1501 20Nov2010

Empowered by His Spirit

Have you experience the reality, power, control and fruit of God’s Holy Spirit ?
We have been given strength, through the Holy Spirit to meet our daily needs. We must not let sin hinder us from developing this potential within us. We must confess our known sin and with faith, making use of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, we can be filled with the power of the Spirit. The Spirit will minister to our every need.

1 Corinthians 2:9,10
That is what is meant by the Scriptures which say that no mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord. But we know about these things because God has sent His Spirit to tell us, and His Spirit searches out and shows us all of God's deepest secrets

Stops & Steps 1501 20Nov2010

Friday, November 19, 2010

Stops & Steps 1500 19Nov2010

Are you happy with what you are doing ?

You may be successful in your profession, having taken steps to advance in your fields, and had found your work gratifying. There may be times when you become frustrated and angry and complained of doing work that does not bring you any satisfaction.

Spend some time each day with God and ask Him to look into every aspect of the job adds new life and meaning to what you are doing. Very often we seek satisfaction in the wrong places.

Isaiah 55
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Stops & Steps 1500 19Nov2010

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Stops & Steps 1499 18Nov2010

My vision

When you go up higher, the temptation is greater. When the devil puts in on a higher place, the lure of the worldly things and comfort render you poised and you dare not move. When God puts you on a higher place, you sit comfortably on a stable plane without fear of falling.

Growth in grace is measured not by the fact that you have not regressed, but that you have an in sight into where you are spiritually

Revelation 4:1
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.

Stops & Steps 1499 18Nov2010

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Stops & Steps 1498 17Nov2010

Waiting patiently

We do not like to wait. Yet God blesses those who do. (Proverbs 8:34)

Act calmly
We must not complain and grumble. God will help us achieve this.(Galatians 5:22)
We must have trust. God likes those who are steadfast in seeking HIM. We must be obedient and live our lives according to His plan and purpose.

Anticipate
We must expect that God will do what He has promised. He always keeps His word.

Be patient
If the answer does not come soon enough as expected, we are to remain calm. We must continue to remain calm, if we are placed in a situation when an opportunity is about to pass us by, or the pressure to respond seems almost too great. We need courage to fulfill this commitment.

Psalm 130:1 - 8
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins

Stops & Steps 1498 17Nov2010

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Stops & Steps 1497 16Nov2010

HE knows everything

God always know everything.

God knows everything - all things possible, everything actual; all events and all creatures of the past, the present, and the future. Nothing escapes His notice. You cannot hide anything from God

We need not have to be concerned whether God hears our prayers because He knows our thoughts and the intent of our hearts. He is capable of giving the same attention to our prayers as to the million individuals who are praying to Him. He knows everything.

Ezekiel 11:5
For I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.

Psalm 139 : 1 - 5
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head.


Stops & Steps 1497 16Nov2010

Monday, November 15, 2010

Stops & Steps 1496 15Nov2010

In times of difficulties

When difficulties arise, mediate on the Lord’s sufficiency and His will, and you will be strengthened and refreshed. Always focus your mind and spirit on God is a good discipline for all believers to follow. Call on God and draw on His help and claim victory to your problems.

Our main resource for mediation is God’s Word. David has a trusting relationship with God He drew on God’s past and present delivering power to help him in his fight with Goliath (1 Samuel 17:37) When he encountered King Saul’s threats and advances, he believed on God’s protection as he called upon God as his refuge and fortress (Psalm 91:2) He called upon God’s presence and comfort to fill his mind and heart when he experienced loss of his loved ones (1 Samuel 30:3 - 6)

Psalm 145:1 - 13
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no-one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendour of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.

Stops & Steps 1496 15Nov2010

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Stops & Steps 1495 14Nov2010

Free from sins

We can be forgiven of our sins and can be purified of any stains of sin!! We can be made clean and new again. That is God’s grace and perfect sacrifice for our sins

Let us now ask God to forgive us of any lack of passion to love and to forgive others. Ask God to teach us how to forgive others in the same way He has so graciously forgiven us.

1 John 1 : 9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Stops & Steps 1495 14Nov2010

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Stops & Steps 1494 13Nov2010

What is faith ?

You have faith in your friends or colleagues because they have demonstrated themselves to be trustworthy. How much more should you have faith in God who has demonstrated His faithfulness and trustworthiness many times over ??

However, God promises can only become a reality only when we act upon them and claim them in faith. Be assured that God’s promises are faithful and true.

Hebrews 11 : 1
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead

Stops & Steps 1494 13Nov2010

Friday, November 12, 2010

Stops & Steps 1493 12Nov2010

Facing uncertain times

Everyday we try hard to maintain some degree of control in our day and in our plans. This measure of control can be shaken at times. God knows we will face uncertainty in our lives. HE offers encouragement and instruction. In order not to be shaken, we have to bring God into focus daily as we begin each day. Walk with Him step by step through whatever our day holds. His presence will not only enrich our ordinary steps today, but will also hold us steady through the uncertain steps of the days ahead.


Psalm 16 : 7 - 8
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken

Stops & Steps 1493 12Nov2010

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Stops & Steps 1492 11Nov2010

The way I live my life

Every person gives evidence to personal beliefs and priorities by the way he or she lives. As Christians, we should be like salt and light, which simply cannot be ignored.

It is like adding salt to soup, the improved taste is obvious, and when we bring light into a darkened room, we shall see the difference.

Our character, conduct, and conversation should make a statement about the importance of God, the necessity of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

To achieve that we begin by reading and studying the Word of God. Through His Word, God reveals Himself and this will affect the way we lead our daily lives.

Matthew 5: 13 - 16
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Stops & Steps 1492 11Nov2010

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Stops & Steps 1491 10Nov2010

In difficult times

When I go through a hard time, my experience is both physical and spiritual. And it is during this period of hardship that I must remember that God always cares for me.

If you experience physical suffering, it is difficult to see the hand of God. We need to offer praise to God, believing that “all things do work together for our good if we love God and are called according to HIS purpose”. By believing and trusting God, we increase our faith.

If you experience spiritual suffering, trace your steps back to the point in time when you wondered away from God and believe that “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Whatever you may be experiencing, go to God for HIS blessing and be assured that HE cares for you.

Psalm 37 : 19
He cares for them when times are hard; even in famine, they will have enough

Stops & Steps 1491 10Nov2010

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Stops & Steps 1490 09Nov2010

The tests

Many of the struggles in our lives are not simple accidents! Many of them are not put there by God. Our challenges often come from Satan. He always stalks about looking for the best scheme to knock us out of our commitment to and relationship with God . Placing ourselves firmly in the hands of the Lord and using his tools of warfare will help us defeat our enemy who has already been humiliated by Jesus and the cross.

Let us ask God to strengthen us and help us to stand against our foe

Ephesians 6 : 10 - 11
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Stops & Steps 1490 09Nov2010

Monday, November 08, 2010

Stops & Steps 1489 08Nov2010

The three Treasures

Do you know there are treasures easily within our reach in our home, in our office, or even in our drawer and briefcase ?

What is this treasure?
It is the Bible. The words of God are a priceless treasure. That is the first treasure.

Within this treasure, read Isaiah 33 : 6, the second treasure.
Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is His treasure.

There is yet one more treasure that you may not have realized that you possess.
It is inside of you. As the apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:7-11,
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed- always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

If you know Jesus as your personal Savior then through the Holy Spirit you have the
life of Jesus being "manifested" in your body.

Psalm 119 : 161 - 162
Princes persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word. I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure. I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law.

Stops & Steps 1489 08Nov2010

Sunday, November 07, 2010

Stops & Steps 1488 07Nov2010

HE is my source

I can not do anything without God.

HE offers me peace in the midst of chaos.
HE offers me strength when it feels like I have nothing left to offer.
HE offers grace beyond what I deserve.
HE offers everything I need for every situation I may encounter.
HE feeds my soul.

John 15 : 5
I am the vine; you are the branches ... apart from me you can do nothing.

Stops & Steps 1488 07Nov2010

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Stops & Steps 1487 06Nov2010

Wait on HIM

When we have committed ourselves to wait on the Lord, there are several things that we have to observe.

Being impatient and decide to follow our own plans apart from God’s leads us directly outside of HIS will.
Ignore pressure from outside sources. Remember that only God’s viewpoint alone is relevant to you.
Do not fear that you will not succeed. Trust God and wait patiently on HIM is your only solution.

Psalm 25:1 - 5
I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No-one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.

Stops & Steps 1487 06Nov2010

Friday, November 05, 2010

Stops & Steps 1486 05Nov2010

Everything is OK

You can find peace, joy and contentment when you focus on God instead of your circumstances. Believe in God's sovereignty. It enables you to view life differently, because no matter what happens around you... everything is well.

Galatians 5 : 22 - 23
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Stops & Steps 1486 05Nov2010

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Stops & Steps 1485 04Nov2010

Trust.

Yes we can trust in God. The Lord is really faithful.

As we look at history and we know God to be intensely faithful to His people. We are now assured and can launch out into the future with confidence because God is always there !

Jeremiah 17 : 7 - 8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 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.

Stops & Steps 1485 04Nov2010

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Stops & Steps 1484 03Nov2010

Recipe for success

Be encouraged and never give up!

Proverbs 3 : 5 - 6
Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge Him

Stops & Steps 1484 03Nov2010

Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Stops & Steps 1483 02Nov2010

Do not judge others

Very often we allow our personal preference, peer pressure and concerns affect our relationship with our family members and friends. We should not let our personal opinion or position to influence them. Most important of all, we must not judge others. We should always bear in mind to always please God and honour Him in ways we feel are appropriate.

Let us ask God to guide us and help us not to judge others based on human observations and our preference about those conclusions. Ask God to help give us courage to honor Christ according to our convictions, but also to give us the wisdom to do so in ways that bless God’s people.

Romans 14 : 5
One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

Stops & Steps 1483 02Nov2010

Monday, November 01, 2010

Stops & Steps 1482 01Nov2010

Be obedient

Whenever things become difficult, who do you blame ?

The right attitude must be one of complete reliance on God. When once we get there, there is nothing easier than living the saintly life; difficulty comes in when we want to take over the authority of the Holy Spirit for our own ends.

Whenever you obey God, you will enjoy peace. Whenever the peace does not come, tarry till it does or find out the reason why it does not.

You have doubts whenever you cease to obey. When you have obeyed God, the problems never come between you and God. Any problem that comes between God and yourself springs out of disobedience.

John 14 : 27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: . . Let not your heart be troubled.

Stops & Steps 1482 01Nov2010