Thursday, June 30, 2011

Stops & Steps 1722 30Jun2011

Nothing is lacking

Most parents will agree that there is no instruction manual in raising children. You do not have all the answers. There will never be. On the other hand, sometimes we are bombarded with too many answers ! Everyone has an opinion. Answers will come from every angle. But are they the right answers. And how will you know ??

With God you lack nothing !! He will give you the answers you seek, if you only ask.

Nehemiah 9 : 21
For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness. They lacked nothing in all that time….

Stops & Steps 1722 30Jun2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Stops & Steps 1721 29Jun2011

Feelings of discontentment

Are you overwhelmed with feelings of discontentment ? Do you keep telling yourself that whatever you do, no matter how hard you tried, nobody will appreciate your work ??

Stop right there !! If you give in to such feelings, you would have fallen into Satan’s trap. Instead, count your blessings – your home, your health, your loved ones. Your work may not go unnoticed. Do not let Satan fool you into believing that you are unappreciated.

Genesis 3 : 1
Now the serpent was the shrewdest of all the creatures the Lord God had made. “Really!” he asked the woman. “Did God really say you must not eat any fruit in the garden?”

Stops & Steps 1721 29Jun2011

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

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Painful lessons

Have you observed how an eagle teaches its young to fly ?

First the eaglet climbs into his mother’s wing and holds on tightly. Soon his mother flutters her wings, flips upside down and shakes the poor eaglet loose, dropping her young ones onto the air.
The mother circles the dropping eaglet, catching him on her wing, and begins the process again. Over time, the eaglet becomes strong enough to fly on its own.

God does the same for His people. He asks that we step out in faith and hold firmly on to His promises, even when things look impossible. When we trust Him, we will soar !!

Deuteronomy 32 : 11
Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to rake them in and carried them aloft on his pinions


Stops & Steps 1720 28Jun2011

Monday, June 27, 2011

Stops & Steps 1719 27Jun2011

Harsh words

Does your weakness lie in your mouth ? Sarcasm, Anger, Criticism, Harness ….
Are you yelling instead of instructing ?
Isaiah 51 : 16 has a solution to this problem. Let us immediately pray and ask God to put His words into our mouth today so we only speak as He would speak

Isaiah 51 : 16
And I have put my words in your mouth …

Stops & Steps 1719 27Jun2011

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Stops & Steps 1718 26Jun2011

Always praying

Throughout the joys and struggles of our daily lives, we must be consistently reminded to be ready to pray. We must offer our thanksgiving, and ask for wisdom and strength. God, in return, is ready to listen and to supply everything we need.

Ephesians 6 : 18
Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

Stops & Steps 1718 26Jun2011

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Stops & Steps 1717 25Jun2011

Prayer

Today most of us are totally overwhelmed. We have too much to do and too little time to do it. We have work problems, family issues, health concerns and financial commitments to look into. Our common respond is ‘There is no earthly way to make it’ Right, there is no human way but God delights in doing the impossible for us.

Prayer is the answer.

James 5 : 16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results

Stops & Steps 1717 25Jun2011

Friday, June 24, 2011

Stops & Steps 1716 24Jun2011

Staying focused

Those who do some bit of gardening would know that it is a common practice or habit for one to pick out weeds and cast them away. In Philippians 4 : 8 we are reminded to focus on the good, not on the bad. Goodness and beauty are much more pleasant. If we are too busy concentrating on the bad, we miss the good.

The same principles apply to how we relate to those around us. Each person has good qualities, yet something makes us automatically focus on the negative qualities. Then we stew about how to tell them. It is not our job to change them. God call us to focus on the good things about others. We should put more energy into doing that !!

We must focused on God’s beauty in others

Philippians 4 : 8
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Stops & Steps 1716 24Jun2011

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Stops & Steps 1715 23Jun2011

True repentance

Many times we confess that we are certainly sorry for our actions but are we really repentant.

When we do something wrong, it is not enough to just confess. True repentance means being sorry enough that we change our behaviour. We must be sorry enough to change.

Matthew 3 : 8
Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God

Stops & Steps 1715 23Jun2011

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Stops & Steps 1714 22Jun2011

Trusting God’s choices

Very often we ask for many things in our prayers. Very often our prayers are answered. Somehow, we may not like the answer that God gives to us. We remain doubtful if that was the right answer to our prayer. It is only after some time, or maybe a long, long time that we come to realize that God is correct all along. We have doubted His choice!!

Why do we take so long to trust Him and the way He chooses to answer our prayers ??
We must learn to take that ‘leap of faith’ to believe God’s choice is always the best.

Nahum 1 : 7
The Lord is good. When trouble comes, He is a strong refuge. And He knows everyone who trusts in Him

Stops & Steps 1714 22Jun2011

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Stops & Steps 1713 21Jun2011

How to lead

In John 21 : 21 – 23, Jesus had just given Peter some news about his future. Instead of talking to Jesus further about his own life, Peter pointed to John and said, “Well, what about him. Lord ? What is going to happen to him ?”
Jesus replied, “Do not worry about him. You follow me.”

In this world, we face pressure to conform to other people’s standards and convictions – some stricter and more lenient than ours. As leaders, we have to set down the rules and guidelines as we feel God is leading us ; not as anyone else dictates

We must be strong in our belief even if others do not agree.

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


Stops & Steps 1713 21Jun2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

Stops & Steps 1712 20Jun2011

Setting a good example

How do we instill purity in the young minds when we, as adults, face our own temptations. Psalm 119 : 9 applies to both young and matured minds. The young ones see the ways we handle temptations. They note if we make excuses to do wrong or if we stand strong. They often follow the example we set.

A wise leader maintains a pure life, by reading, studying, and following God’s Word

Psalm 119 : 9
How can a young person stay pure ? By obeying your word and following its rules

Stops & Steps 1712 20Jun2011

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Stops & Steps 1711 19Jun2011

His gracious favour

Paul asked God to remove his weakness three times, and God’s “no” answer brought him much comfort. Even before we acknowledge our many flaws, God’s power is available to us. Despite our doubts and our tendency to meet everyone’s needs before our own, God’s Word lets us know HE is by our side, every step of the way.

God’s gracious favour and power are all we truly need.

2 Corinthians 12 : 9
…my gracious favour is all you need. My power works best in your weakness


Stops & Steps 1711 19Jun2011

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Stops & Steps 1710 18Jun2011

Good advice

In ancient days when warriors fought with bows and arrows, they found the best way to keep their bows tight was to unstring them at night, giving the wood a chance to relax. Such period of rest made them better and tighter tools.

Today we do not seem to have enough hours in the day to meet the demand put upon us. How then should you refresh yourself ??

The best way is to start the day alone with God. God will replenish you and give you energy and the wisdom to meet the demands of a new day. Let God fill you and remind you how much you mean to Him.

Matthew 6 : 33
And He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern

Stops & Steps 1710 18Jun2011

Friday, June 17, 2011

Stops & Steps 1709 17Jun2011

Waiting

Abraham was one of those in the Bible who had to wait. God had promised him a son, but years passed and he was still childless. He and Sarah were getting impatient. Finally Abraham impregnated his wife’s maid, planning that he and his wife would raise the child. What a mess Abraham made !!

Waiting on God is tough. It is necessary to keep believing He will do what He promises. When we are waiting on God, we must trust that He has perfect timing.

Genesis 21 : 1
Then the Lord did exactly what he had promised

Stops & Steps 1709 17Jun2011

Thursday, June 16, 2011

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Unnecessary harsh words

Have you in your impatient moments shout and scream at those around you ??

We must ask God to forgive us of unnecessary harsh words. We need to let others hear words of encouragement and quiet instruction rather than shouting and screaming. God gently reminded us He is infinitely patient with us, speaking with a loving voice, and we should be the same with those around us.

We need to think how we sound to others before we speak !!

Ecclesiastes 9 : 17
The quiet words of a wise person are better than the shouts of a foolish king

Stops & Steps 1708 16Jun2011

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Stops & Steps 1707 15Jun2011

True vision

Very often we view things around us a rosy, positive and more vibrant. How we look at the world affects how we think, our attitudes and how we affect others. This is especially true when young minds take their cue from adults !!

We must ask God to help us see things through His eyes. If we look at the world with God’s perspectives, we will understand others better. We will be more patient. We will act and be wiser. We will feel and express love more.

Psalm 33 : 13 – 15
The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From His throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

Stops & Steps 1707 15Jun2011

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Stops & Steps 1706 14Jun2011

His great masterpiece

Have you ever sat in front of a group of young children and marveled at God’s most awe-inspiring work !! Each child has a distinct personality, each has gifts and abilities. Each is truly a work of art.

Psalm 65 : 6
You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength.

Stops & Steps 1706 14Jun2011

Monday, June 13, 2011

Stops & Steps 1705 13Jun2011

His love for all of us

God disciplines those He loves as proof that we are His children. He also wants to fill our hearts with His love, knowing that receiving His love will change our behaviour. We have the privilege of portraying God’s heart to all those around us.

1 John 4 : 12
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us

Stops & Steps 1705 13Jun2011

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Stops & Steps 1704 12Jun2011

Satisfaction

We need to be careful not to long for things that we just cannot have right now. We must set the right attitude about possessions and be a model for those around us to be satisfied with what they already have.

Very often we are tempted to assume that if our lives are going well enough to afford something luxurious, like a grand house, our lives will automatically be flourishing in other areas, too.

Luke 12 : 33
Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven ! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe – no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it

Stops & Steps 1704 12Jun2011

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Stops & Steps 1703 11Jun2011

Tough going

When the going gets tough, we must remember to recognize where our strength comes from.

Psalm 29 : 11
The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace

Stops & Steps 1703 11Jun2011

Friday, June 10, 2011

Stops & Steps 1702 10Jun2011

Take it easy

Most of us approach life with grave seriousness. Perhaps we should smile more and worry less. Proverbs 15 : 3 will remind us about the astounding joy that stems from God arriving to live with us in our hearts !

God loves us and rejoices with us with a happy song

Proverbs 15 : 13
A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit

Stops & Steps 1702 10Jun2011

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Stops & Steps 1701 09Jun2011

God takes care of everything

Have you observed how life begins ??

Try planting some seeds in a pot and placed them in a sunny location. Water them regularly. Your initial excitement soon turn to frustration after days of waiting. Then one day it happened. Overnight, several of the seeds had sprouted.

Likewise, it is easy for us to be frustrated when, after diligently planting seeds of righteousness in our children and watering those seeds with prayer, we do not see any fruits. It is easy to wonder where we went wrong.

We must bear in mind where our job ends and God’s begins. He promises that, if we are fruitful to sow seeds and provide regular watering, He will be faithful to bring increase.

We must learn to entrust our children to God’s care

1 Corinthians 3 : 6
My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow

Stops & Steps 1701 09Jun2011

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Stops & Steps 1700 08Jun2011

Love

We must be consistent with discipline. We must be generous with our praise. God trusts and loves you. In dealing with those around us, we must love and give praise and thanks when they merit, compassion and consequences when they are not.

Proverbs 3 : 11 – 12
My child, do not ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and do not be discouraged when He corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights

Stops & Steps 1700 08Jun2011

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Stops & Steps 1699 07Jun2011

Be compassionate

God reminds us to sympathise.

When we are in a situation, we must learn to look at things through the other person’s eyes and bearing in mind their age, social background and upbringing, it is much easier to find mercy and compassion even about the things that may seem silly.

Love grows as we learn to understand the other person.

Luke 6 : 30
You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate

Stops & Steps 1699 07Jun2011

Monday, June 06, 2011

Stops & Steps 1698 06Jun2011

Be patient

We take a long time to learn our lessons.

Encouraging words in a calm voice produce better results than angry lecture. We grow up, but in our own ways and on our individual timetables. God has a plan for each one of us.

Patience is important to growing up.

Proverbs 16 : 32
Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city

Stops & Steps 1698 06Jun2011

Sunday, June 05, 2011

Stops & Steps 1697 05Jun2011

HE is watching

There are many verses in the Bible that tell us that God’s eyes are on us. Do you feel uncomfortable to think of God watching you. Do you feel uncomfortable that God is waiting for you to slip up and fail.

God is not watching us to catch us when we make mistakes. HE is watching us because HE loves us. HE is proud of us and HE is fascinated with us. God enjoys watching us as much as we are watching our loved ones

Psalm 34 : 15
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, his ears are open to their cries for help

Stops & Steps 1697 05Jun2011

Saturday, June 04, 2011

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Do not give up

We face tough situations and when such times arrive it is easy to want to strike back or to quit. If we hang in there through the tough times, the rewards eventually come. We will receive blessings and joys. We must tell ourselves that tough times do not stay for long !!

Galatians 6 : 9
So do not get tired of doing what is good. Do not get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time

Stops & Steps 1696 04Jun2011

Friday, June 03, 2011

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The bridge of love

The bridge of love between each one of our friends, members of our family and the community is not built of big blocks of sacrifices. It is a bridge built of little pieces, each touch, each kiss, each expression of love or admiration. We add a brick to the bridge and make it stronger each time we express our love, a little thank you here and there, a thought of compassion and a touch of love. We must learn to nurture a habit to express affection and to build a bridge of love.

1 John 4 : 7
… let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Stops & Steps 1695 03Jun2011

Thursday, June 02, 2011

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There are no clones

We must each recognize our own uniqueness and then find the plan that God has for each of our lives.

We are different. You may have your dreams of new computers and I dream of new clothes and shoes to match. Our mothers keep our homes spotless, expressed creativity through decorating cakes and sewing.

The next generation may have some things in common with us, but they definitely have different goals and dreams that drive them. They are not the younger versions of us.

1 Corinthians 12 : 6
There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us

Stops & Steps 1694 02Jun2011

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Stops & Steps 1693 01Jun2011

Plots of the wicked

We must recognize the wounds that lie can inflict and how a rumour can spread like wild fire. The best remedy is to confront the source of this lie or rumour. The essence here is to forgive the one who started it. It is difficult to take this initiative but once done, the ruckus dies down and life returns to normal.

As a parent, friend or colleague, we must learn not to intervene. Our counsel, discussion and comfort helps. Many lessons are lost when we lack the wisdom to know when not to intervene. If you had intervened, a valuable lesson on forgiveness is lost.

Psalm 64 : 2-3
Protect me from the plots of the wicked, from the scheming of those who do evil. Sharp tongues are the swords they wield ; bitter words are the arrows they aim

Stops & Steps 1693 01Jun2011