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.
Lost & Found 1814 30Sep2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Lost & Found 1813 29Sep2011
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.
Lost & Found 1813 29Sep2011
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.
Lost & Found 1813 29Sep2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Stops & Steps 1812 28Sep2011
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 1812 28Sep2011
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 1812 28Sep2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Stops & Steps 1811 27Sep2011
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 1811 27Sep2011
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 1811 27Sep2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Stops & Steps 1810 26Sep2011
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 1810 26Sep2011
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 1810 26Sep2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Stops & Steps 1809 25Sep2011
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 1809 25Sep2011
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 1809 25Sep2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Stops & Steps 1808 24Sep2011
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 1808 24Sep2011
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 1808 24Sep2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Stops & Steps 1807 23Sep2011
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 1807 23Sep2011
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 1807 23Sep2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Stops & Steps 1806 22Sep2011
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 1806 22Sep2011
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 1806 22Sep2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Stops & Steps 1805 21Sep2011
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 1805 21Sep2011
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 1805 21Sep2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Stops & Steps 1804 20Sep2011
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 1804 20Sep2011
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 1804 20Sep2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Stops & Steps 1803 19Sep2011
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 1803 19Sep2011
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 1803 19Sep2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Stops & Steps 1802 18Sep2011
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 1802 18Sep2011
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 1802 18Sep2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Stops & Steps 1801 17Sep2011
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 1801 17Sep2011
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 1801 17Sep2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Stops & Steps 1800 16Sep2011
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 1800 16Sep2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Stops & Steps 1799 15Sep2011
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 1799 15Sep2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Stops & Steps 1798 14Sep2011
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 1798 14Sep2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Stops & Steps 1797 13Sep2011
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 1797 13Sep2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Stops & Steps 1796 12Sep2011
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 1796 12Sep2011
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 1796 12Sep2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Stops & Steps 1795 11Sep2011
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 1795 11Sep2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Stops & Steps 1794 10Sep2011
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 1794 10Sep2011
Friday, September 09, 2011
Stops & Steps 1793 09Sep2011
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 1793 09Sep2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Stops & Steps 1792 08Sep2011
A solid foundation for hope
This is a common question, “Does a person live after death?”
Paul gives a ringing answer in Romans 5, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Not only does he affirm life after death, but he rejoices in the sure hope of eternal life with Christ in heaven. In Romans 8 Paul further explains : “We wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved” (Romans 8:23-24). Because Jesus Christ died for us and rose again, we are justified through faith. Therefore we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Our bodies will be raised at the Last Day to live with God forever. A solid foundation for hope.
Share God’s answer. No need for despair, gloom, and futility. True, the paths of human glory lead to the grave. But those of us who believe in Christ as Savior can rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Daily life is worth living in praise to God, for eternal life beckons.
Romans 5 : 2
And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Stops & Steps 1792 08Sep2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Stops & Steps 1791 07Sep2011
Receiving due attention
Are you in this situation ?
Why does God seem so far away? I pray but He does not seem to hear me.
Government seems so big and bureaucracy so tangled that I can not get anyone to listen to me or help me. Everyone seems so inaccessible.
Paul writes of Christ in Romans 5, “Through Him we have gained access.” God is not far away. Jesus Christ came into this world and bridged the gap by His death on the cross. We have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Through Christ we have immediate access to God.
We have direct access to God. No red tape. No appointments necessary. No obstacles or delays. We have access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Robed in Christ’s righteousness, we stand before God every day with full and free access to His mercy and grace.
God may seem far away. Our prayers may seem to go unanswered. But Paul assures us that we have access and that God speaks to us through His Word and sacraments. Share God’s gracious answer with those who are asking, “Why does God seem so far away?”
Romans 5 : 2
Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
Stops & Steps 1791 07Sep2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Stops & Steps 1790 06Sep2011
Objective peace
Jobs change. Life-styles change. Values change. Pressures pound us and create headaches. Conflicts arise both externally and internally. We feel dissatisfied with life and are troubled by inner guilt. How can I survive with all the turmoil around me?
Paul answers with Romans 5. Peace provides the answer to turmoil. God’s peace. Not a subjective feeling of peace, but an objective peace established between God and humanity. He explains the basis for this peace.
“We have been justified through faith.” The peace comes “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God’s Son came to earth to restore peace. We had rebelled against God. Satan joined forces with the world to lead us astray. We were helpless to bring peace. But Jesus Christ lived a perfect life for us and died on the cross to atone for our sins. God declares the world righteous because of Christ. Through faith, God’s gift, we receive God’s peace which lasts forever.
Right with God, at peace with Him through Jesus Christ, we now face a world in turmoil. His peace frees us to experience inner peace with ourselves and to establish peace with others. We will not always feel peaceful, but God’s peace remains. Looking to Him again and again in His Word and sacraments, we discover a growing peace.
Romans 5 : 1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Stops & Steps 1790 06Sep2011
Jobs change. Life-styles change. Values change. Pressures pound us and create headaches. Conflicts arise both externally and internally. We feel dissatisfied with life and are troubled by inner guilt. How can I survive with all the turmoil around me?
Paul answers with Romans 5. Peace provides the answer to turmoil. God’s peace. Not a subjective feeling of peace, but an objective peace established between God and humanity. He explains the basis for this peace.
“We have been justified through faith.” The peace comes “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God’s Son came to earth to restore peace. We had rebelled against God. Satan joined forces with the world to lead us astray. We were helpless to bring peace. But Jesus Christ lived a perfect life for us and died on the cross to atone for our sins. God declares the world righteous because of Christ. Through faith, God’s gift, we receive God’s peace which lasts forever.
Right with God, at peace with Him through Jesus Christ, we now face a world in turmoil. His peace frees us to experience inner peace with ourselves and to establish peace with others. We will not always feel peaceful, but God’s peace remains. Looking to Him again and again in His Word and sacraments, we discover a growing peace.
Romans 5 : 1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Stops & Steps 1790 06Sep2011
Monday, September 05, 2011
Stops & Steps 1789 05Sep2011
The joy of worship
Do you have an enthusiasm for worship ?
We sometimes lack the joy of worship. Why?
• we have not kept up with our pledge to worship
• we feel unworthy
• we worship because we feel duty-bound
• we want to avoid criticism or excommunication from the church
• we want freedom - to worship as and when we feel like it
• we want to worship the traditional way, more comfortable
• we are bored to the same old routine at worship, we want excitement
The results of the above causes
• No gladness in worship when we are afraid.
• No gladness in worship when we are stubborn.
• No gladness in worship when we are bored.
Psalm 122 : 1
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
Stops & Steps 1789 05Sep2011
Do you have an enthusiasm for worship ?
We sometimes lack the joy of worship. Why?
• we have not kept up with our pledge to worship
• we feel unworthy
• we worship because we feel duty-bound
• we want to avoid criticism or excommunication from the church
• we want freedom - to worship as and when we feel like it
• we want to worship the traditional way, more comfortable
• we are bored to the same old routine at worship, we want excitement
The results of the above causes
• No gladness in worship when we are afraid.
• No gladness in worship when we are stubborn.
• No gladness in worship when we are bored.
Psalm 122 : 1
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
Stops & Steps 1789 05Sep2011
Sunday, September 04, 2011
Stops & Steps 1788 04Sep2011
Just look at an egg !!
Have you ever wonder at the perfect shape of an egg, the beauty of its construction and the promise of life within and yet fail to see the hands of God at work.
The shell is so thin, yet of a consistent, precise thickness that protects the new life, or the nutritious food within. Yet it is only when the shell is broken from within by the emerging chick, or purposely broken from without to feed and sustain life, that its true value and usefulness can be appreciated. If left untouched, it eventually spoils and is cast aside.
The hatching chick must crack open the shell to enter its new world.
An egg needs to be fertilized in order to become a living creature.
Just like the hatching chick, I also need to break the resistance of my human self-sufficient "shell" by acknowledging my fallen nature and by inviting God's Holy Spirit into my heart to change me from within, so that I can enter the new world of His Spirit. Inviting God's Holy Spirit into our hearts is a matter of choice, for God Himself gave us the gift of free will.
Just like an egg needs to be fertilized, I need the mysterious power of God's Holy Spirit at work within me to become a new creature. With the Holy Spirit's help the gifts and skills God has graciously bestowed upon each of us may then be used in His service.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Stops & Steps 1788 04Sep2011
Have you ever wonder at the perfect shape of an egg, the beauty of its construction and the promise of life within and yet fail to see the hands of God at work.
The shell is so thin, yet of a consistent, precise thickness that protects the new life, or the nutritious food within. Yet it is only when the shell is broken from within by the emerging chick, or purposely broken from without to feed and sustain life, that its true value and usefulness can be appreciated. If left untouched, it eventually spoils and is cast aside.
The hatching chick must crack open the shell to enter its new world.
An egg needs to be fertilized in order to become a living creature.
Just like the hatching chick, I also need to break the resistance of my human self-sufficient "shell" by acknowledging my fallen nature and by inviting God's Holy Spirit into my heart to change me from within, so that I can enter the new world of His Spirit. Inviting God's Holy Spirit into our hearts is a matter of choice, for God Himself gave us the gift of free will.
Just like an egg needs to be fertilized, I need the mysterious power of God's Holy Spirit at work within me to become a new creature. With the Holy Spirit's help the gifts and skills God has graciously bestowed upon each of us may then be used in His service.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Stops & Steps 1788 04Sep2011
Saturday, September 03, 2011
Stops & Steps 1787 03Sep2011
In the dark times
We have all had times when we experienced the nearness and greatness of God. He is always near us, drawing us closer to Himself. We are conscious of God’s workings in our lives and showing us what HE wanted us to do. HE had helped us overcome many obstacles and had provided for all our needs. We feel God’s presence with us throughout each day. It is because we know that we can do nothing in ourselves, and we depend upon HIM for strength and wisdom every day. HE gives us grace, courage and joy in everything we do.
Sometimes we do not feel God’s nearness. There have been testings and trials, failures and disappointments. It is during such times that we must remember that God has always been at our side, as well as in our heart. We do not feel HIS nearness, maybe we have ceased quoting Scriptures to remind ourselves that we could serve God only in HIS strength. We must always remind ourselves that we have to wholly rely upon Him for every word and deed we say and do.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Stops & Steps 1787 03Sep2011
We have all had times when we experienced the nearness and greatness of God. He is always near us, drawing us closer to Himself. We are conscious of God’s workings in our lives and showing us what HE wanted us to do. HE had helped us overcome many obstacles and had provided for all our needs. We feel God’s presence with us throughout each day. It is because we know that we can do nothing in ourselves, and we depend upon HIM for strength and wisdom every day. HE gives us grace, courage and joy in everything we do.
Sometimes we do not feel God’s nearness. There have been testings and trials, failures and disappointments. It is during such times that we must remember that God has always been at our side, as well as in our heart. We do not feel HIS nearness, maybe we have ceased quoting Scriptures to remind ourselves that we could serve God only in HIS strength. We must always remind ourselves that we have to wholly rely upon Him for every word and deed we say and do.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Stops & Steps 1787 03Sep2011
Friday, September 02, 2011
Stops & Steps 1786 02Sep2011
True or false?
There have been times in our lives when God has "long been silent", not because He had nothing to say to us, but because we were not in the mood to listen. The Bible, while sitting on the bookshelf, had little ability to either inspire or restore.
Similarly, when we fear what unbelievers many think or say and thus remove God entirely from our conversations at work or school, or with our neighbours and family, we act falsely to God, and deny others the opportunity to be inspired through us. By bearing witness to the blessings of God we have experienced in our own lives, we influence others to "remember" Him and to ponder the blessedness of having God in their own hearts.
Acts 4:20
For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.
Isaiah 57:11
Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me, and have neither remembered me, nor pondered this in your hearts? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me?
Stops & Steps 1786 02Sep2011
There have been times in our lives when God has "long been silent", not because He had nothing to say to us, but because we were not in the mood to listen. The Bible, while sitting on the bookshelf, had little ability to either inspire or restore.
Similarly, when we fear what unbelievers many think or say and thus remove God entirely from our conversations at work or school, or with our neighbours and family, we act falsely to God, and deny others the opportunity to be inspired through us. By bearing witness to the blessings of God we have experienced in our own lives, we influence others to "remember" Him and to ponder the blessedness of having God in their own hearts.
Acts 4:20
For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.
Isaiah 57:11
Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me, and have neither remembered me, nor pondered this in your hearts? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear me?
Stops & Steps 1786 02Sep2011
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Stops & Steps 1785 01Sep2011
Where are you going ?
A familiar scene from The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland
Alice arrives at a fork in the road she is travelling, uncertain which way to go. Conveniently, in a tree at the roadside, is a Cheshire cat, ready to give advice.Alice asks the cat which way she should go, and the cat replies that it depends on where she is going. Alice answers that she doesn't much care, and so the cat says, "Well, then, it doesn't really matter which road you take."
In our walk through this life, we have a choice to make as to which road we follow: the wide road, which leads to destruction but offers so many pleasures along the way, or the narrow road, which leads to eternal life but requires a sacrificial walk. At the junction of these two roads there is also One, ready to guide. But we need to make the decision, first of all, as to where we desire to go. Our God would answer the same as did the Cheshire cat: the road you take depends on where you wish to go.
We have a tremendous responsibility, not only in regard to our own lives and the decisions that affect us, but also our responsibility in regard to children. We need to touch those within our own families and our church families, and also those outside the doors of the church, for God loves them all.
We must ask God to give us strength of faith to make right choices for ourselves, becoming guideposts for others, always pointing them to the more excellent way, the way of love.
Matthew 7:13-14
For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Stops & Steps 1785 01Sep2011
A familiar scene from The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland
Alice arrives at a fork in the road she is travelling, uncertain which way to go. Conveniently, in a tree at the roadside, is a Cheshire cat, ready to give advice.Alice asks the cat which way she should go, and the cat replies that it depends on where she is going. Alice answers that she doesn't much care, and so the cat says, "Well, then, it doesn't really matter which road you take."
In our walk through this life, we have a choice to make as to which road we follow: the wide road, which leads to destruction but offers so many pleasures along the way, or the narrow road, which leads to eternal life but requires a sacrificial walk. At the junction of these two roads there is also One, ready to guide. But we need to make the decision, first of all, as to where we desire to go. Our God would answer the same as did the Cheshire cat: the road you take depends on where you wish to go.
We have a tremendous responsibility, not only in regard to our own lives and the decisions that affect us, but also our responsibility in regard to children. We need to touch those within our own families and our church families, and also those outside the doors of the church, for God loves them all.
We must ask God to give us strength of faith to make right choices for ourselves, becoming guideposts for others, always pointing them to the more excellent way, the way of love.
Matthew 7:13-14
For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Stops & Steps 1785 01Sep2011
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