Thoughts#2272

Happy New Year !!!

Be truthful

The purity of our conduct comes from truthfulness. We should be truthful in our representation of ourselves. We should avoid hypocrisy. We should be truthful in speaking of our past achievements. A lie is anything that opposes the naked truth !!

Psalm 51 : 6
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.


2272

Thoughts#2271


Happy Holidays !!!
Lonely

Loneliness is no respecter of persons

It invades the palace as well as the humble hut.

Loneliness causes many
to turn to drinking
to lose their sanity
to commit suicide

Moses was not alone in the Midian Desert when God came to comfort him and call him to a wider ministry

Elijah was not alone at the cave when God came near and spoke to him

Paul and Silas were not alone in the Philippian jail

Deuteronomy 3 : 16
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

2271

Thoughts#2270



HAPPY HOLIDAYS


What is peace ?

Peace is - To be able to sleep in the storm.

Peace is - The storm rages, but our hearts are at rest

Peace is - To be relaxed, and at peace in the midst of the confusions, bewilderments and perplexities of life.

Psalm 39 : 7
But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

2270

Thoughts#2269

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Victorious living

Is there any secret formula for victorious living?

If there is any phrase that could describe it, it could be surrender and devotion.

Nothing can take the place of a daily devotional life with God. Your quiet time, your prayer time, the time you spend reading the Bible, is absolutely essential for a happy Christian life. You cannot be a happier, more dynamic and powerful person apart from a daily walk with God. It will make the difference

(a) between success and failure in your spiritual life.

(b) between being helped and helping others.

(c) in your habits, in your prayer life, in your Bible reading, in your giving, in your testimony and in your active life in church.


Psalm 63 : 1
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirst for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.



2269

Thoughts#2268


HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Lying

Lying can be so easy.

It often seems like the best way to avoid a sticky problem or to protect ourselves from the results of other bad choices.

Lying always backfires.

Proverbs 13 : 5
The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace



2268

Thoughts#2267


HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

L O V E

Long hidden resentment finally comes to the surface as pretenses drop away.

Home that are not built on love are destined to crumble and fall

Love is a binding force that holds a family together. True love contains an element of spiritual mystery. It has loyalty, reverence and understanding. Love calls for a tremendous responsibility on all members of a family.

True love never fails

It loves despite personality defects, physical blemishes and mental quirks. It is deep, abiding and eternal. It brings a sense of security into the home.

Whether in marriage or in our relationship with fellow mankind, resentment and separation are to sure to surface if love is insincere. Instead of presenting a ‘look of love’, let us take seriously the challenge to ‘let love be without hypocrisy’ (Romans 12 : 9)

A happy Christian home is where love is practiced.

1 Corinthians 13 : 8
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.



2267

Thoughts#2266


MERRY CHRISTMAS
Angry - good or bad ???

To be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way, is not easy !!!!

If anger is mingled with malice, it becomes sinful. If it is associated with a holy disposition, it is safe and good.

Becoming angry with someone because of personal resentment or envy is sinful.

Anger, aroused by injustice or evil, and accompanied by a sincere desire to see God’s will performed, is both healthy and effective.

Ephesians 4 : 26-27
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.



2266

Thoughts#2265



HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Getting into trouble

When our tongue is out of work – not being used for constructive and useful purposes – we are more likely to get in trouble with it. We find it so easy to say the kinds of things that are disrespectful, slanderous, cruel, or immoral.

Proverbs 21 : 23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.



2265

Thoughts#2264

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Terms of obedience

Regardless of how painful the surrender of our will may seem, obedience to God saves us from unhappy loss in this world and irrecoverable loss in the world to come.

Proverbs 14 : 12 reminds us that a sinful insistence on self-will can be self-destructive.

Trustful obedience to God’s way brings blessing both now and forever.

King Saul blatantly disobeyed God’s instructions, then told Samuel the priest, “I have performed the commandment of the Lord” (1Samuel 15 : 13). When Samuel challenged him, Saul declared his innocence. God saw it differently and removed Saul from the throne of Israel because of his willful disobedience.

When you identify yourself as a citizen of God’s kingdom, you must follow His definitions without tailoring them to suit your own ideas. That is obedience.

1 Samuel 15 : 22
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.


2264

Thoughts#2263

HAPPY HOLIDAYS



The Great Wall of China

The people of ancient China built a massive wall to protect themselves from the barbaric hordes that swept down from the north The wall was too high for the enemy to climb, too thick to tear down and too long to go around. Yet during the first 100 years of the wall’s existence, China was invaded three times.

The enemies simply bribed a gatekeeper and then marched easily through a gate.

The fatal flaw in this defense system lay in spending its wealth to build a wall but paying much less to build the character of the gatekeepers.

Proverbs 14 : 34
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people



2263

Thoughts#2262

Faith

Faith is spoken of in the Bible, under the emblem of all the senses.

Sight: Look unto me and be ye saved.

Hearing: Hear, and your soul shall live.

Smelling: All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia; thy name is as ointment poured forth.

Touch: By this faith the woman came behind and touched the hem of Christ's garment, and by this we handle the things of the good word of life.

Taste: Except a man eat my flesh," saith Christ, "and drink my blood, there is no life in him."

Song of Solomon 2 : 3
His fruit was sweet to my taste.





2262

Thoughts#2261

Conceited ???

The most difficult person to deal with is the one who has the conceited satisfaction of an experience to which he can refer back, but who is not working it out in practical life.

Beware of any belief that makes you self-indulgent; it came from the pit, no matter how beautiful it sounds.

Continually bring the truth out into reality; work it out in every field, or the very light you have will prove a curse.

John 12 : 35
Then Jesus told them, You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.


Walk while you have the light before darkness come upon you.





2261

Thoughts#2260

Good virtues

Character is measured by the love and faithfulness we genuinely show in our daily lives. These are not simple virtues that we can fake.

We show merciful love when we have power over another but choose to treat them with kindness and genuine concern.

Faithfulness is being a person of truth -- genuine and trustworthy in word and deed.

These virtues need to be a part of our everyday lives and permeate our very identity. When they do, others will notice and God will be pleased.

Proverbs 3 : 3-4
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.



2260

Thoughts#2259

Trust

No matter how terrifying things around you seem to get, trust God.

He will
always be faithful
never be out doing something else when you need help
be right there to deliver you from any problem
be right there to deliver you from any catastrophe
be right there to deliver you from any kind of devastation

No other can deliver like Him!

Psalm 91:7-10
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.





2259

Thoughts#2258


Humility

What is your source of significance?

Humility and association with the lowly and oppressed are valued by God. Abusive power and arrogance are not. God sent us his Son to demonstrate it. Now if we can only learn to live it.

Jesus does give us the opportunity to demonstrate it when he says, "Follow me!"

Proverbs 16:19
Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.



2258

Thoughts#2257

Fear

Could you live without fear?

Fear is not just a reaction to external circumstances.

It's a spiritual force. It begins inside a person. And it is totally destructive.

In fact, fear is Satan's primary weapon. He moves in response to fear, the way God moves in response to faith. He challenges the promises of God with it.

The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Use it to fight Satan every time he comes against you. Hold up your shield of faith and quench all of his fiery darts. Speak words of faith and fear will depart.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.





2257

Thoughts#2256

Care for others

To get,
we must give

To accumulate,
we must scatter

To make ourselves happy,
we must make others happy

To become spiritually vigorous,
we must seek the spiritual good of others.

In watering others, we are ourselves watered.

Proverbs 11 : 25
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.



2256

Thoughts#2255

Fear



What are we to do when faced with fearful, distressing circumstances?

We should first remind ourselves of the One with the ultimate power and capability

To God alone will someday every knee bow and tongue confess (Philippians 2:10-11).

Our faith in the One with the ultimate power gives us strength to move forward through whatever may come our way. Habakkuk is just one of countless millions who can testify to this spiritual fact.

Strengthen yourself in God. Live by your faith in God who is greater than all others. Your reverence for Him will empower you to face whatever may come in your life.

Habakkuk 3 : 16
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth.
When I heard, my body trembled; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered my bones; and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble. When he comes up to the people, He will invade them with his troops.



2255

Thoughts#2254


Mercy

Mercy of God is tender and loving

It heals the broken in heart and binds up wounds

God’s mercy is infinite – you cannot measure it and it is so great that it forgives great sins and gives great favour and great privileges. It also gives great enjoyments.

It is undeserved mercy.

Psalm 52 : 8 The mercy of God
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.





2254

Thoughts#2253

Our Will

The profound thing in man is his will, not his sin. – Oswald Chambers

All the unhealthy and wrong choices we have made were decisions that ignored His ways and His principles

Our deliberate acts of selfishness will all be covered over and forgiven when we confess them to Him.

Let the words of Scripture help you focus on God and His hope as you chose, with an act of your will, to lift your eyes off yourself and your circumstances. Your perspective will change as you ask His Holy Spirit to help you make this your prayer today.


2253

Thoughts#2252

Undecided ???

What happens when you hesitate to do something God has told you to do?

The devil gets the jump on you.

If you want to live by faith, hesitation is one of the most hazardous habits you could ever have.

A person who is hesitant is "unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything he thinks, feels, and decides".

When God speaks, do not waste a moment. Step right out in faith. By doing this, you can always keep the devil a step behind you!

James 1:6-8
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.





2252

Thoughts#2251


I am in debt

We should feel an obligation to pass along to others the kindness shown to us.

We are indebted to God for everything. And the least we can do is to show our appreciation by telling others about Him.

Whether it is a smile to a stranger, an unexpected gift of money to the poor, a helping hand, a word of encouragement or witness, do it for Jesus’ sake.

Galatians 6 : 10
Do not hesitate to do good to all





2251

Thoughts#2250




When do we need help ?

There are times when we need help . It's not a weakness or a fault; it's simply part of life.

*Sometimes it will be physical needs money, a job, a car or toys for the kids.
* It may be a need to be left alone.
* You may need emotional stability where there is challenge or change.
* You may need wisdom and insight when you face confusion or question marks in life.
* You may need patience when you face some circumstance in your life.


God gives us a simple tool to use in times of need in our own lives. He says we are simply to praise His name. It's important to intentionally bring our focus to Him.

Praising His name helps us focus on what His name means to us.

It is the source of life to our hearts in the midst of trying times.

Philippians 4 : 19
My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus

2250

Thoughts#2249

Discipline

Discipline is considered troublesome, exasperating, and unnecessary. We want freedom and no direction because it might conflict with what we want to do.

God disciplines out of love to bless us. It is a sign of His delight. Why?

He is not content to leave us unchanged, unmotivated, and disinterested. He wants to move us closer to Him!

Proverbs 3 : 11-12
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.



2249

Thoughts#2248

Words and Actions

Words

We can tell people that we love them. We can explain how precious they are to us.

Actions

When we sacrifice our preferences for another, we show our respect and affection.

When we sacrifice ourselves, our wishes, and our preferences for a friend, we give the greatest of all gifts and prove our love beyond any doubt.

John 15 : 13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends





2248

Thoughts #2247



Be truthful

Love has its delights.

One of those delights is in what is authentic and genuine -- TRUTH!

Let us not be deceitful, manipulative, or coercive in our relationships.

Instead, we must be transparent, intimate, and honest.

Why?

Because true love delights in truth.

1 Corinthians 13 : 6
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth



2247

Thoughts#2246




T R U S T

There are times in our lives when we face challenges far too big for our own resources and strengths.

The real question that each of us must face is very simple:

Where do we place our trust?

What is the source of our confidence?

Is it
our abilities ?
our skills ?
our insight
our strength ?



Or is it God's?

Zechariah 4:5-6
'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."

Zerubbabbel faced such a challenge.

God sent a prophet to remind him, and us through him, that our greatest victories will not be won by our power and might. Greatest victories will occur when we trust that God's power is greater than our weakness and God's might is greater than our insufficiencies.





2246

Thoughts#2245



What is the source of our strengths ?
There are times in each of our spiritual lives when we face challenges far too big for our own resources and strengths.

The real question that each of us must face is very simple:

Where do we place our trust?

What is the source of our confidence?

Is it
our abilities ?
our skills ?
our insight
our strength ?

Or is it God's?

Zechariah 4:5-6
'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."

Zerubbabbel faced such a challenge. God sent a prophet to remind him, and us through him, that our greatest victories will not be won by our power and might. Greatest victories will occur when we trust that God's power is greater than our weakness and God's might is greater than our insufficiencies.



2245

Thoughts#2244


Meaning and purpose of life

People alone cannot provide this spiritual guidance.


Many learned men do not even attempt to explain the meaning and purpose of life and other serious spiritual questions. If they do try, they cannot prove their views are right or wrong, and they often contradict one another.

Jeremiah 10:23
I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

Isaiah 55 : 8-9
Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field till no space is left and you live alone in the land.

The LORD Almighty has declared in my hearing: Surely the great houses will become desolate, the fine mansions left without occupants.







2244

Thoughts#2243

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?





2243

Thoughts#2242

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.


2242

Thoughts#2241



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



2241

Thoughts#2240


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.



2240

Thoughts#2239

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.

2239

Thoughts#2238

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.



2238

Thoughts#2237

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





2237

Thoughts#2236

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 Jul2012, 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



2236

Thoughts#2235

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.

2235

Thoughts#2234

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


2234

Thoughts#2233

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.


2233

Thoughts#2232


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.



2232

Thoughts#2231

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.





2231

Thoughts#2230

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.


2230

Thoughts#2229

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.



2229

Thoughts#2228
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.



2228

Thoughts#2227

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



2227

Thoughts#2226

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.



2226

Thoughts#2225

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.



2225

Thoughts#2224

Continue to grow

We know something is horribly wrong when a child is not making progress in his or her growth and maturation. Arrested development is a cause of great concern. The same is true of our spiritual lives. God wants us to progress and mature spiritually. HE wants us to continue to grow.

Let us thank God for loving us and saving us. Ask God to help us to mature, as we seek to follow HIS habits and fill ourselves spiritually with the things that will help us to grow. Let us acknowledge that true growth can only come from God.

1 Peter 2 : 2 - 3
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.



2224

Thoughts#2223

Turning our weakness into strengths

We have the power of the Holy Spirit to fight against our sense of inadequacy. We can turn our weaknesses into victories!!

We have to acknowledge our weaknesses. We have to acknowledge our fears.

We need to pray for strength. Ask God to teach you , to give you knowledge and wisdom

We need to act in faith.

Colossians 1:9 - 12
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.



2223

Thoughts#2222

Our real needs

To receive God’s promises we must trust Him and seek His wisdom. To achieve this obedience is important. This shows that we know God cares about us and we care about Him

“Every need Adam had was attended to, but he disobeyed God by falling to a temptation he was warned to avoid.”

Man has continued to seek other pleasures and ignored what God offers freely – His love and devotion. The same love He gave to Abraham, Isaac, David, Mary and the disciples.

God provides all your needs !!

Lamentations 3:22 - 26
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

2222

Thoughts#2221


HE will be there to help me

Imagine you a little fish swimming in a huge river. Are you apprehensive of drinking the whole river dry ?

Imagine you are stranded in a cave high up in the mountain and there is no hope that help will come to you. Are you afraid you might exhaust all the oxygen in the atmosphere ?

"My grace is sufficient for thee."

On many occasions, under all kinds of circumstances, God’s promise always comes true. It has happened in your lives as well as those of many others.

What kinds of needs do you have today?

Are they needs for which God is not able to provide ?

Do you trust Him?

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.


2221

Thoughts#2220

Do you have the Holy Spirit ?

You may have been given all sorts of ways to know whether or not you have the Holy Spirit. There is only one simple answer : by their fruit you will know them. What is the definition of fruit ? Paul gives us the definition of holy fruit LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL.

Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

2220

Thoughts#2219

A life of faith

Do you live a life of faith ? Or do you live a life based on intellect and reason ? The root of faith is the knowledge of the Person leading you, the assurance that you are safe with Him. A life of faith changes your character. There are many stages in the change of your character, as each time you pray you experience the blessing of God and change takes place in you. A life of faith is a life of experiencing the love of God and His blessings. You will experience many situations where your faith will be tried and proved and it will stand the test. You will live a life of tried faith built on a real God.

Hebrews 11:8

He went out, not knowing whither he went.

2219

Thoughts#2218

Tithing.

Christians should be excited about tithing if only we understand how to do it properly. Scriptural tithing rouses our faith. It activates the power of God in our lives when we do it in appreciation and joy.

Deuteronomy 26:1-2

When you have entered the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it, take some of the first fruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name

2218

Thoughts#2217

Look ahead

Life can be very tough. In the process of living, we face some very difficult circumstances and experience some awful pain.. The pain and inconvenience are only temporary. The things that cause our pain are temporary. All these things that we have seen and experienced are passing. Our eternal glory, our indescribable bliss, that wonderful future that we cannot yet see, is eternal ... forever ... incorruptible ... and reserved for us Let us ask God to be with us during the painful and difficult passages of our life. Ask God to help keep our hearts fixed on what is unseen.

2 Corinthians 4 : 17

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2217

Thoughts#2216

Always give thanks

Prayer is more than making requests to God. Remember the Bible story of the ten lepers Jesus healed. Those outcasts were miserable, falling apart and isolated. They were hated, feared and despised. Then Jesus healed them. Nine of them ran towards town anxious for others to see them... to receive their approval and acceptance. Only one returned to Jesus. He fell at His feet, thanking God for the incredible gift of a new life.

1 Thessalonians 5 : 18

 .. give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

2216

Thoughts#2215

Be loyal

Do you believe that God engineers circumstances ?? Most of the time we treat the things that happen as if they were engineered by men. To be faithful in every circumstance means that we have only one loyalty, and that is to our Lord. If we learn to worship God in the difficult circumstances, He will alter them in our favour when He chooses. The idea is not that we do work for God, but that we are so loyal to Him that He can do His work through us

Romans 8 : 28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.

2215

Thoughts#2214

Step out in faith

There are times when you know what God has called you to do, but you just do not feel you have the inner resources you need to do it. Everything you will ever need to accomplish what God has called you to do has been placed inside you by God. Faith is in there. Power is in there. Love is in there. Believe that. Speak it out. Step out in faith

2 Timothy 1:4,6-7

Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears.... I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.... For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2214

Thoughts#2213

Step out in faith

There are times when you know what God has called you to do, but you just do not feel you have the inner resources you need to do it. Everything you will ever need to accomplish what God has called you to do has been placed inside you by God. Faith is in there. Power is in there. Love is in there. Believe that. Speak it out. Step out in faith

2 Timothy 1:4,6-7

Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears.... I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you.... For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2213

Thoughts#2212

HE is always there I have encountered difficulties, opposition, problems and challenges. In such times as these, I have needed and claimed the promises of God. Not only can we be free from fear, but He will strengthen and help and uphold us.

Isaiah 41 : 10

Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand

2212

Thoughts for 31Oct2012 #2211

Be contented

We must learn not to complain of want, for we have learned in whatever condition we are to be content. We must know how to be abased, and how to abound. In any and all circumstances we must learn to face plenty and hunger, abundance and want. We can do all things through God

Philippians 4:11-13

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

2211

Thoughts for 30Oct2012 #2210

Change of attitude

God wants us to treat each other as He has treated us, thinking of others' needs and God's will before our own. Let us ask God to transform our heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to take control of our thoughts and make our heart’s desire to reflect the passion of Jesus Christ. Ask God to forgive our tendency to think of our own importance, our own will and our own self-justification.

Philippians 2 : 5 - 6

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped…

2210

Thoughts for 29Oct2012 #2209

Peace

We need inner peace but we also need peace with others. Inner peace begins with a relationship with God and it continues as we focus on His strength and allow Him to fill us. In Isaiah 26 : 3 we are taught that God will keep us in perfect peace as our mind focus on Him and trust Him. Inner peace hinges on our trust in God. If you cannot find inner peace in you and you are filled with anxiety, choose to trust God. He will guide you through the maze of life. If you choose not trust Him, you will find yourself walking the road to stress and worry. Peace with others begins as we understand that God has called us to be peacemakers in our world. "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9).

Isaiah 26 : 3

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

2209

Thoughts for 28Oct2012 #2208

Unique Designer’s Clothes

Do you know that is a special set of clothing that is always in style. It is the clothing of character and is best worn in the company of your friends and acquaintances. It requires good qualities to wear this special clothing and it is always a blessing to those who meet us.

Colossians 3 : 12

As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

2208

Thoughts for 27Oct2012 #2207

Trust HIM

God will faithfully meet the needs of those who seek Him. In whatever He leads us to do, He will enable us to do by supplying us with the necessary needs as we continue to trust and obey Him. We must bear in mind that we do not receive when our motives are not pure and not according to His will. Most important of all, we do not receive and do not have God’s help because we do not ask. (James 4 : 2) Let us examine our motives and relate our needs to God’s commands.

Philippians 4 : 19

And it is He who will supply all your needs from His riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us

2207

Thoughts for 26Oct2012 #2206

Turn our weaknesses into strengths

2 Corinthians 3:1 - 6

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant— not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Our inadequacy can deter us from stepping out in faith to accomplish what God calls us to do. We must turn our inadequacy to a blessing. Even the apostle Paul felt inadequate, but he did not allow his feelings to hold him prisoner and prevent his sharing the Gospel. He drew closer to God. Let us pray and meditate more often so that our reliance upon God will be strengthened. We shall no longer rely on our own strength but become more motivated to work in the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember how God demonstrate the great things HE can do with so little and accomplished amazing feats through these men Moses and David were mere shepherds, and Gideon was least among Israel's men (Judges 6:15), Let us draw closer to God.

2206

Thoughts for 25Oct2012 #2205

Be serious only to HIM

All concerns of life are ordained of God. The little things of life, eating and drinking, walking and talking, are all ordained by God. These are the things in which our Lord lived. Do not pose as someone who is philosophical. We should take God seriously.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

2205

Thoughts for 24Oct2012 #2204

Do not be discouraged.

You may have stumbled your way through much of life and tripped at some of the most embarrassing moments. Be confident that in your spiritual life, God has not let you completely fall. His love, care, concern, Scriptures, servants and helpers are all there to keep you from destruction. His hands uphold you. He is there in times of trial Let us thank God for his steadying influence in our lives. Let us thank Him for lifting us when we have been down, protecting us when we have been vulnerable and comforting us when we have been broken. Let us praise God for His grace, His glory and His closeness.

Psalm 37 : 23-24

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

2204

Thoughts for 23Oct2012 #2203

The power of prayer

We must understand the power of prayer. We must know the great privilege and responsibility we have, in the family of God, to do this for one another. We need God’s intervention in our hearts and our lives !! Prayers invite God to be at work for His purposes in our live. There is power in prayer !

Philippians 4:5, 6.

The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

2203

Thoughts for 22Oct2012 #2202

Be a good listener

In our daily encounters, we come across many successful people who believe in money and trusted no one. There is no ignoring fact that their personal lives are falling apart. This will happen soon !! How can you help ? Be a good listener. You need not have to preach or give a Bible tract. Just be a friend. By your life and attitude, reflecting Christ who is genuine, caring and worthy of trust, you will ultimately bring the Lord Jesus into their lives !!

Proverbs 22 : 11

He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend

2202

Thoughts for 21Oct2012 #2201

Why don’t you ask HIM for help ?

How many times do we carry a burden or a problem we cannot solve? We fret and worry instead of asking God for help. We must realize that God has been very good to us. God makes us realize that with Him all things are possible. God listens and answers our prayers God loves us. God wants to help us. What problems are carrying today? Why don't you stop and ask God to help you.

Luke 11 : 9

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you

2201

Thoughts for 20Oct2012 #2200

Always give thanks for everything

We must all learn how to appropriate the supernatural resources of God by faith that the Holy Spirit produces the supernatural, spiritual fruit of love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. that the Holy Spirit is ready and eager to lift your load, fill your heart with peace and enable you to demonstrate a thankful attitude, even in times of heartache, sorrow and disappointment

1 Thessalonians 5 : 18

…..give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus

2200

Thoughts for 19Oct2012 #2199

Last ditch effort

Friend, do not give up on any difficult situations. There is hope. God, through His Spirit and His word, can powerfully change your lives.

Proverbs 3 : 5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

2199

Thoughts for 18Oct2012 #2198

HE orders your steps

Are you looking for direction, for purpose, for meaning to your life? Finding the will of God has been difficult for many people. But the truth remains that He promises to give wisdom to any who ask, and we have that privilege when we belong to Him by virtue of having received the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. If you are facing a difficult situation in your life, wait on Him and avoid the usual rush to a decision that might be disastrous. "He is faithful who promised." Depend upon Him to make the way clear as you lay the decision prayerfully before Him.

Psalm 37 : 23
If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;

2198

Thoughts for 17Oct2012 #2197

The reward of the destitute

We have to realize that we cannot earn or win anything from God; we must either receive it as a gift or do without it. The greatest blessing spiritually is the knowledge that we are destitute. He can do nothing for us if we think we are sufficient of ourselves, we have to enter into His Kingdom through the door of destitution. As long as we are rich, possessed of anything in the way of pride or independence, God cannot do anything for us. It is only when we get hungry spiritually that we receive the Holy Spirit. The gift of the essential nature of God is made effectual in us by the Holy Spirit.

Romans 3 : 24
Being justified freely by His grace...

2197

Thoughts for 16Oct2012 #2196

Trust is tough

The tough test of trust comes during the moments when we are most afraid. Trust must be purified through the process of trial and tests. When we are in the company of our Saviour, in peaceful times, His presence will then be sure and constant when we are most afraid.

Psalm 56 : 3
When I am most afraid, I put my trust in you.

2196

Thoughts for 15Oct2012 #2195

HE will tell you

Major conflicts in life are resolved when, by an act of the will, one surrenders to the control of the Holy Spirit and faces temptation in His power. We are tempted when we do something against God’s will. Everyone can be tempted. Temptation becomes sin when we think on the feeling or idea and develop a strong desire, which is often followed by the actual act of disobedience. In our daily lives, we can easily identify our weakness whenever we are tempted and obey the Holy Spirit's instructions. When we resist temptation, we breathe spiritually and resume our walk with God. When we stop to believe God’s promise that He will enable us to be victorious over all temptations, we become carnal again. The moment you realize that you have done that which saddens or quenches the Spirit, you simply confess immediately and by faith claim God’s forgiveness and continue to walk in the light.

Galatians 5 : 16

I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit's instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won't always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to

2195

Thoughts for 14Oct2012 #2194

Be humble

To be humble is not to think of yourself at all !! Not many of us would qualify as being truly humble but it is a goal toward which we should all strive. We can only make real progress toward God in our lives unless we are humble.

2 Chronicles 7 : 14

 .. if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Even before we pray, before we seek His face, before we turn from our wicked ways, we must humble ourselves. It is because we are in no position to meet any of these other three criteria without first humbling ourselves.

James 4 : 6

But He gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings. As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble, but sets Himself against the proud and haughty

2194

Thoughts for 13Oct2012 #2193

HE never fails nor forsakes

Men’s love for money can be compared to a pan of frogs in cold water placed over a low flame. As the flame warms the water, the frogs relax. And by the time the water is boiling, it is too late for them to jump out of the pan. They are boiled alive. In contrast, if the frogs were placed in a pan of boiling water, they would leap out instantly. Men’s love for money is being ruined by materialism, the love of money and the love of things. Men are greedy and are grasping for more than they have. Their appetites become insatiable. Stay away from the love of money. There is nothing wrong with money.

Hebrews 13 :5

Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never, never fail you nor forsake you'

2193

Thoughts for 12Oct2012 #2192

How do you pray ??

Some begin prayer times by reading God’s Word. It is best to have a daily quiet time that includes prayer. It may be hours, but start somewhere with a regular time. You cannot expect God's blessing if you fail to spend time with Him. Frankly, the benefits of time spent in prayer are so great; at times I wonder why we do not pray more! God will bless you as you devote more time to prayer.

Luke 11 : 2-4

He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'

2192

Thoughts for 11Oct2012 #2191

Be an example

The world needs to see good examples. They need to see believers walk in love and purity and faith in their homes, in their schools and in their businesses. In your daily contact with people, they might reject or argue with the words you say. But they will never refute or forget your acts of love. Do not let petty sins and spiritual compromises cast a shadow over your example. Live above reproach and let the light of Jesus shine brightly through you. Always remember to share your experience and testimony so that God may be glorified.

1 Timothy 4:12
Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

2191

Thoughts for 10Oct2012 #2190

Fasting

Fasting really has more to do with humility than it does with food "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6) So while the world often stands in fear of the proud, we need to remember that God favors the humble. The problem is that while humility is a godly quality, it does not come supernaturally like meekness. It only comes through practice. When we fast, we are putting the act of humility into practice. We deny ourselves something as basic as food. We deny ourselves much more than food. Fasting is a spiritual acknowledgment that it is God who sustains life, not food. And only through a deep and obedient relationship with God, through prayer and fasting, can we ever fully understand His purpose for our lives.

Isaiah 58:4
You will not fast as you do this day, to make your voice heard on high.

2190

Thoughts for 09Oct2012 #2189

Nothing is Impossible

Very often we stand face-to-face with situations in our daily lives that need to be changed. Some of those situations look totally impossible. But they are not. The next time you are tempted to look at situations as impossible, remember GOD

Luke 18:27
The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

2189

Thoughts for 08Oct2012 #2188 True freedom Our personality always wants more and more. We are designed with a great capacity for God; and sin and our individuality are the things that keep us from getting at God. We have to deliver our selves from individuality. We have to present our natural life to God and sacrifice it until it is transformed into a spiritual life by obedience. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 2188

Thoughts for 07Oct2012 #2187 Do not be afraid How can we be certain in what happens Jul2012? What is our guarantee for tomorrow? Where do we gather excitement about eternity? The Lord is our helper! Fear will not be our master because our future, our destiny, our eternity rest in the hands of the eternal Lord. The worst that man can do is to send me home to my Lord. Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" 2187

Thoughts for 06Oct2012 #2186 Spiritual Resources God is our resource for everything, God helps our make full use of His spiritual resources given to us. He helps us to destroy evil through the power of His word, the power of His Holy Spirit. He helps us be prayer warriors, for it is through prayer that He empowers His soldiers. God helps us to stand by right belief, by right thinking, by right living, by right praying. Ephesians 6:17-18 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 2186

Thoughts for 05Oct2012 #2185 Finding fault with others So often we can find fault with others, pass judgment on them about some inconsequential matter, but then never deal with the unashamed sin in our own life. Let us remember that we will answer to God for what we do every bit as much as someone we are wrongly passing judgment upon. Please be reminded • whose job it is to judge these sorts of matters. • that the person we are judging actually belongs to the Lord and what right do we have to pass judgment on that person. Let us ask God to forgive us. Let us confess that we have wrongly passed judgment on others when we had no right or authority to do so.. Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 2185

Thoughts for 04Oct2012 #2184 How to please HIM Want to know something you can do that will please God? Rejoice in his grace. Pray for others. Give thanks for your blessings. It is so simple and this is something that He wants us to do. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 2184

Thoughts for 03Oct2012 #2183 Under pressure Are you under pressure these days ? Satan is putting more pressure on us mentally, financially, emotionally and every other way he can. Praise God, Jesus says we can give our way right out from under any pressure the devil brings to bear. When Satan puts you under pressure, go to Jesus and let Him tell you how and where to release you from the pressure the devil has been putting on you. Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 2183

Thoughts for 02Oct2012 #2182 Abide in Him The one and only thing we must do Oct2012 #is - Abide in Jesus. The one thing you are truly responsible for is your union with Him. If you keep your union and fellowship with Him intact, everything else will be taken care of. Do not fall into the devil's trap. Instead, keep your thoughts and affections trained on the Lord. As you do that, the force of faith will begin to flow out of you. And that flow will repel every form of darkness. It will bring you in triumph through every storm. John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered 2182

Thoughts for 01Oct2012 #2181 Give HIM only the best Honoring God comes first in everything. We do not give him the last, the least, or the leftovers. He gave us his best, most precious, and most perfect of gifts -- his Son Jesus. How could we give him anything less than our best, our first, and our most precious? Proverbs 3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops… 2181

Thoughts for 30Sep2012 #2180 I am not weak Jesus gave all Christians the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:3-7). The Spirit lives in us, making our bodies a Temple (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and blessing us in many ways (Romans 8). We can be courageous people even in the face of attack, criticism, and ridicule because of the Spirit's presence. The fruit that the Spirit produces (Gal. 5:22-23) and the love that the Spirit pours into our heart (Rom. 5:5) do not make us weak. Instead, the Spirit's presence is a powerful force to help us overcome sin (Rom. 8:13) and live self-disciplined lives. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline 2180

Thoughts for 29Sep2012 #2179 Go to HIM Deliverance! A great theme of the Bible is that God is a God of deliverance who keeps his promises and faithfully shares his grace, mercy, and justice. Let this promise stir you to righteous living and to cry out to God in all your troubles. cry out to God with the praises, questions, and wounds that life brings. Let his presence be real to you and your heart open to him. Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 2179

Thoughts for 28Sep2012 #2178 Do not do evil deeds God hates violence and demands that we not admire those who are violent or share in their violent lifestyle. (Proverbs. 3:31) God abhors those who do evil. God not only opposes them when they are alive, he also mitigates their influence after they are gone. He helps them be seen for what they really are. Far from being viewed as heroes, their legacy of hate and wickedness is spurned, shunned, scandalized, and forgotten. Psalm 34:16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. 2178

Thoughts for 27Sep2012 #2177 Be careful how we live Even though we are God's holy children, we also need to be aware of what time it is in our world. The evil one still exercises his control over the hearts of many people. God wants us to make the most of every opportunity we have to touch the lives of others with his grace and to resist the temptation and overcome the opposition of the evil one. Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 2177

Thoughts for 26Sep2012 #2176 Faith Some aspects of faith are beyond description: they can only be experienced and known by doing them. Taste the Lord. Sample his goodness. Lean on his grace. Take protection in his care. We are blessed to find him near and take our protection from life's greatest dangers and death's greatest fears. Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. 2176

Thoughts for 25Sep2012 #2175 Help those in need Psalm 34:6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. So few hear the cry of the poor or respond to the troubles of the underprivileged. If we are going to be true children of God, His values must become our own, His lost sheep must become our search. Let's help others around us who are in need. 2175

Thoughts for 24Sep2012 #2174 Our daily battles The battles we face are physical and spiritual. It is the spiritual battle with powers that we do not easily see and which are very powerful. We should not dismiss this as an imaginary battle or as an irrelevant struggle. Just as clearly as Satan was crouching at Cain's door, desiring to have him, so he crouches at our door (Gen. 4:7). He will use his forces of evil to do all he can to defeat, destroy, or corrupt us. We must take this war seriously and recognize the spiritual power of our foe. Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 2174

Thoughts for 23Sep2012 #2173 Patience and faith Like faith, there is another force that goes along with it that is just as important. It is patience, the ability to stand fast on the Word of God even when your victory seems slow in coming. Patience is not automatic. It would not go to work unless you let it go to work. It is wrong to think that faith and patience will go to work for us without our help. We just let the devil tear our lives apart. In the first place, James says, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God" (James 1:13). And in the second place, that trial is not going to make your faith stronger. In fact, it will destroy it if you will let it. James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 2173

Thoughts for 22Sep2012 #2172 Be attentive So often we are focused only on the things that we like, on the things that we are good at doing, or on the things that we are interested in accomplishing. God wants us to use every piece of his spiritual armor. He wants us to be disciplined and grow in the areas of our spiritual weakness and the areas we do not necessarily find exciting or interesting. Our evil opponent is cunning and will try to attack us in the areas of our weakness and defenselessness. So let us not just commit to be attentive in the areas of our interest and strength, but also in those areas where we are not. Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 2172

Thoughts for 21Sep2012 #2171 Be at peace with others It is not enough to turn from evil. We can clean the rotten things out of our life, but if we do not actively practise what is good then a worse evil will rush into the void. (Mat. 12:43-45) Let us be a people eager to do good and with a passion to "wage peace." Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 2171

Thoughts for 20Sep2012 #2170 Telling the truth God reminds us that our words and the way we use our speech greatly influence the quality of life we enjoy. Evil speech and lies we tell - they set loose a force of deception and damage that we cannot control. This unleashed power not only damages those about whom and to whom we speak, but they eventually bounce back and come back and bring their deadly effect back into our own lives. Let us speak what is right, good, wholesome, holy, true, and a blessing. (Ephesians 4:20-5:12) Psalm 34:12-13 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. 2170

Thoughts for 19Sep2012 #2169 Help one another Psalm 34:6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. So few hear the cry of the poor or respond to the troubles of the underprivileged. If we are going to be true children of God, His values must become our own, His lost sheep must become our search. Let's help others around us who are in need. 2169

Thoughts for 18Sep2012 #2168 Fairness It is a fact of life in most societies that the attractive individual has many advantages in regard to employment, educational assignment, social life, and more. We as human beings have a natural preference to be partial in our relationships and dealings with others over a broad range. Most of us have been on the receiving end of one form or another of partiality by others. If such partiality when experienced is in the negative, it is not very pleasant and sometimes affects him for life. The good news is that God is not a respecter of persons or has partiality based on certain qualities that a person may or not have. Do you have partiality toward some individuals over others? Do you harbor discrimination toward those who may be different from you? Allow God to change your way of thinking! Acts 10:34-36 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ - He is Lord of all. Romans 2 : 10-11 ...but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. Galatians 2:6. But from those who seemed to be something - whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man - for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. 2168

Thoughts for 17Sep2012 #2167 His Promise God not only buys us out of our bondage and debt to sin, but he also promises us that he will provide protection for those who trust in Him. Our future is tied to Him and not to our ability to provide and protect what we need. Psalm 34 : 22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him. 2167

Thoughts for 16Sep2012 #2166 Wait for the result Many people do not have the patience to wait for the result to happen. They will pray for others or lay hands on someone and pray for healing or deliverance and then, when they do not see any immediate, outward change taking place, they will withdraw their faith and assume nothing has happened. Next time you're tempted to evaluate what God is doing by the looks of things, do not do it. Remember instead that it is faith, not appearances, that makes miracles happen. It's the only real evidence that you need! Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2166

Thoughts for 15Sep2012 #2165 Love is an action Love is much more than a feeling or an attitude: love is an action. When we love, we show it by our deeds. Our love is shown by our obedience to the things Jesus taught. Obedience brings an incredible blessing -- Jesus reveals himself to those who obey him! John 14:21 [Jesus said] "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." 2165

Thoughts for 14Sep2012 #2164 Freedom This is the great reminder that sin is no longer our master and no longer our choice. We choose to live for God with every fiber of our being and dislike the life of sin that once held us in bondage to death and defeat. Romans 6:15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 2164

Thoughts for 13Sep2012 #2163 Boasting What do we have in which we can boast ? We have no basis to boast in our own might. We cannot preserve our lives. determine the future or change the past. We are living proof of God’s grace and mercy – He saved us when we didn't deserve it, He rescued us from sin and death when we had no power to preserve our lives. God saves the sinner, raises up the disheartened, and mends the broken. Praise the LORD for his glory. Praise the LORD for his grace. Psalm 34:2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 2163

Thoughts for 12Sep2012 #2162 Be alert Have you ever been frustrated with the weaknesses of your flesh? Have you ever resolved never more to yield to a particular sin, yet when the temptation came, you fell right back into it? It's happened to all of us. Even the disciple Peter. He swore he would never deny Jesus...but he did it anyway, time and time and time again. There is, however, something we can do to keep from falling prey to temptations. We can "watch and pray." That's what Jesus told Peter and the other disciples to do in the Garden of Gethsemane. Romans 8:26 .. the "(Holy) Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 2162

Thoughts for 11Sep2012 #2161 The fountain It is not possible to put any trash in the mouth of a flowing fountain ! The force of its own outflow protects it and keeps it clear of any impurities from the outside. Well, the spiritual fountain within you works the same way. When you are allowing the forces of love and joy and peace and gentleness and all the others to flow out, the devil can not get any of his junk in. How do you keep the Spirit flowing? Keep your heart full of the Word of God that the forces of eternal life start bubbling out. Just a little at first...and then stronger and higher. John 4:14 Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 2161

Thoughts for 10Sep2012 #2160 Wisdom What are the greatest riches in life? They are not silver and gold. Of infinitely greater value is wisdom, which helps us understand what is valuable, what is true, what is worthy of our heart, and what is not. Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! 2160

Thoughts for 09Sep2012 #2159 Poor words and bad timing How many times have you said just the "wrong" thing? Jesus words on this topic are indeed convicting : "Out of the abundance of the heart does the mouth speak." In other words, poor words and bad timing in our speech are more issues of our heart than issues of social skills and decorum. Let us ask God to purify, mend, and re-focus our heart on his will and passions. Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. 2159

Thoughts for 08Sep2012 #2158 The powerful Word God's word is a light to our dark path in a morally uncertain world. is our standard for right and wrong, righteousness and evil. delivers us from all sorts of destructive practices that can ruin our lives. Psalm 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. 2158

Thoughts for 07Sep2012 #2157 The wicked and the righteous The wicked fear the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness. not being in control. death's overtaking them. The righteous desire the triumph of goodness, holiness, and righteousness. offer their lives to be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God. recognize death is an enemy, but one that has been conquered by their Savior. Proverbs 10:24 What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted. 2157

Thoughts for 06Sep2012 #2156 Anger and foolishness Responding quickly to aggravation, threat, insult, or difficulty suggests strength to many folks Jul2012. However, responding hastily out of anger is foolish. This response seldom produces the desired long term effect and nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful situations shows understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run. Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. 2156

Thoughts for 05Sep2012 #2155 Integrity Be a person of integrity. When someone finds out your secrets, you can feel secure knowing that you have lived for godliness. However, a perverse and deceitful person has to constantly worry that someone will find him out. There is no security or assurance in crooked paths, only the certainty of getting tripped up and caught. When the secrets of evil that have been whispered in dark places get shouted from the rooftops, those who have lived for the Lord can be secure, knowing that what gets shouted about them is said with the voice of God: "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Proverbs 10:9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. 2155

Thoughts for 04Sep2012 #2154 Seek the real answer God quenches the thirst and satisfies the hunger of those who seek him. So often we try to soothe the ache in our soul and fill the emptiness in our heart with what is only a temporary satisfaction that only God's presence can fill. Let's refuse every false satisfaction and seek the LORD! Psalm 107 : 9 For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. 2154

Thoughts for 03Sep2012 #2153 A varied life A river is victoriously unrelenting, it overcomes all barriers. The obstacle is a matter of indifference to the river which will flow steadily through you if you remember to keep right at the source. The Spirit of God overcomes all obstacles. Never get your eyes on the obstacle or on the difficulty. Never allow anything to come between yourself and Jesus Christ, no emotion, or experience; nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source. John 7 : 38 Rivers of living water. 2153

Thoughts for 02Sep2012 #2152 Slow down Some of us would not slow down for anything! When we get too caught up in our own plans, the LORD, our Shepherd, slows us down and makes us lie down. Our Shepherd knows we need rest, nourishment, and refreshment and helps us find "green pastures" and "still waters." He then leads us in the direction of his righteousness and holiness once we are rested and refreshed. Isn't it interesting that God's order for our life is always grace and then glory? Psalm 23 : 2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 2152

Thoughts for 01Sep2012 #2151 Languages of nature Think of the majestic order of the universe and its obedience to unchanging law. The language of order, beauty, perfection and intelligence speaks of the existence of God There is (a) certainty and regularity of the seasons (b) precision of the movements of the sun, the moon and the stars (c) regular coming of the night and day (d) balance between man’s consumption of life-giving oxygen and its production by the plant-life of the earth Psalm 19 : 1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 2151

Thoughts for 31Aug2012 #2150 Selfish lifestyle Self-centeredness is the basic cause of much of our distress in life. Our loves, our interests and our energies are too often focused upon ourselves. Many of us live selfishly. Matthew 19 : 21 If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. Here in this verse, Jesus wants us to be released from selfishness and its destructive effect on our personality and life. John 3 : 30 He must become greater; I must become less. 2150

Thoughts for 30Aug2012 #2149 How to be rich There are two ways of being rich – have a lot or want very little The latter way is the easiest for most of us. Many people make themselves miserable by wanting more than they can ever have. They can never get enough of the insatiable desire for more, better and newer things. We need not learn how to get more but how to get along with what we have got, and get on with the business of really living. Luke 12 : 15 Then he said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions 2149

Thoughts for 29Aug2012 #2148 Be truthful The purity of our conduct comes from truthfulness. We should be truthful in our representation of ourselves. We should avoid hypocrisy. We should be truthful in speaking of our past achievements. A lie is anything that opposes the naked truth !! Psalm 51 : 6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 2148

Thoughts for 28Aug2012 #2147 Lonely Loneliness is no respecter of persons It invades the palace as well as the humble hut. Loneliness causes many to turn to drinking to lose their sanity to commit suicide Moses was not alone in the Midian Desert when God came to comfort him and call him to a wider ministry Elijah was not alone at the cave when God came near and spoke to him Paul and Silas were not alone in the Philippian jail Deuteronomy 3 : 16 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." 2147

Thoughts for 27Aug2012 #2146 Victory over our tongues The tongue - this instrument of speech can be used destructively or employed constructively Tongues are used to slander, to gripe, to scold, to nag, to quarrel Tongues are used to bless and to praise Most of our problems could be solved if men could get victory over their tongues. Suppose there were no anger, no vulgarity, no lying, no grumbling, no complaining no dirty stories, no unjust criticism It would have been a different world !!!! Before we speak, we should ask ourselves Is it true ? Is it kind ? James 1 : 26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 4 : 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you 2146