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



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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.



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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.

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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.



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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





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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



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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.

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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


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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.


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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.



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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.



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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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