30 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3028

30 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3028

Your integrity should set an example.

Titus 2 : 7

3028

29 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3027

29 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3027

Integrity will be rewarded.

1 Kings 9 : 4-5

Nehemiah 7 : 2

Psalm 41 : 11-12

3027

28 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3026

28 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3026

Your character can be corrupted by bad company.

1 Corinthians 15 : 33

3026

27 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3025

27 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3025

It may be difficult to maintain your integrity.

Job 2 : 3

Job 2 : 9

Proverbs 29 : 10

3025

26 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3024

26 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3024

The Lord hates lies and lack of integrity.

Zechariah 8 : 16-17

3024

25 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3023

25 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3023

The Lord will test and judge your integrity.

1 Chronicles 29 : 17

Psalm 7 : 8

3023

24 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3022

24 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3022

Integrity is more valuable than riches.

Proverbs 28 : 6

3022

23 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3021

23 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3021

Integrity will protect you.

Psalm 25 : 21

Proverbs 2 : 7-8

Proverbs 10 : 9

Proverbs 11 : 3

Proverbs 13 : 6

3021

22 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3020

22 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3020

Integrity means treating people fairly and honestly.

Leviticus 19 : 35-36

Deut 25 : 15

Proverbs 16 : 11-13

Integrity is giving your word and keeping it.

Exodus 8 : 28-32

3020

21 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3019

21 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3019

Prayers offered in faith

We must wait patiently and live by faith looking toward an unseen future reward for our labours.

First of all, God heals, faith does not.

Second, all of our prayers are subject to God’s will.

Third, to God, healing might well mean something different than it does to us.

Fourth, God’s ways are not our ways.

Fifth, a prayer of faith is one that hands everything over to God, confident in his character and purposes rather than our answers.

Sixth, by not answering a prayer in the way that we hoped or expected, God may actually be testing or building our faith.

James 5 : 15

Galatians 6:9

3019

20 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3018

20 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3018

The sin of commission (boasting) and the sin of omission (not listening and following the Holy Spirit that is in you.

James 4 : 13 – 5 : 6

Luke 12 : 47

John 9 : 41

3018

19 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3017

19 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3017

What did Jesus say about God and the world?

You cannot serve two masters: God and money (the world).

If you belong to the world, the people of the world will love you, but if you do not belong to the world, its people will hate you.

We cannot love both God and the world. Foolish pride and selfish desiress prevent us from loving God and receiving his grace.

We can avoid loving the world by being humble and praying to God in our humility. We must admit that we do not have the strength on our own to turn away from earthly values. We must completely surrender to God and put ourselves in His hands.

Matthew 6 : 24

John 15 : 18-19

John 2 : 15-16

Matthew 6:24

James 4 : 6

Proverbs 3 : 34

3017

18 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3016

18 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3016

Reasons why God does not answer prayer

People pray to God with the wrong motive. (James 4 : 3)

God’s way are not our ways. (Is 55:89)

God’s time is not our time. (2 Peter 3:8)

God promises peace, not necessarily what you ask for. (Phil 4:6-7)

Are you praying without having the word truly in you? (John 15:7)

Or perhaps God’s answer to a prayer is “wait” or “no.”

James 4 : 3

Isaiah 55 : 89

2 Peter 3 : 8

Philippians 4 : 6-7

John 15 : 7

3016

17 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3015

17 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3015

The root cause of fights and quarrels between people stems from envy, from jealousy, and from wanting something you do not have.

We express our envy in unspiritual, aggressive, and cruel ways rather than praying to the Lord to meet our needs.

James 4 : 2

3015

16 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3014

16 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3014

Since the tongue is so difficult to control, anyone who controls it perfectly gains control of himself in other areas of life as well.

To participate in our own perfection that God wants for us, we must turn from those things that encumber us and turn from false idols and must trust in God and hand more of our life over to Him. And one way God intends to transform us is in what we say.

Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but it is also controlling your desire to say what you should not.

Four examples of a small thing controlling or overpowering a large one.

Bit controls a horse.

Rudder controls a ship.

Spark sets a forest on fire.

Tongue corrupts whole person.

The bit and rudder have a positive influence and one’s tongue can also have such an influence. If a horseman or sailor is careless, he can get into trouble by being thrown off the horse or running the ship aground.

Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against each other, Hateful words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly (like a fire) and no one can stop the results once they are spoken. A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build.

James 3 : 2

Psalm 140 : 1-3

Psalm 55 : 17

Colossians 4 : 2

Matthew 15 : 18-19

3014

15 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3013

15 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3013

Proper motivation is important in understanding the value of our works. We are to reach out with the love of God to anyone in need, not with words, but with actions. We are to do so because Christ gave his life for us.

1 John 3:16-18

3013

14 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3012

14 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3012

Faith without deeds is incomplete faith. True faith transforms our conduct as well as out thoughts. If our lives remain unchanged, we do not truly believe the truths we claim to believe.

Faith without deeds is no different than building a house on sand, which is quickly washed away.

Abraham was saved by faith. By faith when he believed that Sarah would have children that would inherit the earth. Furthermore, Abraham’s act of faith (Genesis 15:6) occurred before he offered up Isaac, which was only a proof of the genuineness of his faith.

Paul explains the sequence in Ephesians 2:8-10 when it comes to faith and works

First: God loves you so much that He is willing to save you by His grace.

Second: you must have faith and believe in God’s grace.

Third: you must act on your faith.

Real faith uses the Spirit’s power in words to build others up, to speak the truth in love, to compliment, forgive, and comfort (James 1 : 19-20). Real faith knows when to hold its tongue.

James 2 : 14

Matthew 7 : 26-27

Genesis 15 : 3-6

Romans 4 : 3

Ephesians 2 : 8-9

3012

13 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3011

13 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3011

We know someone to be a believer by what he does and not what he says.

Titus 3 : 8

1 Peter 1 : 13-16

3011

12 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3010

12 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3010

Keeping control of our tongues is vital. Without that everything else you do is worthless. Sometimes, what you do not say is more important than what you do say. In other words, the potential for your words to hurt is greater than the potential for your words to help. It is more helpful to show our actions than our words.

If you do not control your tongue, we are not fooling God or the person we are talking to. The only person that you might be fooling is yourself.

James 1 : 26-27

3010

11 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3009

11 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3009

When we give up our sinful thoughts and actions, the Lord will have mercy on us. A man who is obedient and puts the words of the Lord into action has built a strong foundation and is free from worrying about his house washing away.

Isaiah 55 : 7-9

Luke 6 : 46-49

Romans 8 : 2

3009

10 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3008

10 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3008

We must get rid of immorality and evil and accept God’s love, direction and commands.  It is impossible to live a perfect, sinless life by ourselves, no matter how hard we try. We must confess our sins and weaknesses to God, ask for His forgiveness, and trust in Him to forgive us and take our sins away.

James 1 ; 21

1 John 1 : 9

3008

09 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3007

 09 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3007

Anger – why you get angry and how to avoid being angry.

You should first listen before speaking or becoming angry. Anger is a result when there is a conflict or a difference of opinion. We must learn of the virtues of listening before speaking for several reasons (see Proverbs 10:19, 10:32, 12:18, 13:3, 15:31-32). We get angry easily primarily because when you are speaking you are not listening, not only to other people but also not to the Lord.

Being angry may not necessarily be wrong. There are several instances when Jesus became angry (at the money lenders in the temple, for example - Matthew 21:12-13) as did Paul (at fortune telling by the slave girl - Acts 16:16-18). There are sometimes good reasons to get angry.

Anger can lead to sin and evil. For example, in anger we may speak and act too quickly with little regard for the consequences. It takes a long time to build up a relationship with another person or to establish a good reputation but a single angry word can tear it down in just a few seconds.

Sometimes, by listening and hearing the other person’s point of view, we can see other ways to defuse a bad situation.

Proverbs 14 : 17a

Proverbs 29 : 22

Psalm 37 : 8

Colossians 3 : 21

3007

08 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3006

08 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3006

Trial and temptation.

A trial is a test of faith, patience or stamina by suffering or temptation.

Temptation is an enticement to do something wrong by promise of pleasure or gain.

Do not confuse temptation with God’s testing your faith as a way to strengthen it.

Temptations come from Satan (Matt 4 : 1, 1Cor 7 : 5)

Temptations come from inside yourself (Matt 18 : 7-9)

Temptations come from other people (Mark 9 : 42)

Temptations come when you take the easy way (Matt 7 : 13-14)

Temptations come when you have pride in yourself (Gal 6 : 1)

Temptations come when you are persecuted (1Thess 3 : 4-5)

Temptations come from riches (1 Tim 6 : 9)

We deal with temptation

by knowing the word of God and looking to it for strength (Matt 4 : 1-11)

by praying and calling upon the Lord (Matt 26 : 41, Luke 22 : 40, 2Tim 2 : 22)

by knowing that God and Jesus are standing along side of you (1Cor10 : 13; Heb 4 : 15, Eph 6 : 11)

by being alert to temptation so you can recognize and resist it (1Peter 5 : 8)

3006

07 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3005

07 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3005

Where to seek wisdom ?

Wisdom is not about knowledge. It is the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances and practical judgement.

Christians turn to God in prayer when they need wisdom. God is willing to give us wisdom but we will be unable to receive it if our goals are selfish and not God-centered.

God gives us wisdom in many ways.

It comes as a gift from God (Proverb 2 : 6 ; Daniel 2 : 21)

It comes as a gift from the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 12 : 8, Ephesians 1 : 17)

It comes as a result of fear of the Lord (Job 298 : 28 ; Psalm 111 : 10)

It comes from listening to the wise (Proverb 1 : 2; Proverb 13 : 20)

It comes from discipline (Proverb 29 : 15)

It comes from admonishing one another (Colossians 3 : 16)

It comes from research and education (Eccl 1 : 13,17; Eccl 7 : 25)

Proverb 1 : 8-33 encourages us to embrace wisdom

Proverb 2 : 1-22 describes the moral benefits of wisdom

Proverb 3 : 1-35 describes more benefits of wisdom

Proverb 4 : 1-27 points out that wisdom is supreme

James 1 : 5

Job 28 : 28

Ps 111 : 10

Prov 2 : 6 

Prov 29 : 15

1 Cor 12 : 8

Col 3 : 16

We must believe and not doubt.

Ps 33 : 4

Matt 21 : 21-22

3005

06 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3004

06 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3004

The purpose of perseverance.

Perseverance leads to maturity and completeness and eventually to eternal life

(Romans 2 : 7). Perseverance leads to purity, understanding, patience, kindness and love (2Corithians 6 : 3-7). Perseverance is part of a process. It is one step we must go through to prove that our faith is genuine.

Romans 2 : 7

Romans 8 : 24-25

2 Cor 6 : 3-7

2Peter 1 : 3-9

3004

05 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3003

05 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3003

The purpose for hardship

When you face hardship you have trials and can profit from them. You must have a positive outlook because of what trials can produce in our lives.  Hardships are times of learning. Tough times can teach us perseverance

James 1 : 2-3

Romans 5 : 1-5

1 Peter 1 : 3-9

3003

04 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3002

04 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3002

Philippians 3:7 

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

We may be pursuing power and esteem, victory and success in our lives, our careers, and our homes. These things are of this transitory world and that there are a higher power and glory, victory and salvation to which we should aspire, which are far above and beyond any success and esteem that we will ever experience here.

3002

03 Nov 2013 Thoughts#3000 and 3001

03 Nov 2013

Thoughts#3000

Problem solving

We encounter problems every day of our life, irrespective of our religion, language or race. God strengthens every Christian to face every difficulty. !

God knows every future circumstances and prepares us to withstand the trial. Once I come across a problem, I go to God and seek HIS wisdom and directions. Once I did that, the problem is contained and I can trust God to help me resolve the situation. I only need to act on my faith and God always gives a solution to the problem.

Whether we are troubled, under crisis or in peaceful times, we must build a strong foundation of trust and communion with God. This relationship will withstand any hardship.

Problems in our daily lives are unavoidable but God is faithful to solve our difficulties through prayers.

2 Chronicles 20

3000

Thoughts#3001

Psalm 139:11-12 

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

In dark and gloomy moments, when our lives are overshadowed with sorrow, worry, and grief, it is comforting and reassuring to know that Christ is our light, and that the darkness is not dark to Him. He beautifies our lives with His own everlasting peace and powerful light.

3001

02 Nov 2013 Thoughts#2999

02 Nov 2013

Thoughts#2999

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

2999

01 Nov 2013 Thoughts#2998

01 Nov 2013

Thoughts#2998

Walk by Faith

To believe the Bible to be true and the miracles of the Bible to be true is a matter of faith. To believe upon Jesus for salvation is a matter of faith. Everything about Christianity requires faith.

What is faith ?

It is the belief, the devotion, the trust in somebody or something without having to rely on logical proof.

When I believe and receive Jesus as my Saviour, I am acting on faith.

When I pray, I am acting on faith.

Faith is about everyday living, believing that God is real and that He makes a difference in my life. I walk by faith and I live a life of faith.

2 Corinthians 5 : 7

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

2998