20 October 2007
'Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” Ex 19:10-11
Meeting with God requires preparation. God is awesome and perfectly holy. When the children of Israel were to meet with Him, God commanded them first to take two full days to prepare. Once the people were ready, however, God spoke to them with thunder and lightning, with fire and smoke and the sound of loud trumpets (Ex 19:16-25). It was through this encounter that God revealed such marvelous truths as the Ten Commandments, establishing the standard by which God expected His people to live.
You cannot spend day after day in the world without its affecting your mind and will and heart. It doesn't take long to become disoriented to the ways of God. The world has a dulling effect on your spiritual sensibilities. God established the Sabbath so His people could take an entire day to refocus on Him and His will for them after spending six days in the world.
How do you prepare for your times of worship? What fills your mind the night before? Genuine worship requires spiritual preparation. Your experiences of worship reflect your spiritual preparation. Prepare yourself now for your next encounter with God. Amen
Jesus Intercedes for You
19 October 2007
'And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Lk 22:31-32
Jesus loved Peter dearly. Jesus spoke to him specifically and said, “Simon! Simon! Satan has made a request to sift all of you (plural) as wheat. But I have prayed for you (singular), that your faith will not fail. And when you (singular) have returned to Me, strengthen your brothers.”
Even as Jesus faced His imminent arrest and crucifixion, He took time to strengthen Peter for what was to come! He assured him that God had set limits on Satan's influence. He expressed His confidence that even though Peter's faith would falter, he would overcome, to the point of strengthening others. Since Jesus Himself was interceding for Peter, Peter might fail for a moment, but his life would ultimately be victorious.
Jesus is fully aware of every temptation and test you will encounter, and He stands ready to deliver you (1Co 10:13). He intercedes for you just as He did for Peter (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:25). Temptation might catch you by surprise, but Jesus is already interceding with the Father on your behalf. Remember that temptation is not a sin. When you are tempted, turn immediately to Jesus. He will take you to the Father, and you will overcome the temptation, for Jesus has overcome everything you can face in the world (1Jn 4:4).
When you are tested and are secure in the intercession of Jesus, you, too, will be able to strengthen others.
If you are grappling with temptation, Jesus is interceding for you with the Father even now. Be steadfast and encouraged! Amen
'And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Lk 22:31-32
Jesus loved Peter dearly. Jesus spoke to him specifically and said, “Simon! Simon! Satan has made a request to sift all of you (plural) as wheat. But I have prayed for you (singular), that your faith will not fail. And when you (singular) have returned to Me, strengthen your brothers.”
Even as Jesus faced His imminent arrest and crucifixion, He took time to strengthen Peter for what was to come! He assured him that God had set limits on Satan's influence. He expressed His confidence that even though Peter's faith would falter, he would overcome, to the point of strengthening others. Since Jesus Himself was interceding for Peter, Peter might fail for a moment, but his life would ultimately be victorious.
Jesus is fully aware of every temptation and test you will encounter, and He stands ready to deliver you (1Co 10:13). He intercedes for you just as He did for Peter (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:25). Temptation might catch you by surprise, but Jesus is already interceding with the Father on your behalf. Remember that temptation is not a sin. When you are tempted, turn immediately to Jesus. He will take you to the Father, and you will overcome the temptation, for Jesus has overcome everything you can face in the world (1Jn 4:4).
When you are tested and are secure in the intercession of Jesus, you, too, will be able to strengthen others.
If you are grappling with temptation, Jesus is interceding for you with the Father even now. Be steadfast and encouraged! Amen
Do not be Anxious
18 October 2007
'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' Phl 4:6
Don't be anxious! Paul said there is nothing that should cause a child of God to worry. He was well aware of things that cause anxiety. He was writing from prison, where he was being held as a result of false accusations. He was separated from those he loved; his motives had been questioned; and he had been misrepresented. Some were trying to undermine all that he had accomplished in starting churches. He suffered physically and faced imminent execution (2Co 11:23-29). Yet Paul said there would never be a crisis so troubling that God could not bring peace in the midst of it!
God will not necessarily take your problems away, but He will carry the load for you. He wants you to experience His peace, which is beyond human comprehension. You will never fully understand how God could give you peace in some of the situations you face, but you do not have to understand it in order to experience it. This peace is not just for those who “handle stress well”; it is for everyone! You may know that God wants you to experience peace but wonder how this is possible, given what you are presently facing.
Yet, Scripture says to be anxious for nothing. God's Word clearly indicates that there is nothing you can face that is too difficult, too troubling, or too fearful for God. No matter what your circumstances are, turn your anxiety over to God and let His perfect peace guard your heart. Amen
'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' Phl 4:6
Don't be anxious! Paul said there is nothing that should cause a child of God to worry. He was well aware of things that cause anxiety. He was writing from prison, where he was being held as a result of false accusations. He was separated from those he loved; his motives had been questioned; and he had been misrepresented. Some were trying to undermine all that he had accomplished in starting churches. He suffered physically and faced imminent execution (2Co 11:23-29). Yet Paul said there would never be a crisis so troubling that God could not bring peace in the midst of it!
God will not necessarily take your problems away, but He will carry the load for you. He wants you to experience His peace, which is beyond human comprehension. You will never fully understand how God could give you peace in some of the situations you face, but you do not have to understand it in order to experience it. This peace is not just for those who “handle stress well”; it is for everyone! You may know that God wants you to experience peace but wonder how this is possible, given what you are presently facing.
Yet, Scripture says to be anxious for nothing. God's Word clearly indicates that there is nothing you can face that is too difficult, too troubling, or too fearful for God. No matter what your circumstances are, turn your anxiety over to God and let His perfect peace guard your heart. Amen
Distractions
17 October 2007
'While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Mt 17:5
Peter and the other disciples were continually disoriented to God. While Jesus was concerned about one thing, it seems that the disciples were always distracted by something else. In order to help his three closest disciples better focus on His imminent sacrifice on the cross, Jesus took them up to the Mount of Transfiguration. There, Jesus was transfigured into a glorious state and was joined by Moses and Elijah, two of history's mightiest men of God.
The disciples, however, were asleep! At one of the most profound moments in history, the disciples were more interested in sleep than they were in praying with the Son of God.
When the disciples awakened, they became distracted again. This time, Peter announced his plans to build three tabernacles. The disciples were more concerned with what they could do for God than the incredible work of redemption God was about to accomplish through His Son.
Finally, God removed everything from the disciples’ sight but Jesus. “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
It is so easy to become spiritually distracted. Do you find yourself focusing on everything else but Christ and the work He is doing around you? Are you so eager to “get to the work” that you have not yet clearly heard what is on God's heart? Does the Father need to remove from your life those things that are proving to be a distraction to you? Do you need to refocus on Jesus?
'While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Mt 17:5
Peter and the other disciples were continually disoriented to God. While Jesus was concerned about one thing, it seems that the disciples were always distracted by something else. In order to help his three closest disciples better focus on His imminent sacrifice on the cross, Jesus took them up to the Mount of Transfiguration. There, Jesus was transfigured into a glorious state and was joined by Moses and Elijah, two of history's mightiest men of God.
The disciples, however, were asleep! At one of the most profound moments in history, the disciples were more interested in sleep than they were in praying with the Son of God.
When the disciples awakened, they became distracted again. This time, Peter announced his plans to build three tabernacles. The disciples were more concerned with what they could do for God than the incredible work of redemption God was about to accomplish through His Son.
Finally, God removed everything from the disciples’ sight but Jesus. “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
It is so easy to become spiritually distracted. Do you find yourself focusing on everything else but Christ and the work He is doing around you? Are you so eager to “get to the work” that you have not yet clearly heard what is on God's heart? Does the Father need to remove from your life those things that are proving to be a distraction to you? Do you need to refocus on Jesus?
Blessed are those who Hunger
16 October 2007
'And the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep: That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I' 1 Sam 3:3-4
One night Eli, the old high priest went to bed, and by that point in his life his eyesight had grown so poor that he could barely see anything and his ears are not hearing well. However, young Samuel said ' I hear something.'
Yes, it is time for us to admit that the lamp of God is flickering but things are not as they should be. We keep on going through the motions and satisfied with the flickering lamp. But when He really speaks, we reject it as we think people are dreaming. But when He really shows up, our dim eyes cannot see Him. We tell young Samuels among us who are spiritually alert to ' go back to sleep. Just keep doing things the way I have taught you.'
Its time for the churches in Malaysia to be sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit and break open the heavens that the manna might fall and start feeding the spiritually hungry of the nation. But the hunger must start from us, the church to flow down through the aisles of our churches.We are like the church at Laodicea, lukewarm, neither hot nor cold.
The way to get more of Him, is to get hungry. The church in Malaysia must start to be hungry for Him.' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after my righteousness: for they shall be filled' Mt 5:6
Let us pray:
' Father, we pray that a spirit of spiritual violence will grip our hearts , that You will turn us into warriors of worship. We pray that we will not stop until we break through the heavens...until there is an open heaven. We are tired of being satisified with the crumbs of yesterday's bread. Send us fresh bread from Heaven...send us the manna of your presence.
In Jesus Name, Amen'
'And the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep: That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I' 1 Sam 3:3-4
One night Eli, the old high priest went to bed, and by that point in his life his eyesight had grown so poor that he could barely see anything and his ears are not hearing well. However, young Samuel said ' I hear something.'
Yes, it is time for us to admit that the lamp of God is flickering but things are not as they should be. We keep on going through the motions and satisfied with the flickering lamp. But when He really speaks, we reject it as we think people are dreaming. But when He really shows up, our dim eyes cannot see Him. We tell young Samuels among us who are spiritually alert to ' go back to sleep. Just keep doing things the way I have taught you.'
Its time for the churches in Malaysia to be sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit and break open the heavens that the manna might fall and start feeding the spiritually hungry of the nation. But the hunger must start from us, the church to flow down through the aisles of our churches.We are like the church at Laodicea, lukewarm, neither hot nor cold.
The way to get more of Him, is to get hungry. The church in Malaysia must start to be hungry for Him.' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after my righteousness: for they shall be filled' Mt 5:6
Let us pray:
' Father, we pray that a spirit of spiritual violence will grip our hearts , that You will turn us into warriors of worship. We pray that we will not stop until we break through the heavens...until there is an open heaven. We are tired of being satisified with the crumbs of yesterday's bread. Send us fresh bread from Heaven...send us the manna of your presence.
In Jesus Name, Amen'
God's Will is Unchanging for You
15 October 2007
'But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.' Nu 14:38
God's will for you will never change irrespective of the actions of others. Their actions will affect you, but no one can prevent what God wants to do in and through you. Joshua and Caleb trusted God and yet were forced to wander in a wilderness for forty years because of the fear and disbelief of others.
Have you ever felt that someone was thwarting God's will for you? Perhaps someone kept you from getting a job or earning a promotion. Perhaps the government would not approve your application or a committee disagreed with your recommendation. Do you believe that mere man can stop God from accomplishing His purposes in your life?
God did everything He intended to do in the lives of Joshua and Caleb. His primary assignment for them had not been to enter the Promised Land but rather to serve as godly leaders for their people. Joshua and Caleb could not lead the people if they were in the Promised Land by themselves while the people were still wandering in the wilderness!
God kept these leaders in a position where they could exert a godly influence upon their nation, and, as a result, they became models of spiritual leadership for generations to come. Even so, God ultimately brought Caleb and Joshua into the Promised Land just as He had said. They had been delayed but not thwarted.
Be assured of this: No one can hinder God from carrying out His plans for your life. Once God sets something in motion, no one can stop it (Isa 46:11). Amen
'But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.' Nu 14:38
God's will for you will never change irrespective of the actions of others. Their actions will affect you, but no one can prevent what God wants to do in and through you. Joshua and Caleb trusted God and yet were forced to wander in a wilderness for forty years because of the fear and disbelief of others.
Have you ever felt that someone was thwarting God's will for you? Perhaps someone kept you from getting a job or earning a promotion. Perhaps the government would not approve your application or a committee disagreed with your recommendation. Do you believe that mere man can stop God from accomplishing His purposes in your life?
God did everything He intended to do in the lives of Joshua and Caleb. His primary assignment for them had not been to enter the Promised Land but rather to serve as godly leaders for their people. Joshua and Caleb could not lead the people if they were in the Promised Land by themselves while the people were still wandering in the wilderness!
God kept these leaders in a position where they could exert a godly influence upon their nation, and, as a result, they became models of spiritual leadership for generations to come. Even so, God ultimately brought Caleb and Joshua into the Promised Land just as He had said. They had been delayed but not thwarted.
Be assured of this: No one can hinder God from carrying out His plans for your life. Once God sets something in motion, no one can stop it (Isa 46:11). Amen
Spiritual Famine
14 October 2007
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord.” Am 8:11
There are times that God chooses to remain silent. The people of God during the time of prophet Amos blatantly ignored and rejected God's Word to them, and God had to respond by sending a famine. This famine was far more severe than a shortage of food and water. Instead, they were deprived of His words of life.
God's silence may be hardly noticeable at first. You may still remember times when God spoke to you, but you gradually realize you've not heard His voice for a long time. If you realize you are in a “drought,” immediately seek God and ask Him what adjustments your life requires so you can once again enjoy fellowship with Him.
It may be that you disobeyed His last instructions to you and that He is waiting on your obedience before giving you a new direction. It may be that there is unconfessed sin in your life or that you have a damaged relationship (Isa 1:15; 1Pe 3:7). It is possible that you have done too much talking in your prayer times and that He wants you to listen.
God's silences can be powerful times for Him to communicate with you.
God is God! Because He is God, when He speaks He expects a listening ear and an eager response. He will not be mocked! (Ga 6:7). When we ignore Him, He may withhold His voice until we repent and get right with Him. The prophet Isaiah assured King Asa, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.”
Amen
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord.” Am 8:11
There are times that God chooses to remain silent. The people of God during the time of prophet Amos blatantly ignored and rejected God's Word to them, and God had to respond by sending a famine. This famine was far more severe than a shortage of food and water. Instead, they were deprived of His words of life.
God's silence may be hardly noticeable at first. You may still remember times when God spoke to you, but you gradually realize you've not heard His voice for a long time. If you realize you are in a “drought,” immediately seek God and ask Him what adjustments your life requires so you can once again enjoy fellowship with Him.
It may be that you disobeyed His last instructions to you and that He is waiting on your obedience before giving you a new direction. It may be that there is unconfessed sin in your life or that you have a damaged relationship (Isa 1:15; 1Pe 3:7). It is possible that you have done too much talking in your prayer times and that He wants you to listen.
God's silences can be powerful times for Him to communicate with you.
God is God! Because He is God, when He speaks He expects a listening ear and an eager response. He will not be mocked! (Ga 6:7). When we ignore Him, He may withhold His voice until we repent and get right with Him. The prophet Isaiah assured King Asa, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.”
Amen
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