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Showing posts with label christian living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christian living. Show all posts

Thursday 18 December 2014

Leadership nuggets

Leadership involves impact/influence. The way you can advise you're a pioneer is to look over your shoulder. In the event that some person's taking after, then you're the pioneer. In the event that no one's tailing, you're not the pioneer. The minute you need to say to the individuals in your service, "I'm the pioneer!" you are no more the pioneer. Authority is something that is earned. You procure the right to lead through six character qualities throughout your life.

1 Timothy 3:1, 7 says, "If anybody sets his heart on being a supervisor, he seeks a respectable assignment…  He additionally must have a decent notoriety with outcasts so he won't fall into disfavor and into the fiend's trap."

On the off chance that you set your heart on being a regulator, that is a decent aspiration. It's alright to have an aspiration to be a pioneer. Be that as it may in case you're going to be pioneer, you've got to have a decent notoriety. The way to a decent notoriety can be summed up in the statement "character" – your inward demeanor, your qualities, and your activities. There's a contrast in the middle of notoriety and character. Notoriety is the thing that individuals think you are. Character is the thing that you really are. D.l. Cranky said, "Character is the thing that you are oblivious." Character is the thing that you are the point at which no one's around. Character is the thing that you have left when you've lost your notoriety. It's what's left over. The way to a decent notoriety is having great character. The issue is, we're more worried about picture than character.

In the event that authority is impact, then impact is earned by appreciation. On the off chance that you don't have the admiration of individuals, you're not a pioneer. There are six character qualities, all in Proverbs that secure the appreciation we have to lead.

1. We acquire regard through trustworthiness.

On the off chance that you don't have trustworthiness, its not genuine achievement; its imposter achievement. Prov. 10:9 says, "The man of respectability strolls safely. He who takes screwy ways will be discovered." One of the profits of strolling in honesty is certainty on the grounds that you don't have anything to cover up. Certainty originates from having no trepidation of being figured out.

2. We acquire regard through lowliness.

 Proverbs 29:23 "Self-importance will bring your defeat yet in the event that you're unassuming, you will be regarded." The Bible likewise says, "Dress yourselves in modesty". On the off chance that you need to dress for achievement, that is a decent approach to dress. Pretty much the time I think I've got everything together, God hauls the mat out from under me. It's no issue at all for God to humble you. You can either modest yourself or He will mortify you. Those are the choices.

I recollect finding out about a school main one time who committed a significant error and everyone in the school thought about it. He thought, "I'm not going to apologize to everyone. I'd be humiliated and go down in the kids' eyes." Then he altered his opinion. So he talked over the radio to the whole school and said, "I committed an error and I apologize. I need to ask this entire school to pardon me for this choice." He turned into the most regarded key of that school, just on the grounds that the educators and the children were so unused to having somebody let it out when they weren't right. The children went up to him saying, "I simply wish I had a father like you. I wish I had a father who could let it be known when he wasn't right." The Bible says, "Before honor is modesty." So, when we concede we're wrong, instead of being downsized in individuals' eyes, we're brought up in individuals' eyes.

3. We win regard through trustworthiness.

We respect individuals who can be relied on, individuals who are dependable, who are reliable. Prov 25:15 says, "In the same way as mists and wind without downpour is a man who gloats of blessings he doesn't give." Have you ever met anyone like that? Continually guaranteeing the moon however conveying nothing. Continually saying they're going to help you in the service yet they don't. They're generally long on guarantees yet short on execution. Napoleon once said, "Guarantee everything, convey nothing." He could have been a legislator. That is not the best approach to live.

4. We gain regard by living by right needs.

Admiration is earned through living by need. Prov 11:27 says, "If your objectives are great you'll be regarded." Proverbs 14:22 says, "You will acquire the trust and appreciation of others on the off chance that you work for good." If you need to be a pioneer, have great objectives. On the off chance that your objectives are regarded and your objectives are great, you will be regarded. The normal American will live 25,550 days. How you contribute that time is absolutely up to you. You can squander it, you can use it, and you can contribute it. Anyhow you've got to have commendable objectives.

5. We procure regard through liberality.

Prov 11:16 proclaims, "He who offers liberally to the poor and shows consideration will be capable and regarded." The unavoidable truth is, nobody is ever respected for what they've gotten. They generally are regarded for what they give. We're never regarded for what we keep, what we get, yet what we dole out.

Andrew Carnegie once recorded a few objectives and when he kicked the bucket they discovered them in his work area: "I'm going to use the first 50% of my life profiting that I can and I'm going to use the second a large portion of my nurturing everything endlessly." And he did. Thus, his name is still known forever and after a day. Eras later.

There's one and only issue with that rationality. No one knows when they're going to kick the bucket. How are you going to know when to begin doling out? How can he know when he's at the half way point? Do your given' while you're livin' then you're knowin' where its goin'. With regards to providing for, some individuals remain absolutely determined.

Leadership is influence, but you cannot lead without these nuggets. They are fundamental in building respect. When you have the regard for people, they will follow you anywhere.

Thursday 11 December 2014

Progressing by THE WORD!

progressing by the WORD of GOD
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (1 Timothy 4:15)


8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (Joshua 1:8 - KJV).

The Word of God has a service in our lives, and this is something that needs to be underlined by the Church. The Christian should be ravenous for the Word. You need to constantly open your heart and minds to the Word to construct, fortify, and secure you forever to appreciate all that God has made accessible to you in Christ. We read the Apostle Paul's counsel to the young person Timothy, saying, "Contemplate upon these things; provide for thyself completely to them… ." What things would he say he was alluding to?

In the former parts of 1 Timothy, Paul had imparted particular and basic truths from God's Word with Timothy; it was those disclosures he urged him to ruminate upon. In the event that the Spirit thought it fit to give Timothy such fundamental advice through the Apostle Paul, then its just as befitting to us today. We're to always ponder the disclosure of God's Word that we've gotten.

Perceive likewise that he said to him, "… provide for thyself entirely to them… " That signifies, "yield" yourself totally to the Word. Permit the Word to have control over your life. Given it a chance to rule your reasoning, impact your words, and move your activities. Yielding yourself to the Word is a cognizant and purposeful reaction, started from your soul to the Word of God.

Envision that somebody said to you, "Get up," and you instantly obliged, particularly upon due examination of the direction, and attention of the one from whom it came, you've "yielded" yourself to that guideline. Thus, you'll then appreciate the profits of the direction. The profit of "yielding" yourself entirely to the Word is that your "benefitting" will seem to all. The Greek word deciphered "benefitting" is "prokope," which implies advancement, advancement or headway. This implies you'll make progression by the Word; your advancement gets to be clear when the Word is last power in your life.

The expression, "may show up" in our opening verse really implies more than "something nearing easily into sight"; the Greek term is "Phaneros," which signifies, "to spread abroad." Your progression, advancement, and thriving will "spread abroad," get to be generally and straightforwardly known, as you "contemplate" and "yield" yourself entirely and totally to the Word of God

Have a blessed day!

Wednesday 30 July 2014

Is your Problem too hard for God to solve - Part 2

are you finding your problem to difficult and you think God cannot solve it

Yesterday we looked at the first Part, Today we will be taking the last part of this topic

Gods ways are not man’s ways

(2Pet 3:8 [NET])
Now, dear friends, do not let this one thing escape your notice, that a single day is like a thousand years with the Lord and a thousand years are like a single day.


(Isa 55:8-9 [KJV])
For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.


The littleness of your problem

Whatever mountains you are facing is small in comparism with the Word of God

(Mark 11:23 [KJV])
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

(Heb 4:12 [KJV])

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

(Jer 23:29 [KJV])

[Is] not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer [that] breaketh the rock in pieces?




Whose report do you believe

Perhaps you're in a situation where your sickness has been diagnosed as incurable, believe in God’s report now – “By his stripes you are healed in Jesus Name”. There are no incurable diseases with God
Or maybe it’s not your health but financial crisis, family problems, marital issues etc. Just remember the Word of God that says you have been redeemed from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13).

Rejoice your miracle is here

(Eph 6:10 [KJV])
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

(Isa 53:5 [KJV])
But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.


(Ps 103:4-5 [KJV])
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

(Matt 8:13 [NET])
Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go; JUST AS YOU BELIEVED, it will be done for you.” And the servant was healed AT THAT HOUR. 


Also Read:
  1. If It Troubles You, God Wants To Take Care Of It!
  2. Your Healing Is Part Of The Deal
  3. Your Redeemer Has Delivered You From All Sicknesses
  4.  Convert Your Worries into Prayers
  5. God Is Able And Willing To Heal You
  6. God So Loves You
  7. GOD CARES
  8. God cannot lie...
  9.  The God who is more than enough  
  10. The power of speaking Gods Word
  11. Think about God Always - God's will for man 

Tuesday 29 July 2014

Is your problem too hard for God to solve?

is your problem to hard for God to solve faith success
Is anything too hard for God to do?


Gen 18:9-14
And they said unto him, Where [is] Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah [were] old [and] well stricken in age; [and] it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?  And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? IS ANY THING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

(Jer 32:27 [NET])
“I am the LORD, the God of all humankind. There is, indeed, nothing too difficult for me.

(Jer 32:27 [KJV])
Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?

(Matt 19:26 [KJV])
But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.




THE QUESTION: IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR GOD

ANSWER:  There is no impossibility with God

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" God asked Abraham (Gen 18:14); and the answer is there is nothing impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Job discovered that God could do everything (Job 42:2), and Jeremiah admitted that there was nothing too hard for God (Jer 32:17). Jesus told His disciples, "With God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26); and Paul testified, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13, NKJV). Nothing is too hard for God. God who called nature into existence can suspend its laws and operations when He pleases.


The Greatness of God

 (Ps 145:3 [NET])
​​​​​​​The LORD is great and certainly worthy of praise! No one can fathom his greatness!



 (Job 11:7 -9 [NET])
​​​​​​​“Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out the perfection of the Almighty?
​​​​​​​It is higher than the heavens – what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol – what can you know?
​​​​​​​Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.


(Ps 90:2 [NET])
​​​​​​​Even before the mountains came into existence, or you brought the world into being, you were the eternal God.

 (Heb 1:10-12 [KJV])
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but THOU ART THE SAME, AND THY YEARS SHALL NOT FAIL.



(Isa 40:18-25 [KJV])
To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
The workman melteth a graven image, and the goldsmith spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth silver chains.
He that [is] so impoverished that he hath no oblation chooseth a tree [that] will not rot; he seeketh unto him a cunning workman to prepare a graven image, [that] shall not be moved.
Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
 [It is] HE THAT SITTETH UPON THE CIRCLE OF THE EARTH, AND THE INHABITANTS THEREOF [ARE] AS GRASSHOPPERS; THAT STRETCHETH OUT THE HEAVENS AS A CURTAIN, AND SPREADETH THEM OUT AS A TENT TO DWELL IN: THAT BRINGETH THE PRINCES TO NOTHING; HE MAKETH THE JUDGES OF THE EARTH AS VANITY.
Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.
To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

(Job 26:14 [NET])
​​​​​​​Indeed, these are but the outer fringes of his ways! How faint is the whisper we hear of him! But who can understand the thunder of his power?”

(Job 26:14 [KJV])

Lo, these [are] parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

(Job 37:23 [NET])

​​​​​​​As for the Almighty, we cannot attain to him! He is great in power, but justice and abundant righteousness he does not oppress.

(1Kgs 8:27 [KJV])
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

To be continued - tomorrow. Thanks 

Also Read: 
  1. If It Troubles You, God Wants To Take Care Of It!
  2. Your Healing Is Part Of The Deal
  3. Your Redeemer Has Delivered You From All Sicknesses
  4. God Is Able And Willing To Heal You
  5. God So Loves You
  6. GOD CARES
  7. God cannot lie...
  8. The Winning Approach
  9. The power of speaking Gods Word
  10. Top Reason why the devil cannot have victory over you
  11. Top Reason why the devil cannot have victory over you - Part 2

 

Friday 18 July 2014

Killer tips to having a happy/successful marriage

killer tips to having a happy successful marriage faithsuccess christian
9 Keys/Formulas for a successful & Happy Marriage

LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE/LONGSUFFERING, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS & SELF CONTROL

(Gal 5:22-23 [NET])
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


LIKEWISE,
The Keys to a successful marriage is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: AGAINST SUCH there is no KEY.

THE NUMBER ONE KEY (MAIN KEY) TO A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE IS LOVE (AGAPE)

1.    Love (Selfless Love – God kind of Love; Agape)
(Eph 5:25 [KJV])
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Characteristics of true love (agape)

(1Cor 13:4-7 [KJV])
Charity SUFFERETH LONG, [and] is KIND; charity ENVIETH NOT; charity VAUNTETH NOT ITSELF, is NOT PUFFED UP,
DOTH NOT BEHAVE ITSELF UNSEEMLY, SEEKETH NOT HER OWN, IS NOT EASILY PROVOKED, THINKETH NO EVIL;
REJOICETH NOT IN INIQUITY, but rejoiceth in the truth;
BEARETH ALL THINGS, BELIEVETH ALL THINGS, HOPETH ALL THINGS, ENDURETH ALL THINGS.

The Kind of Love we are talking about is the God kind of Love (Agape). It is not the natural human love. It is the divine Love given to an individual when he becomes born again (Galatians 5:5).

2.    Joy


(Prov 5:18 [KJV])
Let thy fountain be blessed: and REJOICE with the wife of thy youth.

(Eccl 9:9 [KJV])
Live JOYFULLY with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life…, which he hath given thee under the sun…

The Bible tells us that husbands should live joyfully with their wives. Both partners should live joyfully with each other, this applies to both husbands and wives not husbands alone. Nevertheless women are known to be joyful while the husband stern and frowns face, No wonder the bible addresses this verse to husbands. Please Mr. Stern! Live joyfully with your wife, be joyful always.

3.    Peace

(Prov 15:1 [NET])
​​​​​​​A gentle response turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. 

Over time, little & trivial matters can get propelled out of proportion, and not too long, couples say or do things that are nasty to each other. This results in arguments, conflict and shouting matches.
Since the fall in the garden of Eden, It is often very difficult to see our own faults. We are always right in our own eyes, so we place the blame on others. This started in the Garden of Eden - when Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent (Gen. 3:12-13).
But even if it is not our fault, shouting and maintaining the other person take all the blame is not caring. The best solution instead involves seeking peace, not reprisal (Matt. 5:9; Rom. 12:17-21).

4.    Patience/Longsuffering

Husband and wives, be patient with each other, patience will save you a lot.  Husbands remember your wife is the weaker vessel, a more reason to be patient.
Wives respect your husband and be patient with him.
Unfortunately, many younger wives today have not learned the importance of this.
In Malachi 2:14, marriage is a covenant. When we took our marriage vows, we probably repeated words like "For Better or Worse."
Do you consider Divorce (giving up) in your marriage if the situation has become "worse"? God says He "hates divorce" (Malachi 2:16), and He wants you committed to your marriage for life.
Paul gave instructions to the Church not to divorce (1 Cor. 7:10-11, Matt. 19:3-9).

5.    Kindness

(Eph 4:32 [NET])
Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

(Prov 31:26 [KJV])
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness.

Kindness from both parties is a vital key to a happy and successful marriage

6.    Goodness

(1Thess 5:15 [NET])
See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

Be good to your wives, cherish her, buy gifts for her, and take good care of her
Wives, be good to your husbands, respect him. Do your duty
(1Tim 5:10 [KJV])
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed EVERY GOOD WORK.

The Concluding part  which also includes why most men and women fail in marriages will be taken tomorrow. Thanks for reading.
We LOVE YOU!

Also Read:
How to become a Christian (Sinners Prayer)
Understanding Salvation
The State of Man

Saturday 28 June 2014

Top 10 things every new Christian should know - Part 2

top ten things every new christian should know faith success Part2

Fact 7: You need to be baptized in Water

 Water baptism is necessary for every Christian. It is the Lord’s command. Peter declared “...Repent and be baptized, every one of you...” (Acts 2:38).

Water baptism in itself does not save you or wash away your sins, but is an act of your obedience in God’s Word.

 Symbolically, it shows that you have died to the old sinful life, and have risen  in the newness of the Life of Christ.


Fact 8: You need to Pray every day

 Prayer is the communication between you and God. Prayer is vital to your spiritual growth. God is your Heavenly Father, and He wants us to commune with each other. Not only will he answer your prayer requests, but as you pray He will provide specific guidance and strengthen us spiritually.

 The scripture says in (1 Thessalonians 5:17) to  “Pray continually,”. i.e every time (without season)


Fact 9: You should tell others about Christ

You have seen the light of God also help others by helping them to see this light. God will reward every labour of Love. Sharing the gospel as a Christian is a command by God (Mark 16:15). Let us be fruitful like Jesus

Fact 10: You need the Holy Ghost Baptism for Service 

The Holy Ghost is described as our Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby.
   
John 14:26 - AMP
 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things…

We need to be baptized in the Holy Ghost for effective witness of Jesus Christ. It is a gift of power

(Acts 1:8 [KJV])

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Extra:

You need to know that Christian living is not a bed of roses.

As it is, we are sons of God, but in a wicked world, Jesus let us know that we will face persecution in this evil world but we should rejoice for he has overcome the world for us. People of this world we hate us, speak evil about us for we are no longer of this world (of their evil deeds).

(John 16:33 [KJV])
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Doctrine of Laying of Hands

The bible has  a lot to say about Laying of hands, but in summary laying of hands is used for the following purposes:

Transmitting of blessings/Ministering a gift

DEUTERONOMY 34:9
9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; FOR MOSES HAD LAID HIS HANDS UPON HIM: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

Transmitting of curses

EXODUS 29:10
10 And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock.

Healing the sick (Matt 16:17-18)

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Ordination into the ministry

ACTS 13:2,3
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

Holy Ghost Baptism
(Acts 19:6 [KJV])
And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.



Summary (Heb 6:1-2)

These 10 can be summarized into 6 headings
REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS- you are saved by faith not works
FAITH TOWARD GOD – trust in God, he is able
DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS – baptism into the body of Christ, baptism of the Holy Ghost
LAYING ON OF HANDS – transferring of blessings/curses
RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD – the dead will resurrect to  be Judged
ETERNAL JUDGMENT – God will one day Judge all men,  one to the eternal condemnation and other to eternal life (Separation of sheep from goats)


Friday 27 June 2014

Top 10 things every new Christian should know



top ten 10 things every new christian should know faith success.

(Heb 6:1-2 [KJV])
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; NOT LAYING AGAIN THE FOUNDATION OF REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS, AND OF FAITH TOWARD GOD, OF THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS, AND OF LAYING ON OF HANDS, AND OF RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, AND OF ETERNAL JUDGMENT.

The greatest miracle/blessing that can ever happen to man is the miracle/blessing of salvation. It is the most important decision ever made by man; It is the beginning of a new life as a new creature (a child of God).

Here are top ten things that every new Christian should know

Fact 1: You are saved by faith not of works

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

It is not because you are good that you are saved, it is as a result of God’s overflowing mercy (His unmerited Grace). Every man was born bad (a Sinner/in a condemned state)

Fact 2: You are forgiven but not yet perfect

The idea that you are a Christian and that you can’t make mistakes is not true. You have a new born spirit (having the nature of God) but your soul (mind) and flesh is still that old one. Therefore you have to renew your mind with the word of God (for those God forbidden thoughts are still there) and put you flesh under ( for the flesh is at enmity with God, the desires of the flesh are sinful/carnal desires).

Therefore if we sin we have an advocate with the father Jesus Christ the righteous

1 John 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous

Fact 3: You have the Spirit of God in you

When you gave your life to Jesus, you received the Holy Spirit into your heart. This is what makes you a part of the church – the spirit of God in you. This is not the same as Holy Ghost Baptism (which is accompanied with the evidence of speaking in tongues). There is the Spirit within (for personal edification) and the Spirit upon (for service, for witness) but nevertheless still the same Holy Spirit.
(Rom 8:9 [KJV])
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 

Fact 4: You have received Eternal Life

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

The scripture says that when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and receive him into your heart, you have received eternal life. In order words, when your physical body (earthly tabernacle) wears out and dies, your Spirit and soul will go to be with the Lord to spend eternity with Him! No condemnation (hell) for you.


Fact 5: You must keep living for Christ

You must understand that your salvation is based upon your “continued” relationship with Jesus. He has promised to keep you saved, as long as you keep believing and living for Him.

The Bible says, Christ will one day present us before God, holy and unblemished

“...If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the Gospel” (Colossians 1:23).


(2Pet 1:5-11[KJV])
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
WHEREFORE THE RATHER, BRETHREN, GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE: FOR IF YE DO THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL:
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.


   
2 Peter 1:10-11 - TLB
 So, dear brothers, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen, and then you will never stumble or fall away.  And God will open wide the gates of heaven for you to enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The doctrine of once saved can continue to sin and that there is no more condemnation for him is wrong. Living righteously is vital for every Christian, we need to keep living for Christ (Our new master)

Fact 6: You need to Study the Word of God daily

 The Bible is God’s manual for living. Just as you cannot operate a foreign equipment without the manual, likewise you cannot live a victorious Christian life outside God’s Word

 As a new Christian there are a lot of things God want to reveal to you.  God wants to show you his ways, He wants to guide you in this evil world  (The world is wicked, Satan is the god of this world and he wants evil to befall every man). The Father wants to be close to you. The study of the word of God will enlighten your mind and make you know more about God and Jesus.  Studying the bible daily will result in your Spiritual growth (2 Timothy 2:15).

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalms 119:105).



To be continued tomorrow.... THANKS FOR READING

Thursday 19 June 2014

GOD CARES

 
God-cares-about-every-detail-of-your-life-faith-success-christianity-Jesus
Luke 12:6-7
 "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten
before God.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore;
you are of more value than many sparrows.

God cares for the safety of his creation- man, beast and flowers etc (Matt 6:26, etc.)


God sees the sparrow fall to the ground, and God sees when a hair falls from the head of one of His children. When He protects His own, He protects them down to the individual hairs (Luke 21:18). There is no need for us to fear when God is exercising such wonderful care over us.

It did not cost much to purchase sparrows in the market. If we compare these verses with Luke 12:6, we discover that sparrows were so cheap that the dealer threw in an extra one! Yet the Father knows when a sparrow falls to the ground; and the Father is there. To God, we are of greater value than many sparrows.

Job 38:41
He giveth (his food) to the young ravens which cry" (Ps 147:9).
   
Matt 6:30 - TLB

And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you, O men of little faith?

God cares for man even for the very little details of our lives.

Some people erroneously believe that God is too busy taking care of other ‘big and important matters’ than to be interested in the little problems they are facing.

God said in Luke 21:18, Even the hairs of our head are numbered - not "counted" as in a total, but numbered individually!

It may be a quarrel with a friend, your phone’s problem, your lack of body-cream, or the small pimples on your face. No matter how trivial it sounds, if it troubles you, then God wants to take care of it!

 Why Do Christians Suffer If God Cares for Us?


But, some say, if God cares for us, why are we persecuted and put to death?

No, God does not wish us to be in troubles, but he foretold prophetically that we would be persecuted for His name sake, and having successfully endured it we will receive the crown of life (James 1:12). Satan (the god of this current evil world) is the one doing that just to discourage us, Nevertheless we have victory over him in Christ Jesus, We only need to hold on to our faith with all patience.. God cares for us and loves us

    More reading – Must Christians Suffer

Does God care for unbelievers also?

Yes God cares for unbelievers also, Jesus said in Matt 5:45 that God makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

 Also John 3:16 says for God so loved (cared for) the world (sinners/unbelievers) that he Gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him should not perish… But the fact is that unbelievers remain in an unsecure (doomed/perishing) state until they become believers (accept Jesus Christ). So even though God cares for unbelievers, it is wise to repent before it is too late.
   

God cares for the Old Testament believers so why won’t he care for New Testament saints

Not only did God feed the Jews "miracle bread" each morning, but He also kept their clothes from wearing out and their feet from swelling. The three pressing questions of life for most people are, "What shall we eat? What shall we drink? What shall we wear?" (Matt 6:25-34) and the Lord met all these needs for His people for forty years.

2 Cor 3:9-10
For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.  For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

He careth for you." Why should you have anxiety for yourself


"Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7, NKJV).

God knows your needs

 "For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things" (Matt 6:32, NKJV).

God can provide through any means he wishes

God doesn't miraculously deliver bread, water, and clothing to our front doors each day, but He does give us jobs and the ability to get wealth (Deut 8:18) so we can purchase what we need. God can meet any need with or without human means. He is all sufficient (El-shaddai).

Conclusion

Beloved, Over-anxiety is useless, let us cast all our cares (small or big) on Jesus for he careth for us 

       
1 Peter 5:7 - AMP

7 Casting the  whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns,  once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
   
1 Peter 5:7 - Weymouth
 Throw the whole of your anxiety upon Him, because He Himself cares for you.
   
1 Peter 5:7 - TLB
 Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. 

Ps 55:22 – KJV
 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Tuesday 17 June 2014

The Winning Approach


You've probably heard it said, "It's in the hands of God whether we will be winners or losers."

Do you believe that?

I don't!

Man was created to be a winner. The Bible tells us so! We read in Genesis, for example, that man was originally put on this earth to have dominion over the work of God's hands. God gave him dominion over the earth and everything that crept, flew, crawled and breathed there. In fact, man didn't even know what losing was until he separated himself from God through disobedience in the Garden of Eden. When that happened, man plunged into the defeat realm. He had not choice but to accept failure as his lot in life, as a result of the disobedience. This demoted man to a subordinate position—a position he was never meant to occupy.
It's a sad story. But if you're a born-again child of God, I have good news for you. Your story has a happy ending. Through faith in Christ Jesus

You've been transformed from the inside out. You've been made a winner once again!
You cannot know this by feeling nor thinking. You can only know this from God's Word alone. You might be thinking, I don't feel like a winner! I feel like a loser—and I have plenty of failures in my life to prove it! If that's the case, don't worry. You just need a new attitude. And you can get it from the Word of God.

In the book of Romans, Apostle Paul told the Church not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their mind that they may prove the perfect, good and acceptable will of God.
   
Rom 12:2 - KJV
 And be not conformed to this world [FAILURE]: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind [WITH GOD'S WORD], that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I am reminded here of a king who wanted to fight a battle but his soldiers were so filled with the fear of loosing the battle. On the contrary, the king wanted to persuade them to fight the battle for he knew they will win if only they fought with enthusiasm. he then told his disciples that he has a 'MAJIC COIN' and if he will win a battle the side of the coin that will face up when it is tossed will be the eagle and if they will lose the battle the part of the coin that will face up will be the bear i.e the coin has two sides (eagle and bear side). He then called all his soldiers together and tossed the coin three times in their presence, in which the eagle side of the coin showed up those three times. The 'majic coin' indicated  that they would win the battle. This really encouraged the soldiers and they went with the King to fight the battle and WON.

After the battle the King revealed to them that it was not a  'majic coin' and as a matter of fact the two sides of the coin are both "eagle'. There is no bear side of the coin.

This is the POWER OF A WINNING MINDSET.

Jesus said all things are possible for him that BELIEVETH (Mark 9:22). There are about 365 places in the scriptures that tells us to 'FEAR NOT'.
   

Brethren, if a man is in Christ He is a new creature (2 Cor 5:17), failure, negativity is passed away. All things have become new.

How to become a new Creature - Sinners Prayer

Sunday 15 June 2014

12 habits every Christian should develop

1. Study the Word of God (Bible) Everyday of Your Life


In order to be an effective Christian, I will advise to Study His Word (the Bible). In the day of adversity (trials and temptations) it is the depth of the word of God in you that will save you. Paul advised timothy to study the Word (2 Tim 2:15)

2. Pray without season


Prayer is communicating with God. Have a habit of communicating with your Father always. Develop the habit of praying at all times. (Eph 6:18)

3. Fast At Least Once a Week


Fasting is very good both spiritually and physically. Fasting (Matt 6:16) makes one spiritually sensitive. Physically, doctors say fasting is of help to the body.

4. Be filled with the spirit constantly - singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph 5:19).


Never allow worldly music to be played in your presence, even if it is coming from the radio. This habit will make you create a Holy Spirit friendly environment around you all the time. The Holy Spirit will come to you because God inhabits praise and worship. You will also unconsciously drive away evil spirits without intending to do so. (1 Samuel 16:23).

 5. Develop the habits of reading Christian books constantly

Somebody said the day a man stops learning is the day he starts dying. Gain knowledge continually As soon as you finish one book, begin reading another. This is a very good habit that will unconsciously increase your knowledge and learning (Col 3:16).

6. Have Long term and Short term goals


Short term goals are goals you can achieve within a short period of time while long term goals are goals you achieve within a larger frame of time. As it is commonly said, if you fail to plan, you have planned to fail. Plan you year, month, week and day properly. Set aside time for work and have time for rest.

7. Develop the habit of committing your ways unto the Lord.

Yes, commit you ways unto the Lord, and you will succeed. Do not be wise in your own sight (Prov 3:5, Prov 3:7, Prov 16:3). No matter how good your plan should be commit your ways unto the Lord. God sees better than you do



8. Have a habit of sharing the gospel to people


You have seen the light of God also help others by helping them to see this light. God will reward every labour of Love. Sharing the gospel as a Christian is a command by God (Mark 16:15). Let us be fruitful like Jesus

9. Cut down excessive leisure.

Nowadays what people want is leisure. They watch Television, play games, go to beaches etc. leisure is good but too much of leisure is bad.

Much Leisure takes up the time that would have been used reading, praying, having a quiet time, talking with God, chatting with your wife or children.

10. Do things instantly and Don’t procrastinate

It is a much known principle in being led by the Spirit to do things the spirit says you should do instantly, if not they might slip away without you doing them. Procrastination is postponing things that could be done now to a latter time. People that procrastinate end up doing nothing.

11. Be Optimistic


Being optimistic is being positive. While others say, it is over; you are saying there is hope, while other say it is impossible you say it is possible. This is the attitude that will keep you going. Be optimistic in whatever you do. Always confess positive, do not be negative. What you say is what you get. Have a habit of confessing positive into your destiny and into the life of others.

12. Pay Your Tithes Every Month


Let the first ten percent of your income be assigned to God (Mal 3:10).



Do you consider yourself to be a leader? Develop a life filled with many good habits.

Saturday 14 June 2014

The God who is more than enough

The God who is more than enough ELSHADDAI faith success christianity
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
—Genesis 17:1

When God appeared to Abram, what He actually said in Hebrew was, "...I am El-shaddai, walk before me and be thou perfect".

"El" is the name of God that speaks of power; but what does "Shaddai" mean? Theologians say it comes from a Hebrew word meaning "to be strong while others prefer a word meaning "mountain". Figuratively, a mountain is a symbol of strength. Conclusively, "El Shaddai" means "the all-powerful and all-sufficient God who can do anything and meet any need."
.
The translators of the King James Version translated El Shaddai as "Almighty God”. This is correct but the Hebrew meaning for El-shaddai means the "the All-Sufficient One," or "the God who is more than enough."

People say God is enough i.e (He is sufficient) but God is not just enough, he is more than enough (all sufficient).

The following are some of the instances where God showed himself to be all sufficient (more than enough).

  •     The Creation of the world in 7 days (Genesis 1)
  •     The Great flood (Genesis 7)
  •     The confusion of languages at tower of babel (Gen 11:1-9)
  •     The fire on Abraham's sacrifice (Gen 15:17)
  •     The conception of Isaac (Gen 21:2)
  •     The destruction of Sodom (Gen 19)
  •     The closing of the wombs of Abimelech's household (Gen 20:17-18)
  •     The opening of Hagar's eyes (Gen 21:19)
  •     The opening of Rachel's womb (Gen 30:22)
  •     The flaming bush that was not consumed (Ex 3:2)
  •     The transformation of Moses' rod into a serpent (Ex 4, Ex 7)
  •     The pillar of cloud and fire (Ex 13:21-22)
  •     Passage through the Red Sea (Ex 14:22)
  •     The destruction of Pharaoh and his army (Ex 14:23-30)
  •     Sweetening the bitter waters of Marah (Ex 15:25)
  •     Provision of Manna (Ex 16:4-31)
  •     Abundant Provision of meat – Quails (Ex 16:13)
  •     The defeat of Amalek (Ex 17:9-13)
  •     The transfiguration of Moses face  (Ex 34:29)
  •     Water from the rock (Ex 17:5)
  •     Thunderings and lightnings on Mount Sinai (Ex 19:16-20)
  •     Water from the rock in Kadesh (Num 20:8-11)
  •     Balaam rebuked by his donkey (donkey speaking) -Num 22:23-30
  •     The Jordan River divided (Joshua 3:14-17; 4:16-18)
  •     The fall of Jericho (Jos 6:20)
  •     The sun and the moon stand still (Joshua 10:12-14)
  •     Samson's great strength (Judg 14:6; Judg 16:3 )
  •     Samson supplied with water (1 Sam 5:1-4)
  •     Imagine Nursing cows return the ark of the covenant (by walking away from their calves) –    1 Sam 6:7-14
  •     Jeroboam's hand withered (1 Kings 13:3-6)
  •     Elijah is fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:6)
  •     Elijah is fed by an angel (1 Kings 19:1-8)
  •     Elijah increases the widow's meal and oil (1 Kings 17:9-16)
  •     Elijah raises the widow's son (1 Kings 17:17-24)
  •     Rain in answer to Elijah's prayer (1 Kings 18:41-45)
  •     Elijah divides the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:8)
  •     Elijah is transported to heaven (2 Kings 2:11)
  •     Elisha Divides the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:14)
  •     Elisha increases a widow's supply of oil (2 Kings 4:1-7)
  •     Elisha raises the Shunammite woman's child (2 Kings 4:18-37)
  •     Elisha Feeds one-hundred men (2 Kings 4:42-44)
  •     Elisha cures Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-9)
  •     Elisha causes the ax head to float (2 Kings 6:6)
  •     Elisha reveals the counsel of the king of Syria (2 Kings 6:12)
  •     Elisha causes the eyes of his servant to be opened (2 Kings 6:17)
  •     The dead man was restored to life (2 Kings 13:21)
  •     Hezekiah's healing (Isa 38:21)
  •     The deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (Dan 3:23-27)
  •     The deliverance of Daniel (Daniel 6:22)
  •     The sea was calmed when Jonah was thrown into it (Jonah 1:15)
  •     Jonah in the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17)
  •     The conception by Elizabeth (Luke 1:24-25)
  •     The incarnation of Jesus (Matt 1:18-25)
  •     Jesus converted water into wine (John 2:1-11)
  •     Jesus Heals the nobleman's son (John 4:46-54)
  •     The surprising catch of fish (Luke 5:1-11)
  •     Jesus heals the demoniac (Mark 1:23-26)
  •     Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law (Matt 8:14-17)
  •     Jesus cleanses the leper (Matt 8:1-4)
  •     Jesus heals the paralyzed man (Matt 9:1-8)
  •     Jesus raises the widow's son to life at the village of Nain (Luke 7:11-16)
  •     Jesus stills the storm (Matt 8:23-27)
  •     Jesus cures the woman with the issue of blood (Matt 9:20-22, Luke 8:43-48)
  •     Jesus walks upon Lake of Galilee (Matt 14:22-23)
  •     Jesus feeds over four-thousand persons (Matt 14:22-23)
  •     The temple tax money obtained from a fish's mouth (Matt 17:24-27)
  •     Jesus restores ten lepers to wholeness (Luke 17:11-19)
  •     Jesus opens the eyes of a man born blind (John 9)
  •     Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead after 4 days (John 11:1-46)
  •     Jesus cures a man with dropsy (Luke 14:1-6)
  •     Jesus restores sight to two blind men near Jericho (Luke 18:35-43)
  •     Jesus heals the ear of Malchus (Luke 22:49-51)
  •     Peter cures the sick (Acts 5:15-16)
  •     Peter heals Aeneas (Acts 9:34)
  •     Peter raises Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:40)
  •     Peter and John cure a lame man (Acts 3:2-11)
  •     Peter and other apostles were delivered from prison (Acts 5:19-23, Acts 12:6-11, Acts 16:23)
  •     Philip carried away by the Spirit (Acts 8:39)
  •     Paul cured of blindness (Acts 9:17-18)
  •     Paul commanded Elymas (Bar-Jesus) to be blind for a season (Acts 13:11)
  •     Paul heals a cripple (Acts 14:10)
  •     Paul casts evil spirits, and cures sick people (Acts 16:18, Acts 19:11-12)
  •     Paul raises Eutychus to life (Acts 20:9-12)
  •     Paul shakes a viper off his hand and is unhurt (Acts 28:5)



How to change from serving other gods to serving the all sufficient God - Sinners Prayer

Friday 13 June 2014

Nine things God wants to do for you

9 things God wants to do for you faith success christianity

Below are nine things God wants to do for you as written in Psalm 91.

Ps 91:14 - 16 KJV
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him:  I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble;  I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Ps 91:14-16 - MSG
14 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me.  Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.  I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!"

Ps 91:14-16 - NET
The LORD says, “Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him;  I will protect him because he is loyal to me.  When he calls out to me, I will answer him.  I will be with him when he is in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him honor. I will satisfy him with long life, and will let him see my salvation.
 
Ps 91:14-16 - TLB
For the Lord says, "Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in my name.  When he calls on me, I will answer; I will be with him in trouble and rescue him and honor him. I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.
  
Ps 91:14-16 - GNT
God says, "I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD.
 When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them.
I will rescue them and honor them.  I will reward them with long life; I will save them."

•    Number 1: He wants to protect you - Ps 91:4

God wants to protect you. He is the Great Protector. There is no security in man, money nor in horses (Psalm 20:7), armour cars, bodyguards, dogs etc. God is the ultimate protector. All who trust in other gods will be put to shame – Psalm 16:4. God wants to be your protector

Zech 2:4-5 - NIV
and said to him: "Run, tell that young man, 'Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it. And I myself will be A WALL OF FIRE (PROTECTION) around it,' declares the LORD, 'and I will be its glory within.'

Ps 55:22 - NIV
 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; HE WILL NEVER LET THE RIGHTEOUS FALL.

•    Number 2: He wants to keep you free from sickness - Ps 91:10

The will of God for us is to be in health. Regardless of our backgrounds, age, statuses etc, God wants us to be whole. John 3:2 further buttresses this point. Sickness is as a result of disobedience to God. He wants us to be in perfect health spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Ps 107:19-20- NIV
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.  20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Ps 103:2-5 - NIV
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits —  who forgives all your sins and HEALS ALL YOUR DISEASES,   who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,  who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Also Related:  101 things God said about healing.

•    Number 3: He wants to set you on high (Psalm 91:14 KJV), i.e. give you the best of care (Psalm 91:14 MSG).

 God want the best for us and to set us on High -Jer 29:11. He was the one that raised David from a shepherd to a King, turned Moses from a murderer to a prophet, turned Rahab from a prosptitue to a faith hero, turned Abraham from the father of none to father of many nations. God is the Great promoter (Psalm 75:6).

•    Number 4: He wants to make you a wonder - Ps 91:7

God made Joseph a wonder to his brothers, he made David a wonder, made Solomon a wonder, He is still in the business of making people “a wonder”. He said we are the light of the world, the whole creation is waiting for our (Sons of God) manifestation.

•    Number 5: He wants to answer you when you call upon Him - Ps 91:15.

Yes, God wants to answer us when we call upon him. Below are scriptural examples and promises concerning this.
2 Kings 20:5-6 - NIV
 "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria.
John 13:14 -
'whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,

Jeremiah 33:3 -,
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Matthew 7:7,8
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

•    Number 6: He wants to be with you in trouble - Ps 91:15;

I [will be] with him in trouble. God has promised never to leave us nor to forsake us. He has promised to be with us in trouble he said whenever we pass through water, fire etc. He will be with us . God does not forsake the righteous. He is a PRESENT help in times of trouble.

•    Number 7: He wants to deliver and honour you - Ps 91:15.

PSALM 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

JAMES 5:13, 14
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders...

Ps 107:19-20- NIV
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.
   
2 Chron 1:12 - NIV
 therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, riches and HONOR, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have."

•    Number 8: He want to satisfy you with long life - Ps 91:16

Here God promised solomon long life(1 Kings 3:14).

1 Kings 3:14- NIV
And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you A LONG LIFE.
   
Deut 25:15 - NIV
15 You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may LIVE LONG in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

    Ps 21:4 - NIV
4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him — length of days, for ever and ever.

   
Ps 128:6 - NIV
and may you live to see your children's children.


•    Number 9: He wants to show you his salvation (saving power) - Ps 91:16

1 Tim 2:4-5 – NIV
 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5
   
   1 Thess 5:9-10 - NIV
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ps 37:39-40 - NIV
The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Jer 3:22-23 - NIV
 "Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding." "Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.  23 Surely the [idolatrous] commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.


These blessings are conditional, only for those that LOVE GOD and put their trust on him.







Wednesday 11 June 2014

God's Word Concerning Pride - Part 3

gods word concerning pride faithsuccess christianity
Today we will conclude on the topic (God's Word concerning Pride) we started 3 days back.

We will look at reasons why we should not be Proud, different kinds of pride, categories of proud persons and how to recover from Pride (The deadly disease, The Sin of all Sins).

SOME INSTANCES OF PRIDE IN THE SCRIPTURES

⦁    Kings of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:2)
⦁    Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:30-34, 5:20)
⦁    Belshazzar (Dan 4:5)
⦁    Herod(Acts 12:23.)
⦁    Haman (Esther 5:11, Esther 6:6)
⦁    Ahithophel (2 Sam 17:23)
⦁    Uzziah (2 Chron 26:16-19)
⦁    Naaman, refusing to wash in the Jordan River (2 Kings 5:11-13)
⦁    Amaziah Pride (14:8-14; 25:17-24)
⦁    Hezekiah, in displaying his resources (2 Chron 32)
⦁    Among others

PROMOTION COMES FROM GOD ALONE, DO NOT PROMOTE YOURSELF   

  

SCRIPTURAL WARNINGS AGAINST PRIDE

Some children in the Ephesian church were not respecting and obeying their parents, and Paul reminded them that the Fifth Commandment still applied (Eph 6:1-3).

The apostle John warned the saints to whom he sent his first epistle that the world was passing away, with all of its illusions, and that they had better keep themselves from idols (1 John 2:15-17; 5:21).
Jesus warned His disciples, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness" (Luke 12:15); Paul wrote to the Colossian believers that covetousness was idolatry (Col 3:5).
Paul cautioned the churches not to appoint young Christians to places of spiritual leadership, "lest being lifted up with pride [they] fall into the condemnation of the devil" (1 Tim 3:6). And John had to deal with proud Diotrephes who was running the church and wouldn't submit to the authority of God's apostle (3 John 9-11).
Alas, these sins are found in the church!
James was right: "My brethren [and sisters], these things ought not to be so" (James 3:10).


DON’T BE PROUD BECAUSE, IT IS

1.    Very offensive to God.
2.    unlike Christ.
3.    a source of misery to ourselves (it is ruinous).
4.    prevents people from hearing God’s voice
5.    a cause of serious evil both in the Church and the world.
       Among others


       

DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRIDE.

1. Race pride -- pride in ancestors.
2. Face pride -- pride in outward appearance.
3. Place pride -- pride in social position.
4. Grace pride -- pride in godliness.


We have 3 Categories of Proud Persons (according to J. Bolton)

(1)    Those that are very proud.
(2)    Those that are occasionally proud.
(3)    Those that are struggling against pride.

   

FURTHER FORMS OF PRIDE

1.    One form of pride is shame. Many kept from Christ because ashamed to come and give themselves up to Him. For fear of the paltry scorn, the momentary ridicule, the soul will risk eternity!
2.    There is the pride that conceals a wound. God's Word has stricken the heart; healing and joy could be had if we humbly go to God, yet hide the grief and unrest within, from man and Heaven.
3.    There is the pride of self-righteousness. What say when before the Throne that you were too good to accept the Gospel?


Man's fallen nature encourages pride. Carnal nature is completely opposite of Jesus’s Nature (our Lord who willingly emptied Himself to become a servant, and then died as a sacrifice for our sins Phil 2).

HOW TO RECOVER FROM PRIDE

i)    Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (being born again)
For Believers
ii)    Counsel
iii)    Prayer
iv)    Deliverance from the Spirit of Pride
v)    Study of the word of God
vi)    Walking with the humble (avoid keeping proud friends)
        John 13:1-17 and Phil 2:1-18.

Tuesday 10 June 2014

God's Word Concerinng Pride - Part 2


Gods word concerning pride faith sucess christianity. Help
Yesterday we listed the various portions of scripture that referred to pride, Today we are going to  look at some definitions of pride and examine Hezekiah’s pride.

PRIDE (THE MASTER SIN - SIN OF ALL SINS)

Many theologians believe that pride is the "sin of all sins," for it was pride that changed an angel into the devil (Isa 14:12-15). Lucifer's, "I will be like the Most High" (v. 14) challenged the very throne of God; in the Garden of Eden, it became, "You will be like God" (Gen 3:5). Eve believed it, and you know the rest of the story

  

THE THIRD DEVICE THE WORLD SYSTEM USES

The third device the world system uses to trap Christians (1 John 2:16) is the "boastful pride of life" (NASB). The Greek word for "pride" means a braggart who was trying to impress people with his importance. People have always tried to outdo others in their spending and their getting. The boastful pride of life motivates much of what such people do.
Why is it that so many folks buy houses, cars, appliances, or wardrobes that they really cannot afford?
But it is amazing what stupid things people do just to make an impression. They even sacrifice honesty and, integrity in return for notoriety and a feeling of importance.


PRIDE WORSE THAN SICKNESS

There is something worse than sickness, and that is sin, and the worst sin of all is pride. The healthy person who is rebelling against God is in worse shape than the suffering person who is submitting to God and enjoying God's grace. It is a paradox - and an evidence of the sovereignty of God - that God used Satan, the proudest of all beings, to help keep Paul humble.


THE FIRST PROUD PERSON

Pride started with Lucifer (Satan), the reason why his name changed from lucifer (morning star) to Satan (accuser, enemy). He was the first person to rebel against God (Isa 14:12-15; Ezek 28:11-18).


   

SOME DEFINITIONS OF PRIDE

    Bible commentator William Barclay said, "Pride is the ground in which all the other sins grow, and the parent from which all the other sins come.
    Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes." Napoleon declared, "Pride never listens to the voice of reason, nature, or religion." "God resisteth the proud." "Those that walk in pride He is able to abase." Charles V. was so sure of victory when he invaded France, that he ordered his historians to prepare plenty of paper to record his exploits. But he lost his army by famine and disease, and returned crest-fallen. A South-American farmer had such large herds of horses, that he boasted, "I'll never want horses, not even if God wished it." Soon after, an epidemic destroyed them every one. "He that exalteth himself shall be abased." (H. R. Burton.)
        Pride consists in an immoderate self-esteem, and places its happiness in esteem and honour from others. No sin is more foolish than this, it springs from ignorance of God, of ourselves and other men, and by the very means which it uses for the accomplishments of its ends, ensures disappointment. In seeking glory it finds disgrace. Pride made Nebuchadnezzar a brute. It destroyed Herod with worms. It turned Lucifer into Beelzebub. (G. Lawson.)
        James Denney said, "No man can bear witness to Christ and to himself at the same time. No man can give the impression that he himself is clever and that Christ is mighty to save."
    The late radio comedian Fred Allen defined celebrities as "people who work hard to be famous so they have to wear dark glasses so as not to be recognized."
  

HEZEKIAH'S PRIDE (2 CHRONICLES 20:12-13; 32:27-30; 39:1-2).

Hezekiah was a man that walked in God’s ways but he had a problem with pride. His near-fatal sickness did humble him, but the visit of the Babylonian envoys made it clear that the old sin was still very much alive. The envoys came to Judah with two purposes in mind:
(1) To find out how strong the kingdom was, and
(2) To try to influence Hezekiah to unite with Babylon in opposing Assyria.

Because he didn't fully grasp their true purpose, Hezekiah assumed that it was a great honor to be visited by officials from the king of Babylon. At that time in history, Assyria was the strongest empire and Babylon was an empire on the rise. The envoys brought expensive gifts from the king of Babylon as well as personal letters expressing his pleasure that Hezekiah had recovered from his dangerous illness. (See 2 Chron 32:27-30.) Foolishly, Hezekiah gave them the grand tour and showed them his treasures and weapons. It appears that Hezekiah was better at managing his scribes and writing his psalms than he was at overseeing the politics of the kingdom. All that Hezekiah possessed came from the hand of God and belonged to God, so why should Hezekiah boast about it? He may have made a good impression on the envoys but he grieved the Lord and endangered the kingdom and the city.

Sunday 8 June 2014

Things you should not confess

picture words things we should not confess faith success christianity
Yesterday we talked about confession, and listed some of the things believers are to confess. Today we are going to list things believers are not to confess and talk about the extremes as regards positive confession.

Things you should not confess


Don’t confess you are unrighteous

Scriptural Reason
you are "the righteousness of God in him" (II Corinthians 5:21)


Don’t confess sickness,

Scriptural Reason
"With His stripes I am healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus "Himself took my infirmities and bare my sickness" (Matthew 8:17).

Don’t confess worries and annoyance,

Scriptural Reason
 Casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for me" (1 Peter 5:7).


Don’t confess lack of faith,

Scriptural Reason
God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).


Don’t confess weakness,

Scriptural Reason
 "The Lord is the strength of your life" (Psalm 27:1).
Those that know their God shall be strong and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32).



Don’t confess Lordship/dominion of Satan,

Scriptural Reason
Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).
In the name of Jesus you can cast out devils (Mark 16:17)



Don’t confess "I cannot"

Scriptural Reason
 For you can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you" (Philippians 4:13).


Don’t confess lack

Scriptural Reason
 For My God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phi  4:19).


Don’t confess fear,

Scriptural Reason
God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).


Don’t confess doubt

Scriptural Reason
"the righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1),

Don’t confess you cannot minister to the sick

Scriptural Reason
"they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover



Don’t confess lack of success (defeat),

Scriptural Reason
"God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus" (2 Cor. 2:14).

Don’t confess lack of wisdom,

Scriptural Reason
"Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30).



Don’t confess bondage,

Scriptural Reason
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Jesus has  made you free (John 8:36),

Don’t confess condemnation,

Scriptural Reason
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).


Don’t confess loneliness,

Scriptural Reason
 Jesus said,"Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).
you are a temple of the living God (II Corinthians 6:16



Don’t confess curses or bad luck,

Scriptural Reason
"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us...that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith" (Galatians 3:13-14).


Don’t confess discontent

Scriptural Reason
I have learned, in whatsoever state (circumstances) I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11).

Don’t confess unworthiness

Scriptural Reason
He hath made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).


Don’t confess you cannot Love

Scriptural Reason
"... the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost ..." (Romans 5:5),


What we say is what we have, we POSSESS what we CONFESS.

EXTREMES AS REGARDS “POSITIVE CONFESSION”

Not allowing others to speak, but continually correcting their negative confessions of speech. Even some people nag/quarrel with those that confess negative. This should not be so. Let us correct in LOVE (1 Cor 13). We should not always correct but teach others what to confess and pray for them.
Unscriptural Positive Confessions e.g Being Self Centered in positive confession. As we said in the previous post, God will not honour a positive confession that is tended towards self, but not towards God. Let’s bring souls to the kingdom of God in our confession. Let it be Kingdom centered
Not being Prudent in our confession.

Not everyone is perfect, we should try to WALK in love in whatever we do