As I strolled along the river, swans and other birds added to the beauty of a sunny Sunday afternoon that was wasted on me. The past few years had been a nightmare. Alcoholism was taking its toll. Guilt, negativity, and discouragement hung over me like dark clouds. I was separated from my wife and had lost my job. I had also lost the respect of all my friends and coworkers. I felt like a worthless failure.
A few joggers passed me up. A group of young people raced by on bicycles. I hardly noticed them either, as my mind relived the events of the past few years, trying to figure out where I had taken the wrong turn that had led me to this awful place.
Then a young voice called out. “Don’t give up! Keep going! Don’t give up!” The words rang in my ears.
I turned to see a boy of about seven, running my way. As he passed, he yelled again over his shoulder to his younger sister, probably five, who seemed about to give up in what was apparently a race between them.
“Don’t stop now! You have to get to the finish line!”
It reminded me of a scene from the film Chariots of Fire (1981), where Eric Liddell, one of the runners in a 440-yard race leading up to the 1924 Olympics, was bumped by another runner and fell to the infield. As all of the other runners passed him, I imagined what must have gone through his mind in that moment. Give up! You have lost! Don’t bother to finish the race! Instead, Liddell picked himself up, got back on the track, and ran as though he was destined to win—and he did!
I smiled for the first time in a long while. A beam of light had broken through my darkness. So what if I had fallen into the depths? The only way out for me now was up! I could get up, I told myself. I could get back on track and run. I might not win in dramatic fashion like Liddell, but I could finish the course, the great race of life.
Time has passed. I’m still running and have gained some important ground. I am now a recovering alcoholic, and have found renewed purpose and fulfillment in a life rededicated to sharing God’s love and hope with others.
It’s never too late to get up and try again.
—
Philippians 4:12-13 ESV - I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Galatians 6:9 ESV - And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Romans 5:5 ESV - And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Prayer Points
1. Please pray for Freddy Cheong, Alice Ong, Daniel, Sandy and Ailyn
2. Please pray for one another in your prayer - Spiritual Growth, Challenges in Life, School, etc, especially those that are not feeling well. Encouraging one another in Christ likeness.
3. Please pray for various ministry that going well bring forward fruitful result
4. Please pray for Penang Children's Home Open Day
5. Please pray for our nation Malaysia that is going through many challenges.
6. Please pray for P6 students as they prepare for UPSR.
• Pray for our Territorial leaders, Cols Lyndon & Bronywn, Lt Cols Paul & Evelyn, as they direct and lead God's Army in this Territory
• Stand in the gap for Majors Bo & Christina as they settle and begin their new appointment in Myanmar.
• Capt Ken and Neva will be pioneering work in Thailand. Ask God to strengthen them and seek Lord for His will for this startup.
2. Please pray for one another in your prayer - Spiritual Growth, Challenges in Life, School, etc, especially those that are not feeling well. Encouraging one another in Christ likeness.
3. Please pray for various ministry that going well bring forward fruitful result
4. Please pray for Penang Children's Home Open Day
5. Please pray for our nation Malaysia that is going through many challenges.
6. Please pray for P6 students as they prepare for UPSR.
• Pray for our Territorial leaders, Cols Lyndon & Bronywn, Lt Cols Paul & Evelyn, as they direct and lead God's Army in this Territory
• Stand in the gap for Majors Bo & Christina as they settle and begin their new appointment in Myanmar.
• Capt Ken and Neva will be pioneering work in Thailand. Ask God to strengthen them and seek Lord for His will for this startup.
Announcement
Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge within 7 months, reading just 5 chapters per week: Look out for it at the Church website.
Annual Day of Prayer For victims of human trafficking Date: 28th Sept 2014 Sunday
Cell Group Date: 09th Sept 2014 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Bro Choon Eng & Sis Jenny home
SMM Spiritual Leadership Conference Date: 4-6th Oct 2014 Venue: TSA Singapore
Penang Open Day Date: 18th Oct 2014 Time: 8am - 2pm Venue: Penang Children's Home. Help needed to sell coupons, please look for Lt. Fiona
Annual Day of Prayer For victims of human trafficking Date: 28th Sept 2014 Sunday
Cell Group Date: 09th Sept 2014 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Bro Choon Eng & Sis Jenny home
SMM Spiritual Leadership Conference Date: 4-6th Oct 2014 Venue: TSA Singapore
Penang Open Day Date: 18th Oct 2014 Time: 8am - 2pm Venue: Penang Children's Home. Help needed to sell coupons, please look for Lt. Fiona
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Why Should I Forgive?
Questions: Why should I forgive others who have done things that hurt me? Wouldn’t that absolve them from guilt? Why should I let them off the hook like that?
Answer: No matter how hard it may be to forgive, your situation can’t improve until you take that all-important step.
It begins with understanding that forgiveness isn’t entirely or even primarily for the sake of the other party. You also need to forgive the person who hurt you for the sake of your own emotional and spiritual well-being; it’s a necessary part of the healing process. Here are three reasons why that is so:
First, it helps you avoid the poisoning effect that an unforgiving attitude invariably has on those who hold on to it. If you refuse to forgive those who have wronged you, your mind and spirit become fertile ground for all sorts of negative and destructive attitudes, such as hatred, bitterness, anger, and a desire for revenge. You will never be happy in that state of mind. Forgiveness is the antidote, an agent of positive change that can, over time, reverse the damage that was done.
Second, even though those feelings may seem justifiable considering the circumstances, if you act on or even entertain them, you become guilty along with the one who wronged you. Two wrongs never make a right.
Third, in what has become known as The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to both seek and extend forgiveness. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. … For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it does make for a much brighter future.
—
Luke 6:37 NIV – Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
John 8:7 NIV – When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Luke 23:33-34 NIV – When they came to a place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Answer: No matter how hard it may be to forgive, your situation can’t improve until you take that all-important step.
It begins with understanding that forgiveness isn’t entirely or even primarily for the sake of the other party. You also need to forgive the person who hurt you for the sake of your own emotional and spiritual well-being; it’s a necessary part of the healing process. Here are three reasons why that is so:
First, it helps you avoid the poisoning effect that an unforgiving attitude invariably has on those who hold on to it. If you refuse to forgive those who have wronged you, your mind and spirit become fertile ground for all sorts of negative and destructive attitudes, such as hatred, bitterness, anger, and a desire for revenge. You will never be happy in that state of mind. Forgiveness is the antidote, an agent of positive change that can, over time, reverse the damage that was done.
Second, even though those feelings may seem justifiable considering the circumstances, if you act on or even entertain them, you become guilty along with the one who wronged you. Two wrongs never make a right.
Third, in what has become known as The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to both seek and extend forgiveness. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. … For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it does make for a much brighter future.
—
Luke 6:37 NIV – Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
John 8:7 NIV – When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Luke 23:33-34 NIV – When they came to a place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Friday, August 29, 2014
Coffee and Forgiveness
A blanket of fog on the runway had caused a three-hour delay. I boarded the plane and settled wearily into my seat. How good it would be to get back to home and loved ones!
Midway through the flight, I was engrossed in conversation with a fellow passenger named Robert, when a young woman passed by in the aisle, swinging her purse behind her. It knocked my cup of coffee right into my lap, splashing my jacket and running down the legs of my jeans. I grabbed as many tissues and napkins as I could find, mopped up what I could, and resigned myself to the fact that the rest of the mess would remain until I got home. Only then did I glance down the aisle at the girl responsible for the mishap. She was waiting outside the toilet, oblivious to the minor catastrophe she had caused in seat 25C.
Robert had been telling me about how hard it was for him to forgive someone who had hurt his family. His account was laced with anger and bitterness, and I searched for words that would help him.
“You know, that girl who spilled my coffee all over me didn’t see what she did,” I said, “so I guess I can’t expect an apology. But now I have the choice to let this incident ruin the rest of my trip, or move on and not let it dominate my thoughts and emotions. Either way, it’s not going to be easy living with the ramifications of what happened until I get home, shower, and change clothes, but God can help me rise above these circumstances if I ask Him to. So that’s what I’ll do.”
Robert nodded. “That’s a fitting illustration,” he said sheepishly.
The happy ending of this story is that Robert prayed and accepted Jesus as his Savior. Now he has Jesus’ presence in his life, and Jesus will help him have more love, mercy, and understanding for others. For Robert, the road to freedom from bitterness began with one step—receiving Jesus. The wonderful truth is that Jesus offers the same to anyone who asks.
—
Matthew 6:14-15 NIV - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 18: 21-22 NIV – Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NIV – If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
Midway through the flight, I was engrossed in conversation with a fellow passenger named Robert, when a young woman passed by in the aisle, swinging her purse behind her. It knocked my cup of coffee right into my lap, splashing my jacket and running down the legs of my jeans. I grabbed as many tissues and napkins as I could find, mopped up what I could, and resigned myself to the fact that the rest of the mess would remain until I got home. Only then did I glance down the aisle at the girl responsible for the mishap. She was waiting outside the toilet, oblivious to the minor catastrophe she had caused in seat 25C.
Robert had been telling me about how hard it was for him to forgive someone who had hurt his family. His account was laced with anger and bitterness, and I searched for words that would help him.
“You know, that girl who spilled my coffee all over me didn’t see what she did,” I said, “so I guess I can’t expect an apology. But now I have the choice to let this incident ruin the rest of my trip, or move on and not let it dominate my thoughts and emotions. Either way, it’s not going to be easy living with the ramifications of what happened until I get home, shower, and change clothes, but God can help me rise above these circumstances if I ask Him to. So that’s what I’ll do.”
Robert nodded. “That’s a fitting illustration,” he said sheepishly.
The happy ending of this story is that Robert prayed and accepted Jesus as his Savior. Now he has Jesus’ presence in his life, and Jesus will help him have more love, mercy, and understanding for others. For Robert, the road to freedom from bitterness began with one step—receiving Jesus. The wonderful truth is that Jesus offers the same to anyone who asks.
—
Matthew 6:14-15 NIV - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 18: 21-22 NIV – Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NIV – If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
Sharp-End Christianity
Iraq is steeped in history. It is the site of the Garden of Eden, of the Great Flood and the birthplace of Abraham. Tread lightly there.’ With these words, Colonel Tim Collins sent the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment into battle in 2003. Eleven bloody years later, some parts of the cradle of civilisation are struggling to retain civility.
Earlier this month, Canon Andrew White, the Vicar of Baghdad, appeared on 'Newsnight' to describe the plight of minorities in the north of the country. He told viewers that his church was regularly a centre of worship, relief and medical care to a range of minorities - Sunni, Mandaeans, Yazidis and Christians. He also said that he and his co-religionists were in the north of Iraq to help those suffering at the hands of Islamist extremists. ‘Despite us being Christian, we are there for everybody. Everybody is being massacred and slaughtered,’ he said. ‘What they are experiencing is worse than you can imagine.’
Just days later, Canon White reported via Twitter that a five-year-old Christian boy was slaughtered during an attack by the Islamic State on the Christian town of Qara Qosh. ‘I’ve just had somebody in my room whose little child was cut in half,’ he said. ‘I baptised his child in my church in Baghdad. This little boy, they named him after me - he was called Andrew.’
In the comfort of Andrew White’s English homeland, where the only bombardment faced is of news reports and images, it is easy to feel helpless. It is easy to give up - mentally to abandon these people and others like them in the world’s troubled regions.
We can, though, give money to humanitarian relief efforts. And we can pray. Andrew White says that he and his congregation pray for protection, provision and perseverance. 'The War Cry' invites readers to join in those prayers.
UK & Ireland War Cry August 2014
Earlier this month, Canon Andrew White, the Vicar of Baghdad, appeared on 'Newsnight' to describe the plight of minorities in the north of the country. He told viewers that his church was regularly a centre of worship, relief and medical care to a range of minorities - Sunni, Mandaeans, Yazidis and Christians. He also said that he and his co-religionists were in the north of Iraq to help those suffering at the hands of Islamist extremists. ‘Despite us being Christian, we are there for everybody. Everybody is being massacred and slaughtered,’ he said. ‘What they are experiencing is worse than you can imagine.’
Just days later, Canon White reported via Twitter that a five-year-old Christian boy was slaughtered during an attack by the Islamic State on the Christian town of Qara Qosh. ‘I’ve just had somebody in my room whose little child was cut in half,’ he said. ‘I baptised his child in my church in Baghdad. This little boy, they named him after me - he was called Andrew.’
In the comfort of Andrew White’s English homeland, where the only bombardment faced is of news reports and images, it is easy to feel helpless. It is easy to give up - mentally to abandon these people and others like them in the world’s troubled regions.
We can, though, give money to humanitarian relief efforts. And we can pray. Andrew White says that he and his congregation pray for protection, provision and perseverance. 'The War Cry' invites readers to join in those prayers.
UK & Ireland War Cry August 2014
Ruth 2 --- Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, return to Bethlehem.
Read Ruth 2
- V1&3, was this coincidence, or do you think this was all part of God’s plan? Is it possible that some apparent coincidences may actually be a part of God’s plan, and yet we will never be aware of that fact?
- V12, to what extent might this verse summarise the story of Ruth?
- V1&3, was this coincidence, or do you think this was all part of God’s plan? Is it possible that some apparent coincidences may actually be a part of God’s plan, and yet we will never be aware of that fact?
- V12, to what extent might this verse summarise the story of Ruth?
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Teaching Children to Control Negative Feelings
Raising children is no easy task, and there are no shortcuts. The ever-shifting ocean of emotions that children go through at various ages and stages poses one of the greatest challenges to parents. Here are a few things that I have found helpful in teaching my children to deal with the negative emotions they experience.
Encouraging positive traits such as kindness, appreciation, gratefulness, integrity, and unselfishness at an early age will help prepare them to deal with negative situations they will encounter later.
Reading or watching classics that show the rewards of being positive and solution oriented—Pollyanna and Heidi, for example—impart important life lessons in an enjoyable, memorable way.
Being a friend and confidante in good times makes it easier to discuss and find solutions together when problems arise.
Older children can be shown the futility of giving in to negative emotions. Balance reasoning with lots of encouragement, as well as humor when appropriate.
When I notice negative trends in my children, I first ask myself if they are a reflection of what they see in me. If so, we talk about it from that angle and agree to work on it together. For instance, I’m prone to stress and the negativity it can lead to, but explaining that has helped us avoid problem situations. They understand now that it triggers a negative reaction when they stay up too late or don’t clean their rooms, so they give me more cooperation at those critical times.
When I feel overwhelmed, I stop and pray. That has at least four good effects: It releases frustration, puts things in perspective, gives God an opportunity to straighten out my mess, and serves as a lesson to my children on crisis management.
My husband and I try to not be too quick to provide our children with solutions to the problems and frustrations that cause them to get negative, but rather to help them define the problem and find their own solutions. Games that teach problem solving are also helpful.
There are upsides to most negative situations. When children are discouraged or become negative over something that has happened, try to steer their thinking toward the positive aspects. Again, if they can reach these conclusions themselves, it’s usually more effective than you providing the answers for them.
—
Proverbs 4:23 ESV - Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Isaiah 26:3 ESV - You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Encouraging positive traits such as kindness, appreciation, gratefulness, integrity, and unselfishness at an early age will help prepare them to deal with negative situations they will encounter later.
Reading or watching classics that show the rewards of being positive and solution oriented—Pollyanna and Heidi, for example—impart important life lessons in an enjoyable, memorable way.
Being a friend and confidante in good times makes it easier to discuss and find solutions together when problems arise.
Older children can be shown the futility of giving in to negative emotions. Balance reasoning with lots of encouragement, as well as humor when appropriate.
When I notice negative trends in my children, I first ask myself if they are a reflection of what they see in me. If so, we talk about it from that angle and agree to work on it together. For instance, I’m prone to stress and the negativity it can lead to, but explaining that has helped us avoid problem situations. They understand now that it triggers a negative reaction when they stay up too late or don’t clean their rooms, so they give me more cooperation at those critical times.
When I feel overwhelmed, I stop and pray. That has at least four good effects: It releases frustration, puts things in perspective, gives God an opportunity to straighten out my mess, and serves as a lesson to my children on crisis management.
My husband and I try to not be too quick to provide our children with solutions to the problems and frustrations that cause them to get negative, but rather to help them define the problem and find their own solutions. Games that teach problem solving are also helpful.
There are upsides to most negative situations. When children are discouraged or become negative over something that has happened, try to steer their thinking toward the positive aspects. Again, if they can reach these conclusions themselves, it’s usually more effective than you providing the answers for them.
—
Proverbs 4:23 ESV - Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Isaiah 26:3 ESV - You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Ruth 1 --- Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, return to Bethlehem.
Read Ruth 1
- V15, What do you make of Naomi saying this about the Moabite gods? Do you think she mentioned them to try and attract Ruth into going back to her own home, or was she simply stating a matter of fact about Orpah?
- V21, Do you think the Lord really had brought this upon Naomi, or that this was merely the way she felt about it? Which would be better?
- V15, What do you make of Naomi saying this about the Moabite gods? Do you think she mentioned them to try and attract Ruth into going back to her own home, or was she simply stating a matter of fact about Orpah?
- V21, Do you think the Lord really had brought this upon Naomi, or that this was merely the way she felt about it? Which would be better?
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
The Rage Route
According to research, nine out of ten motorists admit to having experienced road rage to one degree or another, from excessive honking and abusive gestures to physical attack. Aggressive driving contributes to a third of motor accidents. When the Old Testament prophet Nahum saw a vision—about 2,600 years ago—of “chariots raging in the streets, jostling one another in the broad roads,” he could well have been seeing this modern phenomenon.
Anger is, of course, neither a new condition nor limited to driving. Everyone has experienced how a minor nuisance can easily grow into an irritation, then an annoyance, and finally cause us to erupt in fury. When that happens, the consequences are not usually very happy for us or for those around us.
There is an interesting example in the Bible of a man who lost a lot through anger. After Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt, they were forced to survive for years in the wilderness. On one occasion when they were desperately in need of water, God instructed Moses to speak to a rock, promising him that water would come out. However, Moses had lost patience with the people’s incessant complaining, despite all the miracles God had already done to protect and supply for them, so instead of simply saying the words that he had been instructed to, Moses struck the rock in frustration. Water came gushing out, as God had said it would, and everyone’s thirst was quenched. However, this display of temper cost Moses dearly. God told him, “Because you did not believe Me”—Moses’ impatience showed that he didn’t believe things would work out if he simply did what God had told him to do—“therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” In the end, Moses was only allowed to see the Promised Land from a nearby mountaintop before he died. As Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote, “Our anger and impatience often prove much more mischievous than the things about which we are angry or impatient.” Besides the strain on our relationships with others, medical research shows that negative emotions can damage our blood vessels, increase the likelihood of heart attacks, and reduce our resistance to infections, among other problems.
The good news is that we don’t have to keep traveling on the rage route. Peace of mind is within our reach if we will only pause, pray, and remain positive.
Reflections on the route back from rage
1. Pause and put things in perspective.
We’ve all experienced the feeling of being rejected or hurt by someone’s words or actions. Depending on how close you are to that person, there are varying degrees of how painful it is or how much it affects you. When it’s a pretty serious hurt, it’s often hard to think rationally. It’s natural to become hardened or bitter or resentful, or to be overwhelmingly discouraged or despondent, or to get angry with the person, or to retaliate. The problem is, because you’re hurt, you often don’t have a very clear perspective on the situation, yet the way you handle it at the time has a great bearing on the long-term outcome.—Maria Fontaine
When you have been pushed to the point that you’re about to scream, step back from the situation for a few minutes. Breathe deeply. Try to see things in perspective. Then face the world again.—Mottos for Success
Put time into proper perspective. Every difficult experience you may be dealing with now, circumstances that tend to make you angry and bitter, will in time pass away.—Jim Henry
The greatest remedy for anger is delay.—Seneca the Younger
2. Ask God for help.
At the end of every day, take stock. If anger or any other negative emotion is in your heart, ask God to take it away. He will.—Mottos for Success
Do you sometimes feel that you are in a deep hole? And what’s more, do you feel that somebody just keeps throwing dirt on you? You can turn the bad to good by looking up and seeing that Jesus is there through it all. Take His hand. Ask Him to pull you up and to help you see His purpose in it all. He can help you see the events around you from His perspective. He can give you His calm and stop the panic. And then He can help you find solutions that will enable you to step triumphantly out of that deep well and onto the path of a brighter tomorrow.—Chloe West
Relax and let go of everything as you enter into God’s presence. You can relax and let go of everything, precisely because God is present. In His presence nothing [else] really matters; all things are in His hands. Tension, anxiety, worry,frustration all melt away before Him, as snow before the sun.—James Borst
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.—Isaiah 26:3
3. Make an effort to adopt a positive thought pattern.
May I forget what ought to be forgotten; and recall, unfailing, all that ought to be recalled, each kindly thing, forgetting what might sting.—Mary Carolyn Davies
When I forgive, I am not to carry any bullets forward on the journey. I am to empty out all my explosives, all my ammunition of anger and revenge. I am not to “bear any grudge.”
I cannot meet this demand. It is altogether beyond me. I might utter words of forgiveness, but I cannot reveal a clear, bright, blue sky without a touch of storm brewing anywhere.
But the Lord of grace can do it for me. He can change my weather. He can create a new climate. He can “renew a right spirit within me,” and in that new atmosphere nothing shall live which seeks to poison and destroy. Grudges shall die and revenge shall give place to goodwill, the strong genial presence which makes its home in the new heart.—J. H. Jowett
The battlefield is the mind. The Bible says, “As [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he.” People who emphasize positive thinking or the power of the mind can go a long way with that, but they won’t go as far as they could unless they also ask God to change them within through His miracle-working power. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”—Maria Fontaine
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.—Ephesians 4:31–32
4. Turn good thoughts into good actions.
There is a strong connection between thinking the right thoughts and doing the right things. You must act on the victory, live the victory, and let the change be manifested in your actions, not just your thoughts. If you’ve prayed against anger, for example, then you have to accept the victory by not only entertaining positive thoughts, but also by acting on those thoughts. Even if it would have been impossible to do such things before, if you’ll exercise your faith by trying, you’ll see Jesus come through for you. What you weren’t able to do before will be possible, because He will have changed you. As you do what He shows you day by day to live your victory, you’ll see it manifested more and more in your reactions, actions, and daily life.
Positive thoughts are not enough. They must become action. They must translate into positive deeds. As you combine your new thought patterns and reactions with behavior that reflects the victory Jesus has given you, you will go from strength to strength.—Maria Fontaine
If you know all this, blessed are you if you act accordingly.—John 13:17 WEY
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Psalm 37:8 ESV - Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
James 1:20 ESV – For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Proverbs 15:1 ESV – A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Anger is, of course, neither a new condition nor limited to driving. Everyone has experienced how a minor nuisance can easily grow into an irritation, then an annoyance, and finally cause us to erupt in fury. When that happens, the consequences are not usually very happy for us or for those around us.
There is an interesting example in the Bible of a man who lost a lot through anger. After Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt, they were forced to survive for years in the wilderness. On one occasion when they were desperately in need of water, God instructed Moses to speak to a rock, promising him that water would come out. However, Moses had lost patience with the people’s incessant complaining, despite all the miracles God had already done to protect and supply for them, so instead of simply saying the words that he had been instructed to, Moses struck the rock in frustration. Water came gushing out, as God had said it would, and everyone’s thirst was quenched. However, this display of temper cost Moses dearly. God told him, “Because you did not believe Me”—Moses’ impatience showed that he didn’t believe things would work out if he simply did what God had told him to do—“therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” In the end, Moses was only allowed to see the Promised Land from a nearby mountaintop before he died. As Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote, “Our anger and impatience often prove much more mischievous than the things about which we are angry or impatient.” Besides the strain on our relationships with others, medical research shows that negative emotions can damage our blood vessels, increase the likelihood of heart attacks, and reduce our resistance to infections, among other problems.
The good news is that we don’t have to keep traveling on the rage route. Peace of mind is within our reach if we will only pause, pray, and remain positive.
Reflections on the route back from rage
1. Pause and put things in perspective.
We’ve all experienced the feeling of being rejected or hurt by someone’s words or actions. Depending on how close you are to that person, there are varying degrees of how painful it is or how much it affects you. When it’s a pretty serious hurt, it’s often hard to think rationally. It’s natural to become hardened or bitter or resentful, or to be overwhelmingly discouraged or despondent, or to get angry with the person, or to retaliate. The problem is, because you’re hurt, you often don’t have a very clear perspective on the situation, yet the way you handle it at the time has a great bearing on the long-term outcome.—Maria Fontaine
When you have been pushed to the point that you’re about to scream, step back from the situation for a few minutes. Breathe deeply. Try to see things in perspective. Then face the world again.—Mottos for Success
Put time into proper perspective. Every difficult experience you may be dealing with now, circumstances that tend to make you angry and bitter, will in time pass away.—Jim Henry
The greatest remedy for anger is delay.—Seneca the Younger
2. Ask God for help.
At the end of every day, take stock. If anger or any other negative emotion is in your heart, ask God to take it away. He will.—Mottos for Success
Do you sometimes feel that you are in a deep hole? And what’s more, do you feel that somebody just keeps throwing dirt on you? You can turn the bad to good by looking up and seeing that Jesus is there through it all. Take His hand. Ask Him to pull you up and to help you see His purpose in it all. He can help you see the events around you from His perspective. He can give you His calm and stop the panic. And then He can help you find solutions that will enable you to step triumphantly out of that deep well and onto the path of a brighter tomorrow.—Chloe West
Relax and let go of everything as you enter into God’s presence. You can relax and let go of everything, precisely because God is present. In His presence nothing [else] really matters; all things are in His hands. Tension, anxiety, worry,frustration all melt away before Him, as snow before the sun.—James Borst
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.—Isaiah 26:3
3. Make an effort to adopt a positive thought pattern.
May I forget what ought to be forgotten; and recall, unfailing, all that ought to be recalled, each kindly thing, forgetting what might sting.—Mary Carolyn Davies
When I forgive, I am not to carry any bullets forward on the journey. I am to empty out all my explosives, all my ammunition of anger and revenge. I am not to “bear any grudge.”
I cannot meet this demand. It is altogether beyond me. I might utter words of forgiveness, but I cannot reveal a clear, bright, blue sky without a touch of storm brewing anywhere.
But the Lord of grace can do it for me. He can change my weather. He can create a new climate. He can “renew a right spirit within me,” and in that new atmosphere nothing shall live which seeks to poison and destroy. Grudges shall die and revenge shall give place to goodwill, the strong genial presence which makes its home in the new heart.—J. H. Jowett
The battlefield is the mind. The Bible says, “As [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he.” People who emphasize positive thinking or the power of the mind can go a long way with that, but they won’t go as far as they could unless they also ask God to change them within through His miracle-working power. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”—Maria Fontaine
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.—Ephesians 4:31–32
4. Turn good thoughts into good actions.
There is a strong connection between thinking the right thoughts and doing the right things. You must act on the victory, live the victory, and let the change be manifested in your actions, not just your thoughts. If you’ve prayed against anger, for example, then you have to accept the victory by not only entertaining positive thoughts, but also by acting on those thoughts. Even if it would have been impossible to do such things before, if you’ll exercise your faith by trying, you’ll see Jesus come through for you. What you weren’t able to do before will be possible, because He will have changed you. As you do what He shows you day by day to live your victory, you’ll see it manifested more and more in your reactions, actions, and daily life.
Positive thoughts are not enough. They must become action. They must translate into positive deeds. As you combine your new thought patterns and reactions with behavior that reflects the victory Jesus has given you, you will go from strength to strength.—Maria Fontaine
If you know all this, blessed are you if you act accordingly.—John 13:17 WEY
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Psalm 37:8 ESV - Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
James 1:20 ESV – For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Proverbs 15:1 ESV – A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Judges 16 --- Samson falls for Delilah, and the Philistine temple falls on Samson
Read Judges 16
- V4, Why do you think we are introduced to Delilah by name, and yet we are not told the name of Samson’s chosen wife, nor his mother?
- V4-6, We are told that Samson fell in love with Delilah. Do you think she loved him? Do you think she loved him BUT loved her fellow Philistines more?...Or do you think she was driven by the money?
- V7, Does Samson’s response reveal his lack of trust in Delilah?
- V7-14, numerous times it must have been clear that Delilah was trying to trap Samson. Do you think his love had blinded him of this, or did he enjoy the challenge/mockery of the Philistines?
- V16-17, What eventually made Samson cave in to Delilah’s request, and how could he have avoided this?
- V20, How was the Lord’s presence linked to his hair cut?
- V23, How would this reflect on the Name of the Almighty God?
- V25-30, What message would this send to the rest of the Philistines about their god?
- V4, Why do you think we are introduced to Delilah by name, and yet we are not told the name of Samson’s chosen wife, nor his mother?
- V4-6, We are told that Samson fell in love with Delilah. Do you think she loved him? Do you think she loved him BUT loved her fellow Philistines more?...Or do you think she was driven by the money?
- V7, Does Samson’s response reveal his lack of trust in Delilah?
- V7-14, numerous times it must have been clear that Delilah was trying to trap Samson. Do you think his love had blinded him of this, or did he enjoy the challenge/mockery of the Philistines?
- V16-17, What eventually made Samson cave in to Delilah’s request, and how could he have avoided this?
- V20, How was the Lord’s presence linked to his hair cut?
- V23, How would this reflect on the Name of the Almighty God?
- V25-30, What message would this send to the rest of the Philistines about their god?
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Living with Praise
Merlin Carothers has held both distinguished and dishonorable titles in his 85 years: AWOL soldier, black marketer, demolition expert, presidential bodyguard, master parachutist, Methodist pastor, army chaplain, civil air patrol pilot. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe, Korea, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic.
He has jumped out of an airplane 90 times. And yet, he says that discovering the power of praise-filled prayer has been one of the most exciting experiences of his life. He has written over a dozen books that recount hundreds of cases where illnesses have been healed, mental health has been restored, broken relationships have been mended, and other “impossible” situations have resulted in miracles—all through the power of God released through praise to God.
I sat down with Merlin in his San Diego, California, office to discuss his experiences.
Julia Kelly: After you found Jesus, how did you find what you believed God wanted you to do with your life?
Merlin Carothers: I knew the moment I became a Christian that I was called to spread the word—to tell others about God’s love and power. I had no idea how or where or when, but I knew that was what I was supposed to do.
Was there ever a time when it seemed praise wasn’t paying off, but God surprised you?
My wife Mary and I had been pastors of a church in California for four years when circumstances forced us to leave. I struggled over that. Why had the Lord led us to work there and then taken it away? How could that have been God’s will? Just a couple of weeks later I got a call from a man who ran a television station in Los Angeles. He said he wanted to do some programs on praise, and he would do them for free. After the first 10 programs, he wanted to do more, until finally we had done 200. I could never have afforded to produce those on my own. God had taken a “bad” situation and worked another of His marvels.
Has your relationship with the Lord changed much as you’ve grown older?
I’ve come to realize the grace of God more and more. I always believed, of course, that God forgives, but I didn’t understand how, when we fail Him, that doesn’t cause Him to love us any less. If a wife hurts her husband, he may say he forgives her and truly mean it, but what she did will still be in his mind and he will probably worry that she might do it again. God isn’t like that. When He forgives, He forgets.
How long did it take to learn to put these praise principles into practice?
Learning to praise is a lifelong process. I’ve been at it for so many years that it comes a bit more naturally now, but it wasn’t easy at first, because it was such a foreign concept. I had studied the Bible all of my Christian life, but it took me a long time to understand how God kept emphasizing: “Trust that I am working for your good. Don’t ever doubt that or be afraid, and I’ll do above and beyond all you could ask or hope for.” (Romans 8:28; Deuteronomy 31:8; Ephesians 3:20) And He always has!
How have you spent your time since retiring?
I’ve retired from being a pastor, but I believe I’m supposed to work for the Lord until the day I die. My hero, John Wesley [1703–1791], did that, and he was nearly 88 when he died. He was up at four o’clock every morning for prayer, then he got on his horse and went out to preach. Now I mainly write. The Lord speaks to me about some topic and says, “This is troubling people, so write about it.” Some of the things I write seem ultra-simple, but those are often the things that touch people the most. Mary says I’ll be writing on the way to the morgue.
What advice would you give to those facing hardships such as job loss, who fear the future?
It’s very difficult to talk to people who are in the throes of financial distress. I don’t ever tell them, “I want you to thank the Lord for your distress,” because that would turn anybody off. What I tell them is to first pray that God will take care of them, and then I try to help them believe that He will. Some have asked me if this principle of praise isn’t just another way to talk about the power of positive thinking. Far from it. Praising God for every circumstance does not mean we close our eyes to the difficulties. When we praise God, we thank Him for our situation, not in spite of it. We are not trying to avoid our dilemmas. Rather, Jesus is showing us a way to overcome them.—Merlin Carothers, Prison to Praise
For more inspirational reading by Merlin Carothers visit www.foundationofpraise.org
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Psalm 147:1-2 ESV – Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
Psalm 136:1-2 ESV – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Psalms 96:1 KJV – O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
He has jumped out of an airplane 90 times. And yet, he says that discovering the power of praise-filled prayer has been one of the most exciting experiences of his life. He has written over a dozen books that recount hundreds of cases where illnesses have been healed, mental health has been restored, broken relationships have been mended, and other “impossible” situations have resulted in miracles—all through the power of God released through praise to God.
I sat down with Merlin in his San Diego, California, office to discuss his experiences.
Julia Kelly: After you found Jesus, how did you find what you believed God wanted you to do with your life?
Merlin Carothers: I knew the moment I became a Christian that I was called to spread the word—to tell others about God’s love and power. I had no idea how or where or when, but I knew that was what I was supposed to do.
Was there ever a time when it seemed praise wasn’t paying off, but God surprised you?
My wife Mary and I had been pastors of a church in California for four years when circumstances forced us to leave. I struggled over that. Why had the Lord led us to work there and then taken it away? How could that have been God’s will? Just a couple of weeks later I got a call from a man who ran a television station in Los Angeles. He said he wanted to do some programs on praise, and he would do them for free. After the first 10 programs, he wanted to do more, until finally we had done 200. I could never have afforded to produce those on my own. God had taken a “bad” situation and worked another of His marvels.
Has your relationship with the Lord changed much as you’ve grown older?
I’ve come to realize the grace of God more and more. I always believed, of course, that God forgives, but I didn’t understand how, when we fail Him, that doesn’t cause Him to love us any less. If a wife hurts her husband, he may say he forgives her and truly mean it, but what she did will still be in his mind and he will probably worry that she might do it again. God isn’t like that. When He forgives, He forgets.
How long did it take to learn to put these praise principles into practice?
Learning to praise is a lifelong process. I’ve been at it for so many years that it comes a bit more naturally now, but it wasn’t easy at first, because it was such a foreign concept. I had studied the Bible all of my Christian life, but it took me a long time to understand how God kept emphasizing: “Trust that I am working for your good. Don’t ever doubt that or be afraid, and I’ll do above and beyond all you could ask or hope for.” (Romans 8:28; Deuteronomy 31:8; Ephesians 3:20) And He always has!
How have you spent your time since retiring?
I’ve retired from being a pastor, but I believe I’m supposed to work for the Lord until the day I die. My hero, John Wesley [1703–1791], did that, and he was nearly 88 when he died. He was up at four o’clock every morning for prayer, then he got on his horse and went out to preach. Now I mainly write. The Lord speaks to me about some topic and says, “This is troubling people, so write about it.” Some of the things I write seem ultra-simple, but those are often the things that touch people the most. Mary says I’ll be writing on the way to the morgue.
What advice would you give to those facing hardships such as job loss, who fear the future?
It’s very difficult to talk to people who are in the throes of financial distress. I don’t ever tell them, “I want you to thank the Lord for your distress,” because that would turn anybody off. What I tell them is to first pray that God will take care of them, and then I try to help them believe that He will. Some have asked me if this principle of praise isn’t just another way to talk about the power of positive thinking. Far from it. Praising God for every circumstance does not mean we close our eyes to the difficulties. When we praise God, we thank Him for our situation, not in spite of it. We are not trying to avoid our dilemmas. Rather, Jesus is showing us a way to overcome them.—Merlin Carothers, Prison to Praise
For more inspirational reading by Merlin Carothers visit www.foundationofpraise.org
—
Psalm 147:1-2 ESV – Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.
Psalm 136:1-2 ESV – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Psalms 96:1 KJV – O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
Judges 15 --- Samson and the Philistines trade blows
Read Judges 15
- V1-2, It would seem that Samson’s actions toward his wife and best man had been misinterpreted. Have your actions or words ever been misinterpreted? How did this make you feel, and what, if anything, can be done to avoid it?
- V3-17, this story appears to be a recurring round of revenge, and counter-revenge. What are we to make of this?
- V1-2, It would seem that Samson’s actions toward his wife and best man had been misinterpreted. Have your actions or words ever been misinterpreted? How did this make you feel, and what, if anything, can be done to avoid it?
- V3-17, this story appears to be a recurring round of revenge, and counter-revenge. What are we to make of this?
Monday, August 25, 2014
“This Is Good!”
An African folktale
The story is told of an African king and his close friend, who had grown up together. The king’s friend had a habit of looking at every situation positively and remarking, “This is good!”
One day the king went on a hunting expedition, and he gave his friend the job of loading his guns and handing them to him. Apparently the friend did something wrong at some point, because one gun misfired and blew the king’s thumb off.
“This is good!” the king’s friend remarked as usual.
“No, this is not good!” the king replied, and he sent his friend to jail.
About a year later, the king was hunting in an area that he shouldn’t have ventured into. Cannibals captured him and took him to their village. They tied his hands, bound him to a stake in the ground, and stacked firewood around his feet. However, just as they were about to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. The cannibals had a superstition that forbad them from eating anyone who was less than whole, so they untied the king and sent him on his way.
As the king traveled home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb, and he regretted the way he had treated his friend. He went straight to the jail and released his friend.
“You were right,” the king said. “It was good that my thumb was blown off.” And he proceeded to tell his friend about his brush with death. “I am sorry for sending you to jail for so long,” he said. “That was very bad of me!”
“No,” his friend replied, “this is good!”
“What do you mean, ‘This is good’? How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?”
“If I had not been in jail,” the king’s friend replied, “I would have been with you.”
—
Romans 12:21 ESV - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Psalm 37:3 ESV - Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Hebrews 13:16 ESV - Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
The story is told of an African king and his close friend, who had grown up together. The king’s friend had a habit of looking at every situation positively and remarking, “This is good!”
One day the king went on a hunting expedition, and he gave his friend the job of loading his guns and handing them to him. Apparently the friend did something wrong at some point, because one gun misfired and blew the king’s thumb off.
“This is good!” the king’s friend remarked as usual.
“No, this is not good!” the king replied, and he sent his friend to jail.
About a year later, the king was hunting in an area that he shouldn’t have ventured into. Cannibals captured him and took him to their village. They tied his hands, bound him to a stake in the ground, and stacked firewood around his feet. However, just as they were about to set fire to the wood, they noticed that the king was missing a thumb. The cannibals had a superstition that forbad them from eating anyone who was less than whole, so they untied the king and sent him on his way.
As the king traveled home, he was reminded of the event that had taken his thumb, and he regretted the way he had treated his friend. He went straight to the jail and released his friend.
“You were right,” the king said. “It was good that my thumb was blown off.” And he proceeded to tell his friend about his brush with death. “I am sorry for sending you to jail for so long,” he said. “That was very bad of me!”
“No,” his friend replied, “this is good!”
“What do you mean, ‘This is good’? How could it be good that I sent my friend to jail for a year?”
“If I had not been in jail,” the king’s friend replied, “I would have been with you.”
—
Romans 12:21 ESV - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Psalm 37:3 ESV - Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Hebrews 13:16 ESV - Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Judges 14 --- Samson takes on a lion, gets married, and tells a riddle
Read Judges 14
- V1-4, After the message from the Lord, and their careful upbringing of Samson, how difficult must it have been for the parents when asked to secure him a Philistine wife?
- V4, Do we sometimes struggle to see God’s will in events which occur today?
- How can we decipher between what God makes happen, and what He allows to happen?
- Does His will remain ‘on course’ no matter what we do?
- If so, what difference does obedience to His will make?
- Is obedience to God more about developing our own character than helping God’s will to be achieved?
- V20, Samson’s wife had tricked him, but only to save the lives of her family from fire!...So why do you think Samson gave her to his best man instead?...How important is trust within a marriage?
- V1-4, After the message from the Lord, and their careful upbringing of Samson, how difficult must it have been for the parents when asked to secure him a Philistine wife?
- V4, Do we sometimes struggle to see God’s will in events which occur today?
- How can we decipher between what God makes happen, and what He allows to happen?
- Does His will remain ‘on course’ no matter what we do?
- If so, what difference does obedience to His will make?
- Is obedience to God more about developing our own character than helping God’s will to be achieved?
- V20, Samson’s wife had tricked him, but only to save the lives of her family from fire!...So why do you think Samson gave her to his best man instead?...How important is trust within a marriage?
Sunday, August 24, 2014
The Sun Still Shines
As far back as I can remember, I didn’t like cloudy days, especially in wintertime. They seemed endless and without hope, chilling both body and soul.
Still, they are a part of life, so I decided to learn to like them—and now I do. My secret? Actually I have several.
Sometimes I take advantage of those days to bake a cake, cookies, or some other treat to enjoy with my coffee. The entire house smells of freshly brewed coffee and homemade goodies, and that creates a warm, satisfied feeling.
I’ve also learned that I can help brighten the day by what I wear, like a favorite brightly colored sweater or a little extra jewelry.
Most of all I’ve learned to thank God for those days. I’m still not crazy about them, but I have a warm house that doesn’t leak, a cozy bed, food on the table, and someone to enjoy my blessings with.
Not too long ago, I was out on one of those gloomy days. Although it was overcast, I didn’t expect it to actually rain, so hadn’t taken an umbrella. Mid-morning I was 25 blocks from home when I was caught in a downpour. By the time I got home, I was sure I had more water in my clothes and hair than was left in the clouds. A hot shower and lunch put it all behind me, though, and I felt much better.
When I had been caught in the rain, I had prayed for all the people who were at that moment victims of some disaster. Not a disaster like burning the chicken or having their hair dye turn out wrong—I mean a real disaster like being left homeless by an earthquake, with no hot shower, dry clothes, and warm meal to set things right.
When bad weather or some other circumstance has you down, praying for others who have it worse puts things in perspective and does the soul good, like a hot shower warms the body after getting caught in the rain, or the smell of homemade cake lifts the gloom of a dark day. When we remember that we have a very big God who sees and knows everything, who loves us dearly, and who will never let us be tested beyond what He knows we can handle with His help, this lifts the spirit, like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Even when the sky is overcast, the sun is still shining above the clouds. That’s a fact. The clouds might keep us from seeing it, but it’s there, just as round and bright as on any other day. When darkness closes in around us, the sunshine of God’s love is still there, as constant as ever, waiting for just the right moment to dissipate the clouds and warm our souls once again.
—
Romans 15:13 ESV – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 8:24 ESV - For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
Jeremiah 17:7 ESV - Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
Still, they are a part of life, so I decided to learn to like them—and now I do. My secret? Actually I have several.
Sometimes I take advantage of those days to bake a cake, cookies, or some other treat to enjoy with my coffee. The entire house smells of freshly brewed coffee and homemade goodies, and that creates a warm, satisfied feeling.
I’ve also learned that I can help brighten the day by what I wear, like a favorite brightly colored sweater or a little extra jewelry.
Most of all I’ve learned to thank God for those days. I’m still not crazy about them, but I have a warm house that doesn’t leak, a cozy bed, food on the table, and someone to enjoy my blessings with.
Not too long ago, I was out on one of those gloomy days. Although it was overcast, I didn’t expect it to actually rain, so hadn’t taken an umbrella. Mid-morning I was 25 blocks from home when I was caught in a downpour. By the time I got home, I was sure I had more water in my clothes and hair than was left in the clouds. A hot shower and lunch put it all behind me, though, and I felt much better.
When I had been caught in the rain, I had prayed for all the people who were at that moment victims of some disaster. Not a disaster like burning the chicken or having their hair dye turn out wrong—I mean a real disaster like being left homeless by an earthquake, with no hot shower, dry clothes, and warm meal to set things right.
When bad weather or some other circumstance has you down, praying for others who have it worse puts things in perspective and does the soul good, like a hot shower warms the body after getting caught in the rain, or the smell of homemade cake lifts the gloom of a dark day. When we remember that we have a very big God who sees and knows everything, who loves us dearly, and who will never let us be tested beyond what He knows we can handle with His help, this lifts the spirit, like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Even when the sky is overcast, the sun is still shining above the clouds. That’s a fact. The clouds might keep us from seeing it, but it’s there, just as round and bright as on any other day. When darkness closes in around us, the sunshine of God’s love is still there, as constant as ever, waiting for just the right moment to dissipate the clouds and warm our souls once again.
—
Romans 15:13 ESV – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 8:24 ESV - For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
Jeremiah 17:7 ESV - Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
Prayer Points
1. Please pray for Bro Jerry and Sis Margaret
2. Please pray for one another in your prayer - Spiritual Growth, Challenges in Life, School, etc, especially those that are not feeling well. Encouraging one another in Christ likeness.
3. Please pray for various ministry that going well bring forward fruitful result
4. Please pray for Penang Children's Home Open Day
• Pray for our Territorial leaders, Cols Lyndon & Bronywn, Lt Cols Paul & Evelyn, as they direct and lead God's Army in this Territory
• Stand in the gap for Majors Bo & Christina as they settle and begin their new appointment in Myanmar.
• Capt Ken and Neva will be pioneering work in Thailand. Ask God to strengthen them and seek Lord for His will for this startup.
2. Please pray for one another in your prayer - Spiritual Growth, Challenges in Life, School, etc, especially those that are not feeling well. Encouraging one another in Christ likeness.
3. Please pray for various ministry that going well bring forward fruitful result
4. Please pray for Penang Children's Home Open Day
• Pray for our Territorial leaders, Cols Lyndon & Bronywn, Lt Cols Paul & Evelyn, as they direct and lead God's Army in this Territory
• Stand in the gap for Majors Bo & Christina as they settle and begin their new appointment in Myanmar.
• Capt Ken and Neva will be pioneering work in Thailand. Ask God to strengthen them and seek Lord for His will for this startup.
Announcement
Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge within 7 months, reading just 5 chapters per week: Look out for it at the Church website.
Territorial Music and Arts School: Date: 15th - 20th September 2014, Age group: 13-30 yrs. Fees: RM100.00, Venue: Kin Tick Orchard Village Bukit Bentong
BOUNDLESS, THE WHOLE WORLD PRAYING Date: 24th Aug 2014 Time: 5-6:00pm Venue: Your convenient location
24 hours praying Date: 23th Aug 2014 Time: 12 mid - 12 mid Venue: Community Hall
Penang Open Day Date: 18th Oct 2014 Time: 8am - 2pm Venue: Penang Children's Home. Help needed to sell coupons, please look for Lt. Fiona
Territorial Music and Arts School: Date: 15th - 20th September 2014, Age group: 13-30 yrs. Fees: RM100.00, Venue: Kin Tick Orchard Village Bukit Bentong
BOUNDLESS, THE WHOLE WORLD PRAYING Date: 24th Aug 2014 Time: 5-6:00pm Venue: Your convenient location
24 hours praying Date: 23th Aug 2014 Time: 12 mid - 12 mid Venue: Community Hall
Penang Open Day Date: 18th Oct 2014 Time: 8am - 2pm Venue: Penang Children's Home. Help needed to sell coupons, please look for Lt. Fiona
Saturday, August 23, 2014
That’s Life!
A prayer of thanksgiving
Jesus, thank You for life and all it involves. When something goes wrong, we often say, “That’s life!” But life is so much more than the little things that don’t turn out the way we wish they had.
Waking up each morning with eyes that see and ears that hear—that’s life!
Talking with a child and catching a glimpse of the world through those innocent eyes—that’s life!
Pausing in the middle of a hectic day to watch a bird soar or a butterfly flit among the flowers—that’s life!
Chatting with an old friend and remembering just how special that friendship is—that’s life!
Receiving an unexpected word of encouragement—that’s life!
Holding a newborn baby and catching his first smile—that’s life!
Walking in nature, taking in its sights and sounds, and breathing that fresh air—that’s life!
Lying down to sleep at night and thanking God for all the blessings that the day brought—that’s life!
—
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV – Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Psalm 7:17 ESV - I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
Psalm 107:1 ESV - Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Jesus, thank You for life and all it involves. When something goes wrong, we often say, “That’s life!” But life is so much more than the little things that don’t turn out the way we wish they had.
Waking up each morning with eyes that see and ears that hear—that’s life!
Talking with a child and catching a glimpse of the world through those innocent eyes—that’s life!
Pausing in the middle of a hectic day to watch a bird soar or a butterfly flit among the flowers—that’s life!
Chatting with an old friend and remembering just how special that friendship is—that’s life!
Receiving an unexpected word of encouragement—that’s life!
Holding a newborn baby and catching his first smile—that’s life!
Walking in nature, taking in its sights and sounds, and breathing that fresh air—that’s life!
Lying down to sleep at night and thanking God for all the blessings that the day brought—that’s life!
—
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV – Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Psalm 7:17 ESV - I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
Psalm 107:1 ESV - Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Friday, August 22, 2014
The Positive Power of Praise
Question: I’ve heard that positive thinking can make all the difference in difficult situations, but sometimes I’m at a loss for things to be positive about. What can I do to get on a positive channel when everything seems to be going wrong?
Answer: When your heart is weighed down with worry, fear, sorrow, or pain, instead of dwelling on your woes, think about Jesus and His love. Count your blessings. If nothing else, you can be grateful for all the other problems you could have but don’t, because God has spared you from them.
Look on the bright side. Think on the good things. Thank God for all He has done. Chase away the dark clouds by letting in the light of God’s Word, prayer, praise, song. Do anything you can to occupy your mind with positive thinking.
If you’re thinking about God’s goodness and putting that in the focal point of your concentration, then this pushes the devil and his doubts and lies and fears out of the way. You can’t be positive and negative at the same time, so fill your mind with the light of praise to God, and it will push the darkness out.
—
Psalm 150:6 ESV - Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Psalm 30:11 ESV - You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.
Psalm 149:3 ESV – Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Answer: When your heart is weighed down with worry, fear, sorrow, or pain, instead of dwelling on your woes, think about Jesus and His love. Count your blessings. If nothing else, you can be grateful for all the other problems you could have but don’t, because God has spared you from them.
Look on the bright side. Think on the good things. Thank God for all He has done. Chase away the dark clouds by letting in the light of God’s Word, prayer, praise, song. Do anything you can to occupy your mind with positive thinking.
If you’re thinking about God’s goodness and putting that in the focal point of your concentration, then this pushes the devil and his doubts and lies and fears out of the way. You can’t be positive and negative at the same time, so fill your mind with the light of praise to God, and it will push the darkness out.
—
Psalm 150:6 ESV - Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Psalm 30:11 ESV - You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.
Psalm 149:3 ESV – Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Judges 13 --- The birth of Samson is foretold
Read Judges 13
- V1, Is there a relationship between Israel’s obedience to God and their freedom/security?
- V4, Why do you think the woman was told not to drink anything fermented, nor eat anything unclean?
- V24, Why do you think this woman (who remains anonymous!) was chosen to give birth to the Israelites deliverer from the Philistine oppression? What characteristics do you think she would have needed for this long-term plan?
- V1, Is there a relationship between Israel’s obedience to God and their freedom/security?
- V4, Why do you think the woman was told not to drink anything fermented, nor eat anything unclean?
- V24, Why do you think this woman (who remains anonymous!) was chosen to give birth to the Israelites deliverer from the Philistine oppression? What characteristics do you think she would have needed for this long-term plan?
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Judges 7 --- 300 (a true, Biblical version)
Read Judges 7
- V2, What is the reason for God wanting to whittle down the number of soldiers?
- Are there things we do, or our church does, which brings glory to itself, or relies on its own power, rather than relying on God?
- Aside from its historical value, what else can we learn about the character of God, and about our purpose with His will, from this story?
- V2, What is the reason for God wanting to whittle down the number of soldiers?
- Are there things we do, or our church does, which brings glory to itself, or relies on its own power, rather than relying on God?
- Aside from its historical value, what else can we learn about the character of God, and about our purpose with His will, from this story?
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Perspective Adjustment
During an especially busy time, I had a perspective adjustment that changed my outlook for the better.
I was involved in several major projects, had a huge amount of work to do, and was quite tired—almost exhausted.
The verse that came to mind and changed my attitude about my circumstances was, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” I realized that the long hours of work, the tiredness, and the difficult decisions I faced were all part of my “reasonable service.”
Most of us have responsibilities that are sometimes difficult and trying. We all face situations that are challenging or cost us personally. We all have times when we feel so tired we think we can’t go on.
Some of the great men and women of God, our forefathers in the faith—people like Abraham, Moses, Peter, and Paul, as well as outstanding Christians down through the ages such as David Livingstone and Mother Teresa—made great sacrifices and endured many hardships and sorrows during their lifetimes. They repeatedly suffered poor health, many of them experienced loneliness, some of them struggled with depression, and they sometimes worked years on end without seeing much in the way of results. When we look at our situations from that perspective, it helps to see some of the things we go through in a different light.
The verse that comes right after “present your bodies a living sacrifice” says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That verse applies well to having the right perspective on the sacrifices we make. If we have a realistic and yet also positive, praiseful attitude, it can make a big difference. When our perspective is renewed and realigned with the Lord’s, it does literally transform our life.
So whenever you are tempted to feel that life is too rough, try to look at the sacrifices you have to make through this new perspective. When you do, you can’t help but see things more positively.
Isaiah 55:8 NIV – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
1 Peter 5:10 NIV – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
I was involved in several major projects, had a huge amount of work to do, and was quite tired—almost exhausted.
The verse that came to mind and changed my attitude about my circumstances was, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” I realized that the long hours of work, the tiredness, and the difficult decisions I faced were all part of my “reasonable service.”
Most of us have responsibilities that are sometimes difficult and trying. We all face situations that are challenging or cost us personally. We all have times when we feel so tired we think we can’t go on.
Some of the great men and women of God, our forefathers in the faith—people like Abraham, Moses, Peter, and Paul, as well as outstanding Christians down through the ages such as David Livingstone and Mother Teresa—made great sacrifices and endured many hardships and sorrows during their lifetimes. They repeatedly suffered poor health, many of them experienced loneliness, some of them struggled with depression, and they sometimes worked years on end without seeing much in the way of results. When we look at our situations from that perspective, it helps to see some of the things we go through in a different light.
The verse that comes right after “present your bodies a living sacrifice” says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That verse applies well to having the right perspective on the sacrifices we make. If we have a realistic and yet also positive, praiseful attitude, it can make a big difference. When our perspective is renewed and realigned with the Lord’s, it does literally transform our life.
So whenever you are tempted to feel that life is too rough, try to look at the sacrifices you have to make through this new perspective. When you do, you can’t help but see things more positively.
—
2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV - So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but
on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is
eternal.Isaiah 55:8 NIV – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
1 Peter 5:10 NIV – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
We're Not Left To Our Own Devices
When we buy a new device - whether a mobile phone, a tablet or something for the kitchen - how often do we read the instructions before trying it out? Men are said to be particularly bad at reading the manual.
There’s some truth in that. Sometimes, I’ll try to work out how to use something without looking at the diagrams. More often than not, I get it wrong and have to go to the book and by the book. However, my real problems begin if I’ve already thrown the instructions away with the packaging. Then I have to go through a process of trial and error, during which I lose time and patience.
Using such a hit-and-miss approach in other areas of life can result in mistakes that seriously hurt us or other people. If we don’t know how best to act, we can easily make a wrong decision at work, a wrong response in a relationship or a wrong choice with our finances. At such times, we might feel it would be good to have an instruction book.
Christians believe that the Bible is the ‘Creator’s handbook’, because it contains practical guidance and principles that have been written by God-inspired people. Among other things, it provides them with guidelines on how they should approach their working life, build relationships and deal with their money. One early Christian teacher put it this way: ‘Everything in the Scriptures is God’s word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live’ (2 Timothy 3:16 Contemporary English Version).
That’s why Christians read their Bibles. Although it does not mean that they will never do anything wrong, it can show them how to put their problems right and help them avoid the errors which can make life a trial.
UK & Ireland War Cry August 2014
There’s some truth in that. Sometimes, I’ll try to work out how to use something without looking at the diagrams. More often than not, I get it wrong and have to go to the book and by the book. However, my real problems begin if I’ve already thrown the instructions away with the packaging. Then I have to go through a process of trial and error, during which I lose time and patience.
Using such a hit-and-miss approach in other areas of life can result in mistakes that seriously hurt us or other people. If we don’t know how best to act, we can easily make a wrong decision at work, a wrong response in a relationship or a wrong choice with our finances. At such times, we might feel it would be good to have an instruction book.
Christians believe that the Bible is the ‘Creator’s handbook’, because it contains practical guidance and principles that have been written by God-inspired people. Among other things, it provides them with guidelines on how they should approach their working life, build relationships and deal with their money. One early Christian teacher put it this way: ‘Everything in the Scriptures is God’s word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live’ (2 Timothy 3:16 Contemporary English Version).
That’s why Christians read their Bibles. Although it does not mean that they will never do anything wrong, it can show them how to put their problems right and help them avoid the errors which can make life a trial.
UK & Ireland War Cry August 2014
A Way To Channel Our Emotions
Why do Christians pray?
I’m embarrassed to say it, but I’ve reached a stage in my life when I answer back to the television. I contradict interviewees when I disagree with their point of view and tell quiz show contestants they are daft because I can answer the question that they can’t.
I don’t know why I’m embarrassed by this, because programmes such as Channel 4’s Gogglebox prove that, for many of us, watching television is an interactive pastime. (Besides, how many armchair football fans shouted encouragement at their team during the World Cup this summer!)
The reality is, though, as well as annoying anyone watching with us, talking to the television is a waste of time. The people on the screen cannot hear us. It makes no difference. We might just as well talk to ourselves.
To some people, praying seems just as pointless. They think it is just talking out loud to nobody in particular and without any result – so why bother?
Christians believe that prayer connects a person with a loving God who hears their every word, reads their every thought and responds.
Christians know that God wants to hear people speak to him through prayer and that they can go to him about anything on their mind. Nothing is too small or too big.
In one passage in the Bible, God says: ‘I was ready to answer my people’s prayers, but they did not pray. I was ready for them to find me, but they did not even try. The nation did not pray to me, even though I was always ready to answer, “Here I am; I will help you”’ (Isaiah 65:1 Good News Bible).
We are not limited, however, to praying only for ourselves. We can also pray for other people and know that God can help them.
God always hears when we talk to him. In his way and in his time, he also answers.
UK & Ireland War Cry August 2014
I’m embarrassed to say it, but I’ve reached a stage in my life when I answer back to the television. I contradict interviewees when I disagree with their point of view and tell quiz show contestants they are daft because I can answer the question that they can’t.
I don’t know why I’m embarrassed by this, because programmes such as Channel 4’s Gogglebox prove that, for many of us, watching television is an interactive pastime. (Besides, how many armchair football fans shouted encouragement at their team during the World Cup this summer!)
The reality is, though, as well as annoying anyone watching with us, talking to the television is a waste of time. The people on the screen cannot hear us. It makes no difference. We might just as well talk to ourselves.
To some people, praying seems just as pointless. They think it is just talking out loud to nobody in particular and without any result – so why bother?
Christians believe that prayer connects a person with a loving God who hears their every word, reads their every thought and responds.
Christians know that God wants to hear people speak to him through prayer and that they can go to him about anything on their mind. Nothing is too small or too big.
In one passage in the Bible, God says: ‘I was ready to answer my people’s prayers, but they did not pray. I was ready for them to find me, but they did not even try. The nation did not pray to me, even though I was always ready to answer, “Here I am; I will help you”’ (Isaiah 65:1 Good News Bible).
We are not limited, however, to praying only for ourselves. We can also pray for other people and know that God can help them.
God always hears when we talk to him. In his way and in his time, he also answers.
UK & Ireland War Cry August 2014
Judges 6 --- The Midianites oppress Israel, and the Angel of the Lord speaks to Gideon
Read Judges 6
- V1-10, In reading this passage, what do you feel was the reason behind Israel’s difficulties?
- V8, What is the name of the prophet sent by the Lord? Is there anyone that God cannot use to deliver His message? How can we know whether a message is from God or not?
- V15, Do Gideon’s excuses sound familiar?
- V16, What can we learn from this reply?
- V36-40, What are the problems/dangers of using similar ‘fleeces’ to test God’s will today?
- V1-10, In reading this passage, what do you feel was the reason behind Israel’s difficulties?
- V8, What is the name of the prophet sent by the Lord? Is there anyone that God cannot use to deliver His message? How can we know whether a message is from God or not?
- V15, Do Gideon’s excuses sound familiar?
- V16, What can we learn from this reply?
- V36-40, What are the problems/dangers of using similar ‘fleeces’ to test God’s will today?
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Positive Programming
Most of us battle negative thinking at some point in our lives.
We put ourselves down for real or imagined faults and weaknesses, or we compare ourselves negatively to others. The use of positive statements that you can repeat to yourself is a proven technique for overcoming that negativity.
Our thoughts shape our attitude, our attitude shapes our actions, and our actions help to shape our future. A changed life begins with a change in thinking. The Bible instructs, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” You set that process in motion by filling your mind with godly, positive thoughts. “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things … and the God of peace will be with you.”
The key is believing that what you are affirming is possible, because once you believe that a certain thing is possible, it is. “If you can believe, all things are possible.” It takes practice to focus on the positive, but in time you will see results in a happier, more secure life.
The Bible is filled with positive affirmations. As we learn to apply those to ourselves and everyday situations, we begin to see ourselves and life more as God does, and that is reflected in our thoughts and behavior.
Here are a few examples to get you started. We are all different and have different needs, so choose the ones that seem to apply the most to you, or come up with some of your own.
• Whether or not I feel capable of this task, I am going to do my best and trust Jesus to do the rest. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
• I made a mistake today, but I’m determined to learn from it, get up, and try again. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (Psalm 37:23–24).
• Things may not be working out the way I had hoped—at least not yet—but I’m going to keep trusting that God has something good up His sleeve. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
• I may not be perfect, but I’m special to God because He gave me a unique mind, a unique personality, unique abilities, and a unique destiny. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works” (Psalm 139:14).
• Nothing can come between me and God’s love. “I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).
• I have nothing to fear because God is love and He is always with me. “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).
• God wants me to be happy and enjoy life. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
• Today I’m going to think more about others and less about myself, and I’m going to make someone else’s day better. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
• I am not going to give up! I refuse to call it quits! Jesus promised that His strength is there for me as long as I keep trying. “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
• I may not have as much materially as some people, but I have things that matter more—integrity and peace of mind. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
• God wants to guide me through today and help me make the very most of it. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).
• God will help me make the right decisions. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
These aren’t mere random, feel-good statements that don’t have any solid foundation. Each is based directly on one of God’s unfailing promises, and what He has promised, He will also perform. With God, there are no limits!
We put ourselves down for real or imagined faults and weaknesses, or we compare ourselves negatively to others. The use of positive statements that you can repeat to yourself is a proven technique for overcoming that negativity.
Our thoughts shape our attitude, our attitude shapes our actions, and our actions help to shape our future. A changed life begins with a change in thinking. The Bible instructs, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” You set that process in motion by filling your mind with godly, positive thoughts. “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things … and the God of peace will be with you.”
The key is believing that what you are affirming is possible, because once you believe that a certain thing is possible, it is. “If you can believe, all things are possible.” It takes practice to focus on the positive, but in time you will see results in a happier, more secure life.
The Bible is filled with positive affirmations. As we learn to apply those to ourselves and everyday situations, we begin to see ourselves and life more as God does, and that is reflected in our thoughts and behavior.
Here are a few examples to get you started. We are all different and have different needs, so choose the ones that seem to apply the most to you, or come up with some of your own.
• Whether or not I feel capable of this task, I am going to do my best and trust Jesus to do the rest. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
• I made a mistake today, but I’m determined to learn from it, get up, and try again. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (Psalm 37:23–24).
• Things may not be working out the way I had hoped—at least not yet—but I’m going to keep trusting that God has something good up His sleeve. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
• I may not be perfect, but I’m special to God because He gave me a unique mind, a unique personality, unique abilities, and a unique destiny. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works” (Psalm 139:14).
• Nothing can come between me and God’s love. “I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).
• I have nothing to fear because God is love and He is always with me. “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).
• God wants me to be happy and enjoy life. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
• Today I’m going to think more about others and less about myself, and I’m going to make someone else’s day better. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
• I am not going to give up! I refuse to call it quits! Jesus promised that His strength is there for me as long as I keep trying. “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
• I may not have as much materially as some people, but I have things that matter more—integrity and peace of mind. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
• God wants to guide me through today and help me make the very most of it. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).
• God will help me make the right decisions. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
These aren’t mere random, feel-good statements that don’t have any solid foundation. Each is based directly on one of God’s unfailing promises, and what He has promised, He will also perform. With God, there are no limits!
Joshua 6 --- The walls of Jericho fall down
Read Joshua 6
- V1-20, why do you think this plan was so elaborate? Could God have made the city walls collapse after just one day? Was this more about creating confusion and fear within the walls? Or was this another test of the Israelites trust and obedience to God?
- V23, do you think the seven days gave Rahab time to collect her family? How do you think she felt when she first heard the Israelites marching around the city?
- V1-20, why do you think this plan was so elaborate? Could God have made the city walls collapse after just one day? Was this more about creating confusion and fear within the walls? Or was this another test of the Israelites trust and obedience to God?
- V23, do you think the seven days gave Rahab time to collect her family? How do you think she felt when she first heard the Israelites marching around the city?
Monday, August 18, 2014
Beware of the Negabugger
Scientists have recently made a fascinating discovery about an unseen and little understood parasite, the negabugger—so called because of the negative effect it has on its human host’s mental and emotional well-being.
It is too small to be seen by the naked eye, yet the symptoms of infection are plainly evident. It lives by attaching itself to the soft membrane of the inner ear. Its tiny buzzing wings vibrate at a frequency undetectable by humans, but which interferes with brain waves and leaves the victim feeling confused and depressed.
These negative vibrations can be difficult to distinguish from one’s own thoughts, and the subject may easily be led to believe the buzz of negative self-talk. In more serious cases of infestation the negabugger can move into the brain of its host to lay its young, breeding thousands of little negabuggers that can quickly become airborne and infect others via negative words uttered by the host.
The negabugger is a serious pest, and treatment should be administered at the first sign of contagion. The negabugger must be dislodged and shaken out of the victim’s ear.
In standard cases, treatment can be self-administered by tilting the head in the direction of the negabugger and hopping vigorously while pounding the opposite side of the head. If it is unclear which ear the negabugger is residing in, apply this technique to both sides of the head to be safe. If more than one negabugger is present, it may be necessary to repeat the process.
In extreme or stubborn cases, the victim may need assistance. If a bop on the head with a pillow fails to dislodge the parasite, it may be necessary to shock it out of hiding. A splash of cold water is nearly always effective. To prevent re-infection, place the subject under headphones and play uplifting music and inspirational readings. Also practice positive self-talk exercises with the subject.
In a clinical study involving my children and young teenager, I have found the prescribed treatment to be quite effective in helping them pull out of bouts of self-pity and other negative emotions.
For example, one day I entered the kitchen to find my then 13-year-old sobbing over a sink of dirty dishes. I sympathized, saying, “I am so sorry you’re not happy. I want you to know how much I love you. In fact, I love you so much that I have to do this. …” Producing a pillow from behind my back, I went to work. My daughter laughed and begged for mercy. Post-treatment, the patient appeared to have made a miraculous recovery.
She returned to washing the dishes, but to my dismay she quickly relapsed. Time for step two. I went for the cold water. She saw it coming, but never thought I would really do it. After a brief chase around the house, I had her cornered and … splash! Even she thought that was funny. A few rounds of laughs, and the dishes were almost done.
As the mother of an emotional teen girl, I have spent many hours reasoning, cajoling, comforting, and praying in various attempts to pull her out of her hormonal bouts of gloom, but lately I have found the negabugger treatment to be even more effective and faster working.
Once the negabugger’s unsuspecting targets are made aware of the danger, they can learn to recognize and take steps to protect themselves from it by not entertaining negative or destructive self-talk. An ounce of awareness is worth a pound of cure. Beware of the negabugger!
—
Philippians 4:8 ESV – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Psalm 1:1 ESV - Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.
1 Peter 5:8 ESV - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
It is too small to be seen by the naked eye, yet the symptoms of infection are plainly evident. It lives by attaching itself to the soft membrane of the inner ear. Its tiny buzzing wings vibrate at a frequency undetectable by humans, but which interferes with brain waves and leaves the victim feeling confused and depressed.
These negative vibrations can be difficult to distinguish from one’s own thoughts, and the subject may easily be led to believe the buzz of negative self-talk. In more serious cases of infestation the negabugger can move into the brain of its host to lay its young, breeding thousands of little negabuggers that can quickly become airborne and infect others via negative words uttered by the host.
The negabugger is a serious pest, and treatment should be administered at the first sign of contagion. The negabugger must be dislodged and shaken out of the victim’s ear.
In standard cases, treatment can be self-administered by tilting the head in the direction of the negabugger and hopping vigorously while pounding the opposite side of the head. If it is unclear which ear the negabugger is residing in, apply this technique to both sides of the head to be safe. If more than one negabugger is present, it may be necessary to repeat the process.
In extreme or stubborn cases, the victim may need assistance. If a bop on the head with a pillow fails to dislodge the parasite, it may be necessary to shock it out of hiding. A splash of cold water is nearly always effective. To prevent re-infection, place the subject under headphones and play uplifting music and inspirational readings. Also practice positive self-talk exercises with the subject.
In a clinical study involving my children and young teenager, I have found the prescribed treatment to be quite effective in helping them pull out of bouts of self-pity and other negative emotions.
For example, one day I entered the kitchen to find my then 13-year-old sobbing over a sink of dirty dishes. I sympathized, saying, “I am so sorry you’re not happy. I want you to know how much I love you. In fact, I love you so much that I have to do this. …” Producing a pillow from behind my back, I went to work. My daughter laughed and begged for mercy. Post-treatment, the patient appeared to have made a miraculous recovery.
She returned to washing the dishes, but to my dismay she quickly relapsed. Time for step two. I went for the cold water. She saw it coming, but never thought I would really do it. After a brief chase around the house, I had her cornered and … splash! Even she thought that was funny. A few rounds of laughs, and the dishes were almost done.
As the mother of an emotional teen girl, I have spent many hours reasoning, cajoling, comforting, and praying in various attempts to pull her out of her hormonal bouts of gloom, but lately I have found the negabugger treatment to be even more effective and faster working.
Once the negabugger’s unsuspecting targets are made aware of the danger, they can learn to recognize and take steps to protect themselves from it by not entertaining negative or destructive self-talk. An ounce of awareness is worth a pound of cure. Beware of the negabugger!
—
Philippians 4:8 ESV – Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Psalm 1:1 ESV - Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.
1 Peter 5:8 ESV - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
The Israelites are circumcised, and observe the Passover, before Joshua meets the ‘commander of the army of the Lord’!
Read Joshua 5
- V2, can you remember why the Jews are circumcised? (see Genesis 17)
- V13-15, if you were to describe (or draw) this angel, the commander of the Lord’s army, would he look anything like the way angels are normally portrayed in contemporary media?
- How are angels usually described within the Bible?
- What reaction do angels tend to create within those who meet them?
- V2, can you remember why the Jews are circumcised? (see Genesis 17)
- V13-15, if you were to describe (or draw) this angel, the commander of the Lord’s army, would he look anything like the way angels are normally portrayed in contemporary media?
- How are angels usually described within the Bible?
- What reaction do angels tend to create within those who meet them?
BOUNDLESS, THE WHOLE WORLD PRAYING SMM TERRITORY
The General Andre Cox is requesting The Salvation Army worldwide to be at prayer for 24/7/365 prior to the International Congress which will be held in London next year from 1st - 5th July 2015, with this our Territory were given 7 days to commit ourselves in prayer starting Friday 22nd August 2014 to Thursday 28th August 2014, as a privillege to be part of this prayer chains, Penang Corps were given a slot 24 hours prayer chains to pray on Saturday 23rd August 2014 (from Friday Midnight to Saturday Midnight).
We managed to get the Corps family to signed up for this this morning and there are still 10 slots to be fill up (one hour only each slot), with this, we would like to extend this special privilege to be part of this prayer chains to you all to fill up (hourly time slot is first come first get basis).
Please fill free to contact Pastor/Lt. Andrew for more information. You may also reach us here.
Please click here for more information on what to pray for.
We managed to get the Corps family to signed up for this this morning and there are still 10 slots to be fill up (one hour only each slot), with this, we would like to extend this special privilege to be part of this prayer chains to you all to fill up (hourly time slot is first come first get basis).
Please fill free to contact Pastor/Lt. Andrew for more information. You may also reach us here.
Please click here for more information on what to pray for.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
The Aurora Phenomenon
The aurora borealis, also called the northern lights, is one of the most magical sights of the night sky. When I lived in Iceland, I saw it many times. One memory stands out.
It was February 2009, and I was about to leave Iceland to join another volunteer project in Ireland. I had spent most of the day trying to make arrangements to send my belongings ahead, and it hadn’t gone well. Each phone call to find out customs procedures had ended in frustration.
As the day went on, things seemed to go from bad to worse. Even a walk in the park had ended badly when I tripped and injured my knee. By the evening I was in tears and could hardly make sense of my thoughts. I knew I’d feel better if I could manage to look at things from the bright side, but I couldn’t find anything to be positive about. How could I be thankful when darkness was all around? How could I find something to be thankful for when everyone was telling me why the things I was trying to accomplish wouldn’t work out?
Just then the phone rang. It was a friend calling to tell me that she had heard there would be a magnificent aurora that night. Since I was leaving in a few days, it would probably be my last chance to see one for a while.
I grabbed my coat, called another friend, and off we drove to a spot outside of town, where the city lights wouldn’t diminish the effect. It was colder and windier out there, but the view would make up for that.
As we sat and watched vibrant pinks and greens and blues dance across the night sky, new thoughts came to me. These natural light displays are mostly seen near the poles, where it gets very cold and dark. Getting the best view usually involves some hardship or sacrifice.
In that remote spot, I was surrounded by darkness and cold, but the aurora was at its most brilliant. My overall situation hadn’t changed, but my heart danced to its gentle rhythm. In what seemed like the darkest hour, God had not only lit up my world and given me something to be thankful for, but He had reminded me once more that every dark night has a beautiful view if we will only look up.
—
John 1:5 ESV - The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 11:10 ESV - But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.
Luke 1:79 ESV – To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
It was February 2009, and I was about to leave Iceland to join another volunteer project in Ireland. I had spent most of the day trying to make arrangements to send my belongings ahead, and it hadn’t gone well. Each phone call to find out customs procedures had ended in frustration.
As the day went on, things seemed to go from bad to worse. Even a walk in the park had ended badly when I tripped and injured my knee. By the evening I was in tears and could hardly make sense of my thoughts. I knew I’d feel better if I could manage to look at things from the bright side, but I couldn’t find anything to be positive about. How could I be thankful when darkness was all around? How could I find something to be thankful for when everyone was telling me why the things I was trying to accomplish wouldn’t work out?
Just then the phone rang. It was a friend calling to tell me that she had heard there would be a magnificent aurora that night. Since I was leaving in a few days, it would probably be my last chance to see one for a while.
I grabbed my coat, called another friend, and off we drove to a spot outside of town, where the city lights wouldn’t diminish the effect. It was colder and windier out there, but the view would make up for that.
As we sat and watched vibrant pinks and greens and blues dance across the night sky, new thoughts came to me. These natural light displays are mostly seen near the poles, where it gets very cold and dark. Getting the best view usually involves some hardship or sacrifice.
In that remote spot, I was surrounded by darkness and cold, but the aurora was at its most brilliant. My overall situation hadn’t changed, but my heart danced to its gentle rhythm. In what seemed like the darkest hour, God had not only lit up my world and given me something to be thankful for, but He had reminded me once more that every dark night has a beautiful view if we will only look up.
—
John 1:5 ESV - The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 11:10 ESV - But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.
Luke 1:79 ESV – To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Praye Points
1. Please pray for Bro Lenny Yong, Fong Yen Wong and Ooi Ah Seong
2. Please pray for one another in your prayer - Spiritual Growth, Challenges in Life, School, etc, especially those that are not feeling well. Encouraging one another in Christ likeness.
3. Please pray for various ministry that going well bring forward fruitful result
4. Please pray for Penang Children's Home Open Day
• Pray for our Territorial leaders, Cols Lyndon & Bronywn, Lt Cols Paul & Evelyn, as they direct and lead God's Army in this Territory
• Stand in the gap for Majors Bo & Christina as they settle and begin their new appointment in Myanmar.
• Capt Ken and Neva will be pioneering work in Thailand. Ask God to strengthen them and seek Lord for His will for this startup.
• Pray for Major Irene and the Candidates Department as she prays for wisdom to assist Corps Officers in encouraging salvationists to respond to God's calls. Ask the Lord of Harvest to pour an anointing upon the Explore Weekend.
2. Please pray for one another in your prayer - Spiritual Growth, Challenges in Life, School, etc, especially those that are not feeling well. Encouraging one another in Christ likeness.
3. Please pray for various ministry that going well bring forward fruitful result
4. Please pray for Penang Children's Home Open Day
• Pray for our Territorial leaders, Cols Lyndon & Bronywn, Lt Cols Paul & Evelyn, as they direct and lead God's Army in this Territory
• Stand in the gap for Majors Bo & Christina as they settle and begin their new appointment in Myanmar.
• Capt Ken and Neva will be pioneering work in Thailand. Ask God to strengthen them and seek Lord for His will for this startup.
• Pray for Major Irene and the Candidates Department as she prays for wisdom to assist Corps Officers in encouraging salvationists to respond to God's calls. Ask the Lord of Harvest to pour an anointing upon the Explore Weekend.
Announcement
Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge within 7 months, reading just 5 chapters per week: Look out for it at the Church website.
Territorial Music and Arts School: Date: 15th - 20th September 2014, Age group: 13-30 yrs. Fees: RM100.00, Closing Date: 19th August 2014, Venue: Kin Tick Orchard Village Bukit Bentong
Music Class Date: 20th Aug 2014 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Worship Hall
BOUNDLESS, THE WHOLE WORLD PRAYING Date: 24th Aug 2014 Time: 5-6:00pm Venue: Your convenient location
24 hours praying Date: 23th Aug 2014 Time: 12 mid - 12 mid Venue: Community Hall
Penang Open Day Date: 18th Oct 2014 Time: 8am - 2pm Venue: Penang Children's Home. Help needed to sell coupons, please look for Lt. Fiona
Territorial Music and Arts School: Date: 15th - 20th September 2014, Age group: 13-30 yrs. Fees: RM100.00, Closing Date: 19th August 2014, Venue: Kin Tick Orchard Village Bukit Bentong
Music Class Date: 20th Aug 2014 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Worship Hall
BOUNDLESS, THE WHOLE WORLD PRAYING Date: 24th Aug 2014 Time: 5-6:00pm Venue: Your convenient location
24 hours praying Date: 23th Aug 2014 Time: 12 mid - 12 mid Venue: Community Hall
Penang Open Day Date: 18th Oct 2014 Time: 8am - 2pm Venue: Penang Children's Home. Help needed to sell coupons, please look for Lt. Fiona
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Outrun the Bandits
I grew up in the era of black-and-white television (1950s), when Westerns were the most popular action genre. There were no computer graphics or other hi-tech special effects in shows like The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, andWanted: Dead or Alive—and no cars for the now-obligatory car chase. Instead, the action often peaked when a stagecoach or train was attacked by bandits in black hats (to distinguish them from the white-hatted good guys). Horses pulling a heavy stagecoach didn’t stand a chance of outrunning bandits on horseback, but trains did. As the music reached a crescendo, the tension mounted and the scene alternated between the hero holding the bad guys at bay, the engineer gritting his teeth, and the fireman frantically shoveling coal into the furnace that powered the train’s steam engine. The more coal the fireman could pile on, the hotter the fire and the faster the train would go. As long as there was coal to feed the fire, there was hope.
Our spiritual well-being is a bit like that. When bad things happen, negative thoughts and emotions descend and threaten to undo us. Unless we can escape, they will rob us of the fighting spirit we need to make it through. On our own, we don’t stand any more chance against that negativity than a stagecoach had against outlaws. But faith in God is like a steam engine, far more powerful than mere willpower. We fuel the engine by affirming God’s power and goodness, by thanking Him for the help we know He will give, even before He steps in. The more we do that, the faster and farther we are distanced from the negative.
The next time bad circumstances befall you and negativity closes in, put your faith into action by focusing on God and His unfailing love and help. Stoke the engine. Outrun the bandits.
—
Ephesians 6:12 ESV - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV - For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
1 Peter 5:8 ESV - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Our spiritual well-being is a bit like that. When bad things happen, negative thoughts and emotions descend and threaten to undo us. Unless we can escape, they will rob us of the fighting spirit we need to make it through. On our own, we don’t stand any more chance against that negativity than a stagecoach had against outlaws. But faith in God is like a steam engine, far more powerful than mere willpower. We fuel the engine by affirming God’s power and goodness, by thanking Him for the help we know He will give, even before He steps in. The more we do that, the faster and farther we are distanced from the negative.
The next time bad circumstances befall you and negativity closes in, put your faith into action by focusing on God and His unfailing love and help. Stoke the engine. Outrun the bandits.
—
Ephesians 6:12 ESV - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV - For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
1 Peter 5:8 ESV - Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Friday, August 15, 2014
A Quiet Place
This exercise may seem more practical than spiritual, but it is a key to spiritual health and growth.
If there is a quiet, clutter-free space in your home to which you can retreat for moments of prayer or quiet reflection, or if you live in a moderate climate where you can sit outside in the quiet comfort of nature, you have a head start. The average home today is a hub of activity and noise, so finding a spot to spend a few peaceful minutes is a major challenge. Many people simply resign themselves to that situation, but it takes a toll on their spirit. In such an atmosphere it is easy to develop a dullness to the voice of God, because all that noise and confusion drowns Him out. But if you can escape to a quiet, peaceful setting on a regular basis and you use that time to connect with God, you will find your spiritual senses becoming sharper.
You may not be able to soundproof a room, but try at least to find a corner that you can designate your “quiet place,” where you can read, pray, and reflect with little or no disturbance. Make it comfortable, have good light for reading, and stock it with a Bible, other devotional materials, and a notebook and pen for writing down points that come to you in your times of prayer and meditation.
Find the best time in your daily routine to retreat to your quiet place, and make it a habit. Turn off your phone, and begin your quiet time by putting your problems and concerns in God’s capable, loving hands. Enter into God’s presence.
—
Exodus 14:14 ESV – The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
Psalm 4:4 ESV - Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Proverbs 29:11 ESV – A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back
If there is a quiet, clutter-free space in your home to which you can retreat for moments of prayer or quiet reflection, or if you live in a moderate climate where you can sit outside in the quiet comfort of nature, you have a head start. The average home today is a hub of activity and noise, so finding a spot to spend a few peaceful minutes is a major challenge. Many people simply resign themselves to that situation, but it takes a toll on their spirit. In such an atmosphere it is easy to develop a dullness to the voice of God, because all that noise and confusion drowns Him out. But if you can escape to a quiet, peaceful setting on a regular basis and you use that time to connect with God, you will find your spiritual senses becoming sharper.
You may not be able to soundproof a room, but try at least to find a corner that you can designate your “quiet place,” where you can read, pray, and reflect with little or no disturbance. Make it comfortable, have good light for reading, and stock it with a Bible, other devotional materials, and a notebook and pen for writing down points that come to you in your times of prayer and meditation.
Find the best time in your daily routine to retreat to your quiet place, and make it a habit. Turn off your phone, and begin your quiet time by putting your problems and concerns in God’s capable, loving hands. Enter into God’s presence.
—
Exodus 14:14 ESV – The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
Psalm 4:4 ESV - Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Proverbs 29:11 ESV – A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back
Joshua 4 --- Joshua leads the Israelites across a dry Jordan river
- V1&14, Try and imagine the scale of this event!
- V24, how might this event stir up a fear of the Lord within our lives today?
- V24, how might this event stir up a fear of the Lord within our lives today?
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Saved from God Knows What
“Grandma, why do you always pray before you drive?” The question came from my eight-year-old grandson. He and I had been vacationing at the beach with his uncle and cousins, and we were about to start the five-hour drive home in the rain. My two grandsons, who are about the same age and had become inseparable, were traveling with me.
“Driving is the scariest thing I do,” I told him. “I wouldn’t think of driving without praying. I might forget to pray before I cook a meal or write a letter or go for a walk, but I never forget to pray before I drive my car. I really depend on Jesus to protect me and my passengers. You just never know what might happen.”
Our trip was going well and we were making good time, despite the rain. Then, only two miles from home, someone pulled onto the highway immediately in front of us. The driver was going too fast on the rain-slicked roads and lost control of the car, which spun around twice. The scene seemed surreal, like something out of a movie, and I only had time to breathe a silent prayer, flip on my emergency flashers to warn the cars behind me, and brake as forcefully as I could without causing an accident myself. The spinning car came to a halt perpendicular to the traffic, half on the highway and half off. I was upon it in a second or two, and just managed to steer clear of it by inches.
“Boys, did you see that?” I asked when I could breathe again.
“Yes, Grandma,” one of the boys answered. “We could have had a really bad accident! But I know why we didn’t—because you prayed.”
I think Jesus sometimes lets us see the trouble He spares us from to remind us that He’s with us every moment, watching over and protecting us in answer to our prayers. And heaven only knows what troubles He saves us from that we don’t see, whether behind the wheel or all through life. What a wonderful companion, friend, and protector we have in Jesus!
—
2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV – But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
2 Samuel 22:3-4 ESV – My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalm 46:1 ESV – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
“Driving is the scariest thing I do,” I told him. “I wouldn’t think of driving without praying. I might forget to pray before I cook a meal or write a letter or go for a walk, but I never forget to pray before I drive my car. I really depend on Jesus to protect me and my passengers. You just never know what might happen.”
Our trip was going well and we were making good time, despite the rain. Then, only two miles from home, someone pulled onto the highway immediately in front of us. The driver was going too fast on the rain-slicked roads and lost control of the car, which spun around twice. The scene seemed surreal, like something out of a movie, and I only had time to breathe a silent prayer, flip on my emergency flashers to warn the cars behind me, and brake as forcefully as I could without causing an accident myself. The spinning car came to a halt perpendicular to the traffic, half on the highway and half off. I was upon it in a second or two, and just managed to steer clear of it by inches.
“Boys, did you see that?” I asked when I could breathe again.
“Yes, Grandma,” one of the boys answered. “We could have had a really bad accident! But I know why we didn’t—because you prayed.”
I think Jesus sometimes lets us see the trouble He spares us from to remind us that He’s with us every moment, watching over and protecting us in answer to our prayers. And heaven only knows what troubles He saves us from that we don’t see, whether behind the wheel or all through life. What a wonderful companion, friend, and protector we have in Jesus!
—
2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV – But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
2 Samuel 22:3-4 ESV – My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalm 46:1 ESV – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Hope In Their Hearts
It's kicking off north and south of the border. Referees around the country will be blowing their whistles to mark the start of the new football season. While the multimillionaire footballers of the Premier League still have another week before they tackle their new campaign, the teams of the English and Scottish Professional Football Leagues will be hoping for a winning start this weekend.
For them and their thousands of fans, the coming weeks will bring new hopes and dreams. Some will hope that the new season will make up for the disappointments of last year. Hibernian, Hearts, Fulham, Cardiff and Norwich all want to make an immediate return to their respective top flights after suffering the misery of relegation last season.
Supporters of other Football League clubs such as Derby, Leyton Orient and Southend will hope that they can go one better than before. They were some of the teams who reached the play-offs but lost out at the end-of-season knockout stage.
Such hopes will be all the stronger for the Football League’s two Albions. For the past two seasons, Brighton and Hove Albion and Burton Albion have reached their division’s play-offs but missed out on promotion both times. The new season gives them the chance to put the so-near-yet-so-far disappointment behind them and reach their goal of going up. A new fixture list, some new signings and fresh opposition mean it’s all to play for as everyone has the chance to try again.
When things in life don’t go according to our game plan, many of us would be glad of a replay - a second or third chance to get it right.
But sometimes when we mess up in the important areas, it’s hard to see how we could ever get another chance. Relationships break down, financial problems mount or our dreams for the future are shattered. We try to save the situation, but nothing works and we look set to pay the penalty for what we have done. When we face those times, life can seem hopeless, we fear for the future and we wonder how we can keep going.
But help is available. There is someone who wants to give each of us a second chance - and that is Jesus Christ. He is willing to help us start again and get our lives back to winning ways.
Before he became a Christian, Bible writer Paul made big mistakes that he later bitterly regretted. But Jesus offered him a second chance. Paul took it. He later wrote: ‘Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new’ (2 Corinthians 5:17 Contemporary English Version).
To belong to Christ we need to admit to him the things we have done that are wrong and ask him for forgiveness. Then he will show us how situations that appear hopeless now can be turned around. He can save us. With Jesus, we have it all to live for.
UK & War Cry 9 August 2014
For them and their thousands of fans, the coming weeks will bring new hopes and dreams. Some will hope that the new season will make up for the disappointments of last year. Hibernian, Hearts, Fulham, Cardiff and Norwich all want to make an immediate return to their respective top flights after suffering the misery of relegation last season.
Supporters of other Football League clubs such as Derby, Leyton Orient and Southend will hope that they can go one better than before. They were some of the teams who reached the play-offs but lost out at the end-of-season knockout stage.
Such hopes will be all the stronger for the Football League’s two Albions. For the past two seasons, Brighton and Hove Albion and Burton Albion have reached their division’s play-offs but missed out on promotion both times. The new season gives them the chance to put the so-near-yet-so-far disappointment behind them and reach their goal of going up. A new fixture list, some new signings and fresh opposition mean it’s all to play for as everyone has the chance to try again.
When things in life don’t go according to our game plan, many of us would be glad of a replay - a second or third chance to get it right.
But sometimes when we mess up in the important areas, it’s hard to see how we could ever get another chance. Relationships break down, financial problems mount or our dreams for the future are shattered. We try to save the situation, but nothing works and we look set to pay the penalty for what we have done. When we face those times, life can seem hopeless, we fear for the future and we wonder how we can keep going.
But help is available. There is someone who wants to give each of us a second chance - and that is Jesus Christ. He is willing to help us start again and get our lives back to winning ways.
Before he became a Christian, Bible writer Paul made big mistakes that he later bitterly regretted. But Jesus offered him a second chance. Paul took it. He later wrote: ‘Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new’ (2 Corinthians 5:17 Contemporary English Version).
To belong to Christ we need to admit to him the things we have done that are wrong and ask him for forgiveness. Then he will show us how situations that appear hopeless now can be turned around. He can save us. With Jesus, we have it all to live for.
UK & War Cry 9 August 2014
Joshua 3 --- Joshua leads the Israelites across a dry Jordan river
- V5, if your church leader said this to you, what would be your response?
- V8 & 15-17, what modern day examples can of think of (perhaps within your own life) where you had to step out in trust before God provided the way the forward?
- V8 & 15-17, what modern day examples can of think of (perhaps within your own life) where you had to step out in trust before God provided the way the forward?
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Addicted to Prayer
The 19th-century British preacher Charles Spurgeon said something that to me defines the role of a Christian in regard to prayer. “As artists give themselves to their models, and poets to their classical pursuits, so must we addict ourselves to prayer.”
I must admit, though, that at times I have had a hard time maintaining a strong prayer life. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to pray—to the contrary—I just had a hard time sticking to my good intentions. It seemed that whenever I’d try to pray, thoughts would flood my mind and I would quickly find myself embroiled in other things.
I finally decided that I had to get to the core of the matter. Why was I having such a hard time? Was it laziness, a lack of motivation, or difficulty concentrating? It finally dawned on me that it was because praying seems like inaction. I knew in theory that prayer was essential to a Christian life, but in practice, I just didn’t feel it. I’m an action-oriented person, and praying simply didn’t make me feel like I was doing anything substantial.
So I had to change my attitude and see things in a different light. For me, that meant that when I was praying for a sick child, I imagined that I was actually there, cooling that fevered brow. When I prayed for peace in Africa, I pictured myself in the midst of the fighting, begging for it to stop. Visualizing my prayers helped them to come alive. It helped me feel more involved, as if I was “doing” something.
I’ve also found it helpful to start a file where I keep track of the people and situations I pray for, arranged by topic. I regularly add prayer requests that I hear about, promises from the Bible that apply, updates, etc., and I keep track of which prayers have been answered.
—
Psalms 55:17 KJV – Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Psalms 118:5 KJV – I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place.
Isaiah 55:6 KJV – Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
I must admit, though, that at times I have had a hard time maintaining a strong prayer life. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to pray—to the contrary—I just had a hard time sticking to my good intentions. It seemed that whenever I’d try to pray, thoughts would flood my mind and I would quickly find myself embroiled in other things.
I finally decided that I had to get to the core of the matter. Why was I having such a hard time? Was it laziness, a lack of motivation, or difficulty concentrating? It finally dawned on me that it was because praying seems like inaction. I knew in theory that prayer was essential to a Christian life, but in practice, I just didn’t feel it. I’m an action-oriented person, and praying simply didn’t make me feel like I was doing anything substantial.
So I had to change my attitude and see things in a different light. For me, that meant that when I was praying for a sick child, I imagined that I was actually there, cooling that fevered brow. When I prayed for peace in Africa, I pictured myself in the midst of the fighting, begging for it to stop. Visualizing my prayers helped them to come alive. It helped me feel more involved, as if I was “doing” something.
I’ve also found it helpful to start a file where I keep track of the people and situations I pray for, arranged by topic. I regularly add prayer requests that I hear about, promises from the Bible that apply, updates, etc., and I keep track of which prayers have been answered.
—
Psalms 55:17 KJV – Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Psalms 118:5 KJV – I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place.
Isaiah 55:6 KJV – Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
We Need A Hero
Superhero movies are big business. When the X-Men film 'Days of Future Past' opened earlier this year, within the first week alone it took more than £200 million at box offices around the world. The X-Men are not the only superheroes enjoying big-screen success. According to film site Box Office Mojo, since 2000 there have been more than 60 films featuring heroes such as Wolverine, Rogue, Batman and Iron Man. Peter Parker recently returned to perform more heroics in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'.
It appears that cinemagoers can’t get enough of all-action adventure stories where, despite the many personal problems the screen hero goes through, by the closing credits he or she will have saved the day. The world does not end, evil does not triumph and those who are saved live happily ever after.
Sometimes, we may wish that a superhero would do the same in our lives. Such a wish might seem rather excessive. After all, there are not many times when we feel our lives are threatened or that evil forces want to rob us of our future.
Yet Christians believe that the future of every person is in the balance. They believe the world will end when Jesus returns from Heaven. At that point, everybody will discover what their eternal future holds. Because none of us can lead a perfect life and we all do things that are wrong, we deserve to spend eternity separated from our perfect Creator.
However, Christians also believe they have been saved from this fate because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus died and took the punishment for our sins so we can enjoy eternal life with God.
The Bible puts it like this: ‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its saviour’ (John 3:16, 17 Good News Bible).
Jesus will be our saviour if we ask him to forgive us for the wrong things we do. Then we can experience the eternal love of God that will save us from an eternity of misery, defeat and separation.
UK & Ireland War Cry 9 August 2014
It appears that cinemagoers can’t get enough of all-action adventure stories where, despite the many personal problems the screen hero goes through, by the closing credits he or she will have saved the day. The world does not end, evil does not triumph and those who are saved live happily ever after.
Sometimes, we may wish that a superhero would do the same in our lives. Such a wish might seem rather excessive. After all, there are not many times when we feel our lives are threatened or that evil forces want to rob us of our future.
Yet Christians believe that the future of every person is in the balance. They believe the world will end when Jesus returns from Heaven. At that point, everybody will discover what their eternal future holds. Because none of us can lead a perfect life and we all do things that are wrong, we deserve to spend eternity separated from our perfect Creator.
However, Christians also believe they have been saved from this fate because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus died and took the punishment for our sins so we can enjoy eternal life with God.
The Bible puts it like this: ‘God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its saviour’ (John 3:16, 17 Good News Bible).
Jesus will be our saviour if we ask him to forgive us for the wrong things we do. Then we can experience the eternal love of God that will save us from an eternity of misery, defeat and separation.
UK & Ireland War Cry 9 August 2014
Joshua 2 --- Joshua sends spies on a reconnaissance trip into Jericho
- V1, why do you think the two spies decided to stay at Rahab's house?
- V8-13, do these verses imply a healthy respect, fear, and recognition of God?
- V24, this must have been encouraging news for the Israelites, but was it necessary to send spies? Did it display a lack of trust in God? Or does trust in God and personal preparation go hand-in-hand?
- V8-13, do these verses imply a healthy respect, fear, and recognition of God?
- V24, this must have been encouraging news for the Israelites, but was it necessary to send spies? Did it display a lack of trust in God? Or does trust in God and personal preparation go hand-in-hand?
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Prayer Pointers
Variety is the spice of life. This certainly has proven true in my prayer life. Here are a few things that have worked for me at different times.
Prayer list. When I began taking a few minutes every day to pray for others, I simply prayed for whoever came to mind. I soon found, however, that there was almost no end to people and situations that needed divine intervention. To make the most of my prayer time, I needed to get organized, so I started keeping a written list. I don’t have time to pray for every item on my list every day, so I keep track by checking off each item as I pray for it. When I get to the bottom, I start over with another series of checkmarks. I also add new items as new needs arise, and mark items “Done!” when God answers.
Prayer promises. I printed “promise” verses from the Bible—“Ask and it will be given to you,” for example—on small cards. As I pray for each item on my list, I draw a card from the stack and apply that promise.
Meditative prayer. Nowhere am I more aware of God’s love and care than when I walk in nature. As I take in the sights and sounds of His creation, I ask Him to guide my thoughts to people and situations that need my prayers, and then ask Him to take care of them as only He can.
Teaming up. Sometimes I arrange with a friend to spend 10 or 15 minutes praying together. “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask,” Jesus promised, “it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”
Pillow prayer. When I can’t sleep, I focus my thoughts on others and their needs, and pray for God to provide. Or sometimes I count my blessings in the form of short, specific prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness. After a short while, I usually drift off to sleep.
Unloading. When I feel overwhelmed by problems or the task ahead, I sometimes unburden my mind and spirit by imagining each issue as a brick and handing it over to Jesus, in the form of a short prayer. Variety. When prayer gets ho-hum or routine, I ask Jesus for a new plan or way to pray.
—
Romans 8:26 KJV – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Matthew 21:22 KJV – And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Colossians 4:2 KJV – Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Prayer list. When I began taking a few minutes every day to pray for others, I simply prayed for whoever came to mind. I soon found, however, that there was almost no end to people and situations that needed divine intervention. To make the most of my prayer time, I needed to get organized, so I started keeping a written list. I don’t have time to pray for every item on my list every day, so I keep track by checking off each item as I pray for it. When I get to the bottom, I start over with another series of checkmarks. I also add new items as new needs arise, and mark items “Done!” when God answers.
Prayer promises. I printed “promise” verses from the Bible—“Ask and it will be given to you,” for example—on small cards. As I pray for each item on my list, I draw a card from the stack and apply that promise.
Meditative prayer. Nowhere am I more aware of God’s love and care than when I walk in nature. As I take in the sights and sounds of His creation, I ask Him to guide my thoughts to people and situations that need my prayers, and then ask Him to take care of them as only He can.
Teaming up. Sometimes I arrange with a friend to spend 10 or 15 minutes praying together. “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask,” Jesus promised, “it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”
Pillow prayer. When I can’t sleep, I focus my thoughts on others and their needs, and pray for God to provide. Or sometimes I count my blessings in the form of short, specific prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness. After a short while, I usually drift off to sleep.
Unloading. When I feel overwhelmed by problems or the task ahead, I sometimes unburden my mind and spirit by imagining each issue as a brick and handing it over to Jesus, in the form of a short prayer. Variety. When prayer gets ho-hum or routine, I ask Jesus for a new plan or way to pray.
—
Romans 8:26 KJV – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Matthew 21:22 KJV – And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Colossians 4:2 KJV – Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Joshua 1 --- Joshua is affirmed as Moses' successor and the leader of the Israelites
- V6, 7, &9, Is God telling Joshua to be strong and courageous as a comfort, a challenge, or a command?
- V7-8, what difference would it make to a family, community, or country if they abided by the principles given in these two verses? (Even if it didn’t require a belief in God.)
- V9, How courageous or fearful are we in doing what God asks us to do? E.g. witnessing, defending our beliefs when challenged, moving into new and unknown territory etc.. How can these verses help us to overcome any fears?
- V7-8, what difference would it make to a family, community, or country if they abided by the principles given in these two verses? (Even if it didn’t require a belief in God.)
- V9, How courageous or fearful are we in doing what God asks us to do? E.g. witnessing, defending our beliefs when challenged, moving into new and unknown territory etc.. How can these verses help us to overcome any fears?
Monday, August 11, 2014
Finding Time for Prayer
Question: I realize that prayer is important, and I want to use it to connect with God, but it never seems like I have the time. How can I fit it into an already busy day?
Answer: It takes time to communicate with anyone, including God. There’s no way around it. It’s a mistake, though, to think of time spent in prayer as time that could have been better used to get other things done, because if you take time to pray, you’ll be able to get a lot more done than you would otherwise. It’s an investment, but once you start reaping the benefits, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Here are a few tips to help get you started:
Make a conscious effort. Like forming any new habit, this will take consistent determination. In time, though, you’ll find that you’re remembering to pray more, and forgetting to less.
Make prayer a priority. You always have time for the things you consider most important.
Set aside specific times in your daily routine. If you wait till everything else is taken care of, it will never happen. If you find that one time of day doesn’t work well for you, try another. If you miss your appointed times one day, don’t give up! Try again the next day.
Set attainable goals. It’s not how long you pray that counts, but how earnest and sincere you are and how much you believe your prayers will be answered.
Take advantage of spare moments. You can pray during a coffee break, when stuck in traffic, while waiting for an appointment, while cooking, while taking a shower, while waiting for the baby to drift off to sleep, while walking the dog—almost any time, really.
Pray before starting each new task. “In all your ways acknowledge [God], and He shall direct your paths.” In many cases, a prayer of only a sentence or two is all it takes.
Pray at the first sign of trouble. Ask for clarity of thought, composure, strength, inspiration, or answers—whatever you need at the moment—and God will give it.
—
Matthew 6:33 ESV – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:6 ESV - But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
John 15:1-5 ESV - I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Answer: It takes time to communicate with anyone, including God. There’s no way around it. It’s a mistake, though, to think of time spent in prayer as time that could have been better used to get other things done, because if you take time to pray, you’ll be able to get a lot more done than you would otherwise. It’s an investment, but once you start reaping the benefits, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Here are a few tips to help get you started:
Make a conscious effort. Like forming any new habit, this will take consistent determination. In time, though, you’ll find that you’re remembering to pray more, and forgetting to less.
Make prayer a priority. You always have time for the things you consider most important.
Set aside specific times in your daily routine. If you wait till everything else is taken care of, it will never happen. If you find that one time of day doesn’t work well for you, try another. If you miss your appointed times one day, don’t give up! Try again the next day.
Set attainable goals. It’s not how long you pray that counts, but how earnest and sincere you are and how much you believe your prayers will be answered.
Take advantage of spare moments. You can pray during a coffee break, when stuck in traffic, while waiting for an appointment, while cooking, while taking a shower, while waiting for the baby to drift off to sleep, while walking the dog—almost any time, really.
Pray before starting each new task. “In all your ways acknowledge [God], and He shall direct your paths.” In many cases, a prayer of only a sentence or two is all it takes.
Pray at the first sign of trouble. Ask for clarity of thought, composure, strength, inspiration, or answers—whatever you need at the moment—and God will give it.
—
Matthew 6:33 ESV – But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:6 ESV - But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
John 15:1-5 ESV - I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Leviticus 23 --- The seven feasts of Israel
- V3, The command to keep a weekly Sabbath. Does this also imply that we are to work on the other days?
- Can you imagine the long-term impact on your life if we treated every day as a workday? How would it affect our society if there were no ‘rest’ days or time set aside for worship?
- V4-8, the feast of Passover and the feast of unleavened bread. They remind the Jews each year of their identity, history, and the provision of God, but some might suggest that the Passover itself (and the meal which remembers it) also foreshadowed the death of Jesus. What do you think? How significant was the timing of Jesus’ death? Why does the New Testament so often refer to Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God’?
- How might we see a similarity between the feast of unleavened bread, and our desire for holiness after we have been saved? (see also 1 Corinthians 5:6-8)
- V9-14, in what way might the feast of Firstfruits foreshadow the resurrection of Jesus? It was to occur the day after the first Sabbath following Passover – is this the day Jesus was resurrected? If Christ is the Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:23) then who is the ‘harvest’ foreshadowed within this feast day?
- V16, this is where we get the word ‘Pentecost from’.
- This feast commemorates the anniversary of the giving of the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai. In what way did the original Pentecost foreshadow the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples?
- V23-25, If the previous 4 feasts foreshadowed future events, what might the feast of trumpets foreshadow?
- Can you imagine the long-term impact on your life if we treated every day as a workday? How would it affect our society if there were no ‘rest’ days or time set aside for worship?
- V4-8, the feast of Passover and the feast of unleavened bread. They remind the Jews each year of their identity, history, and the provision of God, but some might suggest that the Passover itself (and the meal which remembers it) also foreshadowed the death of Jesus. What do you think? How significant was the timing of Jesus’ death? Why does the New Testament so often refer to Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God’?
- How might we see a similarity between the feast of unleavened bread, and our desire for holiness after we have been saved? (see also 1 Corinthians 5:6-8)
- V9-14, in what way might the feast of Firstfruits foreshadow the resurrection of Jesus? It was to occur the day after the first Sabbath following Passover – is this the day Jesus was resurrected? If Christ is the Firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:23) then who is the ‘harvest’ foreshadowed within this feast day?
- V16, this is where we get the word ‘Pentecost from’.
- This feast commemorates the anniversary of the giving of the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai. In what way did the original Pentecost foreshadow the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples?
- V23-25, If the previous 4 feasts foreshadowed future events, what might the feast of trumpets foreshadow?
Sunday, August 10, 2014
The Parcel
How many times have most parents wanted to buy a toy for their child “just because”? It wasn’t a special occasion or something the child needed or had even asked for—but the parent knew the child would enjoy it and wanted him or her to have it.
I faced such a situation with my 19-month-old son Logan recently. I’m not sure why I had set my heart on getting him a rocking horse. Maybe it was because his favorite video included a scene with children on rocking horses, or maybe it was because every time we went to a nearby toy store the salesperson would invite him to play on one of the display horses, and he never fussed when it was time to go. To tell you the truth, he didn’t seem as attached to that rocking horse as I was, but I couldn’t stop thinking how nice it would be for him to have it.
The problem was that it cost more than I could afford. I tried telling myself that children grow out of toys quickly and that Logan might not even play with it much, but the desire to get him one persisted.
One evening Logan and I were looking at pictures of toys, and there was a rocking horse. On impulse I suggested, “Let’s pray for Jesus to give you a horse like this one.” After a short but sincere prayer, I felt I had done what I could, and I soon forgot about the matter.
A few days later, we got a large parcel from some friends who had said they were going to send some clothes for the children. I had expected a small box, but what came was massive.
I opened the box and started to go through it. Imagine my surprise when I saw, buried under clothes and small toys, a wooden rocking horse that was the perfect size for Logan. I could hardly believe my eyes. Then I remembered our prayer a few days earlier. God had used this incident to inspire our faith.
Every time I see the horse I realize once more how much God loves us—enough to supply not only our needs, but also our wants.
—
Hebrews 13:5 ESV – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Philippians 4:19 ESV - And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23:1 ESV - A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
I faced such a situation with my 19-month-old son Logan recently. I’m not sure why I had set my heart on getting him a rocking horse. Maybe it was because his favorite video included a scene with children on rocking horses, or maybe it was because every time we went to a nearby toy store the salesperson would invite him to play on one of the display horses, and he never fussed when it was time to go. To tell you the truth, he didn’t seem as attached to that rocking horse as I was, but I couldn’t stop thinking how nice it would be for him to have it.
The problem was that it cost more than I could afford. I tried telling myself that children grow out of toys quickly and that Logan might not even play with it much, but the desire to get him one persisted.
One evening Logan and I were looking at pictures of toys, and there was a rocking horse. On impulse I suggested, “Let’s pray for Jesus to give you a horse like this one.” After a short but sincere prayer, I felt I had done what I could, and I soon forgot about the matter.
A few days later, we got a large parcel from some friends who had said they were going to send some clothes for the children. I had expected a small box, but what came was massive.
I opened the box and started to go through it. Imagine my surprise when I saw, buried under clothes and small toys, a wooden rocking horse that was the perfect size for Logan. I could hardly believe my eyes. Then I remembered our prayer a few days earlier. God had used this incident to inspire our faith.
Every time I see the horse I realize once more how much God loves us—enough to supply not only our needs, but also our wants.
—
Hebrews 13:5 ESV – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Philippians 4:19 ESV - And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 23:1 ESV - A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Prayer Points
1. Please pray for Bro Steven Foo, Casey Chan and Allison Foo
2. Please pray for one another in your prayer - Spiritual Growth, Challenges in Life, School, etc, especially those that are not feeling well. Encouraging one another in Christ likeness.
3. Please pray for various ministry that going well bring forward fruitful result
4. Please pray for up coming event - Explore Weekend at Johor. Pray for safe journey mercy and fruitful weekend.
5. Please pray for Penang Children's Home Open Day
• Pray for our Territorial leaders, Cols Lyndon & Bronywn, Lt Cols Paul & Evelyn, as they direct and lead God's Army in this Territory
• Stand in the gap for Majors Bo & Christina as they settle and begin their new appointment in Myanmar.
• Capt Ken and Neva will be pioneering work in Thailand. Ask God to strengthen them and seek Lord for His will for this startup.
• Pray for Major Irene and the Candidates Department as she prays for wisdom to assist Corps Officers in encouraging salvationists to respond to God's calls. Ask the Lord of Harvest to pour an anointing upon the Explore Weekend.
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
2. Please pray for one another in your prayer - Spiritual Growth, Challenges in Life, School, etc, especially those that are not feeling well. Encouraging one another in Christ likeness.
3. Please pray for various ministry that going well bring forward fruitful result
4. Please pray for up coming event - Explore Weekend at Johor. Pray for safe journey mercy and fruitful weekend.
5. Please pray for Penang Children's Home Open Day
• Pray for our Territorial leaders, Cols Lyndon & Bronywn, Lt Cols Paul & Evelyn, as they direct and lead God's Army in this Territory
• Stand in the gap for Majors Bo & Christina as they settle and begin their new appointment in Myanmar.
• Capt Ken and Neva will be pioneering work in Thailand. Ask God to strengthen them and seek Lord for His will for this startup.
• Pray for Major Irene and the Candidates Department as she prays for wisdom to assist Corps Officers in encouraging salvationists to respond to God's calls. Ask the Lord of Harvest to pour an anointing upon the Explore Weekend.
• Pray for all Salvation Army Churches in Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. Pray God for faithful Local Officers and pray for God to raise up more Salvationist who will commit to ministry.
WORLDWILE PRAYER MEETING
http://smm.salvationarmyspirituallife.org
Facebook: Spiritual LifeDevelopment.SMM
Announcement
Old Testament 150 Reading Challenge within 7 months, reading just 5 chapters per week: Look out for it at the Church website.
Territorial Music and Arts School: Date: 15th - 20th September 2014, Age group: 13-30 yrs. Fees: RM100.00, Closing Date: 19th August 2014, Venue: Kin Tick Orchard Village Bukit Bentong
Cell Group Date: 15th Aug 2014 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Program cancel due to Explore Weekend
Banana Leaf Ministry Date: 16th Aug 2014 Time: 11:00am Venue: Community Hall
Explorer Weekend Date: 15-17th Aug 2014 Time: 11:00am Venue: Johor: Please bring along your bible, swimming costumes. No need to bring uniform.
Penang Open Day Date: 18th Oct 2014 Time: 8am - 2pm Venue: Penang Children's Home. Help needed to sell coupons, please look for Lt. Fiona
Territorial Music and Arts School: Date: 15th - 20th September 2014, Age group: 13-30 yrs. Fees: RM100.00, Closing Date: 19th August 2014, Venue: Kin Tick Orchard Village Bukit Bentong
Cell Group Date: 15th Aug 2014 Time: 8:00pm Venue: Program cancel due to Explore Weekend
Banana Leaf Ministry Date: 16th Aug 2014 Time: 11:00am Venue: Community Hall
Explorer Weekend Date: 15-17th Aug 2014 Time: 11:00am Venue: Johor: Please bring along your bible, swimming costumes. No need to bring uniform.
Penang Open Day Date: 18th Oct 2014 Time: 8am - 2pm Venue: Penang Children's Home. Help needed to sell coupons, please look for Lt. Fiona
Saturday, August 9, 2014
How Prayer Benefits You
There are so many benefits to spending time with God that you really can’t afford not to. He can help you solve every problem, answer your every question, heal all your heartaches, comfort you when you’re sorrowful, give you joy, and bring you closer to heaven. The list is endless.
Prayer changes things. It’s one means by which God gives His children what they need or want, as long as it’s good for them and others. “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Time spent in quiet reflection builds inner strength that will carry you through life’s toughest times. “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.”
You will find rest and renewal when your spirit is sagging and your mind is troubled. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Once you have committed a matter to God in prayer, you can have the assurance that He will take care of it as He knows best. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.”
You will find comfort in times of sadness and grief, reassurance when you’re down, and courage to go on when you think you can’t. Jesus will help you see your troubles in proper perspective, as He sees them, and give you peace of mind. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.”
As you receive and apply the things the Lord shows you, you will become wiser. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Jesus will guide you through the maze of life. He will help you know what to do when you face problems and tough decisions. He has promised to instruct you, establish your thoughts, and guide your steps. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
He will inspire you with good ideas. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jesus will prevent some problems from happening by warning you in advance, and give you solutions to others. “Whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”
You can be healed physically. “The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”
You can be forgiven for wrongdoing. “I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
You will gain insight into the natural world as well as the spiritual realm. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”
Prayer draws on the power of God, so you will be able to accomplish more, and do so more easily. “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. … Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
You will have greater peace of mind. “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.”
You can claim God’s supply of your material needs. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
Jesus will open to you the treasures of His Word if you will pray, as King David did, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.”
You can get the Lord’s help even when you don’t know what to ask for. “We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us.”
—
John 15:7 ESV – If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Matthew 18:19-20 ESV - Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
Luke 18:1 ESV - And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
Prayer changes things. It’s one means by which God gives His children what they need or want, as long as it’s good for them and others. “Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Time spent in quiet reflection builds inner strength that will carry you through life’s toughest times. “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.”
You will find rest and renewal when your spirit is sagging and your mind is troubled. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Once you have committed a matter to God in prayer, you can have the assurance that He will take care of it as He knows best. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.”
You will find comfort in times of sadness and grief, reassurance when you’re down, and courage to go on when you think you can’t. Jesus will help you see your troubles in proper perspective, as He sees them, and give you peace of mind. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.”
As you receive and apply the things the Lord shows you, you will become wiser. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Jesus will guide you through the maze of life. He will help you know what to do when you face problems and tough decisions. He has promised to instruct you, establish your thoughts, and guide your steps. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
He will inspire you with good ideas. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jesus will prevent some problems from happening by warning you in advance, and give you solutions to others. “Whoever listens to Me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”
You can be healed physically. “The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”
You can be forgiven for wrongdoing. “I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
You will gain insight into the natural world as well as the spiritual realm. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.”
Prayer draws on the power of God, so you will be able to accomplish more, and do so more easily. “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. … Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
You will have greater peace of mind. “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.”
You can claim God’s supply of your material needs. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
Jesus will open to you the treasures of His Word if you will pray, as King David did, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.”
You can get the Lord’s help even when you don’t know what to ask for. “We do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us.”
—
John 15:7 ESV – If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Matthew 18:19-20 ESV - Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
Luke 18:1 ESV - And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Why Not?
For the New Year when I was six, what I wanted above all was to move to the mountains. Over the Christmas holidays my family had visited relatives who lived in a mountainous area, and it was the first time I’d experienced the magic of so much snow. I’d loved every moment of it.
I prayed earnestly for our family’s relocation, starting around Christmas and continuing well into January. At first I was confident that it would take place soon, but it finally became obvious that no move was imminent. I eventually got over the childish fixation, but the question lingered in my mind much longer: Why had God not answered my prayer?
I realize now that God does always answer our prayers, but not always right away or always in the way we want or expect Him to. Sometimes He says “yes,” sometimes He says “no,” and sometimes He says “wait.”
As children, we would see something we wanted in a store, or something that our schoolmates had, and we were convinced it could make us happy. Some of us still have this mentality and act as though God were a pharmacist filling prescriptions for us, or Santa Claus ticking items off our wish list. In fact, God doesn’t answer some prayers the way we want or expect Him to because He knows that what we’re praying for would not really be good for us or others.
When we don’t receive an immediate, favorable answer from God, instead of concluding that God hasn’t heard our prayer or that He has forsaken us, we should consider that maybe He wants to test our faith, to see if we will keep loving and trusting Him no matter what, which wouldn’t be evident if He gave us everything we wanted the moment we asked.
Other times, God may have answered our prayer, but we simply don’t like the way He did it. If we’ve already figured out exactly what we want and are just asking God to provide it for us, but our plan is not what He knows is best, then He is doing the wise and loving thing in withholding our request. We need to try to align our petitions with His much broader and better plans.
Oh, and in the years since I prayed that New Year prayer that didn’t seem to materialize, I’ve enjoyed many snowy winters in several countries and settings. God’s answer, it turned out, was “Yes, in My time.”
—
Ephesians 6:18 ESV – Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Colossians 4:2 ESV – Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Psalm 34:17 ESV – When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
I prayed earnestly for our family’s relocation, starting around Christmas and continuing well into January. At first I was confident that it would take place soon, but it finally became obvious that no move was imminent. I eventually got over the childish fixation, but the question lingered in my mind much longer: Why had God not answered my prayer?
I realize now that God does always answer our prayers, but not always right away or always in the way we want or expect Him to. Sometimes He says “yes,” sometimes He says “no,” and sometimes He says “wait.”
As children, we would see something we wanted in a store, or something that our schoolmates had, and we were convinced it could make us happy. Some of us still have this mentality and act as though God were a pharmacist filling prescriptions for us, or Santa Claus ticking items off our wish list. In fact, God doesn’t answer some prayers the way we want or expect Him to because He knows that what we’re praying for would not really be good for us or others.
When we don’t receive an immediate, favorable answer from God, instead of concluding that God hasn’t heard our prayer or that He has forsaken us, we should consider that maybe He wants to test our faith, to see if we will keep loving and trusting Him no matter what, which wouldn’t be evident if He gave us everything we wanted the moment we asked.
Other times, God may have answered our prayer, but we simply don’t like the way He did it. If we’ve already figured out exactly what we want and are just asking God to provide it for us, but our plan is not what He knows is best, then He is doing the wise and loving thing in withholding our request. We need to try to align our petitions with His much broader and better plans.
Oh, and in the years since I prayed that New Year prayer that didn’t seem to materialize, I’ve enjoyed many snowy winters in several countries and settings. God’s answer, it turned out, was “Yes, in My time.”
—
Ephesians 6:18 ESV – Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Colossians 4:2 ESV – Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Psalm 34:17 ESV – When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Know Your Routes
Celebrities. Their designer clothes, expensive cars and lavish lifestyles often have people asking: ‘Who do they think they are?’ Over the past ten years, 100 celebrities have gone on a quest to find out the answer in BBC One’s 'Who Do You Think You Are?' On Wednesday 6 August, the BBC celebrates a decade of the programme with a one-hour special that looks back at some standout moments.
In previous episodes, celebs such as Patsy Kensit, Bruce Forsyth, J. K. Rowling and Stephen Fry have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as they discovered the stories of their ancestral history. Some of the stars have discovered that they have royal blood. Others have been saddened to learn that their forebears were mistreated.
'Who Do They Think They Are?: 10 Years, 100 Shows' looks back at the episode when TV inquisitor Jeremy Paxman reluctantly delved into his family history. As he discovered the troubles that his great-grandparents faced, Jeremy’s tough exterior broke. ‘When you discover somebody’s life story and the adversity they faced,’ he says, ‘of course it has an effect on you and I was terribly moved, as was evident.’
Our own history affects who we are today. Good experiences can give us a positive outlook and provide us with confidence. Bad experiences can have the opposite effect and we unknowingly become cynical and unforgiving. Such negative traits can ruin our expectations of the present and tarnish our outlook of the future. But we don’t need to be weighed down by our past. Focused on dealing with his past, Bible writer Paul tried to ‘forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead … I run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above’ (Philippians 3:13, 14 Good News Bible).
When we put our faith in Jesus, he helps us deal with our past. He forgives our wrongdoing. He helps us forgive those who have hurt us. He also helps us to face the future with a sense of peace. Whatever happens, he will be with us. Is it time we got to know who Jesus is?
UK & Ireland War Cry 2 August 2014
In previous episodes, celebs such as Patsy Kensit, Bruce Forsyth, J. K. Rowling and Stephen Fry have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as they discovered the stories of their ancestral history. Some of the stars have discovered that they have royal blood. Others have been saddened to learn that their forebears were mistreated.
'Who Do They Think They Are?: 10 Years, 100 Shows' looks back at the episode when TV inquisitor Jeremy Paxman reluctantly delved into his family history. As he discovered the troubles that his great-grandparents faced, Jeremy’s tough exterior broke. ‘When you discover somebody’s life story and the adversity they faced,’ he says, ‘of course it has an effect on you and I was terribly moved, as was evident.’
Our own history affects who we are today. Good experiences can give us a positive outlook and provide us with confidence. Bad experiences can have the opposite effect and we unknowingly become cynical and unforgiving. Such negative traits can ruin our expectations of the present and tarnish our outlook of the future. But we don’t need to be weighed down by our past. Focused on dealing with his past, Bible writer Paul tried to ‘forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead … I run straight towards the goal in order to win the prize which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above’ (Philippians 3:13, 14 Good News Bible).
When we put our faith in Jesus, he helps us deal with our past. He forgives our wrongdoing. He helps us forgive those who have hurt us. He also helps us to face the future with a sense of peace. Whatever happens, he will be with us. Is it time we got to know who Jesus is?
UK & Ireland War Cry 2 August 2014
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