The Secret Place

Prayer is more than just going to God with your wish list and saying, “My name’s Madonna , so gimme, gimme, gimme!” It’s about having intimate fellowship with Jesus where He communicates the Father’s loving heart and divine purposes for our lives.

Bible say "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:6).
• God is calling us to seek his face in the secret place of prayer.
• He wants us to shut the door to all of the distractions in our lives.
• There is a magnet on the inside of us that is longing to connect with our Creator. When people turn to drugs, alcohol, or sexual relationships, they are trying to find satisfaction and fulfillment. However, this can only be found when we draw near to Jesus!
• The whole story of the Bible is God longing for a personal relationship with human beings. From the first words that God spoke to Adam and Eve in Genesis when they sinned, “Where are you?” to the words of Jesus to the church in Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” God wants our hearts!
• When we pray, we are spending time with our loving Heavenly Father.
• The more time we spend in the secret place, the more we learn to hear His voice.
• “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).

PROPHETIC WORD: “Awake” from my personal prayer time two weeks ago.
God is calling us to “Wake up O sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light!”
He’s calling us to return to our first love, to the secret place of prayer.

THE SECRET PLACE:
“A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1).
“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring.” (Isaiah 44:3).
• What is soaking? If we aren’t soaking in His love, we become cracked and dry.
• So soaking in the secret place means to come into your prayer closet with no agenda but let Jesus pour out His love on you.
• “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5).
• When we neglect our personal quiet time with Jesus, and don’t meditate on His love, that’s when we get disappointed and lose hope.
• SOAKING = also known as “Abiding in Jesus” – John 15. Abide in Him and bear much fruit!

I Respond to the call of Jesus to meet with him in the secret place of prayer!
Get alone in your prayer closets until your not alone anymore…

REFRESHING VISION FOR 2010

2TIM. 1:3-8

Paul had to write his second letter to renew Timothy’s vision for the church. It is good to have spiritual leader who is sensitive enough to feel the need to refresh our vision and help us realign our discourage heart.

if somewhere along the way, discouragement finds its way to darken your vision for whatever endeavor you are doing for God, for your family or for your country, so then this message is right also for you. You need to refresh your vision and rejuvenate your heart and mind.

I don’t know on what stage your situation might be today. I encourage you to refresh your original vision for God and for your family before it’s too late. Let us study the word of encouragement of Paul to Timothy to renew his vision for God.

God has a vision for the Church and it should be also our own dream for our personal lives as we grow closer in our relationship with God.

1. A VISION TO GIVE GLORY TO GOD IN WORSHIP
2Ti 1:3 I thank God Whom I worship with a pure conscience, [1] in the spirit of my fathers, when without ceasing I remember you night and day in my prayers, (AMP)

Worship is more than attending a mass or a worship service. Worship is a way of life. It is how you conduct yourselves and behave even in the secret of your own room as Paul said; I worship with a pure conscience.

Worship is the very reason why God created us with the capacity to choose between good and evil. God made us with free will so that we can choose to love or disobey Him. We are not a robot or a computer which will follow whatever program was installed to it. God will be more happy to receive our love and obedience if it is from our own decision to love and obey him and this is what we called worship.

First and foremost, God made us to worship Him. And we will only found the true value and worth of our existence if we fulfilled the very first reason why God created us. That is the very reason why many people in the world are lonely and unfulfilled in spite of their accomplishments, wealth and fame. It is because they failed to discover the meaning and purpose of their lives which is to give glory to God in worship.

David discovers the joy and satisfaction of spending time with God in worship. He develops the habit of playing instruments and singing to God even during his youth while he is alone watching his flocks as a shepherd in the desert of Bethlehem. All the time spent with God in worship and his close relationship with God prepare the heart of David for all the coming test and trials in his life before he receive the throne as king of Israel. And even after many ups and downs in the history of his faith in God, he always find himself returning and falling on the hands of God as He discover that the presence of God is the best hiding place and the safest refuge against the enemies. No wonder he was called the man after God’s own heart.

In our Text, Paul is exhorting Timothy that like David, we can always get the spiritual strength that we need through worship. There is river of God’s Spirit that will flow to refresh our weary and thirsty soul if we’ll just raise our hands and lift our hearts to God in worshiping Him. In worship, angels can bring the spiritual fire to enliven our dying passion, to recharge our drained hope, to energize our failing strength and enlighten our glooming vision so that we can continue our journey for God

*****We shall grow stronger through Worship.

2. A VISION TO GENUINELY CARE FOR BRETHREN IN FELLOWSHIP
2Ti 1:4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. (NIVUK)

We are living in a lonely world and everyone is looking for somebody who genuinely cares, a place where they can feel they are needed and their value mattered. Yes, the world need a church where its people are opening their hands to say what Paul said; “ I long to see you ” because your presence filled me with joy

There are five unspoken questions before anyone join a church
• Acceptance – Do I fit here?
• Friendship – Does anybody have interest to know me?
• Value – Am I needed?
• Benefit – What is the advantage of joining?
• Expectation – What is required of members?

No man is an island. We are born for the joy of our family. We are here in the church to care for our brother and sisters in Christ. As our body is composing of many members and every part is dependent on other parts, so we must be united in love in the family of God. There is power in unity. Divided we fall, together we stand.

******* We shall grow warmer through Fellowship

3. A VISION TO GROW SPIRITUALLY IN DISCIPLESHIP
2Ti 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.(NIVUK)

On the above text, Paul is fully convinced that the faith of Timothy’s parents has been successfully passed on to him, a member of third generation. This is indeed a wonderful example of discipleship.

From the very beginning, the plan of God is to make us in the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:… However, we all know that the original design has been marred by the fall of man. The sin entered the picture and disfigured the image.

In spite of our failure, God in His wisdom has a better plan. He sent His Son and redeems us, sent His Spirit to transform us until we become like clay in the hands of the potter. Yes He will break and mold us according to His will so that we became precious vessel in His sanctuary ready for noble purpose in our lives. God’s ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development. He wants you to grow up spiritually and become like Christ. If you failed to understand this truth, you will become discourage and looser due to some hardship and difficulties that may come into your life in order to change and correct your character.

2Co 3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Disciple – Someone who is trained to be like his master (Jesus)
Discipleship – A process of life’s training that a Christians undergo to build his character and faith so that he can be like Jesus

Php 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

*****Our Church shall grow Deeper through Discipleship

4. A VISION TO SERVE AND USE ALL GIFTS FOR THE MINISTRY
2Ti 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (NIVUK)
2Ti 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

When God gave gifts and talents, He distributed them distinctively and differently to everyone. My gifts and talents are different from yours. This is to let us know that we need each others. Our gifts were not given only for our own benefit but for the benefit of everyone. Gifts were also given to cultivate and develop. And we can only nurture them buy constant use of it for the benefit of everyone. For this same reason that Paul exhorted Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God”

God gave the gift of wisdom in management to Joseph. And because of that gift he was able to save Egypt and even his family from 7 years food crisis. God gave gift of interpretation of dreams to Daniel and because of that gift He was able to save the lives of his friends and even other people.

What is your gift today that can be useful for others? You may be a good gossiper, well; you can use it to spread the gospel of Christ to many people today instead of talking about the personal lives of other people. Just remember that our talents and gifts are always related to our personal calling from God and we are accountable to God to use them for His Glory.
****Our Church shall Grow Broader through Ministry

5. A VISION TO SAVE OTHER’S SOUL THROUGH EVANGELISM
2Ti 1:8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,

Jesus has already provided salvation for everyone who will believe in His name. However, the task of spreading the good news to all people about this glorious salvation lies on our shoulder. And God specially prepared a crown for a soul winner. Aside from that, there is undoubtedly feeling of joy and satisfactions whenever we convince someone to gave and surrender their lives to the Lord. Every time those spiritual children are born in heaven, there are celebrations among the angels and the soul winner become like a hero for them.

Every Christians have a mission. And it is the mission of Evangelism. The captain of our salvation commissioned us to go like a disciplined soldier of God. Go and save people today before they become next victim of hell! Go and preach the gospel to the dying world! Go and become the agent of change in our community! Go and never give up until our task is finish!

Mat 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mat 28:20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

THE REASONS FOR STORMS IN OUR LIVES

Proverbs 6:23, Romans 8:28-29

Trials, tragedies, and misfortunes will come to the righteous as well as the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45), the wise as well as the foolish (Matthew 7:24-27), the committed as well as the uncommitted (Luke 6:46-48). Therefore, we must learn how to rightly handle our storms.

Some common questions that we all ask are:
• What are the reasons for storms coming against us?
• Why does God allow trials, tragedies, and misfortunes to come our way?

In answering these questions for myself, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are three main reasons why God sends storms our way:

1 Storms Help To Expose The Heart
The first reason for storms is that storms help to bring to the surface the real person. Circumstances that are hard and difficult will bring out the best and worst in people. It is not when everything is going right, but, rather, when everything seems to go wrong that the real person on inside rises to the surface. Trials, tragedies, and misfortunes have a way of exposing the true heart of a person.

Proverbs 6:23, in the New King James Version, tell us, “Reproofs of instruction are the way of life”. The American Standard Version reads, “And reproofs for discipline are the way of life”. And the New International Version says, “ And the corrections of discipline leads to life”.

To reprove means, “to expose, to surface, to correct”. Yes, the LORD uses the circumstances in life to expose, to bring to the surface the things in our hearts, with the intent to correct us and to bring us back on track.

How do you respond when things go wrong? Do you establish a strong testimony for Christ or do you allow the enemy to steal your opportunity to glorify Christ in the midst of your storm?


2 Storms Help To Open The Heart

The second reason is that storms help to open the heart of man to God.
One of the key spiritual points we can learn from storms is that, it is in the midst of difficulties and hard times, that hearts become open to the LORD. (The reason for this is that people will quickly realize in the midst of a huge, gigantic storm, how small and powerless they really are!)

Have you ever been in a big storm where the winds and the rain were so intense it knocked out the power in your area and left everyone in the dark? When that happens we quickly realize how dependent we are on electricity and now, suddenly, in a quick moment, how little we are and how powerless we’ve become. The truth speaks on this wise, the bigger the storm the smaller and powerless we feel. Storms are good in that they help us to see who really holds the power and who really is in charge. Storms helps us to see how big and powerful God is, and how little and powerless we are. Most people think to high of themselves and to little of God.

Pharoah had this problem. He thought he had the power and he was the one in charge, that is, until God shook his kingdom up with the ten plagues. (Exodus 7-13)

Nebuchadnezzar, had the same problem. He thought he was so high and mighty... until God took away his reason and sanity. His personal life, his wealth as well as his health, was shaken for seven years. Nebuchadnezzer was able to regain himself, but only after he humbled himself before the God of heaven and repented of his sin of pride. (Daniel 4)

King Herod, also, had this problem of thinking to highly of himself and to lowly of God. (He was, simply stating, someone who is full of self!). He knew that Jesus was the greater king and that meant he needed to humble himself by getting off his throne and allowing Jesus to now rule in him. He knew what he needed to do, but sadly, he simply chose not to do it. (Matthew 2)

When we refuse to surrender to the LORD, we end up plagued, in darkness, unable to think straight, unable to rightly reason; and in a true sense we become men and women unfulfilled and most miserable.

Two great promises for every believer are found in Psalm 46:1-2, which tells us, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea:"

What great securing words of promise to us!
Take note to those verses again, "God being our refuge and strength..."
1) He promise to shelter and protect us!

"A very present help..."
2) He promises to be right there for us no matter what we may face.

Two great promises that couldn’t be said any better, Praise GOD!

3 Storms Help To Improve The Heart

The third reason is that storms help to improve our heart. They help us to grow. The apostle Paul specifically tells us in I Thessalonians 3:3, that our afflictions are God appointed. That means God specially designs our trials to the right specifications with the intent of reaching our hearts!

Like in life, God send us the right storm to fit our growth and development. Each storm fit to order and specifically designed by God to help grow.

How has your life been to this point in time?

- In your life’s journey so far, has there been any real hardships or difficulties?
(Yes, no, or maybe so?)

- Have you faced things that outwardly you considered as big, bad and ugly?
(Then you’ve been through a storm.)

- Have you experienced things that have come against you, against your marriage, against your children?
(That’s a storm also!)

- Have you faced difficulties in areas relating to your work or business?

– How about in the areas of your finances, friendships, or perhaps your health?
These things are what we call storms.

Are you seeing these difficulties and hardships from God’s perspective?

Is the LORD using this storm that you are in, to open your heart, surface your heart or to improve your heart in helping you to grow?

Romans 8:28-29 tells us, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
For whom He did foreknow, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."


CHALLENGE: -------

In your storm, what is surfacing in your heart?

Are we allowing your storm to open and improve your heart, to better you, to shape you and to make you to become more like Jesus?

Joy in the Journey - Being Positive In A Negative World

Philippians 2:14-2:16

Complaining kills joy. It makes you unhappy. It makes everyone around you unhappy too. How many of you like to be around complainers?

The problem is – that once we start to complain – it is hard to stop. Complaining can become a habit – and to tell you the truth – it is a bad habit. We can find something to complain about all the time. If it is raining – of course we can complain about that. But we could also rejoice that the ground is being refreshed and watered. If it is sunny we could complain about that saying, “Oh no – I will probably get sun-burned.”

We are somewhat conditioned by our society to complain. Look at the headlines in your newspapers and on television. I would say that most of what you see is bad news. We are bombarded continuously with what’s wrong with everything. By our own nature and by our conditioning we tend to develop the habit of complaining. But that is not how the Bible tells us to respond in a negative world. Look at Philippians chapter two with me:

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16 (NKJV)

The Bible tells us that Christians are to be different than the rest of the world. I like the way the Message Bible states these verses:

“Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.” Philippians 2:14-16 (MSG)

HOW TO CONQUER COMPLAINING

The Bible says "Do everything without complaining and arguing." How do you do that?

1. Admit There Is A PROBLEM

If you are a constant complainer – you have a problem. For one thing it is not how God wants you to approach the world. He wants you to - “Do all things without complaining and disputing.”

Proverbs chapter twenty-eight says:

“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 (NLT)

One of the most difficult parts of correcting a problem – is to admit that you have one. Take some time this week and listen to yourself. Ask yourself: How much time do I spend griping, complaining, arguing and saying – life is rotten. If you spend a major amount of your time verbalizing the negative – you have a problem. Admit it.

In the verse we just read from Proverbs twenty-eight it gives us two steps on the way to correct the problem. Go ahead and circle the words “confess” and “turn”. We need to confess when we are doing wrong and we also need to stop doing it. I know this is easier said than done – but the first step to solving a problem is to admit that you have one.

2. Change your SELF-TALK

I think that people talk to themselves most of the time. I know that I do. I don’t mean this in a negative way – but when I am trying to think things through – I use language. How else can I think? I do not think without the use of language. That is self-talk. What you are thinking in your mind – what you are saying to your self – what you are meditating on – that is your self-talk. Be very careful of your self-talk. We can easily slip into negative self-talk.

3. Speak POSITIVELY

Not only should you think positive thoughts – you should also speak positive words. Lift people up – don’t tear them down.

Complaining is a habit – it’s a bad habit. Habits are only broken by replacing them with something else. Take out the complaining and replace it with positive speaking. The Bible tells us in Ephesians:

“No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 (HCSB)

The Bible says we’re going to give an account of every careless word that we speak. Follow along with me as I read from Matthew chapter twelve:

“I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.” Matthew 12:36 (HCSB)

I personally believe that we will have to give account for every word we have spoken whether it was a careless word or not - whether it was intentional or non-intentional.

Paul is saying – don’t let any junk come out of your mouths but only that which helps people with their needs – that benefits them. We have all heard – “If you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all.” Even though it is not a Biblical saying – it is a wise saying to live by. Replace your criticisms and complaints with compliments. Be positive in your speaking.

4. Take Responsibility For Your Own LIFE

Many times complaining is just an attempt to blame other people for the problem. If I have brought the problem on myself – I need to take responsibility for it. I don’t need to complain or blame others for the problems that I got myself into. I’m the cause of it – I need to take responsibility for it. This practice goes back a long way. Do you remember the fall of Adam and Eve? After Adam ate the fruit – do you remember what he did? He blamed Eve for giving him the fruit. Then he blamed God for creating the woman. It is easy to blame others for our own mistakes. In Proverbs nineteen the Message Bible says:

“People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?” Proverbs 19:3 (MSG)


Adam blamed God for the mistake he made – we blame God for our mistakes sometimes too. All of our actions have consequences. If I drop the ball do I need to complain when it bounces back? You know the Bible says: “Whatever a man sows he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7b (HCSB)

When I bring problems into my life, I have no legitimate right to complain about it. You are free to do whatever you want in your life – sometimes we make wise choices – sometimes we make stupid choices – but whatever the choices we make – we need to take responsibility for them. The consequences will follow.

Accept responsibility for your own life and the choices that you make. The changes that are going to take place are because of the decisions you choose.

There are three kinds of people in life: accusers, excusers, and choosers.

Accusers are always going around saying "It’s your fault." When Adam sinned he blamed his wife and then blamed God. He was an accuser.

Excusers say "I’m a product of my environment. It’s not really my fault."

The people that are really successful in life are neither accusers nor excusers – they are choosers. They accept responsibility for their own decisions. When they reap what they sow they accept it and move ahead.

Point five:

5. Develop An Attitude Of GRATITUDE

The Bible tells us in First Thessalonians:
I
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Go ahead and circle the word “everything”.

God says "I want you to be thankful in everything – in all situations and in all circumstances – give thanks." Notice that the verse does not say "FOR” every situation or circumstance. You cannot always be thankful for your circumstances – but you can be thankful in the situation.

I know that God is working all things for my good. That is what Romans chapter eight tells me. Follow along as I read verse twenty eight:

“And 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 (NKJV)

God is big enough to take even the bad stuff in my life and work it for my good. God has a purpose for you and me – and He fits even the bad things in our lives into that purpose for our good. God’s purpose for my life is greater than my problems – so in everything I can give thanks.

I should develop the attitude of gratitude because I know that God is in control. He is more powerful than any problem – He is more faithful than any failure I can experience – He is truer than any trouble I can find myself in. My God is bigger than any problem. He is stronger than any situation. He is constantly working for my good in every circumstance that I will ever find myself in. This fact a tremendous antidote for complaining. Whenever we are complaining – we are usually getting our eyes off the powerfulness of our God and focusing on our problems. You can focus on either the negative or the positive – that choice is yours. Is the cup half empty or half full? It all depends on how you look at it.

Of course there are things in your life that are not perfect – they are not supposed to be. You are not living in Heaven yet. You are still on earth where things still break and fall apart. Things get dirty – they wear out – they get holes in them – they get stained – they get ruined and you have to deal with it. But God is more concerned with your holiness than He is with your happiness. He is more concerned with you character than He is with your comfort. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” God is in the process of changing your life. He wants you to be more like Jesus – develop an attitude of gratitude – for that is God’s will for your life.

Point six:

6. Look For God In Every SITUATION

If you are a Christian – God is always active in your life. He is there in each and every situation. You may not be aware of it – but He is there. The Bible says:

“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Philippians 1:6 (HCSB)

If you want to get victory over complaining, look for God’s hand in all of your situations and circumstances. If you are going through some rough times – be aware – God is there. Second Corinthians chapter four says:

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT)

Look for God in every situation. Paul is saying that problems will come into our lives – there is no doubt in this fact – but be aware – God is there – and He cares how you handle them. Your problem – no matter how big it seems – is temporary. It’s small – in light of how long you’re going to live in eternity. So look for God’s hand in the circumstances. Positive people realize that God is in control. God is fitting everything into a pattern and His purpose is greater than your problem.

The reason why over and over in the Bible we are told not to complain is this – complaining leaves God out of the situation. When I complain about my circumstances I’m really saying: "God isn’t big enough to take care of me." If you are a constant complainer – you need to take a good long look at your faith in God. He will never leave you. He will always take care of you.

What are the positive results of non-complaining life?

Let’s look at our focal verse again:

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16 (NKJV)

Do you remember how the Message Bible said it? Let’s read that again too:

“Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You’ll be living proof that I didn’t go to all this work for nothing.” Philippians 2:14-16 (MSG)

This means that when you don’t complain – you are changing the atmosphere of the world you live in. You are “a breath of fresh air.” You are different than most people. You carry a message of hope – you carry the “Good News” in a world that is filled with bad news. You carry a message of light in a dark world. Jesus said it this way:

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)

Our culture needs some good news. It needs someone to bring them a message of hope.

You can help change the world. Check your attitude. Be positive in a negative world.

HOW TO BE JOYFUL IN ANY SITUATION

1 Thessalonians 5:18-5:18

“How To Be Joyful In Any Situation”

“Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will (for you) in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (CSB)

Thoughts on Gratitude:
1. Gratitude is the attitude that keeps my life flying at a steady altitude regardless of the storm I’m in.
2. Being thankful is unnatural.
• It’s our nature to be ungrateful.
• It’s our culture to be ungrateful.
3. The power of thanking is that it keeps my heart giving.
• Giving is like your heart pumping. When you stop giving your “spiritual heart” stops pumping. You stop breathing. You die.
Because the moment you stop giving you start dying. When someone hurts us we shut down and stop loving. The moment you stop loving you start dying, because you’re not giving anymore. Loving is giving. Your “spiritual heart” isn’t pumping. Nothing’s getting to it.
4. Gratitude helps me learn to dance in the rain instead of run from the storm.
• In tough times we naturally shut down. When you’re in a storm you retreat inside, close the door and shut the windows. You do everything you can to close yourself off to the outside. But gratitude helps me learn to dance in the rain rather than run inside from the storm. Instead of close myself off I can learn to open myself up to new possibilities.
• Question: Is there a connection between childlikeness and gratitude? I’m thinking of Wesley and “puddles are for jumping” dad. If I am in a puddle I complain. If Wesley steps in a puddle he would dance.

3 Different Types of situations we face:
1. Toxic Situations: Conflict
2. Tragic Situations: Death, Great loss, suffering
3. Chronic Situations: Situation goes on and on, feels like it will never end

“3 THINGS I CAN BE THANKFUL FOR IN ANY SITUATION”
1. Rejoice that I am “in Christ”. – “…in Christ Jesus.”

• Thank God for the salvation I’m in not the situation I’m in.
• What does it mean to be “in Christ”? Paul uses this phrase throughout his writings in the New Testament.
• My Salvation is permanent. My situation is temporary.
• Even when you’re “in trouble” you’re “in Christ”. – Romans 8
• Even when you’re “In over your head” you’re “in Christ”. – Romans 8
• Even when you’re “in pain” you’re “in Christ”. – Romans 8
• Even when you’re “in despair” you’re “in Christ”. – Romans 8

2. Rejoice that I am “in God’s will”. – “…for this is God’s will for you…”

• The situation may not be God’s will but my reaction can be God’s will.
• Painful situations are inevitable, but a negative disposition is optional.
• God cares not only about WHAT you’re going through but HOW you’re going through it.
• Is the negative situation souring my disposition?

3. Rejoice that I am “in God’s thoughts and prayers”. – “…God’s will for you…”

• I am never off God’s mind. He is continually thinking about me and praying for me and working for, in and through me.
• Is there ever a moment when God is not thinking about me? If there is never a moment God is not thinking about me, then He is thinking about me all the time, in everything. If God is thinking about me in everything, then I don’t have to worry about anything.
• If God is thinking about me, how He will take care of me, how he will help me, how he will provide for me, how He will strengthen me, then that means I don’t need to.
• If God is thinking about me so much I don’t need to think about myself as much. I can leave that to God and trust Him instead of worry about myself in this situation.
• This is an issue of trust, of faith in God.

HOW TO BE JOYFUL IN ANY SITUATION

1 Thessalonians 5:18-5:18

“How To Be Joyful In Any Situation”

“Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will (for you) in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (CSB)

Thoughts on Gratitude:
1. Gratitude is the attitude that keeps my life flying at a steady altitude regardless of the storm I’m in.
2. Being thankful is unnatural.
• It’s our nature to be ungrateful.
• It’s our culture to be ungrateful.
3. The power of thanking is that it keeps my heart giving.
• Giving is like your heart pumping. When you stop giving your “spiritual heart” stops pumping. You stop breathing. You die.
Because the moment you stop giving you start dying. When someone hurts us we shut down and stop loving. The moment you stop loving you start dying, because you’re not giving anymore. Loving is giving. Your “spiritual heart” isn’t pumping. Nothing’s getting to it.
4. Gratitude helps me learn to dance in the rain instead of run from the storm.
• In tough times we naturally shut down. When you’re in a storm you retreat inside, close the door and shut the windows. You do everything you can to close yourself off to the outside. But gratitude helps me learn to dance in the rain rather than run inside from the storm. Instead of close myself off I can learn to open myself up to new possibilities.
• Question: Is there a connection between childlikeness and gratitude? I’m thinking of Wesley and “puddles are for jumping” dad. If I am in a puddle I complain. If Wesley steps in a puddle he would dance.

3 Different Types of situations we face:
1. Toxic Situations: Conflict
2. Tragic Situations: Death, Great loss, suffering
3. Chronic Situations: Situation goes on and on, feels like it will never end

“3 THINGS I CAN BE THANKFUL FOR IN ANY SITUATION”
1. Rejoice that I am “in Christ”. – “…in Christ Jesus.”

• Thank God for the salvation I’m in not the situation I’m in.
• What does it mean to be “in Christ”? Paul uses this phrase throughout his writings in the New Testament.
• My Salvation is permanent. My situation is temporary.
• Even when you’re “in trouble” you’re “in Christ”. – Romans 8
• Even when you’re “In over your head” you’re “in Christ”. – Romans 8
• Even when you’re “in pain” you’re “in Christ”. – Romans 8
• Even when you’re “in despair” you’re “in Christ”. – Romans 8

2. Rejoice that I am “in God’s will”. – “…for this is God’s will for you…”

• The situation may not be God’s will but my reaction can be God’s will.
• Painful situations are inevitable, but a negative disposition is optional.
• God cares not only about WHAT you’re going through but HOW you’re going through it.
• Is the negative situation souring my disposition?

3. Rejoice that I am “in God’s thoughts and prayers”. – “…God’s will for you…”

• I am never off God’s mind. He is continually thinking about me and praying for me and working for, in and through me.
• Is there ever a moment when God is not thinking about me? If there is never a moment God is not thinking about me, then He is thinking about me all the time, in everything. If God is thinking about me in everything, then I don’t have to worry about anything.
• If God is thinking about me, how He will take care of me, how he will help me, how he will provide for me, how He will strengthen me, then that means I don’t need to.
• If God is thinking about me so much I don’t need to think about myself as much. I can leave that to God and trust Him instead of worry about myself in this situation.
• This is an issue of trust, of faith in God.

How Are You Facing Life?Difficulties?

How Are You Facing Life?Difficulties?

Matthew 7:24-7:27

"Where a person is living, will determine when, and how long the hurricane season will be."

Let us first start off by defining what a spiritual storm really is.

What Is A Spiritual Storm?
Definition: A spiritual storm is a trial, tragedy, or misfortune.

Let me share with you some of my observations about storms:

1. Storms are happening everywhere all over the earth.
All of us experience storms in life. Someone somewhere is experiencing a storm of some sort even now!

2. Storms are a part of life.
No one is exempt from storms, (Even God-loving, God-fearing, God’s favorite Christians are not exempt!).

All of us will experience storms in life.
The Bible tells us that the same storm came to the righteous as well as the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45), the wise as well as the foolish (Matthew 7:24-27).

3. Storms can come and will come to us in all shapes and sizes.
The Book of James 1:2-4, tells us that trials and temptations come in diver shapes, color, and sizes (Pastor Sid’s paraphrase!).

4. Storms can either make us or break us, depending on how we respond.
Trials, tragedies, and misfortunes can either be a stepping stone or a stumbling block for us depending on our heart’s response.
1 Peter 2:5-10
Psalm 119:23-24

5. Storms expose areas of weakness or unpreparedness in our lives.
Trials, tragedies, and misfortunes expose our character to surface strength or weakness in our character.
It is not when everything is going well that our true character is revealed but it is when things go wrong.

6. Storms can bring good to us, if we have the right attitude and if we prepare ourselves rightly.

7. Disaster can be overcome, if we prepare.
Every person can escape the disastrous effects of a storm, if they properly prepare.

The way a storm develops is when contrary winds collide and escalate from what is know as a disturbance to a depression, to a bigger depression, then to a super depressions known as a super typhoon or hurricane!

Having stability and consistency in our prayer life, our reading and studying of God’s Word, our attendance in the House of God, our serving, our giving, our witnessing, our character, our family time, our life mission of serving the LORD, are so importance in minimizing the disastrous effects of a trial, tragedy or misfortune.
1 Corinthians 15:58

Growing In Our Walk And Building A Good Testimony Requires:
1) Having a consistent prayer time - Mark 1:35, Psalm 91:1
2) Being consistent in reading, studying and meditating in God’s Word - Isaiah 34:16, 2 Timothy 2:15, Psalm 1:1-3, Joshua 1:9
3) Being consistent in being in the House of God -Acts 2:42,
Hebrews 10:24-25
4) Being consistent in serving especially in the House of God -
Galatians 6:10
5) Being consistent in our giving - Malachi 3:8-12
6) Being consistent in our character (especially at home)-
Psalm 101:2
7) Being consistent in our family time - Joshua 24:15
8) Being consistent in our life mission - Joshua 24:15

The Challenge
Storms (trials, tragedies, and misfortunes) can be very devastating especially, if we do not heed the warnings to rightly spiritually prepare our hearts.

Again, as we stated, no one is exempt from trials, tragedies, and misfortunes in life. But we can minimize these storms from turning into disasters, if we develop stability and consistency in our walk with the LORD.

Are you hearing the call of the Spirit to prepare your life to live above the storms of life?

Are you growing and developing a stable consistent walk with the LORD?

I trust that you are.

Facing the Impossible

Ezekiel, Chapter 37 beginning with verse 1.

I know many of you are familiar with this passage. In it we find the prophet Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones.

1 The hand of the LORD came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.”
4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.”’”
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.
9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’”

Pray

Verse 1: The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones.

Verse 2: Then he caused me to pass by them all around, and behold there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry.

Verse 3: And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”


And here we find God asking Ezekiel – a prophet of God who had seen miracle after miracle occur – we find God asking him a question that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. – can these bones live?

Now there have been some mighty fine miracles I’ve read about in this book. Lazarus was dead 4 days and at the sound of Jesus’ voice, he rose from the dead.

Impossible? Not with God.

What about the children of Israel? They found themselves against the red sea. No hope in sight. The army of Egypt was upon them and they knew escape was impossible. Ha! Not with God. With a mighty wind – He parted the red sea and the children of Israel escaped.

Daniel faced a den of lions – and escaped with out a scratch.

Remember the fiery furnace? God’s Word tells us that their clothes didn’t even smell like smoke!

How about the time Joshua commanded the sun to stand still in the sky – and it did!

And what about the greatest miracle of all? What about our God who left His throne in heaven and came to earth as a man…who walked among us – and went to the cross. Taking upon Him our sins – dying for us…and rising again. Ahhh…many would say that was impossible – but it happened, didn’t it?

Time after time we read in this Bible about the impossible being made possible by God.

But what about this time? This time seemed the most impossible of all!

After all, these were old, dried out bones. And God said, “Son of man – can these bones live?”

What impossible situation are you facing today?

“Son of man – can these bones live?”

No money in the bank? “Son of man – can these bones live?”

No job? “Son of man – can these bones live?”

Incurable disease? “Son of man – can these bones live?”

Broken relationship? “Son of man – can these bones live?”

Loneliness, despair, depression? “Son of man – can these bones live?”

Unsaved loved one? “Son of man – can these bones live?”

Your own salvation? “Son of man – can these bones live?”

And Ezekiel answered him.

“O Lord God – you know.”

Looking out over the valley of death – when asked if the impossible was possible, Ezekiel simply answered, “O Lord God – you know.”

Do you know tonight that God knows tomorrow? Do you know today that God not only knows tomorrow, but He holds it in His hand – and He is in control of it?

“O Lord God – you know.”

God knows about that situation you’re facing. He knows about addictions…your broken heart…the fact you have no food in the house for your children.

He knows the about the nights you’ve been so lonely, so frightened, so sad…that you’ve cried yourself to sleep.

He knows your heart aches because your loved ones are gone and you’re left behind.

He knows about the struggles you face at work, at home, with your teenagers…

But not only that…for some of you…I want you to know that God knows about the secret sin you hide so well. The one you’re sure no one knows about. The one that has a hold on you so strongly that you don’t know a way out.

And He knows that others are sitting here tonight unsaved and headed for an eternity separated from Him.

“O Lord God. You know.”

Say it with me. O Lord God. You know.

Do you really know that tonight?

Verse 4: Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!

Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”


Verse 7 holds an important key for you and for me: So I prophesied as I was commanded.

What’s God telling you to do?

God told Ezekiel to prophesy to old dry bones telling them to live (in other words – God told Ezekiel to take a step of obedience in faith) – and he obeyed God.

Do you know that God expects obedience from you even if the situation seems hopeless?

That means you have to pay that tithe when you don’t know how you’re going make it till the end of the month.

You’ve got to love that abusive husband of yours even when you don’t feel like it.

You have to keep praying for that lost son or daughter, that sister or brother, or that parent of yours even when they reject you and what you have to say.

You have to admit your sin – and acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior of your life.

Why? Because God expects you to! And here’s something else you need to get a hold of tonight: He will not work outside your obedience.

Now, that’s important. So important I’ll save that one for another sermon. But I want to repeat it so you get it. God will not work outside your obedience.

Remember the fishermen in the book of Luke who fished all night long and caught nothing? Jesus said to Peter “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Peter answered and said to Him “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing…NEVERTHELESS… by Your word I will let down the net.”

What happened when they dropped the net? They caught so many fish their net broke! They filled two boats so full of fish, both boats started to sink!

Peter knew the situation was impossible. After all these were professional fishermen. They knew what they were doing.

But Jesus said. “Do it” and they obeyed.

What is God telling you to do that you aren’t doing?

If you are in a place of disobedience , God cannot help you out of your situation. Church hear me now: You have to obey God and when you do…ahh…that’s when the impossible becomes possible.

We find in verse 8 that indeed the bones were restored – but the word tells us there was no breath in them.

Now, I find that interesting. God asked Ezekiel in the beginning of the chapter if the bones could live. God obviously wants them to. Ezekiel did as God asked. And something happened, didn’t it?

Verse 8: I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

No breath in them? just on verse 8. You see verse 8 is for those of you sitting out there that have no power! You come to church, make a good appearance, but you’re empty. Oh, sure there’s meat on your bones and clothes on your back. But you’re not filled with breath. There’s no life in you. The Spirit of God isn’t in control of your life. That’s not what God wants for you! He wants more! So much more – but you have to be willing to surrender…oh what victory lies ahead for the saint of God who is willing to die to self and surrender all to Jesus!!


We know that God told Ezekiel to prophesy – and we know that Ezekiel obeyed God. So…is God unable to make the bones live? To be full of life – and full of breath?

Or is there something else God wants us to see tonight?

Read on…Verse 9: And God said to Ezekiel: Prophesy to the breath, prophesy son of man and say to the breath “Thus says the Lord God – Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”

And so I prophesied as He commanded me.

Ah – verse 7 and verse 9 say the same thing – Ezekiel did what God told him to do – twice!!

Did you get that? Ezekiel had to obey God twice before the bones came to life.

Making the impossible possible may take more than one step of obedience.

How many times have you thrown your hands up in defeat – when you should have trusted? How many times have you given up when you should have persevered?

I want you to know that it’s not too late. God is still in the miracle business – and today He wants to take that impossible situation in your life and turn it into a possibility.

But you have to be willing to surrender to God. You see Ezekiel could have looked out at that valley of dry bones and walked away. After all – the situation WAS impossible, at least from his view.

But we can’t operate in faith if we look at situations from our human perspective. I wonder what we could do if we’d ask God to show us the situations we face from His point of view?

Ezekiel could have walked away when the bones didn’t fully come to life. But he didn’t. You see, Ezekiel realized that someone greater was in control. Remember well his words in verse 3: “Oh Lord God, you know.”

I want us to look at the reason Ezekiel knew. The key lies in the very first verse: The hand of the Lord came upon me. You see, Ezekiel knew because the hand of the Lord was upon him.

Ah…the hand of the Lord. What does that exactly represent? Many may think that is where the power is. Others may see it as a place of protection. I think it represents both. I see it much as AW Tozer did – a dwelling place. You see, Ezekiel KNEW because he KNEW God. And, the only way to know God is to surrender your life to Him and abide in His presence. Then, the Hand of God is with you at all times – no matter your need.

Ezekiel’s vision of the Valley of the dry bones shows us his ability to see as God sees. Without the Hand of God in our lives, all we can see is dry bones…unsaved loved ones…broken relationships…empty wallets…and impossibilities.

But from God’s point of view – we see something else. We see the very breath of God breathing life back into the dry bones. We see life. We find hope. We see the impossible become possible.

Do you need that miracle? Are you facing the impossible? Is the mountain just too high? Then it is the time to to take step to surrender it to Jesus.

Is your financial situation impossible? It just seems that no matter what, you can’t ever seem to make ends meet? surrender it to Jesus.

Is there a loved one in your family that is lost in sin? surrender it to Jesus.

Is there a situation with your job that is hopeless unless God intervenes? Come to & surrender to Jesus.

Are you ready to surrender your life to Christ? The Bible tells us that now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

You see, Jesus is waiting for your step of obedience. And He promises you will not walk away disappointed.

In fact, I want to share with you His very words from the last verse of Ezekiel: You shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it.”

Let God take the impossibilities in your life and show you that He is capable of doing far more than you can ever ask or imagine.

COMFORT

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4

When we go through periods of difficulty, we need to see the hand of God at work in our lives. What God allows is for our good and his glory. God is glorified through our difficulties when we share with others the comfort we have received from Him during those times of difficulty. People need to now that no matter what happens in their lives, they are not alone, not without resources and more importantly not comfortless. God's comfort is not an end in itself nor is it limited to any specific circumstance. We are to be channels of blessing to others in their times of difficulty. We are selflessly to share what we have received from God.

Note the limitlessness of these words of instruction. First, there is no restriction as to whom we are to be channels of blessing. Second, there is no restriction as to the circumstances of a person's circumstance ["in any tribulation"] in which we are called to enter as comforters. Finally there isn't any limit on the ability comfort for it is not from man but from God through us. God is the God of "all" comfort, not some or most comfort.

God comforts us in our times of comfort so that when we reach out to others it isn't theory learned from a book but reality experienced while we lived in the trenches. "God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters."

Take a few minutes and write down they ways God has comforted you in your times of difficulty and then find someone you can be a comfort to in their time of difficulty. This not for an overt aggressive, preachy approach to someone in need. It's a matter of making oneself quietly available to others in their time of need. You too can glorify God by the way you use the comfort God has given to you.


This blog was to share my life in Christ. To help me stay focused on all things above and to help and encourage others along in their journey. May you be blessed as you follow Him and my prayer is that you may glorify God by the way you use the comfort God has given to you. God Bless.

摩西----因着信过红海

（出14：1-3）

摩西的一生走在信心的道路中，确实遭遇再大的艰难与难处，他总是能凭信心，靠上帝来度过每一个难关。其实摩西常常所遭遇的，不只是困难，而是完全的绝境，是人无法克服的。
上帝而来的信心，是他看见人所不能看见，听见人所不能听见的。他以信心向以色列人发命令：“不要惧怕！只管站住。看耶和华今天向你们所要施行的救恩，因为你们今天所看见的埃及人，必永远看不见了。耶和华必为你们争战，你们只管静默不要作声。（出14：13）特别注意，当摩西如此宣告时，他并不知道上帝如何行，他也不知道他的下一步是什么，他所作的是信心，因为他相信上帝是信实的，是全能的，是他所能依靠的。


果然，接下来上帝的话就临到摩西说：”你举手向海伸杖把水分开，以色列人要下海中走干地。我要使埃及人的心刚硬，，他们就跟着下去，我要在法老和他全军车辆马兵上得荣耀。我在法老和他的车辆马兵上的荣耀的时候，埃及人就知道我是耶和华了。（出4：16-18）试想，当时你若是摩西，你敢在全以色列人面前，向海伸杖吗？万一红海没有分开怎么办？？可能我们会有许多考虑和犹疑。然而摩西的信心是超越的，他立刻采取了信心的行动，来证实他信心的宣告。此举带来了史无前例的大神迹，震惊了在场的每一个人，也让世世代代的信徒见识到，信心所能带出的能力是无限量的。

朋友， 上帝的恩典不能使我们逃避风浪，却能使我们经过风浪。 上帝的恩典不能抱我们逢危险，却能保我们稳到彼岸。