This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' 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 6:9-15
Philip Yancey
When I feel wronged, I can contrive a hundred reasons against forgiveness. "He needs to learn a lesson." "I'll let her stew for a while; it'll do her good." "It's not up to me to make the first move." When I finally soften to the point of granting forgiveness, it seems a leap from hard logic to mushy sentiment. One factor that motivates me to forgive is that as a Christian I am commanded to, as the child of a Father who forgives. Jesus said, "If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses"
But beyond that, I can identify three pragmatic reasons. First, forgiveness halts the cycle of blame and pain, breaking the chain of ungrace. Without it we remain bound to the people we can't forgive, held in their vise grip. Second, forgiveness loosens the stranglehold of guilt in the perpetrator. It allows the possibility of transformation in the guilty party, even if a just punishment is still required. And third, forgiveness creates a remarkable linkage, placing the forgiver on the same side as the party who did the wrong. We are not as different from the wrongdoer as we would like to think, for we too must ask our heavenly Father, "Forgive us our debts".
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Chip Off The Ol' Block
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be names among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Ephesians 5:1-5
Joe Stowell
I'll never forget the time I was asked to bring my family to a banquet where I was to be the speaker. After dinner, my son Matt came up to me and asked to sit on my lap. "Sure," I said and picked him up. Over the course of his young life, Matt had watched me strike up conversations with lots of strangers. As an unrepentant people-person, in restaurants I would often look at the server's name tag and start my order with, "Hey, Barbara, how are you today?" To which my kids would inevitably say, "Dad, you embarrass us!" But now, sitting on my lap, Matt turned to the "big-shot" organizer of the banquet next to me, read his name tag, and stuck out his little hand saying, "Hey, John, how are you?" A proud moment for me! He was acting just like his dad - a chip off the ol' block! This is exactly what Paul had in mind when he exhorted us to "beimitators of God". But life has a way of making us anything but like God. We are often uncaring, short-tempered, grumpy, and unforgiving - flat out too much like ourselves and not enough like Him! Remember, we are saved to bear the Family resemblance, to become increasingly more like Jesus and less like ourselves.
Ephesians 5:1-5
Joe Stowell
I'll never forget the time I was asked to bring my family to a banquet where I was to be the speaker. After dinner, my son Matt came up to me and asked to sit on my lap. "Sure," I said and picked him up. Over the course of his young life, Matt had watched me strike up conversations with lots of strangers. As an unrepentant people-person, in restaurants I would often look at the server's name tag and start my order with, "Hey, Barbara, how are you today?" To which my kids would inevitably say, "Dad, you embarrass us!" But now, sitting on my lap, Matt turned to the "big-shot" organizer of the banquet next to me, read his name tag, and stuck out his little hand saying, "Hey, John, how are you?" A proud moment for me! He was acting just like his dad - a chip off the ol' block! This is exactly what Paul had in mind when he exhorted us to "beimitators of God". But life has a way of making us anything but like God. We are often uncaring, short-tempered, grumpy, and unforgiving - flat out too much like ourselves and not enough like Him! Remember, we are saved to bear the Family resemblance, to become increasingly more like Jesus and less like ourselves.
Gathering Sticks
Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was clled Malta. And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddently fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. And it happended that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. They also honoured us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
Acts 28:1-10
Dave Egner
Perhaps you've been set aside for a while due to difficult circumstances. Maybe you've reached the time in your life when vigorous activity is no longer possible. Don't despair. Remember Paul's example, and do what you can do - even if it's simply "gathering sticks"!
Acts 28:1-10
Dave Egner
Perhaps you've been set aside for a while due to difficult circumstances. Maybe you've reached the time in your life when vigorous activity is no longer possible. Don't despair. Remember Paul's example, and do what you can do - even if it's simply "gathering sticks"!
This Is It!
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus ed and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:13:17
1 Thessalonians 4:13:17
A Place To Stand
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as though fire.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Dave Branon
While taking a break during a ministry trip, we were snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea. The boat that had taken us to the deep water for better sites had gone back to shore, and I began to feel panicky about being in the open water. Finding it hard to control my breathing, I asked my son-in-law Todd and a friend, Dave Velzen, for help. They held my arms while I searched for an outcropping of coral close enough to the surface for me to stand on. Once I had a place to stand, even though surrounded by deep waters, I was okay. Are you feeling a bit panicky about events in your life? Maybe it seems as if you are surrounded by the open waters of relationship problems, or money woes, or simply an inability to put your life in order. Perhaps you feel as if you are drowning in a sea of trials and trouble. May I suggest two things? First, find a fellow Christian or two who can come beside you and hold up up, pray for you, talk with you, and remind you that you are not alone. Then rest your feet on the only solid foundation in life: Jesus Christ. Life's troubles are too tough to take on alone. Get some help and find in Jesus a place to stand.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
Dave Branon
While taking a break during a ministry trip, we were snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea. The boat that had taken us to the deep water for better sites had gone back to shore, and I began to feel panicky about being in the open water. Finding it hard to control my breathing, I asked my son-in-law Todd and a friend, Dave Velzen, for help. They held my arms while I searched for an outcropping of coral close enough to the surface for me to stand on. Once I had a place to stand, even though surrounded by deep waters, I was okay. Are you feeling a bit panicky about events in your life? Maybe it seems as if you are surrounded by the open waters of relationship problems, or money woes, or simply an inability to put your life in order. Perhaps you feel as if you are drowning in a sea of trials and trouble. May I suggest two things? First, find a fellow Christian or two who can come beside you and hold up up, pray for you, talk with you, and remind you that you are not alone. Then rest your feet on the only solid foundation in life: Jesus Christ. Life's troubles are too tough to take on alone. Get some help and find in Jesus a place to stand.
Spiritual Therapy
O LORD God of my salvation,
I have cried day and night before thee:
Let my prayer come before thee:
incline thine ear unto my cry;
For my soul is full of troubles:
and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
I am counted with them that go down into the pit:
I am as a man that hath no strength:
Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave,
whom thou rememberest no more:
and they are cut off from thy hand.
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
Thy wrath lieth hard upon me,
and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.
Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me;
thou hast made me an abomination unto them:
I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction:
LORD, I have called daily upon thee,
I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead?
shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave?
or thy faithfulness in destruction?
Shall thy wonders be known in the dark?
and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
But unto thee have I cried, O LORD;
and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.
LORD, why castest thou off my soul?
why hidest thou thy face from me?
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up:
while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
Thy fierce wrath goeth over me;
thy terrors have cut me off.
They came round about me daily like water;
they compassed me about together.
Lover and friend hast thou put far from me,
and mine acquaintance into darkness.
Psalm 88
I have cried day and night before thee:
Let my prayer come before thee:
incline thine ear unto my cry;
For my soul is full of troubles:
and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
I am counted with them that go down into the pit:
I am as a man that hath no strength:
Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave,
whom thou rememberest no more:
and they are cut off from thy hand.
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
Thy wrath lieth hard upon me,
and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.
Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me;
thou hast made me an abomination unto them:
I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction:
LORD, I have called daily upon thee,
I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead?
shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave?
or thy faithfulness in destruction?
Shall thy wonders be known in the dark?
and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
But unto thee have I cried, O LORD;
and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.
LORD, why castest thou off my soul?
why hidest thou thy face from me?
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up:
while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
Thy fierce wrath goeth over me;
thy terrors have cut me off.
They came round about me daily like water;
they compassed me about together.
Lover and friend hast thou put far from me,
and mine acquaintance into darkness.
Psalm 88
A Thorough Cleansing
Apostasy has always been preceded by a careless and compromising lifestyle of Christians. Many are oblivious to their backslidden condition just because they are attending church faithfully. However, the first love is gone; yet they are still active in church activities but are spiritually barren and fruitless.
Like a parched, empty ground, that needs to be ploughed so that the hardened earth is broken and receptive, our hearts need to be broken in deep repentance before God. Then, and only then will a revival spring forth.
Psalm 105:3,5
Psalm 34:10
Proverbs 28:5
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Hosea 10:12
Amos 5:4
Hebrews 11:6
------------------------------
# Deceptive steps a destructor (devil) take to break a relationship
1) Disarm all reservations & cautions
2) Present themselves as the benefactors
3) Instill distrust by lying
------------------------------
Examples of saints who sought the Lord
1) King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:3,4)
2) Job (Job 5:8,9)
3) Daniel (Daniel 9:3)
4) King David (Psalm 27:4,5 / Psalm 63:1)
------------------------------
1) Trust & Allegiance
2) Indifference & Neglect (1 John 1:8,9)
3) Distrust & Disloyalty (Romans 7:19,24 / Hebrews 4:14-16)
------------------------------
~ Happiness is only real & rich when share
~ We must have a relationship of agreement & understanding
~ It pays to live a simple, structured life
~ Confess, ask God for grace & strength
Like a parched, empty ground, that needs to be ploughed so that the hardened earth is broken and receptive, our hearts need to be broken in deep repentance before God. Then, and only then will a revival spring forth.
Psalm 105:3,5
Psalm 34:10
Proverbs 28:5
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Hosea 10:12
Amos 5:4
Hebrews 11:6
------------------------------
# Deceptive steps a destructor (devil) take to break a relationship
1) Disarm all reservations & cautions
2) Present themselves as the benefactors
3) Instill distrust by lying
------------------------------
Examples of saints who sought the Lord
1) King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:3,4)
2) Job (Job 5:8,9)
3) Daniel (Daniel 9:3)
4) King David (Psalm 27:4,5 / Psalm 63:1)
------------------------------
1) Trust & Allegiance
2) Indifference & Neglect (1 John 1:8,9)
3) Distrust & Disloyalty (Romans 7:19,24 / Hebrews 4:14-16)
------------------------------
~ Happiness is only real & rich when share
~ We must have a relationship of agreement & understanding
~ It pays to live a simple, structured life
~ Confess, ask God for grace & strength
The Miracle Nation
As we celebrate our nation's 43rd Anniversary of Independence, it is appropriate to reflect on our historical past, our blessed present and the uncertain future of the world. What are the precious lessons we have learnt to get us this far? What are the timeless principles we must hold dear to guide us into the future?
By God's grace, our nation is doing so well that oftentimes we tend to forget that we are still small and vulnerable. This message outlines where we came from and where we should be in the near future.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
------------------------------
# 10 Timeless Principles of government leadership
- Major on building an effective government that delivers on her promise
- Began with what precious we had & work on it
- Progress & work for the common group regardless of race or religion
- We strive for consistency & continuation
- Mindful that we have a narrow margin for errors
- We have the political will to implement tough but necessary decision
- Never allow corruption to be a way of life
- Given a stake in the country
- A political culture where only credible leaders will survive
- Never forget that we are still small & vulnerable
------------------------------
# 2 Yardsticks to measure the qualities of the government
1) Freedom to believe God
2) The security to live a quiet & peaceful life
------------------------------
# 2 Internal Perils
1) Tendeness of young ignoring painful lessons we have learnt & adopting permissive way of life from the west
2) The seduction of the liberal brand of politics, advocating hyper-freedom & hyper-welfare
The Singapore Song - By Rony Tan
By God's grace, our nation is doing so well that oftentimes we tend to forget that we are still small and vulnerable. This message outlines where we came from and where we should be in the near future.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
------------------------------
# 10 Timeless Principles of government leadership
- Major on building an effective government that delivers on her promise
- Began with what precious we had & work on it
- Progress & work for the common group regardless of race or religion
- We strive for consistency & continuation
- Mindful that we have a narrow margin for errors
- We have the political will to implement tough but necessary decision
- Never allow corruption to be a way of life
- Given a stake in the country
- A political culture where only credible leaders will survive
- Never forget that we are still small & vulnerable
------------------------------
# 2 Yardsticks to measure the qualities of the government
1) Freedom to believe God
2) The security to live a quiet & peaceful life
------------------------------
# 2 Internal Perils
1) Tendeness of young ignoring painful lessons we have learnt & adopting permissive way of life from the west
2) The seduction of the liberal brand of politics, advocating hyper-freedom & hyper-welfare
The Singapore Song - By Rony Tan
Who Is God? (Part 1)
The reason why some people are atheistic is because they ask the wrong questions about God. Their usual questions are :
Why does God allow so much suffering in the world?
Why doesn't God get rid of all the evil people right away?
Why are there so many religions?
These questions often get us nowhere. Perhaps we should be asking fundamental questions such as :
Who is God?
How do I know that He is my Creator?
What did He really do for me?
How do I know Him?
These basic questions with no pre-conceived antagonism against God will open our eyes to the truth.
John 1:1-14
------------------------------
# 4-Fold purpose of your life
1) To have an intimate relationship with the Lord (Revelation 3:20)
2) To be like Him in character (John 14:20)
3) To be like Him in conduct (Acts 17:28)
4) To love others like Him (John 13:34)
Why does God allow so much suffering in the world?
Why doesn't God get rid of all the evil people right away?
Why are there so many religions?
These questions often get us nowhere. Perhaps we should be asking fundamental questions such as :
Who is God?
How do I know that He is my Creator?
What did He really do for me?
How do I know Him?
These basic questions with no pre-conceived antagonism against God will open our eyes to the truth.
John 1:1-14
------------------------------
# 4-Fold purpose of your life
1) To have an intimate relationship with the Lord (Revelation 3:20)
2) To be like Him in character (John 14:20)
3) To be like Him in conduct (Acts 17:28)
4) To love others like Him (John 13:34)
Life And Wisdom
Man is created for eternity. While the body which houses the soul and spirit is restricted by time, the soul and spirit live on forever. This message will help you to align your life's perspective. It will also help you to prepare to spend your eternity with your Creator. Moses the author exhorts us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:1-12
------------------------------
(1) We belong to God exclusively (Psalm 90:1-2)
- God never take leave
- From everlasting to everlasting in whatever situation we are in, God is there
(2) Returning home is normal (Psalm 90:3)
- Our breath belongs to God (Genesis 3:19)
- If you say there is no God, try breathing in when you die
- We breathe out at deathbed to return it to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
(3) Life on earth is a short visit (Psalm 90:4-6)
- When I'm left with 1 week what will I do?
- We you realise life is short, there are many things you realise you do not need to hold so dearly
(4) Our lives are transparent before God (Psalm 90:7-9)
- Our lives must have wisdom
- God expose our secret sins from men
(5) The contents of life are troubles & sorrow (Psalm 90:10 / John 10:10 / 3 John 2)
(6) Acknowledging God (Psalm 90:11)
- Deal with my sins
- God's anger is not trivial
(7) Use wisdom to measure our lifespan (Psalm 90:12 / Luke 12:16-20)
- Remember wood, hay & stumble
Psalm 90:1-12
------------------------------
(1) We belong to God exclusively (Psalm 90:1-2)
- God never take leave
- From everlasting to everlasting in whatever situation we are in, God is there
(2) Returning home is normal (Psalm 90:3)
- Our breath belongs to God (Genesis 3:19)
- If you say there is no God, try breathing in when you die
- We breathe out at deathbed to return it to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
(3) Life on earth is a short visit (Psalm 90:4-6)
- When I'm left with 1 week what will I do?
- We you realise life is short, there are many things you realise you do not need to hold so dearly
(4) Our lives are transparent before God (Psalm 90:7-9)
- Our lives must have wisdom
- God expose our secret sins from men
(5) The contents of life are troubles & sorrow (Psalm 90:10 / John 10:10 / 3 John 2)
(6) Acknowledging God (Psalm 90:11)
- Deal with my sins
- God's anger is not trivial
(7) Use wisdom to measure our lifespan (Psalm 90:12 / Luke 12:16-20)
- Remember wood, hay & stumble
Speak To The Mountains (Part 2)
Hebrews 11:3
------------------------------
# What are the things which God use to create what we are seeing
(1) God's Spirit (Genesis 1:1-2)
(2) God's Spoken Word (Genesis 1:3)
(3) God's Faith (Hebrews 11:1)
- God kind of faith is to SPEAK out
- Faith brings the intangible into reality
- Faith will come authomatically when you soak yourself in the word of God daily & regularly
- People with faith will always live with the hope of end result
- We don't have to be confined & defined in our current situation
- When we believe in God, we will succeed at a time it matters the most
------------------------------
# 2 seeming discrepancies of the bible (Mark 11:12-14 / Mark 11:20-24 / Matthew 21:18-22)
(1) The words of Jesus to the fig tree
(2) The signs of the withered tree
- These are not discrepancies at all because what matters most is the end result is the same
- It was due to writing of the different reporters
- Just like when Jesus walk with the twelve, there will be some walking front, some behind, some by His side.
------------------------------
# What are the things which God use to create what we are seeing
(1) God's Spirit (Genesis 1:1-2)
(2) God's Spoken Word (Genesis 1:3)
(3) God's Faith (Hebrews 11:1)
- God kind of faith is to SPEAK out
- Faith brings the intangible into reality
- Faith will come authomatically when you soak yourself in the word of God daily & regularly
- People with faith will always live with the hope of end result
- We don't have to be confined & defined in our current situation
- When we believe in God, we will succeed at a time it matters the most
------------------------------
# 2 seeming discrepancies of the bible (Mark 11:12-14 / Mark 11:20-24 / Matthew 21:18-22)
(1) The words of Jesus to the fig tree
(2) The signs of the withered tree
- These are not discrepancies at all because what matters most is the end result is the same
- It was due to writing of the different reporters
- Just like when Jesus walk with the twelve, there will be some walking front, some behind, some by His side.
The Proper Perspective Of Rapture (Part 1)
Genesis 19:22a
Jeremiah 22:17
2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8
Titus 2:13
Revelation 4:1
Revelation 11:12
Revelation 1
Revelation 2:22
------------------------------
# Escotology
- A systematic study of end time
# 3 kinds of positions believers take but whichever believe you adopt, our salvation is not changed
(1) Pre Tribulation position
- A believe that believers will be taken up the air with Jesus and then we will return again
(2) Mid Tribulation position
- A believe that Jesus will come back 3 1/2 years after the Great Tribulation
(3) Post Tribulation position
- A believe that believers will go through the entire 7 years of Great Tribulation (Judgement)
# 12 Reasons why I believe in Pre Tribulation
(1) It fits well into the chronology of the book of Revelation
- It speaks of 7 churches which fits into the "Church Age"
(Revelation 4:1 John)
(Revelation 11:12 The two witnesses)
(2) It is confirmed by other scriptures (Titus 2:13 / 2 Thessalonians 2:1,8)
(3) It harmonizes with Revelation 5 (Revelation 1)
(4) It is supported by Revelation 2:22
(5) There is no mention of the church on earth during the Great Tribulation
(6) It's in keeping with the loving character of God (Genesis 19:22a)
- The righteous will not suffer with the unrighteous
Jeremiah 22:17
2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8
Titus 2:13
Revelation 4:1
Revelation 11:12
Revelation 1
Revelation 2:22
------------------------------
# Escotology
- A systematic study of end time
# 3 kinds of positions believers take but whichever believe you adopt, our salvation is not changed
(1) Pre Tribulation position
- A believe that believers will be taken up the air with Jesus and then we will return again
(2) Mid Tribulation position
- A believe that Jesus will come back 3 1/2 years after the Great Tribulation
(3) Post Tribulation position
- A believe that believers will go through the entire 7 years of Great Tribulation (Judgement)
# 12 Reasons why I believe in Pre Tribulation
(1) It fits well into the chronology of the book of Revelation
- It speaks of 7 churches which fits into the "Church Age"
(Revelation 4:1 John)
(Revelation 11:12 The two witnesses)
(2) It is confirmed by other scriptures (Titus 2:13 / 2 Thessalonians 2:1,8)
(3) It harmonizes with Revelation 5 (Revelation 1)
(4) It is supported by Revelation 2:22
(5) There is no mention of the church on earth during the Great Tribulation
(6) It's in keeping with the loving character of God (Genesis 19:22a)
- The righteous will not suffer with the unrighteous
Perspective
Isaiah 40:12-13
Isaiah 40:25-31
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31
Question : When is a bird bigger than a mountain?
Answer : When the bird is closer than the mountain.
In reality, the bird is not bigger than the mountain, but it sure looks that way when the feathery fellow is perched on my window ledge and the mountain is far away in the distance.
Sometimes we perceive God this way in relationship to ou problems. The troubles facing us seem huge because they are so close - like a big black bird with beady eyes and a sharp beak waiting for a smaller animal's weariness to turn into helplessness so it can devour it. At such times, God seems as far away as a distant mountain, and we perceive Him as being small and unreachable.
The prophet Isaiah changes our perspective by asking these rhetorical questions as quoted in Isaiah 40:12 and verse 29.
Just as a bird is never bigger than a mountain, no problem is ever bigger than God. It's all a matter of changing our perspective - by Julie Ackerman Link
Isaiah 40:25-31
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31
Question : When is a bird bigger than a mountain?
Answer : When the bird is closer than the mountain.
In reality, the bird is not bigger than the mountain, but it sure looks that way when the feathery fellow is perched on my window ledge and the mountain is far away in the distance.
Sometimes we perceive God this way in relationship to ou problems. The troubles facing us seem huge because they are so close - like a big black bird with beady eyes and a sharp beak waiting for a smaller animal's weariness to turn into helplessness so it can devour it. At such times, God seems as far away as a distant mountain, and we perceive Him as being small and unreachable.
The prophet Isaiah changes our perspective by asking these rhetorical questions as quoted in Isaiah 40:12 and verse 29.
Just as a bird is never bigger than a mountain, no problem is ever bigger than God. It's all a matter of changing our perspective - by Julie Ackerman Link
Healing Emotional Wounds
Isaiah 53:4-5
Matthew 6:12-15
Matthew 11:28-29
Luke 4:18
John 5:1-9
John 10:10
Romans 1:21
Colossians 3:15
James 5:16
3 John 2
-------------------------------
# 8 Keys to healing your emotional wounds
(1) You must desire healing for your emotional wounds (John 5:1-9)
(2) Realise that God desires to heal your emotions (3 John 2)
(3) Recognise that God has made provisions for your emotional wounds (Isaiah 53:4-5)
(4) Thank God daily for your emotional wounds (Colossians 3:15)
- Blessed be the name of the Lord (Romans 1:21)
(5) Learn to resist the enemy's attack (John 10:10)
- The root of evil intentions, strife, quarrels, all negative thoughts are from satan
- Remember the serpent from the Garden of Eden?
(6) Focus & work on practical solutions (Matthew 11:28-29)
- Don't let your past replay
(7) Forgive your way to victory (Matthew 6:12-15)
- People do not want to forgive because they want to see justice, revenge, hurt, punishment on that person
- However, while waiting your negative emotional wounds builds up and increases more & more
Matthew 6:12-15
Matthew 11:28-29
Luke 4:18
John 5:1-9
John 10:10
Romans 1:21
Colossians 3:15
James 5:16
3 John 2
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# 8 Keys to healing your emotional wounds
(1) You must desire healing for your emotional wounds (John 5:1-9)
(2) Realise that God desires to heal your emotions (3 John 2)
(3) Recognise that God has made provisions for your emotional wounds (Isaiah 53:4-5)
(4) Thank God daily for your emotional wounds (Colossians 3:15)
- Blessed be the name of the Lord (Romans 1:21)
(5) Learn to resist the enemy's attack (John 10:10)
- The root of evil intentions, strife, quarrels, all negative thoughts are from satan
- Remember the serpent from the Garden of Eden?
(6) Focus & work on practical solutions (Matthew 11:28-29)
- Don't let your past replay
(7) Forgive your way to victory (Matthew 6:12-15)
- People do not want to forgive because they want to see justice, revenge, hurt, punishment on that person
- However, while waiting your negative emotional wounds builds up and increases more & more
Life's essential (Colossians 3:1-4)
Focus your thoughts and attention on the things that are important to God. Understand that when Jesus died, your sinful nature died, too. Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
You are not alone (Psalms 139:1-18)
Allow the Truth to comfort you and give you hope, realising that God knows you intimately. He loves you more than you can imagine and is present with you in every place and in every situation.
After Life (1 Timothy 6:17)
Do not be haughty, nor trust in this earth uncertain riches but in the Living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy, in life summer and autumn. And rejoice too that with the onset of life's winter we can anticipate that we'll soon be living in the land of eternal spring.
Life within (Psalms 119:103, 105)
Read and memorise scripture so that it begins to guide your thinking and affect your speech. Know God's word; it will guide your steps and show you the path on which you are to walk.
Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
The gift of the Holy Spirit must be distinguished from the gifts of the Spirit. The former is the Holy Spirit Himself, while the latter are special abilities granted by the Spirit to equip believers for service.
Living In Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24-31)
Find true wisdom, power, and holiness in Jesus. Reject living in your own wisdom and ability.
Life's Possessions (Luke 12:15)
True life has nothing to do with possessions. The sin of covetousness is directed toward the acquisition of more possessions and, thus, is self-defeating and futile when one's life ended on earth.
Who Am I?
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Psalms 139:13-14
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written. The days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.
Psalms 139:16
Psalms 139:13-14
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written. The days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.
Psalms 139:16
What The Lord Hates?
These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19
A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-19
At The End Of Life
Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the well. Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:6-7
Ecclesiastes 12:6-7
Are You Rich?
Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. "And he thought within himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?' "So he said, 'I will do this; I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. 'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry." ' "But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Luke 12:13-21
Luke 12:13-21
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