New Destiny Fellowship FC

YOUR OVERCOMING FAITH

Posted on 1 April 2023

Hebrews 11:1 NLT

We do not live in reaction to problems; we live in response to Jesus, the God who makes the impossible possible. Yes, like Jesus, we acknowledge when a problem exists. But we do not allow it a place of influencing us.

Faith cannot be created by us. However, we can hinder its creation by living contrary to who Christ says we are. Faith is born out of rest, not striving. It is a fruit. Like an apple tree will bear apples if it is healthy and stays in a healthy environment. No travail nor striving is needed; it is the result of its nature and environment. So is faith.

Everyone of us is given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). It is a gift from Jesus that enables us to succeed. According to His divine power Jesus has given us all the tools necessary to live in victory (2 Peter 1:3). One of the essential tools is His promises. Living conscious of the promises given to us by Him enables us to live in hope. However, we must pursue Him, the God of the ‘Promised Land’ to give us what is needed for our situations. This posture attracts the limitless resources of God.

Today, do not live in reaction to your challenges; rather live in response to Christ – that is, His promise for you – in all that concerns you. Then, you will never be influenced nor impressed by the bigness of your problems again.

Remember, Jesus can do more in a moment than you can ever do in a lifetime. Amen!

Making It Personal:
1. Insight – What is ONE new insight the Holy Spirit has given me?
2. Conviction - Something pierced my heart or convicted me? Take action now!
3. Share - Received something I want to share with someone else?

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KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT

Posted on 10 March 2023

Galatians 5:24-25

Are we in a situation needing clarity? How do we live active yet rested? We find principles in answer to these from the above passage.

The phrase ‘keep in step’ (stoicheō) in Galatians 5:25 means "to proceed in a row as in marching" or "to direct one’s life". Just like marching we must keep in step and rank, otherwise there will be chaos and gaps. Now, how do we to keep in step with the Spirit? Notice Paul tells us in Galatians 5:24 that keeping in step with the Spirit is:

• Consciously, consistently saying no to sin.

• Reminding ourselves of who we are in Christ.

Instead of trying to fight for victory over our sinful nature, we start in the place of victory that was already paid for in full, by Jesus. We rest in the fact that the Greater One within us is already victorious. In other words, we do not fight for victory, but rather fight from victory. The deeper the intimacy we enjoy with Jesus, the more we understand that the victory has already been purchased by the One who stated, “It is finished’ and that the Victor actually indwells us. There is nothing else we need to do besides believe and do what He shows us to do from that place of victory.

Remember, we were created in God’s image for intimacy. When we exchange fighting for intimacy and start enjoying our love relationship with Jesus, we step into a new dimension of walking in step with the Spirit. Make no mistake, we are in a battle. But warfare from intimacy is always victorious because we can rest in the truth that the Greater One within us has already won the victory and is empowering us also to do so. So, let us thank the LORD for securing the final victory on the Cross and the Holy Spirit for living in us.

WHAT DO YOU SEE

Posted on 6 February 2023

Genesis 15:5

Vision is the God-given ability to see the invisible. In fact, if you can see the invisible you can attempt the impossible. When God told Abraham he would be the father of many nations, he and Sarah were literally ‘ancient’ and childless. It seems impossible in the natural. So, God took Abram outside and told him to look up into the sky and try to count the stars. God encouraged Abram that would be his descendants. It wasn’t enough to hear what God said: Abraham needed to see it in his mind’s eye. And although the promise wasn’t fulfilled shortly, every night when Abraham looked up at the heavens, the stars were a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness.

To give birth to something, you must first conceive it. How do you do it? By seeing it through the eyes of faith and burning the image on the canvas of your mind. Jesus said, ‘If your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.’ (Matthew 6:22–23 NASB)

It was once said that when Michelangelo looked at a chunk of marble the owner told him it was worthless. Michelangelo replied, ‘There is an angel locked inside, waiting for me to set it free.’ What you see will change the direction and destination of your life. Don’t be a thermometer; rather be a thermostat that will determine how high you’ll rise. And no matter how dark things look on the outside, today Christ Jesus can give you a fresh vision and a new future.

Today, let’s dream again by fixing our eyes upon Jesus. Allow His Spirit renews our mind so that we will capture a new vision from Him for 2023. Remember, He can do more in a moment than we can ever do in a lifetime.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Posted on 28 December 2022

Ephesians 3:20 AMP

We have just celebrated Christmas. Would you join me to expect the unexpected moving forward.

Think about this as we go back to the original Christmas - the birth of Jesus. Many things can be said about this sacred event, but let’s focus on this: it was unexpected.
• Who would have expected the Saviour of the world to come as a meek and mild child?
• Who would have expected the King of Kings to be born among livestock and placed in a manger?
• Who would have expected angels to appear to lowly shepherds?

Jesus specializes in the unexpected. He longs to show up in ways that are humanly impossible so that we may realize His might and strength as we encounter Him today.

Why would we expect anything less than God’s best moving forward?

No matter what challenges you are facing right now, my prayer for you is that you’ll enter the next season expecting Christ to do the unexpected.

What are you believing and trusting Jesus for moving forward?

Right now, identify what your "unexpected" is, and then expect it… pray for it, believe in it, and prepare for it. Because we know He stands ready to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)

DECREEING FOR YOUR BREAKTHROUGHS

Posted on 5 December 2022

Job 22:28-29

The failure of God’s people is not in their believing; it is in their saying. The Word of God challenges us to contend and enforce the one effective principle that empowers us to face difficult situations with God’s wisdom. It also releases faith, hope and love into every situation we face. It is the principle of decreeing for our breakthroughs.

The word ‘decree’ (gazar) means ‘to cut off, to destroy, divide, exclude or decide’. This means that when we decree healing, we are cutting off and destroying sickness. When we decree prosperity, we are dividing ourselves from lack and poverty. When we decree our divine destiny, we are destroying anything purposed against us.

Now, a decree is different from a confession or proclamation, even though all contain some similar content. A decree is a legal declaration made from governmental authority (Esther 8:8). And who holds the keys to the highest governmental authority other than Jesus. The words of Jesus are “spirit and life” (John 6:63); and as you decree them in faith, they do not return void but will accomplish what they are sent to do (Isaiah 55:11). Simply put: Decrees cause the truths of the heavenly realm to manifest into the natural realm so they become our daily reality. In other words, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10) – calling forth “that which is unseen, into the seen realm.” And God’s Word is the basis of our decrees.

The word ‘decree’ is in the conjunctive imperfect which expresses the aim (purpose/result) of the action, fulfilling what comes before it. So, the literal translation will be: “You shall also decide and decree a thing, in order that it be established for you …” demonstrating the importance and need to decree.

What happen when we decree? When we decree, we actually …
Institute the very will and purposes of God upon our lives.
• Separate and destroy the plans of the enemy.
• Impose a judgment the enemy cannot oppose.
• Release and commission Angels (Psalm 103:20)

We live in a word-created, word-upheld, word-sustained, and word-dominated environment. Remember, when we decide to agree and decree God’s Word, we activate the will of God with our mouth, and commission His angels to fulfil His purpose upon our lives.

Right now, let us decree God’s Word in faith, thereby activating His will and purpose for our life.

Making It Personal:
1. Insight – What is ONE new insight the Holy Spirit has given me?
2. Conviction - S omething pi erced my heart or convicted me? Take action now!
3. Share Received something I want to share with someone else?

(Note: Listen to full video message dated 5th November 2022 at https://tinyurl.com/NDFIChurch)

LIVING UNHINDERED

Posted on 7 November 2022

1 Thessalonian 2:18-19

Are you in a situation where you are hindered? What do you do when what happen is NOT what you expect, the way you expect and when you expect it? How do you live UNHINDERED?

ADJUST Your PERSPECTIVE – Look beyond not at (2:19-20)
Paul is not ignoring the hindrances, but he is choosing to look beyond. ‘Satan hindered us’ – that’s a now moment and present reality. But he immediately shifts to the eternal: “You are our joy... our glory at Christ’s coming!” We must be like Paul not to ignore the present hindrance but train our eyes to look beyond everything in the present: Our job... children’s education... our future.
How to do this? We must choose to …
a. Believe differently by leaning in to divine truth instead of human reasoning.
b. See from above – God’s perspective (2 Corinthians 6:9-10)

ADAPT Your APPROACH – Do what you can (3:1-2)
What do you do when you can’t do what God intended you to do? Do what you can do! Paul sends Timothy, his son in the faith and a letter – the letter to the Thessalonians. The letter to the Thessalonians not only encourages them but it enriches and continues to strengthen believers today.

ACCEPT God’s PROVIDENCE – Trust in the LORD (3:10-13)
God's providence is His caring provision for us as He guides us in our journey of faith, accomplishing His purpose in and for us. Notice verse 11 - “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you…” Here we have a sense of Paul releasing control of his situation over to the LORD.
We see this principle demonstrated in Paul’s live in Acts 16. Verses 6-7 show us that twice Paul experience roadblock. Then he heads towards Troas where he receives the Macedonian call where he crossed over to Europe planting churches all over. Remember, there is a greater ‘Yes’ in God’s ‘No’. Often the LORD allows hindrances in our lives to do four things:
• Draw us close
• Set us free
• Use us more
• All the above

Today, can you trust His judgement? Will you surrender to His providential care? Is the LORD saying ‘No’ to you? The reason is He has a better way for you!

THE POWER TO BECOME

Posted on 3 October 2022

Acts 1:8

God’s purpose is not just to take us to heaven, but to empower us to live victoriously and Christlike here on earth. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to empower us so that we become the glorious church without spot or wrinkle that Jesus is coming for.

The power to become is in the Holy Spirit. As we learn to yield to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and come into right relationship with Him, we discover the transforming power He offers. It is the power that changes us into the glorious image of Jesus Christ. As we learn to know the Holy Spirit, He forms in us the character and likeness of Christ.

This power to become is often lacking in our lives due to our relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Father we have known and the Son we have known because we can relate to a father and a son. But how do we relate to a spirit? How do we relate to the Holy Spirit? The answer to that question is not that complex. We just do it! We press past our rational limitations and take the time and effort to know the Holy Spirit just as we would get to know anyone else. We read about Him, we talk to Him, we spend time in His presence, we learn to yield to His leadership, we ask Him to reveal Himself to us, etc. As a person we learn to know Him just as we would any other person.

Are we depending solely on our own ability to face life’s circumstances? Then we will never tap into the power to become. The power to become all God intends us to be is found in the Holy Spirit. So, give yourself wholly to Him. Learn to know Him as a person and intimate friend.

MY GOD IS SO B-I-G

Posted on 5 September 2022

Ephesians 3:20

How big is your God? That’s the thought that came to my mind. I am reminded that whatever the measure we come up with, God is bigger! He is able to do immeasurably more than we decide we can do. The limit of God’s ability is not defined by us, but by Himself.

In order for us to experience that ability, God must become B-I-G in our thinking. How much can you imagine God to do? Whatever the level of your imagination, He is able and willing to do immeasurably more. How much have you asked Him to do? Whatever the level of your desire, He is able and willing to do immeasurably more.

Our concept of God does not limit; it just limits our experience of Him. God desires to become B-I-G in our thinking in order that we might know Him as He really is. As we allow Him to get B-I-G, we begin to know Him in the fullness that He intends to reveal Himself.

If the LORD is able to do immeasurably more, then it is time to dispense with small plans. Our vision and plans must commensurate with the bigness of our God. He is a B-I-G God, so let us make big plans. A small God means a small vision. A small God means small expectation. A small God means small results. A B-I-G God means all things are possible and without measure.

God becomes B-I-G as we begin to confess Him as so. We can do so because the passage says that it is according to His ‘dunamis’ power – not mine – that works (energeo) in us. The word ‘energeo’ means ‘effective energy working operations. Take note of this: It is His power – not mine – that effectively working in me. So, begin to confess and remind yourself that your God is so B-I-G. As you do, you will be given opportunity to test your confession. God will prove Himself in the test and as a result, your concept of His B-I-G-N-E-S-S will increase. Hallelujah!

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT:
How much can you imagine God to do? Whatever the level of your imagination, He is able and willing to do immeasurably more. How much have you asked Him to do? Begin to confess His bigness in relation to your request.

EXPECT VICTORY

Posted on 8 August 2022

Proverbs 23:7

Winning is an attitude that begins in the mind before it is realized in the behaviour. The mind of man plays an important role in what he is able to accomplish. Because it plays such a vital part, what we put into our minds has strategic importance.

The Bible tells us what goes into our minds will determine, to a large extent, what we become. So, in order to become all that the LORD intends, we must feed our minds with His thoughts.

Jesus understood this principle of ‘first the mind, then the actions’, so the thrust of His teachings focused on arresting the mind. He made the inner man His focus, not the outward man. While people of His day struggled with external laws and rituals, they failed to see where the issues of life originated. They spoke of murder while Jesus spoke of hatred. They spoke of adultery while spoke of lust. They spoke of an earthly kingdom while Jesus spoke of the Kingdom being within to rule over our minds and hearts.

The battle of our mind is won through the choices of our wills. We win because we make the choice to win. Jesus has already purchased our victory. Whether that victory becomes ours is determined by what we choose to believe. Adversity is never a sentence of defeat. It is our training ground for victory.

Expectations determine outcome. If you expect to lose, you probably will. However, if you expect to win, the victory of Christ becomes our reality. God has made provision for our victory through the cross of Christ. Let us expect and appropriate victory over defeat. Amen!

Making It Personal:
1. Insight – What is ONE new insight the Holy Spirit has given me?
2. Conviction - Something pierced my heart or convicted me? Take action now!
3. Share - Received something I want to share with someone else?

THE CERTAINTY OF GOD’S PROMISE

Posted on 5 July 2022

Hebrews 11:11

The writer of Hebrews gives us a perspective of encouragement in regard to waiting for God’s promise. He directs our attention to Abraham, who waited twenty-five years from the time God promised him he would be the father of many nations and the time he bore the promised son. All throughout those twenty-five years, he never lost hope. Paul tells us in Romans 4:18, “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations… ” The odds were against him, but he believed because he knew our God is an odds buster.

We are in a journey of hope. Hope speaks of a confident expectation. A sure anticipation. Faith is the evidence of what is hope for. Paul tells us in Colossians 1:5 that faith and love “spring from hope.” That confident expectation and sure anticipation is the well from which the purposes of God are realized. Hebrews 6:18-19 tells us, “… we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged…” We have this hope as an anchor for our soul, firm and secure.

The LORD is calling us to “take hold of hope,” for in hope is our encouragement. We must hold on to that “confident expectation” in our LORD’s promises and encourage one another to do the same. Let us look for every opportunity to encourage one another and in the work of the LORD so that we can defeat discouragement.

Remember, “… hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”(Romans 8:24-25)

“… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

‘IF’ – THE GODLY EXPECTATION

Posted on 7 June 2022

Deuteronomy 28:1

Our natural tendency is to seek the path of least resistance. Hardship and difficulty tend to be repulsive to our flesh and we want to take the easier way. Because of this tendency toward least resistance, it is easy to fall into a self-deception that enables us to redefine godly expectation. What the Word of God makes conditional, we would like to think as unconditional. Below are a sample of promises that are conditional upon our fulfilling the preceding requirements. Take a look and see if you have the expectation of possession without the determination of obedience.

• Galatians 5:9 We will reap a harvest if we faint not.
• Revelation 2:7 We will eat from the tree of life if we overcome.
• Revelation 2:11 We will not be hurt by the second death if we overcame.
• Revelation 3:21 We will sit with Him on the throne if we overcome.
• Matthew 2:21 We will move mountains if we have faith and doubt not.
• Matthew 6:33 We will be given all things if we seek first God’s Kingdom.
• Romans 6:5 We will be united with him in resurrection if we are united with Him in death.
• Romans 10:9 We will be saved if we confess Jesus as Lord.

The reason the LORD makes these promises not only conditional, but also impossible is because He seeks to bring us to the end of our natural strength and align us with His supplied strength which is more than enough for us. The good news of godly expectation is we can fully expect His strength if we have admitted our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:10).

PRAYER – Father, help me to put my trust in Your provision and rejoice in it. I thank You for Your love for me and the grace You have given me is more than enough for every situation. AMEN!

FOLLOWING THE COMPLETE JESUS

Posted on 2 May 2022

John 14:6

Do you follow the complete Jesus or just a part of Him? Is it just Jesus the LIFE you know, or do you know Him as the TRUTH and the WAY? Have you accepted Jesus the TRUTH, but fallen short of embracing Him as the WAY and the LIFE?

To follow Jesus is to follow the complete Jesus, not just a part of Him. to follow Him begins with following Him in the WAY. Many believe Him to be the TRUTH but stop short in following the predetermined course that Jesus has established. To be the WAY means that He is the predetermined method. He is the Master who establishes the course and then calls His followers to walk in His footsteps on that path. It means we forsake our way and willingly give our wills over to the One who is the WAY. Not only is Jesus the WAY, but He is also the TRUTH, meaning the predetermined WAY He chose is a truthful WAY. Everything about it is inherently true. It does not just contained TRUTH, but it is TRUTH. But to believe Him to be true, and not embrace Him as your WAY, is to settle for a part of Jesus.

Not only is Jesus the WAY and the TRUTH, He is also the LIFE. He is what makes LIFE vital and full of purpose. In being the LIFE, He breathes vitality and significance into the TRUTH and the WAY. Many are attracted to Jesus the LIFE because of the significance He offers, but to focus on the LIFE without mixing it with the TRUTH and the WAY is to miss the fullness of who He is, and in so doing never become all He has intended us to be.

Today, make a decision to embrace the complete Jesus. Allow Him to give your LIFE significance, to establish you on the TRUTH and to change your WAY for His.

YOUR POSITION DETERMINES YOUR OUTCOME

Posted on 3 April 2022

Ephesians 2:6

How we stand in life depends on where we sit. The positions we take in life are determined by where we see ourselves in relation to the eternal. Our placement determines our position. If we see ourselves seated in the Heavenly with Christ, that Heavenly placement must cause our positions in life to line up accordingly.

To be seated with Christ means to “set our hearts on those things which are above.” (Colossians 3:1) This is a purposeful determination to give our hearts and ways over to what His placement determines. Though our feet are on earth, our hearts and ways must be in the Heavenlies where we receive direction and transformation.

In the late ‘70s, Jimmy Owen sang a song that said, “Keep looking down, you are seated in the Heavenlies.” This line played on the familiar phrase, “Keep looking up.” When we see by revelation the truth of our placement in Christ, we understand clearly the significance of, “Keep looking down, you are seated in the Heavenlies.” Looking down is simply the understanding that we must look at the things on earth from Heaven’s perspective. We must look to the temporal from the perspective of the eternal. This viewpoint gives us fresh focus on life. It takes us from the central position by which all is evaluated and places Christ Jesus there. With Christ at the Centre, everything in our life is to make reference to Him and in deference to Him.

So, keep looking down, we are seated in the Heavenlies. From where we are sitting, we become victors not victims to our circumstances.

TRUST – Taking You Beyond Understanding

Posted on 3 March 2022

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD will take you beyond understanding into realms that only faith can discover. Read it again! Now, let us examine the two important words here:

‘trust’ (bāṭaḥ) means "to rest on with all one's weight". It implies being open to receive and respond to what is trusted – applied to believers trusting God relying on His word to receive from Him and respond accordingly.

‘acknowledge’ (yād̠aʽ) carries the idea to know, typically "subjectively know". This root (d̠ʽ, yād̠aʽ) generally conveys experiential knowing, that is, first-hand, direct knowing (personal perception) which grasps the inner reality of something. Accordingly, it is used of sexual union as a "man knows his wife" (Gen 4:1).
Keil-Delitzsch observes that "experimental knowledge is its usual sense," which is especially common in figurative contexts. Such knowing operates through personal experience (acquaintance).
F. Delitzsch highlights that (yād̠aʽ) is not merely notional. Rather it applies to practical living (efficient knowledge)" by knowing God. This brings "a deep and holy experience of His presence" which includes "knowing by experiencing"

Trust is built on interaction and the resulting discovery of our LORD’s nature, which we know is good and perfect in every way. Contrary to and often beyond logic, as believers we don’t believe because we understand. We understand because we believe. Our understanding of Him and discovering of His nature and Presence is greatly increased with this element called trust.

To acknowledge the LORD is the result when we trust Him. The One in whom we trust is to be recognized in every aspect of our life. The word ‘acknowledge’ actually mean ‘to know’. This word often points to the realm of personal experience. It is bigger than head knowledge and beyond concepts alone. It is a knowing through encountering the LORD. In fact, the Hebrew idea of knowledge is a present tense experience.

In view of the above, let us grow in our trust in the LORD as we increase in our interaction and affection for the LORD!

GOD’S PERSPECTIVE FOR 2022

Posted on 1 February 2022

Matthew 28:2

Our perspective will determine the trajectory of our lives. In 1994, the Chicago Tribune reported a man who had been crossing the highway in winter. His hat had been blown off and he was chasing after it. A truck came by. The driver didn’t see him in time and slammed into the man, who died. The Chicago Tribune reported the story with this statement: “He lost everything while chasing nothing.”

Your perspective is of utmost importance. So let us capture God’s perspective today. The passage on the resurrection of Jesus in Matthew 27:57 - 28:7 give us GOD’S PERSPECTIVE FOR 2022. The perspective can be summarized as ‘His Final Word … His Overriding Authority’.

Our passage today presents two aspects of the perspective the LORD desires for us as He empowers us to move with confidence, faith and focus for 2022.

I. The angel rolls away the stone that Joseph - a human - has rolled in place – The LORD’S FINAL WORD

When Joseph rolled the stone in place it is an image of FINALITY. It was a sense that it is over… finish… hopeless! We know from the Gospel that many of the disciples believed that their hope died with Jesus. They had no expectation that Jesus would rise from the dead. As we go into 2022, we go forth with confidence that human does not have the final word over our lives and over our destiny. The LORD has the final word over our liveswhether it be words, actions that have been destructive and limiting in anyway. The word of the LORD will triumph over the words of men!

So, this year let’s get more into the Word of the LORD be it in:
• Contending or wage warfare with the prophetic word over your life (1 Timothy 1:18)
• Reading God’s Word - I recommend to you the ‘Bible Coach podcast’ that is simple… understandable … rewarding for reading through the Bible in 52 weeks.

II. The angel sat on the stone (that was sealed) – THE LORD’S OVERRIDING AUTHORITY

The seal on the stone speaks of the power of the authorities that despatch the guards to protect the tomb. In the days of Jesus, sitting is a posture of authority. The angel sitting on the stone that was sealed is a picture of the LORD’s OVERRIDING AUTHORITY over human authority. He is able to bring blessings to barrenness… expansion to limitations… do immeasurably more than we can ever ask or imagine according to His power that is at work in us (Ephesians 3:20).

From that seat of OVERRIDING AUTHORITY the LORD - through the angel - speaks into three things:
• He addressed their FEAR (28:5,8)
• He empowered their FAITH (v6)
• He sharpened their FOCUS (v7)

His FINAL WORD… His OVERRIDING AUTHORITY - Let this be our perspective. May 2022 be a year where His Word and His overriding authority lead you forward with confidence and speaks to your fear, empowers your faith and sharpens your focus. And I pray that you would be the man and woman who goes forward in the power of His Holy Spirit and sees the glory of the LORD!

CONSECRATE AND CONCENTRATE

Posted on 3 January 2022

Philippians 3:13

Is there a particular theme that God has put on your heart for 2022? I was recently reminded and impressed with the concept of focus. Famed missionary Jim Elliot said, “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”

All of us have many demands, but we must somehow find out what is most important and make time for it. You may remember Charles Hummel’s book, The Tyranny of the Urgent. In it, he said, “Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important.” We all have multiple responsibilities in life, but the tyranny of the urgent must not keep us from that which is essential to the ell-being of our souls, from which will nurture our relationships with God and those most important to us.

Even in ministry work, we can undermine our effectiveness by trying to do numerous things that God hasn’t really called us to do. D. L. Moody, the great evangelist, seems to have had a great understanding of this. Moody states:
Give me a man who says, ‘This one thing I do,’ and not, ‘Those fifty things I dabble in.’

“The first thing a man must do if he desires to be used in the Lord’s work is to make an unconditional surrender of himself to God. He must consecrate and then concentrate. A man who does not put his whole life into one channel does not count for much, and the man who only goes into work with half a heart does not amount to much.”

“Consecrate and then concentrate.” That is a powerful life lesson!

Someone once said, “If a dog chases two rabbits, it will catch none.” More recently, A. B. Simpson said, “A divided heart loses both worlds.” Depending on how a person is wired, he or she may really need to pray and develop disciplines regarding being truly focused. Life simply does not invite us to reflect, meditate, and consider. Rather, our existence here always seems to be yelling, “Next. Next! Next!”

The Apostle Paul was a man with a full plate. He travelled, wrote, and preached. He endeavored to monitor what was going on in multiple congregations on different continents. He not only had to deal with church problems and conflicts, but he also encountered governmental and religious opposition. In spite of the many things that screamed for his attention, he was a man of singular focus. In Philippians 3:13 he writes, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Paul was fully aware that his life was made up of hundreds of activities and interactions, and yet in his heart, he had one, supreme, overarching passion that captured his energy and his focus. Likewise, Jesus told us to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” The New Living Translation renders that verse, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else.” Jesus knew we had jobs to go to, responsibilities to fulfill, and relationships to nurture, but He wants our ultimate focus to be supremely on Him, and that will influence every other area of our lives.

There are simply times in life where we have to recognize that God is emphasizing something that is particularly needful for our lives at a given time or season. As we begin 2022 this week my prayer for you is this:
“You’ll be sensitive to the special emphases that our LORD reveal to you at different times, and you give ourselves to Him and His direction in diligent obedience.”

JESUS WORKING IN YOUR FAVOUR

Posted on 24 December 2021

Ephesians 1:11
I trust you are doing well with the grace of the LORD. He can make the wrong decisions of the people around you work in your favour. So, instead of looking for someone to blame, learn to see the hand of the LORD at work in your situations.

Joseph discovered three things:
1. When God wants you in the palace, nobody can keep you in the prison.
2. Your future isn’t in the hands of others; it’s in the hand of God.
3. Your God given assignment in life doesn’t call for the cooperation or approval of everyone, but it does require the cooperation of one person – you.

Joseph’s brothers made a wrong decision by resenting him. Potiphar’s wife made a wrong decision by falsely accusing him. And the butler made a wrong decision by turning his back on him. But the LORD did the right thing for and through him. The LORD arranged every step Joseph took, all the way to the throne. After years apart, Joseph stood face to face with those who had treated him wrongly, and said, ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good’ (Genesis 50:20).

Think about this: The purposes of God will eventually overcome the plans of men. No one can prevent the LORD from using you, blessing you and giving you success, except you. So, keep your heart and attitude right! Paul encourages us:

‘We are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan’ (Ephesians1:11-12 NLT).

So, do not be discouraged or frustrated; look for the hand of the LORD in ‘everything’. I will be praying for you to experience an unprecedented breakthrough in your situation as we celebrate the HOPE in Christmas through Christ Jesus!

Making It Personal:
1. Insight – What is ONE new insight the Holy Spirit has given me?
2. Conviction - Something pierced my heart or convicted me? Take action now!
3. Share Received something I want to share with someone else?

IN IT NOT OF IT

Posted on 6 December 2021

John 17:14
How we stand in relationship to the world determines whether or not we will fulfill our destiny. Knowing this to be true, Jesus made our relationship to the world a focus of His prayer to the Father.

As we trace the history of the church, we see that one of its greatest challenges has been its relationship to the world. We see it moving in and out of three differing postures.

1. ISOLATION. There is a fine line between being set apart (sanctified) and being removed. The enemy’s tactic has been to lure the church into isolation so as to remove any possibility of influence and leadership. Isolation removes all opportunity for us to be salt and light.

2. ACCOMODATION. Being set apart means the church marches to a different standard. The tactic of the enemy has been to criticize that standard, and over time, reduce it. Accommodation is the failure to see the new order of the Kingdom of God. It is the failure to see that we have been called to be a counter culture. “You shall have no other gods before Me.”(Exodus 20:3). In Hebrew, the word ‘before’ could be translated ‘beside’. Accommodation is the attitude that allows the gods of compromise, career, pleasure, greed, etc., to come alongside us and force us to become ‘in the world and of it.’

3. OBEDIENT INVOLVEMENT. Obedience to Christ must precede any involvement in the world. ‘In the world but not of it.’ This obedience is what sets us apart, and keeps us involved. Without involvement there is no opportunity for the salt to be salt and the light be light. Obedient involvement leads us to become the friends of sinners so as to rescue them from the fire.

Now, how do you stand in relationship to the world?

Of it, but not I it - Isolation.
In it and of it - Accommodation.
In it, but not of it - Obedient Involvement.

Making It Personal:
1. Insight – What is ONE new insight the Holy Spirit has given me?
2. Conviction - Something pierced my heart or convicted me? Take action now!
3. Share Received something I want to share with someone else?

DOES JEREMIAH 29:11 APPLY TO YOU (Part 2)

Posted on 29 November 2021

Jeremiah 29:11

In our last Summary we concluded with this:
So where does this leave us? What do we do with this verse? This verse is a promise to God’s people that His plan is for good. And who are God’s people? In the context of the verse, it’s the Israelites. But through the finished work of Christ on the Cross He opens the door for everyone. In other words, we who in Christ are His people. So, the truth of this verse is still true for us today. Does Jeremiah 29:11 apply to you? If you are in Christ, you can count on it.

I believe that the KJV renders our passage better as follow: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” The word ‘end’ comes from the Hebrew word ‘akhareeth’. What does it mean?

The word ‘akhareeth’ is used sixty-five times in the Old Testament. It commonly denotes ‘at the back’. So, what does ‘at the back’ denote? It essentially means ‘at the end’ like at the finish line of a race. But there is something more! We’ll discover that Hebrew emphasis is often derived from different parts of the Body. For example:

'at the head’ signifies importance
'at the side’ denotes faithfulness

So, what does ‘at the back’ signify? We’ll notice that things are not what they seem to be when you view them at the back. Looking from the front of a shirt, everything looks fine. But you can’t see the hole at the back of the shirt. There is more than meets the eye!

From the point of humanity, we cannot see what’s the final outcome. Often, we can’t see the ‘akhareeth’. We can’t see the end or consequence. But our LORD sees the beginning from the end is able. He is good and He is great. And as I used to say, He can do more in a moment than we can ever do in a life-time. What is the expected ‘end’? Just like He promised: To give us a hope and a future. In other words, a hope-full future.

Today, no matter what situation you are in would you reach out to Christ Jesus in faith? His plan is to give you a hope and a future despite your circumstances. So, trust and obey Him and see His best for you being fulfilled!

Making It Personal:
1. Insight – What is ONE new insight the Holy Spirit has given me?
2. Conviction - Something pierced my heart or convicted me ? Take action now
3. Share Received something I want to share with someone else

DOES JEREMIAH 29:11 APPLY TO YOU?

Posted on 22 November 2021

Jeremiah 29:11

The above is arguably the most favourite promise Christians claim for their situations. But can I really apply it to my life?

When understood in context, we discover that the words of Jeremiah 29:11 were spoken to the Israelites in the midst of hardship and suffering; people who were likely desiring an immediate rescue like the one Hananiah lied about (28:15-17). But God’s response is not to provide immediate escape from the difficult situation (Jeremiah 29:4-10). Rather, God promises that He has a plan to prosper them in the midst of their current situation.

However the promise of God for all His people is revealed in this passage: that regardless of what judgment and suffering might happen, God's ultimate plans for His children (as much for us as for Old Testament Israel) are for good and not evil, for welfare and hope.

Yes, Jeremiah was writing to his fellow Israelites. But so were Moses, Samuel, and David, and nearly all the prophets. That’s true of virtually the entire Old Testament, which in hundreds of cases the New Testament freely applies to the church, followers of Christ, Jews and Gentiles alike. Israel was God’s people, and it’s no stretch to say that today’s believers, the church, are also God’s people. So, many verses that were written to Israel are also written for the church.

For instance, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11 is an example. Paul is talking about Israel disobeying God, wandering in the wilderness and engaging in immorality, but he takes each of these experiences of Israel and uses them to warn believers in the church, e.g. “And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come” (v. 10-11).

Of course, many promises in Scripture are ‘narrow’, to particular people such as David: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). Certainly, it would be a mistake to imagine that God is promising each of us will have eternal thrones. Yet there is truth in that verse for our benefit too because we know Jesus our LORD and Saviour is the descendant of David who will reign forever, His people with Him.

God’s nature hasn’t changed, so what Jeremiah 29:11 says about God’s plans remains true. As He rejoiced over Israel (Zephaniah 3:17) and sought their eternal good, He also rejoices over us and seeks our eternal good. Speaking of the promises of God in 2 Corinthians 1:20 (“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him”) John Piper says, “If you’re in Christ Jesus by trusting Him, all the promises are yours.”

Writing in his commentary, Puritan Matthew Henry said this about Jeremiah 29:11:

‘We often do not know our own minds, but the Lord is never at an uncertainty. We are sometimes ready to fear that God's designs are all against us; but as to his own people, even that which seems evil, is for good. He will give them, not the expectations of their fears, or the expectations of their fancies, but the expectations of their faith; the end he has promised, which will be the best for them.’

Henry’s words about “that which seems evil, is for good” calls to mind Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV). Romans 8:28 suggests that God does intend life’s ordeals for our good - but there’s a difference between immediate good and ultimate good. Seeing that difference requires faith.

Jeremiah 29:11 doesn’t mean life will be easy, it won’t, or that we won’t face hard times. We will. But it means that just as He did for Israel while in exile, God has a future in mind for us - in our own difficult challenges - that we can rely on. And we should trust the God who loves us to ultimately bring us peace and hope in a far greater and eternal form than anything the nation Israel ever experienced in their return from exile.

Also, I believe the KJV renders our passage better with the phrase “… to give you an expected end.” It comes from the Hebrew word ‘akhareeth’ which denotes ‘at the back’. So, what does this mean? We’ll elaborate on this in our next E-Devotion.

So where does this leave us? What do we do with this verse? This verse is a promise to God’s people that His plan is for good. And who are God’s people? In the context of the verse, it’s the Israelites. But through the finished work of Christ on the Cross He opens the door for everyone. In other words, we who in Christ are His people. So, the truth of this verse is still true for us today. Does Jeremiah 29:11 apply to you? If you are in Christ, you can count on it.

LIFE ‘ALTARING’ MOMENTS

Posted on 6 October 2021

Genesis 22:6-8

Life is filled with questions. Today we want to look at one of the most intriguing and disturbing passages in Genesis and possibly in the Bible that shock and may repel us. More than that, we want to draw principles from it for our present time.

God tested Abraham by demands that went contrary both to human reason and the Divine Promise. Most of the writers even the Jewish writers focus on Abraham in the story. From the Jewish context this is the 10th and final great test of Abraham. In the New Testament theology point of view this story is held up as the climax of the faith of Abraham (Hebrews 11:17-19)

Let’s look at this narrative from Isaac’s viewpoint. Isaac is not a passive victim, but an active participant. Let me bring you to a phrase in Abraham’s response in verse 8 and 14: ‘God will provide’. In the Hebrew is ‘Yahweh-Yir’eh’. The literal translation in the original language is: ‘The LORD who sees’. At the heart of this story is the issue of CONTROL. When it comes to control, we want to be in control because we think that’s the only option. We think we know best. And in this situation, Abraham and Isaac release control to GOD because of their understanding of who GOD is: Yahweh-Yi’reh – The LORD who sees. So,

• Isaac sacrifices his freedom without a fight because he seems to have complete trust in the One binding him.
• Isaac sacrifices his right to fairness without any complaint because he seems to have complete trust in the cause for which he is bound.
• Isaac sacrifices his future without regret because he seems to have complete trust in the competence of the ONE who sees.

What is ONE thing the Holy Spirit is convicting you in releasing control? Consider the acronym ‘F.A.I.T.H.’

• Faith – Moving from a ‘private’ faith to a ‘public faith’?
• Attitudes – Walking by sight or faith?
• Ideas – Relinquishing your good ideas to the GOD-ideas?
• Treasure (Finance) – Holding you or helping you?
• Home – Recalibrating for His glory?

Whatever situation you are in, lift up your eyes to Yahweh-Yi’reh, the LORD who sees. He promised never to leave us and never to forsake us. In seeing Him we can release to Him that which He is able to do on our behalf.

Making It Personal:
1. Insight – What is ONE new insight the Holy Spirit has given me?
2. Conviction - Something pierced my heart or convicted me? Take action now!
3. Share - Received something I want to share with someone else?

THINGS CUT OFF, THINGS CUT BACK

Posted on 30 September 2021

John 15:2

What Jesus said the vine dresser ‘cuts off every branch…that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes [cuts back] the branches that do bear fruit so they…produce even more.’ Notice two things:

1. God cuts some things off.
‘What kind of things?’ Things you’re comfortable with but that stand in the way of your progress. Things He hasn’t chosen for you. Things that will bring you trouble, things that refuse to change, and things that have served their purpose.

2. God cuts some things back.
A fruit tree that’s just been pruned certainly doesn’t look its best. And when God starts cutting back certain things in your life in order to redirect your energies, for a while you may not look so good either. Sometimes this means letting go of things you thought would always be there, or reprioritizing your life, or making do with less for a while, or not being able to explain to your loved ones why you’re going through the pruning process. But life-giving sap flowing into a barren branch with no potential for fruitfulness is a waste! And so is time, attention, and energy taken from first things and given to second and third things.

Understand and remember this: God knows what needs to be cut off in your life, and He knows what needs to be cut back. And although you may not understand what He’s doing, pray: ‘Send whoever You will and take away whoever You will. I’ll praise You when they come and I’ll praise You when they go, because Your approval is my reward and Your purpose is my reason to live.’

It’s a privilege to share with you His Word and I will be praying for the Lord’s favour to be upon you as He continues to empower you to live out His Kingdom purpose.

TRUST AND OBEY

Posted on 16 September 2021

Hebrews 4:7-8

What Though God’s love is unconditional, His promises are often not. In order for us to appropriate these promises, often we must fulfill certain conditions. To obtain the conditional blessings of God, two things are essential, trust and obedience.
Trust is rooted in:

1. A Revelation of God’s Character. To know God’s character is to know that He is trustworthy. What He has said, He will do. He will do what He said, but for us to experience that our trust must give Him opportunity.

2. God’s Sovereignty. Trust is the acknowledgment that God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. God rules the affairs of His children when our trust in Him allows it.

3. God’s Providence. Trust is acknowledging that God is directing my life to fulfill the desires of His will. Nothing comes into my life that His providence did not allow. Trust is not just believing what God says is true. Trust is the willingness to stake our lives on those promises.

Obedience is also essential to obtain the blessings of God. In any realm of life, success depends on obedience to the word of the expert. A doctor says, "You can be cured if you obey my instructions." A trainer says, "I can make you a champion if you embrace my discipline." Likewise, the LORD says, "I am the expert on life; I can make you a winner if you obey My word."

But obedience has often been the weakness of God’s people. Like a ship prone to wandering, we often wandered away in favour of our own way. Obedience is the daily dying to our own way in favour of God’s way. It is the continual saying of "NO" to our own desires in order that we might fulfull His.

Today, if you hear His voice, trust and obey. Today is our opportunity to trust and obey. By doing so, we will enter into the fulness of God’s promised land.

Making It Personal:
1. Insight – What is ONE new insight the Holy Spirit has given me?
2. Conviction - Something pierced my heart or convicted me? Take action now!
3. Share - Received something I want to share with someone else?

PERSEVERANCE – YET WE PREVAIL

Posted on 6 August 2021

Hebrews 10:36

What does it take to see the fulfillment of God’s promises in your life? Ever desire to finish well, in your Christian life, a relationship, your marriage, a project, or course of study? One word: PERSEVERANCE.

What does it mean to persevere? The word ‘persevere’ comes from the Greek word ‘hupomonē (ὑπομονή)’ a compound of the words hupo, meaning ‘under’ and monē, meaning ‘to abide’. The idea is to ‘abide under’ or ‘remain under’ trials, hardships or burden, especially of God enabling the believers to "remain (endure) under" the challenges He assigns for them. Spiros Zodhiates in his Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, defines it as a "quality of character that does not allow one to surrender." In a nutshell, hupomonē ("Spirit-produced perseverance") is not only starting well – it is also finishing well – living successfully under the pressures and challenges God appoints.

The passage above shows us three things we can do to persevere and prevail.

1. Look back to remember (v 32 NLT)
We remember how we felt as if there was no answer possible. We felt as if it would never leave and we would be trapped forever. Yet we also remember the details of how God intervened and provided just exactly what we needed. And as we approach our National Day, as we identify ourselves as ‘One People, One Nation, One Singapore’; we remember what we’ve gone through in the past. We think of what we’re still going through in the present global pandemic. Yet we can still count God’s goodness and greatness both now and the coming future (see 2 Corinthians 2:14).

2. Look beyond to care for others (v 34)
When we are in a testing if we’re not careful we can become self-focused and self-centered. Understand that Jesus is working in the trial to strengthen us. And one way He strengthen us is for us to be strengthening someone else’s.

3. Look up to Jesus with faith (vv 37-39)
How can we live under otherwise intolerable circumstances for Christ? By living by faith. The writer combines Isaiah 26:20 and Habakkuk 2:4 to tell them that their faith is the bridge between the present distress and their future glory. When we live by faith in what is promised; then we do not live by sight or what we are experiencing now. We persevere and finish well, knowing that better times are to come.

Often we do not understand God’s wisdom, but we can trust His will – to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). So today, let us surrender our situation and ourself to Jesus knowing that in doing so our life will become a power and a possibility!

GET READY

Posted on 19 July 2021

Joshua 1:11

It is not easy to pack and move a nation. Movement like this requires tremendous planning and foresight. For three days the children of Israel readied themselves for the journey.

In the same way, we know that sustained movement requires vast preparation. It requires the preparation of the heart, vision, and resources. Preparation is essential to purposeful movement.

It is our Father’s desire to move us deeper, take us further into His purpose and intent for our lives. This will bring with it new visitations. New visitations will require new expectation. God’s exhortation through Joshua to the people is ours as well: “Get your supplies ready.” It is time to get our supplies ready for the habitation of Christ Jesus.

• What are the supplies Jesus has given you that must be prepared?
• Are they gifts and divine opportunities that have been given you that must be prepared?
• What about gifts that have been given that are lying dormant and unused?
• Is it a ministry that Jesus has called you to, but fear has kept you from functioning?
• Are there things and relationships you must lay down to be properly prepared?

Preparation is first a matter of the heart. We must first get our hearts ready before we work on our actions. And anticipation sets the stage for Christ’s coming. If we do not expect Him to come, we would miss His coming. But, when expectation is high and we come with hearts full of anticipation, we experience His moving.

The Word of the LORD is “GET READY”! Let us reorder our priorities to be properly postured for His coming. Prepare your heart and your mind. Prepare your expectation. Christ is doing a new thing for you in this season!

THE POWER OF MEMORY

Posted on 7 July 2021

Psalm 103:1-2

In this pandemic how do you posture yourself to move forward with HOPE and CONFIDENCE towards your desires in Christ? In the above passage two words – ‘Forget Not’ – provide the key for us to move forward. It indicates the power of MEMORY.

Why is it important to ‘Forget not’? Let me give you three reasons to encourage us together.

1. Who He was He still is (verses 8, 13, 17 & 19)
One of the big ideas we learn of the LORD is that He is unchanging in His nature. The circumstances may have changed but He has not. He is compassionate because He was compassionate; He is powerful because He was powerful. Take note (verse 13, 17 and 19) that the Psalmist was able to speak in the present because of what he knew in the past. In other words, the LORD is because He was!

2. What He did He can still do (Verses 3-7)
These verses highlight seven distinct actions from the LORD showing us that what He did He can still do. He forgave us and He still forgives. He healed and He still heals. He was generous and He is still generous. Here is the big idea: The LORD can do it because He has done it!

3. What He promised He will perform (verses17-18)
The promise He had made to me and my future generation He has the power to do it because He is the everlasting God. In other words, the LORD will perform what He has promised.

When we remember – ‘Forget not’ - we fuel our faith with the revelation of the above truths that speaks into our present situation and grant us hope, confidence and breakthrough. Let me give you four practical helps to ‘forget not’. Do the following four things to remember what the LORD has done and spoken to you: REMEMBER … RECORD … REHEARSE … REJOICE!

Prayer: Dear LORD, right now I pray that the power of memory will return… that we’ll be reminded of Your goodness and power. Forgive us for failing to hold on and wage warfare with the Word You have given us. We make a decision today to remember, record, rehearse and rejoice in Your goodness. Help me to live in the power of memory and walk in the faith that brings the power of Your past faithfulness into the situation I am in today. Amen!

GO FOR MORE

Posted on 9 June 2021

Mark 8:15

If we don’t want more, we’re selfish. The needs surrounding us are so vast – be they emotional, physical, relational, spiritual or financial – that we must desire more resources, favour and wisdom. There must be a cry in me for ‘the more” of God as the needs around me is not getting less. In Christ, we have it all; He holds nothing back! Yet we must acknowledge there’s a big difference between

what’s in our account (in Christ) and what’s in our possession (our daily lifestyle). So, we need to go for the more that Christ has set for us.

As we ‘Go for More’ there is a certain influence upon our mindset we need to watch out. The above passage speaks of kinds of leaven. ‘Leaven’ here is a picture of the influence on our mind.

Leaven of Herod – This speaks of trusting in the strength of man. Many times believers live life as a practical atheist. They tend to face day-to-day situations without ever bringing God into the picture – not seeking His counsel or intervention.
Leaven of the Pharisees - It embraces God in theory. The Pharisees have God in form but without power. Pharisees provide explanations, not solutions.
Leaven of the Kingdom – Believes with Christ all things are possible! It is activated when you and I surrender to the thought patterns of the LORD. We want to live through Kingdom leaven, Kingdom influence. How do we do that? Two things: Reviewing God’s WORD and Recognizing God’s WORK

Reviewing God’s Word – ‘Re’ means “to go back,’ and ‘view’ means “to see.” Go back over God’s promises until you can see. We look at our history with God. Now, you do it with God’s Word - His rhema (God’s specific Word spoken to you at a specific situation and time) and prophetic promises.

Recognizing God’s Work – Hebrews 5:14 says a mark of maturity is having “senses trained to discern good and evil.” The word ‘sense’ in the Greek teaches that we should develop sensory-perception of the Lord’s working.” By this we’re referring to learning to recognize how you feel, sense or perceive God when He is working through you. I believe the LORD is going to give surprises as He works in and through us in touching people around us. So we need to sharpen our senses.

In Christ, we have everything! God holds nothing back. But we need to adopt the Kingdom influence or mindset: Believing with Christ all things are possible! Our obedience is required to ‘go for More’ – full comprehension of every detail is NOT. I challenge us to go for ‘the more’ He has made available so that we might be the blessing we were designed to be!

THE POWER OF BLESSING

Posted 10 May 2021

Numbers 6:24-26

The concept of “blessings” runs through the Bible. The giving of blessings applies not only to parents and children, but also to husband and wife as well as within the Church among its members. The Hebrew word “to bless” (baruch) means “to bow the knee.” A primary connotation of this word is “to empower to prosper” – to set the stage for a person to thrive and succeed in all areas of life, including marriage, with children, in finances, in health, in career, in ministry, etc. Stated over 640 times in the OT, it includes 5 aspects:

1. Meaningful touch; especially the laying of hands communicating acceptance, affirmation even

physical health (Genesis 27:26).

2. A spoken message (John 1:14)

A blessing becomes a blessing only when it is spoken. We see the blessing of the father is so important that Jesus did not perform miracles or preach until the blessing of God His Father was pronounced upon Him during His baptism (Luke 3:22). This blessing from His heavenly Father gave Jesus the confidence and strength to walk in His identity in ministry and fulfil His destiny on earth. God intended for this same type of blessing (identity and destiny) to come to each of us from Him through our earthly father. At the church lev el we are also to speak words that will build confidence and impart strength (Proverbs18:21; Matthew 12:36-37).

3. Attaching high value (Genesis 27:27-29)

The word “bless” meaning “to bow the knee” was used in showing honour or value to someone important. I n the Bible, recognition on a person’s value is based on who he is, not on his performance.

Listen to Paul’s advice in 1 Timothy5:1-2 on how to honour one another in the church. I n Ephesians 6:1-3 Paul reminds us that if we fail to honour our parents, we not only dishonor God, but we also drain life out of ourselves.

4. Picturing a special future (Genesis 27: 28-29)

With this element of blessing, our children gain a sense of security in the present and grow in confidence to serve the LORD Jesus and others in the future.

5. An active commitment (James 2:15-16)

Words alone cannot communicate the blessing; they need to be backed with a commitment to do everything possible to help the one blessed to be successful.

There is an impartation from the LORD JESUS through these four elements of blessing. So, let all of us start blessing our spouse, children, parents, and one another in the family of GOD. AMEN!

POSITION FOR GOD’S SUPERNATURAL TURNAROUND

Posted on 5 May 2021

Romans 12:2

Jesus can do more in a moment than we can ever do in a life-time! He has prepared a supernatural turnaround for you; do you expect it?

I. WHAT IS A SUPERNATURAL TURNAROUND

It happens when Jesus steps into our world and changes the course of events with an outcome of His choosing and making. Very often when we need a turnaround, the reversal is in our attitude before it becomes an action. I call this attitude expectation.

It also takes place when our LORD interrupts our situation.

II. WHAT SHOULD BE OUR EXPECTATION

Isaiah 43:18-19 (Message) "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it …”

There are three expectations that lead to supernatural turnaround:

Expect Jesus to put His hand on your life. In the Bible this essentially means four things:
1. Promotion – The LORD will lift you to a new level.
- Provision – He provides things where no men can provide.
- Protection – God sets a divine hedge around your life, home, children, business…
- Power – You’ll receive from Him supernatural strength and endurance.
Expect the LORD to give you a prophetic assignment.
Expect God to visit you where you are.

The LORD Jesus desires to give you a supernatural turnaround today. So, right now, right where you are, pause, apply these principles and start positioning yourself to experience His supernatural turnaround today!

BEYOND LIMITS, FULFILLING DESTINY

Posted on 3 April 2021

Ephesians 3:20

Our Lord Jesus has given a specific destiny for each of us and He empowers us to see its fulfillment. So many things change the whole course of our lives – an unjust decision, a financial setback, an unexpected situation, a needy child, a carefully laid out game plan gone astray. All of us will admit that we like to be in control, to face challenges from a position of strength. But in weakness, we see God’s sufficiency … in confusion, we experience God’s peace … in unexpect ed event s, we learn t hat God has a great er plan beyond our comprehension!

When we are stymied from doing the great things we dreamed of, we realize life consists of greater things than our dreams. We discover that the journey is just as important as the goal. Take a look at the following lives:

Nick Vujicic, born without limbs, discovers how he can inspire millions around the world.
Richard Dortch, an esteemed and famous pastor, is thrown into prison unjustly and shamed, loses a world-famous TV ministry, finds an even more profound and effectively ministry through the internet that saw 800 souls saved a day.
Corrie Ten Boom, in a Nazi concentration camp, discovered there is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.
Henri Nouwen says that he saw Jesus more in his service to the emotionally challenged children in Montreal than teaching at Harvard, writing books, and doing major conferences.

I am reminded of what the missionary to India, E Stanley Jones said:

“My life in my hand is a pain and a problem.

My life in God’s hand is a power and a possibility.”

Remember, our LORD Jesus Christ wants to empower you to go beyond limits to fulfill His destiny for your life. Let us step out in faith and fulfill His destiny together through Christ Jesus (2 Peter 1:3).

EXPOSE YOUR DOUBTS SEE YOUR BREAKTHROUGHS

Posted on 31 March 2021

Matthew 12:20 (NIV)

As part of the NDFI Family as a Church we are currently engaging in a Churchwide DEVOTIONAL. I have been reminded and challenged by one of the Devotional readings so much that I want to adapt and share it with you. Do keep the above verse in kind as you mediate.

For most of our lives, we suppress our doubts and questions - both from others and ourselves. But then when come face to face with an event that rocks us to our core it will lead us to ask ... “Why?”

Have you ever looked at a piece of negative film? Before it’s developed, it isn’t exposed to light. A developer can’t produce beautiful photographs without first having a negative. And those negatives can’t be developed without first being carefully treated and then passing light through the negative onto light-sensitive paper. Likewise, when you bring your honest doubts and questions to God - the Master Developer - He takes your “negatives,” treats them and exposes them to His light, thus producing beautiful and enduring faith in you.

Mark tells of a father with a demon-possessed son who comes to Jesus at the end of his rope desperately crying, “Lord, I believe, help Thou my unbelief!” (Mark 9:17–27). Don’t we feel this echoes our cry as well so often? This cry seems like a contradictory statement, but it’s not. Here’s why:

Faith is not about having a complete absence of uncertainty, it’s about steadfastly believing that God is real, present and good, even in the face of doubt - when it flies in the face of all that’s rational and common s ense (Hebrews 11:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Corinthians 2:5).

However, you can’t perpetually live in doubt. If you don’t press through your honest doubts on to full faith, your doubt becomes sin, because “everything that does not come from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23, NIV). You have to move on and acknowledge that even when you cannot see His hand, you can always trust His heart (Job 1:20–22; Job 13:15). Don’t make the mistake of confusing knowing God with understanding God. While He invites us to know Him, it’s total presumption to assume we can completely understand or figure Him out (Jeremiah 24:7; John 10:14). His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). If, when and how He chooses to answer our questions is completely up to Him (Job 38– 41).

Remember, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” Books like Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalms and Lamentations show us beyond question that God understands the value of human doubt. Because when we honestly confront our doubts, we find ourselves growing into a faith that transcends doubt. The very act of asking God questions indicates that we don’t have all the answers and we solely depend on Him. So, let us expose our doubts to Jesus and experience the breakthroughs as a result.

MANIFESTING YOUR GOD-GIVEN DESTINY

Posted on 16 February 2021

Romans 8:29-30

God created you and has a wonderful plan for your life. In fact His plan for you
is to give you ‘hope and a future’ (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) or ‘an expected end’
(Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). In other words, He has a destiny for you. How do you
discover this God-given destiny? The passage lists the 5 stages in the fulfillment
of your destiny: God foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified.

1. FOREKNEW - We could say that before you were ever conceived God
had a purpose and a destiny. He created you to fulfill a purpose on this earth
that is absolutely unique that nobody else can fulfil.

2. PREDESTINED - This means a predetermined destination. God had a plan
but it’s not automatic that you’re going to get there. God is not a controller
and destiny must be fought for. Predestination means you were pre-chosen to
go to this destination; but it doesn’t mean it’s automatic that you’ll get there.
You have to discover the destination and move toward it.
So God knew your life, created a plan, established a destination in advance.

3. CALLED - Everyone has a calling from the LORD. You discover what that
calling is by examining your S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts…Heart or
Passion…Abilities… Personality … Experiences)

4. JUSTIFIED – That means the enemy will always try to accuse you: “You’re
disqualified… you could never do that… you could never fulfill … you’ve ruined
it… it will never happen.” But Jesus comes along in the courts of heaven and
say, “No, I’ve paid for all that; she is justified.” That means that you are ‘just as
if without sin’ - that by the blood of the Lamb all accusation is stopped and
removed and you are released to go forward in your destiny.

5. GLORIFIED - Some people call this convergence – that is you’re stepping
into the manifestation of your destiny.

The question is: Where are you in this process?

Have you discovered what God has written in the book?
Do you understand the destination; are you on the way?
Have you discover your calling?
Have you appropriate your justification - let the blood of the Lamb remove all hindrances… all self-sabotage mechanisms… all things that would block you?

Today, I encourage you to contend for the destiny God has given you and see
its manifestation. I decree that you shall step into the manifestation of your
destiny. Amen

BEGIN YOUR CROSSOVER

Posted on 11 January 2020

Deuteronomy 11:10-12 NIV

As you enter the New Year, read this above Scripture and stand on it: “The land you are entering to take over is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come.” Egypt was the place of stress, sorrow, and struggle. But Canaan was the place of God-given success, self-worth and spiritual growth. In other words, this year doesn’t have to be like last year for you. Why? Because ‘the Lord your God cares.’ How do we posture ourselves to see this promise fulfilled?

Let us apply the principles in Isaiah 43:18-19

1. FORGET the Former Things (v 18)

Don’t recall those things. NASB puts it this way: “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past.” In other words, don’t play the same tune over and over again. Remember His promise in Ephesians 3:20? The LORD is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."

2. EMBRACE the Unexpected (v 19b)

When the Lord asks, "Shall you not know it?" He is saying, "Do you want to open yourself to My new thing? Are you willing to embrace it?"

3. OBEY even you Don’t See It (v 19a)

“… now it shall spring forth." (v19a). Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it hasn't started. The Hebrew text says: "now it shall sprout." What the Lord wants us to understand is that the process has already begun. You can't see it yet, but it's set in motion.

So, get ready to begin your ‘Crossover’! Even right now, are you facing a situation so overwhelming that unless Jesus intervenes, you don't know how it will work out? Would you let go and let Jesus empowers you to make the ‘crossover’? I will be praying for your ‘crossover’ right now in Jesus’ name.

AMEN.

LEARNING TO LIVE WITH WEAKNESS

Posted on 4 January 2021

2 Corinthians 12:9

Singaporeans are known to be ‘kiasu’, to want the most for the least, to feel that better is not best, to strive for excellence with obsession, to be sure of success before we dare to venture ahead. We live in an unforgiving culture. Make a mistake and you fear that you are finished.

As I grow older, I endeavor to have a contrarian perspective to live. Jesus had to live with the weaknesses of His disciples. The church of Jesus Christ is full of people at different stages of maturity and effectiveness in ministry and life. Families have strengths, but family members are well aware of where they fall short. Some are more left-brained (rational, analytical) and others are more right-brained (artistic, aesthetic, and emotional). In simple terms, not everyone is just like you!

Every church has its weaknesses. Not every ministry is at the same level of development. By being willing to live with weakness, you can look strategically into the future. You can work to your strengths and make an impact on others.

By living with weakness, you have accepted a fact of life – sometimes things don’t turn out the way we would desire. God may be developing Christ-likeness in you. God is always more interested in the worker than in the work he is doing. You learn to accept people who are different from you, to love them, to reach out to them.

By realizing weaknesses in yourself and others, you will give God glory for every success. You will know it is not your abilities that made you successful. It is the grace of God. Praise the LORD!

YOUR IMPOSSIBLITIES, HIS-POSSIBILITIES

Posted on 25 December 2020

Luke 1:27

This year has been unprecedented in both challenges and opportunities. As we come to Christmas let us recognize that our impossibilities are made possible in Christ Jesus. In other words your impossibilities are His-possibilities!

As you look at the birth of Jesus Christ, you cannot help but realize that it was surrounded with impossibilities. There was the impossibility of a virgin, named Mary, giving birth to a son who would be the Son of GOD. There was the impossibility of Joseph having to deal with the relational and social implication of Mary’s pregnancy out of wedlock. Couple that with the supernatural guidance of angels and prophetic dreams, both Mary and Joseph were confronted with great impossibilities.

If an angel appeared to you and said you were pregnant with the Son of GOD, would your response be, “May it be as you have said”?

In Mary’s response, we discover the answer to impossible situations. The answer to impossibilities is self-surrender. Our way through impossibilities begins as we surrender ourselves to the will of GOD.
Gabriel declared to Mary, “For nothing is impossible with GOD.” Remember the saying, “Without GOD, men cannot; without men GOD will not”? We can all be assured, “With GOD all things are possible!”

Though the circumstances we face may be impossible, in Christ they are “HIMpossible”. When a life is surrendered and yielded to Christ, everything becomes “HIMpossible.” This is the assurance we have because we know it is He who is directing our lives and making provision every step of the way.

Mary, Joseph and Gabriel all discovered that it was just as GOD as spoken. With Him, nothing was impossible for them. With Him, nothing – not even your situation, will be impossible!

So, let all of us make a fresh commitment to realign our will and surrender ourselves to Christ Jesus this Christmas knowing that with Him all things are possible. AMEN!

RESPONDING RIGHTLY TO YOUR ‘UNTIL’

Posted on 7 December 2020

Genesis 32:24

The Bible says, ‘Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man [the angel of the LORD] … until the breaking of the day.’ When GOD decides to deal with you He will get you alone. Notice, Jacob was ‘left alone’. When surgery is required, nobody else is allowed in the operating room. Something in you must be dealt with or you won’t make it. Notice also, ‘There wrestled a man with him until’. Others may give up on you, but not GOD. ‘… He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ’ (Philippians 1:6 NKJV).

‘Until’ Jacob becomes Israel, ‘until’ the deceiver becomes a prince with GOD. ‘Until’ you begin to walk, talk and live in such a way that everybody around you knows you’ve been touched by GOD. GOD is not going to let you get by with stuff He used to ‘overlook’ in your earlier stage of your spiritual journey.

When you’re running out of time
He will wrestle with you and show you that you’re wasting your life.
He will wrestle with you over your careless attitudes, words and actions.
He will wrestle with you over your ingratitude and help you see how blessed you are.
He will wrestle with you over your double-mindedness and unwillingness to make a commitment. You’ve changed jobs, and changed relationships; when are you going to let GOD plant you permanently somewhere so that you can be fruitful?

There are two ‘until’ in this story. First, GOD wrestled with Jacob until he said ‘yes’. Second, Jacob wrestled with GOD until He blessed him. At that point Jacob’s name changed; his past ended, and the future GOD had in mind for him began.

Remember, I am always praying and supporting you to respond rightly to God’s ‘until’ in your life so that His destiny in you will be fulfilled.

STIRRING UP ONE ANOTHER

Posted on 16 November 2020

Romans 12:11

In our present situation, we truly need one another to stir us up in the LORD.
The apostle Paul used the word ‘fervent in spirit .’ The Greek word here, ‘zeo’,
means ‘to boil with the heat ’.

Here are some ways we can stir up one another:

Get back in the Word – Spiritual zeal is kindled when we hear Jesus speak through the pages of the Bible. The Word will set our heart ablaze. So, let us use the Word of God to spur one another on with the LORD.

Stoke the furnace of private prayer – Oswald Chambers put it bluntly: “Prayer is the vital breath of the Christians; not the thing that makes him alive, but the evidence that he is alive.”

Praise the LORD Jesus with abandon – When we praise Jesus together with exuberance, new strength will arise.

Break free from bad habits – We cannot be hot for the LORD if we choose to live in bondage (! Thessalonians 5:19).

Get in close fellowship – Fires go out when the embers are far apart. When we pull the coals close together, the flames return. Let us not forsake gathering together for close fellowship.

Start using our spiritual gifts – Face our fears, stretch our faith and step out. The anointing flowing through us will cause our spiritual temperature to go up.

Share our faith – There is nothing more exciting than seeing a person comes to Christ through us.

We need to take our flame and set it ablaze in one another’s lives. So, let us do it together today!

REACTING TO THE PAST OR RESPONDING TO THE VISION

Posted on 6 November 2020

Our past can become a prison that perpetuates the bondage of those who raised us. Somehow we unintentionally reproduce that same destructive past in ourselves and in those around us. One way this happened is by reacting to those who abused us and spending our lives trying not to be like them.

We Become What We Imagine. There is an interesting, life-changing principle in Genesis 30:25-41 (Read it now). I believe God was demonstrating how we, His sheep, reproduce. The watering hole is a place of reflection – both gazing at something and meditating on it. Meditation involves imagination. If we feed our imagination with thoughts of what we don’t want to become and drink from the well of regret, we reproduce that very thing in ourselves. It doesn’t matter what we want to reproduce. It’s important what we imagine while we are thinking and drinking at the watering hole of imagination.

Many of us spend much of our lives reacting to what we don’t want to be instead of responding to God’s call on our lives. The crazy thing is that I reproduce what I imagine. This explains why so many people grow up mistreating their children in the same way that their parents abused them. They promised themselves that they would never become like their folks, but they became just like them.

Reacting to the Past or Responding to the Vision. We break out of this prison by responding to the call of Christ on our lives and meditating on His vision for us. We become the person He has called us to be when we meditate on the things of God and dream His dreams. The Psalmist wrote, ‘Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalms 37:4). We can break the word “desire” down into two parts: “de” meaning “of”; and “sire” meaning “to father”. When we delight ourselves in the LORD, instead of hanging out with our past, He becomes the father, the “sire”, of our dreams.

Today is your season of breakthrough! Let all of us response to God’s vision for our lives instead of reacting to our past (or the present) by:

Releasing your past – Let it go.
Forgiving those who have offended us – Forgive them.
Forgiving yourself (Don’t be too hard on yourself) and God (often blaming Him for what had happened) – Free yourself.
Blessing the offenders – Go to the next level.
Pressing in for the “GREATER Things …” He has promised you.

Be encouraged, I’m agreeing with you for your breakthrough in Jesus’ name. AMEN!

FAITH THAT FOLLOWS

Posted on 3 September 2020

Deuteronomy 1:35-36

God has desires for each of us. There are great things He wants us to experience – blessings He wants us to inherit. This is seen in His dealings with His people in the Old Testament. Not only did He desire to free them from Egyptian slavery, He also had wanted to take them into the Promised Land and securely established them before.

While God desires to do wonderful things for us, they are possible only when we cooperate with Him in the process. Caleb was such a man. He distinguished himself above all the people of his day, and was rewarded by God for one main reason: “… he has followed the LORD completely …” Because of this obedience he inherited blessings from the LORD.

What indicated Caleb’s commitment to follow God completely? It was his faith in God. His willingness to believe that conquering Canaan was God’s will and was possible with His help won Caleb this place of distinction. Caleb:

Believed God’s promises.
Took a stand of faith in the face of negative peer pressure.
Had a vision to see that conquering Canaan’s giants was possible.
Had the faith that overcomes fear and took action.

As you reflect on the life of Caleb, where are you in your walk with the LORD? Would you join me in developing the characteristics that marked Caleb out from the crowd by meditating and applying God’s Word intentionally in our lives? He is waiting to show Himself strong on your behalf as you trust Him.

WHILE YOU WAIT … ON GOD

Posted on 14 August 2020

Psalms 37:23

Waiting on God. Have you realize that that it can be one of the most frustrating things in our spiritual journey? Perhaps through a promise in Scripture, a prophetic word or just a knowing in your heart, God has spoken to you regarding a relationship, a career or a ministry. However, He rarely mentions at the time of the promise is how long it will take to get there!

Then as time passes, the devil whispers his all-too familiar line: “Did God really say?” With his seeds of doubt planted, we begin to think that perhaps we really did miss God?

During my time in waiting I find the following principles help me and I pray it will encourage you while you wait.

1. Remember that you’re not alone.

Often, knowing others are having similar experience is a key to persevere and press on. Consider that Abraham had to wait at least 25 years for his promised son. But God was faithful then, and He is still faithful even today!

2. Get ready.

We have to be prayerful and to take ‘risky’ steps so that we’ll be ready to walk through when God opens the door. However, we also need to remind ourselves to be careful not to push the door open ourselves. Ask yourself, “Is there anything I can do to be more ready?” Do it. Then leave it up to God.

3. Know that your time is in God’s hands.

A key to keeping your joy while you wait is to constantly remind yourself that your time is in God’s hands; He is the One who orders your steps.

4. Your ‘When’ Is On the Way

Here’s a Word of victory to stand on for perseverance: Psalm 37:23: “The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord.” While you wait, be assured that Jesus is moving you from situation to situation in order to prepare you for the promise! He’s ordering your steps. Enjoy the journey knowing that it’s not a matter of ‘if’, but just a matter of ‘when’ and it is on the way!

In the meantime, be assured that I am praying for and with you for the manifestation of the promise(s) that Jesus has given you. Remember, the path to your greatest potential is often through your greatest fear!

THE LIFE IS IN THE SEED

Posted on 14 July 2020

Galatians 6:7

Now that we’re the children of Jesus’ Kingdom, we need to operate by Kingdom principles (Colossians 1:13). It is vital for us to renew our mind first (Romans 12:1-2). If we want to live a life that glorifies the LORD we need to change the way we think. And of the things we need to renew our mind is the Kingdom principle of “sowing and reaping.”

Everything operates on a seed principle. Your life now is the harvest (product) of what you sowed in the past. We need to be “seed-minded” instead of need-minded; that is, think in terms of the seed. For example: Our words are seeds we sowed that will reap a harvest (Proverbs 6:22; 18:21; Mark 11:22-23). So take note of the following concerning your seeds:

1. It is God’s will for your fruitfulness, prosperity and success (3 John 2). Therefore begin to sow good seeds.
2. Learn the ways of Christ (John 15L5).
3. You determine the harvest you want. Then you must sow accordingly.
4. Every seed produces after its kind (Genesis 1:11-12).
5. The seed must be sowed – it must be set in operation.
6. The harvest depends on how much you sow (2 Corinthians 9:6).
7. The harvest depends on where you sow (Mark 4:3-8).
8. The harvest depends on when you sow (Galatians 6:9).
9. Don’t mix your seed (Deuteronomy 22:9). You cannot mix faith with doubt.
10. Always sow in faith, expecting a harvest.
11. God always gives seeds to the sower (2 Corinthians 9:10).
12. It is impossible for God to lie: What He said, He will fulfil (Hebrews 6:18).

Remember, the life is in the seed. We must sow seed before we can get the harvest. Let all of us begin to sow now. I will be praying for the LORD’s favour upon you always that your seeds will reap a bountiful harvest!

CONFORMED OR TRANSFORMED

Posted on 4 July 2020

Romans 12:2

What does it mean to give yourself fully to the LORD Jesus Christ? Let’s consider the following together:

1. It is an act of WORSHIP. “Offer your bodies … this is your spiritual act of worship” (v1 NIV).

Worship isn’t just attending Worship Services, singing praises and saying prayers. “… this people … honour Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me …” (Isaiah 29:13 NASB).

It calls for surrendering your heart to the LORD 24-7 of every day; whether you’re alone or in a crowd, at work, enjoying recreation, spending time with your family, at school, on a date or playing with your pet. If our heart isn’t moving us toward surrendering to the LORD, our behaviour will only be an act of reluctant compliance rather than one of joyful commitment. Surrendering to Jesus isn’t a part-time thing done for our own benefit; it’s a full-time act of worship done for the LORD.

2. It is a response to God’s GENEROSITY. “… in view of God’s mercy … offer your bodies …” (Romans 12:1). We don’t submit with clenched teeth because of fear; no, it’s a response to a debt. Everything God asks is initiated by His giving. Your repentance is a response to His love. Your tithe is a response to His blessing. Your obedience is a response to His promises. God’s grace is never ‘a deal’, it’s the ‘free gift’ of His love to the undeserving (Romans 5:18). Therefore ‘in view of’ – as a rational response to – His mercy, “offer your bodies as living sacrifices.” It’s your “reasonable service” and it will be “acceptable to God.”

So in the present Covid-19 situation, let all of us be mindful of His mercies, surrender ourselves anew to Him and live our utmost for Christ’s glory!

LIVING FEARLESSLY

Posted on 17 June 2020

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

The words ‘fear not’ appear in the Bible all the way from Genesis to Revelation. Why is that? Because our LORD understands that fear is not only our biggest enemy but our constant companion, and He wants to empower us overcome it.

One author writes: ‘Think of your comfort zone as a prison you live in – a largely self-created prison. It consists of a collection of “can’t, musts, must-nots” and other unfounded beliefs formed from all the negative thoughts and decisions you have accumulated and reinforced during your lifetime. Every fear is like a bar in that prison.’

But the good news is, every faulty fear can be removed by faith in Jesus, and you can be free from them. Does this mean you can live totally free from all fear? No, living fearlessly is not the same thing as never being afraid. It’s good to be afraid occasionally. Fear is a great teacher. What’s not good is living in fear, allowing fear to dictate your choices, allowing fear to define who you are.

Living fearlessly means standing up to fear, refusing to let it shape and define your life. Living fearlessly means taking risks, not playing it safe. It means refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer when you are sure that the answer should have been ‘yes’. It means refusing to settle for less than what is your potential. And let’s add – what the LORD has promised and planned for you. So, arise and live fearlessly for the glory of the LORD! Remember, Jesus can do more for you in a moment than you can ever do in a life time.

DON’T LIVE AN UNEXAMINED LIFE

Posted on 10 June 2020

Psalm 139:23 NIV

When you live an unexamined life – it shows! Author Gordon MacDonald writes:

‘I was reading authors who were saying that if Christ’s followers don’t grow, it’s because they don’t make a habit of evaluating their lives. These authors were describing me. I was always on the go, never looking deeply inside. I never did the kind of reflection that leads to growth, and I was paying the price – committing the same stupid sins over and over, living with the same heavy load of guilt. So I made a difficult decision: I decided that each day I would try to honestly assess my soul’s condition. I would look inside myself and write down what I saw. Feeling awkward and embarrassed, I started to write.

“God, here are some areas of failure in my life. They aren’t going away, so I might as well take a look at them.” Or, “Here’s a relationship or habit I’m concerned about. It’s not good and I don’t know how to improve it.” After writing a paragraph or two I would reflect on what I had written.’

There are benefits to keeping a spiritual diary of your walk with Jesus that you can’t get any other way:

It forces you to slow down and examine the effectiveness of what you’re doing.
It frees you to ask, “Why am I doing this? How do I really feel about it? What is the Holy Spirit saying to me?”
By writing even a page a day, in one year you will have a 365-day record of prayers answered and lessons learned.

Remember, everyone ends up somewhere, but few ends up somewhere on purpose. Together, let’s start to do something today. An unexamined life is not worth living!

YOU CAN TURN THE PAGE

Posted on 9 May 2020

James 1:2-4

You didn't ask for your situation, yet you can turn the page on it. Notice that James didn't write us an instruction manual on how to escape our trials or difficult times. Instead he is reminding us and preparing us for the truth that storms will hit us head-on in life, and when they do, we can persevere. In other words, we can remain steadfast like a house built on a sure foundation knowing that a maturing of our faith is taking place.

That's turning the page on your situation. You see, it is not our LORD’s desire for us staying the same. He is in the business of transformation. It's how precious things are formed, like diamonds. We are precious to God, and so He will sift us to prune away our dead branches and to test our hearts and conform us to the image of His Son, Jesus.

That's how we can rally around a situation like our current circuit breaker moment by inviting Jesus into every moment of it and asking Him what He wants to change in us through it.

But why? Why not just return us back to the way things were? Because there will be trial for which we will need the strength He wants to cultivate in us today. Why don’t you open yourself to the Holy Spirit and let Him show you how He wants to work in your life to sift, to prune, to test or to conform?

Consider questions like:

What area does the pressure I'm feeling need to break? A habit? A pattern? A chain?
How is it trying to push me out of a comfort zone?
What do I see that I can now contribute to the world?
What area of my life is God testing to make stronger?
How can I reach more people because of this?

The answers to these questions will be your turning the page on adversity; this is more than just making it through - this is what God is doing right now. Let us not waste this precious moment to turn the page together. I will be praying for you and your family. So stay home … stay safe … stay healthy (spiritually, emotionally, and physically).

FOCUS ON THE UNCHANGING

Posted on 10 April 2020

2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Before In the midst of the present Covit-19 situation, let us continue to be carriers. You are a carrier of faith … of hope and of God’s love to the people around you.

People are saying that we are facing an unprecedented time of difficulty. Some are even using the word “crisis.” What’s a crisis?

The dictionary defines a crisis as “a time of intense difficulty.”
Crisis, as a medical term, is defined as “a turning point.”
In the Greek, crisis is “a decision.”

Putting these together a crisis is “An intense time of difficulty requiring a decision that will be a turning point.”

Many people are just waiting for normal to return, but disruptions come to liberate us from what was, and to prepare us for what’s next. So let us make a decision to turn this crisis into a time to pray, plan, and prepare ourselves. How do you prepare for what’s next….

The above verse reminds us to focus on what is unchanging. This will give you stability.
You say, "Well, what are the unchangeable truths that I should focus on?" Among the many in God’s Word let me give you the following:
1. "God sees everything I'm going through."
2. "God cares about everything I'm going through."
3. "Jesus answer prayers."
4. “No matter what happens, God always extend His goodness to me."
5. "God's plan is always better than my plan." I may not see it, but it's better because
He's a good and great God."
6. "God will never stop loving me."
7. "I am secure in Him as I put my trust in Jesus Christ." "For I know who I have believed, and I'm persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed to Him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12)

That's what the Bible says. Focus on the unchanging: "His love… His grace and His goodness for you." As we focus on these unchanging truths let us recognize that …
We are not owners. We are stewards
We are created for relationships.
We are not the Maker. We are made.
It’s about His glory. Not our glory.
We are dependent. Not independent

With this in mind, my prayer for you is that you will use this time to prepare yourself: Grow in your FAITH and establish in your FAITH in God. Now, as we join our hearts in prayer I challenge you to exchange your:

Weakness for His Grace
Confusion for His Clarity
Weariness for His Energy … and
Discouragement for His Courage

Let us continue to put our trust in the LORD Jesus Christ and focus on Him, the One who is more than enough for us in all situations including the present pandemic.

HAVE FAITH IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Posted on 3 February 2020

“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Do you feel like the LORD is leading you to do a certain thing or move in a certain direction and you’re feeling anxious because you have lots of unanswered questions? Then read this: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). That’s what you must do too! Not only will you not have answers to all your questions, sometimes you won’t be able to explain what you’re doing to the people you love either.

God’s word says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” So you can say, “I don’t know all the details or how this is going to work out, but I know God has promised to be faithful and that’s all I need.” In other words, your faith is in the faithfulness of Jesus. It doesn’t get any better than that!

“Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people … according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised.” (1 Kings 8:56).

Even if you stumble on the road to success and significance, the Word of God says, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful.” (2 Timothy 2:13). Will satan attack you? Yes. “But the LORD is faithful, who will establish … and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Knowing that, your attitude should be to “hold fast the confession of [your] hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23).

Today have faith in our LORD’s faithfulness. Take courage and rest in the One who is “more than enough” for your situation. Remembers,

“Greater things have yet to come; and our LORD can do More in a moment than we can ever do in a life-time.”

GOD’S DIVINE GPS

Posted on 3 February 2020

Psalm 32:8

Before talking about what divine guidance is, let us be clear about what it’s not:

1. A last resort - The key to knowing whether you really desire God’s will lies in asking, ‘How often do I seek His guidance when I’m not facing difficulties?’

2. Only for a privileged few.

3. An excuse to do nothing.

4. Playing it safe. Jesus desires mature children, not robots. His purpose isn’t just to get us to perform the right actions, but to become the right kind of people.

Now how can we learn to be guided by the LORD? In three different ways:

1. Through PRAYER. Thomas Kelly wrote: ‘There’s a way of ordering our mental life on more than one level at once. On one level we may be thinking, discussing, seeing… but… at a profound level, we may also be in prayer… and have a gentle receptiveness to divine breathings.’

2. Through OBEDIENCE. What use is God’s guidance if you’re not willing to follow it? And what about the guidance you’ve already received through the Scriptures but haven’t acted on? Frank Laubach, whose life was an experiment in listening to God, wrote: ‘I never lived… until I reached the place where I wholly… resolved and then re-resolved, that I’d find God’s will, and that I would do that will though every fibre in me said no, and that I would win the battle in my thoughts. It was as though some deep artesian well had been struck in my soul… Money, praise, poverty, opposition—these made no difference, for they will all alike be forgotten in a thousand years, but this spirit which comes to a mind set upon continuous surrender, this spirit is timeless life.’

3. Through FAITH. Have the words, ‘I believe the Lord told me’, been abused? But don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater! The truth is, we won’t grow spiritually if we close yourself off from the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must believe that Jesus really can and does speak to us.

Whatever challenges, dreams and desires you have today, join me to step out in faith, be prayerful and resolve to obey whatever the Holy Spirit is directing us. Remember, I will be praying with and for you for the LORD to empower you to fulfill His destiny for you.

TRUST IN JESUS’ TIMING

Posted on 2 January 2020

Galatians 4:4 NLT

We all know the importance of timing. It the element that is key to success whether it is in the home, church or workplace. Yet it is more important to recognize that God is the one who knows the best timing.

God doesn’t consult us to make sure His plans line up with our timetable. God sets the schedule; sometimes we have to run to keep up, and other times we have to slow down in order to get in step with Him.

Mary planned to marry Joseph, then have a child, but God had a different plan. The child had to be without inherited sin, so He needed a perfect father; therefore, the Holy Spirit was called on to do the job. Humanly speaking, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Mary became pregnant before she got married, and Joseph wasn’t the father. Besides being ostracized, the law said she could be stoned to death. How did she respond? Amazingly: Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 NKJV).

Jesus has a set plan, and He is always working towards it. The trouble is, we are only working with limited information, so we become impatient and upset when He doesn’t answer our prayers when we think He should, or in the way we think He should.

It is said that George Müller, evangelist and founder of the Ashley Down Orphanage in Bristol, England, once waited on the dock for a special chair to be delivered; he had a bad back and needed the chair for his ocean voyage. When departure time came and it still hadn’t arrived, his friends offered to buy him one. But Müller said, ‘Either God will provide or He will give me the grace to do without.’ Then, just like a Hollywood ending, the chair arrived right on time! Trust God – He knows what He’s doing!
Today, join me to trust Jesus that ‘He knows what He’s doing!’ Let all of us learn to surrender to Him our concerns, dreams and desires. As we do that I believe 2020 will truly be a year of miracles for all of us. AMEN!

DON’T BE AFRAID OF GOD'S GIFT

Posted on 25 December 2019

Matthew 1:20-24

Life is full of changes, decisions, doors open, and doors shut. These times of transition are opportunities, but they can also be daunting and uncertain. Mary and Joseph faced much uncertainty and probably had many unanswered questions, yet God came through because of what Joseph did.

You would think that Joseph knowing that God had chosen the woman that Joseph had chosen, Joseph would be filled with excitement about the birth of Jesus Christ. No, we see Joseph worried and upset (verse 19). Fear can limit your perspective. Fear can intimidate you from growth. Fear can make you give up on something prematurely. So the very first thing the Angel says to worried Joseph is: “Fear not”.

There are three things that cause Joseph to be in fear. Understanding these will help you to appropriate God’s gifts for you.

1. Fear of PERCEPTION
Often when Jesus gives you a gift it causes you to become controversial in the eyes of people. Joseph is thinking: What will they say … what will they think … what will they do… How will they feel about me?

Joseph didn’t let his confusion disrupt his obedience. He didn’t know everything. But he did what he knew (verse 24). Joseph shook off the fear of perception and acted in obedience to God’s Word.

You don’t need to know everything. Do what you know:

That Jesus says “I AM the LORD who heals you” (Exodus 15:26)
Nothing is too difficult for the LORD? (Jeremiah 32:27)
All things are possible with him who believes! (Mark 9:23 ESV)

2. Fear for PROVISIONS
They shut Joseph out having no vacancies of rooms, but the LORD has the manger prepared. When you faced a shut door It’s only a sign that God is about to open another and better door for you. Jesus says in Revelation 3:8 “Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut..”

Are you believing Jesus for open doors? For the doors Jesus open no man can shut. And doors He shut no man can open!

3. Fear for PROVIDENCE
Providence simply God's guidance. Do you face the fear of: If I go will Jesus go with me. What if I say yes to this new door … this new opportunity and this new direction… with Jesus go with me?

‘Fear not, don’t be afraid Joseph. The baby in Mary you didn't start it. And if you didn't start it you don't have to worry about how to finish it.’ Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Don’t be afraid of God’s Gift. They may scare you in the early stages, but if you keep on walking by faith Jesus has a way of working it out even in challenging situations. Like Mary and Joseph, you are facing much uncertainty; you probably had many unanswered questions, do as Joseph did. Trust and surrender to Jesus today! He can do more in a moment than you can ever do in a lifetime.

YOUR DESTINY DEPENDS ON IT

Posted on 7 November 2019

Genesis 39:9 (NLT)

"NO" is a good word. If used at the right time it can protect you from pain and problems.

We are reminded of the value of a well-timed “NO” in the story of a young man in the Old Testament named Joseph. After being betrayed by a group of jealous brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph found himself in Egypt. By divine arrangement, Joseph ended up serving a highly placed official in the Egyptian military named Potiphar. Joseph managed Potiphar’s assets and activities so effectively that he was put in charge of all this man possessed.

Things were going great for Joseph until Potipar’s wife tried to seduce him. He could have said “YES” to Mrs Potiphar or he could say “NO” to his urges and do what was right, knowing that this woman would likely hate him for it. What did Joseph do? “Joseph refused…”

The Hebrew word for “refused” literally means “to reject; to disobey.” In the moment of temptation, this well-timed “NO” was one of the pivotal points in Jospeh’s life. Had he said “YES” his story would certainly be a different one. Joseph’s destiny was set by his decision to say “NO” at the right time - in the moment of his testing and temptation.

Go ahead. Say “NO” to the things you need to say “NO” to. Your destiny depends on it! Today let our focus be on JESUS instead of man:

	JESUS	MAN
	Favour of God	Favour of man
	Fear of God	Fear of man
	Faith	Impatience
	God’s Calling / Purpose	My Calling / Purpose

Get Growing!

What do you need to say “NO” to in your life right now?
While the Lord’s voice is whispering a “NO”, how are you responding?

BE A CHILDLIKE GROWNUP

Posted on 7 October 2019

Matthew 18:3
We’re supposed to be like children. But we’re also supposed to grow up and be mature. It seems a little bit contradictory. How do we handle this tension?

Here’s where I’ve landed: Be a childlike grownup.

When it comes to your faith and your prayers, be childlike. Never lose your sense of wonder. Never get to the point where you know better. Always come before God with the belief that He’s your Father and is ready, willing, and able to do anything you need Him to; that the only limit to His power is your ability to believe Him for it. Remember 1 Corinthians 13:11-13? This passage describes two attitudes towards life:
1. The child – Everything must be explained
2. The adult – Willingness to accept mysteries. There are two words that help us understand our current situation and use it for the Lord’s glory:

Now – We wish that ‘now’ things are different. We can’t see the final outcome.
Then – Jesus knows the end from the beginning. His plan for us is to give us and hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)

What about being grownup? When it comes to things like your decisions, your ambitions, and what offends you, be a grownup. Continually increase your responsibility. Continually grow in wisdom. Make sure the development of your character keeps pace with the advancement of your years.
Far too many Christians have equated maturity with what is really cynical unbelief. Far too many Christians have equated childlike faith with what is really juvenile immaturity.

While increasing in your maturity, never decrease in your faith; or vice versa. Do what the Bible tells you. Increase in both.

Be a childlike grownup.

RESPONDING TO THE UNEXPECTED

Posted on 31 August 2019

How do you respond to unexpected problems? Everything seems to be going great, but then something happens; something unexpected takes place. So how do we respond to the things that shock us that seemingly come out of nowhere? Here are a few things I am learning from Jesus in my journey:

1. Be still and wait on God (Psalms 37:7)
We want resolution and peace. We can only achieve those through the ways of God. Like the parable of the ‘wheat and weed’ (Matthew 13:24-30), the first response of the farmer to the servants’ request to take quick action was, “Leave it alone. Just wait.”
Rather than attempting a quick fix, we need to “leave it alone” for a season as we turn to God first. That could be a quick prayer, or it might mean going into the secret place and spending some good quality time with Jesus. We need to be still in the presence of God and let His peace calm the inner storms before we respond to the unexpected.

2. Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5)
I have personally discovered that the best answer to a situation is usually not the first solution I think of.
Again, we need to calm our emotions and let the peace of God fill us. Instead of reacting out of frustration, hurt, anger, or fear, we want to respond out of the peace and wisdom of God. Ask Jesus how you should solve the problem you have encountered.

3. Ask God to lead you by His Spirit (Ephesians 5:8)
Rather than being controlled by emotions, let us be filled and led by the Holy Spirit. The way we respond will involve our emotions. However, we want our emotions to be led by the Holy Spirit rather than letting our emotions direct us.

4. Seek a Kingdom perspective (Colossians 3:2)
Ask God to help you see it through the eyes of Jesus. Don’t interpret what is happening to you from your limited, human perspective. View it from a heavenly perspective.

5. Respond in a way that will glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Make it your goal that your response to the unexpected will bring glory to Jesus and please Him. I am learning to ask Him, “Did the way I respond to that particular situation bring You glory?” If not, I need to humble myself before Jesus (and probably before those I responded in front of), seek forgiveness, and repent for my behavior.

The unexpected will almost always be there. Let us intentionally seek out and follow our Lord’s direction.

'DISAPPOINTMENTS' OR 'HIS-APPOINTMENTS'

Posted on 5 August 2019

Psalm 13:2
We all have experienced disappointments. If we are not careful, the frustration and pain of disappointment can become harmful. It can ignite anger and invite despair. Over time, disappointments can make people bitter, brittle or cause them to retreat into cynicism where they trust no one.

A change in perspective can help you turn your disappointments into ‘His-appointments’. This allows you to see your disappointments in the light of the LORD’s wisdom, grace and providence.

Here are some lessons that have helped me:

1. Remember that everyone experiences disappointments
In reality, disappointment is a part of life. Accept it. Embrace it. Expect it. We can encounter disappointments without being disappointed by the help of Jesus.

2. Look for important lessons.
What can you learn from a disappointment that will make you a better person? What character or personality issues did a disappointment reveal in your life? What life principles will you take away from the experiences that will make you wiser?

3. Trust Jesus to work out His plan
Believe in the Almighty, all-powerful, all wise, all good, all-loving Jesus who said that for you: “all things are possible,” and “nothing is too hard for Me.” Disappointments do not intimidate Jesus or jeopardize His plans for your life. Often the disappointments we are upset about are His ways of getting our attention and redirecting our life course. Do not live in disappointment. Turn your ‘disappointments’ into ‘His-appointments.’

Get Growing!

What character issues are revealed to you in moments of disappointment?
In what ways have you allowed disappointments to hinder your life, relationships and walk with the LORD?
What is the Holy Spirit challenging you to trust Him and how can your LIFE Group help you?

FROM HERE TO THERE

Posted on 8 July 2019

Joshua 1:1-11

Why is it that some people seem to have better lives than others? Their marriages are stronger. Their finances are in better shape. They accomplish more of their goals. Their faith is more effective.

Here’s the secret: Effective people develop effective habits. Habits shape our lives. Effective people are able to look at their lives and figure out what they need to change to get them from here to there. They eliminate habits that are holding them back and develop habits that move them toward their goal. Ineffective people refuse to develop these habits.

Joshua chapter one shows us the power of habits. After forty years of wandering in the wilderness, the Hebrew people were finally ready to cross into the Promised Land. As they stood poised on the brink of change, God told Joshua three habits they needed to develop to get them from here to there.

I. The Habit of FUTURE VISION (Joshua 1:1-6)

We need a future vision to get from here to there. God knew that to get from here to there the people needed to do two things (Numbers 13):

• Let their faith and not their fears shape their future.

• Let their hopes and not their hurts shape their future.

You can’t get ahead by looking back. Letting faith and hope shape your future ensures you have a future.

II. The Habit of SPIRITUAL VITALITY (verses 7-8)

God told Joshua the people needed to cling to the book of the law - God’s word to them.

Meditating on and obeying God’s word would give the people the vitality and power they needed to be prosperous and successful in the land.

Three questions help us protect our spiritual vitality (Luke 8:5-14)

• Am I receptive to God?

• Am I growing deeper in my relationship with God?

• Am I ruthless with distractions?

Hardness of heart, a shallow spirit, and an overcrowded life can all kill our spiritual vitality. If we want the power to move from here to there, we need to nurture our receptivity, grow our spiritual depth, and be ruthless about rooting distractions out of our lives.

III. The Habit of GETTING STARTED (verses 2, 9-11)

God told the people the time was now. Now is the time for obedience. Now is the time to move forward.

They needed both an attitude and an action.

• Attitude: Someday is today.

• Action: Take a step of faith.

Today, if you’re waiting on someday to start moving forward, the time is now. Stop looking back. The guilt, grief, and grudges of your past can’t take you where you want to go. God’s promises and instruction can. Take a step of faith. Your brand-new life starts today.

VALUES-ANCHORED BELIEVERS

Posted on 2 June 2019

Hebrews 6:19

We have had “Purpose-Driven Lives” and now we have “Presence-Motivated People.” But what we need for the days that are ahead are “Values-Anchored“ believers. Thank God that people have been discovering their God-given purpose and callings, resulting in “Purpose-Driven Lives”. Today, across the global body of Christ, people are discovering the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit. It is saturating our worship, changing our goals and empowering us for service, resulting in “Presence-Motivated People.”

But to navigate the days that are ahead, we need to be Values-Anchored Believers. Hebrews 6:19 states, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.” Hope is the positive expectation of good and the anchor to our soul (mind, will and emotions). In times of uncertainties, we become immoveable because our hope is anchored to the Rock of ages – Jesus Christ.

I am embracing a set of “core values” for my life to be anchored. Here are four key foundational values I constantly remind myself (and I invite you to take them for your life):

God Is Good -Therefore, something good is just about to happen.

Nothing Is Impossible with God - Yesterday’s risks become today’s lifestyle.

Everything Was Accomplished at Calvary - Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished!”

I Am (and You Are) Significant and Cherished by God - If His eye is on the sparrow, I know He is watching over me.

Here are some additional godly beliefs I am grafting into my soul:

Worship God with your questions.

Do not doubt in darkness what God has spoken in the light.

Build a safe house where there are secure boundaries of holiness.

Feed yourself on a healthy diet of God’s Word.

Family is God’s idea. Love, serve and value your family.

Be committed to a community of believers cultivating a culture of honour.

Forgive, Forget and Forge Ahead!

Declare with me “The Best is Yet to Come!”

I believe that “Values-Anchored” Believers will provide in Jesus the cures for profitable businesses, healthy families, growing churches and will be a shining light to a lost world in the days that are ahead in Jesus’ name!

Something good is just about to happen!

HOW DO I KNOW I AM MATURE

Posted on 4 May 2019

Numbers 13:30

In our journey to inspire as mature leaders, we can learn a lot from Caleb. If we grew our leadership capacity like him - if we matured like him - there would be nothing we couldn’t do with the Lord’s empowerment.

I want to share with you some observations so as to stay wholehearted no matter what’s ahead.

1. MATURITY IS UNSHAKEN BY FLATTERY OR CRITICISM

When our identity is secure in Christ, we can live free from the approval of others - to be a mature leader, my obedience and confidence cannot be affected by applause or being ignored. (1 John 2:27)

2. MATURITY HAS THE ABILITY TO DELAY GRATIFICATION

The ability to wait and understand that timing is just as critical as knowing the right decision is key. Leaders who want it all now will lose it all later (Hebrews 6:12).

3. MATURITY CAN KEEP COMMITMENTS LONG TERM

The ability to maintain is just as valuable and mature as the ability to pioneer. Mature leaders are just as faithful to a project when it becomes tedious. (2 Corinthians 8:11)

4. MATURITY HAS A SPIRIT OF HUMILITY

It’s important to give credit, to share the wins, to give your opinion, but let others go first. It’s thinking of others more and ourselves less. (James 4:10)

5. MATURITY IS NOT RULED BY EMOTIONS

Jesus to our Heavenly Father, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His obedience wasn’t based on His feelings, but His decision to obey.

6. MATURITY EXPRESSES GRATITUDE CONSTANTLY.

Mature leaders know it’s a privilege to serve on the team. They have no sense of, “I deserve this.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

7. MATURITY PREFERS OTHERS TO SELF.

A mature leader knows he is worth more to the team when he doesn’t have to be the start of the team. He values others more than himself. (Philippians 2:3)

8. MATURITY IS TEACHABLE.

A mature leader doesn’t have a “know-it-all” spirit, but a “tell-me-more” spirit. They are lifelong learners. (Proverbs 9:9)

9. MATURITY IS RESPONSIBLE

Mature leaders come up with solutions rather than deposit problems on their leader’s desk. They are faithful to execute. (Titus 2:7)

10. MATURITY BRINGS FREEDOM

Mature leaders don’t have to be micromanaged. They can be trusted to carry the vision and

greater responsibility. (Luke 16:10)

When your heart is all in - you will do anything, go anywhere, and give everything. There is no one

more worthy than Jesus for us to give our heart ‘all-in’ for. I encourage you to join me to renew our

commitment to Jesus: To be wholehearted serving the LORD like Caleb.

SUPERNATURAL TURNAROUND EXPECTED

Posted on 20 March 2019

Mark 8:25

Jesus can do more in a moment than we can ever do in a life-time! He has prepared a supernatural turnaround for you; do you expect it?

I. WHAT IS A SUPERNATURAL TURNAROUND

1. When Jesus steps into our world and changes the course of events with an outcome of His choosing and making. Very often when we need a turnaround, the reversal is in our attitude before it becomes an action. I call this attitude expectation.

2. When the LORD interrupts our situation.

II. WHAT IS THE EXPECTATION

Isaiah 43:18-19 (Message) "Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it …”

Three expectations that lead to supernatural turnaround:

1. Expect Jesus to put His hand on your life. In the Bible this essentially means 4 things:

Promotion – The LORD will lift you to a new level.

Provision – He provides things where no men can provide.

Protection – God sets a divine hedge around your life, home, children, business…

Power – You’ll receive from Him supernatural strength and endurance. Here’s another…

2. Expect the LORD to give you a prophetic assignment.

3. Expect God to visit you where you are.

Right now, right where you are, pause, apply these principles and start positioning yourself for God’s supernatural turnaround today!

SURRENDER AND LET GOD USE YOU

Rev Dr David Chee Posted 4 February 2019

Exodus 4:2

We want to look at a very familiar and yet important principle today. In the passage Moses answered: What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you?’ Then the LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied. The LORD said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake’ (Exodus 4:1-3).

Throwing down the staff, the thing Moses lean on, is frightening and counter-intuitive. This is also true for us, especially for those of us who are “control freaks.” Yet, as long as we hold on to it and try to control it, Jesus can’t use it. It has been observed that in golf, when an amateur wants to drive the ball further they tend to grip the club tighter, which has the opposite effect. The key to a long drive is loosening the grip.

Moses’ staff represented his identity and security. It was the way he made his living as a shepherd, and the way he protected himself and his flock. So when the LORD told him to throw it down, he was asking Moses to let go of who he was and what he had.

Question: What are you not willing to let go?

Answer: You don’t control whatever it is you’re holding on to, it controls you.

If you don’t throw it down, your staff will forever remain only a staff. However, if you have the courage to surrender to Jesus, it can become the lightning rod of His miraculous power.

What’s in your hand today? You can hang on to it and see what you can do, or hand it over and see what the LORD can do. Today surrender to the LORD and let Him use what you have. Then you will experience His miraculous intervention!

filipino@ndfi-church.org