OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS SHOW OUR FAITH

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

James 2:14-20 >>

Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead

14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

I will ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in meditating on the Word of God, so that I am able to experience an encounter with God in His truth and experience change.

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:

I will meditate on the verses above and answer the questions below honestly before the Lord.

1.           Do my words and actions show that I am person of faith? [take time to evaluate yourself]

2.           Why does faith need to be accompanied by action? What happens if I only have faith, but do not take any action? [refer to your own personal experiences]

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:

I will do good with what I say and how I act towards whoever, so that today Christ may be glorified.

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:

Declare the Word of God from yesterday and also add: Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN:

Today I will call/visit a person on my VIP prayer list and bless them with my words and actions.

AGREEMENT PRAYER:

Today I will find a prayer partner and together we will pray in unity for the things on our VIP prayer lists and also for our own prayer requests.

LESSON:

Not one person can be saved only by their good works. But James taught that faith without action is useless (2:20). As an example, he explained how faith by itself cannot feed someone who is hungry. Only faith that is accompanied by action is useful (verses 15-16).

This message is right on! There are many people in this world whose bellies ache because they do not have enough food to eat, whereas the leftover population’s bellies ache because they have had too much to eat.

The tragedy is that those of us who have enough to eat many times get “stomachaches” because our food is overcooked, too hard, too sweet, too cold, and/or bland. We even complain about our dirty dishes, caused by the food that’s been on them. Pauline Davis wrote a poem that said this: Thank God for dirty dishes, they have a story to tell while others may be hungry, we are eating very well. With home, health, and happiness. I shouldn’t want to fuss by this great stack of evidence, God’s been very good to us!

Yes, as a matter of fact we should always give thanks because it is important for those who want to have faith that is accompanied by action. A person who never gives thanks will rarely care whether or not they have faith that is accompanied by action. God definitely wants us to share our blessings to others.

Ensure that your faith is useful and not useless. And don’t disregard those who are spiritually and/or physically needy all over the world—and around every street corner!

FAITH IS CONSTANTLY WORKING

 

TAKING ACTION BASED ON WHAT WE KNOW AND BELIEVE

 

Monday, November 2, 2009

Titus 1:16; Romans 2:17-24

Titus 1:16 >>
Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.
Romans 2:17-24 >>
The Jews and the Law
17 You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. 18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. 20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:
I will direct my heart and mind to meditate on today’s Word of God. But first I will pray that today’s Word is able to change my life.

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:
I will meditate on the verses above and answer the questions below honestly before the Lord.
In the past, how have I lived out what I already know about the Word of God? [take time to evaluate yourself]Based on Titus 1:16, how am I able to deny Christ?

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:
Today I will restrain my mouth from saying mean words and from lying, I will also guard my mind from thinking dirty/lewd/worthless thoughts.

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:
1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN: I will invite a friend to pray in unity for the welfare of this city and nation.

AGREEMENT PRAYER:
Today I will find a prayer partner and together we will pray in unity for the things on our VIP prayer lists and for any of our other prayer requests.

LESSON:
As Christians, often times we are expected to “not just talk the talk,” but also “walk the walk.” That same advice is also given in the following words: Don’t allow your actions to go against the faith in which you believe. In every opportunity we are reminded to decide whether our life is intact with our words and/or what we say. If our actions are not in sync with our faith, then the contradiction will wipe out any testimony about the Word of God we wish to share with people.
As we may know already, Mahatma Gandhi was never a Christian, but he did once say “My life is my testimony.” We need to be as clear as possible when explaining the gospel to others. But it doesn’t matter how clear our explanation is when trying to win the heart of someone for God, if God’s love is not evident in our own life. Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” He placed himself as an example, also writing in Philippians 4:9, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
THE WORLD IS WITNESSING OUR LIVES
ARE THEY ABLE TO SEE JESUS IN US?

 

THE ROLE OF GOD’S CHURCH

Sunday, 1 November, 2009

Ephesians 4:11-16, John 17:20-23

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

I will focus my heart and mind to meditate on God’ word today. First I pray for God’s word to change my life today.

Ephesians 4:11-16 >>

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

John 17:20-23 >>

20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:

I believe that God is speaking to me through His Word. Therefore, I will respond with earnest so that I will be transformed in both my mind and character.

1. Why does my spiritual life need to grow mature? [verse Ephesians 4:13-15]?
2. How can I make the effort to establish unity within the members in the family, church or anywhere I am active?

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:

I will be a peace bearer wherever I am through my words and actions.

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:

Declare God’s word from Monday through Saturday, also add John 17:23, “I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”

[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN:

I, together with my believer friends, will pray agreement prayer today for our VIP list.

LESSON:

A church is a place where we  worship, read and study the Bible, sing praises to Him, serve one another and help each other to grow together. A church is also a place filled with love, forgiveness and hope. How can we make this happen? When we realize that every one of us is also God’s individual church, in which Christ abides and rules in our lives.

In his letter to the church in Ephesians, Paul explains the purpose of unity (4:1-6) that can help us overcome difference opinions without causing disunity. He clearly understands that a self-centered interest can only cause disasters (1 Corinthians 3:1-9). Therefore, we need to become Christ’s disciples, not just called ‘christians’, so that our faith can grow mature. Only those who are spiritually mature will inherit Christ’s characters.

Let us all together make this church as a place that reflects Christ’s characters in order to establish the unity. When we come together in unity, the people out there will glorify Christ and even follow Him. This is not only the responsibility of pastors, church workers, but also the responsibility of every believer who call themselves Christians.

TITHE

Saturday, 31 October 2009

Malachi 3:1-10

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

I will focus my heart and mind to meditate on God’ word today. First I pray for God’s word to change my life today.

Malachi 3:1-10 >>

The Coming Day of Judgment

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

2 “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. 3 He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. 4 Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.

5 “At that time I will put you on trial. I am eager to witness against all sorcerers and adulterers and liars. I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people do not fear me,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

A Call to Repentance

6 “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. 7 Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’

8 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me!

“But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’

“You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. 9 You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:

I will ponder on the questions below and do self reflect.

1. What’s God’s advice on Tithes? [discuss this with your spiritual mentor if necessary]
2. What’s your attitude when you tithe?

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:

Starting today I will not be too calculative when I give to the Lord or others who are in need [money, time, or energy].

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:

Declare God’s word from Monday thru Friday, also add Malachi 3:10

I will bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. And the Lord will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!

[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN:

I will share the commitment I make today with my believer friend who are backsliding.

Today I will pray in agreement with one of family members for the prayers topics in the family.

LESSON:

Many say different things about tithe. Some say, “Tithing is only for local church, if not you’re considered a thief.” Some also say, “That’s only happen in the Old Testament. Now we live in the New Testament, then the most important thing is to give cheerfully and willingly.”

The fact that we can be misled and fall into confusion when we try to add, reduce or alter the meaning of the verses in the Bible according to our interpretation of ‘correct and proper’. The fact that Malachi 3:10 and Leviticus 27:30 explicitly explain what tithe is. There’s no such phrases that condemn us as ‘robbers’ or ‘stealers’. We’re only told to bring what is supposed to be God’s. Then, tithe is not only mentioned in the Old Testament, but also in the New Testament. Jesus said, “…” (Matthew 23:23). It’s even further explained in the New Testament that not only tithe, but also our entire lives, are God’s; for we’ve been redeemed by Jesus precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Both the Old and New Testament clearly explains offering. The important thing is that whether tithe, faith offering and thanksgiving, or any offerings, has to be offered with joy not murmurs. With the right motive (not to show off – Matthew 6:3) and with willingness and joyful heart (2 Cor 9:7). This way, God is pleased with our offerings. This is the most important principle from the entire Bible.

LET GOD BE GLORIFIED THROUGH EVERY OFFERING WE BRING.

THE CHOICE TO BE JOYFUL

Friday, 30 October 2009

Romans 5:1-5, Philippians 4:4-8

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

I will focus my heart and mind to meditate on God’ word today. First I pray for God’s word to change my life today.

Romans 5:1-5 >>

Faith Brings Joy

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Philippians 4:4-8 >>

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:

I will ponder on the questions below and self reflect.

1. What’s God’s perspective on trials and problems that take place in life? [verses 3-5]
2. Why to be joyful is a choice and a decision to make? [ponder on Philippians 4:4-7]

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:

Today I will make the decision to rejoice and not worry when I face problems or uncertainties.

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:
Declare God’s from Monday thru Thursday, and also add Philippians 4:4, ”Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”

[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN:

I will share my experience with the Lord with my prayer partner today during cell group meeting and we’ll pray for one another in an agreement prayer.

LESSON:

Generally we try to refuse problems from entering into our lives, although often times they come unannounced. This could be series of problems, such as car accidents, rude service from a waiter at a restaurant, hurting words from friends, or arguments in the house. Regardless, we have the choice and attitude to respond to these issues. A person once said, “Though to grief is out of one’s control, but to suffer lies in one’s choice.” Yet when trials come, often times suffering is the only option to choose.

Lloyd Ogilvie once mentioned a Christian who suffered from physical and emotional emptiness due to enormous stress. When he asked him, he answered, “Indeed joy is not an easy option to pick!” Ogilvie added, “It’s true! to be joyful is not a choice. You have the responsibility to make it happen.” Surprised to hear his answer, the man replied back, “You’re referring joy as a responsibility.” Ogilvie answered, “True indeed!” He explained that we stand before God, men and ourselves with an obligation to conquer our heart’s condition and to fight [make the effort] to be joyful.”

In the book of Romans 5, Paul gives reasons to be joyful: for we live in the peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord, we can enter in God’s grace and the future with Him (verses 1-2). We’re reassured that problems and trials help us to develop endurance that will later develop strength of character and eventually into hope (verses 3-4). We choose the hope that will not lead to disappointment for our hearts have been filled with His love (verse 5).

Fill your mind with the truths mentioned above. Therefore, no matter what situation you’re in, choose to remain joyful. TO BE JOYFUL IS A CHOICE.

WORSHIP TO GOD BRINGS VICTORY

Thursday, 29 October 2009

2 Chronicles 20:14-22

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

I will direct my heart and mind to meditate on God’s Word today. First, I will pray for God’s Word today to transform my life.

2 Chronicles 20:14-22 >>

14 the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.

15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

18 Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.

20 Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang:

“Give thanks to the Lord;
his faithful love endures forever!”

22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:

I will meditate on the verses above and answers the questions below honestly before Him:

1. What situation the citizen of Judah and Jerusalem are facing?
2. After meditating on God’s word today, what can I do to overcome my struggles and problems?

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:

Every time I face a problem or a hindrance in my mind and heart, I will sing church songs.

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:

Declare God’s word on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and add: 2 Chronicles 20: 15 “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN:

I will pray for the leaders of the nation, church, and my family with my prayer partner.

LESSON:

When receiving a threat from a great enemy, King Jehoshaphat from Judah realizes that his army is not strong enough to stand. Therefore he asks for God’s help. (2 Chronicles 20:12). God’s answer comes from Jahaziel who says, “Do not be afraid and discouraged…..for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (verse 15).

Jehoshaphat responds by worshipping the Lord and appoints singers to walk ahead of the army (verses 18-21). When the people starts singing “Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!” (Verse 21), God confused the enemy and to fight among themselves (verses 22-24).

Whatever battle that we face, God will help when we call out to Him. Rather than retreating with fear, it is better to move forward trusting God’s power and sing praises to Him.

A PRAISE IS A SOUND OF FAITH.

BUILDING A WORSHIPER’S LIFESTYLE: GIVE THANKS AND SING FOR GOD

Wednesday, 28 October 2009

Ephesians 5:13-21, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:26

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

I will direct my heart and mind to meditate on God’s Word today. First, I will pray for God’s Word today to transform my life.

Ephesians 5:13-21 >>

13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

Living by the Spirit’s Power

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Spirit-Guided Relationships: Wives and Husbands

21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Colossians 3:16 >>

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

1 Corinthians 14:26 >>

A Call to Orderly Worship

26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.  

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:

I will meditate on the questions below and do a self-reflection.

1. According to God’s word, what is the lifestyle of a worshipper?
2. Self-evaluation: which one do I do more? Give thanks or complain? Say positive words or negative words? Angry or be patient? Hate or Forgive? [make a new commitment]

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:

When facing any problem today, I will be a motivator through my response and words.

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:

Declare God’s word on Monday and Tuesday and add Colossians 3:16: Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN:

I will testify God’s goodness to a person in school/workplace.

Today I will seek a prayer partner from one of my family members and pray in agreement for the topics on our VIP list and also for our personal prayer topics.

LESSON:

Have we ever wondered what God thinks of the way we sing at church. It’s not about the quality of our voice, but it’s about the sincerity of what we say. Let us praise and worship the Lord in repentance and without pretences, in His presence that is full of forgiveness, let us show Him our true love by fully surrendering to Jesus. We will be able to sing honestly about Jesus Christ and about our love for Him. When we sing hymns wholeheartedly for the Lord (Ephesians 5:19), let us worship Him in spirit and truth.

A famous British preacher, Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), wrote something for us to remember when we are about to start our day: “Let your mind be psalms, your prayer be an offering, and your breath be praises”. Let all of us think of this sentence.

Let your mind be psalms. If we meditate on the book of Psalms, each of the 150 chapters has a different theme. Most of them are about praises, God’s character, and expression of dependency on God. We could turn our mind to be psalms by meditating on God’s holiness, His worthiness to be praised, and how we really need Him.

Let our prayer be an offering that brings fragrance to Him; that is, exalting Him and our need of Him. Let your breath be praise. The book of Psalms ends with the sentence “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah!” (Psalms 150:6). We have to talk about God and praise Him naturally like the way we breathe. Let God reign in your mind, prayer, and words today – Dave Egner.

WORSHIP MEANS TO GIVE WITH A GOOD ATTITUDE

Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Acts 4:34-37, 5:1-5, 2 Corinthians 8:12

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

I will ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in meditating on the Word of God so that I am able to experience an encounter with God, in His truth and experience change.

Acts 4:34-37, 5:1-5 >>

34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Acts 5:1-5 >>

Ananias and Sapphira

1 But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”

5 As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified.

2 Corinthians 8:12 >>

Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:

I will meditate on the verses above and answer the questions below honestly before the Lord.

1. What caused Ananias and Sapphira’s offering to be unworthy in God’s presence?
2. What attitude does my heart have when I am given the opportunity to give to God and even to people who are in need of something I can give to them [time, money, energy]?

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:
Every time I am given the opportunity to give or to help another person, I will give with joy, and not because I am forced.

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:

Declare the Word of God from yesterday and also add this: 2 Corinthians 8:12, “Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”

[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN:
I will call/visit one person on my VIP prayer list and bless that person with my words and actions.

AGREEMENT PRAYER:

Today I will look for a prayer partner and together we will pray in unity for the people and the points on our VIP prayer lists.

LESSON:

Ananias and Sapphira were not forced to sacrifice all of their earnings from their sales to the church. They had the right to give whatever amount they wanted. It all depended on their heart’s willingness. The problem was that they both lied. After making the commitment to sacrifice all of their earnings from selling their land, they kept some of it. Another problem is that they were not sincere about their offering. They tried to show that they were more charitable then they actually were. Because of this they sinned, not only did they simultaneously lie to God and His church, but they also gave their offering with a crooked/corrupted heart. Their actions tainted the church’s testimony and resulted in great punishment.

When you give an offering, give it with a humble heart. Our offerings can become a blessing if it comes from a sincere heart. Vice versa, blessings can become curses if our offerings come from a crooked/corrupted heart.

DO NOT BE CALCULATIVE WHEN GIVING YOUR OFFERINGS
FOR GOD’S DAILY BLESSINGS FOR US ARE ENDLESS.

OUR ATTITUDE WHEN WORSHIPPING GOD

THE BEST OFFERING

Monday, 26 October 2009

Psalm 100

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

I will direct my heart and mind to meditate on today’s Word of God. But first I will pray that today’s Word is able to change my life.

Psalm 100 >>

A psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!

2 Worship the Lord with gladness.

Come before him, singing with joy.

3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!

He made us, and we are his.

We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;

go into his courts with praise.

Give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the Lord is good.

His unfailing love continues forever,

and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:

I will meditate on the verses above and answer the questions below honestly before the Lord.

1. Absorb Psalm 100 in and meditate on the meaning of worshipping God.
2. What attitude should we have when we worship God on a personal level or even when we worship God in a service with our family in Christ?
3. How can I live a life that constantly worships God throughout my daily activities?

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:

Today I will guard my mouth from any negativity instead use it to pray and give thanks to God.

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:

Psalm 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.”

[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN:
I will invite a friend to pray with me in unity for the health of our city and nation.

LESSON:

In order to greatly benefit from a church service, we need to prepare our hearts and become involved and active. We need to be truly involved in singing praises, praying quietly along as the pastor leads us in prayer, and worshipping with all of our heart when the worship leader invites us to sing. Our worship to God is not some sort of rushed ritual, routine prayer, and/or easy listening music. Worship is our way to show our respect and marvel, which guides us in praising Him. In the end, we need to discipline ourselves to really listen, with all of our heart, to the teachings of the Word of God with an open heart. We need to expand our desire and hunger for truth that comforts our soul, inspire worship, raise up our praise to God, and allow it to move us to serve Him.

It is easy for us to blame the pastor if we leave a service feeling empty and unmotivated. A pastor is only one person; we too must do our part. “Those who receive the most blessings from worship are those who give the most opportunities.” –Richard De Haan

THE POINT OF WORSHIP IS TO WORSHIP FROM THE HEART

THE PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARD WEALTH

Sunday, 25 October, 2009

1 Timothy 6:6-16

[A] – ACCEPT / RECEIVE GOD’S WORD:

I will focus my heart and mind to meditate on God’ word today. First I pray for God’s word to change my life today.

1 Timothy 6:6-16 >>

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Paul’s Final Instructions

11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. 13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.

[C] – CONTEMPLATE / MEDITATE ON:

I believe that God is speaking to me through His word. Therefore I want to respond to it earnestly so that I will experience transformation in my mind and character.

1. When do I get tangled over the issue of money? What is the cause of it?
2. What’s God’s advice on money?

[T] – TAKE ACTION / APPLY:

Today I will ask my friend who is backsliding to come to church.

DECLARATION OF GOD’S WORD:

Declare God’s word from Monday to Saturday and add 1 Timothy 6:12

“Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.”

[S] – SHARE / STRENGTHEN:

I will share today’s devotional with a believer friend and pray for one another in an agreement prayers.

LESSON:

Indeed, our attitude toward wealth is far more important than how wealthy we are. Apostle Paul wrote, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth” (1Timothy 6:6). Regardless of our status, we ought to be contented with what we have, not greedy or despise those who are more wealthy than us.

Though we, as Christians, are entitled to enjoy God’s great blessings without having to feel guilty, we need to pay close attention to Apostle Paul’s advice for us to not become arrogant, but continue to put our hope in Him (verse 17). With our humble heart, we ought to acknowledge Him as our Source of our every possession, and be willing to share it with one another (verses 17-18). This kind of generosity will score eternal marks (verse 19). For He will measure our giving based on our sincerity to sacrifice (Mark 12:42-44), then many who can afford to give little in live can reap great rewards in the next life.

In both poor and wealthy situation, let us make sure that we’re saving for eternity.

OUR VALUE IS NOT DETERMINED BY WHAT WE HAVE, RATHER IT’S BASED ON WHAT WE CAN DO WITH WHAT WE HAVE.