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Sermons Archive

A short summary focusing on key points and Bible passages from our weekly sermons.

 

BE READY - EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Posted on 5 February 2024


Isaiah 43:18-19

 
Let us be reminded and get ready. The setting is Israel during the Babylonian captivity. Israel was distanced from the confidence of their home setting and under the duress of a foreign power. Perhaps you are distanced from the place that God made for you, not enjoying the blessing of what He intended for your life. It was in that situation God said to His people and to you, "I am going to do a new thing."
 
How do you position yourselves for the “new thing”?
1. FORGET the former things (v 18)
There are two ideas here:
  • 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 be like a record stuck in its groove – playing the same tune over and over again.
  • He is admonishing you not to confine Him to what He's already done. It is “… nothing compared to what I am going to do.” (verse 18 NLT) Ephesians 3:20 says that 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?"
The verb "know" in Hebrew has to do with the total giving of yourself, as in the husband-wife relationship within marriage. This "knowing" is a total embrace.

 

3. OBEY even you don’t see it
“… 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 it is in process and progress already. You can't see it yet, but it's set in motion.
It’s like the LORD telling you:

  • Don't confine Me to what I've already done or try to anticipate what I will do next.
  • I am your complete Deliverer, making a way for you where there is no way. I come in My holiness to make you whole.
  • My "new thing" will prepare you for whatever is to come and out of it, you will find new themes for your praise to Me.

Are you facing a situation so overwhelming that unless Jesus intervenes, you don't know how it will work out? Could it be what the Lord's getting ready to change is you rather than the circumstance? Would you let go and let Jesus takes over by applying these principles in your life? I will be praying for your breakthrough and break out into praise to Him.

 

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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‘BEHOLD’ – THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES POSSIBLE

Posted on 5 January 2024

 

Luke 1:38 (NIV)

 

The God we serve is the God for whom nothing is impossible. Does God need our help to do the humanly impossible in our lives? In other words, does His impossible needs our Possible? Some things God can do on His own and He will do them because He's the God who can do the impossible. But there are other things that God is going to do - in terms of the impossible - He's going to do it in cooperation with our possible.


The above passage reveals a tension: The God in whom nothing is impossible needs the help of a teenage girl. We serve a God who can do the impossible, He can do absolutely anything within the framework of His character and His purpose; yet He is asking for the help of a teenage girl. Mary’s reply (verse 38a) gives us a principle to experience the impossible in our situation becoming possible.


The NIV Bible translates it as, “I am the Lord’s servant …” This is a poor translation of this phrase. Here's what she says, “Behold, the servant of the LORD…” And that sense of the word “Behold …” is unique in the Hebrew Bible or the Tanakh. The Tanakh in Mary’s time would have three parts.

  • The Torah or Law with the first five books of our Bible called the Pentateuch.
  • The Prophets.
  • The Writings.

When God comes to a person, like for example, Moses or Abraham, he responds with the word ‘hineni’ translated as “Here I am” or more literally ‘Behold’! In the Torah, each time the word ‘hineni’ is used, it signifies a turning point, a potentially life-changing moment requiring decision, action and resolution. It means you’re saying to God, “I am absolutely focused on Your desires for me. I am available … I'm waiting for Your direction … I'm Yours…” This is the spirit of Mary's response. And it is this attitude that posture Mary to partner with God, the great ‘I AM’ with her possible. When that happens, we see the impossible in our situation turning into possible and we experience the breakthrough we are praying for.

 

Today would you adopt the ‘Behold’ attitude? Let’s posture ourselves with a heart that says, “LORD, I am absolutely focused on Your desires for me. I am available … I'm waiting for Your direction … I'm Yours…”

 

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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MANIFESTING YOUR GOD-GIVEN DESTINY

Posted on 8 October 2023

 

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (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 fulfilment 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’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 discovered your calling?
• Have you appropriated 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

 

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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JESUS WORKING IN YOUR FAVOUR 

Posted on 11 September 2023

 

Ephesians 1:11


I trust you are doing well by 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:

 

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 His goodness every time especially at our Saturday International Service through the power of His Holy Spirit!

 

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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POSITIONING OURSELF TO MOVE WITH GOD

Posted on 8 July 2023

 

Isaiah 54:1-2

 

In the midst of the changes and uncertainties, anchoring on JESUS who remains unchanged will position us to move with the LORD. A helpful principle to do this is found in today’s passage.

 

Here’s the principle: Sometimes we have to see it before we see it. God is asking the woman to extend her tent while she’s not even pregnant. He’s asking her to prepare for multiple babies while she is yet barren. The LORD is asking the woman to see and do something before she sees it. Wherever we are in our journey with God: We got to see something in our heart before we hold it in our hand - seeing it by faith.

 

Our world will often say ‘it’s impossible’, as we look around we feel stuck; but God wants us to be a people of foresight not just hindsight. If you don’t see it before you see it, you will never see it. What do you see? God already sees it; He needs you to see what He sees. When we see what God wants our purpose becomes clear.

 

1. Seeing clarifies purpose.
God told the woman (Isaiah 54:2): Because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband. The mundane and routine of enlarging the tent and stretching the tent curtain become important to the woman. John Maxwell put it this way: ‘You can seize only what you can see.’

 

2. Seeing dictates our priorities.
Did you notice that God deliberately put eyes at the front of our head so that we must look forward? We are designed to look forward. The LORD wants you to see the future He has for you. Our priorities become a prophecy of our future! In other words, our priorities are preparing us for the future. We are not just living for our generation. We are living for the next generation and the generations to come. So let us set the pace for them. Remember, we reproduce who we are!

 

If we are prepared to do what we can do, then JESUS, our God Almighty will do only what He can do. So, let all of us commit ourselves to…
See it before we see it.
Live by design not default..

 

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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WHERE YOUR ATTENTION GOES THE POWER FLOWS

Posted on 4 June 2023

 

Hebrews 12:1-3

 

Where your attention goes the power flows! Whether positive or negative power depends on the direction of your attention. Today’s passage gives us a simple yet profound principle to living with the empowering presence and power of Christ in our situations.

 

Here’s the simple yet profound idea: Fix your eyes on Jesus. Now let’s apply the principle from these Hebrews 12:1-3. Fixing our eyes on Jesus is vital because …

 

1. Jesus teaches us what true Joy is – “… for the joy sat before Him…” (v 2b)
His Joy is to do the will of the Father. Jesus explained in John 4:34, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work’. Jesus teaches us that the greatest joy is to do the will of the Father that's right in front of us.

 

2. Jesus teaches us that when our joy is His will … we can endure.
The word ‘endured’ (ὑπομονῆς - hypomonē) - literally means ‘remain under’. The joy of doing His will empowers us to ‘remain under’ when we’d rather run away. When the joy is in doing the will of the Father we are able to ‘remain under’ and not run away from the situations because His empowering presence and power is with us.

 

3. Jesus teaches us that when our joy is His will we can think against.
The word ‘scorning’ (καταφρονήσας - kataphronéō) literally means this to ‘think against’. When our eyes are on Him and when our joy is to do the Father’s will, we’ll be empowered to think against the stuff that would bring shame and discouragement that try to derail us from doing the will of the Father.

 

4. He teaches us we can finish what we started.
The idea of ‘sitting down’ means Finished … Completed … Done. This reminds us that we serve a God who not only finished on our behalf but wants to help us finish on His behalf. How are you going to do that? Fix your eyes on Jesus!

 

When your vision is filled with Jesus, you'll endure whatever the cross you're carrying, whatever the shame you'll scorn or think against it. And you will finish the race, knowing Jesus is good, He is great, and He is for you. Let’s make a renewed decision to fix our eyes on 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?

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EXPERIENCING BREAKTHROUGHS WHERE YOU ARE

Posted on 8 May 2023

 

Genesis 11:6

 

The LORD JESUS desires for you to experience breakthroughs at your Work, School, Family, Relationships, Finances. The passage above gives us the ingredients for breakthroughs in all areas of our lives (Read Genesis 11:1-9):

 

1. RELATIONAL UNITY – "If as one people..."
This is the power of synergy (Leviticus 26:7-9). Let us live out Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 2:2  "... complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."


2. COMMON LANGUAGE – "...speaking the same language..."
Language matters...words have power. We build an atmosphere of faith by speaking words of faith. Proverbs 18:21(Message) “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose."


3. INTENTIONAL ACTION – "...they have begun to do this..."
Vision + Action = Fruition (Reality). It is like Nehemiah 2:20 "The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build..."


Here’s a spiritual principle: The destiny of the believer is tied up with the destiny of the local church he belongs to. The destiny of the local church is tied up with the destiny of the city that the local church is planted in.


The people in the days of the Tower of Babel did not experience their breakthrough. Why? They did not get the approval of GOD (Genesis 11:7).


So, what do you need to experience breakthroughs? Consider the following:
1. SEE the vision together - “If as one people...”
2. SPEAK the vision together - “...speaking the same language...”
3. SEIZE the vision together - “...they have begun to do this...”
4. SEEK the LORD of the vision together!


As you experience breakthroughs from the LORD, let us remember:

The walk of faith is to live according to the revelation we have received, in the midst of the mysteries we can’t explained.

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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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. 

 
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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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.

 

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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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)

 

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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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)

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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?

 

1.

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)

 

2.

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.

 

3. 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!

 

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?

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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. 

 

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?

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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.

 

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?

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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?

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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)

 

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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‘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!

 

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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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.

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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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.

 

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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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!

 

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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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!

 

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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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.”

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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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?

 

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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?

 

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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
 

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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.
 
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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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?

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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.


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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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?

 

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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!

 

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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!


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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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!


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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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. 

 

  1. 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. 
  2. Leaven of the Pharisees - It embraces God in theory.  The Pharisees have God in form but without power. Pharisees provide explanations, not solutions.
  3. 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 
  1. 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.
  1. Recognizing God’s WorkHebrews 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! 

 

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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! 

 

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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:

  1. 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. 
  2. Expect the LORD to give you a prophetic assignment.
  3. 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!

 

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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).

 

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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.

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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

 

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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.

 

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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!

 

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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!

 

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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.

 

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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: 

  1. 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.

  2. 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.” 

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

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

  5. 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. 

  6. 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.

  7. 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!

 

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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!

 

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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.

 

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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!

 

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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!

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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!

 

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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.

 

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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:

  1. It forces you to slow down and examine the effectiveness of what you’re doing.
  2. 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?”
  3. 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!

 

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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).

 

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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.

 

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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.”

 

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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.

 

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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!

 

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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.

 

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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?

 

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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.

 

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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.

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'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?

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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.

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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):

 

  1. God Is Good -Therefore, something good is just about to happen.
  2. Nothing Is Impossible with God - Yesterday’s risks become today’s lifestyle.
  3. Everything Was Accomplished at Calvary - Jesus declared on the cross, It is finished!
  4. 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!

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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.

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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!

 

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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!

 

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GOD WANTS TO BLESS YOU

Rev Jireh Chee                  Posted on 7 January 2019

 

Numbers 6:22-27

This is one of the many scriptures being used as benediction at the end of the church services. The word ‘benediction’ literally means ‘to speak well of’. This is known as the Aaronic Blessings or Priestly Prayer.


This blessing reveals God’s character; this is evidence that we worship a God who desires to bless His people. And though it’s written for the children of Israel, as God’s people, this prayer applies to each and every one of us as well.

 

1. The LORD bless and keep you (v 24 & Deuteronomy 28:1-14))
The word ‘bless(barak) means to bring a gift to another while kneeling out of respect. An extension of that is to do or give something of value to another. Example: If your child were to come to you with a request, would you tower over him looking down on him; or would you get down to his level by ‘kneeling’ down and getting eye to eye with him?


The word ‘keep (shamar) means to guard and protect. Does this mean we won’t meet any danger, life will be smooth sailing? No difficulty, trial, tragedy, heart break, nothing can happen in my life unless it is filtered through the loving hands of our Heavenly Father (Psalm 46:1-3)

 

2. The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you (v 25)
In the Old Testament when God’s face was turned towards man it led to love, grace, mercy and salvation being present in their lives. God's face also speaks of His presence. May His presence be upon you like how the sun shines upon the earth bringing life.


The Hebrew word for ‘gracious (chanan) is an elaborate word-picture creating the image of two parties; one who has a marvellous gift to give and the other who is in serious need of the same gift. When God is gracious towards us, He is loving us not because of what is inside us, but because of what is inside Him. That love that He has towards His people moves Him to direct unmerited favours, undeserved kindness our way; giving us what we really don’t deserve.

 

3. The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace (v 26)
Lift up His countenance upon you’ – This is a moment of recognition that you matter to God and are special to Him. This is our security of knowing that our relationship with God is real and that He knows us and our relationship with Him cannot be shaken.


Peace(shalom) – This is far more than just the thought of the cessation of hostility. There is a sense of completion and wholeness without deficiency; a spiritual well-being that involves a quietness of heart that rises above the circumstances.

 

4. Put My ‘name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.’ (v 27) Even though this line comes after the blessing is pronounced, it still is very significant because it speaks of the position of the children of Israel and our
position as well. Putting God’s name on someone here speaks of adoption. This means that we are in a position of sonship. It’s a confirmation of John 1:12.

 

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EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Rev Dr David Chee                  Posted 2 December 2018


Isaiah 43:18-19
Let me give you a little of the background of this passage. The setting is Israel during the Babylonian captivity. Israel was distanced from the confidence of their home setting and under the duress of a foreign power. Perhaps you are distanced from the place that God made for you, not enjoying the blessing of what He intended for your life. It was in that situation God said to His people and to you, "I am going to do a new thing."


How do you position yourselves for the “new thing”?
1. FORGET the former things (v 18)
There are two ideas here:

  • 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 be like a record stuck in its groove – playing the same tune over and over again.
  • He is admonishing you not to confine Him to what He's already done. It is “… nothing compared to what I am going to do.” (verse 18 NLT)
    Ephesians 3:20 says that the LORD is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."

 

II. 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?"


The verb "know" in Hebrew has to do with the total giving of yourself, as in the husband-wife relationship within marriage. This "knowing" is a total embrace.


III. OBEY even you don’t see it
“… 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 it is in process already. You can't see it yet, but it's set in motion.
It’s like the LORD telling you:

  • Don't confine Me to what I've already done or try to anticipate what I will do next.
  • I am your complete Deliverer, making a way for you where there is no way. I come in My holiness to make you whole.
  • My "new thing" will prepare you for whatever is to come and out of it, you will find new themes for your praise to Me.

Are you facing a situation so overwhelming that unless Jesus intervenes, you don't know how it will work out? Could it be what the Lord's getting ready to change is you rather than the circumstance? Would you let go and let Jesus takes over by applying these principles in your life? I will be praying for your breakthrough and break out into praise to Him.

 

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VICTORY IN ADVERSITY
Rev Dr David Chee                  Posted 27 November 2018


Revelation 13:10
As we have mentioned in our “Revelation” series that the spirit of antichrist is already here as it is revealed in 1 John 4:3 (But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here). So, how then shall we live? We need to …
1. Be AWAKENED
We need to recognize that …

  • Satanic wonders are often impressive, but always deceptive.
  • Only the Word of God and our walk with God give us the wisdom and understanding, faith and perseverance to recognize and resist the spirit of Antichrist in victory.

2. Be ALIGNED
Alignment precedes assignment. We are reminded in Colossians 1:10 NASB “So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects (Alignment), bearing fruit in every good work (Assignment) and increasing in the knowledge of God.”


For example: It is a good consideration as an assignment to leave “…an inheritance to (our) children's children” (Proverbs 13:22 ESV). However, what do you do when the order of priority is in conflict with our alignment to “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33)? We must recalibrate our lives so that our alignment of Matthew 6:33 takes priority over the way we conduct our lives according to Proverbs 13:22.


Now, take a moment to examine our lives right now. Have we values anything above Jesus – something or someone who is robbing Jesus of our time, energy and attention? Join me as we recommit ourselves to let Jesus Christ to have pre-eminence – as LORD and Master – in our lives. Let the testimony of Benny Prasad be a ‘wake-up’ call for us – See the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm5HyEtuzp0&t=31s)

 

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  • Expect Jesus to put His hand on your life. In the Bible this essentially means four 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. 
  • Expect the LORD to give you a prophetic assignment.
  • Expect God to visit you where you are.
  1. 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. 
  2. Expect the LORD to give you a prophetic assignment.
  3. Expect God to visit you where you are.
 

DOORS BE OPENED
Rev Dr David Chee                  Posted 10 October 2018

 

Revelation 3:7-8

 

Open doors give you access to something. Shut doors means you don’t have access. The Lord is your doorkeeper. He opens doors and He shuts doors. And if you trust Him, He’s going to let you have the access to His plan and His purpose for your life.


Sometimes a shut door is for protection, but sometimes a shut door is for privacy. He opens doors to give you access to something or someone. Almost all sin can be traced to an open door that you opened to someone or something that moved into your life because you opened the door. There are some doors that need to open for you, some places you’re supposed to be, and some things you’re supposed to do. You need access to do these things. Let me proclaim over your life that the LORD is your doorkeeper. “Behold, I set before you an open door and no man can shut it.”


I’m proclaiming protection over your family and over your life. Don’t you let fear torment you. Don’t let the enemy tell you something happened and it’s going to come back and haunt you again. The LORD is your doorkeeper and He’s watching your house.


Sometimes, the new door brings new challenges. The people you surround yourself with in transition is critical. You need people who call you to your highest place, people around you who challenge you for the better. You need people who don’t take you down the wrong road.


The LORD can shut the door to poverty and open the door to abundance. This season doesn’t have to be like every other times. Why don’t you declare with me, “LORD, I believe You’re opening brand new doors, brand new people, brand new resources into my life.”


Reflection


1. What are some doors you need the LORD to close in this season?


2. What are the door(s) you need the LORD to open in this season? In faith declare with me:
“The Lord is my doorkeeper. I boldly declare that a new door is opening before me that no man can shut and old doors are closing and no man can open them. I see a door and I’m moving from brokenness to wholeness, from poverty to blessing, from sickness to health. I am entering the door to His plan and His purpose for my life.
In Jesus’ mighty name.”
 Amen.

 

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BE READY FOR YOUR DREAM
Rev Dr David Chee                  Posted 10 September 2018


Genesis 37:5
 

The LORD Jesus has a plan or dream for everyone of us. It is one that gives us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Are you ready when He imparts His dream to you? Get rooted with the following thoughts to get ready:


1. Be willing to make trade-offs. When Jesus imparts His dream in your heart you’ll have to be ready to make certain trade-offs, like forfeiting popularity for the pursuit of excellence and short-term pleasure for long-term fulfillment. Paul understood this principle: The Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me. (Acts 20:23-24)


2. You aren’t always appreciated. Like Joseph’s situation, some people won’t appreciate your dream. Often, it’ because it reminds them of the dream they never had, or one they abandoned. They will present you with ‘rational’ excuses they’ve even given to themselves. So how do you respond? Love them, help them if you can, but don’t be influenced by those who have given up their dream.


3. Dreamers are overcomers. Joseph’s dream enabled him to overcome temptation at the hands of Potiphar’s wife, betrayal by his brothers, false imprisonment, and a lot of other things that cause us to quit.


To discover your dream, get to know your God-given S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts. Heart. Abilities. Passion. Experiences). It’s also helpful to observe where the LORD places you, seek His counsel and look for ‘Kingdom connections.’ When you do, He will help you fulfill it.


I am praying for you to have a blessed journey discovering and fulfilling His dream for you!

 

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SUCCESS KEYS OF SHAMGAR

Rev Dr David Chee       Posted 2 July 2018 

 

Judges 3:31

 

Shamgar only appears in one verse in the Bible. He was an ordinary farmer, but he had a massive impact. When his family and his nation were being threatened, he overcame an onslaught of 600 enemy warriors with an ox goad. An ox goad is a wooden pole with a sharp point on the end.

 

What problems are you facing today? What kind of attack you’re dealing with? Learn the following keys from Shamgar.

 

1. Start where you are. He didn’t wait until things got better. He started where he was. You can waste your life waiting for things to be different before you do something. Today is the right time and where you are now is the right place. Move forward. Take action. Start where you are.

 

2. Use what you’ve got. You may think your resources are too limited to be successful, but remember Shamgar’s only resources were his bare hands and an ox goad. You may not have an ox goad, but everyone has these three things:

  • A skill, a talent, or a strength that can be used to bring victory. Stop focusing on what you don’t have and concentrate on what Jesus has given you.
  • A dream that motivates you and makes you unstoppable. A God-given dream helps us reach our destiny.
  • Passion and enthusiasm. What are you passionate about? When we allow God to channel our passion in the right direction, strongholds are broken and victories are won.

3. Do what you can. The first and most powerful thing you can do is pray. Remember, the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (see James 5:16). Whatever you’re facing, cover it with fervent prayer.

 

Second, stay focused. The apostle Paul said, “This one thing I do,” not “These fifty things I dabble in” (See Phil. 3:13). Know what matters and maintain your focus.

 

Finally, never give up. Never stop trusting God. Don’t allow discouragement or doubt to overtake you. Regret looks back. Worry looks around. But victory looks up. When things get tough and there doesn’t seem to a way out, stand up, look up, believe God, and keep going. You’re not finished unless you quit.

 

We all have a God-given purpose. We have battles to fight - and victories to win! Don’t waste a single day of your life trying to substitute other things for the destiny God has planned for you. God put that destiny inside you. He wants you to live it out.

 

Don’t wait. Start where you are. Use what you have. And do what you can. Then watch the plan of God unfold in your life.

 

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HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU

Rev Dr David Chee       Posted 15 June 2018

 

Hebrews 13:5

 

What direction of thinking is my thoughts taking me? Do I turn to God’s Word or to my own fears and anxiety? Am I simply repeating what God says, or am I learning to truly hear Him and respond in faith and obedience to what Jesus says?

 

“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

 

“I will never leave you…” – not for any reason; not my sin, selfishness, stubbornness, nor any weakness. Have I really hear let Jesus says that to me? If not, would you pause right now and hear anew?

 

“I will never …forsake you.” Sometimes it is not the difficulty of life but the drudgery of it that makes me think the LORD will forsake me. When there is no major difficulty to overcome, no vision to pursue, nothing wonderful – just the mundane everyday activities of life – do I hear the LORD’s assurance even in these?

 

We have the idea that the LORD is going to do some exceptional thing – that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the coming days. But as we grow and mature in Him, we find that he is glorifying Himself in and through us in the here and now, at this very moment. When we have this assurance from the LORD, the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, glorifying Him even in the ordinary days and ways of life. So, right now let us together hear Him afresh with confidence that ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ Amen!

 

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JOINING IN WHAT THE LORD IS DOING  

 

Rev Dr David Chee       Posted 2 May 2018

 

John 5:19; I Samuel 17; Matthew 14; Acts 14

 

We don't set our own agenda and ask God to fulfill it, but we see what Jesus is doing and join Him in it.

 

Embracing this belief will cause us to:

  • Become more spiritually sensitive
  • Resist simply duplicating the past

Jesus modelled this for us. "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does" (John 5:19).

 

There are many biblical examples of people joining in to what God was doing. Here are some of them:

  • David defeating Goliath – He lay hold of his experiences with God and built victory around utilizing his sling instead of Saul's armour, which was first given to him (I Samuel 17).
  • The feeding of the 5,000 – Provision was released when the disciples stepped out in obedience serving the small amount of fish and bread as Jesus asked them to (Matthew 14).
  • Paul healing a man in Acts 14 – While Paul was preaching, he saw that a certain man had faith to be healed. He spontaneously built his ministry in that part of his message around something he saw God doing in an individual.

I believe the Lord is causing you to look up and see what He is doing right now in your life. There is something to join Him and build around now.

 

Let us apply this truth with:

  • Ourselves – Instead of constantly focusing on changing our negative behaviour, start to find what God is blessing in our lives and build around that. And instead of complaining about the closed doors, let's look up and see where the LORD has favoured us. As we focus on these things (no matter how small), we will position ourselves for what He is doing.
  • Our family and closest relationships – What relationship is God calling you to invest in? What prayers and declarations have the most power to impact your relationships?
  • Our ministries and organizations –What unusual coincidences am I seeing that is indicating a direction for us in ministry and as an organization?

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God," (Matthew 4:4). The quality of our life is linked to our hearing the "proceeding" word from God. What is He saying now? Start to join in and walk into your breakthroughs.

 

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PERSEVERE IN YOUR DECLARATION

 

 Rev Dr David Chee       Posted 16 April 2018

 

Galatians 6:9

 

Many of us are transformed by making declarations (faith statements about God's promises for our lives). Much of what we are experiencing today is because of what we have declared. We spoke things higher than what we’re experiencing, and it changed our experience.

 

Though we have received great breakthrough through declarations, there are still areas where our experience has yet to catch up with our proclamations. It would appear that they are not working. If this is your experience, here are four things to consider to help you persevere in your ‘declarations’ journey:

 

1. The Power of Spiritual Laws – Just are there are natural laws like the law of gravity that will work for everyone, there are spiritual laws that will work for everyone as well. Solomon discovered these laws and shared about them often in the book of Proverbs. Speaking life is a law of the spirit. It is impossible to speak life and not eventually see the effect of it.

 

2. The Thermostat Phenomenon – We don't say thermostats are not working if the temperature does not immediately match the degree to which we've set it. Again, if we are going to experience something greater, we will need to say something higher than what we are experiencing. Our words will set a new temperature for our lives (Proverbs 18:21; James 3:2-5)

 

3. Supernatural Wisdom That Results From Your Declarations – We don't have something just by saying something, but saying something is necessary to having something. When we start declaring God's truths over an area of our lives, it gives the Holy Spirit something to work with. In Genesis 1, the Spirit was "hovering over the face of the deep" and only started turning disorder to order when He heard the Father's declarations of "let there be light." Part of the Spirit's moving through our declarations was to give us ideas to bring the transformation we desire. This is called supernatural wisdom, and we should expect it.

 

4. Adjustment of Declaration – Sometimes we don't let God upgrade what we are saying. When we cooperate with Holy Spirit to inspire us to speak different phrases regarding an area of our life, we will find ourselves saying catalytic things to break any blockages to seeing God manifest in great ways.

 

Whatever you believe the Lord for and are led to declare, let me encourage you to persevere in your declaration; for your day of breakthrough is around the corner.

 

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SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESURRECTION

 

Rev Dr David Chee       Posted 2 April 2018

 

Ephesians 1:18-19

 

CHRIST is Risen! If we only think of Easter as Jesus rose from the dead, then we would have missed the point. I’m praying that God will enlighten our heart to realize the SIGNIFICANCE of the RESURRECTION. What is it? It is to understand and use the power we already have inside us.

 

The apostle Paul used 4 different Greek words to describe this power. Let us unpack this together.

 

1. Power: δναμις (dunamis) - The inherent power of God which effects a change. Notice Paul used the word ‘exceeding’ greatness to describe this ‘power’. The word ‘exceeding’ (περβάλλον, uperballon) in present tense means ‘This power not only excels all other power; it is sufficient at all times to accomplish God’s purposes in and through us.

 

Now, are you in the midst of a situation in your home, work, school or your personal life that needs God’s intervention for a change? Today, start to use the dunamis power within you.

2. Working: νργεια (energeia) – God’s power in raising Christ from the dead. This same energy works in us (Colossians 2:12). Just as Jesus was brought back to life so this same energy will bring back to life our situation that has been broken and destroyed.

 

3. Might: σχς (ischus) It indicates the fact not so much the accomplishment of the ability. We can think of ‘ischus’ as God's latent power. Jesus does not want us to remain where we are; He wants us to move on with Him.

 

4. Strength: κρτος (kratos) - the power to exert dominion (sovereignty, the right to govern or determine) and overcome resistance.

 

Now, how do we appropriate this resurrection power?

Paul brings together the verbs ‘to know’ and ‘to believe’ in his prayer: ‘that you may know…what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for’ us who believe …’ The word ‘believe’: πιστεω (pisteuō) Now, the present participle of ‘pisteuontas’ (v19) emphasizes the need for continuing exercise of faith. In other words…

 

First we are to know its exceeding greatness as demonstrated in Christ’s resurrection, and then we are to use it by continuing exercise of our faith. In short, our position in Christ has to become our practice in Christ.

 

Today, your miracle is just one choice away! Don’t give up; determine to use the resurrection power that Christ has given you and experience the breakthroughs in your life.

 

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PREPARED BY THE LORD

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 10 March 2018

 

Ephesians 2:10


Look at how GOD prepared Moses and you will understand how He prepared us.


1. He begins with your character, and then works on your calling.
Usually this begins in obscurity. In Moses’ case God spent 40 years tearing
down the old structure and rebuilding it from the ground up. Those years in
the wilderness must have seemed unending. Yet it was during this time that
he encountered God in the burning bush and learned to know the voice of
God from every other voice. How valuable is that? This is invaluable
especially when you’re working with stubborn, opinionated people.


2. He never wastes experience.
If Moses hadn’t been raised in the palace, Pharaoh would probably have
viewed him as some crazy shepherd with a bad case of sunstroke, and killed
him. But his past prepared him for his future. Because of his desert training he
was able to protect and lead Israel through the Sinai wasteland. And the
very fact that he’d been born into slavery gave him the compassion to say
‘yes’ to such a task. So, don’t run from your past – learn from it.


3. He’ll give you an emotional investment in the work He’s called you to.
How ironic: Pharaoh ordered the death of every Hebrew male under two,
yet he was raising one in his own palace who would liberate Israel and bring
down his throne. The Israelites weren’t some unknown group; they were
Moses’ own people. Their cries had echoed in his ears for 40 years, now he
was willing to lay down his life for them. That’s what it takes to be used by
God – an emotional investment.


Today, let’s get ready and embrace the LORD’s way of preparing us for His glory.
It is worth it all!

 

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SEEING IT

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 26 February 2018

 

Mark 6:38

 

Learn to look for the extraordinary, within the ordinary moment! Opportunities for
growth and blessings are constantly coming your way – or passing you right by.
James writes (James 1:5 NIV), “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God,
Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given him.” Before
you act, stop and pray: “Father, show me what I’m not seeing. Your Word says
You can turn a curse into a blessing. If I can’t change this right now, how can I
use it to grow wiser and do better next time? Have You permitted this problem
because You have the solution, and You want me to seek You more earnestly
before You reveal it to me?


Before Jesus fed the five thousand He told His disciples (who had decided to
send the crowd away to find their own food), “You give them something to eat”
(Luke 9:13 NIV). They replied, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages!”
(Mark 6:37 NIV). That’s when Jesus asked, “How many loaves do you have ...
Go and see” (Mark 6:38 NIV).


Sending the problem away is the easy way out. Jesus is challenging them to look
for the extraordinary, in the ordinary moment. When you do that you invite the
LORD into your situation and with Him all things are possible! The key to this
miracle was Christ’s words, “How many loaves do you have ... Go and see.” They
already had the solution; they just didn’t know.


When you consult with the LORD you begin to see things in a new light, and find
answers you never dreamed possible. Right now in your situation would you ask
Him, “LORD, help me to see as You see; open the eyes of my heart to see.”

 

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AUDACIOUS FAITH

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 21 January 2018

 

Mediocrity is mass-produced, destiny is custom designed. As we enter into 2018, we need to realize that we require audacious faith to fulfil our God-given destiny. What is audacious faith?

 

Audacity is defined as “boldness or daring, especially with confident disregard for personal comfort or conventional thought.” Audacious faith is an attitude and a set of actions that are deeply rooted in, even required by your conviction that all things are possible with JESUS. In short, audacious faith is E.P.I.C. – Everything Possible In Christ.

 

We will face challenges, but the LORD is with us (Romans 8:31). Remember, the path to your greatest potential is often through your greatest fear. So, let us arise and fulfil our assignment in Him.

 

Let us walk in audacious faith by doing the following:

 

1. HEARING the Word initiates faith (Romans 10:17).

 

2. SPEAKING the Word activates faith (Mark 11:22-23).

Every time I rehearse God’s guarantees in His Word, my faith is reactivated. My perspective is renewed. I recalculate my resources according to what the LORD’s Word says instead of what my mind thinks or my emotions feel.

 

3. DOING the Word demonstrates faith (Matthew 14:25-29).

 

‘If the size of the vision for your life isn’t intimidating to you,

it’s a good chance it’s insulting to God.’

 

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MY DESIRES FOR YOU FOR 2018

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 1 January 2018

 

As we step into 2018, here are my desires for you and your family.

 

Specifically…

  • I pray that your intimacy with the LORD will be even closer and that your motivation for doing what you do will be influenced by your conversation with Him.
  • I covet for you a really close friend – someone you can trust to hold you accountable and one who allows you the privilege of genuine honesty.
  • I ask Jesus to remove those roadblocks in your work and ministry that would prohibit you experiencing fulfilment. May He bring healing to those relationships that cause you to be anxious and fearful.
  • I challenge you to ‘speak His word with great boldness’, and I long for you to experience in your work and ministry ‘miraculous signs and wonders through the name of Jesus’ (Acts 4:29, 30).
  • I envision you falling in love with the LORD all over again, and finding great satisfaction in your God-given assignment.
  • I pray that the LORD will empower you to discern God-moments in your family… that you will let your family know how values they are by you.

“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)

 

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RESPONDING TO GOD’S DESTINY

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 24 December 2017

 

Genesis 30:25-41

 

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 our 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 our imagination.

 

This principle is also illustrated in the creation of man. We were created in God’s image. In other words, what God imagined, we became. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Everything that has ever been built, made, painted, or developed began in someone’s imagination. We tend to reproduce what we feast our thoughts upon.

 

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 God 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” (Ps. 37:4). We can breaks the word ‘desire’ down into two parts: “de” meaning “of,” and “sire” meaning “to father.” When we delight ourselves in God, instead of hanging out in 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.

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ATMOSPHERE OF FAITH

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 11 December 2017

 

I believe God wants us to create and live in the atmosphere of faith. We are to be people of faith who have placed their expectation in a God who is good and who wants to do wonders in our lives.

 

An atmosphere of faith has a starting place. Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Faith comes by hearing the WORD of GOD. For the atmosphere of faith to be activated in our lives and NEW DESTINY FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL (NDFI) we must do two things:

 

1. Tune our ears to hear.

2. Declare the Word of promise.

 

If we are going to walk in anything of significance, and experience heaven on earth we must declare Gods WORD! As we begin to declare our belief in a great God who is able to do what He said He would do, a spirit of expectation and anticipation is released into the atmosphere and His presence begins to influence everything we are and will do.

 

The atmosphere of faith gives us the capacity to receive what God says about us - our identity! It is an assurance and guarantee that something significant is coming our way - our purpose! Faith is a bold belief even when your circumstances give you no reason to hope. Abraham was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promised (Romans 4:21).

 

Each of us is given a measure of faith to begin but your faith can and should be growing and expanding! Romans 12:3 – For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

 

God wants us to develop and live in the atmosphere of faith. Faith always requires a response on our part. We must put action to the faith God is stirring in our hearts or it is dead (James 2:20 AMP).

 

When was the last time we challenged ourselves to step out in faith? When we lead let us lead from faith not reason. Have you put action to your faith? Together let us develop and live in an atmosphere of faith so that people say the atmosphere coming from our lives and church is an atmosphere of faith!

 

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GOOD TO GREATER

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 25 November 2017 

 

Our LORD’s desire for all of us is to move from ‘Good to Greater’ (John 10:10, 14:12; Ephesians 3:20). There are some principles we need to apply in order to do so. We can glean some of these principles from Isaiah 54:1-5. Let’s take a look at them as you look at the passage together with me:

 

1. See it before you see it (verse 1-3)

2. If He say it… it is done (Hebrew text of verse 4-5)

3. Don’t play it safe (verses 1-5)

4. Embrace change (verses 1-5)

 

The woman can say ‘No’ to all God had spoken to her. But to enter into God’s destiny for her she must embrace change. Now for change to be effective - for the woman to embrace the change that brings about the destiny of God in her life, and for us to move from ‘good to greater’ - we need three things:

  1. The ability to see something better: VISION
  2. Discontent with the now: URGENCY
  3. Step by Step: PLAN

However, Vision + Urgency + Plan will not = Change unless we are willing to pay the ‘cost’. We got to ask ourselves 2 questions:

  • What will be the cost of changing?
  • What will be the cost of not changing?

We will not embrace change unless the cost of not changing is greater than the cost of changing. So, ultimately the change equation is:

Vision + Urgency + Plan = Change > Cost

 

Will you join me to answer the call to be champions of change? Let us embrace CHANGE so that we can all leave a mark for the next generation. Let’s ignite a spark together! Together we’re better, we’re stronger than just one.

 

Reflection

What is ONE change you need to make today? Take time to seek the LORD and allow His Holy Spirit empower you to make a difference not only now but the generations to come!

 

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GOD’S PERSPECTIVE TO YOUR ‘WHAT IF’

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 14 October 2017

 

Isaiah 54:1-5

 

WHAT IF...? What if I step out and nothing happen? What if I run out of money? What if others criticize me? What’s God’s answer to our ‘what if’ questions? It can be found in Isaiah 54:1-5. Let’s consider together:

 

The idea in verse 4 - “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.” - in the Hebrew text is: The fear of falling into disgrace due to failure… either the failure of self or the object of trust (in this case GOD). From this context let’s examine the following two principles:

 

1. What if … I can’t do it?

From the passage we learn that

  • GOD will not ask you to do something you can’t!
    2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that all we need is to connect with Him. When we are prepared to do that we will be able to do more than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20)
  • lf you don’t it’s because you won’t!
    Many people say I can’t; what they really mean is: I won’t. Remember this: we cannot do His part but we can do our part. When you respond and do the natural, He will do the super-natural.

     

2. What if … God doesn’t do it?

Did you notice in the passage God not only tells the woman what to do He gives her His CV in verse 5. He is saying to her and also to us today: Do what I say and I will do what I said!

 

The woman faced a moment of opportunity: I cannot not do this! It’s risky but I can do it when the LORD asks me. God will do what He said. Today, would you stop retreating? Instead of saying ‘What if…’ say ‘Yes LORD.’ If He say it… it is done!

 

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SUPERNATURAL WEALTH: GOD’S WAY OR MINE

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 10 September 2017 

 

Today we want to address an important aspect of ‘Building Families’. The Bible talks more about this aspect than that of faith and salvation. There are 215 references to ‘Faith’, 218 to ‘salvation’ and 2,084 references are made to ‘Money’. 16 of the 38 parables are about finance.

 

There are three mindset shifts that position us to live as God desires with regards to money:

 

1. Debt is normal. Here is what most people believe. We could not own a house, buy a car if we do not go to borrow money. And according to God’s Word I become a slave to the lender whether it’s a bank, finance company. Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” Psalm 37:21 Amplified Bible The wicked borrow and pay not again [for they may be unable], but the [uncompromisingly] righteous deal kindly and give [for they are able].

 

So, we have a choice: Master or slave? God’s Way or Mine? I want to make the right choice but how? The1st mindset shift: Choose to get out of Debt! When you have this vision; Jesus will send the pro-vision.

 

2. Don’t make enough money. The real problem is we use the money the wrong way. Most people put their money in ONE jar and spend 1st then tithe and do the rest. The Jewish people do it differently and set themselves apart to be successful. They tithe 1st, give 2nd, save 3rd, learn to multiply 4th and spend what’s left (2X)

 

3. Multiply Your money. God is a God of multiplication (1 Kings 17:8-16). If I put $1 into the investment jar, how many of you believe that God can multiply it a 100 times? How many believe that God can multiply it 10,000 times? How much will I get? Now, if I put nothing into that jar and God multiply it 10,000 times what would I get? Nothing (zero x 10,000 = 0). Now, tell me what and where to invest? It is not engaging the most successful fund-manager though that helps. It is dependent on our relationship with the LORD: listening to Him and obeying Him. Everything hinges upon our relationship with the LORD. He will give us the strategy.

 

God’s way or my way? It’s my choice. Is it easy? As we do the ‘Natural’ Jesus will do the ‘SUPER-Natural’. Let us be ready to break the power of debt and experience the freedom Christ has given me. Let us take this journey together for our generations to come!

 

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HOW YOUR INFLUENCE IS INCREASED

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 25 August 2017

 

I am presently working through the Book of Acts reading the 40.Day 2017 booklet, and am amazed by the Apostle Paul's journey into influence when he was a prisoner on a ship. In the beginning of this voyage, Paul's opinion was not valued (as expected, since he was a prisoner), but by the end of Acts 27 he rose to become the greatest influencer in his environment. What can we learn from Paul's journey into influence, particularly as someone in circumstances that made his ability to influence others highly unlikely?

 

Here are three simple, yet profound things we can gain from Paul's journey to help us increase our influence:

 

1. Stay CONNECTED in RELATIONSHIPS – Even though Paul's initial warning about impending disaster was not heeded, he still "stayed on the ship" both physically and in his attitude. He did not become bitter and withdraw. We need to do the same. As we seek to be a strength in relationships (even with those who are not listening to us), we will build trust which increases our influence in the days ahead.

 

2. Stay CONNECTED to GOD – In verses 23 and 24 of Acts 27, Paul shared, Last night an angel of the God to who I belong . . . stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid.' He continued pressing into God and receiving fresh encounters and revelation, even in the midst of adverse circumstances. His "God connection" was the anchor of hope everyone eventually attached themselves to. As we experience situations where our influence seems to be little or non-existent, our ongoing choice to press into God through prayer, the Word, and fellowship will infuse us with divine favour and solutions for those in our lives.

 

3. Stay CONNECTED to HOPE – Our hopelessness about a problem is a bigger problem than the problem. If something is going to change, someone must have hope. Someone must become utterly optimistic in challenging times, locations, or relationships. Paul's hope was rooted in a word he knew he received from the LORD: "Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar" (Acts 27:24). As we focus more on what God has said, and less on what does not appear to be happening, then we will stay in hope and attract supernatural solutions to us and around us.

 

Let all of us make a fresh commitment to be connected to JESUS and with fellow believers, especially members of the House. Remember to be filled with hope for Christ is our Anchor and a present help in times of need!

 

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ALWAYS READY

Rev Dr David Chee            Posted 7 August 2017

 

 

Numbers 9:22-23

 

Readiness is an important quality. To be ready is to be fully prepared. It is to have everything arranged for immediate action. 

 

A critical key for the Israelites to survival in the wilderness was constant readiness. They had to be prepared to follow the LORD in the next leg of their pilgrimage. He never allowed them to get comfortable or complacent at one place. He was moving them toward a destiny, and their readiness and willingness to follow Him was essential to get them there.

 

What lessons can we learn from their example?

1. Jesus has His own special plan and timing for us. Each stop and start along our journey is significant. God’s timing is purposeful.

 

2. Trust in God’s timing is essential. Not everyone is moved at the same pace with the LORD. What we have to trust is that He knows where He is taking us, and He knows the timing that works best in His plan, and for us as well.

 

3. The key is to follow God’s cloud. We must learn how to recognize God’s cloud and follow it (Remember the ‘Four Keys of Hearing God’s Voice’?)

 

As we live the routine of life, how do we know when God’s cloud is moving? We must learn to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as we read His Word. We must learn to discern the promptings of the Holy Spirit and obey God wholeheartedly with all that we know to do. This is the way to see and sense the movement of God’s cloud.

 

So, arise and do not get distracted, discouraged or disillusioned! Let us get ready for the LORD is leading us into greater things and empowering us to scale greater height in Him.

 

Remember, JESUS can do MORE in a moment than we can ever do in a life-time!

 

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THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE

Rev Dr David Chee         Posted 1 July 2017

 

Acts 1:8, 2:4; Ephesians 5:18

 

Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, worker or homemaker instead of depending on your limited wisdom and resources in handling your daily situation, Jesus made available a key where you can download from heaven His wisdom and direction: The Spirit-filled Life.

 

The Spirit-filled life has 2 aspects: Spirit-empowered – Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:4) and Spirit-controlled (Ephesians 5:18). And to be “…filled with the Spirit” is not just an invitation; it is a COMMAND. In the original Greek verb this is in the imperative. In other words, “You MUST be filled with the Spirit”.

 

IT IS A MISUNDERSTOOD COMMAND - It is misunderstood as just a ONE-TIME Event! The verb “be filled with the Spirit” is a continuous tense: “You MUST be filled with the Spirit CONTINUALLY”.

 

IT IS A SPIRITUALLY VITAL COMMAND - E. Stanley Jones (missionary in India) rightly said: “Pentecost is not a spiritual luxury. It is an utter necessity for human living. The human spirit fails unless the Holy Spirit fills. It is Pentecost or failure.” Most Christians do not understand the true benefits of speaking in tongues, nor why this gift is so valuable. Here are some biblical reasons why we need this wonderful gift of praying or singing in tongues:

 

1. Jesus commanded us to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4; 5:32; John 14:16-17; Ephesians 5:18).

 

2. The Scriptures exhort us to be filled with the Spirit and to pray in the new tongues of our spirit language. (Gal. 5:22-25; Romans 8:14; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; 14:15; Ephesians 5:18; Acts 19:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

 

3. The Holy Spirit directs our spirit language to pray in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:27; 1 John 5:14-15).

 

4. Praying in our spirit language is the main way we fulfill the scriptural admonition to "pray without ceasing." (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thess. 5:17; Matthew 26:41; Luke 18:1; 21:36; 1 Corinthians 14:15).

 

Pastor Clayton Golliher, founder of ‘Hope For Homeless Youth’ and “Technology From Heaven Inventors Club’ testified of the creative power of prayer in other tongues. He attributed to the success of the inventions to:

  • We have an open heaven given to us because of the finished work of Christ on the Cross.
  • We engage in intimacy with Father God.
  • Get filled with His Holy Spirit, and pray in the tongues, which brings God’s creative downloads giving us inventions and many other concepts.

IT IS A DO-ABLE COMMAND - Three Crucial Steps To Be Filled By The Holy Spirit (S.O.S.)

S = SCRIPTURES – I acknowledge God’s command.

O = OBEDIENCE – I obey God’s Command.

S = SPEAK OUT – I speak as the Holy Spirit gives me the utterance.

 

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DOING WHAT WE CAN’T DO

Rev Dr David Chee         Posted 1 May 2017

 

Mark 7:37

 

I must recognize, LORD, that discipleship for You is not only doing what I can, but what I can’t.

 

When Jesus said to the paralyzed man at Bethesda, “Arise, take up your pallet and walk” (John 5:8), He was asking the impossible, humanly speaking. If our Christian life is measured by what we can do, we are left with a purely human religion. If, on the other hand, Jesus Christ is who He says He is, then He will often command us to do the impossible for His sake as well as ours.

 

It is amazing, LORD, how we believe strongly in a supernatural God, and yet just as strongly live a natural life. You commanded Abraham to offer Isaac on Moriah, a thing he could not do because it violated Your promise to him (Genesis 22). Yet Abraham believed that what could not be done also could be done, even if it took a miracle to do it. Abraham’s expectancy was in a miracle-working God. This is where we often fail. We believe in a miracleworking God in the Bible; and in a nation like Argentina, but it is hard to believe in our situation.

 

Discipleship, if it means anything, means something beyond my reach. If it is simply my idea, my talent, my energy, and my strength, then I can dismiss Jesus Christ and go on my way without Him. So often God will cause me to do the impossible, not once but often, for in no other way is He ever going to express His Son in me. Soon now I may hear Him say, “Get up, take your bed, and walk!” Or, “Get to Moriah and offer your Isaac.” When I hear those words I will know a miracle is in the making, for I could not obey them apart from Him who is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all I ask or think…” (Ephesian 3:20).

 

GO DEEPER

  1. What is one thing Jesus is challenging you to do beyond your natural ability?
  2. What do you long to see happen in and through you as you step out in faith from now on?
  3. When that happens, what will that makes you feel? 4. What will it take for you to follow through with Item (3) above?

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YOU HAVE IT ALL IN CHRIST!

Rev Dr David Chee         Posted 13 April 2017

 

Ephesians 1:3

 

The word “blessed” which Paul uses here is the Greek word: ‘eulogetos’. It comes from 2 words: ‘eu’ has the idea of ‘good or well’ and ‘logeo’ to speak. It is to speak well of. In other words, we are to speak well of God – He is a PRAISEWORTHY GOD. My circumstances may be bad, the problems may be big, the days may be dark, but I look up to God and I see a God who is praiseworthy or worthy of praise: Blessed be the Lord. When you know that JESUS is the God who blesses you so what’s the problem? Why worry? Why not put your trust in Him? When you look at God like that you’ll learn to walk a dynamic victorious life inspite of the circumstances.

 

The phrase “every spiritual blessing…” (v. 3) can be translated as “every blessing of the Spirit…” The Father has given us every blessing of the Spirit and He promised to supply all our needs “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

 

And when God says He has given us “every spiritual blessing IN CHRIST” what He means is this: When you have CHRIST you have everything! God hold nothing back from us! How then shall we live? I want to challenge us to take the following actions:

 

  • We honour the past – we don’t live in it.

When God have proven Himself to you in the past, it is a testimony that He will do it again in the coming future for you! (In connection with this listen to this song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8TkUMJtK5k)

 

  • We live in the present with our eyes on the future.
  • We focus on what could be, not on what is or has been.
  • We are a people of our destiny, not of our history.

 

Remember, Jesus is the God who blesses you! Develop the ‘EULOGETOS’ mentality: Whatever your circumstances - no matter how challenging or difficult - God is still in control and is worthy of praise! And GOD withhold nothing back from us! Praise the LORD!

 

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DEVELOP A “CAN-DO” ATTITUDE

Rev Dr David Chee         Posted 10 February 2017

 

The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects the wind direction to change. NDFI believers adjust the sails. We go with the flow of the Holy Spirit, believing that what the devil meant for our harm the LORD will turn it around for good. Amen! We serve a possibility God who is for us and not against us. Let us develop a “CAN-DO” attitude. Here are some principles to help you:

 

1.      KNOW WHO YOU ARE

I believe David’s “Can-Do” attitude against Goliath is rooted in the fact that David knows who he is in God (1 Samuel 17:45-46) Max Lucado puts it this way: “Focus on giants, you stumble. Focus on GOD your giants stumble.” In ourselves we can do nothing; but in Christ we can do all thing.

 

2.      SPEAK WHAT YOU KNOW (from the Word of God)

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life is in the power of the tongue…” By declaring what we do know in the Word of God we free ourselves to look for solutions in God. Never verbalize what you don’t desire and always verbalize what you desire. So, speak what you know from the Word of God.

 

3.      START WHERE YOU ARE

Bloom where you are planted. Judges 3:31 tells us: “After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath who struck down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad…”  Shamgar was a farmer and he started where he was – in his field. His field became his battlefield.

 

4.      USE WHAT YOU HAVE

Shamgar had an ox-goad. He used what he had – an ox-goad and he killed 600 Philistines. The question is:

  • What do you have in your hands?

  • What talents has God given to you?

  • What resources do you have? When God called you just do it…

5.      DO WHAT YOU CAN

William Hewlett and ‎David Packard used this principle and founded the HP Information System that lasted till today.

 

As a Church we develop this “Can-Do” attitude because it is rooted in JESUS who has deposited in us His awesome power that enables us to do “more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…” (Ephesians 3:20) Today, let all of us walk in this confidence that we can do everything in Christ who gives us strength. All things are possible with us who put our trust in the LORD. Amen!

 

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ARE YOU HUNGRY?

Rev Dr David Chee         Posted 9 January 2017

 

Matthew 5:6

 

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked about hunger. He told us that a full life – a life of great meaning, purpose and contentment – is the result of healthy spiritual hunger.

 

How do we develop this kind of appetite? Let’s take a look at the following:

 

1.         Hunger is diminished by extended seasons of not eating. While a few hours or days without eating intensifies hunger, weeks without eating actually diminishes it. There comes a point when the body stops demanding food and begins to consume itself. The same is true in our spiritual lives. When we stop eating good spiritual food for extended periods, our appetite for the LORD decreases. To get spiritual hunger going again we must prime our spiritual pump purposefully.

 

2.         Hunger is affected by our diet. What we eat regularly determines the kind of appetite we develop. We sometimes speak of ‘developing a taste for something.’ We must develop our taste for spiritual food by bringing more of it into our diet.

 

3.         Healthy hunger is diminished by the junk food we consume. Junk food is bad for us as it deposits nothing of real nutritional value into our bodies, and worse, it damages our health. When we fill ourselves with excessive diet of hectic activities and self-focused living, it is not surprising that we have little hunger for substantial spiritual food.

 

How hungry are you for God? What things have diminished your spiritual hunger? Jesus reminded us that a heart that hungers for Him is an essential part of living a full life.

 

Get Growing!

  • What kind of spiritual diet are you on?
  • What steps will you take today to start increasing your spiritual appetite today?

 

Don’t miss your God-given assignment and hearing Jesus’ commendation: “Well done you good and faithful servant.” Awaken to your Kingdom assignment and fulfil it as you join us on 4th February (4 & 6pm) for our Seminar: ‘AWAKENED. ALLIGNED. ASSIGNED’ with Pastor Henson Lim (Archippus Awakening)

 

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POSITIONING YOURSELF FOR 2017

Rev Dr David Chee         Posted 9 January 2017

 

Isaiah 54:1-2

 

In the midst of the changes and uncertainties, anchoring on JESUS who remains unchanged will position us to be at the top and not below in 2017. A helpful principle to do this is found in Isaiah 54:1-2

 

Here’s the principle: Sometimes we have to see it before we see it. God is asking the woman to extend her tent while she’s not even pregnant. He’s asking her to prepare for multiple babies while she is yet barren. The LORD is asking the woman to see and do something before she sees it. Wherever we are in our journey with God: We got to see something in our heart before we hold it in our hand.  In other words, seeing it by faith.

 

Our world will often say ‘it’s impossible’, as we look around we feel stuck; but God wants us to be a people of foresight not just hindsight. If you don’t see it before you see it, you will never see it. What do you see? God already sees it; He needs you to see what He sees. When we see what God wants our purpose becomes clear.

 

  1. Seeing clarifies purpose

God told the woman (Isaiah 54:2): Because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband. The mundane and routine of enlarging the tent and stretching the tent curtain become important to the woman. John Maxwell put it this way: ‘You can seize only what you can see.’

  1. Seeing dictates our priorities

Did you notice that God deliberately put eyes at the front of our head so that we have to look forward? We are designed to look forward. The LORD wants you to see the future He has for you. Our priorities become a prophecy of our future! In other words, our priorities are preparing us for the future. We are not just living for our generation. We are living for the next generation and the generations to come. So let us set the pace for them. Remember, we reproduce who we are!

 

Remember the prophetic word given to NDFI by Pastor David Palmer:

Greater things are coming on this church… He’s just waiting for you. He’s got people who are waiting for you to be ready that He’s bringing into your church …

They are just waiting for you to be ready. When you are ready, God says, I’m bringing them to you because I’m taking you into the next level.

 

If we are prepared to do what we can do, then God Almighty will do only what He can do. So, let all of us in NEW DESTINY FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL (NDFI) commit ourselves to…

  • See it before we see it.
  • Live by design not default.

 

P/S Don’t miss our special Seminar “GROOMING the NEXT GENERATION for SUCCESS.” It is a Seminar equipping the next generation to represent JESUS CHRIST effectively in every dimension of their lives.

 

 

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THE HAND OF GOD

Rev Dr David Chee                Posted 4 December 2016

 

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)

 

It is the Lord’s desire to bless us and have the blessing overflows into the enlargement of our territory or expansion of my influence. Before long, Jesus stretches the limits of our influence and opportunities that go beyond our ability to handle that we cry out to Him for His hand be with us.

 

What does the ‘Hand of God’ mean? The ‘Hand of God’ carries the meaning of God’s POWER (Joshua 4:24; Acts 11:21) What does it looks like when God’s hand is acting on your behalf? The hand of God intervenes…

 

1. To make PROVISION (Matthew 6:31-33; Philippians 4:19) There’s no provision you need that Jesus cannot GIVE.

 

2. To cause an authority to grant PERMISSION (Proverbs 21:1) The LORD can make your authority change her mind and grant your REQUEST.

 

3. With His PRESENCE (2 Kings 6:16-17) God can make His presence known in a specific PLACE. When the presence of God shows up everything changes.

 

4. To defend and PROTECT (John 19: 10-11a) God can protect you from any human or spiritual ATTACK.

 

5. To overcome limitations with His POWER. God is not limited by any of your inadequacies or LIMITATIONS.

 

Therefore nail this down: Never again say I can’t. Just remember the hand of the Lord will miraculously INTERVENE… move beyond your INABILITIES… overcome the IMPOSSIBLE! Now I want to give you some practical steps to experience the “Hand of God”:

 

1. HUMBLE yourself under the mighty “Hand of God” (1 Peter 5:6)

 

2. ADOPT a lifestyle of proactive dependency upon God (John 5:19)

 

3. NARROW your focus to what God wants done (Philippians 3:14-16). The hand of the LORD or His power is released when you are doing what He wants.

 

4. DEDICATE yourself to live an ever increasing walk of faith (Ephesians 1:16, 19 -20; 3:20)

 

Knowing these principles won’t get you anywhere. It’s only what you believe will happen and therefore do next that will release the hand of God – His power – upon you and bring the life change. When we act, we will step up to God’s best for us: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me…”

 

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GETTING READY FOR YOUR BREAKTHROUGH

Rev Dr David Chee                     Posted 26 November 2016

 

Isaiah 54:1-3

 

Have you ever been distressed by circumstances that stubbornly resisted change? The prophet Isaiah addressed a similar situation in Israel. But the LORD told them that their breakthrough is coming. A situation many thought would never change, could and would change by His grace and power.

 

Get ready for your breakthrough! The LORD directed His people to engage with Him in three ways:

  1. Strengthen their Faith. The journey towards breakthrough always begins with faith – actively believing in the power of the LORD, His promises and goodness. The LORD wants to re-charge your faith. So, grab hold of His promises with renewed faith right now!
  2. Increase their Worship. The LORD instructed His people to begin to “sing” praise to Him in the face of a very stubborn, seemingly hopeless situation. When we worship the LORD we welcome His presence into our lives and circumstances. When He comes on the scene, all things change! Decide today to worship JESUS with greater intensity than ever before. Invite His presence into your difficult and disappointing situation by lifting up songs of praise.
  3. Prepare for the Miraculous. The childless woman was challenged to enlarge her home in anticipation of children! This preparation involved practical actions: Material had to be purchased, construction had to commence, all because the LORD said that things were about to change for the better. Get ready, the LORD is about to bring your breakthrough! Let your faith be strengthened. Increase your worship and prepare for what Jesus is about to do in your life!

Get ready, the LORD is about to bring your breakthrough! Let your faith be strengthened. Increase your worship and prepare for what Jesus is about to do in your life! 

 

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ORDINARY PERSON EXTRAORDINARY LIFE

Rev Dr David Chee             Posted 12 November 2016  


1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)  

 

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “ Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain! ” So God granted him what he requested.

 

What exactly did Jabez do to rise above his challenging situations as well as his people? Why did God answer his prayer? Jabez was blessed simply because he refused to let any obstacle, person, or opinion get larger than God’s nature to bless. Through a simple, believing prayer, his future was changed. Today your future too can be changed as you recognize and apply the principles of the Jabez blessings.

 

1. The Jabez Blessings are all ultimately from GOD (James1 :16-17)  


2. The Jabez Blessings are given for a REASON (Exodus 34:6)  Why would God give to me? Because it is His nature and He loves to GIVE.  

 

3. The Jabez Blessing are given to those who ASK (Matthew 7:7-8)  In the original language the word “Ask” is in the imperative – Jesus is giving a command: “I command you to ask.” Not only that, the word is in the present tense which means “keep on asking.” Why would Jesus command us to ask and keep on asking? Because He wants to give, He will only give if you ASK.

 

What are some practical steps you can take as you call upon the LORD to bless you? Well, think of the acronym “BLESS”.  


1. BESEECH God daily for His bountiful blessings (Psalm 67:1-3)  


2. LIST and thank God for His many blessings (Psalm 103:2)  


3. ENJOY every blessing that God richly gives to you (1Timothy 6:17)  


4. SHARE your blessings with others (1Timothy 6:18)  


5. SEEK honour and blessings from God (John 5:41, 44)

 
Today, let us ask the LORD to bless us because He commands us to ask of Him. At the same time, let our focus be that of leaving it entirely up to the LORD JESUS to decide what the blessings would be and where, when, and how you would receive them. 

 

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CROSSOVER TO THE GREATER THINGS

Rev David Chee   Posted 7 November 2016   


2 Kings 2:1-15  

 

It was Feb 22, 1980; amidst the Iranian hostage crisis and Soviet invasion of Afghanistan a miracle took place called "Miracle on Ice". This is where the US ice hockey team defeated the Soviet Union national team, which had won the gold medal in six of the seven previous Olympic games. You see, ‘Great moments are born from great opportunities.’ There is a ‘new season of greater things’ coming and I believe the LORD is calling all of us to “CROSSOVER TO THE GREATER THINGS.”   


Let us posture ourselves for God’s greater things for us by gleaning His principles from the above passage. We are going to follow Elijah and Elisha to visit 4 places. Our decision in which city we want to stay will position us for our great moments and to crossover to the greater things Jesus has prepared for us.  

 

1. GILGAL  – A place of CONCEPTION (verse 1) The word “Gilgal” means “circle or rolling” where God rolled away the reproach or ridicule of Israel’s enemy from them (Joshua 4:19; 5:19). Gilgal represents a place of “New Beginning.”   


2. BETHEL - A place of CONFIRMATION (verse 2b)  Bethel means “House of God.” (Genesis 28:11-17) It is here Jacob’s calling is confirmed. When we come to the ‘House of God’ we need to prepare ourselves, be early, and be engaged. Why? This is the place where we encounter the presence of God and ‘Great moments are born from great opportunities.’  


3. JERICHO – A place of CONSECRATION (verse 4) This is Joshua’s first victory in the Promised Land where God’s people learned to listen and get orders from God (Joshua 2:1; 6:1) In order to move forward to the greater things of God how crucial it is to learn to hear from Him and obey His orders.   

 

4. JORDAN – A place of CROSSOVER (verse 6, 8-10) Elijah the prophet asked his protégé: What do you want before I am taken from you? Elisha requested for a double-portion of Elijah’s spirit. In Israel, the 1st born inherited a double portion of his father’s possession and with it the right of succession. Elisha was asking 2 things:

  • To succeed his master, as God has promised (1 Kings 19:16-21)
  • Spiritual power beyond his own capacities to meet the responsibilities. And to crossover we need a Spiritual power beyond our own capacities.  

It’s time to DECIDE… Great moments are born from great opportunities. Start to move from your Gilgal (New Beginning) to Bethel (Calling is confirmed) to Jericho (Consecration) and crossover Jordan to your greater things. It’s time to decide - Don’t live for our individual life; live for the greater purpose of Jesus and His kingdom.  Great moments are born from great opportunities

 

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ENGAGING GOD, FULFILLING HIS DESIRE

 

Philippians 2:12-15

 

The Lord’s desire for us is to engage Him as active participants not as expert passive spectators in our journey with God. In our passage Paul is encouraging the believers and us towards 5 things:

 

1. PERSISTENT FAITHFULNESS (12a)

Their obedience to Christ is persistently faithful whether Paul is there or not. Eugene Peterson describes this as: “Long obedience in the same direction.” Jesus is constantly calling out to us: Dance to My drum beat inspite of the many drum beats around us. And we are to be persistently faithful in God’s Word (James 1:21) with God’s people (Hebrews 10:25)

 

2. INTENTIONAL EFFORT (“…work out your own salvation”)

What do you do in a physical workout? You develop or tone muscles that God has given you. This is what Paul says here – Cultivate your spiritual life. Paul’s challenge is two-fold:  

  • Cultivating our personal life – developing what the Lord has given us
  • Working out our corporate salvation / life – Deliverance of the whole church family from whatever held them back from God’s best. To go to the new season of God’s greater things we need to surrender our history to His-story in order to embrace God’s destiny for us

3. RADICAL RELIANCE (“…with fear and trembling…”)

This outworking is accomplished by a complete trust in God. So there is action on our part, but there’s power available from God’s part.

 

4. CHRIST-LIKE TRANSFORMATION (14-15a)

The order of the Greek words places emphasis on everything a believer does. As this is to be done continually a Christ-like transformation will be reflected in:

  • Attitude – Without grumbling
  • Mindset – Without arguing – (Questionings or criticisms directed at God)
  • Lifestyle ‘blameless’ (without reproach – cannot point an accusing finger) and ‘pure’ ( a word used of wine which had not been diluted and of metal which had not been weakened in any way) As we engage God this way then we will shine like stars in the world.

5. OBVIOUS DIFFERENCE (13b)

That’s our call” Shine like stars in the midst of darkness – Obvious difference. Becoming obviously different does not happen by accident. We need to move from being a fan to a completely committed follower of Jesus in the midst of challenges.

 

It’s time to DECIDE… What is that ONE thing you and I need to do in Persistent Faithfulness (in God’s Word & with His people)… Intentional Effort… Radical Reliance (On Jesus) that result in Christ-like Transformation with an Obvious Difference.

 

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STRENGTHENING YOUR MARRIAGE

 

With the passion to continue strengthening families and enriching marriages, NEW DESTINY FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL (NDFI) organized a "Marriage Seminar cum Covenant Marriage Renewal Celebration" on 8th and 13th August 2016. The special speaker was the engaging Rev Dr Fred Toke, the Clinical Director of Celebrating Life Centre.

 

The Seminar kicked off with an energizer: Icebreaker of various handshakes. Focusing on the theme of "STRENGTHENING YOUR MARRIAGE" Dr Fred used principles taken from 1 Peter 3. His humour, awesome powerpoints, video clips and life examples captivated the attention of all participants. Some of the principles highlighted include:

  • The acronym 'L-O-V-E' (Laugh La… Overcome… Validate… Effort)
  • When demands overwhelmed confidence, run to CHRIST
  • Live out of the 'Tree of Life' (LOVE) instead of the 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil' (JUDGE)

On 13th August 2016, the regular Worship Service was turned into a Wedding Celebration Service. Besides the anointed Worship time, the following features were added to bring significance and excitement to the Celebration:

  • Brother Tom and Sister Rowena represented the married couples in the lighting of the Unity Candle
  • A duet on the song 'Marriage Prayer' by Pastor Arnold and his wife Sister Alma
  • Renewal of Marriage Vow. Every participating couple were given a souvenir Marriage Certificate – containing the marriage vow – at the end of the Celebration

Dr Fred shared on the topic "GOOD to GREAT MARRIAGE." He highlighted the three keys of a blissed marriage using Psalm 112 and the acronym 'F-I-T' (Faithfulness… Integrity… Tranquillity).

 

It was an enriching and beneficial time as the Church gathered to rejoice and encourage the married couples. Thank the LORD for the fresh insights and empowerment of the Holy Spirit as we enrich marriages and strengthen the family.

 

 

 

MY 'I AM' DETERMINES MY 'I MUST'

Rev David Chee
 
Posted 16 Apr 2016

Most of us are not in imminent danger of ruining our lives. We’re facing a danger that’s far greater: Wasting it. Will you and I look up one day and be overwhelmed by the stack of regrets staring back at us?


John 10:14-16

Most of us are not in imminent danger of ruining our lives. We’re facing a danger that’s far greater: Wasting it. Will you and I look up one day and be overwhelmed by the stack of regrets staring back at us?

 

If you truly know who you are in JESUS . . . then you know what you must do. There is amazing power available for your personal life when you discover who you are in God - when you discover your "I Am". And your "I Am" determines your "I Must".

 

Your "I AM" deals with your identity - "I AM" deals with 'who I am in Christ.' You see, what matters most is not what you think you are or are not. What matters is what your heavenly Father sees in you and what He says about you. Among many things this is what your heavenly Father says about you:

  • YOU ARE ACCEPTED (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 1:5; Colossians 2:10)
  • I AM SECURE (Rom 8:35f; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:18)
  • I AM SIGNIFICANT (Matthew 5:13-14; Ephesians 2:6; Philippians 4:13)

And your "I AM" is always accompanied by and will determine your "I MUST". Jesus knew His "I MUST"! You too have an "I MUST" from God – It's your purpose, mission and your divine assignment. Your "I MUST” begins with a

  1. CONFIDENCE (Luke 4:21: Isaiah 61:1-2) A belief that wherever you are and whatever you do JESUS has an "I MUST" prepared for you. You only have to be willing to believe and press into the "I MUST" God has already prepared for you. Then develop a…
  2. CLARITY (Hebrews 5:8) God communicates His "I MUST" differently to everyone He calls. When God is speaking, one word is more than enough. He's more interested in your total obedience than your total understanding. With this clarity you need…
  3. COURAGE (Luke 9:51; Isaiah 50:7) Courage to do anything JESUS tells you to do. For some of you God will call you to make a major life change. For others He simply wants you to live your present life from a fresh perspective with greater passion. Your greatest limitation is God's greatest opportunity.

Remember, your "I MUST" isn't an automatic, permanent position; it's an intentional daily decision. Jesus could do something any moment that could change the direction of your life, and you don't want to miss it. So, right now step up from your "I AM" to your "I MUST".

 

GOOD MESSES

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 22 Jan 2016

Life can be pretty messy at times. While working to maintain order is important, messes also have a message and meaning for us.


Proverbs 14:4 "An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable."

 

Life can be pretty messy at times. While working to maintain order is important, messes also have a message and meaning for us. Messes are the result of life being lived out, work being accomplished, relationships being refined, responsibilities and duties being fulfilled. In other words, to get rid of all messes would require living a totally safe, activity-less life. It would also require living a boring, isolated and unproductive life.

 

For example, if you want your house to stay completely clean, make sure you never have children or invited guests over. If you want no relationship 'messes', make sure you form no relationships.

 

This is what the wise writer was referring to in today's verse. He was reminding us that stables stay clean when they are empty – when no animals are occupying them. An unoccupied stable means no animals, and no animals result in no work, and no work results in no income. And no income results in a really big mess!

 

If we want certain blessings and privileges in life, we must be willing to welcome messes that accompany them. Instead of constantly grumble at the messes we experience, let us appreciate them for what they are: They are indicators of a life that is being lived with purpose. They are the needed by-product of progress, productivity and prosperity.

 

A great way to conquer the frustration of messes is to take time to reflect on and thank the LORD for the meaningful things that accompany the messes in your life. Right now, join me to take this moment to thank the LORD for the good messes that make life meaningful!

 

Remember, our LORD Jesus Christ specializes in turning the 'messes' into 'messages' that will be a blessing to others. And He can do more in one moment that we could ever do in a life-time.

 

FAITH – EYES FOR YOUR HEART

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 29 Sep 2015

Faith lives from the invisible towards the visible realm. Faith provides the eyes for the heart. Faith actualizes what if realizes. Jesus expects His people to see from the heart.


Matthew 6:6

 

Faith lives from the invisible towards the visible realm. Faith provides the eyes for the heart. Faith actualizes what if realizes. Jesus expects His people to see from the heart. The ability to see into the spiritual realm is not the result of a special gift. It is an unused potential of everyone who are in the family of Jesus by receiving His grace.

 

We are born again by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). The born-again experience empowers us to see from the heart (John 3:3). Faith is intended to be the nature of life in God’s family. In fact, all of the Jesus’ resources are accessible through faith.

 

Jesus gave specific instruction to encourage us in our capacity to see: “Seek first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33). Paul taught us: “Set your mind in things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2). He also stated in 2 Corinthians 4:18 “For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

 

Remember Jesus told us that He only did what He saw His Father do? Today, my prayer for you is that you break out of your limitation and experience God’s breakthrough by

 

- Applying the instructions given and

- Seeing with your heart – your unused potential and privilege.

 

GREATER… BECAUSE OF HIM

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 29 Sep 2015

It’s time for a revolution of vision. Vision – biblically understood – has to do with identity and purpose.


Ephesians 3:20

 

It’s time for a revolution of vision. Vision – biblically understood – has to do with identity and purpose. Through a biblical understanding of our identity, we can think with God’s perspective. Such a change comes with a revelation of Jesus and who we are in Him.

 

Some believe that the condition of the Church will always be getting worse. So, the worsening condition of the world and the Church becomes a sign to them that we are in the “right track.” This kind of thinking requires no faith.

 

Embracing a belief system that requires no faith is contrary to the nature of life that Jesus intends for us and all that the Bible declares. Since the LORD plans to do ‘above all we could ask or think,’ according to Ephesians 3:20, His promises challenge our thinking and expectations. And we cannot afford to forget His promises to us.

 

We are often more convinced of our unworthiness than we are of His worth. Remember He gave His very life for us? We focus more on our inability than His ability. Remember, the One who called fearful Gideon a mighty warrior and unstable Peter a rock has called us His sons and friends. That has to count for something. So arise, see as the LORD sees you and walk in the greater things He has for you.

 

 

PRAYER

Lord, I am in agreement with Your thoughts and plans for my life. I already know You have an expected end for me, and I am available to You. In Jesus' name, Amen!

 

RELEASING IMPOSSIBILITIES

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 24 Aug 2015

When you face an impossibility, leave it in the hands of the Specialist! Refuse to calculate. Refuse to doubt. Refuse to work it out by yourself. Refuse to worry or encourage others to worry. Stand against that.


READ MORE

RECONSIDER AGAIN

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 24 Aug 2015

Why should we be willing to drop everything and follow Jesus Christ? And what happens when we do?


READ MORE

IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 24 Aug 2015

Of all the letters Paul wrote, Second Corinthians is the most autobiographical. He spells out the details of his persecution, loneliness, imprisonments, beatings, feelings of despair, hunger, shipwrecks, sleepless nights.


READ MORE

LIVING STRATEGICALLY

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 12 Jul 2015

In life there are moments, decisions, plans and events that are strategic to and for our future success. We all need to live strategically. The great news is that our LORD wants to give us strategic ideas.


READ MORE

WELCOMING YOUR SEASON

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 12 Jul 2015

You aren’t in your current season by accident. God’s hand is in it, and there’s a purpose to His activity. What does the LORD want to teach you during this unique, never-to-be-exactly-repeated season?


READ MORE

EXPERIENCING BREAKTHROUGHS WHERE YOU ARE

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 20 Apr 2015

The LORD JESUS desires for you to experience breakthroughs at your Work, School, Family, Relationships.


READ MORE

BUILDING STRONG CHARACTER

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 20 Apr 2015

Building strong character requires having a clear sense of purpose.


READ MORE

COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 20 Apr 2015

We can live by default or live by design. Let’s choose to live by the Lord’s design.


READ MORE

NO RETREAT …NO RESERVE … NO REGRETS

Rev. David Chee
 
Posted 20 Apr 2015

I am challenged again by the life of William Borden, born into a very rich family, who studied at Ivy League schools, Princeton and Harvard. At age 25 he left all to become a missionary to China.


READ MORE

 

27 December 2014

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Jeremiah 29:11

 

As we step into 2015, I believe this is what the LORD has for us. The prediction and the fact may be the global economy is gloomy. But the truth is “The Best Is Yet to Come.” Why? Because the God know and serve is sovereign and He is good. And He gave us His promise in Jeremiah 29:11.

 

Read More

 

 

19 July 2014

ATMOSPHERE THAT BUILDS THE IRRESISTIBLE LIFE

Luke 24:31

 

Atmosphere is difficult to explain but quickly experienced. Atmosphere can build your spirit or corrupt and tear down your spirit. Every person builds an atmosphere around him. Your convictions, values, mindset and vocabulary (words you used all the time) together shape your atmosphere.

 

What’s the atmosphere that builds the irresistible life? Hungry For The Lord’s Presence. By the term "irresistible life" I’m referring to a life where the LORD says, "This is the life I can’t purposes." Won’t you want to live such a life?

 

Read More

 

 

24 May 2014

THE POWER OF BLESSING

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.

 

Read More

 

 

26 April 2014

CROSSOVER TO TAKE OVER

Matthew 14:22-36
 

You cannot conquer what you will not confront. What’s the Lord’s desire for you and me? It’s time to make the crossover - to go to the other side (v 22). Now is the time to “CROSSOVER TO TAKEOVER.”

 

Read More

 

 

22 February 2014

BUILDING MY LIFE ON THE BIBLE (40 Days In The Word Kickoff)

James 1:19-25

 

Welcome to the kick off for 40 Days in the Word. We start with the topic: "BUILDING MY LIFE ON THE BIBLE." This is important to you as you lead – whether a Company, a department, a family or leading yourself… because only changed leaders can lead effectively; otherwise…

  • Unbroken leaders will lead out of their own ego.
  • Presumptuous leaders will do things God never told them to do.
  • Only Christlikeness can overcome the fallen world system.

Read More

 

 

18 January 2014

WIDER KINGDOM IMPACT THROUGH STEWARDSHIP

 

Money is an important subject in discipleship for wider kingdom impact. There are three views of wealth in the Church today:

 

Poverty Mentality

The premise here is: Money is inherently evil and to be poor is to be spiritual. The orientation is towards shunning wealth. This doesn’t make sense because some of God’s most godly saints are not just wealthy, they are very wealthy(Job 1:3; 42:12; Genesis 13:2).

 

Prosperity Mentality

It embraces the thinking that money is a signature gift from God and thus to be rich is to be blessed. The orientation is towards splurging wealth. This mentality fails to recognise Jesus exhorts a simplicity of life (Luke 12:33-34) and exemplifies it (Luke 9:58)

 

Promise or Covenant Theology

The premise is that money belongs to God and there is a covenant of wealth God has with His people. It is God’s will for His people to be blessed in spirit, soul and body, and to prosper in their personal lives in order to be a blessing to others (3 John 2)


What does prosperity mean? A study of the word “prosper” and “success” in the Hebrew leads us to the understanding that ‘prosperity’ is “the ability to leave the condition you are in, follow the will of God, make good choices, and inspire decisions that pave a road for an abundant life.” Prosperity affects much more than your financial position. Your entire life is a blessed journey from one significant moment to another.


The orientation is towards stewarding wealth. Don’t forget that we are not owners; we are stewards!

 

Decide today how you would live your life. Don’t lose everything while chasing nothing. End of the day is about the Lordship of Christ – living under the domain of the King of kings. Are you an owner? Or are you a steward of God?

 

 

4 Jan 2014

DEEPER IN GOD’S WORD, WIDER IN KINGDOM IMPACT

Luke 2:49; John 4:34 (Amplified Bible)

 

I believe 2014 comes with great divine possibilities for you because of the unmerited favour of GOD through what Christ has accomplished at the Cross. Favour is received as you activate all that belongs to you when you are in line with God’s will. Jesus shows how this is done as He aligns Himself with the will of God the Father. The context of the above passage reveals two principles:

  • Deeper in His Word
  • Wider in Kingdom Impact.

"DEEPER in God’s Word, WIDER in Kingdom Impact" - This is our theme for both 2014 and 2015. The best years are open before you as you grow deeper in God’s Word and wider in Kingdom impact.

 

We all believe the Bible is the Word of God. But we only believe the part of the Bible we DO. What is your next move? My desire is for you to thrive in 2014. I encourage you to make 5 commitments so that we can thrive together - iThrive: iBelong + iGrow + iServe + iGive + iLead

 

iBelong: Commit to be planted in NDFI and celebrate Jesus every week.

(Ephesians 2:19; Hebrews 10:25)

 

iGrow: Commit to a CARE Group and grow spiritually and relationally.
(Acts 2:46; Hebrews 10:24)

 

iServe: Commit to a Ministry and use your gifts and abilities to refresh others.

(1Peter 4:10)

 

iGive: Commit to serve His Cause and build this House through consistent tithing and generous giving.

(Leviticus 27:30)

 

iLead: Commit to lead yourself, another person, your family, a CARE Group or a Ministry Team.

(2 Timothy 2:2)
 

The great missionary 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.”

 

Into whose hand do you commit yourself starting 2014? Would you join me to say, “Yes, LORD, I choose to align my life with Your will and Your desire for NDFI.”
 

 

16 Dec 2013

FULFILLING GOD’S DESTINY

Philippians 4:8 - If anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.

 

Are you moving closer to your destiny? Are you tenacious enough in your pursuit of it? And the key to greater tenacity is not necessarily working harder at the same things, but willingness to change. What then are we to change?

  1. Your thinking. How do you see yourself? Are you afraid to get started because conditions aren’t favorable? Do you stop trying to move forward when you don’t have the resources you need? If so, you need to change your mindset, to break the cycle of negative thinking.
  2. Your perspective. Do you have an “instant” mindset? The greater your assignment, the longer it’s likely to take. So recalibrate your expectations and schedule a reasonable timetable for yourself; otherwise, you’ll live in frustration and defeat. God’s will for you as expressed through Paul’s desire is “that I may finish my race with joy” (Acts 20:24 NKJV). God wants you to experience joy in the pursuit of your goal.
  3. Your ways. How are things going in your personal life and in your domestic life? Are you ready to deal with past failure and sorrows that stand between you and success? What can you do today that will bring you closer to your dream - no matter how small the progress?

Therefore, let us all be willing to change. So, be a thermostat instead of a thermometer. Instead of reflecting the temperature around us as a thermometer; be a thermostat that shapes and moulds our situations through intentional actions.
 

 

19 Jan 2013

OVERCOMING FAITH – MY RESPONSE

Romans 4:17-22

 

Adversities can damage your faith or deepens it. It is not the event itself that grows or erodes our faith; it is your interpretation of the event.

  • Accept the Promise (Hebrews 11:8) The believers – including Abraham - ‘saw the promises’ (that’s revelation), and then ‘embraced the promises’ (that’s acceptance).
    Is there any area you have yet to obey?
  • Renounce All Confidence in Human Resources (v 18)
    What resources in your hand you are not using?
  • Face the Problem but Focus on the Promise (v 19-20)
    What are you absorbed in – God’s promise or your problems?
  • Rest on God’s Faithfulness (v 20-21)
    What is hindering you in resting on God’s faithfulness?

God allows us to set the level and limit of our own breakthroughs and blessings. You determine the extent to which God uses and blesses you.

 

‘Someday’ has arrived!

 

 

5 Jan 2013

BEYOND LIMITS, FULFILLING DESTINY

 

Come this year there will be new problems, new pressures and new possibilities. New problems will require creativity. New pressures will require conviction. New possibilities will require courage. As the people of God with eyes to see God desires us to go BEYOND LIMITS, FULFILLING DESTINY!

  • FAITH (Romans 10:17)
  • ACCOUNTABILITY (Proverbs 27:17)
  • CONFESSION (Proverbs 18:21)
  • EXPRESSIONS (Romans 12:1)

It is unnatural for a Christian not to have an appetite for the impossible. It has been written into our spiritual DNA to be something greater than ourselves. Anyone who ever accomplished anything significant for Christ had to take a significant step of faith (Hebrews 11:6) Today, Christ is inviting you… He is empowering you to go beyond your limits to fulfil your destiny. Would you love yourself enough and say, “Yes LORD!” for yourself and for His House?

 

If we don’t train children and young people, someone else will! If we don’t disciple them, the world will!

We as parents and the Church have to live by design not default.