What we THINK shapes how we ACT.

‘Thinking’ is not something we find attractive or convenient.
‘Thinking’ we would rather give it to others while we follow through on what others think for us.
But God invites us to THINK.
Especially in Hebrews 10 are invited to THINK about three things:

Firstly, THINK of ways to serve

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Hebrews ‭10‬:‭24‬

Secondly, THINK of the painful punishment of failing to follow Jesus

Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:29‬

Thirdly, THINK of how you started your journey of faith.

“Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭32‬ ‬

Faithful THINKING leads us to GODLY ACTION.

When we THINK of serving others it leads us to ignite moments of service
When we THINK of the pain of punishment it leads us to walk in personal purity and holiness.
When we THINK of how we started our faith journey, it leads us to greater passion for God.

What we THINK shapes how we ACT.

Let us Think.

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WHAT IF WE ARE NOT CHOSEN?

So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.
Acts of the Apostles 1:23‭-‬26 NLT

It doesn’t mean the end of the world if you are not chosen.

Barsabbas(or Joseph) had equal credentials as Matthias.

Both walked with Jesus from beginning till the end. Both were witnesses of the resurrection.
Both followed Jesus.
But when the lots were cast it did not fall on Barsabbas.

Does it mean he is not loved by God?
Does it mean he is not chosen by God?
Does it mean he doesn’t have a ministry?
Does it mean God cannot use him anymore?
NO. Absolutely no.

My heart is moved especially for young men and women often not chosen to a leadership position in school, college or workplace. The pain of rejection often breaks them from moving on in life. But it’s time to go beyond the pain and understand your purpose.

God has a purpose for us even when we are not in the selected few.
God doesn’t forget us even when we don’t make hierarchy or receive a position.

God’s calling for us is beyond a leadership title or position.
We serve God regardless of where we are placed.

We serve God even when we are not chosen
We don’t give up and make it difficult for others when we are not chosen.
We don’t give up and quit.
We continue to serve God.
We continue to love Jesus.

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YOU ARE NOT THE HERO IN YOUR STORY…

 

“The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai:”

Jonah 1:1 NLT

Jonah’s story is not about Jonah.

It is about THE LORD and how He wanted to Himself great through Jonah.

The Lord speaks to Jonah and gives him a message.

The Lord watches silently as Jonah disobeys His message and goes in the opposite direction.

The Lord brings a powerful storm to get Jonah’s attention.

Unfortunately Jonah sleeps through the storm.

Jonah’s co-passengers are more concerned about God’s judgment than Jonah himself.

The Lord reveals himself to Jonah’s co-passengers and opens their eyes to see His power.

The Lord protects the people on the boat and they recognise who He is and worship Him.

The Lord is still concerned for Jonah and protects him by sending a great fish to swallow him.

Lessons for us today

Firstly, the Lord calls us with a divine calling. Nothing is grander than His call.

Secondly, the Lord watches over us even when we disobey His call. He is a Father who never gives up on us.

Thirdly, the Lord uses storms to draw us back to His calling. 

Finally, its the Lord’s story and He will do everything to draw us to Him.

Never waste our lives on making our own story. Follow His grand story. 

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BEAUTIFUL GIRLS AND STRONG YOUNG MEN

 

“People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it. Beautiful girls and strong young men will grow faint in that day, thirsting for the Lord’s word.”

Amos 8:12-13 NLT

Beautiful girls and strong young men were supposed to be the rage of their day. 

Supposed to be the Beauty icons of their generation.

Supposed to be role models of for the paparazzi to follow.

But something went wrong.

They will grow faint. 

They will thirst.

They will fail.

Because when we don’t have God’s Word as the compass of our lives we are aimless and wander about.

Our real identity is not in our public profile. Of beauty or strength.

Our genuine identity is shaped in our private profile. Of character and integrity. 

It is shaped in our personal relationship with God and His Word.

Real beauty is nurtured in prayer and character.

Real strength is developed in God’s presence and integrity.

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When I used to read the news and watch the news…

 

When I used to read the news and watch the news…
I used to believe everything.
I shaped my worldview based on what I read and saw.
Not any longer.
I can’t believe and don’t believe it anymore.

Fake news and Propaganda News is everywhere. Everyone seems to have an agenda.

Now I do it differently.

I shape my worldview before I read/watch the news.

I shape my worldview based on my convictions. Based on my faith in God. Based on God’s Word. Based on godly friendships. Based on wise mentors.

I still read the newspaper and watch the news.
But I read and watch through the grid of what I believe.

What I believe is this:

““Walk straight, act right, tell the truth. “Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. “Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. “You’ll never get blacklisted if you live like this.””
‭‭(The Bible)

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NO MORE DARK CORNERS

”If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”“
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When you switch on the light in a room, the corners of the room remain dark.
Though it seems the room is lit up, these dark corners make it uncomfortable and difficult.

Often, our lives have dark corners.

These are the areas of our lives which are private, secret and marked as ‘confidential’
We are afraid to showcase these areas to people because it might embarrass us. It might spoil our reputation.
So, we keep it hidden and dark. We don’t want these dark corners to be exposed in the fear that it will affect our public image.

So, we keep it dark. But it is dangerous for us.
So, we keep it hidden. But it is harmful for us.
So, we keep it a secret. But it is leaves a stench.

Jesus wants to shine in the dark corners of our lives. The floodlight of Jesus lights up the corners which we have kept as dark, hidden and deep secret.

Today, commit yourself to a life of ‘no more dark corners’ .

Firstly, let’s invite the light of Jesus to light up the dark areas we work hard at darkening it.

Secondly, let’s open up to trusted friends and mentors and work hard at living radiant lives

Finally, let’s commit ourselves to be a floodlight to shine brightly in the darkest darkness.

O Lord, with your help, I desire a lifestyle of ‘no more dark corners’

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GOD’S HEART FOR THE NEW YEAR

God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’”
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭13‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Firstly, God considers David as a man after God’s own heart.
A man who pursues God and His passions, motivations and assignments.
He is not chasing his own heart and desires. It is wholly dedicated to God and following whatever God wants to do.

Secondly, God is confident that David will do everything God wants him to do.
David is absolutely loyal to God and His ways, methods and plans.

My prayer for you in the new year, is that you will pursue God’s heart. You will do everything God wants you to do.

Happy New Year to you and your family!

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Never lose the ‘sense’ of shock.

Losing our physical senses like smell, taste, hearing or touch is a strong warning that something is wrong with the body. We would need immediate medical attention. We might need to meet the doctor. We would be rushed in for urgent treatment in a hospital.
We would not rest until we found out what is wrong.

But there is another vital human sense we are losing and we are doing nothing about it.
The ‘sense’ of ‘shock’.

‘Shock’ and ‘pain’ and ‘anger’ and ‘rage’ when human dignity is violated.
When a child is raped.
When a girl is sold into sex trafficking.
When a person is abused because of the colour of his skin.
Or, gender. Nationality. Culture. Language. Religion.
We have taken for granted that this is ‘normal’ .
There is no sense of shame. No sorrow. No action.
We are losing the ‘sense of shock’ and we are trying to be politically correct in our responses.
It’s time to recapture the ‘sense of shock’
Refuse to blur the lines.
Remember God’s values.
Raise the bar.
Never lose the ‘sense’ of shock.

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BEFORE YOU WRITE DOWN YOUR DAILY TO-DO LIST…

Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. 

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! (‭Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭2, 12, 16-17‬ NLT)

Regardless of what you face daily- be it family matters, official assignments or future fears.

In all of it, God has a few refreshing reminders for you even before you write down the ‘never-ending’ daily To-do list.

1. GOD– v.2  ‘I am God, I can handle everything you cannot. I have done it before I will do it again’

2. LIFE– v. 12  ‘Learn life is short, be sensible and wise to focus on important things’

3. PASSION– v.16 ‘In everything you do, your passion should be to see Me at work and My glory’

4. SUCCESS– v. 17 ‘In every assignment of your life, seek My approval. With My approval and help all your efforts will be successful’

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WHEN YOUR PRAYER IS OFF-CENTRE

If God is not in the centre of your life and world, He is off-centre.
When He is off-centre, even your prayer will be off-centre.
When your prayer is off-centre, your daily liturgy could go something like this:
‘O Mighty Me, hallowed be my name. My Kingdom come, my will be done on earth and everywhere else. Give me this day what I want. Let others forget my mess even though I cannot forget their mess. Lead me into temptation and deliver me from all good. For mine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen’
None of us may pray these exact words, but many times we run our lives living out the words of this selfish prayer.
If we practice the  prayer that Jesus taught the disciples in Matthew 6 we would bring God to the centre of our lives. That changes everything.
We would daily keep God as the focus in all that we do.
We would make the Kingdom-Cry(Matthew 6:10) as the ignition to all our endeavours.
We would look to God as the source of all our provisions and not live out a frustrated existence.
We would be more gracious to people’s faults as God is gracious to us.
We would desire to walk holy before God and people bringing glory to God.
Today it’s time for us to change our focus and let God run our life’s business!
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