Relationships with people are one of the hardest to master. Just the idea of dealing with people is a challenge. Most people either avoid people they don't like, or flight with them. So often people get frustrated at work because of an unreasonable boss, or another common area of broken relationships is simply people get offended.
God's designed us all so differently, all unique, and all gifted in different ways. The challenge is not to look at the negative qualities in a person, but look at the positive. Today's word of encouragement is, "Don't let the opportunity slip away!" Sometimes people are harsh, rude, mean, and unreasonable because of their own lives and what they are going through.
Today, don't let that opportunity slip away, when God can use you to bless that person you are fighting with, hurt with, trying to avoid, and can't even stand looking at that person. The devil wants us to be hurt, he wants us to look selfishly at our own pain, suffering, and through that we become more "ME ME focused". Let us respond exactly the opposite of how satan wants us to respond. When people shout and yell, say bad things about us, let us smile, let us pray a blessing over their lives, let us encourage that person, let us not gossip, let us only speak good words about that person.
The devil wants to rob us all of God's blessings. Wouldn't it be amazing to be known in the office, at home with our family, and with our friends as a person who stands for righteousness, a person who exemplifies Jesus, who stands out not because they are outstanding but because they simply do the simple things right.
In Mattew 5:44 Jesus tells us all, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
-- By: Shaun Lee
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 30 July 2007
As we head into a new week, it is amazing to see how fast time passes. Before we know it, 5 years will pass, and then 10. Time is really very short, maybe this is a good time for us to really start taking action. Some of us, have had desires to go on missions trips, but never did so because of work or family. Some of us, wanted to pick up a new sport or play a new instrument, but never did because there was just no time. Some of us want to rebuild old friendships that were lost, either through fights, un-forgiveness, or just simply lost touch. Some of us, still hold on to past hurts, either hurt relationships, from husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, parents, and siblings. Some of us still have issues with people from different cultures and races. All of these issues have many things in common, but one in particular I want to address, “Stop making excuses!”
Making excuses is finding an easy way out of dealing with an issue. The more we make excuses, the bigger our bag of rubbish in our lives gets. As I prayed for today’s word of encouragement, I wanted to hold back, because I know many of us will get offended at this tone, and language. At this point, some of us would say, “Well talk is easy, but to live with those past hurts it is not easy to let go.” Or some of us may say, “I don’t know how to let go, it hurts so much.” The answer to all this, “Stop making excuses.” Believe me, I know that God is speaking to me as well, in this area of making excuses, and running away from issues. But if we keep making excuses, I don’t think we would ever change our old ways.
God is sovereign over any past hurt. God is greater than any offense; God loves us more than any human being can. Bottom line is if we are still living in hurt, still living in the past, still living with making excuses, we have not placed God above all. Today’s word of encouragement ties in with yesterday’s on chopping down our tree. If we don’t chop our tree, we will never grow, and more importantly we will never bear fruit. Jesus prunes our tree, to make us grow stronger, and bear more fruit. I pray that we would be encouraged today to completely surrender our lives to God, and allow Jesus to prune our tree.
John 15:2, Our Father says to us all, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” I pray today, we would allow Jesus to begin the work in us, allowing Him to prune our branches of hurt so that it will become a branch that will bear fruit.
By: Shaun Lee
Making excuses is finding an easy way out of dealing with an issue. The more we make excuses, the bigger our bag of rubbish in our lives gets. As I prayed for today’s word of encouragement, I wanted to hold back, because I know many of us will get offended at this tone, and language. At this point, some of us would say, “Well talk is easy, but to live with those past hurts it is not easy to let go.” Or some of us may say, “I don’t know how to let go, it hurts so much.” The answer to all this, “Stop making excuses.” Believe me, I know that God is speaking to me as well, in this area of making excuses, and running away from issues. But if we keep making excuses, I don’t think we would ever change our old ways.
God is sovereign over any past hurt. God is greater than any offense; God loves us more than any human being can. Bottom line is if we are still living in hurt, still living in the past, still living with making excuses, we have not placed God above all. Today’s word of encouragement ties in with yesterday’s on chopping down our tree. If we don’t chop our tree, we will never grow, and more importantly we will never bear fruit. Jesus prunes our tree, to make us grow stronger, and bear more fruit. I pray that we would be encouraged today to completely surrender our lives to God, and allow Jesus to prune our tree.
John 15:2, Our Father says to us all, “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” I pray today, we would allow Jesus to begin the work in us, allowing Him to prune our branches of hurt so that it will become a branch that will bear fruit.
By: Shaun Lee
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 29 Jul 07
God sometimes brings seasons in our lives where we are called to chop down our tree, just like in the dream God gave to King Nebuchadnezzar. When Daniel interpreted the dream to King Nebuchadnezzar, it was during a time when the king was at his peak, the most powerful, and richest. God purposely gave Nebuchadnezzar this dream, warning him that if he did not change his ways, if he did not honor our Father, God was going to remove him from his reign.
Chopping down our tree is an important part of our lives, sometimes we need to chop down our trees, in order to remove our old selves. God allows seasons to enter our lives so that we can chop down our tree, so that we can remove, work, learn, and humble ourselves. It is a fact of life that we are all flawed; we are filled with sins. By chopping the tree and removing the branches, our insecurities, pride, arrogance, selfishness, and negative attitudes will fall off and a new tree will start to form in the image of Christ.
As we cut our tree, watch and see God move in our lives. Watch our old tree turn into a new tree: brighter, vibrant, bigger, stronger, wider, and bearing more fruit. The old has gone! The new has come, and see God transform our lives.
Daniel 4:14, He called in a loud voice: Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches. 15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.
By: Shaun Lee
Chopping down our tree is an important part of our lives, sometimes we need to chop down our trees, in order to remove our old selves. God allows seasons to enter our lives so that we can chop down our tree, so that we can remove, work, learn, and humble ourselves. It is a fact of life that we are all flawed; we are filled with sins. By chopping the tree and removing the branches, our insecurities, pride, arrogance, selfishness, and negative attitudes will fall off and a new tree will start to form in the image of Christ.
As we cut our tree, watch and see God move in our lives. Watch our old tree turn into a new tree: brighter, vibrant, bigger, stronger, wider, and bearing more fruit. The old has gone! The new has come, and see God transform our lives.
Daniel 4:14, He called in a loud voice: Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches. 15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.
By: Shaun Lee
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 28 Jul 07
As we head into the weekend, let us offer our full devotion, attention to Him in prayer. God’s leading me to pray, Our Father’s prayer. Instead of just saying it, I pray that we would meditate on it, and we would write it on our hearts, that we feel we are saying it to our Father from the deepest part of our soul.
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Father, it is your name that is exalted, not mine. Father you reign over all the earth, for you are mighty, for you are my rock, and I pray that I will never fail to proclaim your name. Father, humble me each day to give all glory to you.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Father, it is your will, your plans, your purpose! Not mine! I pray Lord that I give my life to you, I surrender all to you! Take my life, take all of me, take my desires, take my will, may I live each day fulfilling your purpose. Your plans will be done on earth, and I thank you Master that you would even use me as an instrument of your perfect will.
Give us this day our daily bread. Lord, you are my provider, no matter the circumstance. The blessings, the ups and downs, and the times of trials, Father you are my daily bread. Father, my dreams, my future, I know you are my daily bread. I pray that in my heart I will not chase after the worlds desires. Lord, teach me to be a giver. As you are my daily bread, let me never forget to learn from you, to always give and never be selfish but selfless.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Father, teach my heart to forgive. I let go of all my past hurts and pains. Father, instead of being bitter, I pray that you would enter the lives of those that hurt me, offend me, those that make me angry, bitter, upset, and frustrated. Father, I pray that you would bless them abundantly, give them a fruitful life that they may see more to life than what they already see. I pray for healing. Lord, I pray that as we start to forgive, this will be like a “virus” that will spread throughout the world. People forgiving others, and through this, Lord I know nations like Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, and many more will come to know you as their King.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Father, I am a sinner, but as your word says in 1 Corin 10:13 Lord you are faithful and you will not let me be tempted beyond what I cannot bear.
For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen You are the Lord of all! You are the King of Kings! You have already won! The battle has already been won! I face the devil, I face the giants, and I shout with praise, I raise my banner, I stand upon my rock of salvation—Victory is mine!
By: Shaun Lee
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Father, it is your name that is exalted, not mine. Father you reign over all the earth, for you are mighty, for you are my rock, and I pray that I will never fail to proclaim your name. Father, humble me each day to give all glory to you.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Father, it is your will, your plans, your purpose! Not mine! I pray Lord that I give my life to you, I surrender all to you! Take my life, take all of me, take my desires, take my will, may I live each day fulfilling your purpose. Your plans will be done on earth, and I thank you Master that you would even use me as an instrument of your perfect will.
Give us this day our daily bread. Lord, you are my provider, no matter the circumstance. The blessings, the ups and downs, and the times of trials, Father you are my daily bread. Father, my dreams, my future, I know you are my daily bread. I pray that in my heart I will not chase after the worlds desires. Lord, teach me to be a giver. As you are my daily bread, let me never forget to learn from you, to always give and never be selfish but selfless.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Father, teach my heart to forgive. I let go of all my past hurts and pains. Father, instead of being bitter, I pray that you would enter the lives of those that hurt me, offend me, those that make me angry, bitter, upset, and frustrated. Father, I pray that you would bless them abundantly, give them a fruitful life that they may see more to life than what they already see. I pray for healing. Lord, I pray that as we start to forgive, this will be like a “virus” that will spread throughout the world. People forgiving others, and through this, Lord I know nations like Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, and many more will come to know you as their King.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Father, I am a sinner, but as your word says in 1 Corin 10:13 Lord you are faithful and you will not let me be tempted beyond what I cannot bear.
For thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen You are the Lord of all! You are the King of Kings! You have already won! The battle has already been won! I face the devil, I face the giants, and I shout with praise, I raise my banner, I stand upon my rock of salvation—Victory is mine!
By: Shaun Lee
Friday, July 27, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 27 Jul 07
Setting boundaries is the word God wants us to think about today. We are God’s design and this concept of boundaries can be understood at a very young age. Studies of numerous children have been conducted to see if children as young as six could understand the concept of boundaries. All of us remember our childhood during our school days; playing during recess time we would play in the field, play all sorts of games. In most schools the boundaries of where we are allowed to play is most often marked by a fence. Well on this occasion, the fence was removed, the boundaries were gone, yet these children did not go beyond the boundaries, instead they played closer to the school and would not venture further away.
This simple test reveals one true factor, that God sets boundaries in our lives for a purpose, for a reason. It is out of His love for us, not to make more rules for us that we feel like we are robots. Today, God is challenging us to reflect and look inside our hearts and see our lives. Ask yourself this question, are you walking the fine-line of the boundaries that God has placed in your heart? Or have you set strong boundaries in your heart that you would not even be tempted to see what is beyond that fence?
In God’s word He says to us all in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
By: Shaun Lee
This simple test reveals one true factor, that God sets boundaries in our lives for a purpose, for a reason. It is out of His love for us, not to make more rules for us that we feel like we are robots. Today, God is challenging us to reflect and look inside our hearts and see our lives. Ask yourself this question, are you walking the fine-line of the boundaries that God has placed in your heart? Or have you set strong boundaries in your heart that you would not even be tempted to see what is beyond that fence?
In God’s word He says to us all in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
By: Shaun Lee
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 26 July 2007
Our Father has gone before us! He goes before us when we face our giants and face our enemy who wants to destroy our lives. In so many countries around the world, things go on that is hidden from the World. Today God says, we need to fervently pray and proclaim God's word over these nations.
I pray that in this time, we can specifically pray for the women and children who live in countries where they are being persecuted and harmed. God's hand will be upon them to protect them from harm. God is going to send His angels to guard to protect our sisters. In Christ we shall be strong and have no fear. God is searching for an army of God fearing women who will humble the hearts of the proud, the wicked, and harmful. Through God's hand upon you our sisters, watch and see God use you.
Psalm 112:4 "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man...V6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever."
By: Shaun Lee
I pray that in this time, we can specifically pray for the women and children who live in countries where they are being persecuted and harmed. God's hand will be upon them to protect them from harm. God is going to send His angels to guard to protect our sisters. In Christ we shall be strong and have no fear. God is searching for an army of God fearing women who will humble the hearts of the proud, the wicked, and harmful. Through God's hand upon you our sisters, watch and see God use you.
Psalm 112:4 "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man...V6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever."
By: Shaun Lee
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 25 Jul 07
In this hour our Father is going to birth and remold our minds, eyes, ears, mouths, and souls. God is going to give us minds that will strategize His army into action, analyze areas where the enemy is attacking, and prioritize what needs to be done now, where to concentrate our time, resources, and energy. The unsearchable, we do not fully know the awesome power, the magnificent hand of our Father in action, unless we search Him and give our lives as an offering.
Father I pray today that you will in this hour renew our minds, I pray that we will give You our minds that You will be in our thoughts. Father, I pray for our eyes that we will see what You see. God is going to remold our eyes, removing the ways of the world and we will begin to see what God see's in the spirit. I pray for our ears, that we will begin to hear what God says. Let us today soften our voices and listen to our Father, for He is going to lead, direct, and command us to move in ways we have not moved before. I pray for our mouths, that we will begin to speak what God tells us to speak. That we will in this hour remove all fear. God is going to use our mouths to humble the wise, humble the proud, and humble the nations. Finally, I pray for our Souls. Today, I pray that we would all offer our souls to God. Lord we give you our soul, that you will reign in us, that you would dwell in our soul igniting the fire in us that burns, that will cause us not to stop the work that has already begun.
Philippians 1:6 the word of God says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
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By: Shaun Lee
Father I pray today that you will in this hour renew our minds, I pray that we will give You our minds that You will be in our thoughts. Father, I pray for our eyes that we will see what You see. God is going to remold our eyes, removing the ways of the world and we will begin to see what God see's in the spirit. I pray for our ears, that we will begin to hear what God says. Let us today soften our voices and listen to our Father, for He is going to lead, direct, and command us to move in ways we have not moved before. I pray for our mouths, that we will begin to speak what God tells us to speak. That we will in this hour remove all fear. God is going to use our mouths to humble the wise, humble the proud, and humble the nations. Finally, I pray for our Souls. Today, I pray that we would all offer our souls to God. Lord we give you our soul, that you will reign in us, that you would dwell in our soul igniting the fire in us that burns, that will cause us not to stop the work that has already begun.
Philippians 1:6 the word of God says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
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By: Shaun Lee
Monday, July 23, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 24 Jul 07
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 24 Jul 07
The word of encouragement for today is developing your gift of discernment. Discernment is beyond wisdom, it is the ability to hear what God says. It is the Holy Spirit in action. God has given each of us a measure of this gift, some use it more than others, but today let us declare and claim this gift over our lives. As I was preparing for this daily word of encouragement for today, God was challenging me and making me realize how crucial, important, vital, and critical it is for us to use and develop this gift.
God is preparing, and in many ways warning us. The enemy knows how powerful God’s army is! The enemy knows how powerful one soldier is going to be for God’s kingdom. ONE Soldier can bring a thousand to flight, imagine what ten thousand can do. The gift of discernment is going to be used mightily to defeat the enemy. To some, God is going to use discernment to bring clear signs of warning and being able to discern what the enemy is doing. To some, God is prophetically going to us discernment to direct, lead and be the mouth piece for His purpose and plan.
However, what is even more powerful is the fact that every soldier of God’s army has the power and ability to discern the hearts of the lost. Each lost sheep is precious in God’s sight. The gift of discernment is going to be used by God through each one of us to bless, to love, to care, and bring the lost to God’s kingdom.
Today, let us grow and develop the gift of discernment. I pray that we would hear God clearly guiding and leading us. I pray that even in this hour we would see, hear, and know God’s plan for us.
Psalm 77:13-14 the word of God says, “Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our GOD? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Remember this verse, because watch and see, God is going to display His power through His people—us!
By: Shaun Lee
The word of encouragement for today is developing your gift of discernment. Discernment is beyond wisdom, it is the ability to hear what God says. It is the Holy Spirit in action. God has given each of us a measure of this gift, some use it more than others, but today let us declare and claim this gift over our lives. As I was preparing for this daily word of encouragement for today, God was challenging me and making me realize how crucial, important, vital, and critical it is for us to use and develop this gift.
God is preparing, and in many ways warning us. The enemy knows how powerful God’s army is! The enemy knows how powerful one soldier is going to be for God’s kingdom. ONE Soldier can bring a thousand to flight, imagine what ten thousand can do. The gift of discernment is going to be used mightily to defeat the enemy. To some, God is going to use discernment to bring clear signs of warning and being able to discern what the enemy is doing. To some, God is prophetically going to us discernment to direct, lead and be the mouth piece for His purpose and plan.
However, what is even more powerful is the fact that every soldier of God’s army has the power and ability to discern the hearts of the lost. Each lost sheep is precious in God’s sight. The gift of discernment is going to be used by God through each one of us to bless, to love, to care, and bring the lost to God’s kingdom.
Today, let us grow and develop the gift of discernment. I pray that we would hear God clearly guiding and leading us. I pray that even in this hour we would see, hear, and know God’s plan for us.
Psalm 77:13-14 the word of God says, “Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our GOD? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Remember this verse, because watch and see, God is going to display His power through His people—us!
By: Shaun Lee
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 23 Jul 07
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 23 Jul 07
Don’t let your fire in you stop burning. Weather through the storms, through the rough seasons, because the moment we stop our fire in us, everything seems to be pointless.
Today’s word of encouragement is something that God has been challenging me recently over the weekend. To look at my whole life, everything!! and making sure it is all “KINGDOM DRIVEN”. Kingdom driven simply means, God is in the driving seat and leading the way, God is in control, God is directing, and finally our entire life is fulfilling the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20. If our dreams, hopes and desires are not Kingdom driven, then basically we are not letting go, we are chasing after our own dreams and desires.
Today, as we seek God in prayer we must ask ourselves these questions and probably many more that you can come up with. Firstly, right now in my current job, is it what God wants me to do? Secondly, my vision for my future (which is what I see myself doing years from now), Lord is it Kingdom driven? Thirdly, pray and ask our Father, my future wife/husband is this relationship kingdom driven or is it my own flesh? The more I asked myself these questions, the more I realized that this question has to be asked in every aspect of my life. Today I challenge you to look at your life, everything that you do, everything that you are passionate about, and ask God, is it Kingdom Driven? We all have a dream for our future; make sure it is Kingdom driven because God has a promise for each one of us.
In His book, Romans 12:1-2 God says to us all “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
By: Shaun Lee
Don’t let your fire in you stop burning. Weather through the storms, through the rough seasons, because the moment we stop our fire in us, everything seems to be pointless.
Today’s word of encouragement is something that God has been challenging me recently over the weekend. To look at my whole life, everything!! and making sure it is all “KINGDOM DRIVEN”. Kingdom driven simply means, God is in the driving seat and leading the way, God is in control, God is directing, and finally our entire life is fulfilling the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20. If our dreams, hopes and desires are not Kingdom driven, then basically we are not letting go, we are chasing after our own dreams and desires.
Today, as we seek God in prayer we must ask ourselves these questions and probably many more that you can come up with. Firstly, right now in my current job, is it what God wants me to do? Secondly, my vision for my future (which is what I see myself doing years from now), Lord is it Kingdom driven? Thirdly, pray and ask our Father, my future wife/husband is this relationship kingdom driven or is it my own flesh? The more I asked myself these questions, the more I realized that this question has to be asked in every aspect of my life. Today I challenge you to look at your life, everything that you do, everything that you are passionate about, and ask God, is it Kingdom Driven? We all have a dream for our future; make sure it is Kingdom driven because God has a promise for each one of us.
In His book, Romans 12:1-2 God says to us all “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
By: Shaun Lee
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 22 Jul 07
The word of encouragement for today is this, doing the simple things right. The simple things in life are for example, reading your Bible every day, praying everyday, focusing our eyes on God and not on man, secure in our identity in Christ, living out the commands given to us through the word of God. However, doing the simple things right is hard but it isn’t impossible. God lays out everything, through the life of Jesus as our example, and if Jesus could do it, so can we!
The simple things in life have been given to us by God, and you know what is amazing, it cost us nothing to gain it. Furthermore, to fully live out and do the simple things right, we will see more to life than now, and that is priceless.
Today, God is giving us all a choice, to live a life being mediocre, trying our hardest and best to fulfill our own desires and needs; or to live a life by doing the simple things right, by desiring His will for us, and watch your life be filled with more than what you can imagine. What decision are we going to make today, I pray that we all would be challenged as we head into the second half of 2007. More is in store!
The word of God says in 1 Corinthians 1:26, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
By: Shaun Lee
The simple things in life have been given to us by God, and you know what is amazing, it cost us nothing to gain it. Furthermore, to fully live out and do the simple things right, we will see more to life than now, and that is priceless.
Today, God is giving us all a choice, to live a life being mediocre, trying our hardest and best to fulfill our own desires and needs; or to live a life by doing the simple things right, by desiring His will for us, and watch your life be filled with more than what you can imagine. What decision are we going to make today, I pray that we all would be challenged as we head into the second half of 2007. More is in store!
The word of God says in 1 Corinthians 1:26, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. 30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
By: Shaun Lee
Friday, July 20, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 19 - 21 July 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 21 July 2007
Today the Lord wants us to reflect on our week, and ask Him today, Have we forgotten Him, have we forgotten our calling? Our busy day to day life causes us sometimes to get distracted. As we seek God, once again we are centered on His will, we are focused.
Today, remember firstly to never stop praying, to meditate on His word daily, and pursue God’s presence. As you faithfully desire God, watch and see God move in your life. He has a promise for each of us as His holy word promises us in Psalm 20:4 “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 20 July 2007
Steadfastness is a word that is worth desiring to be defined by. Someone who is not steadfast is always wavering; sometimes that person is on high, fire, filled with passion because of something he or her heard. Then the next day can be completely low, because something went wrong in the office, or something happen at home with the family.
However, a person who is steadfast in every aspect of his or her life, is a person who is grounded on the word of God, grounded on righteousness, grounded on faithfulness, and knows that no matter what life may throw at that person, he or she stays constant, head held high, bold and strong knowing that God will guide and lead.
The word of the Lord says in Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 19 July 2007
Today’s word of encouragement comes from this simple word of giving. We live in a day and age where it is, “all about me”. However, God wants to challenge each of us today, to go against the norm. Developing and cultivating a lifestyle of giving! This is one of the hardest things to do, especially to restructure our whole entire lifestyle, but the Lord today wants to open our eyes to see a glimpse of His full power and capabilities.
If we are able to give, if nations were able to bless other nations by giving money, support, resources and all without ever expecting anything back, we could see the world changed and transformed. Imagine a whole society, a whole nation that has the power to give, without ever wanting anything back in return. Maybe, this is just a dream, maybe this is impossible, but a phrase I learnt during my church conference in Manila, it is “Him-possible”.
The word of the Lord says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all tings at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written, He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
By: Shaun Lee
Today the Lord wants us to reflect on our week, and ask Him today, Have we forgotten Him, have we forgotten our calling? Our busy day to day life causes us sometimes to get distracted. As we seek God, once again we are centered on His will, we are focused.
Today, remember firstly to never stop praying, to meditate on His word daily, and pursue God’s presence. As you faithfully desire God, watch and see God move in your life. He has a promise for each of us as His holy word promises us in Psalm 20:4 “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 20 July 2007
Steadfastness is a word that is worth desiring to be defined by. Someone who is not steadfast is always wavering; sometimes that person is on high, fire, filled with passion because of something he or her heard. Then the next day can be completely low, because something went wrong in the office, or something happen at home with the family.
However, a person who is steadfast in every aspect of his or her life, is a person who is grounded on the word of God, grounded on righteousness, grounded on faithfulness, and knows that no matter what life may throw at that person, he or she stays constant, head held high, bold and strong knowing that God will guide and lead.
The word of the Lord says in Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 19 July 2007
Today’s word of encouragement comes from this simple word of giving. We live in a day and age where it is, “all about me”. However, God wants to challenge each of us today, to go against the norm. Developing and cultivating a lifestyle of giving! This is one of the hardest things to do, especially to restructure our whole entire lifestyle, but the Lord today wants to open our eyes to see a glimpse of His full power and capabilities.
If we are able to give, if nations were able to bless other nations by giving money, support, resources and all without ever expecting anything back, we could see the world changed and transformed. Imagine a whole society, a whole nation that has the power to give, without ever wanting anything back in return. Maybe, this is just a dream, maybe this is impossible, but a phrase I learnt during my church conference in Manila, it is “Him-possible”.
The word of the Lord says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all tings at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written, He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
By: Shaun Lee
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 18 Jul 07
Have you ever found yourself complaining? Today’s word of encouragement is to be able to catch yourself when you are off guard, when you find yourself complaining, putting others down, mocking, and belittling. This leads to this important factor which so many neglect and take for granted, the importance and power of praying for your leaders.
It starts with your family, the importance of praying for wisdom, righteousness and that God will lead and directly fathers is so important. If we cannot even pray for our own father, then most likely we are not praying for our leaders in other areas. It is vital that we pray for our pastors, our world leaders, our teachers, and bosses, because we are all flawed, we are imperfect. Today, instead of putting them down, even our own father’s, instead of talking behind their back, or complaining, let us bless, let us pray words of encouragement instead. Sometimes talking is easy, talking about problems is easy, but put yourself in their shoes, and you’ll realize it is not that easy.
As we pray for our leaders, let us declare this verse in Proverbs 21:1, “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Let God direct all our leaders from our families, to our workplace, in our church, government leaders, and even on the streets, watch and see through our prayers lives will be transformed.
By: Shaun Lee
It starts with your family, the importance of praying for wisdom, righteousness and that God will lead and directly fathers is so important. If we cannot even pray for our own father, then most likely we are not praying for our leaders in other areas. It is vital that we pray for our pastors, our world leaders, our teachers, and bosses, because we are all flawed, we are imperfect. Today, instead of putting them down, even our own father’s, instead of talking behind their back, or complaining, let us bless, let us pray words of encouragement instead. Sometimes talking is easy, talking about problems is easy, but put yourself in their shoes, and you’ll realize it is not that easy.
As we pray for our leaders, let us declare this verse in Proverbs 21:1, “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Let God direct all our leaders from our families, to our workplace, in our church, government leaders, and even on the streets, watch and see through our prayers lives will be transformed.
By: Shaun Lee
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 17 Jul 07
The word of encouragement for today is, to be challenged by God. God has not given us lives that are useless, and not worth fighting for. Today God wants us to receive a greater portion, to capture a greater vision of our lives, and to be ready for a new challenge, be excited!
Some of us may feel that we are where we are supposed to be, and that is great. Some of us may be wrestling right now, because we know in our hearts that God has more in-store. No matter what we may be facing, God still wants to challenge us today to seek Him, and be challenged by Him to do something beyond what we are currently doing.
As we turn and focus our eyes, God will direct our steps, and lead us. Our journey, our road may not always bring happiness, but I ask you this, is that all we are after in life, that we may have a happy life? Today, I pray and hope that we would all be challenged, to look beyond our needs, and our desires, but we would begin to see what God see's, hear what God says, feel what God feels, and yearn for what God yearns for.
I have not been called to the wisdom of this world.. But to a God who's calling out to me..And even though the world may think I'm losing touch with realityIt would be crazy To choose this world over eternity
Lyrics from a song called "Crazy" by: Mercyme
By: Shaun Lee
Some of us may feel that we are where we are supposed to be, and that is great. Some of us may be wrestling right now, because we know in our hearts that God has more in-store. No matter what we may be facing, God still wants to challenge us today to seek Him, and be challenged by Him to do something beyond what we are currently doing.
As we turn and focus our eyes, God will direct our steps, and lead us. Our journey, our road may not always bring happiness, but I ask you this, is that all we are after in life, that we may have a happy life? Today, I pray and hope that we would all be challenged, to look beyond our needs, and our desires, but we would begin to see what God see's, hear what God says, feel what God feels, and yearn for what God yearns for.
I have not been called to the wisdom of this world.. But to a God who's calling out to me..And even though the world may think I'm losing touch with realityIt would be crazy To choose this world over eternity
Lyrics from a song called "Crazy" by: Mercyme
By: Shaun Lee
Monday, July 16, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 16 Jul 07
The Lord has given us victory in every situation we might be facing currently. As I prayed, God lead me to the importance of claiming victory over every aspect of our lives.
In 2 Samuel 22:35-37 the word of God promises us all this: “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; You stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”
I pray that we would remember this verse daily whenever we feel discouraged, feel tired from work, and feel little and small. People may attack us with words and offend us; even our boss at work can belittle us, but remember and claim this verse. God has trained, anointed our hands for any battle we may be facing. God has given us a supernatural shield that covers us and assures us of victory. I pray that God will be our foundation, our rock. And if God is our foundation, He promises us that He will broaden the path beneath us, so that we will not fall.
I pray that whatever situation we may be facing right now, we can still rejoice and praise our Father. Nothing is too great that our God cannot win! Nothing!
By: Shaun Lee
In 2 Samuel 22:35-37 the word of God promises us all this: “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory; You stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”
I pray that we would remember this verse daily whenever we feel discouraged, feel tired from work, and feel little and small. People may attack us with words and offend us; even our boss at work can belittle us, but remember and claim this verse. God has trained, anointed our hands for any battle we may be facing. God has given us a supernatural shield that covers us and assures us of victory. I pray that God will be our foundation, our rock. And if God is our foundation, He promises us that He will broaden the path beneath us, so that we will not fall.
I pray that whatever situation we may be facing right now, we can still rejoice and praise our Father. Nothing is too great that our God cannot win! Nothing!
By: Shaun Lee
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 15 July 2007
The Word of encouragement for today is stepping out deeper into the ocean. Many of us are comfortable where we are at, but God is challenging us and preparing our hearts to step out of faith like Joshua and Caleb and take the risk.
In Luke 5, Jesus challenges Simon to go out into the deep waters to catch more fish. May this vision speak directly into our hearts. Luke 5:4-6, When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Today, picture yourself as Simon, fishing by the shore all night trying to catch fish, but not catching much. In a similar sense it is like our lives right now, our jobs, our dreams, our desires, and much more. Right now God is challenge us all, because we may be fishing by the shores where the ground is safe, where we know if anything happens we can turn back easily and are safe.
God wants to throw us into the deeper end of the ocean where the waters are deeper, there will be more risks, there will be more uncertainty, but by faith we move, not by sight. When Jesus told Simon to go to the deeper end of the waters, he came back with so much fish that the nets began to break. God has blessings for each of us, more than what we have right now, but we must step out by faith into the deep end of the ocean in our lives, and watch and see God bring blessings beyond what we expect.
By: Shaun Lee
In Luke 5, Jesus challenges Simon to go out into the deep waters to catch more fish. May this vision speak directly into our hearts. Luke 5:4-6, When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
Today, picture yourself as Simon, fishing by the shore all night trying to catch fish, but not catching much. In a similar sense it is like our lives right now, our jobs, our dreams, our desires, and much more. Right now God is challenge us all, because we may be fishing by the shores where the ground is safe, where we know if anything happens we can turn back easily and are safe.
God wants to throw us into the deeper end of the ocean where the waters are deeper, there will be more risks, there will be more uncertainty, but by faith we move, not by sight. When Jesus told Simon to go to the deeper end of the waters, he came back with so much fish that the nets began to break. God has blessings for each of us, more than what we have right now, but we must step out by faith into the deep end of the ocean in our lives, and watch and see God bring blessings beyond what we expect.
By: Shaun Lee
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 14 July 2007
To the exact detail our Father created everything on earth. How can one look at the world, look at the universe, look at a single life and say that there is no God? People around us have been blinded by the truth. Our enemy is very good, well trained at his ways to rob the lost sheep. Today's word of encouragement is to tune up, lubricate our gifts, because we are all going up against an enemy who even knows the Word of God. As the Bible clearly shows, the devil quoted verses to try and temp Jesus, we have to look at Jesus as our example. The Word of God cannot depart from our mouths, we need to know it. Joshua 1:8, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
The Word of God has to be in us, it has to be our daily bread. The Lord wants us to receive this promise written by Him, Jeremiah 33:2 This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 3 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
This word of God is very clear. There are things that are beyond the natural, beyond us, that God wants to tell us. If we are only willing to call on Him, and hear Him everyday of our lives, and watch and hear God tell you things that have not been heard before.
By: Shaun Lee
The Word of God has to be in us, it has to be our daily bread. The Lord wants us to receive this promise written by Him, Jeremiah 33:2 This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 3 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
This word of God is very clear. There are things that are beyond the natural, beyond us, that God wants to tell us. If we are only willing to call on Him, and hear Him everyday of our lives, and watch and hear God tell you things that have not been heard before.
By: Shaun Lee
Friday, July 13, 2007
Re: Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 13 July 2007
Authority, the word alone can cause many to think that only a selected few have been given that gift. Today, let us claim the gift of authority over our lives. When authority is used in Godly ways it can transform nations, pierce the hearts of the wicked. When used in humility, it humbles the proud, seals the lips of the angry. When used in gentleness it brings healing to the sick, comfort to the heartbroken, and direction to the lost. This gift of authority—a measure, a portion has been given to us even before we were created. Today, receive this gift, and let us use it for His glory.
The sad reality is that, people are driven for authority for the wrong reasons. People think that with power and authority, their name will be known throughout the world and over ages. Spiritual pride is one thing that the enemy uses to destroy us from really making a difference in this fallen world. Let us all be aware, what happens when authority is used for selfish gain, the gift of leadership is abused, simply put we are taking God for granted.
Today let us not take for granted the blessings, the gifts, and the life that God has given each of us. God is calling each of us, to step up, to not hide, and to now shiver at the sight of our enemies, for a time is coming when we will be placed for such a time as this!
Proverbs 8:13 says, " To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."
Proverbs 16:18 God reveals what happens to those walking in pride, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
By: Shaun Lee
The sad reality is that, people are driven for authority for the wrong reasons. People think that with power and authority, their name will be known throughout the world and over ages. Spiritual pride is one thing that the enemy uses to destroy us from really making a difference in this fallen world. Let us all be aware, what happens when authority is used for selfish gain, the gift of leadership is abused, simply put we are taking God for granted.
Today let us not take for granted the blessings, the gifts, and the life that God has given each of us. God is calling each of us, to step up, to not hide, and to now shiver at the sight of our enemies, for a time is coming when we will be placed for such a time as this!
Proverbs 8:13 says, " To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."
Proverbs 16:18 God reveals what happens to those walking in pride, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
By: Shaun Lee
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~12 July 07
The word of encouragement for today is about choices. Everyday we are faced with life decisions, no matter what choice we make though, whether it is right or wrong, we will have to live with the consequences. The interesting thing about our human nature is that, we are always looking for the easy way out. If we could have it our way we would want a life filled with abundance, with wealth, a great family, a great job, great children, all this without ever having to do the dirty work.
The promises that God has for each of us never comes back void, but the fact that remains is the choices we make. You see, David was a great and mighty man of God; he was a man after God's own heart, yet look at the choices he made, which would change his life, his family, and his future. David had to pay for the choices he made, and face the consequences.
We are all in so many ways so similar to David, and the many great men and women of the Bible. We have a great destiny! Each unique and special, with a personal calling to make an impact for God's kingdom. Today let us all pray and seek God that we would make our life choice today, to fully surrender our lives to God. Live for righteousness, in every aspect of our lives. Today, if we pray this over our lives, God says in his word in Deuteronomy 14:2 that those who choose to give everything to God, this promise is for you, " For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession ."
By: Shaun Lee
The promises that God has for each of us never comes back void, but the fact that remains is the choices we make. You see, David was a great and mighty man of God; he was a man after God's own heart, yet look at the choices he made, which would change his life, his family, and his future. David had to pay for the choices he made, and face the consequences.
We are all in so many ways so similar to David, and the many great men and women of the Bible. We have a great destiny! Each unique and special, with a personal calling to make an impact for God's kingdom. Today let us all pray and seek God that we would make our life choice today, to fully surrender our lives to God. Live for righteousness, in every aspect of our lives. Today, if we pray this over our lives, God says in his word in Deuteronomy 14:2 that those who choose to give everything to God, this promise is for you, " For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession ."
By: Shaun Lee
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 11 Jul 07
The word of encouragement today is to look in the mirror today and ask yourself this question, what is the cost for following Jesus? In Luke, Jesus gives us the best explanation of what it takes to follow Jesus.
Luke 9:57-62, “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." 58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." 59He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 60Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." 61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." 62Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
The first person who said, “I will follow you wherever you go.”—Talk is easy, telling people that we are followers of Christ is easy, but are we men and women of our word? Do we really say as we do? Jesus says it very clearly that if you call yourself a son or daughter of Jesus, we will have no place to lay our heads-(v58).
The Second person was challenged by God to follow Jesus, but responded, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”—following Christ has to be our number one priority in life. Jesus responds by saying, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”(V60) Jesus makes it very clear to us all what our priorities have to be. Let the dead bury the dead, is a very important learning point for us all, that we need to learn to let go of our past, let go of our old selves, because we are made new in Christ. Today let us be challenged by God to set our priorities based on His perfect will for our lives.
The third person said to God, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus responds, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (v62) God is challenging us all today, if we want to see God’s full blessings for our lives, if we want to walk in fullness of God’s purpose for our lives, if we want to see God’s power in our lives, we cannot put our hands to the plow and look back, we cannot be half hearted with our commitment to God.
By: Shaun Lee
Luke 9:57-62, “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." 58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." 59He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 60Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." 61 Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." 62Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
The first person who said, “I will follow you wherever you go.”—Talk is easy, telling people that we are followers of Christ is easy, but are we men and women of our word? Do we really say as we do? Jesus says it very clearly that if you call yourself a son or daughter of Jesus, we will have no place to lay our heads-(v58).
The Second person was challenged by God to follow Jesus, but responded, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”—following Christ has to be our number one priority in life. Jesus responds by saying, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”(V60) Jesus makes it very clear to us all what our priorities have to be. Let the dead bury the dead, is a very important learning point for us all, that we need to learn to let go of our past, let go of our old selves, because we are made new in Christ. Today let us be challenged by God to set our priorities based on His perfect will for our lives.
The third person said to God, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus responds, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (v62) God is challenging us all today, if we want to see God’s full blessings for our lives, if we want to walk in fullness of God’s purpose for our lives, if we want to see God’s power in our lives, we cannot put our hands to the plow and look back, we cannot be half hearted with our commitment to God.
By: Shaun Lee
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