As we once again head into the weekend, I pray that we would not allow time to go to waste. The word of encouragement today is, “Let our Father lead and direct our steps”. I pray that we would walk in obedience to God, when He says Go, that we would go, when He says speak that we would speak. Remove all worldly fear from our hearts. God is giving us a spirit of boldness and courage today.
Whenever we feel small, useless, weak, and fearful of reaching out to people who are hurting, I pray that we would read Acts 4. Remember the life of Peter, he denied Jesus three times. The Bible portrays him as weak and not very wise until we read Acts. Something happened to him after Jesus was resurrected. He let God lead and direct his steps!
Acts 4:13, When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:18-19, Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.” Let us have a self check right now, are we pleasing man or are we pleasing God?
Today, let Jesus lead and direct our steps! Let us pray this same prayer Peter and John prayed in Acts 4:29, Now, Lord, Consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 30 Aug 2007
Taking bits and pieces of the Bible, or bits and pieces of Christianity is something that we all must be aware and careful of. As Christians, if we call ourselves sons and daughters of our Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot take just the bits of the Bible that we like, or the pieces of God that we like, and everything else that we find difficult or confused about we throw out. If ever we do that, to be honest, what would make us any different from a person who does not know Jesus?
Today’s word of encouragement is a challenge. God does not want lukewarm sons and daughters, it is evident and clear what type of Christians God is after. Revelation 3:15-16, I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
It is clear and evident that Jesus is after people who are real, we are all sinners, but Jesus can use anyone. Today, I pray that we all would choose not to take bits and pieces of God, but we would want all or nothing!!
I pray that today in our quiet time with God we would ask ourselves these questions, Am I lukewarm? Do I take bits and pieces of the Bible? And Finally, let us bow before God today and say to Him, “Father I give you my life, I surrender everything to you. Lord, you take full control, I pray more of you and less of me.” By: Shaun
Today’s word of encouragement is a challenge. God does not want lukewarm sons and daughters, it is evident and clear what type of Christians God is after. Revelation 3:15-16, I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
It is clear and evident that Jesus is after people who are real, we are all sinners, but Jesus can use anyone. Today, I pray that we all would choose not to take bits and pieces of God, but we would want all or nothing!!
I pray that today in our quiet time with God we would ask ourselves these questions, Am I lukewarm? Do I take bits and pieces of the Bible? And Finally, let us bow before God today and say to Him, “Father I give you my life, I surrender everything to you. Lord, you take full control, I pray more of you and less of me.” By: Shaun
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day
Today’s word of encouragement is, “The Power of Listening”. In the modern world where everything has become so efficient, it has actually caused some negative side effects. One of them is “Impatience”. As we become more impatient, the tendency would be becoming impatient with people as well. Listening is one of the hardest things for people to do because people are all so different, and to be honest we are more concerned with “our world” then other people’s issues.
Kern Lee, a trained English teacher states, “Listening is different from hearing. Hearing is only a physical sense that we all have, but Listening is hearing and understanding.” Imagine the word Listen is mentioned 413 times in the Bible; there must be something important for us to learn about listening.
Developing this key characteristic of “Listening” is vital, most often miscommunication, arguments, and conflicts are started because someone was not listening. There are many benefits to growing this character in us of listening, but I am only going to focus on three main points.
· Listening, helps us relationally with people, because it builds trust, honor, respect, it makes people feel appreciated, and it brings affirmation.
· Listening, will grow the leadership quality in you. Whether or not we will be in a place of high authority or influence, it does not matter. We are all called to lead, and listening is essential. Effective leaders listen not only to their mentors, advisors, but they listen to their peers and workers below them as well.
· It will equip you with wisdom, not only to help others, but it is humbling, because it takes the focus away from the “ME First, My Needs, ME-ME focused” and it turns it to “You first, Your needs, You-You focused”.
Today, let us all pray more of this gift, not only to listen to others, but more importantly to listen to our Father. In Proverbs 18:13 the Bible says, “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.” Proverbs 19:20, Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
Kern Lee, a trained English teacher states, “Listening is different from hearing. Hearing is only a physical sense that we all have, but Listening is hearing and understanding.” Imagine the word Listen is mentioned 413 times in the Bible; there must be something important for us to learn about listening.
Developing this key characteristic of “Listening” is vital, most often miscommunication, arguments, and conflicts are started because someone was not listening. There are many benefits to growing this character in us of listening, but I am only going to focus on three main points.
· Listening, helps us relationally with people, because it builds trust, honor, respect, it makes people feel appreciated, and it brings affirmation.
· Listening, will grow the leadership quality in you. Whether or not we will be in a place of high authority or influence, it does not matter. We are all called to lead, and listening is essential. Effective leaders listen not only to their mentors, advisors, but they listen to their peers and workers below them as well.
· It will equip you with wisdom, not only to help others, but it is humbling, because it takes the focus away from the “ME First, My Needs, ME-ME focused” and it turns it to “You first, Your needs, You-You focused”.
Today, let us all pray more of this gift, not only to listen to others, but more importantly to listen to our Father. In Proverbs 18:13 the Bible says, “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.” Proverbs 19:20, Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 28 Aug 2007
Our Father has given a portion of Leadership anointing on each of us, even before we were born. Today’s word of encouragement is, “Lead by example”. The world desires leaders for their looks, charisma, and intellect. However, our Father today is going to shake the earth once again. Our Father, can raise up anyone He wants to lead and He can remove anyone. Only a few will standout, only a few will be used, only a few will choose to “Lead by example!” Today, I ask you and myself are we the few?
Whenever we feel discouraged, weak, and small, I pray that we would remember this verse in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, 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. 28 He 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."
Men have gone before us in the Bible, and in more recent history. Let us learn from their mistakes, and learn from their strengths. When selfish gain, pride, and fame creep into the main reason why Jesus placed us in that place of authority, watch and see God remove us as swift as any typhoon.
The Lord uses anyone! In the years to come, we will be surprised and shocked, because Jesus is going to use people who are after Him and not the world. We may not be wise by human standards, or influential, or even from noble birth, but the word of the Lord declares that He chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong, the lowly and despised things, to nullify the things of the world. Today let us lead by example. If we are sons and daughters of our Lord, then let us live by that example! -- Shaun
Whenever we feel discouraged, weak, and small, I pray that we would remember this verse in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, 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. 28 He 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."
Men have gone before us in the Bible, and in more recent history. Let us learn from their mistakes, and learn from their strengths. When selfish gain, pride, and fame creep into the main reason why Jesus placed us in that place of authority, watch and see God remove us as swift as any typhoon.
The Lord uses anyone! In the years to come, we will be surprised and shocked, because Jesus is going to use people who are after Him and not the world. We may not be wise by human standards, or influential, or even from noble birth, but the word of the Lord declares that He chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong, the lowly and despised things, to nullify the things of the world. Today let us lead by example. If we are sons and daughters of our Lord, then let us live by that example! -- Shaun
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 26 Aug 2007
2 Samuel 12:1-4 The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
4 "Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him."
This story that Nathan shares to David, has many learning points, but I hope that we can remember this one key point, “Don’t rob others of what you have a lot of already”. Take the opportunity to spend time with God, and let Him reveal to you what areas in your life have you rob others of that you already have a lot of. It could be money, it could be other things as well, for example in the office or even at church we hold back for teaching others because we feel that if we were to teach others more, they would be better than us. There are many more examples of how we have robbed others of what we have a lot of already, but today we can chose to make a difference.
By: Shaun
4 "Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him."
This story that Nathan shares to David, has many learning points, but I hope that we can remember this one key point, “Don’t rob others of what you have a lot of already”. Take the opportunity to spend time with God, and let Him reveal to you what areas in your life have you rob others of that you already have a lot of. It could be money, it could be other things as well, for example in the office or even at church we hold back for teaching others because we feel that if we were to teach others more, they would be better than us. There are many more examples of how we have robbed others of what we have a lot of already, but today we can chose to make a difference.
By: Shaun
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 25 Aug 2007
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
The word of encouragement today is building a true and honest relationship with God. Our prayer time with God is crucial. How much time do you spend talking to our Father? Do you meet with Him and talk with Him on a daily basis? And finally what are your prayers like to God; is it all about “our” needs, our problems, our issues, our concerns? I pray today that we would build our prayer time with God everyday, really worshiping, honoring, repenting and seeking God, and removing the “ME, My, needs…but be true and real to God in our prayers to him. For Jesus shows us what true prayer is like in Luke 18:9-14.
In Luke 18:9 Jesus says, “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
By: Shaun
The word of encouragement today is building a true and honest relationship with God. Our prayer time with God is crucial. How much time do you spend talking to our Father? Do you meet with Him and talk with Him on a daily basis? And finally what are your prayers like to God; is it all about “our” needs, our problems, our issues, our concerns? I pray today that we would build our prayer time with God everyday, really worshiping, honoring, repenting and seeking God, and removing the “ME, My, needs…but be true and real to God in our prayers to him. For Jesus shows us what true prayer is like in Luke 18:9-14.
In Luke 18:9 Jesus says, “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'
13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
By: Shaun
Friday, August 24, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 24 Aug 2007
Today’s word of encouragement is about being a blessing to others and not to be stingy. There are many ways and forms that we are stingy towards others, it can be through money—selfishly keeping it all to ourselves when we know that we can be a blessing to others. We can also be stingy with our time to others, sometimes physically we are present at a party at a dinner or time with our family, yet our minds aren’t there because we are thinking about something else. We are also stingy with our words of encouragement to bless others, we often keep it all inside, or simply because we never asked God to reveal to us how we can be a blessing towards others with our words. Serving others is another way that we are stingy towards others; we sometimes choose not to serve others because we know that we wouldn’t be served back. Let us all remember today that being a blessing towards others is expecting nothing in return.
In Luke 6 Jesus says to us all, 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
In Luke 6 Jesus says to us all, 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 23 Aug 2007
Today’s word of encouragement is treating others with respect. Respect toward your neighbor is one that you may be close to, and it can also refer to someone that you have never met before in your life. In a parable that Jesus shared, it reveals clearly to us all what it means to treat others with respect, and what it takes to love others the way Jesus loves us.
Luke 10:29 "And who is my neighbor?" 30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
It is interesting in this verse how Jesus uses a priest and a Levite; these people were considered “high-profile” in society during this era. The Levites were the only tribe who received cities but no tribal land when Joshua led the Isralites into the land of Canaan. The Levi tribe served particular religious duties and held political responsibilities. In today’s comparison they would be similar to those in high places in society, through politics, wealth, and religious prominence.
The word of God continues on, Luke 10:33 “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "
It is interesting that Jesus uses a Samaritan, a commoner, a person who isn’t considered important in society. It is evident that Jesus makes it very clear to us all that it does not matter where we fit in to society, or what social status we carry in order to respect and love others. I pray that if we see someone in need, we would respond like this Samaritan.
Finally Jesus says to us all, 36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
Jesus makes it very clear to us all, Go and do likewise. I pray today that we would step out of our comfort zone, and help those who are in need and are desperate. Missions’ trips are ways we can bless others, but even those closer to home who are in need. God’s calling us to make a difference even blessing a brother or sister in church, blessing a friend in need, blessing someone is expecting nothing in return.
By: Shaun
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 22 Aug 2007
In Mark 14:3 the word of God says, While Jesus was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. 4Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? 5It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. 6"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
In Luke 7:38 the word of God reveals more about this woman, who stood before Jesus, she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Then Jesus goes on to say to the man who rebuked her, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
Today’s word of encouragement is to not judge others. Let us all today, remove our titles, our medals, our accomplishments, and begin to look at others as Jesus looked towards this woman. It is so easy for us to judge others, to put down people, especially foreigners working in your own country. Countless times Filipinos all across the world are looked down upon, judged, treated like second class citizens, and much more. However, today restoration is going to take place in our land, and the blessings due will once again be poured upon them. Today, I pray that we would begin to treat others with respect, to look at people the way Jesus would to a slave, to a king, to a gentile, to a ruler, to a prisoner, to a soldier, to a drug addict, to the lost, to one that calls himself/herself a child of God, etc. God can see right through our hearts, and He knows who we really are inside.
Let us make a difference today, let us change our ways, and let us pray that we would take the time to bless people of different cultures, ethnicities, and social status. Father, today we seek your forgiveness, may You humble our hearts and help us not to judge others and put down people, but we would be a blessing to others and look at people the way You have our Lord Jesus Christ.
By: Shaun Lee
Monday, August 20, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 21 Aug 2007
Looking deep into our hearts today! Once again God is challenging our faith today, with these two questions: (1) What does it mean to you to be called a child of God? (2) What will it take to be used by God?
In Matthew 12:41-44 the word of God says, 41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
Today’s word of encouragement is a challenge for us all. In Matthew 12:41-44 Jesus shows us what it takes to be called a child of God, and what it will take to be used by God. Are we completely, 100% sold out to God? God today is going to ignite the fire in us, if we are willing to be completely sold out to Him like the poor widow.
Let us take the time today during our quiet time with God, and imagine ourselves before God, how would you respond? Like the rich people or the poor widow who threw in all that she had to God? Will we surrender, give everything we have—all that we depend on to God? Jesus wants to meet with us all today; I hope we would all take this opportunity to walk with Him.
By: Shaun Lee
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 20 Aug 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 20 Aug 2007
In Matthew 18:23 the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ says, "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. 29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' 30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'
In this parable it clearly shows how forgiving our father is to us all, for our sins, yet despite this we cannot even forgive our own father, mother, brother, sister, child, friend, and enemy. The interesting thing about this parable is how Jesus portions the amount we owe Him as our master, and how much our fellow brother’s owe us: 10,000 talents vs. 100 denarii. Let us be realistic, what Jesus did for us on the cross, the love God has for us, take all that and compare it to the un-forgiveness you have towards someone.
Today, I hope that we all would be challenged by Jesus to be quick to forgive, just as our Master is towards us all. Let us examine the hurt and bitterness, anything that we are holding on to, un-forgiveness, anger, dreams, promises that were made and were broken, pray this verse over the situation and allow God to release and let go.
By: Shaun Lee
In Matthew 18:23 the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ says, "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. 29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' 30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'
In this parable it clearly shows how forgiving our father is to us all, for our sins, yet despite this we cannot even forgive our own father, mother, brother, sister, child, friend, and enemy. The interesting thing about this parable is how Jesus portions the amount we owe Him as our master, and how much our fellow brother’s owe us: 10,000 talents vs. 100 denarii. Let us be realistic, what Jesus did for us on the cross, the love God has for us, take all that and compare it to the un-forgiveness you have towards someone.
Today, I hope that we all would be challenged by Jesus to be quick to forgive, just as our Master is towards us all. Let us examine the hurt and bitterness, anything that we are holding on to, un-forgiveness, anger, dreams, promises that were made and were broken, pray this verse over the situation and allow God to release and let go.
By: Shaun Lee
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 19 Aug 2007
As we face a new week ahead, I pray that we would gear up, prepare for the battles ahead. Today’s word of encouragement is on money. As we look at our current lives right now, the situations we are in, and all that we are going through, I hope and pray that we would take a good look deep in our hearts and see if God is glorified in all our desires, dreams, and pursuits.
Money is crucial, it provides for our future and family. However, the pursuit and gain of money done from the world’s perspective is totally different when it is achieved through God’s ways. In the eyes of the world money gives a person power and prestige, which includes the dreams of a life where you are in control, you have the power to control people. Money in the world’s eyes done for personal gain, the result, you are glorified not God.
Now as we look at pursuing money God’s way, it is done through a focus of asking yourself these questions: first, is it Kingdom driven? Secondly, what is the purpose of my ambitions of gaining money? Thirdly, the pursuit of money, is it done with the focus of love and serving others? When we do things God’s way, we will realize that we start seeing things not from our eyes but God’s eyes, and others comes before personal gain. The dreams of money are not for self accomplishment, but to see the welfare of others changed, and motivated to see others lives changed and transformed. The result of all this, God is glorified.
Proverbs 13:11, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
Proverbs 17:16 “Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?”
By: Shaun Lee
Money is crucial, it provides for our future and family. However, the pursuit and gain of money done from the world’s perspective is totally different when it is achieved through God’s ways. In the eyes of the world money gives a person power and prestige, which includes the dreams of a life where you are in control, you have the power to control people. Money in the world’s eyes done for personal gain, the result, you are glorified not God.
Now as we look at pursuing money God’s way, it is done through a focus of asking yourself these questions: first, is it Kingdom driven? Secondly, what is the purpose of my ambitions of gaining money? Thirdly, the pursuit of money, is it done with the focus of love and serving others? When we do things God’s way, we will realize that we start seeing things not from our eyes but God’s eyes, and others comes before personal gain. The dreams of money are not for self accomplishment, but to see the welfare of others changed, and motivated to see others lives changed and transformed. The result of all this, God is glorified.
Proverbs 13:11, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
Proverbs 17:16 “Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?”
By: Shaun Lee
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 18 Aug 2007
The word of encouragement today is developing the ability in you to ask questions. Most often we get annoyed at people who ask a lot of questions, especially when they are not relevant. However, today’s word of encouragement is not to hold back anything, and just keep asking questions especially to those who you look up to, your leaders, mentors, authorities, etc. Today’s word of encouragement speaks to both, those in places of authority and to those who seek their advice.
Firstly, to those who are looked up to, God has given you the gift of authority, God is going to use you to speak to the hearts of men. However, if our leaders cannot humble themselves to answer questions from those seeking their counsel, then they aren’t fully using their gifts given by God. You as a leader must make yourself available to others, and develop the gift of listening.
Secondly, to those of us who are seeking and wanting to ask questions, simply put, “if we don’t ask we will never know!” God wants us all to be challenged, to think beyond our own thoughts. Yes, we definitely must exercise wisdom in asking questions, but we must be bold, not afraid of asking questions, even if you think it is a stupid question. If this person sounds like you, today let us pray that we break away from our comfort zone, we face our fears of being laughed at, being mocked at. But we ask questions to develop, to grow, and to be stretched. God has given us people in our lives that can speak directly into our hearts, trust them today, and be vulnerable.
Matthew 7:7 our Father says to us all, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knowck and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
By: Shaun Lee
Firstly, to those who are looked up to, God has given you the gift of authority, God is going to use you to speak to the hearts of men. However, if our leaders cannot humble themselves to answer questions from those seeking their counsel, then they aren’t fully using their gifts given by God. You as a leader must make yourself available to others, and develop the gift of listening.
Secondly, to those of us who are seeking and wanting to ask questions, simply put, “if we don’t ask we will never know!” God wants us all to be challenged, to think beyond our own thoughts. Yes, we definitely must exercise wisdom in asking questions, but we must be bold, not afraid of asking questions, even if you think it is a stupid question. If this person sounds like you, today let us pray that we break away from our comfort zone, we face our fears of being laughed at, being mocked at. But we ask questions to develop, to grow, and to be stretched. God has given us people in our lives that can speak directly into our hearts, trust them today, and be vulnerable.
Matthew 7:7 our Father says to us all, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knowck and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
By: Shaun Lee
Friday, August 17, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 17 Aug 2007
Today’s word of encouragement is to realize that sometimes life isn’t always so black and white. We can strive to live for a good life, accomplish all our dreams and goals and we can try to minimize making bad choices through finding our limitations, our imperfections; but sometimes life doesn’t always go the way we want. This is why it is so important that we work and work on our relationship with God. How strong our relationship is with God is vital especially when we face the tests of life. How we respond to adversity is crucial.
Jesus faced adversity as he was being persecuted by “US”. Every time you feel discouraged, down, angry at God, feel like life is too hard; remember what Jesus did for US all on the cross. Remember the price He paid for our sins, He could have given up. Jesus also had every right to say, I’m without sin why should I pray for their sins? What Jesus did for us is a clear reminder to us all that in life, it is at the point of adversity that really shows your true character. How we would respond lies inside you. Today, I challenge each of us, if we were faced with persecution like those that have gone before us, how would we respond?
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:19) I pray today we would be challenged, tested by our faith, because it clearly says in 2 Tim 2:19, The Lord knows who are his; we cannot fake your relationship with God.
Jesus faced adversity as he was being persecuted by “US”. Every time you feel discouraged, down, angry at God, feel like life is too hard; remember what Jesus did for US all on the cross. Remember the price He paid for our sins, He could have given up. Jesus also had every right to say, I’m without sin why should I pray for their sins? What Jesus did for us is a clear reminder to us all that in life, it is at the point of adversity that really shows your true character. How we would respond lies inside you. Today, I challenge each of us, if we were faced with persecution like those that have gone before us, how would we respond?
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:19) I pray today we would be challenged, tested by our faith, because it clearly says in 2 Tim 2:19, The Lord knows who are his; we cannot fake your relationship with God.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 16 Aug 2007
Today’s word of encouragement is to simply look at adversity from a different angle, and use it too your advantage rather than a disadvantage or setback. Yes, God allows adversity into our lives not to harm us, not to destroy us, but because of this: Matthew 22:14, “For many are invited, but few are chosen.” Adversity builds our character, it is not enough just to follow the laws, read the Bible, pray, and honestly that is just going through the motions of a religion. Adversity, how we respond to the tests of life, is Faith in Action. God does not promise a pain free life, many are invited but few are chosen.
Adversity is a state of hardship, trials, obstacles, and failure. To say that we as an individual will never face adversity would be foolish. Some of us think that if we are able to minimize adversity it would help remove stress, make life easier. Jesus never promised us a pain free life, we have to wake up and realize life is about adversity. No matter how much we try to minimize adversity, something else is going to come up. Today, let us pray, let us tell God this, Today I choose to respond to adversity differently, I thank you for the tests of life, and Father every time I am faced with adversity, I will pray this verse out loud:
Matthew 22:37
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.”
By: Shaun Lee
Adversity is a state of hardship, trials, obstacles, and failure. To say that we as an individual will never face adversity would be foolish. Some of us think that if we are able to minimize adversity it would help remove stress, make life easier. Jesus never promised us a pain free life, we have to wake up and realize life is about adversity. No matter how much we try to minimize adversity, something else is going to come up. Today, let us pray, let us tell God this, Today I choose to respond to adversity differently, I thank you for the tests of life, and Father every time I am faced with adversity, I will pray this verse out loud:
Matthew 22:37
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.”
By: Shaun Lee
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 15 Aug 2007
In Matt 10:17 Jesus says to us all, "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
I pray that we would be reminded of this verse on a daily bases. Sometimes we get caught up with fulfilling the work that God has planned for us that we start worrying about what to do, or what to say, and we start doubting ourselves. However, Praise God that He has given us His promise, that at that time, we will seize that moment because we will be given what to say and the Spirit of God will be speaking through us. What does this all mean, “JUST SHOW UP!” I find in our generation we are always caught up with something, we do things to find solutions to our problems, it becomes all about fixing our problems. But you know what, we are imperfect, it is good to realize what character flaws we have and to work on them, but they cannot be our focus in life.
In yesterday’s word of encouragement, Jesus said to us all in Matt 9:12, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Furthermore, Jesus used the simple, the humble, the weak, and the imperfect to do his will. In life if we are all about fixing our problems, I don’t think we would ever be driven to “Just Show Up for Jesus” because we are distracted about my issues, my problems, how can I get better. Matthew 10:38 says, “and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matt 16:24 Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Today, I pray that we all would ask ourselves this question, Am I taking my cross daily to follow Jesus?
I pray that we would be reminded of this verse on a daily bases. Sometimes we get caught up with fulfilling the work that God has planned for us that we start worrying about what to do, or what to say, and we start doubting ourselves. However, Praise God that He has given us His promise, that at that time, we will seize that moment because we will be given what to say and the Spirit of God will be speaking through us. What does this all mean, “JUST SHOW UP!” I find in our generation we are always caught up with something, we do things to find solutions to our problems, it becomes all about fixing our problems. But you know what, we are imperfect, it is good to realize what character flaws we have and to work on them, but they cannot be our focus in life.
In yesterday’s word of encouragement, Jesus said to us all in Matt 9:12, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Furthermore, Jesus used the simple, the humble, the weak, and the imperfect to do his will. In life if we are all about fixing our problems, I don’t think we would ever be driven to “Just Show Up for Jesus” because we are distracted about my issues, my problems, how can I get better. Matthew 10:38 says, “and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matt 16:24 Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Today, I pray that we all would ask ourselves this question, Am I taking my cross daily to follow Jesus?
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 14 Aug 2007
What does it mean to be called a Christian? What does it mean to be called a son or daughter of God? What does your life mean in the big picture of God’s plans? Jesus said this powerful statement in Matthew 9:12, But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
Once again God is going to call His church to rise up and if we are not ready, because we are too caught up with our own issues in life, too focused on our “ME ME..I I attitude”, what will God say? If we are not equipped with our sword (Bible) for battle how could we ever defeat our enemy.
This is the hour; and God’s challenge to us all is this, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I pray that we would be encouraged today, not to take our lives for granted. This is the day that God is going to use His people, are we ready? Are we going to give up everything to follow after Jesus?
Jesus desires mercy—someone who is real with their Faith in Jesus. People who are too caught up with the sacrifice—are just like the Pharisees who were too focused on the religion and the laws, they worshiped the laws and religion more than on God, and they missed out, they missed walking with Jesus on earth. Twelve men walked with Jesus, in the eyes of the world they were considered not the brightest—they were not from royalty, they were simple men, not the richest, nothing much to admire, they were not eloquent speakers, but yet Jesus used them to shake the world. If Jesus used these twelve simple men to do His work, what does that mean to us? Once again I ask you this, what does Jesus mean when He says, I desire mercy, not sacrifice? As we pray today in our quiet time, I pray that once again we would meet with Jesus, and realize that He’s going to use us, if we would only listen.
Matt 9:12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
By: Shaun Lee
Once again God is going to call His church to rise up and if we are not ready, because we are too caught up with our own issues in life, too focused on our “ME ME..I I attitude”, what will God say? If we are not equipped with our sword (Bible) for battle how could we ever defeat our enemy.
This is the hour; and God’s challenge to us all is this, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I pray that we would be encouraged today, not to take our lives for granted. This is the day that God is going to use His people, are we ready? Are we going to give up everything to follow after Jesus?
Jesus desires mercy—someone who is real with their Faith in Jesus. People who are too caught up with the sacrifice—are just like the Pharisees who were too focused on the religion and the laws, they worshiped the laws and religion more than on God, and they missed out, they missed walking with Jesus on earth. Twelve men walked with Jesus, in the eyes of the world they were considered not the brightest—they were not from royalty, they were simple men, not the richest, nothing much to admire, they were not eloquent speakers, but yet Jesus used them to shake the world. If Jesus used these twelve simple men to do His work, what does that mean to us? Once again I ask you this, what does Jesus mean when He says, I desire mercy, not sacrifice? As we pray today in our quiet time, I pray that once again we would meet with Jesus, and realize that He’s going to use us, if we would only listen.
Matt 9:12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
By: Shaun Lee
Monday, August 13, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 13 Aug 2007
In Matthew 6:24 the Word of God says, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
The word of encouragement for today is to search our true self and clean out our hearts to check if we are mastered by anything other than God. Sometimes if we are not careful, our passions, dreams and future can become masters over us. If we are not careful we may become more passionate about our dreams then serving God. Money is another common master over our lives, especially when we have a lack of it because we will always feel like we are in poverty. Too much money and the devil blinds us for loving God more than money. Simply put, anything that has control over our lives is our master, and if it isn’t God then we must seek Him again.
Everyday is a challenge, it is a daily reminder for us all to give our lives to God, that He is our master, He is leading and directing our steps, and let Him be in control. As we face the week ahead, let us be reminded of this verse, and don’t let the burdens of the world be masters of our lives. Our master is the Lord of Lords, the King of all Kings, Father to the fatherless, and our friend. Lord we thank you, Lord we praise Your name, we lift You on high, we bow before you.
The word of encouragement for today is to search our true self and clean out our hearts to check if we are mastered by anything other than God. Sometimes if we are not careful, our passions, dreams and future can become masters over us. If we are not careful we may become more passionate about our dreams then serving God. Money is another common master over our lives, especially when we have a lack of it because we will always feel like we are in poverty. Too much money and the devil blinds us for loving God more than money. Simply put, anything that has control over our lives is our master, and if it isn’t God then we must seek Him again.
Everyday is a challenge, it is a daily reminder for us all to give our lives to God, that He is our master, He is leading and directing our steps, and let Him be in control. As we face the week ahead, let us be reminded of this verse, and don’t let the burdens of the world be masters of our lives. Our master is the Lord of Lords, the King of all Kings, Father to the fatherless, and our friend. Lord we thank you, Lord we praise Your name, we lift You on high, we bow before you.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 12 Aug 2007
The word of God says in 1 Corinthians 13:3, “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” As we face a new week, Lord I pray that we would reflect, meditate, and seek you Father that you would reveal to us the meaning of love in a deeper way. Father, I know that through this word alone you are going to remold, rebuild, and restore us all. Many of us feel voids in our lives for a lack of love, many of us need to patch up old wounds with people and restore love, and many of us need to be reminded of who loves us unconditionally, our Lord Jesus Christ.
True love is genuine; it is authentic and people know when we are doing things out of true love or selfish reasons. Today, God is going to begin a mighty work in all of us to simply love others the way Christ loves us all. I pray we would remember this verse always when we are faced with people who irritate us, who make us mad, and most importantly the lost.
Jesus wants us all to remember that He paid for our sins, and He is the definition of what love is! Jesus who IS WITHOUT sin paid for all our sins, He was persecuted, He was tortured, and sacrificed His life so that we may have eternal life. I pray that we would look at our walk with God with a different perspective today, and realize that life is empty if we do not love and love others.
By Shaun Lee
True love is genuine; it is authentic and people know when we are doing things out of true love or selfish reasons. Today, God is going to begin a mighty work in all of us to simply love others the way Christ loves us all. I pray we would remember this verse always when we are faced with people who irritate us, who make us mad, and most importantly the lost.
Jesus wants us all to remember that He paid for our sins, and He is the definition of what love is! Jesus who IS WITHOUT sin paid for all our sins, He was persecuted, He was tortured, and sacrificed His life so that we may have eternal life. I pray that we would look at our walk with God with a different perspective today, and realize that life is empty if we do not love and love others.
By Shaun Lee
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 11 Aug 2007
The word of encouragement today is not to keep things inside and go on living everyday without ever resolving issues. Too often we walk around with an outer shell, showing others that we are ok, we are fine, but deep down we are alone, sad, lost, and hurting. God wants us to be authentic, real with Him, and by hiding everything inside it isn’t being authentic.
Our Father today wants us to walk completely free from all that we are keeping inside. The key is God wants us to have an “authentic relationship” with Him. And you know what; you cannot fake an authentic relationship with God.
As we face the weekend, and head into another week, let us spend some quality time with God, and build an authentic relationship with Him. Ask yourself these questions now, how much time do you spend talking (praying) with God, how must time do you spend reading God’s word, and how often do you die to yourself?
God is looking for authenticity, real and submitted sons and daughters, today let us pray for more of this, and a greater portion of Lordship in our lives.
Acts 20:19, “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.” Let us follow in the foot steps of Paul, who was authentic with his relationship with God. Life will bring tears, life will be a battle, but today let us all choose to pray this verse over our lives and say, “I choose to serve the Lord with great humility and with tears.”
By: Shaun Lee
Our Father today wants us to walk completely free from all that we are keeping inside. The key is God wants us to have an “authentic relationship” with Him. And you know what; you cannot fake an authentic relationship with God.
As we face the weekend, and head into another week, let us spend some quality time with God, and build an authentic relationship with Him. Ask yourself these questions now, how much time do you spend talking (praying) with God, how must time do you spend reading God’s word, and how often do you die to yourself?
God is looking for authenticity, real and submitted sons and daughters, today let us pray for more of this, and a greater portion of Lordship in our lives.
Acts 20:19, “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews.” Let us follow in the foot steps of Paul, who was authentic with his relationship with God. Life will bring tears, life will be a battle, but today let us all choose to pray this verse over our lives and say, “I choose to serve the Lord with great humility and with tears.”
By: Shaun Lee
Friday, August 10, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 10 Aug 2007
Today’s word of encouragement is one of the most important things we need to develop and grow to be used by God. Learning to be quick to admit mistakes, being the first to say sorry, and making no excuse to cover your mistakes!
Being the first to say I’m sorry, taking responsibility for making any mistake and not blaming others for your mistakes is one of the most powerful gifts to develop and grow in our character. People admire honesty, and humility. God uses anyone he wants, but those that are humble enough to admit mistake, are the ones that God uses most powerfully. I know that I need more and more of this in my life, to develop this character.
Today let us examine our lives and see if there are areas in our lives that we need to change. Watch and see as we all start to develop this character, we will move in steps and leaps forward in becoming effective leaders for God’s army, God’s kingdom, and His shepherds.
Job 34:32, “Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.”
By: Shaun Lee
Being the first to say I’m sorry, taking responsibility for making any mistake and not blaming others for your mistakes is one of the most powerful gifts to develop and grow in our character. People admire honesty, and humility. God uses anyone he wants, but those that are humble enough to admit mistake, are the ones that God uses most powerfully. I know that I need more and more of this in my life, to develop this character.
Today let us examine our lives and see if there are areas in our lives that we need to change. Watch and see as we all start to develop this character, we will move in steps and leaps forward in becoming effective leaders for God’s army, God’s kingdom, and His shepherds.
Job 34:32, “Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.”
By: Shaun Lee
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 9Aug 2007
The word of encouragement for today is how we respond to hurt. The enemy is always there provoking us, trying to distract us, trying to cause us to feel bitter and in pain so that we will give up fulfilling the greater plans and purposes for God. Some of the pain that we go through in life is tough, it burns our heart, internally we are suffering, and most of all we feel alone. However, today let us choose to sing and shout praises to God!! I love this song by Hillsongs: Repeat this statement every time you feel discouraged, “The enemy has been defeated and death couldn’t hold YOU down.”
The enemy has been defeated and death couldn’t hold You down. We’re gonna lift our voice in victory, we’re gonna make Your praises loud. Shout unto God with a voice of triumph. Shout unto God with a voice of praise. Shout unto God with a voice of triumph. We lift your name up, We lift your name up!.
By: Shaun Lee
The enemy has been defeated and death couldn’t hold You down. We’re gonna lift our voice in victory, we’re gonna make Your praises loud. Shout unto God with a voice of triumph. Shout unto God with a voice of praise. Shout unto God with a voice of triumph. We lift your name up, We lift your name up!.
By: Shaun Lee
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 8 Aug 07
The word of encouragement for today is giving careful thought. In yesterday’s word the challenge for us all was to put our faith into action, to know that we have not been forgotten. Now, we need to give careful thought to every aspect of our life, so that we are not blindly moving forward, but we are being strategic. Let us ask ourselves this question, the things that we are doing right now, is it beneficial to my future, is it helping others around me, am I growing?
I love this verse written by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:12 "Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. This verse is something that we need to incorporate into our daily lives, because if we don’t, we will always be walking on the fine line of our convictions.
It is interesting how we try to reason with God, making excuses why by doing “this” it is permissible. Sometimes we say to ourselves, if I just lie this one time God it will make my work load easier, it will please my boss. Another most common thing we say to ourselves, it is ok to build with someone of the opposite gender, and we are all part of the same spiritual family anyway. Another example, it is ok for me to watch this movie even though there are some scenes which go against my convictions, but I’m seeing it because everyone else says it is ok. Married couples are often trapped by this, reasoning their way to prove why it is ok to build with a single woman or man. The list goes on and on, but 1 Corinthians 6:12 best defines everything we have doubt in. Let us ask God today, what are things in my life that are mastered over my life other than you Father? What are things that I am reasoning with God to try and prove that it is permissible? And God is it beneficial?
There are boundaries that we all need to place in our lives, especially when it comes with the opposite gender. As a married man or woman, as a single man or woman it does not matter, this verse still applies, everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.
By: Shaun Lee
I love this verse written by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:12 "Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. This verse is something that we need to incorporate into our daily lives, because if we don’t, we will always be walking on the fine line of our convictions.
It is interesting how we try to reason with God, making excuses why by doing “this” it is permissible. Sometimes we say to ourselves, if I just lie this one time God it will make my work load easier, it will please my boss. Another most common thing we say to ourselves, it is ok to build with someone of the opposite gender, and we are all part of the same spiritual family anyway. Another example, it is ok for me to watch this movie even though there are some scenes which go against my convictions, but I’m seeing it because everyone else says it is ok. Married couples are often trapped by this, reasoning their way to prove why it is ok to build with a single woman or man. The list goes on and on, but 1 Corinthians 6:12 best defines everything we have doubt in. Let us ask God today, what are things in my life that are mastered over my life other than you Father? What are things that I am reasoning with God to try and prove that it is permissible? And God is it beneficial?
There are boundaries that we all need to place in our lives, especially when it comes with the opposite gender. As a married man or woman, as a single man or woman it does not matter, this verse still applies, everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.
By: Shaun Lee
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 7 Aug 2007
In Habakkuk 1:5 Our Father has a promise for us all. "Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told."
How big is your faith today to believe and know that God is going to do something through you to make a difference for God's Kingdom? How big is your faith to know that you are part of God's plans, that you have not been forgotten?
It is time we put our faith into action. As I was writing this word of encouragement for today, I saw a vision of us all, that at this very moment our faith is being stirred up by God reading this. As our Father speaks to us, as His hand is once again anointing us of our calling. Remember the promises that God has given you.
Samson denied his calling, Esau gave up his birth right and gave it to Jacob for food, and Saul was insecure, jealous, and was removed from his throne because of disobeying simple instructions from God because he was more concerned about pleasing men than God. All these men written in the Bible had one thing in common; they took for granted their calling in life.
Today, let us receive the Lord's blessing, and watch God do something amazing through each one of us. So amazing that many would not believe it! Remember you have not been forgotten!!!
-- By: Shaun Lee
How big is your faith today to believe and know that God is going to do something through you to make a difference for God's Kingdom? How big is your faith to know that you are part of God's plans, that you have not been forgotten?
It is time we put our faith into action. As I was writing this word of encouragement for today, I saw a vision of us all, that at this very moment our faith is being stirred up by God reading this. As our Father speaks to us, as His hand is once again anointing us of our calling. Remember the promises that God has given you.
Samson denied his calling, Esau gave up his birth right and gave it to Jacob for food, and Saul was insecure, jealous, and was removed from his throne because of disobeying simple instructions from God because he was more concerned about pleasing men than God. All these men written in the Bible had one thing in common; they took for granted their calling in life.
Today, let us receive the Lord's blessing, and watch God do something amazing through each one of us. So amazing that many would not believe it! Remember you have not been forgotten!!!
-- By: Shaun Lee
Monday, August 6, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 6 Aug 2007
Today’s word of encouragement is “going the extra mile.” I’m not sure how many of you are like me, but find it a chore to run. With the days that I go for a run, I try to run 2.4km; however recently I’ve been pushing myself to go more, to not give up so easily, as tired as your body is and you will just keep going.
Going the extra mile is an example of God pushing us, challenging us to do things differently, to expand our minds, stretching us to our limit. Today’s word of encouragement is to spend quality time with God and ask Him what areas of our walk with God can we all go the extra mile in. It could be writing down a list of friends we have which we can reach out to, people in our office whom we can reach out to, for those that are married it is spending time with your wife/husband building that relationship no matter how long you have been married for. Furthermore, developing and growing the gifts that God has given us, serving in a ministry at church which God has called us to help out in, and not just attend church on Sunday’s. There are so many areas where God can challenge us to go the extra mile in, I ask you what area do you see God challenging you in today?
Time is ticking away and God is waiting for us to take action, to get up, to do something, to go beyond what we are already doing. I pray that we all would be challenged today to ask God what are areas in our lives that we can go the extra mile in.
In 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 our Father says to us all, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” -- By: Shaun Lee
Going the extra mile is an example of God pushing us, challenging us to do things differently, to expand our minds, stretching us to our limit. Today’s word of encouragement is to spend quality time with God and ask Him what areas of our walk with God can we all go the extra mile in. It could be writing down a list of friends we have which we can reach out to, people in our office whom we can reach out to, for those that are married it is spending time with your wife/husband building that relationship no matter how long you have been married for. Furthermore, developing and growing the gifts that God has given us, serving in a ministry at church which God has called us to help out in, and not just attend church on Sunday’s. There are so many areas where God can challenge us to go the extra mile in, I ask you what area do you see God challenging you in today?
Time is ticking away and God is waiting for us to take action, to get up, to do something, to go beyond what we are already doing. I pray that we all would be challenged today to ask God what are areas in our lives that we can go the extra mile in.
In 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 our Father says to us all, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” -- By: Shaun Lee
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 5 Aug 07
As we head into a new week, let us be on guard and expect challenges; expect the Lord’s tests, especially in our character. As I was praying for today’s word of encouragement, God was indicating to me, that many of us feel discouraged already about facing Monday and the upcoming week. The work load, the people we have to work with, deadlines, pressure, stress, it seems so overwhelming.
I pray that today we would be encouraged that we can face tomorrow, with the spirit of God leading us. Jesus goes before us in every situation, it is a matter of us seeking God in prayer, desperately crying out for Him to guide and lead.
God’s hand of protection is around us as we face every challenge, every battle, and every weapon thrown at us by the enemy. Our Father’s shield and armor are around us, nothing can penetrate, nothing can pull us back, and nothing can discourage us from facing our battles with our heads held high.
As we pray tonight for our week ahead, I pray that we will be on guard over every situation that the enemy will throw at us, and be alert. God wants us all to be a blessing to others, and through this watch and see God bring a miracle, a blessing, and answer our prayers over situations.
Psalm 16:8 “I will set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will never be shaken.”
By: Shaun Lee
I pray that today we would be encouraged that we can face tomorrow, with the spirit of God leading us. Jesus goes before us in every situation, it is a matter of us seeking God in prayer, desperately crying out for Him to guide and lead.
God’s hand of protection is around us as we face every challenge, every battle, and every weapon thrown at us by the enemy. Our Father’s shield and armor are around us, nothing can penetrate, nothing can pull us back, and nothing can discourage us from facing our battles with our heads held high.
As we pray tonight for our week ahead, I pray that we will be on guard over every situation that the enemy will throw at us, and be alert. God wants us all to be a blessing to others, and through this watch and see God bring a miracle, a blessing, and answer our prayers over situations.
Psalm 16:8 “I will set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will never be shaken.”
By: Shaun Lee
Friday, August 3, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 3 Aug 2007
Throughout my teenage years till now, I have always loved studying lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs. The excitement of a predator attacking its prey gets my adrenalin going, and the moment they catch the prey and they start eating, it makes me hungry every time. Out of all the big cats, lions are one of the few that hunt in packs, work together, and live together in a pride—a family. There are certain aspects of studying these animals which can be incorporated to our lives. “Isolation” is one of the most powerful weapons the enemy uses to pull us away from God. At this point in time, I would just like to say, “I LOVE ENLI!”
Today’s word of encouragement is about people, not only from our natural family, but people that God brings into our lives to build us up, to guide us, to fight together with, and spur each other on. God’s called us to build with people, so that we will never have to fight our battles alone. When lions work together as a team, the prey is fearful. When buffalos work together as a team lions are unable to penetrate. Ants are one of the most amazing creatures because they all work together as a team, to get the job done. Ants know that working alone they are useless, but together they are powerful.
There is power in team, God’s called us to build with one another, and I pray that we would be encouraged today, to be accountable, be open, learn to trust others, so that God can fully use us. Don’t hold back things in your life that you know God wants to expose. Being vulnerable, is exactly what God wants us to do. The enemy wants us to keep quiet, to isolate ourselves from others, and not to expose our deepest secrets so that we will never change. But most importantly, the devil doesn’t want us to change, because he knows if we do, we will become a soldier in the Lords army, we will be a blessing to others, we will be a light in the darkness, and we would expose the enemy.
As we head into the weekend, I pray that we would take time to bless those that we are close with, bless our families at home, some far away, and we would use God’s wisdom to guide us, so that we would learn the tricks of our enemy. The enemy uses these to destroy us 1) Isolation 2) Deceive 3) Distract 4) Offense 5) Condemn
1 Peter 5:8 "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
-- By: Shaun Lee
Today’s word of encouragement is about people, not only from our natural family, but people that God brings into our lives to build us up, to guide us, to fight together with, and spur each other on. God’s called us to build with people, so that we will never have to fight our battles alone. When lions work together as a team, the prey is fearful. When buffalos work together as a team lions are unable to penetrate. Ants are one of the most amazing creatures because they all work together as a team, to get the job done. Ants know that working alone they are useless, but together they are powerful.
There is power in team, God’s called us to build with one another, and I pray that we would be encouraged today, to be accountable, be open, learn to trust others, so that God can fully use us. Don’t hold back things in your life that you know God wants to expose. Being vulnerable, is exactly what God wants us to do. The enemy wants us to keep quiet, to isolate ourselves from others, and not to expose our deepest secrets so that we will never change. But most importantly, the devil doesn’t want us to change, because he knows if we do, we will become a soldier in the Lords army, we will be a blessing to others, we will be a light in the darkness, and we would expose the enemy.
As we head into the weekend, I pray that we would take time to bless those that we are close with, bless our families at home, some far away, and we would use God’s wisdom to guide us, so that we would learn the tricks of our enemy. The enemy uses these to destroy us 1) Isolation 2) Deceive 3) Distract 4) Offense 5) Condemn
1 Peter 5:8 "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."
-- By: Shaun Lee
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 2 Aug 2007
Life sometimes throws many unforeseeable balls at us. Two key words of encouragement come from this, firstly how do you respond and secondly don’t get distracted. We would be foolish to think that life will only throw us easy balls that we can catch. If that is all we expect out of life, then really we are not seeing the “Big picture” of God’s plans.
As I was praying for this word of encouragement for today, God was encouraging me to say that many of us are going through seasons in life where we are uncomfortable; we don’t understand why God is throwing at us so many different types of balls that we can’t easily catch. But God wants us to be encouraged today because He has begun a work in us already, and He is stirring our hearts, our lives, in preparation for the next season in life we are about to embark on.
Firstly, how we respond to the unforeseeable balls thrown at us? When life throws things that are unforeseeable at us, I see this as an opportunity rather than a risk. I see this as God stirring in us to rise up to the challenge. If we are never stirred up by God, then most often we get comfortable where we are at, we then become stagnant.
Finally, don’t get distracted. Sometimes when God throws us into the deep end of the ocean, throws us unforeseeable things in life, and rocks our boat, it is because God has more in store for us, or He is preparing us for more responsibility, leadership, and to get to the next level. However, we respond to this exactly the opposite, we question God, we internalize, we worry, we start getting confused, and soon we get distracted.
God has started a work in us, for a reason, to seek Him, to hear Him, to turn our eyes to Him, and not on the chaos. God stirs our lives, to test, to be reminded of God’s purpose in our lives, to be challenged by God. If we don’t focus our eyes on God through the stirring, through the shaking, we will get distracted, and soon we will miss the mark! Let us not miss the mark today!
In Haggai 2:5-7, our Father is going to shake us, and watch and see God’s power move in our lives causing the earth to shake again. “And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear. This is what the Lord Almighty says: In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord almighty.” As we pray today, let us claim this verse over our lives. Let us allow God to shake us once more so that our house may be filled with His unfailing love and glory.
By: Shaun Lee
As I was praying for this word of encouragement for today, God was encouraging me to say that many of us are going through seasons in life where we are uncomfortable; we don’t understand why God is throwing at us so many different types of balls that we can’t easily catch. But God wants us to be encouraged today because He has begun a work in us already, and He is stirring our hearts, our lives, in preparation for the next season in life we are about to embark on.
Firstly, how we respond to the unforeseeable balls thrown at us? When life throws things that are unforeseeable at us, I see this as an opportunity rather than a risk. I see this as God stirring in us to rise up to the challenge. If we are never stirred up by God, then most often we get comfortable where we are at, we then become stagnant.
Finally, don’t get distracted. Sometimes when God throws us into the deep end of the ocean, throws us unforeseeable things in life, and rocks our boat, it is because God has more in store for us, or He is preparing us for more responsibility, leadership, and to get to the next level. However, we respond to this exactly the opposite, we question God, we internalize, we worry, we start getting confused, and soon we get distracted.
God has started a work in us, for a reason, to seek Him, to hear Him, to turn our eyes to Him, and not on the chaos. God stirs our lives, to test, to be reminded of God’s purpose in our lives, to be challenged by God. If we don’t focus our eyes on God through the stirring, through the shaking, we will get distracted, and soon we will miss the mark! Let us not miss the mark today!
In Haggai 2:5-7, our Father is going to shake us, and watch and see God’s power move in our lives causing the earth to shake again. “And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear. This is what the Lord Almighty says: In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord almighty.” As we pray today, let us claim this verse over our lives. Let us allow God to shake us once more so that our house may be filled with His unfailing love and glory.
By: Shaun Lee
Word of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 1 Aug 07
In Hosea 6:6 our Father states this, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings.” Today’s word of encouragement comes from this verse, and the fact is we all need a “self check”. Sometimes we get caught up with the frills of Christianity where we become more in love with religion rather than in love with God.
The word God keeps saying to me is simple, “BE REAL”. In the world we are always trying to impress people, and sometimes we over exaggerate ourselves, the best example of this is our CV, especially applying for a job. We write whatever we can just to impress the person reading it so that we may get that job we want.
God looks deep into our hearts and He see’s who we really are inside. We can’t fool God, and what He desires is our Character, how much we are willing to change and grow that character. Sometimes we get caught up on the religion than the relationship we have with our Father. We start becoming spiritually proud, self-righteous because we are more “pure” than others. We act more “godly” around our old friends just to show how we have changed from our old ways. Or sometimes we feel like we have to put on a show in front of other Christians to prove how “spiritual” we are. Sometimes we act humble by serving others when really we are doing it to gain attention. The list keeps going on and on.
God states it simply in Hosea 6:6. God desires mercy, not the act of sacrifice. He wants our full hearts, lives, and complete surrender to God, walking in obedience to Him and Him alone. He wants us to acknowledge that He is our father, rather than burning offerings, which to me simply means showing to others how we are so “godly” by what we say, how we act, how pure we are, etc.
Let us today strive to be real! Our identity is in Christ, not in man. May we turn our eyes to our Father today and seek His forgiveness, and pray our hearts out that God will begin a work in us, and reveal areas in our lives where we have been blinded.
-- By: Shaun Lee
The word God keeps saying to me is simple, “BE REAL”. In the world we are always trying to impress people, and sometimes we over exaggerate ourselves, the best example of this is our CV, especially applying for a job. We write whatever we can just to impress the person reading it so that we may get that job we want.
God looks deep into our hearts and He see’s who we really are inside. We can’t fool God, and what He desires is our Character, how much we are willing to change and grow that character. Sometimes we get caught up on the religion than the relationship we have with our Father. We start becoming spiritually proud, self-righteous because we are more “pure” than others. We act more “godly” around our old friends just to show how we have changed from our old ways. Or sometimes we feel like we have to put on a show in front of other Christians to prove how “spiritual” we are. Sometimes we act humble by serving others when really we are doing it to gain attention. The list keeps going on and on.
God states it simply in Hosea 6:6. God desires mercy, not the act of sacrifice. He wants our full hearts, lives, and complete surrender to God, walking in obedience to Him and Him alone. He wants us to acknowledge that He is our father, rather than burning offerings, which to me simply means showing to others how we are so “godly” by what we say, how we act, how pure we are, etc.
Let us today strive to be real! Our identity is in Christ, not in man. May we turn our eyes to our Father today and seek His forgiveness, and pray our hearts out that God will begin a work in us, and reveal areas in our lives where we have been blinded.
-- By: Shaun Lee
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