Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverb 3:5-6) ESV.

Father, my heart is filled with deep gratitude and serenity because of your great faithfulness and ample provision in guiding and strengthening me throughout 2013.  As the last day of the year, you gently remind me to simply put my childlike faith in you for the brand new year of 2014 because you shall make my path straight. Father I am truly humbled by the awesomeness of your Almighty love and power. In Jesus' name I give thanks.

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him (Proverb 30:5) ESV.

Father, I know that strength, protection and health come by hearing and obeying your Word. Thank you for always speaking to me. Help me to be sensitive to your gentle voice today.  In Jesus' mighty name I pray.

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe (Proverb 29:25) ESV..

Father, let my ttust in you be steadfast and unwavering knowing that security and safety is only found in you. Help me not to let man's words or actions cast fear in my spirit, but rather replace them with edifying words that build up my trust in you. In Jesus' name I give thanks.

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation (Psalm 91:14:16).

Father, this is abundant life - there is salvation, healing, deliverance, answered prayers, guidance, long life with you, and many many more because of Christ's finished work at the cross. May I reflect on your goodness and love today. In Jesus' name I give thanks.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world (James 1:27) ESV.

Father, my desire is to keep my heart pure and undefiled in my words and deeds. While praying for those who are in affliction or in distressing situation, lead me to be your hand to feed the poor and heart to love the weak and troubled. Let my faith and action reveal the Gospel of Jesus Christ during this festive season.  In Jesus' name I pray.

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31) ESV.

Father, help me learn to wait upon you especially the first thing in the morning. I need your strength each day to face new challenges at work, in the family and the world. Thank you for the assurance that I won't be weary or faint as I wait upon you to refresh and renew my inner man. In Jesus' name I pray.

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24) ESV.

Father, I am rejoicing and more so today because my thoughts are filled with many precious memories of Jesus - my Saviour, Friend and Lover of my soul!  I know that I live, move and have my being in Christ. Help me reflect deeper on the truth of Christ's goodness and love for me, and be conscious to be a blessing to those around me during this festive season. In Jesus' lovely name I pray.

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3) ESV.

Father, no one can be saved and have eternal life without receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I am forever grateful to you for by the shed blood of Christ I have received  God's love and forgiveness. Thank you Lord Jesus for giving me the assurance of knowing who and whose I am.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4) ESV.

Father, inner joy truly comes from you and I do experience it in a personal way. Help me remain steadfast by being faithful to you and obedient to your Word. Thank you for moulding me to be more Christlike with each trial that comes on my way. In Jesus' name I pray and give thanks.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him (1 John 5:14-15) ESV.

Heavenly Father, I want to put my confidence in you in all circumstances.  Help me to give thanks with a pure heart and simple faith knowing that I can ask anything according to your perfect will for my life. In Jesus' name I pray.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3) ESV.

Father, I thank you for your divine power given to me for a purpose, which is to make me godly, holy, blameless and victorious over everything in life.  Also, I am called by you personally for your glory. May I dwell in this truth and be empowered to make God's love visible to those around me especially during this festive season. In Jesus' name I pray.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23) ESV.

Father, there are so many blessings by walking in the Spirit as i can experience your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  May I live a Christian life that is truly authentic and meaningful regardless of external circumstances for the One who is in me is greater than one in the world.   In Jesus' name I give thanks.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6) ESV.

Father, I rejoice and gladly declare your guidance, provision and strength constantly help me to walk in faith and love. I thank you for Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, who is journeying with me to fulfil your perfect will for my life. In Jesus' name I give thanks.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1-2) ESV.

Father, I can walk in your love because Christ loves me. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you throughout the day.  Like Christ, may my life be a sweet fragrance unto your throne. Thank you Lord Jesus for loving me unconditionally, sacrificially and eternally.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7) ESV.

Father, it is so amazing and awesome to know that my sins with its shame, guilt, bitterness, hatred and many other sinful thoughts and behaviours have been washed and completely cleansed by the blood of Jesus.  Through confession of and repentance from sins, I am now a new creation walking in the light having true fellowship with brothers and sisters in-Christ, and most importantly, with you Almighty God! I give thanks to you Father with a heart filled with joy, peace and love. In Jesus' name I rejoice and give thanks.

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established (Proverb 16:3) ESV.

Father, thank you for being able to wake up this brand new day knowing you are with me. I want to walk with freshness in your abiding presence. Let me experience the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit as I commit all my ways and works this week to your loving hand. Thank you for establishing the plan you have for me throughout the week. In Jesus' name I pray.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-33) ESV.

Father, thank you for assuring me that I have already received your best gift, that is Jesus Christ, the wonderful gift of salvation. And whatever I need and is beneficial for me, I shall have it because you are my good and gracious Heavenly Father. Help me to remain patient and prayerful. In Jesus' name I pray and submit my life to you.

In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death (Proverb 14:26-27) ESV.

Heavenly Father, my strong confidence is in you and I am filled with life and vitality for my heart worships the living God. My children are always safe in your embrace. Increase in me a greater sense of adoration and love for you as I walk in holy and awesome fear knowing that I belong to the Creator God whose divine love for me is unconditonal and throughout eternity because of Jesus Christ. Let me also experience more deeply the fear of the Lord today.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13:5-6) ESV.

Heavenly Father, let my heart be filled with your joy always because of the assurance of my salvation in you. Thank you for your steadfast love which enables me to keep trusting you for daily provisions. In Jesus' name I pray.

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing (Luke 15:4-5) ESV.

Father, your heart goes out to everyone who needs your love and mercy. You desire to touch the lost and broken-hearted individually and personally with your warmth and comfort all the times. Thank you Lord Jesus that I am in your fold and receive God's love every day and throughout eternity. Let my walk with you today be a blessing to someone. I truly love you Lord.

But if anyone loves God, he is known by God (1 Corinthians 8:3) ESV.

Father, thank you for being my God. You are the true and living God, my Healer of my body, soul and spirit. Father I am known by you - all about me is clear to you. You accept me as I am including my weaknesses and fears. I commit my life to you afresh today.  In Jesus' name I pray.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life (Proverb 9:10-11) ESV.

Father, I want to be filled daily with the holy fear in my heart because of who you are. May I experience more knowledge and insight of your awesome ways in guiding and caring for me. Thank you for assuring me that you are the Source and Giver of my life. In Jesus' name I give thanks.

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you (Psalm 9:9-10) ESV.

Father, you have been my stronghold and always shall be in good times or trying times for my trust is in you alone. You have known me and called me by my name. You know my everything and I can put my confidence in your name. Thank you Jesus for yet another brand new week to walk in your love and mercy.

Sunday Sermon Title: Subtle Lies

Speaker: Pastor Samuel Sam

Date: 8 December 13

Church: Lighthouse Evangelism 

Introduction

Confession of  faith in Christ brings newness of life. Our lives then become a living sacrifice desiring to walk in the Will of God. However  we soon realise our walk is no smooth sailing as we are surrounded by the world filled with lies, deceptions and counterfeits. The source of these are from Satan, the father of all lies.  He operates in three basic areas in his deceptive scheme. They are:  a. Lust of the flesh  b. Lust of the eye  c. Pride of life.  Two parallel passages revealed this scheme: 1 John 2:16 and Genesis 3:1-5

1. In Genesis 3:1-5, we see two conditions for Satan's strategy to work.
a. Eve was near to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil

Reflection: Christians often choose  to walk near the edge of the cliff thinking that they are strong enough not to fall, instead of “miles” away from the source of tempation
b. Eve was alone.

Reflection: Christians who are detached from God’s people and church’s involvement tend to be easy target for the Devil and easily fall into his scheme.

2. When examining the response of Eve, one can see the beginning of doubt working in her mind.  This makes her mind vulnerable to Satan’s subtle lie.  In Genesis 3, we see the first mention of Satan’s scheme of deception basically in these three areas, namely, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life.

3. In Matthew 4:1-11, Satan repeated his deceitful tactics in tempting Jesus. However Jesus defeats him with the Word of God.

a. Tempted by the lust of flesh, Jesus responds by saying that one shall not eat by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
b. Tempted by pride of life, Jesus responds by saying that no one should put God to the test.

c. Tempted by lust of the eye, Jesus responds by saying that one should worship God only.

d. Important principle: Just as Jesus rebukes Satan for all his deceptive tactics, Christians should boldly expose and rebuke every scheme of the Devil.

4. Subtle lies of Satan in three categories.
A. Concerning God - God's Word is not final.

1) Satan deceives man by making them believe that the Gospel of man’s redemption are found in philosophy, sciences, religions and man's experiences.

2) Question like “Did God say?” often causes doubt in the mind of Christians.  It clearly states  in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is God-breathed” and in 2 Peter 1:21, it affirms that “prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

3). In Psalm 19:13, David says, “Keep your servant also from willful sins”. This indicates that Christians are capable of testing God through willful sinful act.

Reflection: Every Christian should never presume that since God is merciful, He would easily forgive our willful sins.  We should learn from King David whose willful sin of adultery, and subsequent sin of murder had terrible consequences.

B. Concerning Sins - Show the bait but hide the line and hook
1) Sadly many Christians fall into this deception rather easily.  Though there are pleasure in sins, they would make you pay more than you would ever think of.  Oftentimes, the consequences are more  than one could bear.  God's love is always not in the equation when Christians deliberately choose to sin.

2) One common weakness of Christians is the tendency to minimize or rationalise sin.  One unconfessed sin would quickly lead to another and before long, like David, the sin of adultery led him to commit the sin of murder!

3) Christians are also prone to compare their sins with others, even quoting the sins of biblical characters like Noah’s drunkenness or Peter’s  denial of Jesus.  They fail to see the biblical lesson God wants us to learn from the sins of these men, for example, the need for  true repentance  - keeping short account with God.

Reflection: The great American Evangelist once said, “Either sin will keep you from the Bible or the Bible will keep you away from sin”.

C. Concerning self
1) Every Christian needs to understand that true repentance is a change of mind leading to a direction towards God as mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:25-26.

2) Once a Christian holds to this false assumption that he can handle a particular  temptation, he is deceiving himself by falling into the trap of the evil one. We shall always remain victorious if we take seriously the clear instructions of God’s Word in these three passages:

(a) Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? (Proverb 6:27)

(b) So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall (! Corinthians 10:12)

(c) Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim 2:22)

3) Satan likes to whispers this into our ears “You cannot accomplish anything significant for Christ!’.  Our immediate response is to use the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. These two passages affirm every Christian that he is gifted in God’s sight!

(a) Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthian 12:7)

(b) For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith (Romans 12:4-6)

Conclusion

1. Let’s humble ourselves and obey God, if you are easily given to the pride of life.  The Lord exalts those who humble themselves before Him.

2. Look to God and surrender to Him wholeheartedly, if you have been struggled with the lust of the eye.  God understands your weakness and He wants to set you free so that you can truly live an abundant life with Christ.

3. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Renounce all fleshly desires that easily entangle you to live an effective Christian life.

4. No longer let any Satan's lie make you live a defeated life. God is calling us to walk with a pure heart and simple faith in Him.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens (Psalm 8:1) ESV.

Lord Jesus, truly your name is awesome, holy and great! I belong to you completely knowing that I bear the powerful name of Jesus, the name that is above every other name! Every knee shall bow and every tongue confesses you are the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Help me to experience more and more of your awesome name Lord. In Jesus' name I pray.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love (John 15:9) ESV.

Lord, I receive your love for me and I am now abiding in your love. Let me experience a deeper love of God every day. I want to know you more and more for you are my everything. I really want to walk in your love.  Thank you Jesus!

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26) ESV.

Holy Spirit, thank you for the strength I need to keep me steadfast in the Lord, especially in helping me to keep on praying when words fail to express everything in my heart. I worship you and treasure your constant presence. Let my heart be filled with God's love and goodness today. In Jesus' name I pray.

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:7-8) ESV.

Father, you are my source of joy and peace all this while. My going out and coming is surrounded by your presence, even when I am asleep. I dwell quietly in your presence all the times. Holy Spirit, I receive your comfort and help every day. Thank you Lord Jesus. I praise you.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 14:11) ESV.

Father, you love humility for your desire is to see me always be ready to humble myself before your throne of grace, and put my faith in you completely for all my needs and desires. I know you shall lift me up in due time for your ways and timing are always perfect. May I keep experiencing your abiding presence and love you deeper each day. In Jesus' name I pray and give thanks.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 14:11) ESV.

Father, you love humility for your desire is to see me always be ready to humble myself before your throne of grace, and put my faith in you completely for all my needs and desires. I know you shall lift me up in due time for your ways and timing are always perfect. May I keep experiencing your abiding presence and love you deeper each day. In Jesus' name I pray and give thanks.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. (Luke 14:11) ESV.

Father, you love humility for your desire is to see me always be ready to humble myself before your throne of grace, and put my faith in you completely for all my needs and desires. I know you shall lift me up in due time for your ways and timing are always perfect. May I keep experiencing your abiding presence and love you deeper each day. In Jesus' name I pray and give thanks.

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. (Proverb 2:6-8) ESV.

Father, you are my shield for you watch and guard every path I take. I desire to increase in your wisdom, knowledge and understanding so that my walk with you is always a path of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray.

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. (Proverb 2:6-8) ESV.

Father, you are my shield for you watch and guard every path I take. I desire to increase in your wisdom, knowledge and understanding so that my walk with you is always a path of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3) ESV.

Father, delighting and meditating on your living Word constantly refresh and rejuvenate my soul for it is my source of abundant life, daily vitality and constant freshness. Holy Spirit, you are always alongside me and remain faithful to empower me to fulfil God's will. I receive your comfort and strength continually. Thank you Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray.

And there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your disability." And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and she glorified God (Luke 13:11-13) ESV.

Lord, I see your compassion on the suffering and your desire is to see me whole, completely healthy to worship and glorify God. You are my Savior, Healer and Deliverer! Healing of spirit, soul and body is God's perfect will for me. I believe and receive everything God has given me. Thank you Jesus!