Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

Father may I walk in your good, acceptable and perfect will daily. Help my mind - my thought life to keep renewing afresh continually. May I be quick to use all the spiritual resources made available to me when tempted, tested or tainted. Remind me to say short prayers to you, speak in tongues and give praises to you in my heart so that I can stay connected with you all the times.  Thank k you for yet another wonderful day. In Jesus' name I pray.

And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I am working." (John 5:16-17) ESV.

Father, open my spiritual eye to see what you are doing so that I am constantly doing your will. Help me to always be ready to be an ambassador for Christ sharing the good news that will bring salvation and healing to the suffering and the sick in their body, soul and spirit. In Jesus' name I pray.

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8) ESV.

Lord Jesus, I want to truly know you and have a fresh, new experience with you this week. Let my faith in you reflect a life of self-control, steadfastness, godliness and love as I walk in your divine love. May the people you bring into my path this week experience a touch of your love, grace and mercy. In Jesus' holy name I pray.

Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14) ESV.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the living water that is pure, peaceful and permanent. Help me to keep drinking from you in both good and challenging times. I want my Christian life be a fountain flowing with abundant love of God and joy of the Holy Spirit so that those who know me shall know Jesus, the Giver of this divine gift. In Jesus' name I pray.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16) ESV.

Heavenly Father I am reminded this morning that you so loved me that you gave Jesus, the most important gift a human can ever have, to me so that I can spend eternity with you. Help me to spend time to ponder and meditate on this awesome truth.  Let my heart truly rejoice over this everlasting love I am experiencing. In the precious name of Jesus I give you praise Father.

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalms 55:22)

Father, I thank you for this privilege of being able to simply surrender everything to you, especially things that can hinder me from experiencing your peace and joy daily. This wonderful assurance is timely and needful.  May I grow deeper in your love and stronger in my faith in you. In Jesus' name I pray.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12) ESV.

Father I have received so many things from you after Jesus came into my life. I have you above all else! Holy Spirit I know you are with me instrumental in helping, guiding, teaching, healing, restoring, comforting, empowering, and most importantly, fellowshipping with me all the times! I want to know you more as i walk with you every precious day. In Jesus' name I pray.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13) ESV.

Father I need your divine strength to enable me to worship and serve you. I know you shall provide all my needs be it spiritual, emotional, material or medical. I trust you with all my heart Father.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10) ESV.

Lord Jesus, take my life as I yield every desire in me to align it with God's will. I have your abundant life because sin, sickness and Satan can no longer rob me of love, joy, and peace in you. I am complete, satisfied and more than conqueror.  I trust in your promises of abundant life in spirit, soul and body. Let my life be a beacon of light pointing the needy, poor and sick to you Lord.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Father, I want to experience the true meaning of your love. Let me truly be the person you want me to be - practicing your patience and kindness consciously and conscientiously today and the rest of the week. May I learn and experience these two aspects of your being in a personal way. In Jesus' name I pray.

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4) ESV.

Father, delighting in you is a personal love for you. I know it is a 2-way loving relationship. To delight is to desire you, especially the first thing in the morning when I am awake. My thoughts and also my emotions desiring to experience you - your goodness, compassion, gentleness and strength. I know all other desires from my heart daily will be in alignment to your plan, provision and purpose towards fulfilling your perfect will for my life. In Jesus' name I give thanks.

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you (Psalm 9:10) ESV.

Lord Jesus, your name gives me comfort, strength and peace for in you alone do I trust.  May I experience your sweet abiding presence today and delight in seeking you with a pure heart and simple faith. I Jesus' name I give thanks.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1) NKJV.

Father, I am set free and always shall be, without guilt in my heart. No one, including my friends, teachers, colleagues or bosses, is able to make me feel bad because Christ has cleansed my conscience with His precious blood!  I know that as long as i keep obeying Him daily, and walk in truth and love, I shall always have righteousness, love and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Father I praise you, Jesus i love you,  Holy Spirit I walk closely with you.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7) ESV.

Father, the immense depth of your love for me is truly unfathomable; it is beyond what my finite mind can comprehend unless you reveal it to me. To always fall in love with you constantly is my desire. Help me to experience more deeply of your love each day. In Jesus' name I pray.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14) ESV.

Lord Jesus, you are the living Word. By reading and meditating your Word brings peace and joy to my heart. May I act upon it daily, whether it be a promise to claim, a command to obey, an attitude to change or a sin to confess. Let today be yet another intimate and victorious walk with you Jesus.

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.

Father, my confidence is in you alone. I know it is your will that I can love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength all the days of my life. I therefore ask for divine health, grace and strength to do your perfect will. I love you Heavenly Father.

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, who I am and what I have is because of Jesus. I am blessed as your child. I want to be a blessing to others. Lead me God to touch lives so that they can have abundant life which only Jesus can give. I know you will be with me and guide me to complete the work you have specially designed for my life. In Jesus' name I pray.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) ESV.

Holy Spirit, put in me a strong desire to love, a love that comes from the heart of God, unfailing and unconditional. Empower me to walk with you joyfully and triumphantly for this is my sincere desire. Thank you for loving me and fellowshipping with me.  In Jesus' name I pray.

Therefore, as you received Christ  Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving (Colossians 2:6-7) ESV.

Father, by walking in the Spirit brings delight,calmness and peace in my heart. My faith is about having a trusting relationship with you every moment. May I be an evergreen tree that provides shade to the weary and oasis to the thirsty this week.  In Jesus' name I pray.

For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father (John 10:17-18) ESV.

Lord Jesus, tomorrow is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Passion Week. Help me Lord to reflect the true meaning of your love for me, and what is truly my mission and calling as a Christian. I am forever grateful to you Jesus. No amount of words can describe the sacrificial love I have received and am experiencing. In your name I give thanks!

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit (John 12:24) ESV.

Lord Jesus, help me to be sacrificial, humble and generous in showing God's love in practical ways. May I live out what my heart profess so that your grace and truth are clearly made visible to those need your divine touch to believe. I am thankful and grateful for everything I have. Thank you for abundant life granted to me, which is made possible by your death and resurrection.  Thank you Jesus!

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (Proverb 10:19) ESV.

Father, each time you speak to me your words give life to my soul. My spirit is quickened and wonderful thoughts will start to flow into my mind. I need to learn this - to speak words that lift up the spirit of others with love and grace. May I also learn to listen more and be careful not to speak unhealthy words or words that can lead to sin or defilement.  In Jesus' name I pray.

And Samuel said, "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22) ESV.

Father, I want to experience the joy and peace by listening to your voice and obeying you in small and big matters for your unfailingly and unconditional love is truly inexpressible and, many a time, overwhelming  I am able to walk in your light and have fellowship with Holy Spirit because Jesus, you have made this possible! In your holy name I give you praise!

But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (Psalms 3:3)

Father, thank you for shielding me wherever I am and wherever I go. How wonderful is your presence Holy Spirit.  Teach me to walk close to you as you guide and help me. May I learn to talk with you anytime and all the times. Let today be a Spirit-filled day blessing others with your love and power. In Jesus' name I pray.

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God (John 13:3) ESV.

Father my desire is to be so close to you that not only I know I am yours, but also know when you are bringing me back to your eternal embrace. Let my life be truly pleasing to you.  In Jesus' name I pray.

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul (Psalm 143:8) ESV.

Father, your steadfast love is like a refreshing dew every morning. My soul quietly rejoices and my heart trusts in your wisdom in guiding me each step of the day. May I stay close to your Holy Spirit,  my Helper and Comforter.  In Jesus' name I give thanks.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you (Proverb 3:1-2) ESV.

Father your Word is my daily companion for I hear you speaking to me all the times through the Holy Spirit. I sense your faithful presence and my heart remains at peace regardless of what happens outwardly. Thank you that every day is a gift from you with specific purpose towards helping me becoming more like Christ. I will treasure the many, many good and peaceful years you are giving me, long as I keep and obey your holy Word.  In Jesus' name I pray.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-20) ESV.

Father, the anchor of my soul is Jesus! My whole being especially my thought life shall be saturated with His divine,  unfailing love for me. Lord Jesus, I know I am yours. Teach me Holy Spirit to grow deeper in Christ's love.  I desire a greater intimacy with Jesus as I live out His abundant life daily. In Jesus' name I pray.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving (Colossians 2:6-7) ESV.

Father, my life is bought by the precious blood of Christ. This is my root and my history with Him is a relationship of love, peace and joy. I desire to grow and to establish my faith in Him. My heart is forever grateful.  Help me learn to give thanks to you in all kinds of circumstances.  In Jesus' name I pray.

Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! (Psalm 31:19) ESV.

Heavenly Father, I am grateful this fresh morning waking up to read of you, full of goodness toward me. I rejoice and glad in my heart. Let the reverent fear of you lead and strengthen me for you alone is my strong refuge. Let me experience a personal touch of your goodness today empowering me to be forever faithful to Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray.

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him (1 John 4:16) ESV.

Father i want to admit that your love for me is truly great and awesome, and many times it is beyond my ability to understand. I feel it. I sense it. I see it in Jesus! I believe and keep believing for your love is now in me. I want to remain and abide in this amazing love all the days of my life on earth. Holy Soirit, let the love of Jesus touch someone today because of me.  In Jesus' name I pray.

And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching (Luke 10:39) ESV.

Father, help me learn the secret of having intimacy with Jesus in which i can experience true joy and divine peace. May I learn also to overcome distractions that easily carry me away leading me to do things that displeases you. Let today be filled with many precious moments where your presence is strongly felt. In Jesus' name I pray.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God (Psalm 20:7) ESV.

Father, the name of Jesus brings comfort, strength and joy to me. May I truly trust Jesus, the name above all names, in all things I do. In Jesus' name I pray.

But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29).

Father, help me and teach me to know how to seek you with my heart and soul amid the hustle and bustle of life that so easily distracting me from being still and listen to your voice.  Let today be a Spirit-filled day experiencing inner peace deep within the recesses of my soul. In Jesus' name I pray.

How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep! (Psalm 92:5) ESV.

Father, I want to submit everything to you for your works upon my life is filled with grace and mercy, and oftentimes, they are beyond my understanding. May i learn to be still and know that you are God so that I can hear your voice and know your thoughts to enable me to obey your ways. I wish also to share with you honestly and confidently my thoughts,  knowing you truly care for me much more than I can ever imagine.  Thank you Father God. In Jesus' name I pray.

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night (Psalm 92:1-2) ESV.

Heavenly Father, every morning and every night I am surrounded by your steadfast love and faithfulness!  My heart wants to sing for joy for such assurance. Teach me to praise and worship you at different part of the day so that I am made aware of your abiding presence all the times. In Jesus' name I pray.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you! (Psalm 84:11-12) ESV.

Gracious Father, you are and have always been my sun and shield for in you I find strength, favour, peace and abundant life. Let my life reflect the righteousness of the Kingdom of God. Holy Spirit, fill me I pray. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you Father. I treasure deeply your abiding presence as I desire to walk uprightly by your grace and truth in this brand new week. In Jesus' name I pray.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) ESV.

Father, I am able to love my brothers and sisters because you first loved me. I want to love the way Jesus loves me, including helping someone whose burden cannot be carried alone. May I be sensitive to your leading today to help this person who is overloaded and needs to release it to Jesus. I pray and ask in the gracious name of Jesus.

And Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation (1 Samuel 2:1) ESV.

Father, I am encouraged by Hannah. She rejoices and praises you for doing a miracle at the most crucial juncture of her life. What may seem impossible to man but not to you! Help me to align my desire and motive according to your perfect will for me. Though what may seem hopeless on the outside by others, I trust in your steadfast love and mercy in my life. Let me receive your divine strength daily and let my heart learn to be grateful for what I already have.  In Jesus' name I give thanks to you Heavenly Father.

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth (3 John 1:2-3) NIV.

Father, good health in body and soul is always your concern for me. I trust in your divine healing and want to maintain the divine health you have given me.  May I remain faithful walking in your truth of divine love, peace and joy. Holy Spirit, continue to teach and empower me to live victoriously and give thanks to God in every circumstance. In Jesus' name I pray.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success (Joshua 1; 8) ESV.

Father, this is an amazing and wonderful promise you are giving me. You shall make my way prosperous and I shall experience good success with you, as long as my heart is saturated with your living Word and my mouth shall speak forth what I meditate and believe. May I treasure your precious Word and obey everything you have spoken to me today. In Jesus' name I pray.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105) ESV.

Father, as I read and meditate on your Word, let my heart listen to you attentively. May I receive word of comfort, assurance of guidance and wisdom. Holy Spirit, touch me with the power of God's love that I may light up the path of someone who may be groping in the dark today. In Jesus' name I pray.

He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!  (Psalm 107:20-21) ESV.

Father, each time i read your Word it is truly your voice speaking to me. I am fully aware that this is a privilege given to me as your child. I believe your Word which is filled with guidance, deliverance,  correction, instruction, healing, promises, hope, assurance and many more! Father let me behold your wondrous and miraculous work this week as your Word go forth to heal and deliver the sick and the needy. I give you thanks for your steadfast love upon me and everyone that calls upon Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21) ESV.

• Father, I want to walk with you wholeheartedly, for I am truly yours since the day I chose to open my heart to you. Set me apart always ready to do good works through words spoken or deeds done. Let my life be fruitful enabling others to taste with me your goodness, love and peace. Let my heart be pure and faith simple as I seek to walk in the love and power of the Holy Spirit in this brand new week. In Jesus' holy name I pray.

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

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the Sabbath rest today where I can reflect on the work done for this week and to commit every plan to be carried out for next week under your guiding hand. Thank you Father for the joy of knowing you care for my wellbeing and for showing interest in the things I do. Let my being and doing continue to be more and more like Christ. In Jesus' name I ask.

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him (Hebrews 5:8-9) ESV.

Father, I need a fresh insight on how precious is the salvation of my eternal soul. I am forever grateful to every drop of Christ's blood at the Cross whose sacrificial death has saved me from sins, sicknesses and Satan. Let me walk in obedience to your perfect will for my life on earth.  In Jesus' name I pray.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4) ESV.

Father, I am very much comforted by your word of assurance that you are with me. Your abiding presence in my heart is what truly matters. No matter what is the external circumstance of the 'valley', I know I am just passing through it together you. Thank you Father also that your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. In Jesus' name I give you thanks with a grateful heart.

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Psalms 27:14).

Father, help me learn to wait upon you and let the warmth of your divine love touch me.  Let me experience a refreshing dew from heaven. May my walk with you is always a loving and trusting relationship. Teach me to be still and know you are God watching over every area of my life - spirit, soul and body. In Jesus' name I pray.

But if Christ is in you, although the  body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness (Romans 8:10) ESV.

Father, you are a righteous God and through Christ's sacrificial death on the Cross for me, I am made righteous. I am and shall always be righteous in your sight. And now Christ lives in me by the Holy Spirit to enable me to live righteously. May every word i say and every action I take be righteous and pleasing to you. In Jesus' name I pray.

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. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Father, you want my relationship with you to always be based on trust for this pleases you. May I learn to trust you completely in all areas of my life - healing, restoration, spiritual growth, family needs, working relationships, career guidance, ministry opportunity and development. Let the joy of the Lord be my strength so that every step I take is always an acknowledgement of your guiding hand. Thank you Father for making the path straight.  I give you praise in Jesus' name.

The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:11-13) ESV.

Father, you saved me to live and reign with you. It is truly a privilege and a promise which I am receiving. May I remain faithful to endure all things for your faithfulness shall enable me to keep trusting you especially in difficult times.   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, fill me with reverent, holy fear especially in my thought life and create in me a worshipful heart to keep myself abiding in your presence daily. May the many more years you give me be constantly filled with Christ's love creating spiritual hunger and thirst for the millions of souls who are still so blinded by things of this world and couldn't see the light of Christ's eternal Kingdom. Holy Spirit help me. In Jesus' name I sincerely pray.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself (Phillippians 3:20-21) ESV.

Oh Father! What an awesome and joyful truth you assure me today! I have a destiny with a glorious body awaiting me; one that is like you Jesus. I believed and am overwhelmed! Let this assurance change the way I walk with you and relate to man particularly with my family, friends, colleagues, church and the community you put me into. I praise you Father in the precious name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content (1 Timothy 6:6-8) ESV.

Father, help me experience this wonderful truth of what you mean by being contented as your child. I want to bring delight and joy to you by having the same heartbeat with you in all things pertaining to your eternal Kingdom. Thank you Father for your daily provision. Help me always to be grateful for what I already have. Let me learn to be a faithful steward with everything you put under my care. In Jesus' name I give thanks.

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2) ESV.

Father, my heart has found a true home since Jesus came into my life. A permanent, blessed and eternal home awaiting me.  Father, in this I truly rejoice. Holy Spirit, continue to teach me the wonderful truths of who I am and what I have in Christ so that I remain steadfast in loving God and faithful in every assignment He gives me to fulfill His divine will upon my life on earth. I ask and give thanks in Jesus' name.

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands (Psalm 63:3-4) ESV.

Father, thank you for another day that I can praise you because your steadfast love towards me never fails. Let me be a gift to someone who needs a touch of your unfailing love today. In Jesus' name I pray.

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full  (John 15:10-11) ESV.

Father, you want me to be filled with joy to the fullest which can only come from you. Abiding in your love every moment brings true joy to my heart for your presence is real, warm and assuring. I know all this comes by simple obedience to your Word trusting your guidance in every step I take. Let my heart be pure and my faith simple by obeying your Word throughout the day. In Jesus' name I pray.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5) ESV.

Father, create in me a strong desire to want my life truly counts in your Kingdom by bearing fruits that will last throughout eternity. May I constantly abide in you and your word by obeying the gentle voice of the Spirit within me touching people from all walks of life with the love of Christ in this brand new week. In Jesus' name I pray.

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:11-12) ESV.

Father, I thank you for your glorious strength every fresh new day you bestow upon me. I know my destination is to be with you forever together with my brothers and sisters all over the world because all of us have received the forgiveness of our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. Thank you for this glorious inheritance which I don't deserve. Father I want to appreciate this eternal gift in a deeper way today. In Jesus' name I pray.

With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes (Psalm 60:12) ESV.

Father, every step I take I rely on your strength and wisdom. My trust is personally to you alone and I give you thanks for you always are ahead of me to provide all that i need to do your perfect will. Let today be yet another blessed and victorious day regardless of any circumstance for your sweet abiding presence is with me. In Jesus' name I pray.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:15-17) ESV.

Father, so wonderful is this gift of the Holy Spirit you gave me. I am able to know and worship you because He dwells in me, since the day I accepted Christ's love and received His forgiveness of my sins. Holy Spirit, help me to walk in your love and truth so that my life is truly a Christian life worthy of Christ and His sacrificial love for me. In Jesus' name I pray.

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel (Proverb 27:9) ESV.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for good friends you have given me, for they bring godly counsel and show unconditional love to me especially in difficult times. Everyone of them is truly a gift from you. Help me also to bring comfort and care to those who need to experience your loving touch and to put their trust in you in every circumstance. In Jesus' name I pray.

All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies (Psalm 25:10) ESV.

Father, I have a personal history with you since the day you saved me because of your great love towards me. Daily I experience your faithfulness, whether in good or challenging times. Empower me with your divine strength as I abide in your Word and be a living testimony of your goodness and mercy wherever you lead. In Jesus' name I pray.

"Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 14:34-35) ESV.

Father, let my personal relationship with you and others be characterised by love, peace, joy, goodness, kindness,  patience, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, so that people around can taste the fruit of the Holy Spirit. May my life keep producing the saltiness that creates thirst for someone who needs the living water today. In Jesus' name I pray.

He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:12-14) ESV.

Father, even though you are in Heaven you never forget the poor and the sick. Their needs are your concern. Help me to feel your heartbeat constantly, and be ever ready to be the hands and feet of my Lord Jesus and to be with them, comfort and support them in practical ways. As I begin this new and fresh week with you, let me experience the depth of your steadfast love in a personal way. In Jesus' awesome name I ask and pray.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15) ESV.

Father, I want to completely rest in your divine peace and let my heart experience the calmness and serenity which only you can give. Thank you Father. In the marvellous name of Jesus I pray.

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints (Philemon 1:4-5) ESV.

Father, how precious to you when my love and faith in Jesus Christ remains steadfast always leading me to treasure the privilege of giving to and receiving from one another the agape love in the Body of Christ. Thank you for refreshing me that loving God and loving man fulfil the two greatest commandments. In Jesus' name I give thanks.

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:17-18) ESV.

Father, you remind me what true and authentic Christianity is by sharing your unconditional love with others in practical ways. Lead me to someone who is in need of practical help today or over the weekend. Guide me to help the needy and comfort the wounded that they may receive the loving and healing touch of Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray.

And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17) ESV.

Heavenly Father, create in me a godly desire to replace all worldly desires that seek to distract me from doing your perfect will for my life.  Help to to see things in life with a Kingdom mindset and instill in me a passion always to be the light and salt in this perishable world. In Jesus' name I pray.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Eccleisiastes 12:13) ESV.

Father, let my life be a life of true worship reflecting your great love and abundant mercy. May I be constantly filled with this awesome and holy fear for who you truly are, my loving Abba Father. In Jesus' name I pray.

He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22) ESV.

Heavenly Father, through this verse I know that every mystery or uncertainty in life is known by you. Every darkness is revealed by your light. Help me to have no fear of the unknown for all things shall be made clear and understood in your perfect time. In you alone do I put my trust. Let my faith in you keep increasing as I meditate and put into practice your Word daily.  In Jesus' name I pray.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14) ESV.

Heavenly Father, your Kingdom is a Kingdom of light. How glorious and awesome are your manifested presence all over the earth. May I live a Spirit-filled life reflecting this magnificent and glorious presence in the marketplace or in any corner of the street so that many shall come into your Kingdom of light. In Jesus' name I pray.

Sunday Sermon Title: Christian Dilemma - Part 4
Speaker: Senior Pastor Rony Tan
Church: Lighthouse Evangelism Church
Date: 16 February 2014

1. Introduction
Historically, there are two main extreme doctrines on God's grace

A. To preach God's Law without God's forgiving and keeping power is to mislead Christians to a life of fear, hopelessness and despair.
B. To preach God's grace without man's responsibility and discipline is to mislead church-goers, especially the unconverted, to have a false sense of eternal security while still living in a lifestyle of sin.

2. Knowing how Biblical doctrines can be misleading when only a facet of truth is being preached

A. Illustration: Four blind men's views of an elephant.
Alhough all of them apparently are speaking the “truth” but not one has the whole truth. Hence, distortion of truth happens when one focuses on a facet of a biblical truth to the exclusion of other equally important facets required to have a correct balanced view especially on the biblical concept of God's grace.

B. Several Scriptural Examples:
(1) John 8:32 – “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”.  This is only one facet of the truth about Jesus Christ, the Saviour.  Other facets of this truth, for example, Jesus said, “I am the truth, the way and the life” (John 14:6) is to be believed before one can be set free.

(2) Romans 10:13 –“Whoever call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”.  But in Matthew 7:21 Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven”. Both seem contradicting each other, but when these two Scriptural passages are read in its right context, they present two different facets of God’s truth on salvation . The former talks about how a genuine seeker can be saved by calling upon God, while the latter talks about evil doers who think they know God and are saved but are not.

(3) 1 John 3:8-9 – “He that committeth sin is of the devil…whoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God”. Based on this passage, one misleading view is that Christians cannot sin if they are born of God. If they do, they are of the devil. So, what then is the purpose of the provision of 1 John 1:9 for Christians who sin?  It reads, “When we confess our sins…He will cleanse us from all unrighteousness?” Again, to have a balanced view, one needs to embrace the whole counsel of God which includes interpreting Biblical passages in its right context and not conveniently preach one facet of truth only. Here, chapter 3 is emphasising on a lifestyle of sinning against God, while chapter 1 is mentioning about the provision of Christ’s blood which can be appropriate for cleansing and of receiving forgiveness when Christians do sin in the sanctification process.
Note: Christians, however, should not take 1 John 1:9 as a licence to sin against God. Even though God can forgive them 1000 times when they sin, they must face 1000 consequences and some could be more than they can bear!

(4) Romans 8:1 – “There is no condemnation in Christ”. Many Christians think they can keep on sinning because they are in Christ and their past, present and future sins are forgiven at the cross by Jesus, once and for all.  One needs to look at the second part of this verse to know how misleading a preacher can be when apostle Paul added that no more condemnation “are those who do not walk in the flesh.

(5) Romans 8:35 – “…nothing can can separate us from the love of God”. Again, this is the first part, while the second part tells us WHAT are those things that cannot separate us from Christ. They are trials, tribulations, etc, and NOT disobedience, sins, lawlessness, etc.

3. Understanding the Whole Counsel of God in the Bible

Christians have responsibility to ensure they live a righteous and godly life while living under God’s grace.  Scriptural passages mention the choices believers must continue to make daily in this sanctification process of becoming Christlike and obtaining complete salvation for their spirit, soul and body.  Here are some of them:

A. In Matthew 24:11-14, Jesus mentions about lawlessness abound and only those endure to the end shall be saved,

B. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, it mentions about how apostle Paul disciplines his body to make sure he is not a counterfeit.

4. At salvation, does a believer receive forgiveness for his past present and future sins?  If yes, there are two possible conclusions:
A.  I don't have to repent anymore
B. You are always saved even without repentance.

5. At salvation, what the Bible teaches is that our past and present sins are forgiven. Sanctification process begins. This is the believer’s responsibility of living a life of holiness empowered by the Holy Spirit toward the goal of Christlikeness. When he does sin, he has the provision for forgiveness of sins by confessing and repenting of his sin as promised in 1 John 1:8-9.

6. Warnings and Admonitions for Believers in the Bible

A. In Hebrews 2:1, it mentions that believers can be drifted away from God.

B. What is the difference between Judas and Peter when both sinned against Jesus? Peter repented and was forgiven.  Judas regretted and felt remorse. He was not forgiven.  That is why in John 17:12, while praying to the Father, Jesus mentioned that nothing is lost except the son of perdition in reference to Judas.

C. The Example of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:9-13
Simon believed and baptized. He was saved. But Simon was rebuked for wanting to buy God's power with money. He repented. Like Simon, every Christian needs to
repent and receive forgiveness when he does sin for this is part of the sanctification process.

D.  In Hebrews 6:4-6, it mentions that believers can come to a point where they fall away from the truth and it is impossible for them to be restored through through repentance.

E. In 2 Peter 2:20-21, believers who once have overcome can be entangled again.

7. Conclusion

A. Can a Christian lose his salvation easily or can he lose his eternal security? Then one needs to ask what kind of Christian is he?  For example, if a teacher were to ask a class of 40 students if they can pass their examinations, the answer will depend on what kind of students in the class.  Those who did not put a single effort in the preparation prior to the examination is destined to fail. Similarly, if a “Christian” lives a life with no regard to the fear of the Lord, his destiny is predictable!  The life example of the apostle Paul speaks volume of believers’ responsibility to live a life of holiness empowered by the grace of God.  His life exemplified the importance of having godly fear and responsible stewardship over our time, talents and treasure.
Godly fear is the answer. Life of apostle Paul.

B.  Do not be deceived!  It is one thing to claim or declare loudly that we are children of God or we are more than conquerors, but it is another thing to truly live it out in love, godliness and righteousness.  

C. Reminder:  A believer's repentance is not about living under the law, rather it is about living towards becoming more and more like our Lord, full of grace and truth

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Proverb 16:24) ESV.

Father, your word  brings true joy and peace to my heart no matter what challenges I face every day. Thank you for this living word that keeps my soul refreshed and body healthy. May your word come forth from my mouth bring comfort and strength to people around me today.   In Jesus' name I pray.

"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends (2 Corinthians 10:17-18) ESV.

Heavenly Father, I praise you with my heart filled with thanksgiving rejoicing over your daily sustenance and divine strength. I can only boast in you and exalt your holy name for you give, nourish and empower me to do your perfect will. My sincere desire is to hear you say to me 'Good and faithful servant.  Come and enter into the rest of the Lord". In Jesus' awesome name I pray and give thanks.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8) ESV.

Father, thank you for being my sufficiency all the times made possible by your abounding grace. Through every provision given, I am empowered to do good works bearing fruits that will last.  In Jesus' name I give thanks!

But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!". And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong (Acts 3:6-7) ESV.

Father, all that I have come from you through Christ Jesus, whose name brings salvation, healing and deliverance. Today, may I consciously make your name visible enabling the sick in body and soul to experience your awesome and divine love and bring health and healing to them.  In Jesus' name I ask and pray.

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst (John 6:35) ESV.

Father, I am forever grateful to you for I shall never have any lack. Jesus, you are everything to me. I submit my life to you. Your word is comforting and strengthening to my spirit. In your precious name I give thanks.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Heavenly Father, I release unto you every single load on my shoulder that hinders me from experiencing true rest in my soul. I receive this divine provision today in Jesus' name. Amen.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Father, I thank you for this precious divine peace and the inner joy of the glorious hope I have in Christ Jesus. Let this week be a victorious one that will truly glorify your holy name.  In Jesus' name I pray.

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High (Psalm 9:1-2) ESV.

Father, I thank you for you are always in me and walking this new life with me. I have a personal history with you. My diary is filled with your wonderful deeds of your awesome love and power for which my Christian walk has become meaningful and purposeful. I truly give thanks to you Father. In Jesus' name I pray.

For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD (Proverb 8:25) ESV.

Father, you are the source of divine life, abundant and eternal life! This truth reminds me that I am a branch and Jesus is the vine. I know I have received true joy and everlasting love for I have found the Giver of life! Thank you for showering me with your divine favour constantly.  In Jesus' name I pray.

I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High (Psalm 7:17) ESV.

Heavenly Father, everything you do brings righteousness for this is your nature and your Kingdom is one of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. May this truth cause me to live righteously enabling others to draw closer to Jesus, our Righteousness, whose name is above all names!

The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him (Lamentations 3:25)

Father, may I taste your goodness in a deeper way today as I quietly but confidently wait upon you. I want to seek you diligently so that I know I am living in your perfect will. In Jesus' 'name I pray and give thanks.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield (Psalm 5:11-12) ESV.

Father, you are a shield to me for you protect my going out and coming in all the times. I rejoice because I bear your name. You lead me into the path of righteousness, faith, hope and love. Thank you for being my God. In Jesus' name I give thanks.

My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh (Proverb 4:20-22) ESV.

Father, your Word brings life and healing to the body, soul and spirit. Help me to saturate my heart with every word I read and meditate so that I can walk in your love bringing life and healing to others around me. In Jesus' name I pray.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man (Proverb 3:3-4) ESV.

Heavenly Father, the joy of knowing you and experiencing your love is the most wonderful and awesome gift to me. Through Christ, I am truly able to love and to be faithful. Your desire is to let me experience success in family life, work, ministry and in relationships, always finding favour in you and with others. Thank you Father God. In Jesus' name I pray.

Sunday Sermon Title: Knowing Who You Are
Speaker: Senior Pastor Rony Tan
Date: 2 February 2014
Venue: Lighthouse Evangelism Church

Introduction
The greatest revelation for Christians is knowing who they are in Christ. However knowing your position in Christ must be followed by practice in daily Christian living. Knowledge is only potential power; it is applied knowledge in a correct way  constitutes true power.

1. How do you partake this truth in your life?
A. Our old ways are difficult to change like Jacob in the OT. His name means deceiver but the angel of God tells him his name is now Israel, Prince of Israel.  His life then changed because of this new identity.
B. Likewise, as a new creation, we have a new identity.  We immediately changed when revelational knowledge is correctly applied.
C. Jacob begins to live and walk like a prince.  He then is able to reconciled with Esau, his estranged brother. .

2. The life of Joseph tells us how he lives and walks like a royalty for he knows who he is in the sight of God.
A. Though his life has many ups and downs, he overcomes every obstacle in his life - from taking charge of the prison and prisoners to managing the whole land of Egypt and the Eygptians.
B. Joseph is able to help Egypt overcomes famines. He is always ready to walk above his circumstances.
C. Similarly, Christians can rise above all circumstances when they know who they are in Christ!

3. The life of Moses mentioned in Hebrews 11:24-26 tells us that he knows who he is and where he is going in the end ultimately.
A. He refuses to call the prince of Egypt when he finds out the root of his identity.
B. Moses has the end in mind. He knows where he is going - a reward that is with God eternally.
C. Inspite of his initial failure after being exposed of his murderous act, he eventually recognises his call and destiny.
D. Through 40 years of solitude and reflection in the wilderness, Moses then  encounters God in the burning bush. This divine enciunter affirms his call as a deliverer of Israel.
Character: He is mentioned as the meekest man on earth at that time.
Competence: Performing the miracles of the 10 plagues by the power of God.
Consistency: He leads Israel from bondage to freedom for the next 40 years.
Note: 3 Cs to be successful - character,  competence,  consistency

4. The life of Jesus mentioned in Luke 2:52 tells us that He is a normal human being.
A. When did Jesus realise He is the Son of God and Savior of the world?
Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus saw the Holy Spirit like a dove came upon Him and He heard a voice from Heaven. This is a moment where He is affirmed of His identity.
B. Though He is led to be tempted by the devil, He knows who He is for He uses the Word of God to overcome the temptations of the devil.
C. Christians is expected to be tempted by the devil who can quote Scriptures out of context. His aim is to make us doubt our identity.
D. Christian's identity is based on what God says about them not how they feel.

5. God says that we are seated in high places with Christ in the heavenly places. Hence we must say what God has said!
For example Hebrew 13:5-6, we can declare that GOD IS MY HELPER!

Conclusion
Because of knowing who I am, I can now boldly declare that i am born again, a new creation, the Holy Spirit is within me, and more than a conqueror!

Note: this is a personal note-taking by Bro Robin Png. It has some added pointers for personal consumption.  It is recommended to get s copy of dvd for complete sermon.

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 the source of true wisdom, knowledge and understanding empowering me to walk a life of integrity, justice and righteousness. Let my life be filled with these divine fruits bringing glory to you Father. In Jesus' name I pray.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD (Psalm 118:26) ESV.

Father, thank you for another beautiful day you have made. Let the people whom I visit today be blessed by you for I come to them in the name of Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Healer. In every conversation,  may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you Father. 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 truly want to rejoice specially for the freshness and newness of today, the very 1st day of Lunar New Year, which you have made. It is a time of family bonding and a time of joyful rest in your presence. May I take this wonderful privilege of testifying your great love, goodness and faithfulness amongst family members and friends today and throughout this festive season. In Jesus' name I pray.

I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil-this is God's gift to man (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13) ESV.

Father, today is the eve of Lunar New Year, and I want to  keep being joyful and do good because every day is a gift from you. May I reflect on your goodness and enjoy your sweet abiding presence during this festive season. Let all eating and drinking with family and friends be glorifying to you and edifying to one another.  In Jesus' name I give thanks!

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3) ESV.

Father God, you are so powerful yet so loving. This is who you truly are, your nature, your being, which is clearly seen in Jesus when He was in earth. I know that when I see Jesus, I see you too. Let the joy of knowing who you are make me humble, strong and faithful so that others will see Jesus in me. Father let your glorious nature radiate in and through my life today.  In Jesus' name I give thanks.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Father, your divine peace means so much to me. There is this inner knowing that enables me to feel your sweet abiding presence, no matter what is happening in the outside. Your peace brings comfort and rest to my soul. I am an overcomer because you have overcome sins, sicknesses and satan. I give you glory and praise!  In Jesus' mighty name I pray.

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:16-18) ESV.

Father, thank you for this important truth in that I am loved to love. I want my heart be continually filled and overflowing with Christ's abundant love to quench the thirsty and feed the hungry. I know that I can walk the talk because I have tasted the greatest gift through Christ. Father let me be a gift to someone who needs a touch from you while celebrating this festive season of Chinese New Year. In Jesus' wonderful name I pray.

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long (Psalm 25:4-5) ESV.

Father, your ways and paths lead me to experience your divine truths about your saving grace and mercy. I want to wait patiently upon you knowing that you shall provide all my needs. Thank you for the gift of salvation found in Jesus, my Lord, Savior, Healer and Deliverer!

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:11-12) ESV.

Father, I thank you for who you are to me. You are the source of my strength and hope.  My life, family and future are in your protective hand. My destiny is life everlasting with you, together with all my brothers and sisters in the Lord!  In Jesus' name I pray.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 3:33-34) ESV.

Father, let my heart yield to you fully including my thoughts and feelings. I trust in all that you say in your living Word here - to seek your Kingdom and your righteousness. Father, grant me wisdom as I reflect on this today. Thank you for this assurance.  I need it. I give you praise in Jesus' name.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16) ESV.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your divine strength by the power of the Holy Spirit every day. Let my desire keep growing to continually walk in the Spirit.  Help me identify every sin that so easily entangles me, and make practical steps to overcome it by your grace. In Jesus' name I pray.

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:5-6) ESV.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for Enoch whose life truly pleases you because he walks by faith and trusts you wholeheartedly in all things.  Father, grant me spiritual understanding and insight on walking by faith and not by sight. I desire to do your will for my life and to please you in everything that I do and say. In Jesus' name I ask.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7) ESV.

Father, I am deeply encouraged and truly thankful for this passage which is filled with God's unconditional love, bountiful mercies and awesome grace upon my life, both now and future as co- heir with Christ. What a joy you bring to my heart Father God! May I share with someone this loving truth today and this week. In Jesus' name I pray.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24) ESV.

Father, thank you for another new and fresh day that I can worship you with my words and deeds at home and in the marketplace. Guide me and empower me to serve you with a sincere heart as you lead me to touch those around me. I want to make your great love visible to them so that they shall see your light and experience the same love I have received.  In Jesus' name I pray.

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created (Revelation 4:11) ESV.

Father, I am created, saved to love you and experience your everlasting presence of peace, joy and love forever. You are indeed my great and awesome Creator!  Father God, I worship you and give you gkory, power and honour!  In Jesus' wonderful name I give thanks.

Sunday Sermon Topic: Understanding God's Righteousness in Christian Life

Speaker: Senior Pastor Rony Tan

Date: 19 January 2014

Key Scriptures: Philippians 2:12 & 1 John 1:8-9

1. Introduction

Biblically there are two aspects of righteousness

A. Positional Righteousness

B. Practical Righteousness

2. The life of Abraham

A. God's promise Heaven to Abraham - Hebrews 11:10

He has positional righteousness which is a legal right to come before God as one who believes God and His promises. However his belief in God is translated into practical righteousness or right living. Practical righteousness (it is a sanctification process to be more like Christ) is about right or holy living.  

B. When a Christian does sin, his positional righteousness is not affected because his relationship with God remains intact in that he is still a child of God. However his fellowship with God is affected by sin, unless he repents and confesses his sins to let the blood of Jesus cleanses him from all unrighteousness as mentioned in 1 John 1:8-9.

3. Hebrews 12:5-6 - Do not take lightly of God's discipline when one sins or keeps sinning.  God corrects His children because He loves them.

4.  Positional righteousness occurs when one repents and receives forgiveness of sins,  and thus he is born again or saved. This gives him a right standing before God as long as he keeps his faith in Christ. Because of positional righteousness, one can have the power to experience practical righteousness which is right living before God. Its goal is towards Christ-likeness. Hence Christians are blameless before God but not sinless as they are not perfect.

5. The Book of 1 John

A. 1 John 3:7 - One who practices righteousness will be led to righteous living so that he shall not be deceived. 

B. 1 John 3:10 - Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God.

C. 1 John 2:29 - He who is born of God practices righteousness. 

6. Two importsnt questions: A. Are we able to practice righteousness perfectly? 

No. But the provision to live righteously or to experience practical righteousness again is made possible by confession of one's sins to God and to receive His forgiveness for the blood of Christ is able to cleanse him again snd make him blameless before God.  It is not to be saved again but to have right living and fellowship with God.

B. What if I don't repent, will I lose my salvation? 

No. But if one keeps sinning and his life beomes a lifestyle of sins, then his sins will pile up, his conscience will sear and heart will eventually harden. The outcome of being a backslider may finally lead him to renounce his faith and lose his salvation.  

7. Two Biblical Examples:

A. The life of King David - Was he still a king when he sinned against God by committing adultery and murder? 

Yes. Positionally he is still a king before God. But practically he is not living righteously before God. His fellowship with God is affected but he is still the king positionally. 

B. The life of Judas Iscariot - he is a disciple of Christ and an appointed treasurer. 

Did he repent after he betray Jesus? 

No. Thus, he lost his position as Christ's disciple and treasurer. 

8. What does it mean to be a New Creation?

2 Corinthians 5:17 - We are new creation spiritually but our mind (soulish part) needs to keep renewing by God's Word. It is the same as crucifying our flesh, figuratively speaking. However we have the power of God to overcome temptations and sins, and live victoriously.

9. Christians still have sinful nature 

A. Romans 7:18-25 - The propensity to sin in us is real even as a new creation. Our spirit is saved, our soul is being saved (renewing of mind) and our body shall be saved. 

B. Triumphantly, Apostle Paul declares that he is victorious through Chrsit Jesus! So are we!

10. Two key biblical principles to help us live a successful Christian life

A. Be quick to repent

B. Be quick to forgive

11. Consequences of sins

A. Sins can be forgiven but they have consequences. 

B. The consequences of David's sins - anguish of soul, hatred, bitterness,  division and calamity in his household and eventually death occurred. 

12. How to deal with sins?

A. Never stop coming to God

B. Take practical steps to avoid and overcome sins that easily entangle you. 

C. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.  This needs repentance. 

13. Warnings from the Book of 2 Timothy

A. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - God's Word leads us to righteous living. 

B. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 - The time will come when many people will have itchy ears to hear what they want to hear which are contrary to sound doctrines.

14. Conclusion

We must take heed to every warning in the Bible.

Note: This is a personal sermon notes taken by Bro Robin Png. He has added some pointers for personal consumption.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Father, today I want to thank you specifically for the peace I am experiencing because I believe Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Thank you for your divine peace which surpasses all human understanding.  Thank you Father! In Jesus' name I give thanks (Romans 5:1-2) ESV.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13) ESV.

Heavenly Father, let me experience the joy and peace from you personally for my hope is in you alone.  It shall always be. I love you Father. In Jesus' name I pray.

And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God (Mark 11:22) ESV.

Father, let my heart be pure and faith simple. May I keep trusting you in every area of my life. In Jesus' name I pray.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23) ESV.

Father, thank you for this important truth that your steadfast love is unconditional and endless. Your mercies are new every morning!  Oh Father, truly you are great and awesome!  Thank you for your faithfulness.  In Jesus' name I give thanks.

LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. (Psalm 30:2) ESV.

Father God, thank you for every healing received and every help given. You hear me and show me mercy whenever I poured my heart before your throne of grace. Gracious Father, let my faith in you keep growing and love for you go deeper and stronger especially in challenging times. Thank you for your lovingkindness every morning.  In Jesus' name I give thanks and praise.

The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself (2 Timothy 2:11-13) ESV.

Father, thank you for this wonderful truth  I am blessed by the assurance of your living Word. Let my walk with you today, the beginning of another fresh week, be filled with vitality and divine strength. Empower me to endure all things and be faithful to Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. I give you praise and adoration in Jesus' name.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Proverb 3:3-4

Thank you Father for granting me your favor and good success. I receive them by faith as I keep loving and trusting you always.  In Jesus' name I pray.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11) ESV.

Father God, coming into your presence daily brings peace to my soul and assurance of who I am in Christ. In your presence I experience inner joy refreshing my spirit and revitalising my body. O Heavenly Father, let the joy of the Lord flow in and through me making God's love visible to someone who needs your touch today. In Jesus' name I pray.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Father, you know my deepest concern, desire and need.  You are my strength and comfort daily. Help me to put my trust in you every moment.  I surrender everything to your loving care. In Jesus' name I pray.

But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it (Luke 18:16-17) ESV.

Father, every child is very precious to you, everyone of them. They fill your Kingdom for you love them deeply. Help me to learn from these children and have childlike faith and obedience to you. Truly the Kingdom of God is within me now that I am a child of God! Lord Jesus, I love you and desire to be your instrument that ushers in the afflicted, captives, poor and sick into your Kingdom where they shall find rest, strength, healing and deliverance for their soul and body and experience eternal life.

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6) ESV.

Father, your grace gives me the joy to walk with you, the peace to experience your abiding presence, and the love to serve you. I want to keep knowing you - your goodness and faithfulness. I humble myself and submit to your leading in order to be a blessing to the lost especially the poor and sick. In Jesus' name I pray.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matthew 6:33-34) ESV.

HeavenlyFather, help me to have Kingdom mentality and values like righteousness, love and obedience. Let my faith in God's love replace every fear and anxiety so that I can cherish every day as a gift from God. Thank you Father for daily strength and provision.  In Jesus' wonderful name I pray.

Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it (Luke 17:33) ESV.

Father, my prayer is to be constantly aware of the new life, a divine life, that I have received when Jesus came into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. I am able to preserve what I receive from and that is abundant life and eternal life.  I give you praise and thanks Father God.

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14) ESV.

Father, i know you are compassionate toward me every day. May I walk in holy fear and simple faith. Thank you Jesus for knowing and loving me.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,  who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,  who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,  who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalm 103:1-5) ESV.

Father, today, I truly rejoice over these 5 benefits from you. Sins forgiven, sicknesses healed, life redeemed, crowned with ove and mercy, and renewed youth like eagle! Yes, bless the Lord O my soul! I love you Jesus, my Lord, Saviour, Healer, Deliverer and Provider!

And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left (Isaiah 30:20-21) ESV.

Father, thank you for the assurance of divine guidance. In every step that I take, help me to be sensitive to hear your still small voice in my spirit so that I shall obey you and always be in your abiding presence.  I praise you Lord Jesus.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth (3 John 1: 2-4) ESV.

Father, may I delight in walking in your truth knowing that this gives you great joy. I know that good health and walking in obedience to your Word go together for they make me fruitful and strong in the grace of God. In Jesus' name I pray.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10) ESV.

Father, on this first day of 2014, I am walking with you a new chapter in this journey of faith. Thank you for the assurance of divine strength, heavenly provision and supernatural protection. I shall continually be surrounded by the love of God, peace of Jesus Christ and joy of the Spirit allowing no room for fear of any kind to come near me. In Jesus' mighty name I pray.