Sunday Sermon Title: Backing Up Faith With Action

Speaker: Pastor Samuel Sam
Church: Lighthouse Evangelism
Date: 31 January 2016

Introduction
Grace is divinely given by God. Even faith to receive His grace is also from God. The whole process of salvation is also God's grace.

1.Faith taps into God's grace.
A. Roman 5:1-2
This grace is by faith and it is available to us. Faith is like a tap that connect us to the immeasurable grace of God. Through His grace we are empowered to do good works that truly glorify God and do His perfect will for us.

B. Romans 5:17b
Christians are to live out the Kingdom of God in their lives. We reign with Christ now, here in earth, not wait till we are in Heaven. Our faith in God is the key to rule and reign with God on earth.

2. Back up your faith in action
A. To get God to act upon our needs, like setting free from addiction or to do well in studies, we must do something to show that you trust God. It is about your faith in action.

Example: A smoker since poly day, who is now in his forties, one day heard that his faith in God needed to be back up by action. Then, as usual, he took out 3 sticks from his pack, and instead of lighting it up, he threw the 3 sticks away. He realised that this action is putting his faith into action as he realised he did not need the sticks. Another time he took this step of faith again, but now it was 6 sticks. Soon he found out that his desire to smoke was no longer there. Truly it is God's grace that has empowered him to overcome his addiction.

B. We are usually close to victory when the opposition is greatest. If we cannot go in the door, why not go in through the roof!

Example: 4 men who back up their faith with their action by lowering a paralytic down from the roof and placed him right in front of Jesus to be healed by Him. Jesus saw their faith!

Question: Do you have a faith that God can see just like what Jesus saw the faith of these 4 men?

C. God is moved by our faith backed up by action that is in line with God's Word. His grace will flow in us and bring healing, salvation and deliverance in and through us.

Example: 10 lepers cried out to Jesus to heal them. Jesus wanted them to act out their faith. It is recorded in Luke 17:14 that "as they went they were healed". By the time they reached the temple to see the priest, they were completely healed.

Similiarly in Mark 10:49, Jesus asked blind Batimaeus, "What do you want me to do?" His reply was, "I want to see." His faith in Jesus is backed up by this act of expression.

Reflection: If you have had a burning bush experience with God, isn't time to back up your faith encounter with God by your action like launching out a ministry to bring the lost into His Kingdom?

D. Faith without work is dead - James 2:14-17
Coming to church itself is putting your faith in action, despite many other commitments that require your attention on Sabbath day.

Another example of God's empowerment when we back up our faith with action. Joshua 10:11 - God sent hailstone that killed more Amorites than by the sword.to seal the victory for Israel.

Applications:
A. CNY is coming and we can share Christ with our unsaved friends, relatives and colleagues.

B. God can give you the grace to fulfill your dreams, aspirations and hopes, as you live out your faith with action.  We can indeed activate the power of God in our lives.

C. When you back up your faith with action, you can tap on God's grace all the times to accomplish His perfect will for your life and for the glory of God!

Note: This is a personal sermon note-taking. For complete sermon contents please purchase the DVD at the church counter.

Just A Touch From The Lord

Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. Mark 1:30-31 ESV

Dear Heavenly Father, just a touch from Jesus is all I need. Everything unclean shall depart and be dissipated. In your awesome presence, healing, salvation and deliverance is experienced. My hope and strength is in you, Jesus. May my body, soul and spirit be refreshed by the divine encounter with you Lord, albeit quiet but transforming. In your mighty name I pray.

Taught With Authority, Demonstrated With Power

And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." Mark 1:27 ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father the life filled with the Spirit and doing your perfect will reveals the wonderful gospel of your love as seen in the salvation, healing and deliverance of the lost everywhere. Guide me Holy Spirit to touch one soul today for the glory of God. In Jesus' name I pray.

Sincerely Ask God For Salvation Of Family Members

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15 ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father I know that time is ticking fast for your coming back is imminent, anytime when many would least expect. I pray for every unsaved member in my family to receive your abundant grace and rich mercy. Holy Spirit let them feel the unconditional love of God and reveal Christ's forgiveness for their sins, so that they shall truly experience the abundant life in Jesus, as Saviour, Healer, Deliverer and Lord. May my life be a light to lead them to your saving grace.  In Jesus' blessed name I pray. 

When God Leads, He Provides

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.  Mark 1:12-13 ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father this scene of seeing Jesus, as a human like me, as He is being led by the Holy Spirit, there is protection and provision despite the presence of wild beasts and satan. I pray that i will keep having this spiritual hunger of desiring to be led by you and to grow in my faith, keep being steadfast and unwavering amid the non-stop fiery darts of the evil one, directing at my weaknesses everyday. Holy Spirit let my yearning for your abiding presence and fellowshipping with you be sincere and pure. In Jesus' name i commit today's activities into your wonderful hand.

Living A Life Truly Pleasing To God

And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." Mark 1:10-11 ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father may my life, that is, things i do, see and touch, my thoughts and feeling, and desire and hope, be pleasing unto you. Teach me to walk in the path of righteousness, fear of the Lord, and genuine love for you. Let today be a meaningful and blessed day pleasing and living in your perfect will. In Jesus' name i pray.

Keeping Heart Pure For Jesus' Return

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.  James 5:7-8  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father the certainty of Christ coming back soon is getting more imminent as the world events keep unfolding in this last day. May my heart be strengthened and purified by your living Word each passing day, as I wait upon your return which shall be in power and glory. Father let the love I have for you grow stronger and deeper knowing that your grace is always sufficient for me.  Thank you for meeting all my daily needs, be they spiritually, emotionally, physically or relationally. Thank you Jesus for your sacrificial love that has transformed me from darkness into your wonderful light.  In your precious name I give thanks.

Sunday Sermon Title: Do Pets Go To Heaven?

Speaker: Senior Pastor Rony Tan
Date: 24 January 2016
Church: Lighthouse Evangelism Church

Introduction
Is there a resurrection for Christians? Yes, Christians look to Jesus Christ who was the first to be resurrected. He lives therefore we shall be resurrected and live with Him throughout eternity. We are unlike Enoch and Elijah for they did not die, and therefore, were not resurrected.

1. Evidences of Animals in Heaven
a. 2 King 2:11
There appeared horses of fire when Elijah was taken up to Heaven
b. Isaiah 11:6-9
These were the animals mentioned - wolf, lamb, leopard, cow, bear, lion, ox, snake, serpent.
Eventually Jesus will reign in the millennium because there shall be universal submission.
c. Rev 19:11
At Christ's glorious appearance, He will ride on the white horse and followed Him were armies in Heaven riding on white horses.
d. Therefore there are real animals in Heaven.
e. Two phrases to summarise the Bible: One, decay, degenration and death in all forms of life. Two, total restoration of all life forms, for there will be redemption and resurrection.

2. Truths of Believers' Resurrection
a. 1 Cor 15:35-50
How can the dead be raised to life?  Look at nature, when a seed dies it will be resurrected. A seed, a flower or a human being will have a body, even though all have different kinds of flesh. This is to denote that all forms of life will be resurrected.
b. Even the moon, sun and stars have different beauty. Infinite God has created an infinite universe.
c. The only place that is not going to be recreated is God's throne, His abode.
d. Our loved ones who believed in the Lord, though died, they are not dead for they will have a spiritual body after resurrection.
e. Therefore, what is most important on earth now is more than good  career, wealth, hobbies, etc. but it is to have the connection with the life of Jesus, so that when we die we will have a new body that will live throughout eternity with Christ.
f. If Jesus did not come and die to take away my sins, everybody will be without hope and will spend eternity in hell.

3. What will happen when pets die?
a. All pets will be in Heaven because God will redeem and restore His creation which includes animals. The truth is that animals do exist in Heaven as evidenced by the passages mentioned above.
b. Romans 8:18-22
God will reveal who His children really are, and animals will also be revealed and restored. All creation now is subject to God's curse but all will join with God's children for the glorious hope without death and decay. Presently we may be groaning amid pain and suffering, but these are only temporal.
c. Acts 3:20-11
There shall be restoration of all things.
d. Rev 21:5
The Lord shall be making all things new (ie. accurate, incorruptible and trsutworthy)
e. Luke 12:6-7
Every sparrow that has fallen on the ground, God has never forgotten any of them.
f. Job 12:10
In God's hand is the life of every thing.
g. Psalm.128
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

4. Right Attitude In Having Pets
a. A pet like dog and cat is a living thing, thus care and nuture must be given to them.
b. Every pet is unique and has a distinct personality.
c. Their life span may only be 10 or 15 years. So the attitude of being responsible is key to consider before having a pet.
d. Pro 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals.

5. Lessons learnt from animals
a. Many heartwarming stories of how pets are faithful, caring and life-saving.
b. A lion will fight for her cubs, a cat will save her kitten from fire, a tiger kills for survival, and ants demonstrate the quality of diligence.

6. Conclusion
a. Principle of redemption perfectness - Redemptive completeness. Jesus promised redemption and restoration for all His  creation
b. All pets will make it to Heaven. Ironically not all humans will make it to heaven.

Applications
a. Our church may be the only church in Singapore that has evangelistic meeting every week. May we then put soul winning as our new priority in life?
b. We are saved to bear the light for Christ for the days are very short. Let us encourage one another and win souls for the Lord especially those who are our family members.

Note: This is a personal sermon note-taking. For complete sermon please get a DVD  at the church counter.

Beware Of The Spirit Of Self-Indulgence

You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.  James5:5  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father I pray that I shall not be swept by the spirit of materialism and consumerism that is at work everywhere, even in the church particularly the young ones whose values and beliefs are constantly being challenged by the world around them. I ask for your grace to avoid moving into this direction of self-indulgence and be blinded by earthly pleasures that can so easily distract me from sowing fruits that have kingdom values. In Jesus' name I pray. 

God Is Always Involved In My Life And Work

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a y ear there and trade and make a profit"- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." James 4:13-15 ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father i am living in borrowed time ever since you have purchased my redemption by the blood of Christ. Life now is meaningful and purposeful because you are always involved in my life and work. I pray that your will for me be carried out obediently knowing that serving and loving you are inseparable in fulfilling your will. May i always be mindful that earthly life is but a vapour, brief and temporal. I thank you Father for your steadfast love and great mercy towards me every day. In Jesus' name i pray.

Judge Not That I May Not Be Judged

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?  James 4:11-12  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father i am mindful not to judge friends, colleagues, church members, and even family members so carelessly, quickly or enviously without first thinking through and praying for them, if there seems to be injustice or evil. Help me to reflect and meditate on this timely biblical instruction throughout the week. May i be slow to speak and quick to listen especially to the still small vioce of the Holy Spirit. Help me to speak words of edification and love to those who need to be lifted up in their spirit. Thank you Father. In Jesus' name i pray.

God's Grace Is Richly Upon A Humble Heart

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  James 4:7  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father i thank you that your abundant grace is more than sufficient for a heart that is humble before you. I pray for the constant desire to keep myself meek and gentle, also caring at all times. I know that you watch over me with your divine protection, bless me with every provision i need, and grant me the peace to live and serve you daily. May i be a blessing to someone needing a wonderful personal touch from you. In Jesus' name I pray.

Experiencing The Peace In God's Wisdom

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18 ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father this is a wonderful truth about the divine wisdom which is filled with your peace that produces the fruit of righteousness. Guide me Holy Spirit to experience the joy of applying your wisdom in every situation that will release purity, peace, sincerity, impartiality, gentleness, mercy, openness to reason and good fruits. Lead me to someone today who needs divine guidance from you. In Jesus' name i pray.

Submit My Tongue To The Holy Spirit

But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.  James 3:8-10 ESV.

Dear Heaven Father may the words that come forth from my mouth glorify you and edify man as i submit my tongue and every part of my body, soul and spirit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and obey His gentle still voice. I shall take this warning seriously so as not to be a stumbling block to others especially those seeking to experience the reality of God in their lives. May this day be a blessed day as i desire to see the beauty of your creation through sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. In Jesus' awesome name i give thanks.

Sunday Sermon by Pastor Pacer Tan on 17 Jan 16

Title: Servanthood

1.Introduction:
A. Grace empowers us to overcome sins, temptations and trials.
B. Grace also empowers us to serve God
C. Kingdom of God is about what God wants us to do before His return.

2. Ephesians 2:8-10

A. We are saved by grace. We respond by our faith. It is basically i believe. This grace starts from God Himself. There is still room to knee at the foot of the Cross of Jesus.

B. We are God's workmanship. There is a divine plan, a blueprint for every child as His workmanship for good works. Through His grace i received salvation and now i am empowered by the same grace to do good works.

C. The proof of Christian is seen in good works. God foreknew what every child would do after salvation. Grace is not just we about  receiving salvation; it is also about the same grace to empower us to serve the Lord.

3. Romans 14:18-19

A. Serving Christ is acceptable to God.
It is sad that many use their gifts and talents for the world. When you serve your company and family, you are serving God.

B. Pursue what makes peace and for mutual upbuilding. Jesus is our peace. He prayed in the gospel of John that we might have peace in this world. In the book of Jeremiah, the wall has come down and was breached, which means peace is no longer present. As they built up the wall, peace returned.

4. Question we need to ask: If your wall is broken down and peace is absent in your life, you need to build up your wall so that peace can return. One sure way to build the wall is to ask God where you can serve Him which is acceptable to Him, so that peace shall abound in your heart and in your family.

5  Reflection:

Jesus came to serve and not to be served. How can we do less?

Peace cannot be taken for granted. Once it is breached, the wall is broken.

Note: This is a personal sermon note-taking. Do get a copy of CD for complete sermon.

Active Faith Made Visible By Good Works

Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.  James 2:20-22  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father, though good works do not save me, however, these affirmative verses assured me of the ministry you have called me to, that is, to minister to the poor and sick - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. May my life shall always be a burning altar eliciting sweet and holy fragrance  unto your throne of grace so that I, like many others in your fold who are called by your name, never cease to find mercy, love and healing under the shadow of your mighty wings. Let the work I do today encourage someone to come closer to the Cross and experience the divine love in Christ Jesus. In your awesome name I pray Lord Jesus!

Faith Is Seen Through My Work

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  James 2:18  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father may my daily walk with you produce active faith demonstrated by practical works for this truly matters to you. Thank you for the joy of the Lord which is my strength to live out as light of the world and salt of the earth. Holy Spirit may my life display the fruit of love, joy and peace and abide in Christ in a deeper way. In Jesus' name I pray.

What Is Stopping Me From Helping The Poor?

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:15-17 ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father i cannot find any reason, only excuse , for not extending a hand to the really poor around me, let alone poverty-stricken countries. I need to search deep into my heart what is the real obstacle. Father may your will be done in this important area of giving in my life that i may truly share and care for those who are in suffering and sorrow. May i demonstrate the spirit of Christ by being generous to someone today. In Jesus' wonderful name i pray.

Love God And Despise Not The Poor

 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?  James 2:5  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father the poor have a special place in your heart, and you see their heart of love for you. Thank you for this reminder of the tendency to show partiality toward those who are of higher economic strata, well-educated and materially rich overlooking the fact that many are actually spiritually immature and are stagnated in their walk with you.  Help me not to be overwhelmed by the care and worries of this world. Father I know that I can feel and experience you personally because you are a loving and caring God. Let my love deepen as I trust and obey you daily. In Jesus' name I pray and give thanks.

A Pure Heart That Touches The Afflicted

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.

Dear Heavenly Father the joy of being able to come into your presence with a pure heart is truly a privilege. Your throne is one of grace and mercy, and the divine touch from you brings peace, comfort and strength. Grant me the desire, conviction and compassion to be a channel for those who are afflicted either in spirit, soul or body. May your love in me be felt and experienced by someone seeking to get a divine touch today. In Jesus' name I pray.

Purity Of Heart Gives No Room For Unedifying Words

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. James 1:26  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father every word spoken reflect the condition of my heart for it can be either edifying or dishonoring to you. May the spiritual life I now live, which has been redeemed and bought by the precious blood of Christ, reflect the life of my Saviour and Lord Jesus especially the words that come forth from my mouth during conversations with strangers and friends. Guide me Holy Spirit for I desire my heart to be pure to feel and experience the reality of Christ living in my heart.  In Jesus' name I give thanks.

Obedience Brings Blessings

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.  James 1:25  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father living a Christian life is having abundant life filled with love, peace and joy.  I know this can only be possible with my obedience to you. I thank you for the Cross which Jesus carried to save me from my sins and now I am taking up my own cross to sanctify myself so that I may walk in holiness, love and power by your grace. Through this walk of obedience, may I be a blessing to many as I walk the talk demonstrating the unconditional love of God. I thank you again for experiencing eternal life now while looking to your return.  In your wonderful name I give thanks.

Sunday Sermon on 10 Jan 16 by Senior Pastor Rony Tan

Title: Truth hurts and heals

What is truth? It is not relative. Biblical truth, God's Word, is absolute.

Question to ask. About preferences and opinions can be relative, but not divine truth in God's Word.

Example: This sphagettti noodle is awesome. It is a relative truth, not absolute.

However, the Bible says "Thou shalt not covet" - it is absolute.

If our heart inclines to God's Word, we will hear His voice.

1. All truths on earth are superceded by God's truth.

John 10:17-18

The truth that offends is the same truth that saves.


Example:
Earthly truth - Ashes back to earth (lower truth)
Divine truth - Spirit and soul lives eternally (higher truth)

2. Knowing the truth and experiencing the truth

John 8:32
You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

3. God's Word as Warning

Rev 22:18 - Warning about distorting God's Word

Truth can be comforting or condemning

A. Comforting if one obeys the truth
B. Condemning if one distorts the truth

4. God's Word can soften or harden our heart.

A. Moses' Example - the Golden Calf

Who is on God's side? All Israelites soften their heart, except 3000 who hardened their heart and were perished.

B. Pharaoh's Example:

Exodus 8:32 - Pharaoh hardened his heart

5. God's Word can both hurt and heal

Example
Acts 8:9 - Simon the sorcerer.
A. Before - had great power and blinded people with sorcery
After - believed and baptised after hearing Philip's preaching.

Yet Simon was reprimanded by Peter for wanting to purchase God's gift with money.

B. Truth hurts Simon - he received condemnation and warning from Peter

Truth heals Simon - he repented and experienced God's grace.

6. Conditions of Churches and Christians today

A. Too many worries and cares of this world that take priority of walking in God's truth.

B. People of God must know God"s truth, no matter how it hurts, they will receive healing from God's Word.

2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's people can repent and healing will take place.

Conclusion

Right Question:

If i am wrong why don't I repent and turn to God?

Results: True freedom to love and serve God, and live victoriously by the grace of God

D L Moody - I keep short account with God.

Action

I will read your Word daily and walk in practical righteousness. I want to yield and surrender to you.

Prayer: Lord soften my heart and teach me to pray, to have the attitude of repentance and yielding to your Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray.

Listen To Self, Others And, More Importantly, God

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father let me meditate on this very important spiritual truth of active listening for it has significant impact upon my spiritual growth, the edification of the Body of Christ, and the sharing of God's love to the unbelieving who are always looking for the fruit of the Spirit particularly self-control, patience and gentleness. O Holy Spirit may my spirit be attuned to your gentle voice of guidance and wisdom, especially when sharing Christ or helping those who need a listening ear. In Jesus' name i pray

God Always Gives The Best

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  James 1:17  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father i declare in my heart that i am already healed by you, because you have confirmed it through Psalm 103:1-5 one day after the completion of my treatment. Thank you Father for this good and perfect gift of life and life abundantly. I ask for your divine wisdom to walk a Spirit-filled  life that will demonstrate the fruit and gifts of the Spirit for your glory and purpose. In Jesus' name i pray.

Temptation Does Not Give Birth To Sin Until Fallen

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.  James 1:14-15  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father increase my awareness of the subtlety of temptation that i am easily lured into and fallen. I pray for increase in godly desire to the things I see, feel and think about daily while in MRT, running errands, in meetings and in every conversation. I thank you for the divine grace to live a godly life that is pleasing unto you. May i know you and love you more each day Father. In Jesus' wonderful name I pray.

I am Always Blessed Even Under Trials For I Love Jesus

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father as i wake up every morning i am able to say to myself "I am blessed" because you watch over me, my coming out and going in. I have a place in your heart and you have already prepared for me the crown of life and i live with you eternally. I ask for wisdom and understanding when undergoing a trial, so that i can learn and grow to be more Christlike loving man and loving you unconditionally. I thank you for the wonderful grace given to me each time i choose to obey what your Word says. I also thank you for another day, the gift of life to enjoy and enrich my walk with you. In Jesus' name i pray and give thanks.

Emulate Jesus' Lifestyle To Experience Riches That Last

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.  James 1:9-11  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father the joy of experiencing true riches by walking the narrow way is indeed what really matters so as not to lose sight of eternity with you in Heaven. I pray that my heart loves you with purity and joy, even as i manage the earthly riches delegated to me to accomplish the purpose to which i am called. Father i also pray that you multiply the five loaves and two fishes for the extension of your Kingdom especially to the poor and sick. I commit this blessed day to your mighty hand. In Jesus' name i give thanks.

Walking In Divine Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  James 1:5  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father this is a wonderful desire coming from your heart in that you care enough to see me walk in divine wisdom to manage various life challenges encountered daily. I ask for your wisdom to be proactive in supporting and serving people under my care. Help me to examine my heart whenever i am reactive to any perceived unpleasant circumstance. May i keep experiencing divine peace from above. Thank you for another gift of life today. Lead me to bless someone whom you would like me to touch with your love. Father i give you praise and thanks for being my help, strength and shield. In Jesus' gracious name i pray.

Let My Faith Produce Patience And Joy

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 1:3-4  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father i have faith already deposited into my spirit, which can produce steadfastness - one that shall withstand trials of all kinds. Let my faith grow to bear the fruit of the Spirit particularly patience and joy. Also let it impact the spiritual life of many who are longing to be touched by you, be it emotionally, physically or supernaturally. May my faith in you be the solid rock to overcome trials, be it at work, in ministry, with family and relationships, or in finances. Father i shall look to you to deepen my faith and strengthen my trust in you regardless of external circumstances. In Jesus' mighty name i pray.

Putting On A Kingdom Mindset

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.  James 1:2  ESV.

Dear Heavenly Father i shall keep this instruction in my heart trusting you to guide me and mould me to be the person you want me to be. Open my eyes to recognise which is the trial i am facing, and welcome it with joy. Let me think heavenly and act humanly so that i will always put on a kingdom mindset. I know this inner joy is coming from you, for the Holy Spirit in me is bestowed upon me since i surrendered my heart to you. Father i commit this 2nd day of 2016 into your wonderful hand. In Jesus' name i pray.

A Servant Of Jesus Christ Called By God

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.  James 1:1

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for this brand new year of 2016.  I desire to walk faithfully with you as a servant of God serving my Master, my Lord Jesus Christ.  Christ is indeed my identity and to Him do I belong.  I pray that my heart will demonstrate the spirit of Christ evidenced by the spirit of humility, meekness and obedience.  Let my life be a blessing to others and a sweet aroma to you Father God. May I deepen my desire to seek first the kingdom of God and your righteousness.  May my life count for eternity and may it bring glory to you. In Jesus' wonderful name I give thanks and pray.