the breakfast blog - from Kingdom Life Frankfurt

25 June 2010

''Accommodating the New - the need to change our thinking''

''Introduction:'' Take off Scripture Isaiah 43:18-19

* What we see or focus on will affect how we hear God’s voice.
* We need to have God's focus (i.e. His perspective on a situation) when we hear the word of the Lord
* Our focus can mean the difference between being victorious or being victims; walking in deliverance or being delivered up.

''Examples of contrasting mind-sets / mentality when confronted with the new:''

i). Joshua & Caleb vs the 10 spies vis-à-vis the promised land (Number 13) - Joshua & Caleb had a victors mind-set vs the 10 spies' "grass-hopper" victim mind-set

ii). David vs Saul & the Army of Israel vis-à-vis Goliath - God focus (i.e. David saw himself as a person in covenant with the living God) vs people focus (Saul & the army focused on how big Goliath was).

iii). Abraham vs Lot vis-à-vis Sodom & Gomorrah - Abraham was an influencer who knew his authority in interceding on behalf on the city vs Lots totally immersion and influence by the city that he was commanded not to look back.

''Paradigms / World view''

* A paradigm (world view) is a model consisting of shared assumptions regarding what works and what is true.
* A paradigm (world view) often offers us feelings of security. That is why we hold onto them so strongly.
* Our paradigms often defines us. It tells us who we are, where we're going, and where we came from.
* Each paradigm shift takes us from a model of thinking that we must discard to a new model that we must embrace.

The Need of a change in paradigms / thinking to accommodate the new things that God is doing.

"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined.
But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.(Luke 5:37-38)"

Embracing the new is not natural to people

"And no one, having drunk old (wine), immediately desires new; for he says, 'The old is better. " Luke 5:39)

''Case study example: Peter’s vision - Acts 10: 9-16''

His (world view) was to refrain from social contact with Gentiles. Peter’s paradigm was "set-apart" from anything unclean.

''Temple.'' Focus of Jewish life and worship. With its segregated courts in order from outermost to innermost.

1. The court of the Gentiles
2. The court of the women
3. The court of the Jewish Men (ages 12 and up)
4. The court of the priests
5. The court of the holies
6. The Holies of Holies (Ark of the Covenant, representing the very presence of God).

Peter’s faith, history, cultural and socially upbringing taught him barriers.

The vision would have challenged all the cultural and social norms and what he came to believe as being true.

Peter pondered, but then took a step of faith knowing God was in it.... even though he didn't have all the answers and it could cost him personally.

If Peter did not take that step, perhaps we (Gentiles) would not be here today.

Friday 26 February 2010

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God is inviting us into His presence.  We can come with boldness and confidence - we have nothing to fear. Ephesians says "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome."  And in Hebrews the writer says in Chapter 4 "Our High Priest understands our weaknesses for he faced all the same temptations that we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it."  The Psalmist says "When can I come and stand before God?" - The answer comes, "send out your light and your truth, let them guide me and lead me to your Holy mountain, to the place where you live. Why be discouraged, why be downhearted - I will put my trust in my God."

It may seem completely the wrong thing to do, but God is saying - when you are down, when you are struggling, when temptation is knocking at your door, when things have gone wrong - 'Come into my presence'

The place to go when things have gone wrong, is to His presence

The place to go when sin ensnares us, is to His presence

The place to go when downcast, is to His presence

We are assured of a glad welcome. Its time to accept the invitation, time to walk in obedience, time to walk in His love in faith, and see Him take us to another level in Him. 

Listen to the word shared by Alexander on Sunday 21st Feb at Kingdom Life....it should start automatically when this page loads.

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{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/m31.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Friday 23 March 2010 <br>''THE UNCHANGING NATURE OF GOD'S PURPOSE'' <br><br>When we talk about the will of God we need to differentiate between the will of God that is conditional and dependent on the response of man and the purpose of God that is unconditional and unstoppable<br>  <br>[[Read More...|The unchanging nature of God’s purpose]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/tat2.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Friday 12 March 2010 <br>''FROM CHI TEA TO TATTOO'' <br><br>I want to talk to you about someone who has a tattoo on his thigh - GOD<br>  <br>[[Read More...|From chi tea to tattoo]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/sceptre.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Friday 26 February 2010 <br>''AN INVITATION TO HIS PRESENCE'' <br><br>God is inviting us into His presence. We can come with boldness and confidence - we have nothing to fear<br>  <br>[[Read More...|An invitation to His presence]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/tree.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Sunday 21 February 2010 <br>''SPIRITUAL WISDOM'' <br><br>What is wisdom? <br>  <br>[[Read More...|Spiritual Wisdom]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/bible2.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Wednesday 23 December 2009 <br>''PSALM 31 - SIMPLE STUDY GUIDE'' <br><br>Continuing on from last week where Alexander was challenging us to ask what are we doing with God's revealed word in our lives - asking "Are we living it?" <br>  <br>[[Read More...|Psalm 31 - Simple study guide]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/Restoration.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Saturday 12 December 2009 <br>''REVELATION FOR RESTORATION'' <br><br>Over the past week I’ve been thinking about the incredible amount of really good preaching and teaching material that is available within the body of Christ, and in particular how blessed we are in KLF with the quality of input we receive week in, week out<br>  <br>[[Read More...|Revelation for restoration]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/mac.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Saturday 5 December 2009 <br>''LIBERTY OF LOVE'' <br><br>Does your Operating System have a bug or virus? - Psalm 119:165 (New International Version) "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."<br>  <br>[[Read More...|Receiving the promises of God]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/cross1.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Monday 2 November 2009 <br>''RECEIVING THE PROMISES OF GOD'' <br><br>Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him<br>  <br>[[Read More...|Receiving the promises of God]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/eagle.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Sunday 18 October 2009 <br>''NEVER LOSE SIGHT'' <br><br>God has got a plan for each and every one of us. We should not forget this. We should receive the Word of God with faith concerning His plan for our lives.<br>  <br>[[Read More...|Never lose sight]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/rbow.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Sunday 18 October 2009 <br>''GOD IS GOOD'' <br><br>We sing about it, and we read about it, but do we have a faith filled conviction that God is good, and everything that comes from God is good?<br>  <br>[[Read More...|God is good]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/glory.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Thursday 24 September 2009 <br>''WHAT'S YOUR MINISTRY'' <br><br>As Christians we represent God here on Earth! He has chosen to use us to see His Kingdom come. He is calling us to minister His freedom and minister His glory. What He has given us through His Spirit we are to serve to others<br>  <br>[[Read More...|What's your Ministry?]]|
}}}
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/glory.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Thursday 24 September 2009 <br>''WHAT'S YOUR MINISTRY'' <br><br>As Christians we represent God here on Earth! He has chosen to use us to see His Kingdom come. He is calling us to minister His freedom and minister His glory. What He has given us through His Spirit we are to serve to others<br>  <br>[[Read More...|What's your Ministry?]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/graceandpeace.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Tuesday 8 September 2009 <br>''GRACE AND PEACE'' <br><br> Grace and peace form the foundation of the believer’s life in Christ. Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2. Both grace and peace are received by faith in Jesus.<br>  <br>[[Read More...|Grace and Peace]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/intimacy.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Friday 28 August 2009 <br>''THE PLACE OF INTIMACY'' <br><br>Psalm 27 speaks about a relationship that is on a sure foundation - one of intimacy. God invites us to “Come and talk with me” - and David’s response is “Lord, I am coming”<br>  <br>[[Read More...|The Place of Intimacy]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/secret.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Wednesday, 26 August 2009 <br>''SECRET SIN'' <br><br> “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.” 1 John 2:1 (NLT).<br>  <br>[[Read More...|Secret Sin]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/replacing.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Wednesday, 19 August 2009 <br>''REPLACING THE SPIRIT'' <br><br> In order to break a possessive spirit in your life, you must be intentionally generous with that which you are holding onto!<br>  <br>[[Read More...|Replacing The Spirit]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/jairus.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Friday, 10 July 2009 <br>''THE JAIRUS MOMENT'' <br><br>Revelation 19 v10 tells us that the witness of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy. When we meet with Jesus, when we see Him act, that becomes a prophetic operation over similar situations in our lives<br>  <br>[[Read More...|The Place of Intimacy]]|
}}}

12 June 2010

If a man decides he wants to strengthen and build up his body, there are certain steps he will need to take to accomplish his goal. Similarly, if we are to strengthen and build up the church, Christ’s Body, we will need to take very similar steps…

To build and strengthen a human body you need to:

1. Consider (plan) what you wish to accomplish
2. Sacrifice time to invest in the body
3. Put in effort to make sure you get on with it and persevere
4. Pay some money if needed
5. Feed yourself properly
6. Be disciplined to be consistent
7. Monitor your progress

Similarly, God wants us to care for His Body as we care for own bodies!

* 2 Cor. 5:15 – we are to live for Christ
* Phil. 2:19-21 – we are to live for the interests of Christ
* 1 Cor. 6:19,20 – we are not our own. We are stewards of our own body as well as the Body of Christ.
* Eph. 5:28-30 – we are to care for Christ’s body as we care for ourselves.

How does one build and strengthen the church body?

1. Consider (plan) = pray for the people you want to build relationship with
2. Sacrifice time = set aside time to meet with others
3. Put in effort = don’t make excuses! Make it happen!
4. Pay some money if needed = coffee or lunch or go for a walk!
5. Feed yourself properly = be filled with the Spirit to encourage and build up others (purposeful)
6. Be disciplined to be consistent = meet regularly to build relationship
7. Monitor your progress = check for fruitfulness

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[[Accommodating the New]]

Friday 12 March 2010

<html><img src="images/tat2.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>

I want to talk to you about someone who has a tattoo on his thigh - GOD
 
''Revelation 19:11-16''  Give  a description of Jesus
 
- He judges and makes war. -> Jesus is not on the cross anymore. Came as a Lamb, will return as a King. He IS the King!
- It is NOT US who do the judging. We have to see Jesus in this way. He does not need our help. Judgement IS mine, says the Lord!
- Eyes are like blazing fire. –> Window into your soul. Consumed by something. What? The glory of God, the love for his bride. And a thousand other things, mysteries. He is the God of the universe.
- Robe dipped in blood. -> Not very politically correct, but it’s in the Bible.
- White Robe. -> No defensive armor. Pretty sure of victory.
- Word of God: (Hebrews 4,12: Sword; Jeremiah 23,29: Fire, Sword; It is alive!; 1. Peter 1,23) King of Kings, Lord of Lords; Jesus, Matthäus 1,23 (God saves)   Notice: Just descriptions, no name can do him justice!
 
''What's the application?''
 
- Faithfulness:         - Yes be a Yes today - To our families, and our wife
 - True                    - Integrity - No fear
 
''But how?'' 

By resting in what Jesus did for us.

- I am saved. -> I have nothing to prove. Itimacy: God has spoken it to you.
- Put on your joggstaps! -> "The spirit of domination lives in you. Because Jesus dominated everything!" – Matthew Barnett

Be courageous: What prophetic word has he spoken to you?
 
- Imagine how it would be if today we would dare to win ground today?! With the attitude of Christ, we can live and disciple men that stand up

Sunday 18th October 2009

We often sing about it, talk about it and read about it - but do you really believe, I mean hold a strong conviction, that God is good? I mean now today, in 2009. I mean in your life and the life of those around you. Moses had the desire to know God and to experience God in all His glory - God's reply is to say to Moses that He would cause all His goodness to pass before him! God's good character was expressed through that encounter by God declaring His name. A God of faithfulness, a God of unending love, and God of mercy and grace, and a God who forgives. This is the true nature of God.

When God made the world he said that it was very good. The works He has planned for you and I to do are good. This is the true biblical picture of who God is.

God does not have sickness, trouble, trials and temptation for us. The author of these things is God's enemy the devil. These things entered God's good creation through the disobedience of man.

The enemy's tactic is to persuade you that in some way, even if its just a doubt, that God is somehow responsible for these negative things. If the enemy can get you thinking like that, you will be sunk - your prayer life will be at best double minded, and at worst, completely filled with unbelief.

No in all things we are more than conquerors - through Christ who gives us strength! God gives us resources, strategies and promises to ''defeat'' the enemy, not attribute our problems to God.

Resources - Like the Word of God, both written and revealed, and He gives us His Holy Spirit to live within us.

Strategies - Resist the devil and he will flee from you; Live according to the Spirit not according to the sinful nature; Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Promises - The devil will flee if you resist him; Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path; He is your strong tower - the righteous run in and are saved

The devil is God's enemy, not his co-worker. Let's rise up and see him defeated in our lives today. Let's get a fresh revelation of God's goodness, and ask him to forgive us where we have attributed sickness, trouble and other problems to Him and not their author.

25 May 2010

In Psalm 114:2, we read that “Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion.”

God’s people are His sanctuary - His habitation in which He dwells by His Spirit. 1 Cor. 3:16

God’s people are also His dominion - those He rules over with authority and power. 1 Peter 3:15

As the believer becomes increasingly conscious of God’s presence and submits to His power and authority, God will manifest Himself in him and through him.

Authority is the right to control and power is the ability to control.

As the believer surrenders and exchanges his right to control (authority) for God’s right to control his life and, surrenders and exchanges his ability to control (power) for God’s ability to control, the believer will increasingly manifest God’s presence, authority and power.

Jesus submitted completely to the Father’s presence, authority and power and therefore manifested the Father. John 14:9-11

God wants His people to die to dependence on self in order to live in dependence on Him alone so that He can reveal His presence, authority and power in and through His people.

As God manifests Himself through us, we will see the natural “tremble” and the “rock turn into a pool and the hard rock into springs of water” Psalm 114:7,8

Become increasingly conscious of God’s presence in you and around you and surrender your rights and abilities to His authority and power and watch God glorify His name through you!

Tuesday 8 September 2009

Grace and peace form the foundation of the believer’s life in Christ. Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2 - Both grace and peace are received by faith in Jesus.

“…since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Rom. 5:1,2R

''Righteousness from God''

- Both grace and peace are dependent upon Christ’s righteousness and not man’s righteousness.
- Man can only have peace with God through faith and never by his own righteousness.
- Even a clear conscience does not determine whether one is right with God or not!
- “My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.” 1 Cor. 4:4
- It is only faith in Christ’s righteousness that gives us access into God’s presence. Heb. 10:19-22R

''Relationship versus Fellowship''

- The believer must distinguish between his relationship with God and fellowship with God.
- The believer’s relationship with God; his sonship, is entirely based on faith in Christ’s righteousness.
- Therefore nothing can separate the believer from God’s love. Rom. 8:35-39
- However, if the believer sins, he grieves the Holy Spirit so that he is unable to enjoy fellowship with God. Eph. 4:30

- A breaking of fellowship with God does not mean a severance of the relationship! Just because a husband and wife break fellowship because of an argument does not mean that they are no longer in a marriage relationship! Similarly, believers must not confuse fellowship/ communion with God with their relationship to God!

- There is no condemnation for those who believe in Christ because they are clothed with His righteousness – the righteousness that comes from God. Gal. 3:27; Rom. 3:22

- By faith in Jesus the believer can stand in grace and enjoy peace with God!
- It is because the believer is holy (in right relationship with God) that he is to live a holy life (continuous fellowship with God through obedience). Heb. 10:14
- Obedience does not lead to righteousness – it maintains fellowship!
- The fruit of faith is righteousness and the fruit of obedience is fellowship.

We praise God for our Great High Priest who lives to intercede for us so that we continue to stay in relationship with Him and can be washed of the sin that hinders our fellowship with Him! Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:1,2

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Saturday 5th December

''Does your Operating System have a bug or virus?''

Psalm 119:165 (New International Version) "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."
Psalm 119:165 (Amplified Bible) "Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble."

Proverbs 3:2

1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favour with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.

''What should Love be?'' Romans 12:9

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

''Guidance comments:''

* Don’t live on the edge of Love. Centre yourself in Love. Love works no ill or harm.
* If you sleep with regrets, anger and strife then you will wake with regrets, anger and strife. You need to deal with them honestly.
* Operate in attitude of Love
* Love sets you free
* Love without forgiveness is not enough.
* Forgiveness without love also does not cut it.
* Deliberately put on a Jesus mentality, so that there is no room for flesh, and selfish attitudes etc.

''Grace:''

Take an abundance of Grace. Poured out and dispensed by the Holy Spirit

''Offense:''

* YOU WILL BE OFFENDED: so operate in Grace, true Grace! Not just smile and be OK till you are around the corner. Sometimes you can ask the person who offended you and many times not. So you have to operate in true Grace.
* Use your shield of Faith.
* Protect yourself and move on.
* If offence penetrates, it poisons your inner being, thoughts and attitudes, etc. You can’t afford to leave it there. Bring in prayer or share in the right attitude with those who offended you.

Why? When we operate our lives on the basis or foundation of Love, active Love, not fluffy romantic love, then we have the right foundation for all the Gifts of God and relationships.

Let me explain it like this. Imagine a computer, if it is well made, with the operating system in good working order, and all the drivers working well. Your PC will do all that it is supposed to do and do it well.

BUT! If the operating system is a bit unstable, you can still get the programmes to work, and it will still produce reasonable and sometimes good results for you. However, sometimes it will freeze, even crash out, or refuse to do what you ask it to do.

Our lives are the same, if we operate in the Gifts and character of God, He will honour His works and it will work most of the time and well too. However, if we get the basis right “Love” then all these areas (programmes) but actually aspects of God will work 100% all of the time.

Hence Paul said the greatest of these is LOVE.

Great peace have they that love the Law. The Law of Love.

Monday 26th October 2009

GOD has got a plan for each and every one of us. We should not forget this. We should receive the Word of GOD with faith concerning HIS plan for our lives.

- Lk 1:38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.“
- Mary received the plan of GOD by faith when the angel of the LORD came to her.
- Joseph as a little boy the plan of GOD came to him in a form of a dream and he received it with great joy. Therefore the Word declares that if we don’t receive the kingdom as little children we will never see it! Joseph didn’t judge the Word of GOD coming to him through a dream, but he received it with joy. And I am fully convinced that the way he received the Word equipped him to go through all he went through without being shaken!
- Joseph received the Word of GOD which was the plan for his life without judging it first; he opened himself and received it.
- I see us people as taps and GOD as a fresh water pool. Now if we never open the tap it will never fulfill the purpose in why it was created. We need to open the tap before it will actually do that which it was destined to do. As Joseph opened himself for the Word we should open our hearts and let streams of living water flow through our bellies. If we do this we will receive the Word of GOD just as Joseph did, with joy, excitement and passion!

There once was an eagle egg on a nest in the mountains. When the father was away the enemy came and stole this eagle egg and placed it among the chicken eggs. As the eagle hatched with all the other chickens he thought he was a chicken too. Somehow he knew that there was something different about him, but he did not know what it was. Every day he would go to the lake and wonder why he feels the way he does. Now the father was looking for his kid every day, and on this particular day the father flew over this piece of land looking for his son. As the father recognized his son he cried out, open your wings and fly up to me. The son said, but I can’t fly I am only a chicken. The father said, just keep your eyes on me and don’t be afraid. That is what the son did, and he flew.

- This story might remind us of the day we got saved, but the same voice that called us into HIS kingdom out of darkness is calling us into our destiny after our conversion.
- This story reminds me of the story of Moses. Born a Hebrew he was given away as a little child, but GOD called him out into his destiny!
- As JESUS called Peter out of the boat, HE calls us to step out in faith to fulfill that which GOD has called us to do.

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Wednesday 23 December 2009

Continuing on from last week where Alexander was challenging us to ask what are we doing with God's revealed word in our lives - asking "Are we living it?" - this week I want to share from Psalm 31, which is where I've been reading and meditating recently. I want to share a simple model that may help you get into the word and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal fresh revelation to you.

Often I will be reading a portion of scripture and I will sense God saying, stay here awhile. When that happens, I'll then spend time in that chapter or book and God will reveal something new, often each day, that I will then spend thime praying through and applying to my life and situations.

There are three ways in particular that I can do this - three different angles on the same scripture so to speak.

1. What did the writer have in mind for their readers?

This is the historical context, the original meaning of the text meant by the author for the intended readership. So often we completely miss this when we study the word - we love to jump in an start drawing conclusions about ourselves and our current situations. ITs worth soending some time either meditating or studying the word to understand what the text is saying. For example in Psalm 31, here we see David, a man of battle, a man pursued by his enemies, pursued by Saul - putting his complete trust in his God. "I am trusting you O Lord, "You are my God" - my future is in Your hands. This was very real for David, this applied to times of real physical battle, swords, blood, life and death - yet David was sure of His God "Be for me a great rock of safety". As I see David's trust in God, it also becomes clear that David had the same revelation of who God is that Moses did in Exodus 34. "Your goodness is so great", "Let your favour shine on me, in your unfailing love save me", "Rescue me Lord, you are a faithful God". David'S heart understood the heart of God, and he applied it to every situation.

2. What is God saying to me, now?

Its amazing when the Holy Spirit just lifts a passage or verse out of the Bible and shows it to us as a word for us, or a word in season. Psalm 31 v 1 and 2 and 14-16 have been very real for me in the past couple of weeks, as I have started a new role in my company. God is saying that He has planted me on a rock, that He is a fortress of safety and that He will shine His favour through my life - wow. Note that my focus is on God rather than on me. Its all to easy to get wrapped up in ourselves. As you read the Word keep your focus on God

3. What is God saying about himself?

The third angle is to ask what is God revealing about Himself in the passage. In Psalm 31 I believe that Jesus had this Psalm in mind while he was suffering for us on the cross. Jesus quotes the scripture as He dies. But reading the Psalm from this perspective gives a totally new insight into the suffering, agony and also the unending love of Christ as he sacrificed his life for you and me. Verses 9-17 for example are amazing.

9 Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress.
Tears blur my eyes.
My body and soul are withering away.
10 I am dying from grief;
my years are shortened by sadness.
Sin has drained my strength;
I am wasting away from within.
11 I am scorned by all my enemies
and despised by my neighbors—
even my friends are afraid to come near me.
When they see me on the street,
they run the other way.
12 I am ignored as if I were dead,
as if I were a broken pot.
13 I have heard the many rumors about me,
and I am surrounded by terror.
My enemies conspire against me,
plotting to take my life.
14 But I am trusting you, O LORD,
saying, "You are my God!"
15 My future is in your hands.
Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.
16 Let your favor shine on your servant.
In your unfailing love, rescue me.
17 Don't let me be disgraced, O LORD,
for I call out to you for help.

Monday 2nd November 2009

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious ''promises'', so that ''through them you may participate in the divine nature'' and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:2-4

Peter is saying by the Holy Spirit that we can “participate in the divine nature” through the “very great and precious promises” God has given us.

Many Christians try to appropriate the promises of God in their own strength by “having enough faith” in the promises. However, it is clear that the promises of God are ''fulfilled in Christ''!

“But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not ‘Yes’ and ‘No.’ For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not ‘Yes’ and ‘No,’ but in him it has always been ‘Yes.’ For ''no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God''.” 2 Corinthians 1:18-20

Therefore, it is by trusting in Jesus that we receive and realise all that is needed for life and godliness. Through faith in Christ, God joins us to His divine nature and makes us righteous, holy and godly. Apart from Christ the believer cannot produce the fruit of righteousness, holiness and godliness. Christ is our righteousness, holiness and godliness. Salvation is union with God in Christ Jesus. Not only that, but ''all God’s promises are ours in Christ Jesus''. We just need to trust in Jesus and agree with God by speaking the ‘Amen’ to the glory of God. Hallelujah!

Wednesday, 19 August 2009

''The world''

1. The pattern of this world is to be possessive.
2. The media constantly incites society to possess cars, houses, jewelry, money etc.
3. People of this world are defined by what they possess.
4. 1 John 2:15-17
5. A possessive spirit applies not only to material possessions but also to one’s own life.
6. The possessive spirit owns its life and demands its rights. “It’s my life and I can do what I like with it.”
7. A possessive spirit can also extend toward wife and children!
8. The possessive spirit is a manipulative and controlling spirit because it wants complete ownership of others’ lives.

''The Kingdom''

1. The pattern of the Kingdom is for us to be stewards.
2. The Word of God repeatedly emphasizes that we are stewards of everything God has given us to look after and that belongs to Him.
3. The believer is defined by who He belongs to and not what He owns.
4. Matthew 10:8
5. We are to be stewards of our lives since we do not belong to ourselves. 2 Cor. 5:15
6. 1 Cor. 6:19-20
7. Our wives and children are not our possession but under our care! We are to encourage them to be conformed to Jesus and not ourselves or what we think they should be like!
8. The spirit of stewardship releases and does not hold on to things or people or ministries or names or rights etc. 1 Cor. 6:7 “Why not rather be wronged”

''Identifying a possessive spirit''

a. How would you respond if someone else got the credit for work you did?
b. Would you let someone live in your house/apartment for a year whilst you are away?
c. Would you be able to give away what is most precious to you if God asked you to?
d. Are those closest to you free to be themselves or do they need to measure up to your expectations before you approve of them?
e. Are you tithing?
f. What percentage of what God has given you do you use for yourself? (time, money, energy, gifts etc)
g. How do you respond when people interrupt your free time?
h. How do you respond when people correct your work?
i.How do you respond when things don’t go your way?

''Breaking the possessive spirit!''

In order to break a possessive spirit in your life, you must be intentionally generous with that which you are holding onto! If it is money, give an amount that “hurts” to someone. If it is time, plan to use “your” time for the benefit of another. If it is serving, set aside time to serve at home or in the church or at work. If it is those close to you, make an effort to accept them as they are without placing demands on them. If it is a possession, give it away or let someone borrow it for a season.

Phil. 2:5-8
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross! Phil. 2 - Jesus did not hold on to His high position but humbled Himself to be
used of the Father.

Proverbs 11:24-26
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
26 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell.

1 Peter 2:21-23

Saturday 12 December 2009

2 Peter 1:12 "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know [them], and be established in the present truth." (KJV)

Over the past week I’ve been thinking about the incredible amount of really good preaching and teaching material that is available within the body of Christ, and in particular how blessed we are in KLF with the quality of input we receive week in, week out.

This resulted in a few questions springing to my mind:

What is the present word of truth that we are holding fast to and contending with?
Do we know what is on God's mind for us right now and if so what is our “real” response?

Romans 10: 17 says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the (rhema) word of God. (Italics mine)

Are we really walking in the “now” revealed word of God to us” that leads us into divine encounters, which results in us being firmly established in the present truth.

These are important questions to think about as we fast approach the new year. I am convinced that there are shifts taking place in the heavenlies, and new cycles that are being worked out in the earth realm. As we come into 2010 I firmly believe that we need to make sure that we are rightly aligned with the Lord’s divine ordering of events and restoration that we will see being worked out next year.

I believe that for some, this ordering of events and restoration it will mean the stepping into a new cycle of fruitfulness instead of continual barreness. For others, coming into a new season of revealved purpose ending the old cycle of spiritual wandering in circles dealing with old issues. Still for some the restoration of resources as new assignments are revealved and embraced.

In Eph 1: 17 the apostle Paul prays for the saint at Ephesus "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and a spirit of revelation in the knowledge of Him."

In order for us to be rightly aligned in this new season we need more that ever before a spirit of revelation from the Father of Glory.

I for one have been experiencing profound divine encounters over the past few weeks as I've taken hold of, and contended with, the word of God that the Holy Spirit has been illuminating to my heart.

''Revelation will be challenged.''

Exodus 14:8. In this passage that the children of Israel left Egypt boldly.

Any transition from one season or cycle to another will require that the adoption of a certain posture in the spirit. That posture is one of boldness and confidence. We cannot enter the land and possess the things of God with a slave mentality. I believe that more than ever before the qualities of boldness and confidence in our God will be the differentiating hallmarks between those saints who hear the word and do nothing of real signifance, and those embrace the word and make a true impact. However it will also require a disatifaction with the spiritual status quo and mediocrity that is all around us.

The revelation that we receive will be challenged as we move forward (Exodus 14: 9-10). However the way that we response to the challenges will be the deciding factor as to whether we see the Lord’s fullfilment of his revealed word in our lives (Exodus 14:12-15).

As I meditated on this the Lord led me to the tempation of Christ in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-11).

Jesus faced three challenges which I believe are three signficant areas that we will need to be to firmly settled and established in our hearts if we are to move forward in the new season.

''Identity''

“If you are the son of God…” Jesus was challenged in the area of his Identity. He already received affirnation from the Father that he was the beloved son in whom the Father was well pleased (Matthew 3:17).

''Right use of Power and Authority''

“throw yourselve down…He will give His angels charge over you…” (verse 5 -6). Our motivation in the area of our use of Power & Authority will be challenged.

''Purpose / Assignment''

“all the kingdoms of the world and the glory…” (verse 8-9). Our commitment to faithful obedience to God’s way for the assignment to be carried out will be challenged.

With all three challenges, Jesus faced them with the “Rhema “ word of God. We are to do the same.

''Jesus lived out of a Spirit of Revelation.''

Jesus had a revelation of who he was. This could be seen from the many references to “I am ….” In the gospel of John. He knew where he came from and he knew where he was going. That revelation took him past the suffering, shame and death on the cross (see Hebrews 12: 2-3).

Jesus had a revelation of his purpose to do the will of the Father and destroy the works of the devil (John 3:16 & I John 3:8).

Jesus had a revelation of the power & authority that had been given to Him. Therefore he could execise it and also delegate it. (Matthew 28:18, Luke -:1-2, Luke 10: 19).

Finally…. So I leave us with the questions posed at the beginning…

What is the present word of truth that we are holding fast to and contending with?

Do we know what is on God's mind for us right now and if so what is our “real” response?

Are we really walking in the “now” revealed word of God to us” that leads us into divine encounters, which results in us being firmly established in the present truth.

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!!!''Return to the main [[KLF Site|http://www.kingdomlife-frankfurt.com]]''
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Wednesday, 26 August 2009

If I could summarize these three letters of the Apostle in one verse it would have to be this verse right here, 1 John 5:13.

“I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13 (NLT)

Jesus also said that he wanted us to have life in abundance (John 10:10).

Check out the following scripture:

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.” 1 John 2:1 (NLT)

I want to draw your attention to the words, “That you will not sin.” John is not saying that we must be perfect. He is simply saying that we should be in the process of becoming more Christ-like every day.

We only have to look around at the recent fall of prominent public figures and also Christian leaders, to see that one of the most effective weapons being used by Satan against people, especially Leaders is what I will call “Secret Sin!”

Secret Sin is sin that we do and think that no one will find out about. It’s the stuff that happens when we don’t think people are watching. I don’t think that there isn’t any one who wasn’t been guilty of secret sins.

There are 3 things that I want draw your attention to concerning The Power of Secret Sin.

''THE POWER OF SECRET SIN''

1.Secret Sin keeps us from EXPERENCING GOD!

When Jesus was praying in the garden, he willingly and intentionally embraced going to the cross; however the pain of being separated from God the Father was unbearable.

“Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’” Mark 15:34 (NLT)

Our Sins separated Jesus from the Father for just a little while. But it was long enough for Jesus to stay up all night praying about it. Today, our sins (secret and public) separate us from God, and keep us from experiencing the fullness of God. The Bible says,

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NLT)

Death = Eternal separation from God.

For those who have never asked Jesus to take away their sins and to be the Lord and Savior of our life, they will spend eternity separated from God.

However if we as believers, continue to indulge in Secret Sin, we never experience the fullness of God offered through Jesus.

2.Secret Sin keeps us from FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE!

If not dealt with, secret sin can lead us to places and into situations that we never thought possible. It can cause us to end up doing things we never thought we would do. The Bible is very clear and serious when it says,

“Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Genesis 4:7 (NLT)

How many of us know that Satan knows which buttons to push? He knows our weakness and he will tempt us with those things over and over again.

“You should know this, Timothy that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT)

Sin will cause us to act religious, while at time causing us to reject the power that make us godly, because we don’t have faithful obedience.

3.Secret Sin keeps us from LOVING OTHERS!

“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?” James 4:1 (NLT)

Sin Separates! It separates us from God, and it separates us from others! In other words it isolates! That’s what Secret Sin does; it keeps us Isolated from others.

Let’s see how!

The enemy constantly whisper things to us like:

“No-one will know or will ever fine out?”

“You can handle this on your own?”

“You are the only one that deals with this?”

“They’ll reject you if you confess and think you’re a backslider who can’t be trusted!”

All lies straight from the pit of Hell… but we believe them anyway and stay away. Making excuses for not having fellowship with others, and living our lives with the fear of exposure.

God designed us to be in relationships with others, and secret sin tries to prevent us from experiencing deeper relationships and truly loving others.

Now if it ended here, we would be in a terrible state. But the good news comes in the second part of verse one. Look at it again,

“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.” 1 John 2:1 (NLT)

“We have an advocate . . . Jesus!”

When Jesus went to the cross, he opened up a whole new dimension for us to live in. He provided a way out of sin, so we could experience the fullness of life that God created us to have. But we have to choose to trust Him with the details of our life in order to experience this.

We choose to be closed or open to Christ.

We can choose to close our life out of alignment to God plans and purposes for our lives, because we are hanging on to our secret sin so tightly. If we like our secret sin, we will try to hide it. We will even try to justify it. But sadly, we will spend our life not experiencing everything God has for us because we are choosing that secret sin over the Savior.

Others of us will choose to open ourselves up to God! We will bring everything - all the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of our lives and say, “Jesus, please take this, and work within me to become and experience all the things God created me to become and experience.”

The power of the Cross is stronger than the power of sin. But only when we openly come to the Cross do we begin to experience its power.

''THE POWER OF THE CROSS''

1.The Cross gives us FORGIVENESS!

“He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” 1 John 2:2 (NLT)

2.The Cross gives us FELLOWSHIP!

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20 (NLT)

Because of the cross, we have fellowship with God, and fellowship with others. The cross is a picture of this vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with others. And in this fellowship, we find acceptance, love, encouragement, accountability, correction, guidance, and joy for our journey.

3.The Cross gives us FREEDOM!

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)

It doesn’t matter what we struggle with we can be set free.

We can be set free from all the junk that Satan tries to control us with.

We can be free from that secret sin that seems to be there at every turn we make. We just have to believe that Jesus will do what He says He will do, hand those things over to Him, and walk in the revealed truth of God’s word.

“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NLT)

If you are struggling with secret sin, know today that Jesus wants you to experience Forgiveness, He wants you to experience Fellowship, and He wants you to experience Freedom.

You can experience these things, when you take your stuff, no matter how big or how small, and ask Him to take it so you can experience all of Him.

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|''Description''|displays search results as a simple list of matching tiddlers|
|''Authors''|FND|
|''Version''|0.4.0|
|''Status''|stable|
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* added Open All button (renders Classic Search option obsolete)
* sorting by relevance (title matches before content matches)
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if(!version.extensions.SimpleSearchPlugin) { //# ensure that the plugin is only installed once
version.extensions.SimpleSearchPlugin = { installed: true };

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plugins.SimpleSearchPlugin = {
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	containerId: "searchResults",
	btnCloseLabel: "close",
	btnCloseTooltip: "dismiss search results",
	btnCloseId: "search_close",
	btnOpenLabel: "Open all",
	btnOpenTooltip: "open all search results",
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	closeResults: function() {
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		highlightHack = null;
	},

	openAll: function(ev) {
		story.displayTiddlers(null, plugins.SimpleSearchPlugin.results);
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	}
};

config.shadowTiddlers.StyleSheetSimpleSearch = "/*{{{*/\n" +
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	"\tpadding-left: 1.5em;\n" +
	"}\n\n" +
	"#" + plugins.SimpleSearchPlugin.containerId + " .button {\n" +
	"\tdisplay: block;\n" +
	"\tborder-color: [[ColorPalette::TertiaryDark]];\n" +
	"\tpadding: 5px;\n" +
	"\tbackground-color: [[ColorPalette::TertiaryLight]];\n" +
	"}\n\n" +
	"#" + plugins.SimpleSearchPlugin.containerId + " .button:hover {\n" +
	"\tborder-color: [[ColorPalette::TertiaryDark]];\n" +
	"\tbackground-color: [[ColorPalette::TertiaryMid]];\n" +
	"}\n\n" +
	"#" + plugins.SimpleSearchPlugin.btnCloseId + " {\n" +
	"\tfloat: right;\n" +
	"\tmargin: -5px -1em 5px 5px;\n" +
	"}\n\n" +
	"#" + plugins.SimpleSearchPlugin.btnOpenId + " {\n" +
	"\tfloat: left;\n" +
	"\tmargin-top: 5px;\n" +
	"}\n" +
	"/*}}}*/";
store.addNotification("StyleSheetSimpleSearch", refreshStyles);

// override Story.search()
Story.prototype.search = function(text, useCaseSensitive, useRegExp) {
	highlightHack = new RegExp(useRegExp ? text : text.escapeRegExp(), useCaseSensitive ? "mg" : "img");
	var matches = store.search(highlightHack, null, "excludeSearch");
	var q = useRegExp ? "/" : "'";
	plugins.SimpleSearchPlugin.displayResults(matches, q + text + q);
};

// override TiddlyWiki.search() to sort by relevance
TiddlyWiki.prototype.search = function(searchRegExp, sortField, excludeTag, match) {
	var candidates = this.reverseLookup("tags", excludeTag, !!match);
	var primary = [];
	var secondary = [];
	var tertiary = [];
	for(var t = 0; t < candidates.length; t++) {
		if(candidates[t].title.search(searchRegExp) != -1) {
			primary.push(candidates[t]);
		} else if(candidates[t].tags.join(" ").search(searchRegExp) != -1) {
			secondary.push(candidates[t]);
		} else if(candidates[t].text.search(searchRegExp) != -1) {
			tertiary.push(candidates[t]);
		}
	}
	var results = primary.concat(secondary).concat(tertiary);
	if(sortField) {
		results.sort(function(a, b) {
			return a[sortField] < b[sortField] ? -1 : (a[sortField] == b[sortField] ? 0 : +1);
		});
	}
	return results;
};

} //# end of "install only once"
//}}}

/***
|Name|SinglePageModePlugin|
|Source|http://www.TiddlyTools.com/#SinglePageModePlugin|
|Documentation|http://www.TiddlyTools.com/#SinglePageModePluginInfo|
|Version|2.9.6|
|Author|Eric Shulman|
|License|http://www.TiddlyTools.com/#LegalStatements|
|~CoreVersion|2.1|
|Type|plugin|
|Requires||
|Description|Show tiddlers one at a time with automatic permalink, or always open tiddlers at top/bottom of page.|
This plugin allows you to configure TiddlyWiki to navigate more like a traditional multipage web site with only one tiddler displayed at a time.
!!!!!Documentation
>see [[SinglePageModePluginInfo]]
!!!!!Configuration
<<<
<<option chkSinglePageMode>> Display one tiddler at a time
><<option chkSinglePagePermalink>> Automatically permalink current tiddler
><<option chkSinglePageKeepFoldedTiddlers>> Don't close tiddlers that are folded
><<option chkSinglePageKeepEditedTiddlers>> Don't close tiddlers that are being edited
<<option chkTopOfPageMode>> Open tiddlers at the top of the page
<<option chkBottomOfPageMode>> Open tiddlers at the bottom of the page
<<option chkSinglePageAutoScroll>> Automatically scroll tiddler into view (if needed)

Notes:
* The "display one tiddler at a time" option can also be //temporarily// set/reset by including a 'paramifier' in the document URL: {{{#SPM:true}}} or {{{#SPM:false}}}.
* If more than one display mode is selected, 'one at a time' display takes precedence over both 'top' and 'bottom' settings, and if 'one at a time' setting is not used, 'top of page' takes precedence over 'bottom of page'.
* When using Apple's Safari browser, automatically setting the permalink causes an error and is disabled.
<<<
!!!!!Revisions
<<<
2008.10.17 [2.9.6] changed chkSinglePageAutoScroll default to false
| Please see [[SinglePageModePluginInfo]] for previous revision details |
2005.08.15 [1.0.0] Initial Release.  Support for BACK/FORWARD buttons adapted from code developed by Clint Checketts.
<<<
!!!!!Code
***/
//{{{
version.extensions.SinglePageModePlugin= {major: 2, minor: 9, revision: 6, date: new Date(2008,10,17)};
//}}}
//{{{
config.paramifiers.SPM = { onstart: function(v) {
	config.options.chkSinglePageMode=eval(v);
	if (config.options.chkSinglePageMode && config.options.chkSinglePagePermalink && !config.browser.isSafari) {
		config.lastURL = window.location.hash;
		if (!config.SPMTimer) config.SPMTimer=window.setInterval(function() {checkLastURL();},1000);
	}
} };
//}}}
//{{{
if (config.options.chkSinglePageMode==undefined)
	config.options.chkSinglePageMode=false;
if (config.options.chkSinglePagePermalink==undefined)
	config.options.chkSinglePagePermalink=true;
if (config.options.chkSinglePageKeepFoldedTiddlers==undefined)
	config.options.chkSinglePageKeepFoldedTiddlers=false;
if (config.options.chkSinglePageKeepEditedTiddlers==undefined)
	config.options.chkSinglePageKeepEditedTiddlers=false;
if (config.options.chkTopOfPageMode==undefined)
	config.options.chkTopOfPageMode=false;
if (config.options.chkBottomOfPageMode==undefined)
	config.options.chkBottomOfPageMode=false;
if (config.options.chkSinglePageAutoScroll==undefined)
	config.options.chkSinglePageAutoScroll=false;
//}}}
//{{{
config.SPMTimer = 0;
config.lastURL = window.location.hash;
function checkLastURL()
{
	if (!config.options.chkSinglePageMode)
		{ window.clearInterval(config.SPMTimer); config.SPMTimer=0; return; }
	if (config.lastURL == window.location.hash) return; // no change in hash
	var tids=decodeURIComponent(window.location.hash.substr(1)).readBracketedList();
	if (tids.length==1) // permalink (single tiddler in URL)
		story.displayTiddler(null,tids[0]);
	else { // restore permaview or default view
		config.lastURL = window.location.hash;
		if (!tids.length) tids=store.getTiddlerText("DefaultTiddlers").readBracketedList();
		story.closeAllTiddlers();
		story.displayTiddlers(null,tids);
	}
}


if (Story.prototype.SPM_coreDisplayTiddler==undefined)
	Story.prototype.SPM_coreDisplayTiddler=Story.prototype.displayTiddler;
Story.prototype.displayTiddler = function(srcElement,tiddler,template,animate,slowly)
{
	var title=(tiddler instanceof Tiddler)?tiddler.title:tiddler;
	var tiddlerElem=document.getElementById(story.idPrefix+title); // ==null unless tiddler is already displayed
	var opt=config.options;
	var single=opt.chkSinglePageMode && !startingUp;
	var top=opt.chkTopOfPageMode && !startingUp;
	var bottom=opt.chkBottomOfPageMode && !startingUp;
	if (single) {
		story.forEachTiddler(function(tid,elem) {
			// skip current tiddler and, optionally, tiddlers that are folded.
			if (	tid==title
				|| (opt.chkSinglePageKeepFoldedTiddlers && elem.getAttribute("folded")=="true"))
				return;
			// if a tiddler is being edited, ask before closing
			if (elem.getAttribute("dirty")=="true") {
				if (opt.chkSinglePageKeepEditedTiddlers) return;
				// if tiddler to be displayed is already shown, then leave active tiddler editor as is
				// (occurs when switching between view and edit modes)
				if (tiddlerElem) return;
				// otherwise, ask for permission
				var msg="'"+tid+"' is currently being edited.\n\n";
				msg+="Press OK to save and close this tiddler\nor press Cancel to leave it opened";
				if (!confirm(msg)) return; else story.saveTiddler(tid);
			}
			story.closeTiddler(tid);
		});
	}
	else if (top)
		arguments[0]=null;
	else if (bottom)
		arguments[0]="bottom";
	if (single && opt.chkSinglePagePermalink && !config.browser.isSafari) {
		window.location.hash = encodeURIComponent(String.encodeTiddlyLink(title));
		config.lastURL = window.location.hash;
		document.title = wikifyPlain("SiteTitle") + " - " + title;
		if (!config.SPMTimer) config.SPMTimer=window.setInterval(function() {checkLastURL();},1000);
	}
	if (tiddlerElem && tiddlerElem.getAttribute("dirty")=="true") { // editing... move tiddler without re-rendering
		var isTopTiddler=(tiddlerElem.previousSibling==null);
		if (!isTopTiddler && (single || top))
			tiddlerElem.parentNode.insertBefore(tiddlerElem,tiddlerElem.parentNode.firstChild);
		else if (bottom)
			tiddlerElem.parentNode.insertBefore(tiddlerElem,null);
		else this.SPM_coreDisplayTiddler.apply(this,arguments); // let CORE render tiddler
	} else
		this.SPM_coreDisplayTiddler.apply(this,arguments); // let CORE render tiddler
	var tiddlerElem=document.getElementById(story.idPrefix+title);
	if (tiddlerElem&&opt.chkSinglePageAutoScroll) {
		// scroll to top of page or top of tiddler
		var isTopTiddler=(tiddlerElem.previousSibling==null);
		var yPos=isTopTiddler?0:ensureVisible(tiddlerElem);
		// if animating, defer scroll until after animation completes
		var delay=opt.chkAnimate?config.animDuration+10:0;
		setTimeout("window.scrollTo(0,"+yPos+")",delay); 
	}
}

if (Story.prototype.SPM_coreDisplayTiddlers==undefined)
	Story.prototype.SPM_coreDisplayTiddlers=Story.prototype.displayTiddlers;
Story.prototype.displayTiddlers = function() {
	// suspend single/top/bottom modes when showing multiple tiddlers
	var opt=config.options;
	var saveSPM=opt.chkSinglePageMode; opt.chkSinglePageMode=false;
	var saveTPM=opt.chkTopOfPageMode; opt.chkTopOfPageMode=false;
	var saveBPM=opt.chkBottomOfPageMode; opt.chkBottomOfPageMode=false;
	this.SPM_coreDisplayTiddlers.apply(this,arguments);
	opt.chkBottomOfPageMode=saveBPM;
	opt.chkTopOfPageMode=saveTPM;
	opt.chkSinglePageMode=saveSPM;
}
//}}}

from Kingdom Life Frankfurt

the breakfast blog

Sunday 21 February 2010

<html><img src="images/tree.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>

''What is wisdom?''

    * Wisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding.

''Two kinds of wisdom''

    * James 3:13-18

''We need spiritual wisdom''

    * Col. 1:9
    * 1 Cor. 2:1-14

''How do we get spiritual wisdom?''

    * Psalm 111:10

''What is “the fear of the Lord”?''

    * The fear of the Lord = the reverent consciousness of God’s presence

''Jesus delighted in the fear of the Lord''

    * Isaiah 11:1-4

''To fear God is to reverently acknowledge His presence in our lives''

    * Prov. 3:5-9

''How do we get wisdom?''

    * Proverbs 8:32-35

''What happens when we receive spiritual wisdom?''

    * Proverbs 2:1-10

/***
/%[[StyleSheetLayout]]
[[StyleSheetColors]]%/
!Rin (Beta!!!!) for TiddlyWiki 2.0
inspired by Broken Kode and implemented by Clint Checketts
http://tiddlystyles.com/#theme:Rin

!General Styles /% ============================================================ %/
***/
/*{{{*/
a,
a.tiddlyLink,
a.button,
a.externalLink{
 color: #005d93;
 text-decoration: none;
 background: transparent;
 border: 0;
}

a:hover,
a.tiddlyLink:hover,
a.button:hover,
a.externalLink:hover{
 border: 0;
 color: #900;
 text-decoration: underline;
}

body {
 background-color: #fff;
 font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;
}

#contentWrapper{
 border: 0;
 margin: .5em 1em;

}

/*}}}*/
/***
!Header Styles /% ============================================================ %/
***/
/*{{{*/
.header {
 height: 130px;
 background: url('images/banner.png') repeat-x bottom left;
 position: relative;
}

}

.siteTitle, .siteSubtitle{
 display: inline;
 font-size: 26px;
 line-height: 35px;
 font-weight: bold;
 margin: .5em .5em;
 color: #000;
}

.siteTitle a{
 color: #000;
}

.siteTitle a:hover, .siteSubtitle a:hover,.header .headerOptions a:hover{
 color: #cdcecf;
 text-decoration: none;
 background: transparent;
}

.siteSubtitle, #siteSubtitle a{
 font-weight: normal;
 color: #8b9198;
}

.headerOptions{
 position: absolute;
 z-index: 10;
 top: 10px;
 right: 17px;
 text-align: right;
 font-size: .9em;
}

.headerOptions a{
 position: relative;
 top: -2px;
 color: #8b9190;
}

.headerOptions .sliderPanel{
 color: #000;
 background: #fff;
 border-right: 2px solid #999;
 border-bottom: 2px solid #999;
 border-left: 1px solid #ccc;
 font-size: 10px;
 text-align: left;
 line-height: 1.2em;
 padding: .5em 1em;
 margin: -3px -2px 0 0;
 width: 180px; 
}

.headerOptions input{
 margin: 0em 1em 0 .5em;
 font-size: 9px;
}
/*}}}*/
/***
!Top menu styles /% =========================================================== %/
***/
/*{{{*/
#rinTopMenu{
 position: absolute;
 top: 0;
 left: 0;
 width: auto;
 padding: 0;
 margin: 0;
 color: #000;
}
#rinTopMenu br{
 display: none;
}

#rinTopMenu a{
color: #e6e6e6;
}

#rinTopMenu ul{
 margin: 0 0 2px 2px;
 padding: 0;
}

#rinTopMenu li{
 display: inline;

}

#rinTopMenu li a.tiddlyLink,#rinTopMenu li a.button,#rinTopMenu li a.externalLink{
 padding: 2px 10px;
 color: #e6e6e6;
 text-decoration: none;
}

#rinTopMenu li a.tiddlyLink:hover,#rinTopMenu li a.button:hover,#rinTopMenu li a.externalLink:hover{
 background: #97ced5;
 color: #19729e;
}
/*}}}*/
/***
!Sidebar styles /% =========================================================== %/
***/
/*{{{*/
#rinSidebar{
 float: left;
 margin: 16px 0 0 15px;
 width: 220px;
}

#sidebarOptions a.button{
 display: inline;
}

.sidebarBlock{
 display: block;
 margin: 0 0 .5em 0;
 background: #fff;
 padding-bottom: 5px;
}

.sidebarBlock h1, .sidebarBlock h2, .sidebarBlock h3, .sidebarBlock .tabset{
 background: #ccc url('images/ringradient.jpg') repeat-x top left;
 font-size: 11px;
 line-height: 23px;
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #000; 
 padding-left: 5px ;
}

.sidebarBlock .tabset{
 padding: 0;
}

#rinSidebar .sidebarBlock .tabContents,
#displayArea .sidebarBlock .tabContents .tabContents, 
#displayArea .viewer .tabUnselected,
#displayArea .viewer .tabContents .tabSelected{
 background: #fff;
 border: 0;
 width: 205px;
}


#sidebar .sidebarBlock .tabContents .tabContents,
#displayArea .sidebarBlock .tabContents,
#displayArea .viewer .tabSelected,
#displayArea .viewer .tabContents .tabUnselected{
 background: #f5f6f7;
}

#sidebar .sidebarBlock .tabContents .tab{
 background: #f5f6f8;
}


#sidebar .sidebarBlock .tabContents .tabUnselected{
 background: #f0f0f0;
}

#sidebar .sidebarBlock .tabContents .tabUnselected:hover{
 text-decoration: underline;
}


#contentWrapper .tab{
 position: relative;
 padding-bottom: 2px;
 font-weight: normal;
 top: 3px;
 background: #f5f6f8;
 color: #000;
 text-decoration: none;
}

#contentWrapper .tabSelected{
 border: 0;
 top: 1px;
 padding-bottom: 4px !important;
 background: #fff;
 font-weight: bold;
 cursor: default;
}

#sidebarTabs .tabContents li.listTitle,#sidebarTabs .tabContents li.listTitle:hover{
 padding: 0 0 0 .5em;
 margin: 0;
 background: transparent;
}

#sidebarTabs .tabContents li.listLink{
 margin-left: 1em; 
}

#sidebarTabs .sidebarBlock li{
 list-style: none;
 margin-left: 1em;
 padding: 1px 0 1px 1.5em;
 background: transparent url('images/rinbulletOver.gif') no-repeat left center;
}

#sidebarTabs .sidebarBlock li:hover{
 background: transparent url('images/rinbullet.gif') no-repeat left center;
}

#contentWrapper .tabContents a.tiddlyLink,#contentWrapper .tabContents a.button{
 display: block;
 color: #005d93;
 border: 0;
}

#contentWrapper .tabContents a.tiddlyLink:hover,#contentWrapper .tabContents a.button:hover{
 color: #900;
 background: #f0f0f0;
 text-decoration: none;
}

#rinSidebar ul,
#rinSidebar li{
 list-style: none;
 padding: 0;
 margin: 0;
}

#rinSidebar li a{
 display: block;
 margin: 0 0 0 .5em;
 padding: 0 0 0 1.5em;
 background: transparent url('images/rinbullet.gif') no-repeat 5px -22px;
}

#rinSidebar li a:hover,
#rinSidebar #sidebarTabs li a:hover{
 background: transparent url('images/rinbullet.gif') no-repeat 5px 0;
 text-decoration: underline;
}

#rinSidebar #sidebarTabs li{
 margin: 0;
 padding: 0;
}

/*}}}*/
/***
!Message area styles /% =========================================================== %/
***/
/*{{{*/
#messageArea{
 background: #cdced2 url('images/ringradient.jpg') repeat-x left top;
 color: #000;
 position: absolute;
 top: 135px;
 right: 10px;
}

#messageArea a:link{
 color: #000;
}

#messageArea a:hover{
 text-decoration: none;
}
/*}}}*/
/***
!Display styles /% =========================================================== %/
***/
/*{{{*/
#bodyWrapper{
 border: 1px solid #d5d7db;
 border-width: 15px 1px 3px 1px;
 margin: 10px 0;
 background: #f5f6f7;
}



#displayArea{
 margin: 0 0 0 20em;
}

#contentFooter{
 clear: both;
 background: #d5d7db;
 text-align: center;
}

#contentFooter p{
 margin: 0;
}

.tiddler{
 background: #fff;
 margin: 30px 30px;
}

.tiddler .toolbar a.button,.tiddler .footer a.button,.tiddler .editorFooter a.button{
 padding: 2px 5px;
 color: #19729e;
 text-decoration: none;
}

.tiddler .toolbar a.button:hover,.tiddler .footer a.button:hover,.tiddler .editorFooter a.button:hover{
 background: #97ced5;
 color: #19729e;
}

.title{
 font-size: 16px;
}

.tagClear{
 clear: none;
}

.viewer h1,
.viewer h2,
.viewer h3,
.viewer h4,
.viewer h5,
.viewer h6{
 background: transparent;
}

.viewer h1{
 border-bottom: 1px dotted #97ced5;
}

.viewer th,
.viewer thead td{
 background: #2b7ea6
}

#popup{
 color: #000;
 background: #d5d7db;
}

#popup hr{
 color: #999;
 border-top: 1px solid #999;
 width: 96%;
}

#popup a{
 display: block;
 color: #005d93;
}

#popup a:hover{
 color: #900;
 background: #f0f0f0;
 text-decoration: none;
 }
/*}}}*/

/*{{{*/
body {background:[[ColorPalette::Background]]; color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]];}

a {color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]];}
a:hover {background-color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]]; color:[[ColorPalette::Background]];}
a img {border:0;}

h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {color:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryDark]]; background:transparent;}
h1 {border-bottom:2px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryLight]];}
h2,h3 {border-bottom:1px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryLight]];}

.button {color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]]; border:1px solid [[ColorPalette::Background]];}
.button:hover {color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]]; background:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryLight]]; border-color:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryMid]];}
.button:active {color:[[ColorPalette::Background]]; background:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryMid]]; border:1px solid [[ColorPalette::SecondaryDark]];}

.header {background:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]];}
.headerShadow {color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]];}
.headerShadow a {font-weight:normal; color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]];}
.headerForeground {color:[[ColorPalette::Background]];}
.headerForeground a {font-weight:normal; color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryPale]];}

.tabSelected{color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]];
	background:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryPale]];
	border-left:1px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryLight]];
	border-top:1px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryLight]];
	border-right:1px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryLight]];
}
.tabUnselected {color:[[ColorPalette::Background]]; background:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryMid]];}
.tabContents {color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]]; background:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryPale]]; border:1px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryLight]];}
.tabContents .button {border:0;}

#sidebar {}
#sidebarOptions input {border:1px solid [[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]];}
#sidebarOptions .sliderPanel {background:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryPale]];}
#sidebarOptions .sliderPanel a {border:none;color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]];}
#sidebarOptions .sliderPanel a:hover {color:[[ColorPalette::Background]]; background:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]];}
#sidebarOptions .sliderPanel a:active {color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]]; background:[[ColorPalette::Background]];}

.wizard {background:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryPale]]; border:1px solid [[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]];}
.wizard h1 {color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]]; border:none;}
.wizard h2 {color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]]; border:none;}
.wizardStep {background:[[ColorPalette::Background]]; color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]];
	border:1px solid [[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]];}
.wizardStep.wizardStepDone {background:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryLight]];}
.wizardFooter {background:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryPale]];}
.wizardFooter .status {background:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]]; color:[[ColorPalette::Background]];}
.wizard .button {color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]]; background:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryLight]]; border: 1px solid;
	border-color:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryPale]] [[ColorPalette::SecondaryDark]] [[ColorPalette::SecondaryDark]] [[ColorPalette::SecondaryPale]];}
.wizard .button:hover {color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]]; background:[[ColorPalette::Background]];}
.wizard .button:active {color:[[ColorPalette::Background]]; background:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]]; border: 1px solid;
	border-color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]] [[ColorPalette::PrimaryPale]] [[ColorPalette::PrimaryPale]] [[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]];}
	
.wizard .notChanged {background:transparent;}
.wizard .changedLocally {background:#80ff80;}
.wizard .changedServer {background:#8080ff;}
.wizard .changedBoth {background:#ff8080;}
.wizard .notFound {background:#ffff80;}
.wizard .putToServer {background:#ff80ff;}
.wizard .gotFromServer {background:#80ffff;}

#messageArea {border:1px solid [[ColorPalette::SecondaryMid]]; background:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryLight]]; color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]];}
#messageArea .button {color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]]; background:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryPale]]; border:none;}

.popupTiddler {background:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryPale]]; border:2px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryMid]];}

.popup {background:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryPale]]; color:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryDark]]; border-left:1px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryMid]]; border-top:1px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryMid]]; border-right:2px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryDark]]; border-bottom:2px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryDark]];}
.popup hr {color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]]; background:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryDark]]; border-bottom:1px;}
.popup li.disabled {color:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryMid]];}
.popup li a, .popup li a:visited {color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]]; border: none;}
.popup li a:hover {background:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryLight]]; color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]]; border: none;}
.popup li a:active {background:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryPale]]; color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]]; border: none;}
.popupHighlight {background:[[ColorPalette::Background]]; color:[[ColorPalette::Foreground]];}
.listBreak div {border-bottom:1px solid [[ColorPalette::TertiaryDark]];}

.tiddler .defaultCommand {font-weight:bold;}

.shadow .title {color:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryDark]];}

.title {color:[[ColorPalette::SecondaryDark]];}
.subtitle {color:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryDark]];}

.toolbar {color:[[ColorPalette::PrimaryMid]];}
.toolbar a {color:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryLight]];}
.selected .toolbar a {color:[[ColorPalette::TertiaryMid]];}
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Friday, 10 July 2009

<html><img src="images/jairus.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>

Revelation 19 v10 tells us that the witness of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy. When we meet with Jesus, when we see Him act, that becomes a prophetic operation over similar situations in our lives. When we see God move in a particular way, our faith is built up to see God act in similar situations.

In Mark 5 and 6 we see this in happening to a man called Jairus. His daughter is sick, and he believes Jesus can heal her, But before Jesus can get to his house, news comes that she has died. 

He faces a stark choice - to put his faith in the report of the people from his house, or to trust Jesus. This pivotal point in the account is where many of us find ourselves when praying for people. 

Where we focus will determine what we see.  When we focus on the earth bound “reality” we will see from a human perspective, when we focus on the heavenly reality we will see everything from God’s perspective.  Jesus ignored the mourners and their comments - he was completely focused on what His Spirit saw - the girl being raised from the dead.

The Revelation verse works both ways round - the testimony we believe produces a cause and effect on the situation at hand.

Friday 28 August 2009

<html><img src="images/intimacy.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>

Psalm 27 speaks about a relationship that is on a sure foundation - one of intimacy. God invites us to “Come and talk with me” - and David’s response is “Lord, I am coming”.

The psalm reveals a number of wonderful truths about being in an intimate relationship with God:

Verses 1-3 - The place of protection, where fear is banished, and confidence replaces worry - Not only when the enemy is around, but also when under attack.
Verse 5 - God places us in a safe place. Ephesians says that we have been seated in the Heavenly realm with Christ Jesus - that is a present day reality not a future hope! The psalmist pictures this as being placed out of reach on a high rock.
Verse 6 - The high place is the place of Praise and Rejoicing !
Verse 10 - God is always there - How do we respond to that. He is inviting us to a deeper place of intimacy, will we embrace that or shy away?
Verse 13 - God wants to reveal His goodness to us - The same goodness that He revealed to Moses in Exodus 33 / 34. His Faithfulness, Everlasting Love, Mercy and Grace.
Verse 13 finishes by saying that this place and this experience is for today - In the land of the living !!

God is seeing a deeper intimate relationship with us. Will we answer the same as David, and live in this wonderful present reality.

Saturday 6 March 2010

In 2 Cor 10, the Apostle Paul describes the mind as a battleground, where “imaginations” (NASB) or “arguments and every high thing” (NKJV) are described as Strongholds / fortresses. The Corinthians to whom Paul’s letter was addressed, would have clearly understood the metaphor since Corinth, as most ancient cities, had a fortress.

Fortress / Castles / strongholds are usually located in strategic places: e.g. up on a hill, coastal cliff edge or across from a river with access via a drawbridge.

The purpose was to stop the enemy from getting easy access. It ensured that the enemy could be seen coming from a distance, offered protection, and a place of refuge. The walls are usually very thick, hard to break and multi-layers. Again, the thought being that the walls are impregnable against attack with warriors keeping guard, ready to defend and take their stand. This is the image that Paul wanted to convey to his hearers i.e. imaginations, reasoning (thought patterns) and arguments contrary to the word of God, are like strongholds or fortresses, and thoughts are the inhabitants that abide safely and are free to roam.

The enemy of our souls seek to take a stand in our minds. Like impenetrable walls, he seeks to entrench imaginations and thought patterns that will not budge by natural means. Evil thoughts like sentries on patrol pace up and down in our minds, keeping us in torment. Nevertheless, thanks be to God that we have been given supernatural weapons that are mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds, and bringing every thought captive and into the obedience of Christ. However, it takes a certain attitude on our part as the people of God. When it comes to dealing with thoughts and imaginations that not in line with God’s word then we need to have an attitude of a soldier. In the NASB version, Paul uses words such as “weapons,” “warfare,” “destruction,” “destroying” “punish” in dealing with these thoughts and imaginations. Certainly, these are not passive words. So as with the early saints, we are also exhorted to be radical and ruthless in our attitude when confronting any thoughts that would seek to gain a foothold and establish ground in our mind.

In Isaiah 26:3, the prophet says, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on him.” The thought there is that peace is like a protection, the same sentiment that is given in the letter to the Philippians 4:7 where the Apostle Paul says “and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard (i.e. garrison) your heart and mind (emphasis mine) through Christ Jesus.

But the Lord can only be our peace when He is our focus i.e. “whose mind is stayed on him”.

So how is our attitude concerning thoughts and imaginations, and who is our focus?

23 March 2010

When we talk about the will of God we need to differentiate between the will of God that is conditional and dependent on the response of man and the purpose of God that is unconditional and unstoppable. For example we know that it is God’s will that no one perish (2 Peter 3:9). However, many people die without having surrendered their lives to Christ. If God’s will were always unconditionally put into effect, there would be little sense in Jesus instructing His disciples to pray God’s will to be established on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10)! It is the believer’s duty to discover God’s will to live according to it and to pray His will on earth as it is in heaven (Col. 1:9-12).

God also reveals His will that is unconditional and is determined in eternity. For example it is God’s will and purpose that those who believe in Christ are chosen and predestined to be holy, blameless and adopted as God’s sons for the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:3-13). God also purposed that those who are in Christ would be the Body of Christ that would reveal God’s manifold wisdom to the spiritual realm (Eph. 3:10,11). Likewise God confirms His will and purpose by swearing by Himself that those who believe in Jesus have a hope that is absolutely sure and certain (Heb. 6:13-20). This is the unchanging nature of God’s purpose that nothing in all creation can hinder. Hallelujah!

Be encouraged as you meditate of God’s unchanging purpose for your life and find out how God wants you to co-labour with Him to establish His will on earth as it is in heaven!

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{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/cross1.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Monday 2 November 2009 <br>''RECEIVING THE PROMISES OF GOD'' <br><br>Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him<br>  <br>[[Read More...|Receiving the promises of God]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/eagle.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Sunday 18 October 2009 <br>''NEVER LOSE SIGHT'' <br><br>God has got a plan for each and every one of us. We should not forget this. We should receive the Word of God with faith concerning His plan for our lives.<br>  <br>[[Read More...|Never lose sight]]|
}}}
{{leadershipTable{
|<html><img src="images/rbow.jpg" width="240" height="120"/></html>|vertical-align:top;Sunday 18 October 2009 <br>''GOD IS GOOD'' <br><br>We sing about it, and we read about it, but do we have a faith filled conviction that God is good, and everything that comes from God is good?<br>  <br>[[Read More...|God is good]]|
}}}

20 April 2010

''What is the evidence of your faith?''

When one reads 1 Thessalonians 1:1- 2:16 one is impressed by the testimony of a church that became known for her faith in an entire region (1 Th. 1:7,8). What was it that turned an idol-worshipping people (1 Th. 1:9) into a church that demonstrated her faith and was willing to die for her faith (1 Th. 2:14)?

1. They received the Truth as the very word of God and not the opinion of man. 1 Th. 2:13
2. They believed the word and submitted their lives to it. 1 Th. 2:13
3. They allowed the Truth to become convictions in their lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. 1 Th. 1:5

- The Thessalonians were a people of true convictions – a people of faith that was evidenced by their work, labour and endurance. 1 Th. 1:3
- True faith/conviction is always visible. James 2:18
- Convictions that are not visible are not convictions but mere opinions.
- The reason the Thessalonians’ faith became known is because they had deep convictions. 1 Th. 1:5
- We need convictions that are based on essence.
- Convictions based on form make us religious. Convictions based on essence make us influential.
- Convictions are formed and deepened when we fix our eyes on Jesus! Heb. 12:2

''Do the test!''

In order to test your faith/convictions you can ask the following questions…

What is the evidence of your faith/convictions in your daily life?
What do your attitudes, thinking, behavior and actions etc., tell you about what you really believe?

Do you believe that the Bible is the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16)?
What is the evidence of your conviction?
What do you need to do to deepen your conviction?

Do you believe that prayer is effective (James 5:16)?
What is the evidence of your conviction?
What do you need to do to deepen your conviction?

Do you believe that you have been empowered to heal the sick (Mark 16:18)?
What is the evidence of your conviction?
What do you need to do to deepen your conviction?

Do you believe that God has placed you in your sphere of life to influence others (Mt 5:13,14)?
What is the evidence of your conviction?
What do you need to do to deepen your conviction?

Do you believe that you can reveal God’s love by the way you love others (1 John 4;12)?
What is the evidence of your conviction?
What do you need to do to deepen your conviction?

Do you believe that unbelievers will be eternally separated from God (2 Th. 1:8,9)?
What is the evidence of your conviction?
What do you need to do to deepen your conviction?

Do you believe that Jesus is coming again (1 Th. 1:10)?
What is the evidence of your conviction?
What do you need to do to deepen your conviction?

Thursday 24 September 2009

In 2 Corinthians 3 and 4, Paul describes the two worlds that we as Christians live in at the same time. The transitory created world of Heaven and Earth, and the eternal glorious home which is eternal life in Christ Jesus. He compares the temporary glory that shone on the face of Moses when Moses had spent time with the Lord to the wondrous glory seen in the face and image of Christ. And that we as Christians are being transformed into His image with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Moses reflection of God's glory faded - our reflection of God's glory is on the increase!!

So there is transitory glory and everlasting glory; temporary relief from the world's troubles, and in Christ, true freedom; there is a world trying to kill us off, and there is everlasting life in Christ Jesus.

Therefore we do not lose heart - we are very bold

What is also interesting in these passages is Paul's choice of words. He describes the old and new covenants in terms of being 'ministry'. How does that work? The word is so often used today to talk about a ministry that a person may have including all the usual trappings - TV ministry, internet ministry, web sites etc. But in reality this word means so much more. It talks of being God's agents, executing His commands in a attitude of servant-hood and service. We are God's agents here on Earth - here to execute His commands - to see His Kingdom come on Earth, as it already exists in Heaven.

As Christians we represent God here on Earth! He has chosen to use us to see His Kingdom come. He is calling us to ''minister His freedom'' and ''minister His glory''. What He has given us through His Spirit we are to serve to others.

In reality we all, as Christians, have these special ministries. No one being better or more significant that another - what could be more significant that to minister God's glory in a situation !!!

3 May 2010

In the natural we are constantly being bombarded and forced to process lots of information. Similarly in the realm of the spirit, revelation is being downloaded from heaven like never before.

However, it’s my observation that although many Christians are hungry for revelation and will travel the far corners of the earth to experience what God is doing by HIS Spirit, many do not seem to possess the same hunger to understand God’s way (Psalm 103:7). It is my firm belief that it is HIS process, of working the revelation into our lives, that leads to right positioning for our advancement.

As the captain of a ship makes recalibration to ensure that he is still on course, or a project planner have “mile-stones” to ensure that the project is still “on-track”, so I believe that it important for Christians to periodically check whether they are still properly aligned to and on track with where God is taking them. And if not make then allow the Lord to make the proper adjustments. I have found that the Lord occasionally test what is in our hearts (Deut. 8:2).

So a couple of questions that we should ask ourselves at the out set are:

1. Do you know what is in your heart?
2. Has God performed a heart test on you recently?

When we look at the life of David, let’s ask ourselves certain “Where are we at?” “check-points” questions as guide to see what’s in our hearts in terms of “Church”, the “Workplace” and “Our Leadership”.

''David in his father’s house – Our attitude to Serving in Church?''

1. Are you serving faithfully in God’s house even though you may feel over looked? (1Samual 16:10-12)
2. How do you respond to the feelings that come when you feel ignored or taken for granted in your service in the house of God?
3. Are you faithful in developing your character, talents, skills and cultivating the presence of the Lord even though no one seems to notice? (1 Samuel 16:18)
4. Are you available to faithfully “serve” your brothers and sisters in the local church even though God is using you to minister powerfully else-where, or are you above this? (1 Samuel 16:21-23 & 17: 15, 17-18)
5. How do you respond to other Christians when you are misunderstood and your motives are called into question? (1 Samuel 17:28-29)

''David in the House of Saul – Our attitude to Serving in the workplace?''

David was anointed and called to be the next king of Israel but he was not an overnight sensation like Saul. Instead God changed His “modus-operandi” with David and took him through a process.

1. Are you faithful in the present assignment, even though God has spoken of bigger and better things in the future? (1 Samuel 18:13)
2. What is your attitude towards your employer, especially when they are behaving unjustly? ((1 Samuel 18:10, 17, 24:1-7)
3. Are you aware of how other work colleagues perceive you?
1. do they sing your praises and respect you? ((1 Samuel 18:6-7,16)
2. do you conduct yourselves in a wise and prudent manner that catches the attention of those in authority? ((1 Samuel 18:14-15)

''David as a Leader – Our attitude as a Leader?''

Effective leaders are not afraid to:

* Face the facts- faith does not ignore the facts but trust in the truth of God’s word.
* They question their assumptions
* They study their environment – they lead with their eyes open to the conditions around them, though they lead with vision of the future outcome.
* They refuse to shy away from and avoid inconvenient truth

1. As a leader, are you effectively leading those to whom the Lord has entrusted you, whether in the Sacred or Secular arena?
2. How are you developing your team?
3. Are we seeing our team as they are or how they could be? (1 Samuel 22:1-2, 2 Samuel 23:8-39)
4. How do you respond and deal with criticism to your leadership? (! Samuel 30:6)
5. As a leader is there proper life balance and right priorities when it comes to …?
- Work and Family (2Samuel 13: 20-33)
- Work and Leisure time (2 Samuel 11:1)
- Openness to allow others to speak into your life (2 Samuel 12:1-14)