It Is Good to Give Thanks to God!
The Bible exhorts believers to pray always (Eph. 6:18). Along with their continual fellowship with the Lord through prayer, they can also fellowship with Him through thanksgiving and praise. In fact, praise is a type of prayer that every Christian should master.
The Psalmist David praised God at least seven times a day (Ps. 119:164). But God is worthy of thanks and praise always—24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anytime is time to give thanks and praise to God!
We’re going to look at a number of scriptures dealing with “thanksgiving” or “giving thanks” so we can understand the vast importance of this subject in the life of the believer. For the Christian, every day should be a day of giving thanks to God.
PHILIPPIANS 4:6
6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God.
The Holy Ghost said through the Apostle Paul, in effect, “Let your requests be made known to God with thanksgiving.” Looking at this from a natural standpoint, suppose someone prepared a delicious Soup for you. You ask for the recipe, so the person who made the soup gives you the recipe. You want to prepare the same dish, so you begin making the soup, thinking you’re following the recipe. Yet your soup doesn’t turn out like the one the other person made. As you look back over the recipe, you realize you left out an ingredient!
Similarly, many people make requests to God—they pray and supplicate, begging favors of God—but they leave out something. They leave out thanksgiving, so their prayers don’t work! Let’s look at Philippians 4:6 again and take it step by step. First, it says, “Be careful for nothing.” That phrase is a little blind to us today. The Amplified Bible reads, “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything . . . .” We’re not supposed to worry. We’re not supposed to be fretful or anxious. Well, what are we going to do, then? The next part of that verse says, “. . . but IN EVERY THING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” In how many things are we supposed to make requests to God? In all things—little things, big things, middle-sized things, and everything in between! And we’re supposed to make our requests with thanksgiving!
So if there’s something in life, a situation or circumstance, that you might be tempted to worry about, what are you going to do? You’re not supposed to worry—you’re supposed to pray! And you’re not just supposed to pray. You’re supposed to pray with thanksgiving!
This is where we’ve missed it. Some have already missed it in that they never obeyed the first part—they never let go of the fretting and the anxiety—and that hinders their prayers. But even if they obey that part and cast their cares and anxieties over on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7), they can still miss it in their praying if they’re not mixing thanksgiving with it.
God is pleased with our thanksgiving and praise. It is His will that we come before Him with offerings of thanksgiving. The last part of First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks: FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING YOU
Monday, November 7, 2011
LORD, PROOF THE EXPERT WRONG
LORD, PROOF THE EXPERTS WRONG!
Luke 1:37
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
2 Kings 7:1-20`
Modern living, global warming/pollution seems to be hitting men very hard as recent medical reports show that sperm count are said to be falling all over the world. The recent report says one in every four couple experience delay in pregnancy and categories the causes into: MALE FACTOR – 40-60%; FEMALE FACTOR – 40-60%; COMBINED FACTOR – 205 AND UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY – 25%. Note the unexplained infertility of 25% and the Holy ghost wants you to know that it was when the best experts ( magicians ) of Nebuchadnezzar failed that Jehovah God whose dwelling is not with flesh, took over ( Daniel 2:10-13 ). God wants you to know that every expert has a human limit. As 2011 comes to an end, God wants you to ignore the experts concerning your life, family and ministry. With God all things are possible and so you will be fruitful in your body and you will carry your own children. Yes, your life will proof the doctor’s report wrong. Yes, you will be fruitful in your career against all odds! Yes, your prosperity will proof the economic experts wrong! No matter what the experts have said, don’t forget what the Expert of experts have written concerning you – Ex 23:26:” There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill,” hear George Matheson: “There is an Eye that never sleeps, beneath the wind of night. There is an ear that never shuts, when sinks the beams of light. There is an Arm that never tires, when human strength gives way. There is a Love that never fails, when earthly love decays.” Hold on to God and refuse to quit. May your life/ministry proof that God is God and man is man.
Luke 1:37
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
2 Kings 7:1-20`
Modern living, global warming/pollution seems to be hitting men very hard as recent medical reports show that sperm count are said to be falling all over the world. The recent report says one in every four couple experience delay in pregnancy and categories the causes into: MALE FACTOR – 40-60%; FEMALE FACTOR – 40-60%; COMBINED FACTOR – 205 AND UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY – 25%. Note the unexplained infertility of 25% and the Holy ghost wants you to know that it was when the best experts ( magicians ) of Nebuchadnezzar failed that Jehovah God whose dwelling is not with flesh, took over ( Daniel 2:10-13 ). God wants you to know that every expert has a human limit. As 2011 comes to an end, God wants you to ignore the experts concerning your life, family and ministry. With God all things are possible and so you will be fruitful in your body and you will carry your own children. Yes, your life will proof the doctor’s report wrong. Yes, you will be fruitful in your career against all odds! Yes, your prosperity will proof the economic experts wrong! No matter what the experts have said, don’t forget what the Expert of experts have written concerning you – Ex 23:26:” There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill,” hear George Matheson: “There is an Eye that never sleeps, beneath the wind of night. There is an ear that never shuts, when sinks the beams of light. There is an Arm that never tires, when human strength gives way. There is a Love that never fails, when earthly love decays.” Hold on to God and refuse to quit. May your life/ministry proof that God is God and man is man.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
THE DEATH OF JESUS
Text: Is. 53; 1 Corth 15: 1-8
Introduction
The death of Jesus Christ is a core issue in Christian faith. Since man fell from grace in the garden of Eden, he lost the glory of God through that sin of disobedience. Man therefore needs restoration back to God.
Why Did Jesus Die?
1) Because of the sins of Man
1 Pet.2:24; Rom.5:17; Matt.8;17
2) To reconcile Man back to God
Col.1:20-22; Heb.9:7-21; 2 Coth.5;18-19; heb.2:17
3) To redeem man from Sin?
1 Peter.1:18; Ps.55:15; Rev5:9; Eph.1:7
FACTS ABOUT THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST- Mt.27:57-66
If the disciples of Jesus seem to have forgotten his promise that he would rise up from the dead, his enemies had not. They took every human measure possible to be certain that his predicted victory over the grave would never take place.
a. After Resurrection, His tomb was found empty.
Mt.28:6; John.20:1-8;
b. Jesus revealed the nail prints in his hands
John.20:27-30
c. Paul gave a testimony of Jesus Resurrection
1 pet.1:21; Acts.22:1-21
d. Jesus appeared to many after his Resurrection.
Mt.28:9-19: Jhn.20:14; Lk.24:13-26
CONCLUSION
These are infallible proof that Jesus died and rose for the salvation of mankind.
Text: Is. 53; 1 Corth 15: 1-8
Introduction
The death of Jesus Christ is a core issue in Christian faith. Since man fell from grace in the garden of Eden, he lost the glory of God through that sin of disobedience. Man therefore needs restoration back to God.
Why Did Jesus Die?
1) Because of the sins of Man
1 Pet.2:24; Rom.5:17; Matt.8;17
2) To reconcile Man back to God
Col.1:20-22; Heb.9:7-21; 2 Coth.5;18-19; heb.2:17
3) To redeem man from Sin?
1 Peter.1:18; Ps.55:15; Rev5:9; Eph.1:7
FACTS ABOUT THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST- Mt.27:57-66
If the disciples of Jesus seem to have forgotten his promise that he would rise up from the dead, his enemies had not. They took every human measure possible to be certain that his predicted victory over the grave would never take place.
a. After Resurrection, His tomb was found empty.
Mt.28:6; John.20:1-8;
b. Jesus revealed the nail prints in his hands
John.20:27-30
c. Paul gave a testimony of Jesus Resurrection
1 pet.1:21; Acts.22:1-21
d. Jesus appeared to many after his Resurrection.
Mt.28:9-19: Jhn.20:14; Lk.24:13-26
CONCLUSION
These are infallible proof that Jesus died and rose for the salvation of mankind.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
YOU ARE WELL
Jer 30:17-But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.'
When Satan says “sick” God says “well”, when Satan says “weak” God says strong”, when Satan says “No” God says” Yes” Then who should you believe? Who should you listen to? YOU ARE WELL.
WELL MEANS
1. W-watch for your Healing-Mt 7:7” Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you” Jn 16:24, James 4:2. Be alert, ready, and always watch for healing. Inspite of what you may have been told, your problem will not last forever. God will intervene, never give up, ask and keep asking until you receive.
2. E-Expect miracles-Mk 10:27”. With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” God is a miracle working God. Expect your miracles with bold faith. Your miracle is near. Get the word impossible out of your mind forever. God will touch your mind and the torment of the devil will end in Jesus name. He will Restore you, and make your mind well. He will bring back all that devil has stolen and fill your heart with Joy again. Be Well.
3. L-Live Right-2cor 6:17-18. It is so important to live right. Obey God’s laws, do the things that please Him, and it will be well with you. Bad habits can destroy you, your mind, body, and your future. Tobacco, alcohol, hard drugs etc can shorten your life and rob you of good health. Kick the devil out of your life. Jesus will set you free. Stop worrying, and start TRUSTING GOD.
4. L-Look unto JESUS-Jn 14:6-Jesus is the only way to heaven. Ask Him to heal you now! Look unto Jesus. Don’t look in any other place, don’t look at the sickness, shame, mockery, but look to Jesus, your healer. When things go wrong, and everything looks hopeless, look unto Jesus. He will change your circumstances in a second of time, and make you WELL.
Always remember these:
*Problems are not permanent
*Failures are not fatal
*Delays are not Denials.
God Bless your week and surprise you in Jesus Name.
SHALLOM!!!
Jer 30:17-But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.'
When Satan says “sick” God says “well”, when Satan says “weak” God says strong”, when Satan says “No” God says” Yes” Then who should you believe? Who should you listen to? YOU ARE WELL.
WELL MEANS
1. W-watch for your Healing-Mt 7:7” Ask, and it shall be given you, seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you” Jn 16:24, James 4:2. Be alert, ready, and always watch for healing. Inspite of what you may have been told, your problem will not last forever. God will intervene, never give up, ask and keep asking until you receive.
2. E-Expect miracles-Mk 10:27”. With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible” God is a miracle working God. Expect your miracles with bold faith. Your miracle is near. Get the word impossible out of your mind forever. God will touch your mind and the torment of the devil will end in Jesus name. He will Restore you, and make your mind well. He will bring back all that devil has stolen and fill your heart with Joy again. Be Well.
3. L-Live Right-2cor 6:17-18. It is so important to live right. Obey God’s laws, do the things that please Him, and it will be well with you. Bad habits can destroy you, your mind, body, and your future. Tobacco, alcohol, hard drugs etc can shorten your life and rob you of good health. Kick the devil out of your life. Jesus will set you free. Stop worrying, and start TRUSTING GOD.
4. L-Look unto JESUS-Jn 14:6-Jesus is the only way to heaven. Ask Him to heal you now! Look unto Jesus. Don’t look in any other place, don’t look at the sickness, shame, mockery, but look to Jesus, your healer. When things go wrong, and everything looks hopeless, look unto Jesus. He will change your circumstances in a second of time, and make you WELL.
Always remember these:
*Problems are not permanent
*Failures are not fatal
*Delays are not Denials.
God Bless your week and surprise you in Jesus Name.
SHALLOM!!!
IT ALL BELONGS TO YOU (KEY E)
Verse 1: My heart,
My mind.
My soul,
Belongs to you,
My love,
My life,
It all belongs to you,
Belongs to you 2x
Verse 2: The song,
I sing,
Belongs to you,
The air,
I breathe,
It all belongs to you,
Belongs to you…….. 2x
Chrs 1: Yea, I surrender it all,
Yea, I turn it all over, 2x
Yea, it all belongs to you.
(Modulation Full tone)
Chrs 2: It all belongs to you
Oh.., oh…, oh. 2x
It all belongs to you
Chrs 1.
Verse 1.
Verse 1: My heart,
My mind.
My soul,
Belongs to you,
My love,
My life,
It all belongs to you,
Belongs to you 2x
Verse 2: The song,
I sing,
Belongs to you,
The air,
I breathe,
It all belongs to you,
Belongs to you…….. 2x
Chrs 1: Yea, I surrender it all,
Yea, I turn it all over, 2x
Yea, it all belongs to you.
(Modulation Full tone)
Chrs 2: It all belongs to you
Oh.., oh…, oh. 2x
It all belongs to you
Chrs 1.
Verse 1.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
SPEND AND BE SPENT FOR GOD
Is 52:7 “ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto zion, Thy god reigneth!. To bring good tidings means to “Preach” or “Carry good news|”.
On Nov 1st 2008, mariam, the late elegant wife of the former military president of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida was 59yrs. She was interviewed by reporters about her Islamic foundation, she quickly replied “Yes, I preach Islam in the villages, when I go there, I found out some of them do not have religion, they practice the traditional religion, I preach to them and bring them to God. I go in the morning and do not get back until late in the evening, we give them what we can then employ teachers to teach them”.
Listen, reader, age was not her barrier, her position as ex-president’s wife was not a barrier, her wealth was not a barrier etc. can you declare the same things about your faith and about your Lord Jesus Christ? Can you visit people around you or far away, spend time with them, telling them about CHRIST? Can you spend and be spent for the kingdom? When last did you genuinely go out for evangelism; individually or collectively as a church? In the second quarter of 2011, allow/let God use you to populate heaven and depopulate hell. Wining souls makes your feet (your journey through life) beautiful. Don’t forget if you sit down and just enjoy the great sermons and music of your church, souls will someday accuse you of criminal negligence against their eternal destiny ”USE YOUR DAYS TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, BENEFIT OF YOUR GENERATION AND THE EXPANSION OF HIS KINGDOM”.
2cor 12:15 “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved”.
Apostle Paul sought to give his money, himself willingly to support God’s work even to the point of sacrificing his life. To whom do you need to give the good news? Don’t hesitate or procrastinate. Also sow into God’s work and God will bless you.
Have a beautiful week.
Shalom!!!
PRAYER
1. Thank the Lord for the salvation of your soul.
2. Ask for mercy for neglecting evangelism and follow up (visitation of brethren)
3. Lord use me! I ask for grace to spend my time and resources for the propagation of gospel.
4. Pray for missionaries worldwide.
Is 52:7 “ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto zion, Thy god reigneth!. To bring good tidings means to “Preach” or “Carry good news|”.
On Nov 1st 2008, mariam, the late elegant wife of the former military president of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida was 59yrs. She was interviewed by reporters about her Islamic foundation, she quickly replied “Yes, I preach Islam in the villages, when I go there, I found out some of them do not have religion, they practice the traditional religion, I preach to them and bring them to God. I go in the morning and do not get back until late in the evening, we give them what we can then employ teachers to teach them”.
Listen, reader, age was not her barrier, her position as ex-president’s wife was not a barrier, her wealth was not a barrier etc. can you declare the same things about your faith and about your Lord Jesus Christ? Can you visit people around you or far away, spend time with them, telling them about CHRIST? Can you spend and be spent for the kingdom? When last did you genuinely go out for evangelism; individually or collectively as a church? In the second quarter of 2011, allow/let God use you to populate heaven and depopulate hell. Wining souls makes your feet (your journey through life) beautiful. Don’t forget if you sit down and just enjoy the great sermons and music of your church, souls will someday accuse you of criminal negligence against their eternal destiny ”USE YOUR DAYS TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY FOR THE GLORY OF GOD, BENEFIT OF YOUR GENERATION AND THE EXPANSION OF HIS KINGDOM”.
2cor 12:15 “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved”.
Apostle Paul sought to give his money, himself willingly to support God’s work even to the point of sacrificing his life. To whom do you need to give the good news? Don’t hesitate or procrastinate. Also sow into God’s work and God will bless you.
Have a beautiful week.
Shalom!!!
PRAYER
1. Thank the Lord for the salvation of your soul.
2. Ask for mercy for neglecting evangelism and follow up (visitation of brethren)
3. Lord use me! I ask for grace to spend my time and resources for the propagation of gospel.
4. Pray for missionaries worldwide.
Friday, April 1, 2011
IT TOOK DISCIPLINE TO BURY HER!
Dan. 1:8, 3:14-18
How great you are and how great you will be on earth depends on the way you discipline yourself.
The late princess Diana meant a lot to people, being the mother of the future Kings of England. She is highly revered even in death. But recently, a Soldier who helped to lower her body into the grave 131/2 years ago has given insight into what took place at her private burial in 1997. The Soldier, Mr. Nigel said they had to train seriously for that assignment? Yes, they trained for the sad day by carrying a coffin packed with sandbags over a specially-built bridge till their shoulders ached. This was because the grave was in an Island after a wooden bridge that was the power of body discipline! The team of eight was also told to keep their mission secret and disguise as a rugby team at the hotel they camped a day before the burial. Thus, they were also trained to discipline their tongue. Oh what great lessons on discipline and God is calling reader of today’s bulletin to a higher level of discipline in 2011. Do you know that there are promotions God will not allow you to see/taste till you can control fornication, adultery, your temper/anger, bitterness/malice, lust for money, love of position/fame, lateness to church services, lack of submission to authority/leaders, etc.
“MAN MUST BE DISCIPLINE, FOR HE IS BY NATURE, RAW AND WILD”. Can any army win a battle without discipline? Samson lost his glory! Gehazi lost his glory! Moses lost the Promised Land and nearly lost his place in heaven because he could not control the Monster called “ANGER” WHAT IS YOUR MONSTER? Daniel and the three Hebrew men (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) became a celebrity because of Discipline. Are you living your life according to God’s rule and Instructions? Discipline makes a man great but indiscipline brings a man down!!! Ponder on this. God bless you this week.
Shallom!!!
Dan. 1:8, 3:14-18
How great you are and how great you will be on earth depends on the way you discipline yourself.
The late princess Diana meant a lot to people, being the mother of the future Kings of England. She is highly revered even in death. But recently, a Soldier who helped to lower her body into the grave 131/2 years ago has given insight into what took place at her private burial in 1997. The Soldier, Mr. Nigel said they had to train seriously for that assignment? Yes, they trained for the sad day by carrying a coffin packed with sandbags over a specially-built bridge till their shoulders ached. This was because the grave was in an Island after a wooden bridge that was the power of body discipline! The team of eight was also told to keep their mission secret and disguise as a rugby team at the hotel they camped a day before the burial. Thus, they were also trained to discipline their tongue. Oh what great lessons on discipline and God is calling reader of today’s bulletin to a higher level of discipline in 2011. Do you know that there are promotions God will not allow you to see/taste till you can control fornication, adultery, your temper/anger, bitterness/malice, lust for money, love of position/fame, lateness to church services, lack of submission to authority/leaders, etc.
“MAN MUST BE DISCIPLINE, FOR HE IS BY NATURE, RAW AND WILD”. Can any army win a battle without discipline? Samson lost his glory! Gehazi lost his glory! Moses lost the Promised Land and nearly lost his place in heaven because he could not control the Monster called “ANGER” WHAT IS YOUR MONSTER? Daniel and the three Hebrew men (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) became a celebrity because of Discipline. Are you living your life according to God’s rule and Instructions? Discipline makes a man great but indiscipline brings a man down!!! Ponder on this. God bless you this week.
Shallom!!!
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