Learn to Shift Gears!

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Every time I turn on the news it seems the new buzzword is – CHANGE! So how can we just shift gears and change? Let’s learn a lesson about basic automotive mechanics. Generally a car has between 4 and 5 gears. The first gear maximizes power in exchange for speed. As you move through the gears, you can continue to go faster, yet without using any more power, and before you know it – you have to look at the speedometer – cause nobody wants a speeding ticket!

So what can we learn from this? Do you want a breakthrough? Do you want a new direction? Then you need to take that first step! You need to put all your focus – all your energy into that first initial gear! Yes, it takes all your strength, and yet it seems like you’re moving sooo slow — but be encouraged, because once you start moving, you’ll be able to shift gears — and before you know it –- you’ll be sailing along, and even need to check to see if you’re speeding!

The first step is always the hardest — but it’s necessary for change! You can breakthrough with the power of God empowering you, so GO FOR IT! Put everything you’ve got into that first start. And just like driving, it’ll get easier; and before you know it — we might even have to issue you a speeding citation, just to slow you down a bit..! With so much work to be done, let’s not stay in neutral — let’s get in gear, and start shifting!

Be Blessed.

This article was provided by Worthy Devotions.

Quote #1

Many of us can quote bible verses like a bullet train but how many of us live up to the requirement of those verses?

I rather memorize few verses and live up to it than being another playback recorder

~ Vive 23rd Sept 2010

ATTITUDE as I see it.

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and saw that she had only three hairs on her head. “Great,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.”

So she did, and had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmm,” she said, “I guess I’ll part my hair down the middle.”

So she did, and had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only one hair left on her head.

“Wow,” she said, “today I get to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did, and had a wonderful, wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that there wasn’t a single hair on her head.

“Thank God!” she exclaimed. “I was running out of things to do with my hair!”

David says in Psalms 34:1 "I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Here David promises to persistently praise His God. David is not promising a marathon praise session, but rather is committing himself to praising God at every opportunity and in the midst of various states of mind, spirit, and body. Just as we are to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) —to pray consistently and in all circumstances— David promises to praise without ceasing.

Moral of the story, ATTITUDE is everything! Let’s be grateful for the things God has given us and rejoice in HIM always no matter what is the circumstances. That is ATTITUDE as I see it.

Be Blessed.

L.I.F.E - Living in our Father's Expectation

In April 20th 1999, two young men entered Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado and embarked on a massacre, killing 12 students and one teacher. During the last shooting before killing themselves, they reached a 17-year-old girl named Cassie Bernall. Putting a gun to her head, they asked "Do you believe in God?" She paused for a second, and then she said, "Yes." Staring at her, the gunman asked, "Why?" Before she could answer, one of the killers pulled the trigger and shot her, killing her instantly. Her death has sparked a spiritual revival among youth all over America. Four days after her death 73,000 teenagers met in Michigan and remembered her. As a result of this tragedy, many young people have come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. She has become an example, a role model for many young people.

Paul instructed Timothy to be an example to others. In 1st Timothy 4:12 Paul says “1Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Paul tells Timothy how to get others to respect his authority. It can all be summed up in the word "example." Paul tells Timothy things he can do that will manifest his godly character and authority to others in such a way that will make them respect the position in which God has placed him.

The word “example” mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:12 refers to the Greek word “Tupos” that means “to become a pattern”. Being an example here refers to be a pattern for others to emulate us. In a nutshell, we are called to be a role model.

Paul specifically mention to Timothy five areas where need to set example. They are in – Speech, Life, Love, Faith and Purity. Today, I would like to zoom into the one of are that is LIFE. How can we be an example to others through our LIFE? I believe on of the key area where we can be a example is through living a life that is after our Heavenly Father’s desire and will – Living in Father’s Expectation – L.I.F.E

The original Greek word for life in the context of 1 Timothy is 4:12 is “Anastrophe”. It means manner of life, or conduct or behaviour. Godly living that earns respect has to be more than words. It must include the things we say backed up by consistent actions. I strongly believe a man is what he lives, not what he says. And when a man lives what he says, there is power and authority in his message. Our conduct or behavior or the way we live must be consistent with what we say.

How can we live a life that is in line with our Father’s expectation? Well the same Paul who gave instruction to Timothy also gives some guidelines to us in the last three chapters of the book of Ephesians. Do spend some time to read the Ephesians Chapter 4 till Chapter 6. Paul starts Ephesians Chapter 4 with the statement “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called ...” The word walk in Greek is translated as “daily conduct”. It is amazing how the word Life in 1 Timothy 4:12 is connected with the word walk in Ephesians 4:1. Paul is giving us the guidelines how we can be an example through our life.

Here are 7 principles that we can derive from the last 3 chapters of Ephesians. Since this article is inclined for young readers, the points derived are aligned for the need of young people.

1. We are to walk in Unity (Ephesians 4:1-16)

2. We are to walk in Distinctness (Ephesians 4:17-32)

3. We are to walk in Love and Purity (Ephesians 5:1-7)

4. We are to walk in Light (Ephesians 5:8-14)

5. We are to walk in Wisdom (Ephesians 5:15-17)

6. We are to walk in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

7. We are to walk in Obedience (Ephesians 6:1-3)

There is a outcome/result when we walk in our Father’s Expectation. Hebrew 13:7 says “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” The result of our good conduct will lead others to follow us and follow our God.

In a nutshell, we need to guard our way of life. Watch what we do that it mirrors Christ; because I can guarantee others will notice when it doesn't. If we are going to mould others to the image of Christ than our general conduct had best be of godliness – that is Living in our Father’s Expectation.

Be Blessed.

Voice of Truth

The last couple of weeks have been a very challenging week for me especially taking multiple role in my day to day task. Being put into a situation and managing it diplomatically is indeed a challenge by itself. The pressure was so intense. As I look to the Lord and seek His help, He reminded me of the song the Voice of Truth. Based on verses from Corinthians, "Voice of Truth" encourages us to take risks and step away from what we know, listen to Jesus and put our fear behind us. It really inspired me and made me realize that there are things all around you all the time that are going to be telling you "you won't win or you are a loser" and you have to have faith and realize God will help us and He will never forsake us.

There were literally "storms" and "giants" that I have to face in executing my task. But the Lord is faithful especially reminding me that I don't have to be afraid because "Greater is He that is in me". It is really interesting to experience how the Lord minister to us with songs and reminding us He is faithful in every aspect our lives. His word is full of assurance when we are facing the storms and the giants. God's words reminds us to not be afraid and that we can accomplish anything in His name.

Here it the lyric of this beautiful song from the band Casting Crowns:

Oh,what I would do to have

the kind of faith it takes

To climb out of this boat I'm in

Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone

Into the realm of the unknown

Where Jesus is,

And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name

and they laugh at me

Reminding me of all the times

I've tried before and failed

The waves they keep on telling me

time and time again

"Boy, you'll never win,

You you'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story

the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"

and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do

to have the kind of strength it takes

To stand before a giant

with just a sling and a stone

Surrounded by the sound

of a thousand warriors

shaking in their armor

Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out

my name and he laughs at me

Reminding me of all the times

I've tried before and failed

The giant keeps on telling me

time and time again

"Boy you'll never win,

you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"

and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size

to put the giant on the ground

and the waves they don't seem so high

from on top of them looking down

I will soar with the wings of eagles

when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus

singing over me

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story

The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"

And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)

I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe

I will listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe

'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth

And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth

Move On With God

The Spirit of God moved - Genesis 1:2 KJV

Christ's disciples left everything to follow somebody they didn't begin to comprehend. They dreamed of a Messiah who would establish a temporal kingdom and overthrow Rome, so His crucifixion blew their minds. So did His resurrection, because now they had to preach a message that would cost them their lives. Sometimes they didn't know what to make of Jesus: '… the disciples saw him walking on the sea… saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out… ' (Matthew 14:26 KJV). When He ate with them on the shore following His resurrection, '… none… dared ask Him, "Who are You?"- knowing that it was the Lord' (John 21:12 NKJV). If you're going to walk with God get ready to have your faith stretched.

The first thing we read about God in Scripture is that He 'moved'. If you plan to move on with Him this year, you must overcome two things. First, complacency. Scientists conducted an experiment in which they placed an amoeba in a stress-free environment. The conditions were ideal; it had no adjustments whatsoever to make. But it died. Why? Because you need change and challenge just like you need food and water. Complacency can kill you!

Second, you must avoid complaining. Failure to acknowledge God's goodness caused Israel to go in circles for 40 years: 'These things happened to them as… warnings for us… ' (1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV). Two children sat down to lunch. One opened his lunchbox and began to gripe, 'Ham sandwiches again? This is the fourth day in a row. I'm sick ofham sandwiches!' His friend said, 'I bet if you tell your mum you don't like ham sandwiches she'll make you something else.' 'Mum?' replied the first child. 'I'll make my own lunches.' Hello! Have a problem with complaining? Fix it! Make up your mind to move on with God!



Note: The article above is taken from daily devotion email from The Word for Today brought by TheVine in association with The Rhema Broadcasting Group Inc, New Zealand and UCB International Ltd

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