"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
Ordinarily, it is daunting for me to memorize a Scripture verse. However, on 17 November 2014, Joshua 1:8 took hold of me and I found myself memorizing it with relatively ease. There and then, the Word of God became alive as a rhema to me.
That said, let's review and memorize Joshua 1:8 (J18) by breaking it down into the following chunks. We could start by memorizing the first chunk and then move on to the next, and right through to the final chunk. And, when we put all the memorized chunks together, we would have ingested J18!
This Book of the Law
What's going to capture most of our thoughts today? Is it going to be the economy, the newspaper, the latest movie, some sports event, another celebrity showing off or acting badly, Huffington Post, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo!, Instagram, YouTube or some other things which could crowd out the Word of God?
After reading this article, just try recalling J18 and you will see how often your mind would have drifted to other things if you do not make a conscious effort to direct your attention back to J18. You could be in your prayer closet but your mind is drifting. Or you could be in a crowded subway and yet reviewing J18 loud and clear in your mind.
Let's choose to focus on "This Book of the Law" more than our problems, regrets or hung-ups.
shall not depart from your mouth
As we mutter the Word of God to ourselves so that we actually hear it, it would be easier for His Word to take root in us.
By the by, the Scripture verse or passage which we have been speaking out of our mouths will become established in our inner man, and the Holy Spirit would help us recall them as a Sword of the Spirit to stand our ground in the face of adversity and fight the good fight of faith.
Why not to try looking at ourselves in the mirror and preach His Word to the person in the mirror? This way we can see how truly persuaded we are that the Word of God is faithful and true.
but you shall meditate in it day and night
As we meditate (the note in my Holy Bible says "ponders by taking to himself") on the Word of God, we shall be be "like a tree planted by rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in season, whose leaf shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." (Psalms 1:3; NKJV)
However, let's not meditate on God's Word out of compulsion or a sense of duty. Rather, let's take delight in meditating on His Word (Psalms 1:2) and thereby learn to live life according to God's Way. And, experience His Blessing!
that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it
The Word of God is like an instruction manual on how to operate our life as God has originally intended. If we choose to disobey, then we will malfunction and learn the lessons of life the long and hard way.
The emphasis here is not to be just a hearer but also a doer of God's Word. The Holy Spirit brings afresh to us the Word of God through Paul, praying "that you may have a walk worthy of the LORD, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;". (Col. 1:10; NKJV)
The grace of God is not cheap, but it is freely given to us. Our part is to grow in love with God and His Word so much so that His Word becomes a part of our spiritual DNA and we become more like Jesus, walking in God's way and speaking words of the Holy Spirit and of life.
For then you will make your way prosperous
Ahem, who makes our way prosperous? We are the ones who make our ways prosperous. God is all for us to succeed in life. Often the problem is the man in the mirror -- ourselves!
Let's be wary lest we become the greatest hindrance to living the good live in our spiritual Goshen. We do well to take heed of J18 and let the Word of God be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalms 119:105).
We could do a daily spiritual check-up before God who has perfect knowledge of man. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalms 139:24; NKJV)
and then you will have good success.
As we do things according to God's way and become prosperous, we will then enjoy the land of milk and honey. God is the source of our success, but our obedience to His Word is the key to our success. All glory be to God for the fruit of victory!
Not only would we and our loved ones be rejoicing over our success, but God jumps in to celebrate His children's success, as well. "The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you in His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17; NKJV)
Now that we have memorized J18 successfully, the next stage would be to meditate on it by muttering and/or speaking it to ourselves. Review our thoughts during the course of the day and consciously re-direct our thoughts to J18 and speak it out to ourselves whenever we have some time alone.
We could apply the same to other Scripture verses like Psalms 119:105 and Isaiah 41:10, and so forth. And, we shall experience the power of God's Word that proceeds out of our mouths!
Showing posts with label success. Show all posts
Showing posts with label success. Show all posts
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Walk On by Kong Hee
(Source: City Harvest Church news bulletin, September 27 - 28, 2014)
The Christian experience is often known in the New Testament as a “walk”. After we are saved and birthed into the kingdom of God, God expects us not to remain where we are, but to take action and walk progressively into the vision and destiny He has called us.
When Solomon was a teenager, his father David instructed him to walk in the ways of the Lord God … that he may prosper and have success (1 Kings 2:3). Later on, the Lord God Himself told Solomon that if he would walk in His ways as his father David did, God would lengthen Solomon’s days (1 Kings 3:14). When the time came for Solomon to construct the temple, the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying that if he would walk in His statutes, execute His judgment, keep all His commandments and walk in them … the Lord will dwell among the Israelites and will not forsake them (1 Kings 6:11-13).
From Solomon’s life, we can learn that a successful life is not just found in our position (as kings and priests unto God), but in our disposition, which is our walk.
In the Old Testament, a priest had to walk out of his tent, enter the Outer Court, then into the Holy Place, and finally into the Holy of Holies, where the very Presence of God dwelled. Similarly, the New Testament gives us four instructions concerning our Christian walk, guiding us into the Presence and Power of God.
1. Walk In The Spirit, Not In The Flesh
Galatians 5:19-21 describes the flesh as sinful physical desires, wrong beliefs, negative emotions and carnal excesses. How can we as believers keep ourselves from walking in the flesh? A few verses earlier give us the answer …
Galatians 5:16 “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
The Holy Spirit does not control us. He simply stands alongside us while we do the navigating through life. He leads us and guides us by bearing witness in our spirit.
2. Walk In Faith, Not In Fear
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. In fact, we still need faith even when we get to heaven. How do we obtain faith? By hearing the Word of God; if the Word of God says it, that settles it!
The opposite of faith is unbelief, which brings about fear. Interestingly, in the Bible, the number of times it is recorded that God says, “Fear not!” is 365 times! That means, we must have faith and be unafraid every single day – by standing on the promises of God’s Word.
3. Walk In Love, Not In Lust
Faith and love go hand in hand; you cannot have one without the other. Galatians 5:6 says that faith can only work through love. That is to say that love keeps our faith working in the right direction, for the right purpose. 1 John 4:18 tells us that perfect love casts out all fear. One touch of God’s love and all our fear, anger and bitterness melt away. Friends, walk in love, because our God is love (1 John 4:*).
4. Walk In Light, Not In Darkness
As God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5), so must we endeavor to abandon every dark thought and every practice of darkness – especially when it comes to our relationship with others.
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
In the Bible, we read of men who have walked with God.
Revelation 3:4 “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”
Abraham walked with God in the path of faith.
Moses walked with God in the path of obedience.
David walked with God in the path of worship.
Elijah walked with God in the path of prayer.
Just like these heroes of faith, let us also continually walk on with Jesus as we serve faithfully in the different ministries in church; as we serve in our workplace and our schools; and as served in our home and our community. Church, let’s walk on with God in Spirit, faith, love and light!
Preaching the gospel of Christ in a way that’s both progressive and heartfelt, Dr. Kong Hee is a highly sought-after conference speaker worldwide, and his messages minister to millions of people around the world who are inspired to become true ambassadors for Christ wherever God has placed them. Kong is also the founder and senior pastor of City Harvest Church – a thriving, contemporary congregation in the heart of Singapore. His international TV program, Alive! With Kong, encourages millions around the world each week. For more information on Kong’s ministry and materials, please visit konghee.com.
The Christian experience is often known in the New Testament as a “walk”. After we are saved and birthed into the kingdom of God, God expects us not to remain where we are, but to take action and walk progressively into the vision and destiny He has called us.
When Solomon was a teenager, his father David instructed him to walk in the ways of the Lord God … that he may prosper and have success (1 Kings 2:3). Later on, the Lord God Himself told Solomon that if he would walk in His ways as his father David did, God would lengthen Solomon’s days (1 Kings 3:14). When the time came for Solomon to construct the temple, the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying that if he would walk in His statutes, execute His judgment, keep all His commandments and walk in them … the Lord will dwell among the Israelites and will not forsake them (1 Kings 6:11-13).
From Solomon’s life, we can learn that a successful life is not just found in our position (as kings and priests unto God), but in our disposition, which is our walk.
In the Old Testament, a priest had to walk out of his tent, enter the Outer Court, then into the Holy Place, and finally into the Holy of Holies, where the very Presence of God dwelled. Similarly, the New Testament gives us four instructions concerning our Christian walk, guiding us into the Presence and Power of God.
1. Walk In The Spirit, Not In The Flesh
Galatians 5:19-21 describes the flesh as sinful physical desires, wrong beliefs, negative emotions and carnal excesses. How can we as believers keep ourselves from walking in the flesh? A few verses earlier give us the answer …
Galatians 5:16 “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
The Holy Spirit does not control us. He simply stands alongside us while we do the navigating through life. He leads us and guides us by bearing witness in our spirit.
2. Walk In Faith, Not In Fear
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. In fact, we still need faith even when we get to heaven. How do we obtain faith? By hearing the Word of God; if the Word of God says it, that settles it!
The opposite of faith is unbelief, which brings about fear. Interestingly, in the Bible, the number of times it is recorded that God says, “Fear not!” is 365 times! That means, we must have faith and be unafraid every single day – by standing on the promises of God’s Word.
3. Walk In Love, Not In Lust
Faith and love go hand in hand; you cannot have one without the other. Galatians 5:6 says that faith can only work through love. That is to say that love keeps our faith working in the right direction, for the right purpose. 1 John 4:18 tells us that perfect love casts out all fear. One touch of God’s love and all our fear, anger and bitterness melt away. Friends, walk in love, because our God is love (1 John 4:*).
4. Walk In Light, Not In Darkness
As God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5), so must we endeavor to abandon every dark thought and every practice of darkness – especially when it comes to our relationship with others.
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
In the Bible, we read of men who have walked with God.
Revelation 3:4 “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”
Abraham walked with God in the path of faith.
Moses walked with God in the path of obedience.
David walked with God in the path of worship.
Elijah walked with God in the path of prayer.
Just like these heroes of faith, let us also continually walk on with Jesus as we serve faithfully in the different ministries in church; as we serve in our workplace and our schools; and as served in our home and our community. Church, let’s walk on with God in Spirit, faith, love and light!
Preaching the gospel of Christ in a way that’s both progressive and heartfelt, Dr. Kong Hee is a highly sought-after conference speaker worldwide, and his messages minister to millions of people around the world who are inspired to become true ambassadors for Christ wherever God has placed them. Kong is also the founder and senior pastor of City Harvest Church – a thriving, contemporary congregation in the heart of Singapore. His international TV program, Alive! With Kong, encourages millions around the world each week. For more information on Kong’s ministry and materials, please visit konghee.com.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
MAXIMISING YOUR GOD-GIVEN ABILITY by Kong Hee
[Source: City Harvest Church bulletin dated 19 & 20 July 2014. This article is adapted from Daily Living With Kong Hee. To subscribe to Kong's Daily Email Devotionals, log on to konghee.com]
God wants to raise each one of us as a person of great ability and action in His kingdom. "By this My Father is glorified, that your bear much fruit: so you will be My disciples." - John 15:8
Christianity is not a superstitious, magical faith where we as believers just sit back and wait for blessings to fall from heaven. Our success and productivity in life depends on our conscious decision to BE successful, productive, and able for God.
I want to share with you some thoughts on how to increase your ability and productivity for God's glory. As you choose to deliberately "skill up" and work hard, may you find more purpose, meaning, and success in everything you put your hand to accomplish.
1: The Impact Of Maximized Ability
What you have and where you are today are directly connected to your ability. That may or may not be an encouragement to you, depending on where you are in life right now, but the beautiful thing is this: Your abilities and skills can be stretched! And it is God's desire to help you achieve maximized levels of productivity and success in your life!
Read about the parable of the talents in Matt.25:15. The man with the five talents produced five more by reason of his effective use. Similarly, the effective use of your abilities and skills will lead to an increase in them. The more you use the abilities you've been given today, the more responsibility you'll be able to handle tomorrow. So make the most of what you have been given by God.
2: The Impact Of A Bad Attitude
Sometimes, what seems to be inability or a lack of productivity simply boils down to a bad attitude.
In Matthew 25, the man with the one talent didn't want to apply himself. So he masqueraded and covered up his laziness by blaming his boss for being unfair. But really, it was the man's bad attitude that caused his unfruitfulness.
We all need to surrender our attitudes to God; take responsibility for the abilities and opportunities He has given you and maximize them effectively. Greater responsibility will always be given when you have greater ability.
It doesn't matter whether He has given you much or just a little. It's your attitude toward it that counts. Apply your whole heart and soul into what you are doing and I guarantee you that you will see it flourish.
3: The Impact Of The Company You Keep
When it comes to friendships, I love this old saying that states rather succinctly: You can't soar like an eagle if you hang around turkeys. The truth is, your abilities, productivity and success in life will either be hindered or enhanced by the friends you have and the company you keep.
Many people have great abilities and amazing talents, but because they hang with the wrong crowd, they can never rise to their highest potential and be as successful as God intended! The Bible says in 1 Cor. 15:33, "Do not be deceived:"Evil company corrupts good habits."
If you're not making the most of your abilities because of the negative influence of others, then I encourage you to evaluate your relationships today. It is absolutely crucial that you align yourself with the right friendships -- those who will encourage you to make the most of all God has given you!
The more you make use of your God-given abilities and talents, the greater the opportunities you will be given by God to put them to use in even greater ways!
And with more given, you will be able to become even more fruitful in your life, to the glory of God!
Preaching the gospel of Christ in a way that's both progressive and heartfelt, Dr. Kong Hee is a highly sought-after conference speaker worldwide, and his messages minister to millions of people around the world who are inspired to become true ambassadors for Christ wherever God has placed them. Kong is also the founder and senior pastor of City Harvest Church -- a thriving, contemporary congregation in the heart of Singapore. His international TV program, Alive! with Kong, encourages millions around the world each week. for more information on Kong's ministry and materials, please visit konghee.com.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
"Trust in the LORD" by Kong Hee
(Source: Devotionals of November 2005 by Rev Dr Kong Hee)
" “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,And whose hope is the Lord." Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV)
The key to success and victory in life is not in ourselves but in God. David was a shepherd boy, unskilled in the weapon of war, but he defeated Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, with a single sling shot. He was not of royal lineage, but he went on to become the greatest king Israel ever had. What was the secret of his greatness? It was his dependence and his trust in God. David cried, "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water" (Psalms 63:1; NKJV)
John Knox, the famous Scottish revivalist, was famous for his power in prayer. Queen Mary said she feared his prayers more than Europe's armies. When the Spanish armada fought the English in 1588, Queen Elizabeth I of England called the nation to prayer. As a result, a storm arose and destroyed 65 of the Armada's 130 ships while the English lost none.
It is evident that as long as men seek God, as long as we pray, our lives will be successful and victorious. We will be able to achieve our aims and remain protected. In the course of King Asa's reign over Judah (1 Kings 15:9-24), he changed both its history and future. Under his rule, he courageously deposed of his infamous idolatress grandmother, who had severely influenced Judah toward idolatry. He also drove out the Sodomites and then destroyed all the idols that his father had worshiped. Not only did this great leader himself seek after God, he commanded the entire nation to do likewise.
The prophet, Azariah said this of King Asa, "Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you" (2 Chronicles 15:2). As we look back in history, we see that the Word of God is true: Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength (Jeremiah 17:5, 7). God is no respecter of persons. His word works for all who would believe and act upon it.
" “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,And whose hope is the Lord." Jeremiah 17:7 (NKJV)
The key to success and victory in life is not in ourselves but in God. David was a shepherd boy, unskilled in the weapon of war, but he defeated Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, with a single sling shot. He was not of royal lineage, but he went on to become the greatest king Israel ever had. What was the secret of his greatness? It was his dependence and his trust in God. David cried, "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water" (Psalms 63:1; NKJV)
John Knox, the famous Scottish revivalist, was famous for his power in prayer. Queen Mary said she feared his prayers more than Europe's armies. When the Spanish armada fought the English in 1588, Queen Elizabeth I of England called the nation to prayer. As a result, a storm arose and destroyed 65 of the Armada's 130 ships while the English lost none.
It is evident that as long as men seek God, as long as we pray, our lives will be successful and victorious. We will be able to achieve our aims and remain protected. In the course of King Asa's reign over Judah (1 Kings 15:9-24), he changed both its history and future. Under his rule, he courageously deposed of his infamous idolatress grandmother, who had severely influenced Judah toward idolatry. He also drove out the Sodomites and then destroyed all the idols that his father had worshiped. Not only did this great leader himself seek after God, he commanded the entire nation to do likewise.
The prophet, Azariah said this of King Asa, "Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you" (2 Chronicles 15:2). As we look back in history, we see that the Word of God is true: Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD and cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength (Jeremiah 17:5, 7). God is no respecter of persons. His word works for all who would believe and act upon it.
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