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Trust God First

February 22, 2009 By

PROVERBS 3:5  “Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.”

Last night I was watching an interview on national (American) T.V.  They were interviewing Stephen Curtis Chapman, gospel singer, who writes his own music.  He and his wife adopted three daughters from China and also had three of their own.

One day the three little girls were playing on the play things in the garden and they couldn’t quite get the one daughter to reach the top bar, when they heard their big brother driving home, so they ran and she went further right into his car, killing her.

The one question they asked Stephen and his wife was, “At that time did you lose your faith”. She replied by saying, “At that second I was faced with either blaming God etc etc. or drawing my strength and help from my faith”.  Which she chose and which has brought them through this terrible tragedy and also made them stronger and also their son.

What they said was amazing and got me thinking of how many Christians actually choose the other route????

Then this morning I spoke to a friend of mine in Australia, who was saying, when he was unfairly confronted, their pastor just walked out. Now he is so bitter and twisted that he has lost everything. We know them.  They have three young children, and not only has he walked away from the call of God on his life but he has let the enemy rule in his situation, instead of standing up for right.

IF YOU WANT THINGS TO GO BADLY FOR YOU ~~~ EXCLUDE GOD.

The problem is we try to face it in our own strength and get nowhere.  Then we resort to logic, and then ultimately panic.

Some act as though they are actually addicted to anxiety.  When one worry is gone, they just put another in its place.  We put up a sign at our door, All worries welcome.

It is almost as though these people can’t live without them.  Jesus said they are a waste of life and energy.  They keep you so focussed on the negative that you cannot focus on the positive at all.

Matthew 6:25,31  “Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, or about your body, what you shall put on.” ….. :31  “There do not worry and be anxious …….”

STOP WORRYING AND TURN TO GOD in everything.

Live by scripture, not the enemy’s word.

  • Do not worry about anything
  • Pray and ask God for everything you need.
  • Always give thanks
  • God’s peace will keep your hearts and mind.

Philippians 4:6 (the message)  “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.  It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life.”

Start here and see God make everything work together for you, and see that peace come in from God.

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Oh, But You DO Have Confidence

February 15, 2009 By

2 CORINTHIANS 3:5-6 “NOT THAT WE ARE COMPETENT IN OURSELVES TO CLAIM ANYTHING FOR OURSELVES, BUT OUR COMPETENCE COMES FROM GOD.  HE HAS MADE US COMPETENT AS MINISTERS OF A NEW COVENANT”. (NIV)

(TLB)  “AND NOT BECAUSE WE THINK WE CAN DO ANYTHING OF LASTING VALUE BY OURSELVES.   OUR ONLY POWER AND SUCCESS COMES FROM GOD.”

So often I have heard people say, “But Pastor Les, I just cannot do that as I have NO confidence in myself”.  Well, this might surprise you, but one of the greatest leaders that we read about in the Bible, had little confidence in himself.  But he had so much confidence in his God as he realised it was God who empowered and equipped him.

PHILIPPIANS 3:3  “For we Christians, are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, AND PUT NO CONFIDENCE OR DEPENDENCE (ON WHAT WE ARE) in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances -.”

So Paul didn’t think he was good enough in who he was and how he felt, or even how he looked, but his confidence came from who HE WAS IN CHRIST.

I read once this quotation – “A man wrapped up in himself makes a pretty small package.”  But a man, or woman, wrapped up in God is an amazing sight to behold”

Cut out that quote and stick it on your mirror or somewhere where you can see it. And claim it daily. “I am wrapped up in God and I am a sight to behold.

I have so often seen people so going for God and then the enemy starts lying to them and saying they cannot do it, and I say, “Why is God not big enough anymore?”.

The enemy tells us we are losers.

God tells us we are “MORE THAN CONQUERORS” (ROM. 8:37)

Chris Tingle (Bible College Dean) sent me a clip about a man who in himself was a nobody, just a little white haired old man and how God moved in his life in later years.  This Pastor heard so many folk who were in his meetings speak of this little white haired gentleman who was on the streets asking people “Do you know where you will go if you don’t accept Jesus?”.  Thousands of people’s lives, including pastors, were changed just by this little white haired old man, not looking at himself but taking his strength from Almighty God.

I ask you today, what would have happened to all these thousands of people if this man had relied on his own confidence???????

He took his confidence from God, and made such a difference in society.

What are you and I doing to make that difference for the extension of Christianity?

Have a wonderful week.

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Always Follow the Inward Witness

February 8, 2009 By

Hebrews 4:12 “THE WORD OF GOD IS QUICK, AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWO EDGED SWORD, PIERCING EVEN TO THE DIVIDING ASUNDER OF SOUL AND SPIRIT”

So many times Christians try to receive guidance in ways other than how the Bible says we are to receive it.

Just last week I said how important it is that we forget the past leave it as the past, and someone said to me there are times we must visit the past.  Well, the Bible says “FORGETTING those things that are behind…”.  Not forgetting them for a while and then visit them and drag them back.

It is so important that we are not led by our souls but by our Spirit.  Nowhere in the Bible does it say we are guided through our souls.

The problem today is that society is trying to find an answer to life so they come up with works programmes and eventually the church is led by the soulish instead of the Spirit.

So often people use the words ‘Soul’ and ‘Spirit’ interchangeably.

They are not interchangeable.

The problem is people don’t understand things and they can become horribly confused.

If God is dwelling in your heart (or spirit) that is where He is going to speak to you.

He does not communicate directly with your mind.  Why you ask?  Well because He is not in your mind but He is in your spirit.

The problem is people go by feelings.  WRITE THIS DOWN:

  • FEELING IS THE VOICE OF THE BODY
  • REASON IS THE VOICE OF YOUR SOUL (OR MIND)
  • CONSCIENCE IS THE VOICE OF YOUR SPIRIT.

When we are born again, our bodies stay the same.

BUT

The spirit man on the inside has become a new man in Christ.

Because God guides us through our spirit, it’s important to allow that inward man to dominate our lives.

If you are doing something and you get a check inside – a red light – an uneasy feeling – you are having a check in your spirit – so listen to it and STOP.

Citifaith, take this year and get acquainted to the One who lives in you.

Study this week: John 14:26, John 16:13

The Message translation of John 16:13 is “He will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is.”

Let Him take you by the hand this week and lead you into ALL truth.

Have a wonderful God filled week.

Filed Under: Pastor Les Blog

Forgetting What Is Behind

February 1, 2009 By

Philippians 3:12-14 “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, FORGETTING THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

It is so important that if we want to go on with God we must forget about the past.

Read 1 Timothy 1:11-16.

In order to go on with God, and do mighty exploits, Paul HAD to forget what he had done. And he pressed on to the mark of his high calling.

Also read Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1, Acts 9:1,2.

If we are ever to be successful in our Christian life and ministry, there is one thing we MUST do,  We must learn to forget.

If we don’t do this we will be handicapped the rest of our life and won’t be able to reach the potential that God wants for us.

In Isaiah 43:25 God makes it very clear that He has blotted out our transgressions.  So if God forgets them why do we always remind ourselves about them.

If He has BLOTTED OUT the things we have done wrong, then I ask you WHY do we keep beating ourselves up about it and letting it ruin our future.

Hebrews 8:12  “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember NO MORE.”

You can see for Paul to walk on with God and to reach his full potential he HAD to forget his past.

It is the same with you and me.  God wants us to do so much, but as long as we keep dragging the baggage of the past with us, how can we do what He wants in this world?

If you have been doing this, and feel you have not been able to walk strong and on with God, just repent, ask God to forgive you for doing this, and move on.

Have a wonderful week, and I look forward to seeing lots done for God in the near future.

God’s blessings are yours.

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What To Do When We Swallow That Fear

January 25, 2009 By

If we drank arsenic or any poison for that matter we would have to swallow an antidote or the poison would kill us or do some awful damage.  We have to do the same when we take fear on board.

What is the antidote for FEAR?  It is FAITH.

Fear Is a terrible thing and it knocks on all our doors.  That is why it is so important to answer it with faith.  Nothing else is effective against fear, NOTHING.  You ask how do I do that?

One very effective way, and a major vehicle that carries faith is prayer.  We must carry faith to the problem and release it in some way.

It is possible to pray without faith (we do it all the time) but it is impossible to have real faith and not pray.

James 1:5-7.  Read what it says and you will see that when we find ourselves in need of something, we MUST pray and ask God for it in prayer.  Just a simple prayer, a believing prayer.

I have said sometimes to God, “Dear Father, I am battling in this area, but I know that with you in control we can beat this, so Father, In the Name of Jesus I thank You that I am more than a conqueror and together we can overcome etc etc………………… .., just Believing that what we ask for from God we will Receive in accordance with His divine will and plan.

As you put your faith in God He has the power to deliver you.  Be determined NOT to give in.  That is what satan wants.  Say “I will NOT fear!”  Because of fear many people do not confront issues.  They spend their lives running.

In this family (Citifaith) we are a people who stand our ground and face fear, secure in our God and the knowledge THAT WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS!

Satan wants to rob and destroy, stopping what God wants for you, but when that fear comes, we are not going to back down or run away.  WE SHALL PRAY AND GO FORWARD, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE AFRAID – WE SHALL SUCCEED!!!!!!

Have a wonderful week blessings and know this  – TOGETHER  WE SHALL WIN!

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Go A Little Further

January 18, 2009 By

Mark 14:35 – “And going a little further he fell on the ground and kept praying that if it were possible, the (fatal) hour might pass from Him”

Dutch Sheets says, “through intercessory prayer we meet the powers of darkness, enforcing the victory, Christ accomplished when He met them in His work of intercession.”

I always read that and think if Jesus had to go into intercession, how much more you and I?

Intercession means “mediating between parties with a view to reconciling ….”

God is looking for men and women to intercede to STAND IN THE GAP .

Ezekial 22:30  “And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.”

When a church puts on a dinner evening or something fun, we get lots of people attending.  But when it is intercession not as many come.  Although it blesses my heart just how many come out to pray, it would bless me more if the whole church were here.

God is saying “I need you, Help”.

We all need people to stand in the gap for us.  I don’t know where I would be if people did not intercede for me and my husband.  Over the years people have said to me, whether they are close or over the sea, “I am praying for you”.

I don’t take that lightly.  It has taken me through hard times.  I always remember when mum was dying, just knowing people were praying for me, lifting my arms, when I felt too weak to do it, got me through such hard times.

Praying for others is equal to sowing a seed.  We all know that to reap, we must sow. Galatians 6:7

Each time we pray for others, we are assuring our own success.

If you want to :

  • Succeed
  • Overcome
  • Help someone else
  • Need breakthrough

THEN PRAY FOR SOMEONE WITH THE SAME NEED.

Give people prayer not judgement.  If you are not happy with things going on around you, not happy with change, then don’t moan and complain, PRAY.

God is calling Citifaith to go further, we won’t do it, if everyone is sitting back, complaining and judging.  God is calling you and me to higher levels, we won’t get there if we just sit back and do nothing.

But we will get there, if we get down and intercede, seek Gods face and ask His assistance.

Let’s all be on the same page and PRAY TOGETHER.

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God is With You Always

January 11, 2009 By

Daniel 3:30; “Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego ………..”

Over the Christmas period, I have had a few people come to me saying how hard it was as they chose to not drink with their families, and their families came down on them big time, saying things like “you are not the same, you are no fun, you are an embarrassment.

I can remember our families, coming down on us about this issue, and how we stood strong, enjoyed their company and loved them regardless of the way they treated us.

One thing I realised was to serve God, meant that we had to make some choices and not be moved by pressure from the world.  Also don’t expect the world to always understand or appreciate your stand.

Take strength from the fact that Jesus went through what you are going through with your unsaved, friends and family too.  As you stand strong and just love them anyway, that will be your testimony.  People, including your unsaved friends and family are watching you, and how you react will speak to them strongly.

And your faithfulness will talk LOUDLY.  As you stand you will be blessed.

Don’t react to their words.  Just enjoy their company even if they are not enjoying yours at this time.  In time they will realise that you are serious in your walk with God.

As God was with Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego, He will be with You.  Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego experienced affliction as they remained faithful to the one true God.   Nebuchandnessar was “astounded” to see that Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego were joined by a fourth man in the fiery furnace who was The Son of God.

Just as God was with these men in their furnace of affliction, so He will be with you in whatever situation you may have to face in life.  They refused to be intimidated.

That is the attitude we ought to have toward those who try to pressure us into disobeying what we know IS THE WILL OF GOD.

Pray for that kind of courage and faith.

I am proud of you who remained strong and faithful.

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What is the Meaning of a New Year?

December 28, 2008 By

Happy NEW year. How many times have we said that over the years?

In a few days we will be saying it a whole lot more.

I encourage you this year to really do that HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

In Philippians it says “Forgetting the things that are behind you, press on towards the mark, the prize  of the high Calling that we have in Christ Jesus.”

Let’s truly leave 2008 and press into 2009.

Don’t carry the baggage of this year that has held you back, At midnight put it behind you and really go into the New Year
with a zeal and a positive attitude.

Make an effort to change your life for the better.

Life is full of choices, so let’s make good choices.

CHOOSE TO BE POSITIVE

CHOOSE NOT TO PICK UP OFFENSES

CHOOSE TO TALK LIFE NOT DEATH OVER YOURSELF

CHOOSE TO GET INTO THE WORD OF GOD

CHOOSE CHANGE

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Don’t be Critical of Yourself

December 14, 2008 By

If you are going to enjoy your life you have to be happy with who you are.
Eph 2:10

You are one of a kind, a masterpiece.  You need to see yourself God’s original masterpiece.  You are God’s most prized possession.  You didn’t get in the wrong line when God was giving out things like noses etc.  You were in the perfect line.

Stop wishing you were different.  When you do this you are being critical of the One whom has created you.  Don’t go through life wishing you weren’t you.  Just like a piece of clothing which has a tag say “Made in England”, somewhere you have a tag saying “Made by Almighty God”.

Celebrate who God made you to be.  Don’t let your thoughts destroying yourself and keep you back from doing great things.  Acknowledge the good things in you and you will see yourself achieving great things.

It’s not what the painting looks like it’s who did the painting.  God painted you.  You are God’s masterpiece.

You have been fearfully and wonderfully made.  Just think!  You have God’s fingerprints all over you.  Complement yourself.

Pause on a regular basis and say “I did well today”.  Stay positive towards yourself.  Don’t allow your mistakes to drag you down.

Compliment yourself.  So often we can’t compliment ourselves because we are so critical of ourselves.

Your internal dialogue has to be good.  Be secure in who God made you to be.  If you want to honour God then accept yourself.

Let your life give God praise.  Get up every morning and say positive things about yourself.

Have a wonderful week and make a decision to uplift yourself this week.

Blessings you ARE Gods Masterpiece.

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Don’t Let Depression Take Hold

December 7, 2008 By

1. Guard your heart

Don’t allow circumstances into your heart.

Let not your heart be troubled….

Fight trouble with the word of God.

Depression can’t stay if you hold onto the Word.

 

2. Speak TO your problems not ABOUT  your problems

Mark 11:23

You must not allow stuff to talk to you.

It is your choice to let it take root or to refuse to.

Talk about the Goodness of God not on your circumstance.

 

3. If something missing in your life ask God for it

Receive what you ask for and you will get it.

Write it down.

Present it to God

 

4. Praise God.

Depression can’t stay when you praise Him.

If you can control your emotions you can control your destiny.

Have a victorious week as you become the victor not the victim.

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