Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-10
The story is told of two shopkeepers who were bitter rivals. They spent each day keeping track of each other’s business. If one got a customer, he would smile triumphantly at his rival.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, “I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice as much. What is your desire?” The man frowned and then said, “strike me blind in one eye.” Now that’s jealousy of the worst kind!
The self-destruction emotion of jealousy had the potential of tearing apart the Corinthian church. Those believers had received the gospel but had not allowed the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. As a result, they became jealous of one another, which led to a divided community. Paul identified their jealousy as a sign of immaturity and worldliness (1 Corinthians 3:3). These believers were not acting like people who had been transformed by the gospel.
One of the clearest indicators that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives is our contentment and our thankfulness for what we have. Then, instead of experiencing jealousy, we are able to genuinely celebrate the gifts and blessings of others.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that those in your church who are struggling with jealousy or unforgiveness or hatred or anger would resolve it today. Pray that there would be reconciliation, forgiveness and healing by God’s power today.
¥ Pray that you would be a peace monger among believers. Ask God to use you powerfully to bring healing and wholeness and reconciliation to others in your church or around you.
¥
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Saturday, 24 November 2012
Friday, 23 November 2012
Friday November 23, 2012
Read Mathew 24:1-8
To many Londoners, 1666 looked like the year when Jesus would return. Prophecy enthusiasts had added 1000 years since Christ’s birth to 666, the
number of Antichrist, to arrive at the date 1666.
The world did seem to be on the verge of destruction when in 1665 a plague claimed the lives of 100 000 people in London. Then in September 1666, a
London fire destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. Some wondered, Didn’t the Bible predict catastrophes at the end of the world? (see Matthew 24:1-8) Yet the year 1666 passed and life went on seemingly as it had before.
Even in our own day, there are those who have predicted the end of the world. A date is predicted, the media covers the frenzy and then that day passes uneventfully.
In God’s wisdom, the actual time of Christ’s return has been kept from us. Jesus said, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36) This any-moment aspect of Jesus’ return helps keep believers motivated in Christian service and spiritual growth all the time—not just near a certain date (Matthew 25:13; 1John 3:2-3). Be assured, Christ’s personal return will take place. And as we await that day, our lives should be marked by “holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11).
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your church would be a bright light in this dark and depraved world. Ask God to give your church great opportunities to be shining the light and sharing the faith in the local community of that church.
¥ Pray that there would be many opportunities for you personally to share your faith, to make disciples and to invite others into the kingdom. Pray specifically (ie by name) for those around you who don’t know Christ yet.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
To many Londoners, 1666 looked like the year when Jesus would return. Prophecy enthusiasts had added 1000 years since Christ’s birth to 666, the
number of Antichrist, to arrive at the date 1666.
The world did seem to be on the verge of destruction when in 1665 a plague claimed the lives of 100 000 people in London. Then in September 1666, a
London fire destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. Some wondered, Didn’t the Bible predict catastrophes at the end of the world? (see Matthew 24:1-8) Yet the year 1666 passed and life went on seemingly as it had before.
Even in our own day, there are those who have predicted the end of the world. A date is predicted, the media covers the frenzy and then that day passes uneventfully.
In God’s wisdom, the actual time of Christ’s return has been kept from us. Jesus said, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36) This any-moment aspect of Jesus’ return helps keep believers motivated in Christian service and spiritual growth all the time—not just near a certain date (Matthew 25:13; 1John 3:2-3). Be assured, Christ’s personal return will take place. And as we await that day, our lives should be marked by “holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11).
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your church would be a bright light in this dark and depraved world. Ask God to give your church great opportunities to be shining the light and sharing the faith in the local community of that church.
¥ Pray that there would be many opportunities for you personally to share your faith, to make disciples and to invite others into the kingdom. Pray specifically (ie by name) for those around you who don’t know Christ yet.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Thursday November 22, 2012
God’s whispers of comfort helps quiet the noise of our trials.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-7
The heartbreaking stories keep coming. The friend whose grown daughter has left her husband and kids. The parents who have lost their sons or daughters in car accidents. The pillar of the church whose retirement years have been marked by a string of bad medical news. You know the stories. You may have one of your own.
Where do we go for help when struggles and pain threaten to shake our faith and steal our last ounce of joy? 2 Corinthians 1:3 may be just the right destination. It is full of hope, help and possibilities.
Examine what that verse tells us: Paul lifts praise to God on two levels (and remember, Paul had more struggles and troubles than most of us could stand). First, he simply sends praise to God, who is not just our God, but the God and Father of Jesus Himself. Think about the power and the love behind that! Then he gives us even better news: Our heavenly Father is the God of mercy and compassion. He cares for us with an everlasting, gracious love. And there’s more—He is also the God of comfort.
Need compassion? Need comfort? Go to God. He has an endless supply and is ready to pour it on you in abundance. He is what we need in times of troubles!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for people you know who are currently going through tough trials. Pray that they would seek God, trust God and rely on Him. Pray that God would deliver them safely through this refining fire and that their faith, their trust and their love for God would be strengthened through the trials.
¥ Pray that Student Life in Australia the counter part in NZ would be strengthened in numbers as they grow and make more disciples. Ask God to grant their respective leaders wisdom and insight into their daily work and future planning.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-7
The heartbreaking stories keep coming. The friend whose grown daughter has left her husband and kids. The parents who have lost their sons or daughters in car accidents. The pillar of the church whose retirement years have been marked by a string of bad medical news. You know the stories. You may have one of your own.
Where do we go for help when struggles and pain threaten to shake our faith and steal our last ounce of joy? 2 Corinthians 1:3 may be just the right destination. It is full of hope, help and possibilities.
Examine what that verse tells us: Paul lifts praise to God on two levels (and remember, Paul had more struggles and troubles than most of us could stand). First, he simply sends praise to God, who is not just our God, but the God and Father of Jesus Himself. Think about the power and the love behind that! Then he gives us even better news: Our heavenly Father is the God of mercy and compassion. He cares for us with an everlasting, gracious love. And there’s more—He is also the God of comfort.
Need compassion? Need comfort? Go to God. He has an endless supply and is ready to pour it on you in abundance. He is what we need in times of troubles!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for people you know who are currently going through tough trials. Pray that they would seek God, trust God and rely on Him. Pray that God would deliver them safely through this refining fire and that their faith, their trust and their love for God would be strengthened through the trials.
¥ Pray that Student Life in Australia the counter part in NZ would be strengthened in numbers as they grow and make more disciples. Ask God to grant their respective leaders wisdom and insight into their daily work and future planning.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
Wednesday November 21, 2012
Read 3 John
Most people would agree that life is a painful mixture of good and bad. It is true in marriage, friendship, family, work and church. Yet we are surprised and disappointed when self-centeredness takes the stage within a fellowship of those who seek to worship and claim Christ together.
When the apostle John wrote to his friend Gaius, he commended the truthful living and generous hospitality of those in his church (vs 3-8). In the same fellowship, however, Diotrephes, “who wants to be had of everything” (vs 9) had created an atmosphere of hostility.
John promised to deal personally with Diotrephes on his next visit to the church. In the meantime, he urges the congregation: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (v 11) John’s words echo the instructions of Paul to the Christians in Rome: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
In a heated conflict, we may be tempted to “fight fire with fire”. Yet John urges us to turn away from what is bad and follow what is good. This is the pathway that honours our Saviour.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
Pray that all your paths would bring honour and glory to the Lord, especially the paths you take when frustrated, angry or overwhelmed. Pray this for 20 other people in your congregation.
Pray that your Session and Committee of Management would be wise in the decisions they make and that they would bring glory to God through these decisions. Pray that your church would be growing through conversions.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Most people would agree that life is a painful mixture of good and bad. It is true in marriage, friendship, family, work and church. Yet we are surprised and disappointed when self-centeredness takes the stage within a fellowship of those who seek to worship and claim Christ together.
When the apostle John wrote to his friend Gaius, he commended the truthful living and generous hospitality of those in his church (vs 3-8). In the same fellowship, however, Diotrephes, “who wants to be had of everything” (vs 9) had created an atmosphere of hostility.
John promised to deal personally with Diotrephes on his next visit to the church. In the meantime, he urges the congregation: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (v 11) John’s words echo the instructions of Paul to the Christians in Rome: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
In a heated conflict, we may be tempted to “fight fire with fire”. Yet John urges us to turn away from what is bad and follow what is good. This is the pathway that honours our Saviour.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
Pray that all your paths would bring honour and glory to the Lord, especially the paths you take when frustrated, angry or overwhelmed. Pray this for 20 other people in your congregation.
Pray that your Session and Committee of Management would be wise in the decisions they make and that they would bring glory to God through these decisions. Pray that your church would be growing through conversions.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Tuesday November 20, 2012
Read Acts 17:22—31
A popular song from years ago titles “From a Distance” envisions a world of harmony and peace. It says, “God is watching us from a distance”. Indeed God is watching us, but not from a distance, right in front of you, gazing at you with unbounded love in His eyes.
I think of the example of Brother Lawrence, who spent long years working in a kitchen washing pots and pans and repairing the sandals of other monks. He wrote: “As often as I could, I placed myself as a worshiper before Him, fixing my mind upon His holy presence.
That is our task as well. But we forget and sometimes need reminders of His presence. I have driven an old homemade nail into the shelf over my desk to remind me that the crucified and resurrected Jesus is always present. Our task is to remember to “set the Lord always before [us]” (Psalm 16:8) - to know that He is with us to “the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) and He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27).
Remembering may be as simple as calling to mind that the Lord has promised to be with you all through the day and saying to Him, “Good morning”, or “Thank you”, or “Help!” or I love you”.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would be among you and your congregation and not at a distance. Pray that He would honour His Word and walk among you and be powerfully present among you.
¥ Pray that God would continue to provide the needs of Mustard Seed Orphanage. They need finances, provisions and people support. Ask your Lord to provide.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
A popular song from years ago titles “From a Distance” envisions a world of harmony and peace. It says, “God is watching us from a distance”. Indeed God is watching us, but not from a distance, right in front of you, gazing at you with unbounded love in His eyes.
I think of the example of Brother Lawrence, who spent long years working in a kitchen washing pots and pans and repairing the sandals of other monks. He wrote: “As often as I could, I placed myself as a worshiper before Him, fixing my mind upon His holy presence.
That is our task as well. But we forget and sometimes need reminders of His presence. I have driven an old homemade nail into the shelf over my desk to remind me that the crucified and resurrected Jesus is always present. Our task is to remember to “set the Lord always before [us]” (Psalm 16:8) - to know that He is with us to “the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) and He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27).
Remembering may be as simple as calling to mind that the Lord has promised to be with you all through the day and saying to Him, “Good morning”, or “Thank you”, or “Help!” or I love you”.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would be among you and your congregation and not at a distance. Pray that He would honour His Word and walk among you and be powerfully present among you.
¥ Pray that God would continue to provide the needs of Mustard Seed Orphanage. They need finances, provisions and people support. Ask your Lord to provide.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Monday, 19 November 2012
Monday November 19, 2012
Read Psalm 139:1-10
Creating a system by which an “eye in the sky” can help guide cars, planes and boats all the time is complicated. For instance, the Global Positioning System (GPS) that most people are familiar with works because there are always 24 to 32 satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 12 500 miles (20 000 km). These satellites must maintain a constant speed and altitude if the guidance they provide is to be accurate.
Today’s complicated GPS is just a tiny analogy of what God can do. God promised the nation of Israel: “The Lord will guide you continually” (Isaiah 58:11). The psalmist was aware that there was no place he could go without God knowing where he was (Psalm 139: 7-8) Long before GPS, God sat “above the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22) and saw everything.
The knowledge that there is someone who tracks you wherever you are, can bring fear to those who are trying to get away. But for the Christians, this brings great joy and assurance. No matter where he was, the psalmist was confident that God’s hand would lead him (Psalm 139:10).
God has promised to guide and lead you today. He’s the best Guide you could have and He wants to lead you along the right paths.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would continue to be your GPS and guide you to places where you can be speaking up and living out your faith in Christ.
¥ Pray that your faith would grow and multiply and step out to do amazing things for God and His kingdom. Pray this for 10 other people in your congregation.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Creating a system by which an “eye in the sky” can help guide cars, planes and boats all the time is complicated. For instance, the Global Positioning System (GPS) that most people are familiar with works because there are always 24 to 32 satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 12 500 miles (20 000 km). These satellites must maintain a constant speed and altitude if the guidance they provide is to be accurate.
Today’s complicated GPS is just a tiny analogy of what God can do. God promised the nation of Israel: “The Lord will guide you continually” (Isaiah 58:11). The psalmist was aware that there was no place he could go without God knowing where he was (Psalm 139: 7-8) Long before GPS, God sat “above the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22) and saw everything.
The knowledge that there is someone who tracks you wherever you are, can bring fear to those who are trying to get away. But for the Christians, this brings great joy and assurance. No matter where he was, the psalmist was confident that God’s hand would lead him (Psalm 139:10).
God has promised to guide and lead you today. He’s the best Guide you could have and He wants to lead you along the right paths.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would continue to be your GPS and guide you to places where you can be speaking up and living out your faith in Christ.
¥ Pray that your faith would grow and multiply and step out to do amazing things for God and His kingdom. Pray this for 10 other people in your congregation.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Saturday November 17, 2012
Read Hebrews 11; Revelation 13:12-15
You may not be aware but the Book to the Hebrews recites the tails of many of those who stood against Antiochus Epiphanes. The Hanukkah story reveals the names of the nameless martyrs mentioned in the book of Hebrews - people like Eleazar and Hannah and her sons. Hanukkah reminds us of those who stood in the faith and refused to be released so that they might gain a better resurrection. We are reminded that men and women and children have courageously stood up for their God.
At some point in the future the Anti-Christ will arise and will declare himself to be god. He will demand that everyone in the world worship himself. Like Antiochus, his predecessor, he will desecrate the temple. People will be called to bow down and worship him. Only those who receive his mark on their hand or forehead will be able to purchase food etc needed for survival. it will be a time of terrible persecution.
As frightening as it seems, that future should not worry us or scare us. God will remain in total and compete control of all that happens. Rather it should cause us to prepare and to be armed and ready. The best preparation is to be living for Christ here and now, day by day. If we can’t live for Jesus in the good times we will never live for Him in the tough times. If we can’t serve God when the road is smooth, we will never serve Him when the road becomes rocky.
Make a pact today with God that you will live for Him in every area of your life -
in your relationships, family, work, sports, hobbies, professional associations and even in your finances. That’s a dangerous pact because when we avail ourselves to God and promise to live for Him he does great things.
As one great theologian once said, ‘If you’ve got nothing worth dying for, you’ve got nothing worth living for.’ Are you living for God? Have you given yourself unreservedly to God? Are you ready to step out in faith each and every day?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that tomorrow’s service in your church would grow the believers and draw each one closer to God. Pray that the Word would be faithfully preached and that the Holy Spirit would work powerfully through the Word.
¥ Pray that your church would grow as each individual makes disciples for Christ Jesus. Ask God to give each believer the courage of his/her convictions and that each believer would make the most of every opportunity to make disciples.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
You may not be aware but the Book to the Hebrews recites the tails of many of those who stood against Antiochus Epiphanes. The Hanukkah story reveals the names of the nameless martyrs mentioned in the book of Hebrews - people like Eleazar and Hannah and her sons. Hanukkah reminds us of those who stood in the faith and refused to be released so that they might gain a better resurrection. We are reminded that men and women and children have courageously stood up for their God.
At some point in the future the Anti-Christ will arise and will declare himself to be god. He will demand that everyone in the world worship himself. Like Antiochus, his predecessor, he will desecrate the temple. People will be called to bow down and worship him. Only those who receive his mark on their hand or forehead will be able to purchase food etc needed for survival. it will be a time of terrible persecution.
As frightening as it seems, that future should not worry us or scare us. God will remain in total and compete control of all that happens. Rather it should cause us to prepare and to be armed and ready. The best preparation is to be living for Christ here and now, day by day. If we can’t live for Jesus in the good times we will never live for Him in the tough times. If we can’t serve God when the road is smooth, we will never serve Him when the road becomes rocky.
Make a pact today with God that you will live for Him in every area of your life -
in your relationships, family, work, sports, hobbies, professional associations and even in your finances. That’s a dangerous pact because when we avail ourselves to God and promise to live for Him he does great things.
As one great theologian once said, ‘If you’ve got nothing worth dying for, you’ve got nothing worth living for.’ Are you living for God? Have you given yourself unreservedly to God? Are you ready to step out in faith each and every day?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that tomorrow’s service in your church would grow the believers and draw each one closer to God. Pray that the Word would be faithfully preached and that the Holy Spirit would work powerfully through the Word.
¥ Pray that your church would grow as each individual makes disciples for Christ Jesus. Ask God to give each believer the courage of his/her convictions and that each believer would make the most of every opportunity to make disciples.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
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