You Matter to God January 5, 2019 bizadmin …he calls his own sheep by name… John 10:3 YOU MATTER TO GOD! Do you sometimes feel like you are just a face in a crowd or a number in a system? You are identified by your social security number. Even when you see the doctor, you are called by your queue number. If you feel depersonalized and dehumanized, that is exactly how the devil wants you to feel — that you do not matter much to anyone, especially to God. But you do matter to God! He calls you by name. He knows exactly what you are going through and where you are hurting. He sees you and cares for you, just as He cared for the people when He first walked on earth. My friend, He will do for you what He did for the woman in Samaria. The Bible says that “He needed to go through Samaria” to get from Judea to Galilee (John 4:4). Now, any Jew of His day would have taken a different and longer route to avoid going through Samaria because they hated the Samaritans, though the way through Samaria would take much less time. But Jesus deliberately took the shorter, avoided route, just so He could stop by Samaria to speak to the woman who had been searching for something in her life to satisfy her. This woman had had five husbands and the man she was living with was not her husband. Clearly, things had not been going right in her life. She was probably looking for answers and fulfillment and must have felt ashamed about her failed marriages and current lifestyle. Yet, in spite of all this, she mattered to Jesus! He needed to go to her to minister to her. And indeed, after she met Jesus, the perfect Man, she was transformed. She was no longer ashamed and went into the city to tell the people about Him (see John 4:28–29). Beloved, Jesus wants to meet you wherever you are at in life and minister His grace to you. You certainly matter to Him. He came to give you life and life more abundantly (see John 10:10). You are not just a face in a crowd or a number. No, He knows you by name and has a personal love for you. And in spite of the mess that you might be in, He wants to meet your every need and make your life beautiful! – Joseph Prince
Remember the Cross January 3, 2019 bizadmin …“Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17 REMEMBER THE CROSS I don’t know about you, but I would say that Hebrews 10:17 is good news. God sees all our sins—past, present and future—and says, “Your sins I remember no more!” The words “no more” are a strong double negative in the original Greek text. In other words, God is saying, “Your sins I will by no means ever remember!” Has God lowered His standards? No, He is still perfectly holy. He did remember all our sins—2,000 years ago at the cross. Every sin which we have committed or will commit has been punished to the full in the body of Jesus Christ at the cross. That is why today, God remembers our sins no more. We should, therefore, not be sin-conscious. Each time we feel condemned for our past mistakes, God wants us to remember the cross and say, “Lord Jesus, you were sentenced for this sin I committed. You bore the judgment, so God will not judge me for this sin. You were condemned for this sin, so God will not condemn me for it.” If you don’t look to the cross, you will become sin-conscious and you will walk around with a certain expectation of judgment. And that expectation of judgment will give the devil a chance to get you thinking that God has something against you because of your sin. You must come to the place where you know and believe that all your sins are forgiven, and that you are saved eternally. Hebrews 10:12, 14 says, “But this Man [Jesus], after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God…For by one offering He has perfected forever…” You and I are perfected forever because of Jesus’ perfect work on the cross. We are perfected by God’s full acceptance and perfect delight in His Son’s work that has so glorified His holiness. Beloved, hear God say to you, “I will be merciful. Your sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more.” – Joseph Prince
30 Days to Understanding the Bible Review and Giveaway January 2, 2019 bizadmin <span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> “Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. The winner is subject to eligibility verification.” Good morning! Today is the 1st, a beginning of a new dawn of the year, 2019 … which I can hardly believe! Though since it has snowed several times already in central IL, it does seem that winter has already started! Do you want to learn the Bible but don’t have a lot of time? Do you need a quick refresher on what you already know? If so, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible is for you. With just fifteen minutes a day, for one month, you’ll learn the Bible’s key people, events, and doctrines. Using a proven study plan, author Max Anders breaks down the Bible’s structure so you can learn and remember the key points of the Bible’s text quickly. 30 Days to Understanding the Bible is the straightforward, easy-to-use guide to learning that Bible that’s been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for 30 years. Dr. Max Anders is the author of over 25 books. He has taught on the college and seminary level and is a veteran pastor. Max was also one of the original team members with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. He provides resources and discipleship strategies at MaxAnders.com to help people grow spiritually. If you’ve ever confused the ark of the covenant with the ark of Noah, or Jericho with Jeroboam, Max Anders’ classic book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, is for you. In just fifteen minutes a day, you’ll learn the Bible’s key people, events, and doctrines to get more out of God’s Word. This simple-to-use, a straightforward guide has been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for thirty years, and now it’s available in an expanded thirtieth-anniversary edition—with the most requested topics from the original edition restored and updated for today’s readers. You can buy the Bible here on Amazon >> or copy and paste the link http://bit.ly/30DaystoUnderstandingtheBible to your browser. Both the Kindle e-book copies and paperback copies are sold here on Amazon. If you love reading via your smartphone at night before bedtime, then you can choose the more economical Kindle version. Otherwise, if you love to carry around a paperback Bible, then the tangible copy may be your choice. Features include: The “Arc of Bible History” to help you visualize the Bible’s overarching themes The “Story of the Bible” summarizing Genesis through Revelation in just a few pages The core beliefs of the Christian faith, focusing on the teachings that have united Christians for the last 2,000 years 13-week plan that provides teacher’s creative and effective tool for teaching the Bible in 30 days Fan-favorite bonus content, previously removed, now restored from the original edition There are pictures too to illustrate the Bible even clearer with easy to understand diagrams. For instance, the Appendix shows the Great Doctrines of the Bible and there are easy self-tests to examine how much you understand the Bible after reading it. If you cannot remember, fret not, just go through again and look out for the key points to answer the few test questions. This Bible is suitable for small bible study groups where the members can discuss even further the contents of the Bible with the help of a veteran pastor, Dr. Max Anders. And if you like to get a FREE copy, (now who doesn’t like a free Giveaway?), simply comment in this blog post and the most creative comment will get a copy, (from the continental U.S. and Canada only). Sorry, I can only give away a free copy and the winner will be notified by email. So, remember to leave your details including your address or privately email me your home address and mobile number when your email is selected. The official website is https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/biblein30days/ or click HERE Happy reading of the “30 Days to Understanding the Bible” to start your new year in a positive way and immerse yourself with God’s scriptures for they are life to your body – as Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Yes, meditating on God’s word prolongs our lives for they are nuggets of gold to handling tough situations like financial distress, deteriorating health, relationship problems, and more. When the hurricane comes, those people who are firmly rooted in God’s word and meditate on them are like houses built on a firm foundation; they will not be blown away like houses of straw! Happy New Year in 2019 and Happy Reading 30 Days to Understanding the Bible! Have a good year ahead.
5 Tips to Keep Your Chin Up December 27, 2018 bizadmin Don’t you find the infographic above colorful and attractive? Well, as it is self-explanatory, I shall not delve deeper into the contents. The titles are as below: 1. Do something impulsive 2. Have rituals 3. Exercise at least 10 minutes a day 4. Take Breaks – add some novelties in your daily routine. 5. Learn something new – this is so pertinent now especially in the new technology age where it keeps changing and newer programs and apps come out very fast. If you don’t change, you will be left behind and need to keep up with the new in-thing. People progress because they are able to innovate or learn new kinds of stuff and features of applications daily. I also need to remind myself not to be too complacent or lazy; because it is human nature to take things easy. A nugget of wisdom from Instagram that I recall is this: Don’t sleep like you are rich, but work like you are broke! And follow the example of the ant – always hunting for food and store it up during summer for winter. Else the grasshopper that sings all day will go hungry during winter. For more details, just read through the infographic above that is carefully curated for your reading pleasure.
Count on God’s Forgiveness December 26, 2018 bizadmin And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore… Matthew 28:18–19 JESUS’ AUTHORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US When God created man, He gave man authority to have dominion over everything on earth (see Genesis 1:26). But when man sinned, he gave this authority to Satan. And when man’s authority was transferred to Satan, Satan brought in diseases, poverty, strife, bitterness, pain, loss and death. He messed up everything on earth for man. “Pastor Prince, why didn’t God just grab the devil by the neck and throw him out of the garden?” God did not do that because He is a judicial God. It was a man who gave away his authority to Satan. So it had to be a man who would legally take it back. And God has done this through a Man. His name is Jesus! By His death on the cross, Jesus righteously restored all that man had lost. That is why, just before He went back to heaven, He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore…” Those words tell us that He has transferred His authority to us. The same authority that He had over the storm, evil spirits, sicknesses, diseases, and even death is now ours to use. So when there are reports of a flu epidemic and of young children falling sick in the media, know that you have dominion over the epidemic. Declare, “By the authority given to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, this flu virus will not come near my children. I plead the blood of Jesus over them.” If you have been told that your family has a history of heart disease, take dominion and declare, “By the authority given to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I destroy every form, manifestation and hereditary cause of this disease. By His blood, my family has been redeemed from this and every other curse.” My friend, the authority which has been restored to us is not just the authority on earth which man had before the fall, but Jesus’ unquestionable and complete authority in heaven and on earth! – Joseph Prince
Practicing God’s Presence December 16, 2018 bizadmin “…and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 PRACTICING GOD’S PRESENCE God has promised you His constant presence (see Hebrews 13:5), but are you conscious of His presence every day? When you are conscious of His presence every day, you will experience a peace that gives you rest, joy inexpressible in your spirit and a power that nothing in this world can offer. In fact, you will begin to be peaceful and powerful like Jesus. You will speak and behave like Him. This is because you cannot be in God’s presence without His beauty, love, peace, power and glory rubbing off on you. But how do you practice being conscious of God’s presence? Start by seeing God with you in whatever you do and wherever you are. For example, at your board meeting, while deliberating on issues, see the Lord there in the boardroom with you, guiding you in your thinking. And you can be sure that His presence will bring clarity of thought and wisdom to you. You will find yourself flowing with great and sound ideas. If you are going for an interview, see the Lord there in the interview room with you, putting answers in your mouth. Your nervousness will melt away as you see His favor on you bringing on smiles and approving nods from the interviewers. Perhaps you are going for surgery. Well, see the Lord in the operating theatre with you, guiding the hands of the surgeons. Your worries will dissipate because nothing can go wrong in the Lord’s presence. If you are in the middle of an argument, see the Lord standing within earshot. Your words will change and your body language will become more reconciliatory as you see Him right there with you extending His grace to you. There will be a restraint which is not borne of willpower, but which comes supernaturally when you know that the One who loves you and watches over you is with you. Beloved, when you become conscious of God’s presence in your life, worries and fears will have no foothold in your mind. You will see Him maximizing your joy and fun, and prospering you in what you say and do! – Joseph Prince
You have a Strong Kinsmen Redeemer December 14, 2018 bizadmin Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is His name. He will thoroughly plead their case… Jeremiah 50:34 YOU HAVE A STRONG KINSMAN-REDEEMER! Ruth, a young, poor and childless widow in the Old Testament, lay at the feet of Boaz, her potential kinsman-redeemer (see Ruth 3:7). As a rich and close relative of her in-laws, Boaz had the power to redeem her from her plight. Ruth was simply obeying Naomi, her mother-in-law, who had told her to go and lie down at Boaz’s feet. In the Jewish custom of those days, this was a posture which said, “Please redeem me for you are a close relative.” Notice Boaz’s response to Ruth: “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request” (Ruth 3:11). Beloved, Boaz is a picture of Jesus who is our kinsman-redeemer. He is our kinsman, having been born into this world as one like us. And He is our Redeemer because He redeemed us at a great price when He shed His blood for us on the cross. As your Redeemer, not only is Jesus willing, but He also has the power to restore to you all that you have lost. That is why you can go to Him and say, “I blew it and now my family is suffering. My finances are dwindling fast. But I come to You, my kinsman-redeemer…” And you will find that He will redeem you because your Redeemer is strong. The Lord of hosts is His name. He will thoroughly plead your case, causing only blessings of wisdom, deliverance, restoration, provision, and liberty to come out of your situation! Just as Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet, the feet of Jesus is the place of redemption and blessings. Both Jairus the synagogue ruler (see Mark 5:22) and the Syro-Phoenician woman (see Mark 7:25–26) fell at Jesus’ feet. And there at His feet, they received healing for their daughters. When you take your place at Jesus’ feet, looking to Him for help, expect to receive His blessings. There is nothing to fear knowing that as Boaz did for Ruth, Jesus, your heavenly Boaz, will do for you all that you have requested! – Joseph Prince
Call it the way God calls it December 10, 2018 bizadmin …God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; Romans 4:17 CALL IT THE WAY GOD CALLS IT! Many a time, when we look at ourselves, we don’t see what we can become. But when God looks at us, He sees what we can become by His grace. When Jesus first saw Simon, whose name in Greek means “reed,” He changed his name to “Peter,” which means “rock.” But did Peter instantly become someone with the characteristics of a rock—solid, stable and unshakable? No, for a long time, he continued to act like a reed that bends every which way the wind blows. Once, when Peter saw Jesus walking on water, he took a bold step of faith and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Then, as he was walking on the water, he saw the boisterous wind, got scared and when he began to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:28–30). Another time, he said, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death” (Luke 22:33). Then, a few hours later, he denied knowing Jesus not once, but three times (see Luke 22:54–62). Yet, throughout his reed-like behavior, Jesus kept calling him “rock” until one day, how Jesus saw him began to take root in him. That day, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter stood up to preach and 3,000 people were saved (see Acts 2:41)! Peter had indeed become a rock, a pillar in the early church. That was how Jesus transformed Peter. And that is how God wants us to change the people and situations in our lives. “Pastor Prince, are you telling me to call my wife ‘a fruitful vine’ as in Psalm 128:3? You should see my wife. She looks more like a dried-up sour prune!” My friend, God did not tell us to call those things which exist as they exist. What is the point of stating the obvious? It is not going to change anything. No, God tells us to call those things which do not exist as though they did, and they will! – Joseph Prince