Joy In Pure Worship

TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 16:13-21

KEY VERSE: “Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice” (Deuteronomy 16:15).

It is not only in such traditional sins of immorality as fornication, adultery, murder, lying, pride and homosexuality that man is seen to rebelling against God. In the twentieth century, it is also in not keeping “a solemn feast unto the Lord”. Worship service in most assemblies today is characterized by rowdiness and indecency. They are devoid of the solemnity God demands. There is little to take away for personal meditation after a Church service.

In our text today, God gave an express command to the children of Israel to set apart specific periods in the year to gather together to worship Him. The beneficial of such holy convocations was far deeper than just the superficial frills and thrills of singing and dancing. The Lord was to use that period to remind the people of their great deliverance from the land of bondage, their unique identity among the Gentile nations and to impress upon their hearts, the precepts and commandments that will continually keep them in their new-found liberty and blessings.

In today’s world of business and commerce, and with the digital race to acquire knowledge and succeed at all costs, believers need to observe the same periodic break from our busy world to come apart and rest a while. The enriching experience of a time set apart for deep devotion and fellowship with God can never be quantified.

Like the psalmist, we should be joyful during worship of God. We need to also avail ourselves of the unique opportunities to attend Christian programmes such as retreats, crusades, weekly meetings aside observance of regular personal devotional time with God. There lies the secret of our strength and victory in the battles of life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Saints stand in awe of God’s majesty.

10 Ways to Set Your Child Up for Failure

There are all types of lists for parents. If you want a list to ruin your kids forever, here's a list for you.

1. Give your kid everything he wants. Don't deny what will truly make him happy. Overvalue money and things in his eyes.

2. Dress your child in designer clothes, no matter the cost. Show her that her outward appearance matters most of all.

3. Place your child's needs over that of your spouse's. If he cries, run to him immediately. If he interrupts, give him your full attention.

4. Entertain your child throughout the day. If she wants to play tea then put your plans aside. If she wants to watch her favorite movie for the 100th time then forget your idea for going for a walk and getting some sunshine.

5. Plan your menu around your child's desires. No child should have to eat something he doesn't like. If, by chance, you want to make something other than macaroni and cheese or peanut butter and jelly, feel free to cook your own meal, just as long as you have time to fix what your child likes.

6. Sign your child up for as many extracurricular activities as she desires, even if it means giving up your evening plans on a regular basis. Don't worry about trying to gather around the dinner table. He can only be in the Junior Soccer League for so long and you don't want him to miss out.

7. Don't discipline your child when she acts up. Everyone should learn to express herself in her own way. If she demands something, then applaud her efforts. At least you know that she will not be a pushover or a doormat in this world.

8. Don't worry when your child fights with neighbor kids or even when he is a bully. Life is not fair and someone always has to be the underdog. At least your child is learning to elbow his way to the top at a young age.

9. When your child has a disagreement with her teacher, always choose your child's side. Don't show up when the teacher wants to discuss your child's problems. The teacher will want to take a course of disciplinary action and that'll hurt your child's feelings.

10. Don't share your faith with your child. After all, you don't want to offend. Give your child the option if she wants to hear Bible stories and don't pressure her to memorize Scripture verses. She might get disheartened if she doesn't get it right the first time and you'll ruin her self-esteem. More than that, you don't want her to know there's a God who runs the universe, makes the rules, and determines eternity. The thought is too hard and your child might not understand.
More than that, she won't be self-dependent and strive to be a good person.

Do you see your parenting shine in any of these areas?

Yes? Then congratulations! You're on your way to succeeding at your goal of ruining you kid forever. Keep up the good work... and then just take a moment to consider what type of an adult your child will grow up to be–one that will stand out about the crowd, without a doubt!

Daily Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for the beautiful opportunity to invest in the adults my children will one day become. As I parent them, help me see the areas I can improve. I look to You for guidance and strength.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

By Tricia Goyer

NEVER FORGET GOD'S GOODNESS

When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. Matthew 16:5

Have you ever forgotten God's goodness to you? Have you ever had to relearn something? I know I have. And the disciples did too.

Matthew's Gospel tells us that on one occasion, the disciples had forgotten to bring bread on their journey, and they were worried about it.

The feeding of the 5,000 had happened only days earlier. Then there was another miracle of the feeding of the 4,000. So what happened?
They forgot. That is what happened.

Jesus essentially told them, "Do you remember those miracles I did? Remember the feeding of the 5,000 that involved a little boy with some loaves and fish?"

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same God who was there for you in the past will be with you here in the present. And
He will be there for you in the future as well. But we easily forget.

When you are young and just starting out in life, you have to trust God for everything: food, clothes, transportation, and a pay cheque.

But then maybe you find a good job and work hard. You are diligent. You save. You invest. Things start going really well.

You don't have to really worry much about your day-to-day needs. And then one day the boss calls you in and says, "With this economy, we have to do some downsizing. We will have to let some people go. We are really sorry, but this is your last week with us."

Now you begin to sense trouble ahead. You start panicking. You are wondering what you will do.

Did God provide for you in the past? Yes, He did. Will He take care of you in the present? Yes, He will. Yet we often forget this. The same God who was there for you in the past is with you today!

Prayer: Thank God for being Your ever present help in times of need.

Scriptural Reading: Matthew 16:5-12

THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

God always reveals himself by his covenant name. He reveals his covenant name in the person of Jesus.

The name of Jesus is not an ordinary name. It is a name above every name. It is the name by which every creation is named. It has a specific anointing to it. Act 10:38 reads, How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.’ The name of Jesus is anointed. It is set apart. So when we are called by the name of Jesus, the anointing on Jesus falls on us. The glory that is upon Jesus has been bequeathed on us because we have been identified with that name. You and I bare the name of Jesus. God has given us a name. 
How do we use that name?
God wants us to use the name of Jesus authoritatively. Jesus said, ‘All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.’ (Matthew 28:18). The power you need is in Jesus. In Mark 16:17, Jesus said, ‘And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.’ In Acts 3:16, Peter said, ‘…Faith in his name has made this man strong.’ When we use his name authoritatively, we will see results. When faced with the challenges of life, use the name of Jesus. 
The name of Jesus is atonement for our sins. His name covers our offence. No matter what we have done, when we confess our sins and repent, the name of Jesus atones for our sins. When you receive Jesus, you move from death to eternal life. Go and sin no more. God put Jesus in our place. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 1 John 2:12 tells us, ‘I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.’ Our sins are forgiven not because of what we have done but because of what Jesus did; not because of our effort but because of the work of Christ on the cross

Remember, God Doesn't Do Roadblocks

Arrrrrrrggghhhhhhh

I feel like screaming now........

I feel like cutting this portion of the scriptures and just chewing at it until I get it into my cerebrum.....(my brain, my thinking and processing brain)

This means so much to me now, and I am sure that it will mean a lot more to some of my sisters.

Do you know that moment when you feel like ITS NOT JUST WORTH ALL THE EFFORT!
Why do I even bother to hold on? All that I ever do seem to go unnoticed anyway? The more I press, the more I get hit hard and painful!

Yeah, that time, that's what I am taking about!

I had one of such recently and God brought me to this scripture.....it jolted my heart back to life from the isolation and anger and self pity that the enemy was beginning to throw at me.....

LAMENTATIONS 3:25-33
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.
It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times.
When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face.
The “worst” is never the worst.
Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense. He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way: (Lamentations 3:25-33 MSG)

Quietly hoping!
When you are waiting for a miracle and you know that nothing humanly possible will bring you a quicker answer, you just know that all that is left is for you to wait.

The widow of Zarephath waited!!!!

It was obvious that she couldn't do any more than embrace the condition she found herself in whilst waiting for a miracle of provision.

She had to wait quietly .

The bible says DONT ASK QUESTIONS!

That is really hard!!!!!!!
Because I am so fond of doing that!

God, why now?
God, when is it going to be my turn?
God , where is your face?
God what have I done to deserve this?
God, which one are you going to do for me out of all my requestS
God, am I not serving you enough ?

He says STOP ASKING QUESTIONS!!!!!!!

Next He says.....WAIT!
Okay!!!!!! Wait?

After how many years , I should do what?

WAIT!!!!!!!

There is no need rushing ahead of the person who will show you the door access to where you are going...so WAIT.
He knows when the deadline is, He knows what the requirements are!

Don't run ahead of Him, wait!!!!!!

The last verse of that scripture is all that I need you to remember ....

Why? Because the Master won’t ever walk out and fail to return.
If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense. He takes no pleasure in making life hard, in throwing roadblocks in the way: (Lamentations 3:25-33 MSG)

God will not walk out on you!

Some of you watched dad, mum, siblings, step sibling walk out on you! Leaving, breaking, hurting, is all that you have been taught all your life.....don't worry, GOD DOESNT ABANDON SHIP IN TURMOIL!!!!

Do you feel like you are too deep in the mess to look up ever again?

QUIETLY HOPE,
SET TIME ASIDE ALONE
WAIT,
BE SILENT
BOW IN PRAYERS
FACE THE TROUBLE HEAD ON
DONT BE INTIMIDATED.
and having done all.......Forgive yourself of all past mistakes....

Remember, God doesn't throw roadblocks in our paths! So if you are seeing one at the moment, know that God didn't put it there, and if He had allowed it to remain there, it must be that He has a reason for it being there and he has given you the maps for alternative routes

by Sis Bola

Prayer for new week

The Holy Spirit is your divine assistance. He will help you, He will keep you. As far as your life's assignment is concerned, you will finish well. Your great dreams, aspirations and revelations will surely manifest. You will not live in the shadow of God's master-plan for your life In Jesus Name!.

Even if you have made the worst mistake and missed the road to the top, God will cause all things to work for your good in Jesus Name!

Get ready for an unusual turnaround. Everything about you, from your health, relationships, faith and finances are being perfected this instant in Jesus name.

                

Happy New Week from us ASB-World, J

Your Healing Is Within Reach

Several years ago, my brother was allowed to witness an open-heart surgery. During the procedure, the patient's heart had been stopped from beating. When it came time to restart it, despite repeated attempts, the medical staff was unable to cause the heart to beat again. Finally, although the patient was obviously unconscious, the surgeon leaned over and spoke into the patient's ear, "We need your help. We cannot get your heart restarted. Tell your heart to start beating." Incredibly, in that instant, the patient's heart began to beat again!

Proverbs 13:12 tells us, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." But the diagnosis can change! God has promised healing to the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18). There is a crisis point, however—one we all reach—in the process of healing from hope deferred: choosing to embrace the healing process. Hope—and healing—is a choice that must be made.

As you probably know too well, experiencing hope deferred does not require a choice—pain and disappointment are facts of life. Healing, however, does require a choice. Making the simple but powerful choice to hope again is the first step toward healing.

Wilma Rudolph, three-time gold medalist in the 1960 Olympics and once known in the field of running as the world's fastest woman, said, "The doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother."

Born prematurely into a very poor family and the 20th of 22 children, Wilma was not permitted to receive care at the local white hospital. For the next several years, her mother took her once a week for two years to the nearest medical facility that would treat her—a 90-mile round trip. Wilma Rudolph's life is an amazing story of achievement against the odds—but the story began with the right choices.

Like the Olympic champion and her mother, you will have to choose the power of hope. I realize this puts some of the responsibility for healing on you, but it is also an incredibly liberating truth. Healing—freedom from hope deferred—is a choice that can be made. 

Scripture is filled with promises that you have this power to choose life over death. The Lord actually told the Israelites to "choose life" (Deut. 30:19). You don't have the luxury of choosing never to have challenges, but you do get to choose how you respond.

People sometimes refer to their difficult times as winter seasons. There is a beautiful picture associated with this in Ezekiel 47. The prophet Ezekiel was given a vision of the river of God. In this vision, the river produced life and healing everywhere it went. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for river in the passage is nachal, and means "a stream, especially a winter torrent." Some streams and rivers are dry during certain times of the year. They fill up, however, when there is rain, or, as in this case, when the spring thaw melts the snow and ice on the mountains. Tiny rivulets develop, coming together to form streams and, eventually, becoming nachalim (rivers). Though Ezekiel's winter river began as a trickle in verse 1, it eventually became a mighty unfordable river by verse 5.

As your winter season changes to spring, God's healing will likely begin as a mere trickle. Keep choosing life! You can be confident that the river will deepen and that God will use the snow and ice of your spiritual winter to bring a deep flow of His Spirit to you. 

For those who are confused and disillusioned, for the heart grieving from pain and loss, for the faithful but weary soldier whose stream-bed is dry, for those who have lost their first love connection to God, for the Gideons of the world who are heartsick with hope deferred ... your season is changing. The warmth of spring is going to do its work, and summer is coming. 

Thank God winter doesn't last forever. The river of healing will flow to you, and you will drink its healing power. Hope deferred will end. Tell your heart to beat again!

By Dutch Sheets