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HUMILITY

Humility
SCRIPTURE TEXT: “Pride leads to disgrace but with humility comes wisdom.  Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty” —Proverbs 11 : 2 -3

Humility is that moral character that is so essential in our lives as children of God.   Humility comes from the word “humble, which generally means “having or showing modest estimates of one’s own importance.”  To be humble also means not being proud, haughty or arrogant – not having an overly high opinion of ourselves and of our achievements.
 
When we are humble, it does not mean we are of no worth at all, though alas, that is what some people think.  Indeed in ancient Greece, humility was seen as a very negative characteristic.  People of substance were expected to show pride; they were to regard others as people below them.  For them, humility meant that they had abased themselves – they had brought themselves down – “lowered themselves” as we say here in Ghana.
                                                                    
As human beings, our natural instinct is to be arrogant, proud, and boastful rather than to be modest.  Do you remember the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector who went to pray in Luke 18:9-14?
 
The lesson is clear – God is more pleased with humility than with pride.  We ought to see humility as very important in one Christian walk.  It is a virtue – a highly regarded aspect of good character.
 
In both the Old and New Testament, we read that God exalts or lifts up those who are humble or who have a modest opinion of themselves.
 
Humility means that we should selflessly use what God has given us to the benefit of others. Unfortunately, many of us do not do that.  We boast with our talents, skills and spiritual gifts rather than using them for the benefit of others.  God gives us gifts so that we will be a blessing to others. We must therefore watch our ways so that we do not peddle our gifts for money or for fame.  If there is any boasting that we should do, we should boast in the Lord, knowing that whatever we have has been freely given by Him.

STAY BLESSED

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MINISTERS OF COMFORT



SCRIPTURE TEXT: “He will rescue the poor when they cry to Him; He will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and He will rescue them. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to Him” —Psalm 72: 12 -14

During hard seasons or times of disaster—whether natural or man-made, national or local—we are called to show kindness. True compassion tries to understand people’s pain, but it also provides practical help. So, how can we express care and concern for others? First, remember we have the wonderful privilege of prayer anytime, anywhere. As soon as word of a tragedy reaches you, lift up the victims, rescue workers, and others involved. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in petitioning God for protection, provision, comfort, awareness of His presence, and whatever else He deems fitting (Rom. 8:26).

Second, labour and donations of money, food, clothing, or household goods are usually a high priority. So donations of time and resources are helpful (after wisely consulting trusted sources about what’s needed). You also can express compassion with words of comfort, a warm embrace, or a listening ear. Through this kind of love, the world will recognize the true Light—Jesus Christ, who brings good news, binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn (Isa. 61:1-2). We should notice the needs around us and reach out with Christ’s love. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ways to pray for those around you. Your concern can have a profound impact.

STAY BLESSED
SOURCE: IN TOUCH.ORG 


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YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO GIVE

SCRIPTURE TEXT: “As the Scripture says, “Godly people give generously to the poor.  Their good deeds will never be forgotten.”  For God is the One Who gives seed to the farmer and then breads to eat.  In the same way, he will give you any bread to eat.  In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you.  Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously.  And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God.” —2 Corinthians 9: 9 -11

Perhaps you feel you do not have anything to give.  But generosity is a response to the greatness of God’s power – the widow’s mite.  All resources ultimately come from God and He can increase these resources to give – Exodus 35– we give what we have – it should not be related or compared to what others have.  It is the sincerity of the heart- the expression of gratitude, not the size or worth of what is given.
 
Let us start our giving first with forgiveness of those who have wronged us – take away the bitterness, cease from judgment and condemnation. Think of the love of God – we always go to Him for forgiveness.  Let us also forgive those who have wronged us. Let us give ourselves- our bodies as living sacrifices – worshipping God with our all because we know that He has done so much for us. Let us give God our time and talents and finances – a sign of obedience that comes from our love for Him.
 
God has put us on earth and given us everything.  He is now depending on us to allow Him to use us to give to the extension and expansion of His kingdom – to provide for His temple, priests; the needy etc.  Results – joyful abundant rewards – Luke 6:30.
 
The liberal, generous giver needs not to give in fear and destitution – such a giver receives in return gifts out of the abundance of God’s generosity – Prov. 22:9

TO PONDER
God is honoured by our gifts – Exodus 35:22
Generous giving honours God- Ezra 2:68-69
God will reward us for giving to others – Mark 9:4.
Giving helps others live – Acts 2:44-45.
We should support Christian workers – Acts 28:10

STAY BLESSED

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GODLESSNESS IN THE LAST DAYS

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. – 2 Timothy 3:1-5

INTRODUCTION

The last days here is not referring to a brief period of time before Christ’s return. In a very broad and general sense, the “last days” can include the entire era between Christ’s first coming, by birth and His literal second coming at the end of the tribulation period. In this passage, Paul may be referring more specifically to the period beginning with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the united believers in Jerusalem, which was the start of the Church (following Christ’s resurrection and ascension back to heaven – Pentecost and concluding with Christ’s return to earth). Through Paul’s prophecy here, the ungodly and immoral behaviour in society will accelerate as the end approaches.

1. The last days will be marked by a widespread collapse of the moral structure of the family and of society in general as people are arrogant “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”. Even in churches, unfaithfulness to God and disloyalty to His truth will increase. These times will be especially difficult and disheartening for God’s true servants.

2. Paul warns that within organized Christianity many will have “a form of godliness” (insincere, hypocritical religion) and will appear to do the right things outwardly; but they will lack the authentic power that comes from a right relationship with God. Such people deny the true power of Christ’s message that produces genuine life transformation and godly character. Paul adds: “I have nothing to do with them”.

The full benefits of spiritual salvation and the mighty end-time outpouring and activity of the Holy Spirit will occur through churches that are truly passionate for Jesus, actively serving His purpose and anticipating His coming. Followers of Christ who remain true to God and His Word will experience greater favour and empowerment from God than they have ever known.

LOVERS OF THEMSELVES

Paul gives a list of sins that all have their root in a love of self:

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – 2 Timothy 3:2-4

Many people today teach that a lack of love for oneself is the root of destructive behaviour and petrsonality disorders. However, God’s Word reveals that the problem lies in a self-centeredness that has no concern for God or others.

WITHOUT LOVE

In the last days, God’s people must be prepared to face an over-whelming rise in ungodliness as history enters its final stages. Paul prophesies that Satan will bring great destruction on the family. Children will be “disobedient to their parents”, and men and women will be “without love”. This can be translated “without family affection” and refers to a lack of natural tenderness and love, as shown by a mother who rejects her children or kills her baby, a father who abandons his family or children who neglect their aging parents.

Men and women will become lovers of money and pleasure and will pursue their own selfish desires with no thought or concern for God or others. Many will consider parenthood, with its demands for sacrificial love and nurture, an unworthy or undignified task. Parents with true love for their children will be rare; they will be replaced more and more by those who are selfish and brutal and who abandon their children, emotionally and physically.

If Christian parents are to safeguard their families in the difficult times of the last days, they must protect them from evil influences and teach them to reject the corrupt values of the society in which they live.

HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS

Paul is referring to those who claim to be Christians, appear to be religious and seem to do the right things, but who do not have an authentic personal relationship with Jesus. Their lives are not characterized by the spiritual power that frees people from sin (their own God-defying ways), selfishness and ungodly behaviour. Such people tolerate immoral behaviours and lifestyles in their churches and among those who claim to know God. They even teach that a person may practice the sins listed and yet still be spiritually saved and have a part in God’s kingdom. While Christians need to reach out and maintain positive relationships and influence with people who do not know Christ, they are to “having nothing to do with” hypocritical people who pretend to follow Christ but are simply trying to fool God and others. Such people tend to distort Christ’s message, mislead others spiritually and cause divisions in the church.

WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE – MHB 820

Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will serve the King?

Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring?

Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?

Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?

By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine,

We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!

Jesus, Thou hast bought us, not with gold or gem,

But with Thine own lifeblood, for Thy diadem;

With Thy blessing filling each who comes to Thee,

Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free.

By Thy grand redemption, by Thy grace divine,

We are on the Lord’s side—Savior, we are Thine!

Stay Blessed! Please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sunday 5.30 am., Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays 5:30 am; and Uniiq 95.7 FM – Saturdays 7:30 pm, YFM 107.9 – Sundays 6.30 am; for our Radio Bible Study as well as Sunny FM 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm. for Hymn and their Stories

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OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD OF GOD

SCRIPTURE TEXT: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” —Isaiah 55:10-11

The Bible describes in clear and unmistakable language how we should respond to the Word of God in all its different forms. We must hear and receive God’s Word eagerly and depend on God to help us understand it. We must praise and honor God’s Word, love it and let it be our joy and delight. We must accept what the Word of God says, letting it get deep into our hearts. We are to trust it and put our hope in its promises. Above all, we must apply it directly to our daily lives. 

That means we must obey what it commands and live by its principles, instructions and guidelines. God requires those who minister and teach the Word to handle it correctly and to preach it faithfully. In fact, all followers of Jesus are called to proclaim God’s Word – to spread His message of hope, forgiveness and new life – wherever they go.

STAY BLESSED

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OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST

SCRIPTURE TEXT: “There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, His priesthood lasts forever. Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” —Hebrews 7: 23-25

When you feel convicted about a particular sin, how do you react? Do you mourn with regret for days? Many Christians act as though God’s desire is for them to continually wallow in guilt, but this could not be further from the truth. The Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeated over and over. Why? Because those animal offerings were only a temporary substitute for the perfect sacrifice God required. The New Testament tells us that the once-for-all, fully sufficient, substitutionary atonement has been accomplished—it took place when God’s own Son died on the cross in our place. As the hymn lyrics state, Jesus truly “paid it all.”In the old system, a high priest took an animal into the temple and offered it as a sacrifice to God on behalf of the sinner. Christ, however, entered heaven itself and presented His life to the Father as the perfect atoning sacrifice  Hebrews 9:13-14This means that the work of forgiveness is done. If you are in Christ, then His sacrifice has already paid for your sin. So, when the Holy Spirit brings conviction, address the sin and move on. Do not cling to the burden of unforgiveness that Jesus has lifted from your shoulders.

STAY BLESSED
SOURCE: IN TOURCH.ORG 

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CHRISTIAN CONDUCT & LIFESTYLE

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. – Matthew 5:3-12.

INTRODUCTION

“The Sermon on the Mount” – Matthew 5,6 & 7 – commonly called Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, contain a powerful yet practical revelation of the principles and standards by which God expects all Christians to live. Of course, living up to these standards is possible only through faith in Jesus, the Son of God, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this message, Jesus teaches a large group of potential followers what it really means to follow Him and be part of God’s kingdom. All who belong to the kingdom are to demonstrate godly character and have an intense hunger and thirst for righteousness (that is, to do what is right and maintain a right relationship with God).

For the next weeks we will be looking at what scripture tell us about our conduct. There are certain character requirements if we wish to receive the benefits of God’s kingdom; we must be guided by God’s purposes and values and not by the ways and values of the world.

1. BLESSED…POOR IN SPIRIT. The word “blessed” refers to the well-being and joy of those who, because of their relationship to Christ and His Word, find their place in God’s kingdom. The benefits of that “membership” include God’s constant love, care, presence and spiritual salvation. There are certain character requirements if we wish to receive the benefits of God’s kingdom; we must be guided by God’s purposes and values and not by the ways and values of the world. The first of these requirements is to be “poor in spirit” – not arrogant or self-reliant. We must humbly recognize that we are not spiritually self-sufficient. That means that we cannot earn a place in God’s kingdom; we need the Holy Spirit’s life, power and grace (undeserved favour, love, enablement) in order to receive the benefits of spiritual salvation.

2. THOSE WHO MOURN

To “mourn” is to recognize and feel sorrow over our own weakness in relation to God’s perfect standards and ultimate power. It also means grieving over the things that grieve God, such as the unfaithfulness, immorality and cruelty that are rampant in the world. Those who mourn over sin and its effect on people’s lives – and commit themselves to helping rescue people from evil – are comforted by receiving from God’s “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

3. THE MEEK

This does not simply suggest a modest attitude toward other people. The “meek” are those who are humble and submissive to God. They depend on nothing but Him for security in life and refuge from trouble. They commit themselves and the direction of their lives entirely to Him. They are more concerned about God’s work and God’s people than about what might happen to them personally. The meek, rather than those who aggressively pursue their own ways, ultimately will inherit God’s benefits and reign with Him in the end.

4. HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

This is one of the most important verses in the Sermon on the Mount. Without this intense desire for righteousness, a person will not pursue a deeper relationship with God or try to develop the rest of the character traits Jesus describes.

  1. The foundational requirement for all godly living is to “hunger and thirst for righteousness”. Such hunger is seen in Moses, the psalm writer and the great missionary, Paul. The spiritual condition of Christians all throughout their lives will depend on their hunger and thirst for: the presence of God, the Word of God, the interaction and friendship of Christ, the companionship, guidance and influence of the Holy Spirit; righteousness, God’s power and the return of the Christ.
  2. The Christian’s hunger for God and His purposes is hindered – and even destroyed – by the worries of life, deceitfulness of wealth, desire for temporal things, lust for life’s pleasures and failure to trust Christ and remain in a right relationship with Him.       When a Christian loses his or her hunger for God and his standards, he or she will begin to die spiritually. For this reason, it is essential that we be sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and consciences, keeping us away from evil and drawing us closer to God.

5. THE MERCIFUL

The “merciful” are full of sympathy and compassion toward those who are suffering either from sin or sorrow.  The merciful sincerely want to help ease and eliminate such suffering by influencing people to depend on God for help and to entrust their lives to Jesus Christ. Merciful people also get actively involved in meeting people’s need. By showing mercy to others, we “will be shown mercy”

6. THE PURE IN HEART

The “pure in heart” are those who have devoted themselves to God and have been freed from sin power by God’s grace (His undeserved favour, love, help and enablement). That grace now enables them to please God and bring honour to Him by the way they live. They seek to have the same attitude that God has – a love for what is true and right and hatred of evil. Their heart (which includes mind, will and emotions;). This means that their thoughts and desires are pure according to His standards of holiness (i.e., moral purity, spiritual integrity, separation from evil and dedication to God). God requires holiness in His followers because He is holy and because only the pure in heart “will see God”. To see God means to be His child and experience a close personal relationship with Him, both now and in His future eternal kingdom.

7. THE PEACEMAKERS

The “peacemakers” are those who have been reconciled to God (restored to a right relationship with Him). Peace with God is available to anyone who accepts the sacrifice Jesus made for their sins by His death on the cross. Those who truly have peace with God will make every effort to show that peace to others – including their enemies – and to bring others into a relationship of peace with God.

8. PERSECUTED BECAUSE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. People who follow Christ and live according to the principles of God’s Word will face opposition and rejection. Those who uphold God’s standards of truth, justice and purity, refusing to follow and walk in the ungodly lifestyles of society, will be unpopular. They will receive criticism and opposition from the world; and at times from those within the church. The Bible teaches that this is a time to rejoice because God reserves a special blessing for those who suffer for His sake. Christians must beware of the temptation to  compromise their faithfulness to God’s purposes in order to avoid shame, embarrassment or loss. The principles of God’s kingdom never change: “…everyone who wants to live godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”. Yet those who suffer and endure persecution because of their devotion and commitment to God are promised a place of honour and reward in God’s heavenly kingdom.

To be continued!!

Stay blessed!

For further inquiries please contact us on Tel Nos. 0302-772013 or 0268130615

Email: saltnlightministries@gmail.com
Website: saltandlightministriesgh.org

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GOD SAYS RESPOND TO UNFAIRNESS WITH LOVE

SCRIPTURE TEXT: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” —Matthew 5: 43-44

Unfairness is part of the human condition. You can’t live on this earth for long without feeling like someone has treated you unfairly. Maybe it’s a parent who put you through a miserable childhood. Maybe it’s an employer who treats you more harshly than they treat your coworkers. Maybe you feel like you were handled unfairly by the legal process.

You can choose to respond to the people who hurt you by hurting them. That’s the easiest choice to make, no doubt about it. But God gives us another option in his Word: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44 NIV). When people hurt you, they expect you to retaliate. They expect you to seek revenge. But God wants you to do the exact opposite. He wants you to respond in love. If you respond to mistreatment with love, you’ll keep the other person from controlling you. You can’t control when another person treats you unfairly.

You can control whether you get bitter in the process. You can control your response to injustice. Just because you respond to an offender lovingly doesn’t mean you continue to allow injustice. On the contrary, we must lovingly seek justice. We must work for justice in the world without retaliating. The Bible commands us to “be fair-minded and just. Do what is right!” (Jeremiah 22:3 NLT).Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great example of this. He fought against injustice without violence. He overcame evil through the power of love. He followed the example of Jesus, who chose to forgive his persecutors even as they were killing him. That’s our calling as followers of Jesus. Unfairness and injustice may be part of the human condition, but we must not feed into it. Instead, God calls us to respond in love.

Talk It Over
1.What personal injustice in your life are you struggling to respond to in love?
2.How are we allowing others to control us when we choose to hate them or harbour bitterness toward them?
3What are some creative ways that your family or small group can respond to injustices in your community with the love of Jesus?

STAY BLESSED
SOURCE: DAILY HOPE

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HEALING YOUR PAST

SCRIPTURE TEXT: “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?  I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” —Isaiah 43:18-19

All of us have been through difficult experiences of flood or fire, either literal or symbolic.  In what ways was God with you?  How did He preserve you?  Or are you still in the midst of trial?  If so, tell a fellow believer about your need, and ask for prayer that God will supply you with the resources to meet the challenges.
Cremate your past – don’t embalm it! Dr Harold Bloomfield writes: “Unresolved emotional pain wreaks havoc on your immune system, cardiac function, hormone levels and other physical functions. We must make peace with our past, because our life may literally depend on it!” Challenging words!

Here are four suggestions for dealing with your past:

1.   Re-frame It
Ask yourself, “How did it make me stronger?  What do I know now that I didn’t know then?”  Be a learner, not a loser.

2.  Break The Shackles of Shame
Shame is not feeling bad over what you have done, it is feeling ashamed of who you are. It is lethal!  When God created you in His image He said, “I like it! It is very good” – Genesis 1:31.”  Start agreeing with Him!

3.   Arrest The Acid Drip of Regret
Stop punishing yourself with the ‘if only’.  David said, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.” (Psalm 32:1-2 NKJV). Forgive yourself, God has!  When He looks at you through the finished work of Calvary, you look better to Him than you do to yourself!

4.  Move From Grief to Gain
Healing takes time, so expect some anger, fear, and sadness.  Don’t disown them – they are part of the healing process.  But don’t adopt them either; know when it is time to move on. You can’t walk backwards into the future, and the future God has for you contains more happiness than any past you can remember – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future – Jeremiah 29:11.”

STAY BLESSED

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IGNORING GOD’S VOICE

SCRIPTURE TEXT: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”—Hebrews 4: 12

Believe it or not, many people who attend church choose to ignore God’s truth because they don’t like hearing sermons that convict or demand a change. But we tend to be guilty of doing the same thing when we pick and choose what to read in the Bible.
When you open God’s Word, do you read only verses that encourage, comfort, or promise blessings? Are you reluctant to tackle the more difficult passages, which prick your conscience and call for obedience?
Do you avoid sections that make you feel guilty about the way you are living?
If you find yourself reacting strongly to a passage of Scripture or a sermon, then you ought to take an honest look at yourself. God’s Word is meant to cut into the deepest recesses of our soul and spirit.
But the hope is that we then run to Jesus, our High Priest, in confession and repentance in order to receive forgiveness and cleansing. Christ sympathizes with our weaknesses and invites us to draw near to God to receive grace and help. The convicting passage of Scripture may cause momentary discomfort, but those who listen and take their burden to Jesus find sweet relief.

STAY BLESSED
SOURCE: INTOUCH.ORG