Friday, 10 April 2009

  • WHO I AM IN CHRIST
    (by Neil T. Anderson and Dave Park)

    I AM ACCEPTED

    John 1:12

    I am God’s child.

    John 15:15

    I am Christ’s friend.

    Romans 5:1

    I have been justified.

    1 Corinthians 6:17

    I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him.

    1 Corinthians 6:20

    I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.

    1 Corinthians 12:27

    I am a member of Christ’s Body.

    Ephesians 1:1

    I am a saint.

    Ephesians 1:5

    I have been adopted as God’s child.

    Ephesians 2:18

    I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.

    Colossians 1:14

    I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.

    Colossians 2:10

    I am complete in Christ.

     

    I AM SECURE

    Romans 8:1-2

    I am free from condemnation.

    Romans 8:28

    I am assured that all things work together for good.

    Romans 8:31-34

    I am free from any condemning charges against me.

    Romans 8:35-39

    I cannot be separated from the love of God.

    2 Corinthians 1:21-22

    I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.

    Colossians 3:3

    I am hidden with Christ in God.

    Philippians 1:6

    I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected.

    Philippians 3:20

    I am a citizen of heaven.

    2 Timothy 1:7

    I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

    Hebrews 4:16

    I can find grace and mercy to help in time of need.

    1 John 5:18

    I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

     

    I AM SIGNIFICANT

    Matthew 5:13-14

    I am the salt and light of the earth.

    John 15:1,5

    I am branch of the true vine, a channel of His life.

    John 15:16

    I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

    Acts 1:8

    I am a personal witness of Christ.

    1 Corinthians 3:16

    I am God’s temple.

    2 Corinthians 5:17-21

    I am a minister of reconciliation for God.

    2 Corinthians 6:1

    I am God’s co-worker (see 1 Corinthians 3:9)

    Ephesians 2:6

    I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.

    Ephesians 2:10

    I am God’s workmanship.

    Ephesians 3:12

    I may approach God with freedom and confidence.

    Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Friday, 03 April 2009

  • THE OVERCOMER'S COVENANT IN CHRIST
    (by Neil T. Anderson and Dave Park)
    1. I place all my trust and confidence in the Lord, I put no confidence in the flesh and I declare myself to be dependent upon God.
    2. I consciously and deliberately choose to submit to God and resist the devil by denying myself, picking up my cross daily and following Jesus.
    3. I choose to humble myself before the mighty hand of God in order that He may exalt me at the proper time.
    4. I declare the truth that I am dead to sin, freed from it and alive to God in Christ Jesus, since I have died with Christ and was raised with Him.
    5. I gladly embrace the truth that I am now a child of God who is unconditionally loved and accepted. I reject the lie that I have to perform to be accepted, and I reject my fallen and natural identity which was derived from the world.
    6. I declare that sin shall no longer be master over me because I am not under the law, but under grace, and there is no more guilt or condemnation because I am spiritually alive in Christ Jesus.
    7. I renounce every unrighteous use of my body and I commit myself to no longer be conformed to this world, but rather be transformed by the renewing of my mind. I choose to believe the truth and walk in it, regardless of my feelings or circumstances.
    8. I commit myself to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and choose to think upon that which is true, honorable, right, pure and lovely.
    9. I commit myself to God's great goal for my life to conform to His image. I know that I will face many trials, but God has given me the victory and I am not a victim, but an overcomer in Christ.
    10. I choose to adopt the attitude of Christ, which was to do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind. I will regard others as more important than myself, and not merely look out for my own personal interests but also the interest of others. I know that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Saturday, 28 March 2009

  • Overcoming Helplessness
    (an excerpt from Stomping out Depression by Neil T. Anderson and Dave Park)

    People in the world have told us what they think success is; yet no one can ever live up to that definition. Thankfully, God is not interested in the wordly version of success; rather, God focuses on our faithfulness. This next story illustrates our point.

    One night a man was asleep in his cabin when he was suddenly awakened by the appearance of the Saviour. His room was filled with light. The Lord said, "I have work for you to do." He showed the man a large rock, and told him to push against that rock with all his might. This the mand did, and for many days he toiled from sunup to sundown, with his shoulder set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, wondering if his whole day had been spent in vain.

    Seeing that the man was shoing signs of discouragement, Satan deided to enter the picture. He placed thoughts in the man's mind, such as, "Why kill yourself over this project? You're never going to move that rock." Or "Boy! You've been at it a long time and you haven't even scratched the surface," etc., etc, The man began to get the impression that the task was impossible and that he was an unworthy servant because he wasn't able to move the massive stone.

    These thoughts discouraged and disheartened him and he started to ease up on his efforts. "Why kill myself?" he thought. "I'll just put in my time, expending a minimum amount of effort and that will be good enough." And that he did, or at least planned on doing, until one day he decided to take his troubles to the Lord.

    "Lord," he said, "I have labored hard and long in Your service, putting forth all my strength to do that which You have asked me. Yet, after all this time, I have not even nudged that rock half a millimeter. What is wrong? Am I failing You?"

    "My son," the Lord answered, "when long ago I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you to push against the rock with all your strength. That you have done. But never once did I mentioned that I expected you to move it, at least not by yourself! Your task was to push!

    "Now you come to Me all discouraged, thinking that you have failed and ready to quit. But is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled; your back sinewed and brown. Your hands are calloused and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your ability now far surpasses that which you used to have.

    "Yet, you haven't succeeded in moving the rock; and you come to Me now with a heavy heart and your strength spent. I, My son, will move the rock. Your calling was to be obedient and to push, and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. And this you have done."

Friday, 20 March 2009

  • Twenty Cans of Success
    (an excerpt from "Stomping Out Depression" by Neil T. Anderson and Dave Park)

    Someone once said that success comes in "cans", and failures comes on "cannots". Here are 20 cans of success you would do well to read for the next 40 days and memorise:

    1. Why should I say I can't when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13)?
    2. Why should I worry about my needs when I know that God will take care of all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19)?
    3. Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, loves and a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7)?
    4. Why should I lack faith to lives for Christ when God has given me a measure of faith (Rom. 12:3)?
    5. Why should I be weak when the BIble says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God (Ps. 27:1; Dan. 11:32)?
    6. Why should I allow Satan control over my life when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)?
    7. Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in victory (2 Cor. 2:14)?
    8. Why should I lack wisdom when I know that Christ became wisdom to me from God and that God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it (1 Cor. 1:30; Jas. 1:5)?
    9. Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God's lovingkindness, compassion and faithfulness, and have hope (Lam. 3:21-23)?
    10. Why should I worry and be upset when I can cast all my anxieties on Christ, who cares for me (1 Pet. 5:7)?
    11. Why should I ever be in bondage when I know that there is freedom where the Spirit of the Lord is (Gal. 5:1)?
    12. Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1)?
    13. Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and will never leave me nor forsake me (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5)?
    14. Why should I feel like I'm cursed or have bad luch when the Bible says that Christ rescued me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit by faith (Gal. 3:13-14)?
    15. Why should I be unhappy when I, like Paul, can learn to be content whatever circumstances (Phil. 4:11)?
    16. Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin for me so that I might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21)?
    17. Why should I feel helpless in the presence of others when I know that if God is for me, who can be against me (Rom. 8:31)?
    18. Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His Spirit, who lives in me (1 Cor. 2:12; 14:33)?
    19. Why should I feel like a failure when I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loved me (Rom. 8:37)?
    20. Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its problems (John 16:33)?

Saturday, 14 March 2009

  • The Lie of Hopelessness
    (an excerpt from "Stomping out Depression" by Neil T. Anderson and Dave Park)

    A newly adopted child found himself in a big mansion. His new father whispered in his ear, "This is yours and you have a right to be here. I have made you a joint heir with my only-begotten son. He paid the price that set you free from your old taskmaster, who was cruel and condemning. I purchased it for you because I love you."
      The young boy couldn't help but question this incredible gift. This seems too good to be true. What did I do to desrve this? He wondered. I have been a slave all my life and I have done nothing to earn such a privilege!
      He was deeply grateful, however, and began to explore all the rooms in the mansion. He tried out some of the tools and appliances. Many other adopted people also lived in the mansion, and the boy began to form new relationships with his adopted brothers and sisters.
      He especially enjoyed the buffed from which he freely ate. Then it happened! While turning away from the buffet table, he knocked over a stack of glasses and a valuable pitcher. They crashed to the floor and broke. Instantly he thought, You clumsy, stupid kid! You will never get away with this. What right do you have to be here? You better hide before someone finds out, because they will surely throw you out.
      At first he was caught up with the wonder of living in the mansion with a new family and a loving father, but now he was confused. Old tapes laid down in early childhood began to play again in his mind. He was filled with guilt and shame. The self-condemning thoughts continued. Who do you think you are, some kind of a privileged character? You don't belong here, you belong in the basement! My old taskmaster was right about me -- I don't belong here. As his mind filled with these thoughts, the boy descended into the cellar.
      The basement was dreary, dark and despairing. The only light came from the open door at the top of the long stairs from which he had come. He heard his new father calling for him, but he was too ashamed to answer.
      The boy was surprised to find others in the basement. Upstairs everybody talked to each other and joined in with daily projects that were fun and meaningful. In the basement, however, nobody talked to each other. They were too ashamed. Although no one liked it there, most felt that the basement was where they really belonger. They didn't see how they could ever walk in the light again. If they did, others would see their imperfections.
      Some of the people who lived upstairs would occasionally come to the door and encourage them to come back up where a place was prepared for them. Some "friends" were worse than others and would scold those in the basement, which only made it worse.
      Not everyone stayed in the basement for the same reason. Some, like the boy, thought, I deserve to be here. I was given a chance, but I blew it. Others didn't think they could climb up the stairs. Even if they mustered up the strength to try, the stairs would probably break under their weight. They always had a reason why they couldn't return to their father upstairs.
      Some would father the courage to go up for a short time, but they didn't stay long enough to resolve thir conflicts and learn the truth that would enable them to stay. So they returned to the basement.
      Still others were afraid that they would not be accepted. Their old taskmaster would not accept them, so how could they expect this adoptive parent to welcome them back after what they had done? Each had his own story about what he had done wrong.
      At first, the newly adopted boy groped around in the darkness, trying to find a way to survive. The longer he stayed in the basement, the more the memory of what it was like to live upstairs began to fade, along with his hope of ever returning. Those old tapes from early childhood questioned the love of this new father, and he began to question whether he was ever adopted in the first place.
      The noise of people having fun upstairs irritated him. He remembered the light in the house being warm and inviting, but now, whenever the basement door opened, the light seemed penetrating and revealing. He recalled hearing his adopted father saying that most peopled loved the darkness rather than the lights, for their deeds were evil.
      The boy made a few half-hearted attempts to return to the light, but eventually he found a dark corner and lay down in it. To survive, he ate grubs and moss off the damp walls.
      Then one day a shaft of light penetrated his mind, and reason returned. He began to think, Why not throw myself on the mercy of this person who calls himself my father? What do I have to lose? Even if he makes me eat the crumbs that fall from the table, it would be better than this. So he decided to take the risk of climbing those stairs and facing his father with the truth of what he had done.
      "Father," he said, "I knocked over some glasses and broke a pitcher." Withouht saying a word, his father took him by the hand and led him into the dining room. To the boy's utter amazement, his father had prepared a banquet for him!
      "Welcome home, Son," his father said. "There is no condemnation for those who are in my family!"

    Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus and the matchless grace of God! The door is always open for those who are willing to throw themselves upon His mercy. "In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:4-6). If people could accept our Heavenly father's grace and love, they would never confine themselves in the basement of depression or the grip of hopelessness.