"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” (2 Corinthians 5:17) As we turn our calendars over and embark on another new year, our thoughts turn to starting over, making things better in the coming year, resolving to change things in our lives. Often these efforts are short-lived and have little lasting positive effect. The Bible has much to tell us about making a new start that can make this New Year truly different. Let's look at the typical approach to effecting change in our lives and compare it to God's approach.

One approach to making changes in our lives is to focus on the negative things in our lives and attempt to change them for the better. This seems rather intuitive and there is no shortage of self-help books, tapes, and lectures that will prescribe this approach. So why does it so often fail us? Because it operates under the direct influence of our sinful human nature. We enter an improvement plan with a lot of enthusiasm and energy but over time we gradually revert back to old habits and behaviors. What really happens underneath is we are in a continual battle with the very sinful nature that drew us into the negative behaviors in the first place and we simply tire from the fight and relent. We are trying to change the old.

God's approach to improvement and positive change is completely different. It starts with the word that is central to all of God's activity - "new." God is the eternal expert on 'new.' All of creation was spoken into being by God - made new by God Himself. And God is continually making things new all the time. Let's look at some ways He does this:

New Mercies - God extends new mercy to us each day (Lamentations 3:22-23). Each day is a new opportunity to receive His loving-kindness and to start fresh. Nothing that has happened in the past, whether on the previous day or in years past, can in any way remove the love and forgiveness He has ready and waiting, simply for the asking. To God, every day is New Year's Day, filled with the opportunity and promise that we tend to assign only to January 1! God does not promise to change our hearts, He promises to give us new hearts and then fill them with His Spirit! (Ezekiel 36:26) The Bible likens our human, sinful hearts to stone - hard to penetrate, hard to change. So rather than offering to chisel away at it, He offers to take it away and replace it with a heart that is soft, pliable and able to contain His Spirit - His very power to help us focus on those things that He focuses on.

Armed with new hearts that are filled with His Spirit, acutely aware of His never ending mercies, we are not who we used to be, drug down by our sinful nature, but we are new creations, reborn into new lives. (John 3:3) God sent His Son Jesus into the world for the very purpose of making us new. (John 3:16) Jesus taught that patching the old wasn't the answer, but being made new in Him was the key (Matthew 9:17).

This new year, you can truly change things by giving the old to God and letting Him replace it with the new.

Your Destiny

Have you ever pondered in your heart why you are here and are there really a plan and purpose for your life? Does God actually have something important for me to do? And if so, how do I find it out and walk in it? In Psalms 139:16, the Word of God tells us "your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." In other words, God fashioned our destiny before we were even born. He is the Master Potter who sculpted us and brought our future into existence. Yes, even before you were formed in your mother's womb, God was sketching out your life.

What life did God design for you? Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. I looked up that word expected and found it to mean "an expectation and the thing that I long for ." God has things that He longs for in your life. What are they? According to Jeremiah 29:11, two of them are to have peace and to have no evil. Surely, we all wish those things were true in our lives!

Did you know that you also have a "holy" calling from God? In 2 Timothy 1:9 the scripture tell us what kind of calling we have and why--"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. This calling has nothing to do with how great we may think we are, it is not because we have talent, even though He uses our talents and personality with the gifts He has given us. It is because of who He is and because it is His divine calling which makes our calling holy. He has designed you and called you to meet a need in the body of Christ that nobody else can meet quite like you. Our walk is supposed to have meaning--to fulfill God's plans.

How do we allow God to contribute His plans to our plans? First, we need to understand that our life does not belong to us anymore. It has been purchased by God through the blood of His son Jesus. Therefore, God must be the one who orders our steps, not others or ourselves. Jeremiah 10:23-24 says it so clearly, I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. We must learn that our lives are predestined to His calling. You do not determine your destiny, you are to discover God's destiny for you. If you go through your whole life creating your own destiny, you will probably miss God's perfect will and plan for your life. For me, this relieves a lot of unnecessary stress. I do not have to create my destiny. I only need to go to God and ask Him what is next on the agenda; be at peace, and trust Him with the outcome.

Psalms 16:11 tells us that He does make known His path of life to us. Yes, it is important to learn to hear God's voice so that you can clearly have a vision for your life. You may make mistakes as you walk out your destiny and stuff will always happen that you didn't expect, but God has already calculated that into the equation, so you don't have to worry. He's got you covered! Just love on Him, stay close to Him, is quick to repent and His divine plan will be accomplished in your life.

I personally have a quiet time everyday with the Lord. It is not always easy to have that time with God in a world that has you turning like a spinning top, but it is vital to make quality time with Him in order for your God given purpose and future to be revealed. This close abiding is necessary and it takes effort on our part to get close to God but the rewards are out of this world. It produces a harvest of blessing and a prosperous future.

We have been summoned into His Majesty's service and He expects us to complete His plans and purpose for us. I really like what Colossians 4:17 says, "Take heed to the ministry (official service) which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill (complete, fill to satisfaction, finish) it.” Wow! I like how that sounds "official service." Those of us who thought that being 'just a' homemaker or mother or 'just a' blue collar worker or any other 'just a' position was an unimportant position; can now know that we serve in a very lofty position. We have a royal calling that is important enough for the King of the Universe to summon us to.

Ephesians. 2:10 is worth memorizing and reminding ourselves of often. "For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]." How many times have you heard people say that they want to live the good life? Well, there it is. God's plan for you IS the good life. This world has nothing good to offer you. This world is temporal but God's world is eternal. God's 'good life' is worth having and striving for.

Ponder this, I know many of you are in church, working on an auxilary or some office in ministry, is it God's perfect will for you? I encourage you to seek after God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and reach higher than you ever have before to grab hold of the good life He has destined for you. It is worth reaching for.

The Whole Armor Of God

God has provided us a wardrobe to wear as we enter in battle each day. As you dress in the morning, you need to suit up in God's armor as well(Ephesians 6:10-18).

Belt of Truth: For the first item in the armor of God, Paul writes to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist." Truth is having sound doctrine which can only come with careful study of the Bible. Many times, Satan uses half-truths, or lies which sound like the truth, to deceive those who do not know better. As Paul encouraged Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Knowledge of God's word provides you with the truth they need to combat Satan. Buckle it securely around your waist. Know that God is with you every step of the way. He alone is the truth in life. Spend time in His Word and learn His truth.

Breastplate of Righteousness: The breastplate of righteousness is the second piece of the armor of God. Righteousness comes from standing free of condemnation before God, but it is not something that anyone earns. In (Romans 4:6-7), the apostle Paul writes, "David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works. 'Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” Satan may confront you with past sins but God's forgiveness provides you with the breastplate of righteousness you need to protect you from Satan's attacks. As you put on your breastplate, thank God for His never ending mercy towards us. He has given us righteousness when we follow Him. He will teach us every day if we open our eyes and ears to see and hear Him. The cross is an excellent example of God's mercy to us. He gave His Son for us so that we may spend eternity with Him.

Sandals of Peace: Paul identifies the next part of the armor of God when he writes that you should have their "feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." This alludes to what the prophet Isaiah wrote, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7). Those who have spiritual footwear are prepared to go out and share Christ's gospel with those who will listen. Without God in our lives, we could not have peace. The "peace that transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) is available to us only as we give our lives entirely over to His control. As you strap on your sandals each day, give your cares and concerns to Him and ask Him to carry them. God's Peace will be left in their place.

Shield of Faith: For the fourth item in the armor of God, you are encouraged to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." The shield protects the soldier's body and can be moved to counter an attack. Likewise, faith in God's promise of eternal life serves to deflect the doubts and fears that assault you. Faith has to be developed. As stated in (Romans 10:17), "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word Of God." So therefore, faith can only grow through continual Bible study. This is another defensive weapon in our arsenal. We use this piece of armor to guard against the constant assaults by the enemy. Each morning as you pick up your shield, thank God for your faith. Faith that comes in knowing He will never leave or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Helmet of Salvation: An important part of the armor of God is the "helmet of salvation." In (1 Thessalonians 5:8), Paul also refers to the helmet as "the hope of salvation." One of Satan's schemes is to cast doubt into the minds of believers, making them wonder if God is real of if his promises are true.The helmet of salvation is based on "a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised from the beginning of time." (Titus 1:2).When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are given this defensive piece of armor to protect us. We know that we have been saved to battle with Him here on the planet Earth. We can do so willingly, knowing that we will spend eternity with Him.

The Sword of the Spirit: The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God; the holy scriptures. When faced with temptations or some other moral choices, using scripture can help to win the battle. As (II Corinthians 10:3-5 )declares, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." This is our only offensive weapon in the armor of God mentioned in this passage. Our sword is His Word, the Bible. With it we can slay the evil in the world as it presents itself to us. Read your Bible, learn His Word and memorize verses. Keep it on the tip of your tongue. Dressed in this armor daily, we are prepared to enter the world. Without it we will be prey to attack. Think about each piece as you put it on. Thank God for supplying us with His armor to protect us. God Bless You,The Worship Center

Daniel Fast

Daniel Fast

The Daniel Fast is modeled after the spiritual practices of Daniel. Basically, the Daniel fast is to eat only what come from the ground that have not been refined or processed. The fast does not stand alone, it is a part of a larger spiritual practice that includes regular and consistent prayer.

In Daniel 10, we learn that Daniel received a revelation that he did not understand until he had fasted for 21 days. On the 24th day he had the vision of a man who explained the revelation to him. For 21 days Daniel “ate no choice food.” This practice probably goes back to when He, with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, came to live in Babylon and refused to eat the king’s food. He requested only vegetables and water. “At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds” (Daniel 1:15-17).

Daniel exercised spiritual discipline by denying the body “pleasant food” so he could have deeper spiritual understanding. Daniel distinguished himself from among his peers because “an excellent spirit was in him.” It is this excellence of spirit we desire as we pursue a stronger relationship with God in fasting and prayer.

Daniel’s faithfulness in prayer is another demonstration of his commitment to spiritual discipline. In Daniel 6, where we learn about Daniel in the lions’ den, it is clear that Daniel was steadfast in prayer under the most difficult of circumstances. Though King Darius had signed an injunction that said whomever prayed to another besides himself would be thrown into the lions’ den, Daniel continued his practice of praying 3 times a day: “Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before” (Daniel 6:10).

During a Daniel Fast, we pray 3 times a day, like Daniel. I usually pray at 6 a.m. 12 noon and 6 p.m. In addition to fasting and prayer, we must also abstain from anything that would personally distract us from our purposes in the fast (e.g. television, internet, hanging out, idle conversations, gossip etc.).

Isaiah 58 makes it clear that fasting does not absolve us from responsibilities of love, kindness and justice.

Remember, we eat these:

• Fruits

• Vegetables

• Whole Grains

• Nuts and Seeds

• Legumes (I call ‘em beans)

• Healthy Oils

• Water (some folk drink herbal teas without stimulants)

• Herbs, Spices, vinegar (some folk avoid this and use citrus juices with oils on their salads)

• Vegetable juice – take care with the acidity of tomato juice (this is a fruit, isn’t it?)

• Fruit juice in moderation – consider the sugar content and take care with the acidity in citrus. Consider restricting fruit juices altogether.

• Water

• Water

• Water

We don’t eat these:

• All refined and processed foods!

• White flour products

• White rice

• Dairy

• Meat

• Sugar, honey etc.

• Bread

• Fried Foods

• Unhealthy Fats (the ones that turn solid)

• Anything other beverage than what you see above

Prayer and Fasting

Prayer
Fasting
What is Fasting?
Why Fast?

Prayer

Prayer is the language of the spirit. This is language over which you have no control. When you enter into prayer, you may enter because of some need or desire, but prayer only takes place when the Spirit takes over and you are carried away as by the current of a river.
When we study the life of Jesus, we see that Jesus did not pray between his periods of work and ministry, Jesus worked and ministered between His times of prayer. Prayer must be our first priority. It is through prayer that we strengthen our relationship with God and access the power of God for our living.

O what peace we often forfeitO what needless pains we bearAll because we do not carryEverything to God in prayer.

We’ve got to pray openly and honestly. Admit to God when you don’t feel like it or when the tv or someone is pulling you in another direction. Hey, we all have that wandering inclination and God is big enough to handle it. Just ask for more strength and discipline to be constant in prayer.
Remember, this is a practice. Just because it is the right thing to do doesn’t mean that it will happen for us overnight. Just keep being committed to the practice of prayer.
God’s faithfulness to us is our shield and armor! (Psalm 91:4) God knows we can be wishy-washy. That’s what grace is for!

So, take it easy on yourself. God loves you and wants you to reach where you’re trying to go… in Him.

Fasting

Prayer needs fasting for its full growth. Prayer is the one hand with which we grasp the invisible. Fasting is the other hand, the one with which we let go of the visible.– Andrew Murray
Fasting is abstaining from food with a spiritual purpose in mind. Jesus teaches us that fasting and prayer are a powerful combination. While fasting is not explicitly commanded by Jesus in the Gospels, it seems that it is assumed that fasting would be a part of the life of the believer: “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:16-18).

Remember, the Fast should change your routine. If you are going about your regular routine merely with a change in diet, you are not fasting, you are on a diet! Fasting must change our routine. The Fast is to refocus us on the things of God. We should expect to be different when this time of fasting is over and not just physically…• By the time the fast is over, we should have created an atmosphere in our lives, our homes, our churches in which God is pleased to dwell.• By the time the Fast is over, we should have created such an atmosphere in prayer that miracles become daily events in our lives.• By the time the Fast is over, we should have prayed the yoke of bondage off of our sisters and brothers.

Yes, by the time a Fast concludes, we should have walked through the doorway of Kingdom Living! All this is accomplished through prayer and fasting. So, commit to a fast and do not grow weary nor take lightly the fast you commit to God. Divine opportunities are waiting all around for us to seize them in fasting and in prayer. God moves in powerful ways during sincere fasts (see 2 Chronicles 20:1-23).

Remember, the fast is to the Lord. The fast should cause us to redirect our focus, our attention. It should more regularly direct us to our prayer closets because fasting and prayer go hand in hand. Prayer is our Priority! And not just during the course of this Lenten fast, but in life. We’ve got to make every effort to ensure we add more and more time with God in prayer and meditation each and everyday for this is where we find LOVE, JOY and PEACE! God honors it when we deny the flesh and sow to the spirit. This is consistent with what we learn in Galatians 5:16-25 and in Colossians 3:1-17. Fasting is to honor the life of our spirits. Be assured, to nurture and to refine the spirit-life has eternal significance.

Remember, fasting is to abstain from food with spiritual purposes in mind. Our purposes are many:• we are seeking to grow even closer to God• to see the Gifts of the Holy Spirit fully operating in the Body of Christ• to experience the Fruit of the Holy Spirit being borne out in the lives of the people of God• to break the power of the enemy over our lives and the lives of those around us• to scatter the plans of the enemy• to gain more spiritual power• to wrestle ourselves away from unhealthy attachments• to see the Kingdom of God grow exponentially• to experience good physical, mental and spiritual health• to walk in miracles• to transform our minds• ultimately, to live our lives in ways pleasing to God

All our purposes will be fulfilled by the Power of God through fasting and prayer! Don’t waiver in unbelief. God is true to His Word! AND DON’T STOP PRAYING BECAUSE YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE ANSWER OR BECAUSE YOU DON’T FEEL ANYTHING. God moves in God’s time. And, be assured, whether you feel anything or not, God is listening!
The promise of God in Christ Jesus is this: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7 - but read the whole passage). This is an amazing promise, but what is “abiding”?

• Abiding is to dwell constantly in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91:1).• Abiding is to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)• Abiding is to have a song in your heart to God at all times (Ephesians 5:19)• Abiding is to write the Word of God on the tablet of your heart (Proverbs 7:2-3; Psalm 119:16)• Abiding is learning and strengthening ourselves through fasting and prayer.

The Fast is not to be an event that will pass, nor an experience that we will merely have; but, it is an entrance into a life of continual abiding in God, a pathway into the deeper things of God, a seat in the Presence of God.

What is Fasting?

Fasting is abstaining from food. This is the general definition. Breakfast is to break the fast of the previous night. Specific to our purposes, fasting in abstaining from food with a spiritual purpose at heart. Because fasting is spiritual in nature, when you abstain from food, you should also abstain from behaviors and activities that would distract you from your spiritual goals.
You fast because you are seeking to allow your spirit to become stronger.

Fasting shifts your attention from your flesh to your spirit and allows you to be more attuned to God. God is a Spirit and we must come to God in spirit and truth (John 4:24 ). Fasting is effectively shedding your flesh with all it’s whining and complaining and neediness so that you can feed your spirit. When you spirit becomes stronger, so will your body and your emotions. Spirit permeates everything there is, so to ignore your spirit is really to disconnect and isolate yourself. To ignore your spirit is to miss out on the fullness of life. To ignore your spirit is to ignore yourself.

Your spirit is at your center. Your spirit is your core. This is the "secret place of the Most High" the psalmist sings about in Psalm 91 . Here is where God resides. Many people seek all over the place for God only to find that the search ends within themselves (John 4:19-24 ). This is God’s promise to us: God will be with us and in us (John 14:16-17 ). Fasting helps us to reach our Center.

Why Fast?

We fast to strengthen our relationship with God (Nehemiah 9). Jesus assumes fasting will be a regular practice (Matthew 6:16-18 ). The regular practice of fasting helps us grow spiritually stronger like exercise helps the body.

Fasting goes hand in hand with prayer. Fasting is a spiritual practice and prayer is the language of the spirit. You fast to empower your prayer life. There are many reasons to fast and pray:
Fast and pray to hear God’s voice more clearly and to know God’s Will (Daniel 9:3-4 ).
Fast and pray for spiritual clarity (Daniel 10 ).
Fast and pray to bring down strongholds in your life and the lives of those around you.
Fast and pray for direction and clarity in making decisions (Acts 13:1-3).
Fast and pray to free yourself and others of addictions.
Fast and pray to become more spiritually empowered.
Fast and pray for spiritual breakthrough (Joel 2:15-32 ).
Fast and pray for clarity and healing (Isaiah 58:6-9 ).
Fast and pray to create order in your life and in your household.
Fast and pray for God’s help against the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:1-30 ).

A FRIEND OF GOD

How good is your relationship with Jesus? Jesus Christ doesn't want a relationship where you visit Him once a week on Sundays, just because it's Sunday and it's the thing to do. No, Jesus wants to have a deep, intimate, daily relationship with you. No matter where you've been or what you've done, Jesus loves you and wants you to know Him in a deep and beautiful way. I can't have a good friendship with you if the only time we spend together is these three minutes where I talk and never hear the sound of your voice. The precise same thing goes with Jesus Christ.

The only way you can have a deep relationship is for there to be an continuing dialogue between God and yourself. A continuing dialogue means that you don't just read God's Word, but you talk with Jesus and wait on His response. Whether it's in His Word or that small whisper on your heart. Or any way God chooses to respond to you.

A relationship with Jesus is such a beautiful thing and I want each one of you to experience it, because believe me, there's no relationship like it. Just when you think you've got Jesus figured out, He takes you deeper into His character, grace and love.

So today, why don't you start building a relationship that will only grow throughout your time on earth and stretch into eternity? Talk to Jesus not just to ask Him for something but talk with Him like you would a friend, wait on Jesus, then spend time in His Word. Believe me when I say, you won't be disappointed when you do. If you want to have a friendship with Jesus, you must become His child and the only way to become His child is by accepting Jesus Christ as your savior. As Jesus said in John 15:15, those who believe are no longer servants, but friends of Jesus.

Pastor Thulane Irven Mahlangu Sentenced

Sentencing of a former Dr JS Moroka Municipality councillor for murder was on 16 October 2009 in the Pretoria High Court on Friday. The 30-year-old former councillor Irven Thulani Mahlangu was sentenced to 10 months. This came after spending 15 months in prison awaiting trial.

His co-accussed; Andries Mandla Kubheka, 42 (not sentenced yet), his father, Sigabela Jonas Mahlangu, 52 (9 years), and his businessmen friends, Mooiman Mahlangu, 45 (10 years), Koos Mthimunye, 35 (5 year suspended sentence) , and Nkululeko Simon Maseko, 44 (6 years). They were found guilty on 13 charges ranging from kidnapping, assault, and assault with intent to cause bodily harm to murder.

The men kidnapped a group of youngsters in November 2001 from Siyabuswa under the suspicion that they were responsible for a series of break-ins in their shops.They took them to a nearby bush where they interrogated and severely beat them up.One of the assaulted youths later died in hospital due to his injuries.The men will be back in court next month.

Pastor Irven Mahlangu was not found guilty of murder, but of kidnapping and assault. His disciples are organising revivals that will take place once a month in the prison he is locked in for the next 8 months (until his release). Local churches will support the revivals and he will be the main speaker / preacher.

Praise

All too often, praise to God is something that many people leave at church, an event that happens only when they come together with other Christians. However, praise should be a part of a believers lifestyle, inter-mingled as a part of their daily prayer-life. At work, in the car, at home in bed, or anywhere; praise to the Lord brings the refreshing of the Lord’s presence, along with His power and anointing.

“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalms 34:1).Praise is an expression of faith, and a declaration of victory. It declares that we believe God is with us and is in control of the outcome of all our circumstances (Romans 8:28). Praise is a “sacrifice,” something that we offer to God sacrificially, not just because we feel like it, but because we believe in Him and wish to please Him. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Since praise manifests God’s presence, we also realize that praise repels the presence of the enemy, Satan. An atmosphere which is filled with sincere worship and praise to God by humble and contrite hearts is disgusting to the Devil. He fears the power in the name of Jesus, and flees from the Lord’s habitation in praise. “Whoso offereth praise glorifies me: and to him that ordered his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God” (Psalms 50:23).

When the children of Judah found themselves outnumbered by the hostile armies of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, King Jehoshaphat and all the people sought the Lord for His help. The Lord assured the people that this would be His battle. He told them to go out against them, and He would do the fighting for them. So what did the children of Judah do? Being the people of “praise” (Judah actually means Praise), and knowing that God manifests His power through praise, they sent their army against their enemies, led by the praisers.So on they went, ahead of the army declaring, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever!” And the scripture says, “when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten” (2 Chronicles 20:22).

When God’s people begin to praise His name, it sends the enemy running. No matter what you’re going through right now. I challenge you to become a person of praise, and you will experience the release of the power of God.

Your Relationship With God

“I will never fail you, nor forsake you.” (Hebrews13:5). When we place our faith in Jesus, wanting Him in our lives, we become His child and forever can rest secure in His love. How has your relationship been with God since you first received Jesus as your Savior. We did not earn a relationship with God. “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For all has sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22-24)From the time we receive Christ into our lives, we have a new relationship with God, and a new life. Here is how the Bible describes us now that we have Christ in our life. We are:at peace with God (Romans 5:1) a child of God (John 1:12) completely forgiven (Colossians 1:14) brought near to God (Ephesians 2:13) sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) no longer living in darkness (Ephesians 5:8) members of His kingdom (Colossians 1:13,14) loved by God (1John 4:9,10; John 15:9) given eternal life (John 3:16) secure in God's love (Romans 8:38,39) saved by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8,9) Christ dwells in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17) chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4,5) crossed from death to life (John 5:24) alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:15) righteous in God's eyes (2Corinthians 5:21) led by a caring Shepherd (John 10:27)

If there are sins that you still struggle with, God can deliver you from them, He promised He will. “Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians1:6). This relationship is protected, not by what we do, but because of God's character and Jesus death on our behalf. Jesus purchased our relationship with Him, canceling the penalty of sin that stood between us and God. So we become His child, forgiven, indwelt by Him, declared righteous in His eyes, because Jesus covers our sin.

Unfortunately, we still will sin. We still will find ourselves choosing to do things our way instead of God's way. We should stand secure in this relationship, because of what God says about it. “Therefore, since we have been right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” (Romans 5:1).Salvation through Jesus is purely God's gift, received once by faith. At that moment we have begun a relationship with God that lasts eternally. Our relationship with Christ does not hinge on personal holiness, or levels of faith, or sacrifices, or good works or religious acts.

God doesn't intend for our focus to be on our performance. He desires our focus to be on Jesus Christ.Unlike other relationships we have in this world, our relationship with God is secure because He brought us into this relationship in the first place, and He is faithful to keep us unto eternal life. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Believe God

"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him," Hebrews 11:6. "Whatever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23) and God hates sin. When we don't believe God, we treat Him like He is a liar.

Remember that He is everywhere and sees all things. He is hurt when we act like He doesn't exist, or that He will not do what He promised to do. Only when we have confidence in God and His Word can we please Him. Lack of faith leads to lack of obedience. God's commands can only really be fulfilled through faith. Without confidence in God's promises a man will never really do what God says. Lack of obedience in God's eyes is rebellion. Such lack of obedience dishonors God and surely deserves to be punished. "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17). We must live by faith in order to be considered by God "right" and "correct".

Otherwise we stand condemned. Those who don't believe God inevitably believe in something else. Either religious tradition, or their understanding of science, or what the women's magazine says, or what their next door neighbor tells them, the education system, the mass-media or a combination of all these things. God is not impressed. "Professing to be wise, they became fools.

" (Romans 1:22) In fact, those who don't fully believing God end up believing the devil somewhere along the track. It is very possible to believe what the devil says without even believing that he exists. Satan is speaking through so many philosophies and religions without openly declaring himself. Not too many actually know they are trusting the words of Satan and his demons. God is therefore righteous in expecting us to believe in Him and what He says. Who is better qualified to tell us the truth and help us to find answers for life and eternity?

Overcoming Your Trials

What do you do when your world caves in? How does a Christian respond when hardship come? All of us will challenge those questions sooner or later. It may not be from behind prison bars, but we will all go through deep trials eventually. When that happens, everything we believe will be put on the line. In the first 9 verses of 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul wrote to some new believers who suddenly and unexpectedly found themselves in great difficulty. They were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. The text shows how Paul reassured them and encouraged them to stand firm in trials. I see 6 truths about trials that can help us hang in there when difficulties come.

Your particular trial doesn’t matter as much as how you respond to it. Often we focus intently on the details of our difficulties as if our problem was the most important thing in the world. It may seem so at the time, but it’s not really. God is much more concerned with how we respond than with the trial itself. Someone has said, “God will take care of what you go through; you take care of how you go through it.”

That means that whatever trial or difficulty you are going through today has been tailor made for you by a loving heavenly Father. He appoints tough times for our good and His glory. Everything that comes to you has already passed through the hands of God and has received His stamp of approval. Paul plainly says that we can overcome our trials by faith. What kind of faith does he have in mind?

Faith in God’s Character—that He is good and makes no mistakes Faith in God’s Word—that it is true no matter what happens to us Faith in God’s Purpose—that He is conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ Faith in God’s Promise—that He will never give us more than we can bear Faith in God’s Presence—that He is with us in the darkest moments of life Faith in God’s Power—that He can deliver us from every temptation There is one other kind of faith that will help us in hard times. That is the shared faith of God’s people. So many believers struggle because they try to handle their problems alone. But God never meant for you to walk through the lonely valley by yourself.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 3:4-8

Living in the promises of God

Living in the promises of God is an act of pure faith. It is having the ability to look beyond the evils of this world, to the glory to come, and then to do whatever can be done to help bring the kingdom glory to our present time. None of us can eliminate all evil, corrupt, cruel, and insensitive things that are continually occurring in the world around us, but we can stop some of it, and be a witness against all such things.There are many Bible verses that can point us in this direction. One is Matthew 6:9-13.

This prayer that Jesus prayed is our example of allowing God’s perfect plan to be accomplished in this world and in your lives. If we are praying for this, then shouldn't we also believe it is possible, and indeed can and should come to pass in both the here and now as well as in the future? I'm convinced we should believe this is possible. It's an act of simple faith. But faith is an active word. Faith requires us to live by our belief.

This passage of scripture states that God will be our Sustainer and Provider(Matthew 6:11). All our need will be met for who else knows what we are in need of daily. God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. (II Corinthians 12:9). in fact, He has made provision for our salvation by His grace through faith. Read Ephesians 2:8. It is through an obedient faith that we have access into the grace of God according to Romans 5:2.

God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. Instead, He assures us that a way of escape will be provided. This promise is recorded in I Corinthians 10:13. Jude wrote: "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude v 24). Darius, King of the Medes, said to Daniel, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee" (Daniel 6:16). He did deliver Daniel from the den of lions.

God has promised us victory over death. He first resurrected Jesus by way of assuring our resurrection. Peter said: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses" (Acts 2:32). Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3,4).

Later on he adds: "but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57). God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28). It may be difficult for us to see and understand how this is accomplished at times, but God has promised it, and He will deliver.

God has promised that those who believe in Jesus and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins will be saved. (Read Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38). God has promised His people eternal life (John 10:27,28). Everyday live so that the promises of God will be yours. Be Blessed,The Worship Center

Does God Really Answer Prayers?

One of the people who literally put God “on trial” was a man from the Old Testament named Habakkuk. Habakkuk was a prophet in Judah, and he felt the full weight of the problems, pressures, sins, and difficulties of his family and of his nation.

Although Habakkuk lived a long time ago, his story is extremely appropriate, especially when you look at present history and all that we’re dealing with in America and around the world. In Habakkuk 1:2, Habbakuk asked the following of the Lord: "How long, O Lord, will I call for help, and You will not hear?"This was one of those big, deep, tough, “life” questions that Habakkuk was asking God. In the midst of all the turmoil surrounding his life, he was basically asking, “God, where were you when I needed you the most?” Habakkuk was grappling with something each of us deals with as believers, unanswered prayer. He was complaining about the silence of God and in his heart he urgently wanted to know why God wasn’t answering his prayers.

Children of God I’m sure you’ve probably felt this way before. Anyone who’s been walking with the Lord for any amount of time has. I know that I have felt this way many times. It was infuriating for me. We want answers when we pray. It’s frustrating when it seems like God is silent. If you’ve ever felt this way, or even feel this way today, I have a word of encouragement for you. God does answer prayer. He does it in four different ways. “I can’t hear you.” Sometimes the Lord can’t hear us when we pray. And it’s not because we need to talk louder or speak more clearly.

Sometimes God can’t hear us when we pray because according to Psalm 66 and Isaiah 5, there is sin in our life. “No.” Sometimes the Lord says “No” when we pray. While this can be a very difficult answer to receive, it’s still an answer, regardless if we understand His decision at the moment or not. God is able to reveal His strength in you and me when we are broken and weak. So there is a purpose when God says “No.” “Yes, I’ll forgive. Yes, I’ll heal. Yes, I’ll step in to help.” “Wait.” Sometimes the toughest answer to receive from God is “Wait.”

When this happens, we need to be reminiscent that God is in control and can certainly handle our situation. We need to allow Him to continue working in whatever way He sees fit. We can’t try to take back the situation, but must truly be patient and wait on God’s timing.

This is exactly what God said to Habakkuk. He told him, “Even though you don’t think I’m listening, Habakkuk, I am working on a plan that is so much larger than you.” The truth is, even though Habakkuk couldn’t see it, God was working the whole time. The same is true in your life as a follower of Christ. Worship center members I have learned that God values you, Jesus Christ died for you, and you will never go through anything that is not important to God. I also learned that God wants to work with you. If you’re in a holding pattern, have faith(trust, belief & patience) that God is working, and that He is Sovereign over all the details in your life.

God indeed does answer prayer, and, yes, all of your prayers.God's continued favor,