Morning with Ebenezer

DISQUALIFIED

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT

Preaching to others about Christ and telling others about the things of God does not guarantee you to inherit the kingdom of God. Jesus said that not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord! will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.

There are those who are so called ministers in this life that will go to Jesus in the last day and say these words on the judgment day. '' On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. Jesus will then answer them by saying,'' You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil. (Matthew 7:21-23)

Apostle Paul knew that you can be a minister of the Gospel and yet be rejected on the judgment day by the Lord. He knew that preaching without living the word was like pouring water into a broken bucket and expect that the bucket will be full. It is the same when we proclaim about the Lord and not live what we preach; we will end up with nothing at the end of the day.

This morning, I just want to remind you to discipline your body that you may not be disqualified. Make sure you live what you preach, and know that whatever you do including the hidden things will be judged as the writer of the book says;'' For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

As we are winding up the year 2013, this is a good time for you to look back and try to fix all the broken parts of your life. While you are doing that make sure to look the state of your spirit; know that the Lord is on His way to come back to take His church. Live the life according to your calling, knowing that the Lord God is watching over you.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I'm asking that you may help me to discipline my body that I may not be disqualified on the Day of Judgment. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

GOD LOVED

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 TLB

There is a saying which says, you can't love without giving, but you can give without love. God loved the world, that include you and me in it and then He gave his only Son Jesus so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

We heard many people who wrote on what man is capable of doing when he loves a woman. But when God loved us, He sent His Son to die for us. It is very rarely to hear a certain man is willing to die for his love for certain woman, but God's Son was killed for our sake.

The Bible is love story Book ever written in the history of humanity. It is the love story between God and the lost man. It shows the sacrifice which God made to return back the lost man to His heavenly kingdom. The message of hope that there is still a second chance for sinners; if you are willing to give your life to Him, you will be saved.

This morning, I just want you to know that God loved, God gave, if we believe we can live. If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from dead, you will be saved, Romans 10:9. Salvation is free; we are saved by grace but not by our own deeds.

Give a room for Jesus in your heart; if you have given Him your life just know there is more in God. There is more peace, more joy, more blessings, more love and so on. Give more room in your heart that He may touch you by His love and show His great plan for your life. God loves you!

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending your Son to die for me. I surrender my life to you today, use me Lord for your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

Morning with Ebenezer

BAD DECISIONS

There is a way that seems right to a man,

But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

We all have made bad decisions somewhere in life. We chose ways which at first seemed to be right but at the end we regretted. We invited people who seemed to be good, but later caused much pain in our lives. There are those times which we learnt from our mistakes but sometimes did the same mistakes over and over again.

I have learnt that every time we allow our flesh to control us we end up making wrong decisions. When we give a chance to the desires of the flesh we end up choosing things which are contrary to the plan of God in our lives. The more we give chance to the Spirit of God to have control over our lives; the more He will direct us to make good decisions.

Maybe you made some bad choices in the past which are still affecting you to this day. It may be every time when you remember you feel like going back and chose otherwise. You may be blaming yourself for not being cautious and you are blaming everyone who was associated with those decisions which you made. You can't seem to get over it and you think that you are not good enough to make sound decisions in the future.

This morning, I just want to encourage you that it is about time you need to move on. God allowed you to make some mistakes in the past that you may learn on how you can make wise decisions in the future. He has allowed you to walk in some ways that you may help others that they may not walk on the same ways which caused pain in you.

This is a good time to ask the Spirit of God to help you move on and give you strength to let go all the past and move on to the bright future which God has prepared for you. Don't stay in the past, live on the present and prepare yourself for your future. Let the Spirit of God direct your steps and show you the way which you should take that you may walk according to the will of God.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I'm asking that You may help me to let go my past regrets; and give me strength to move on with the life which You have given me now. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

OFFENSES

Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!  It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.  Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

Luke 17:1-4 NKJV

The Lord said who will endure until the end will be saved. I believe the Lord was talking about people in the body who will endure offenses until the end will be saved, (Matthew 24:13). Then He said it is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through who they do come!

The Lord knew that we will meet people in the body of Christ who will offend us. People who will take us for granted and treat us in the way which is not the Lord's. The Lord had already warned these people and He said it would be better for him if a huge rock is tied to his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Many Christians have allowed the stick of offense to take them down. That's why we have a big number of believers who can't sleep at night, can't rest and are in confusion because of the unforgiveness in their hearts. They have allowed the bitterness to have roots in them as the result their faith can't work because they can't forgive.

This morning, I just want to encourage you to let go all those who have offended you in the body of Christ. We have kept secret enemies in us that's why we cannot unite as one body without allowing disputes to divide us. There is a spirit of division which divides the church and form groups within the church of Jesus Christ in this world and gives the victory to the enemy.

The changes start with me, and comes to you and eventually the whole Church. If I will choose to change, and forgive all who had once wronged me; and you do the same. We will have a powerful Church that can stand against any snares of the devil without shaking. We need to give room for love in our hearts and let it flow to our fellow believers that we may be the sons and daughters of Most High God.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I forgive all who have offended me in the Church. Lord I let them go and I pray that You may touch them and change them according to your will. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

ENTER IN THE KINGDOM

After preaching the Good News there and making many disciples, they returned again to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, where they helped the believers to grow in love for God and each other. They encouraged them to continue in the faith in spite of all the persecution, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.

Acts 14:21-22 TLB

I know the desire of any born again and Spirit filled Christian is to inherit the kingdom of God some day. I know that salvation is not an easy task and the day you gave your life to our Lord Jesus Christ; you automatically declared war with the alien armies of antichrist in the spiritual places.

Apostle Paul and Barnabas helped believers to grow in love for God and each other. They knew if believers will love God, they will be able to stand and defend their faith while knowing that they were bought at price and they are precious before God. And if they will continue loving each other; this would bring unity in the body of Christ and the church would grow in number.

They encouraged them to continue in the faith in spite of all the persecution they were getting from nonbelievers; there were saints who lived before them who endured tribulation and at the end attained the Kingdom of God. These saints were persecuted because the enemy thought that persecution will cause them to renounce their faith; but He was surprised seeing them dying with Jesus in their hearts.

This morning, I just want to encourage you to continue in your faith in spite of all opposition which you are facing all around you. Continue contending for your faith, love the Lord with all your heart and your neighbor as your own self. People may laugh at you and condemn you for being old school for the sake of the Lord; but you need only to smile before them and focus on your goal to enter the kingdom of God.

Know that Jesus is coming soon, if you will not be careful in keeping your salvation you may be left behind. He will come to rapture His pure, spotless and blameless church and you need to make sure that you are one of them. It is your responsibility to keep and obey the commands of the Lord; repent every time you go astray from His will and continue being faithful until the end.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer.....

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your word. Lord help me to continue with my faith in You; give me strength to endure all oppositions from nonbelievers that I may inherit the Kingdom of heaven. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

WITH YOU I CAN

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 NLT

There is a strength we all need in our daily walk with the Lord. We need strength to fulfill our daily responsibilities; we need strength to overcome temptations, strength to endure during difficult times in life, strength to fight against sin, strength to call the name of the Lord and so on.

We need strength to love one another and to love our enemies. There are people in our circle of influence who we need strength to continue being patient with them because of their behaviors and attitudes. For the ministers, sometimes ministry can be a heavy burden for them; and may cause them to have many sleepless nights and without the strength from the Lord they can't move forward.

I don't know which part do you need God to give you strength during this time of the year. Maybe there was a certain sin which entangled you this all year and you want to overcome it in the coming year. You have tried all means possible that you may prevail against it but end up falling again and again on the same kind of sin. 

This morning, I just want you to know that you can do everything through Christ, who gives you strength. If there were some resolutions in the beginning of this year which in one way or another you did not fulfill them as you wanted; don't give up through Christ, you can fulfill them in the coming year.

As we enter 2014 you need to know that you will be able to do everything through Christ Jesus, who gives you strength. Teach yourself to put your trust in Him, teach your heart to rely on His strength and in everything seek His will and He will show you which path to take.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I'm asking that You may give me the strength I need to do all things which I suppose to do in this life. Knowing with you I can do everything because you are the one who give me strength. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

GIFT OF PRAYER

Brothers, pray for us.

1 Thessalonians 5:25 ESV

During Christmas season people throughout the world are exchanging gifts and get to meet their loved ones in different parts of the world. For some Christmas is like a culture celebration; and they don't take to heart the real meaning of celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus and Savior of this world.

For us who are in Christ Jesus, know that without Christ we would be the slaves of sin until this day. Thanks to God who sent His only begotten son, who died for our sins and set us free from sin and save us from second death. You can use this season praying for saints throughout the world and particularly those whom are in your circle of influence.

We have many brethren who came to us and shared with us their fears and troubles of this life. Many times we encouraged them and made a promise that we will spend time to pray for them. But as days go by many of us have forgotten our promise of prayers; and let those precious people of God fight the enemy alone and hence weaken their spiritual strength and stability.

This morning, I just want to remind you to go back and fulfill your promise of prayers. You never know maybe your prayers are the ones which are needed in order for that person to get a breakthrough from God; and get out from his/her misery. One thing I know is that prayer works and it is a wonderful gift than any other gift which a person can be given.

Use this day to pray for someone, pray for their spiritual strength, finances, health, relationships, education, ministry and whatsoever the Lord will lead you to pray for. God will hear your prayers and answer them according to what you have prayed for them. God bless you, have a wonderful Christmas.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, give me strength to pray for all people who you want me to pray for. Knowing my prayer will work in their favor. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

RELATIONSHIPS

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NLT

God value relationships, He knows that there is positive impact which comes out in every relationship. When He brings certain people in our lives, He intends that we may benefit in one way or another from those people. In each relationship that God allow us to be involved with there is a purpose behind of it.

King Solomon the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed''. There are some successes in our lives which are bound in our relationships whether friendship, marriage or family. Sometimes God hide our miracles inside our fellow brothers; and it is only by having good relationship with them, we can get the access of those miracles.

The Bible in the book of Hebrews says that, ''Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral, Hebrews 13:4''. This is another kind of relationship which forms the family that is a basic unity of any nation. If the love of God will be manifested in any family; there is assurance of success of that family in the future. That love will encourage the family members to work together and help each other that they may succeed.

This morning, I just want to encourage you to value all people who God has allowed to come in your life. There are some people who are just there and you may think that they don't have anything which will benefit you and hence you tend to ignore them. God knows why He has put them in that position so just thank God for them to be a part of your life.

Love and respect everyone in your circle of influence, and do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Know that God is overseeing every relationship in your life, and whatever relationship which is not His; He will eventually cut it off. Submit your loved ones in His care, and ask Him to fulfill His purpose in their lives.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly, thank You for my family and friends. Lord I'm asking that You may protect them and guide them until the end that they may inherit your heavenly kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

THE GOODNESS OF GOD

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

Psalm 23:6 NKJV

God is good all the time, all the time God is good. This is the saying which many of us are familiar with; and sometimes we just say it without giving deep thoughts of the meaning of those words. There are things which can happen in one’s life, that they may lead that person to doubt the goodness of God in his life.

Some of us have come across with temptations, trials and tribulations which made us to doubt if God still cares. There are those moments which you may be disappointed by the way things take place in your life in such a way to lose hope that things will change someday. It is easily to be disappointed if things will not turn the way you wanted but that will never change the goodness of God in your life.

Sometimes God allow us to lose everything which we once put our trust into them; that we may put our trust in nothing else but Him alone. Trials that come may be a good teacher to teach us how we may properly handle the matters of our lives in the near future; so we need to learn from every trial that comes in our way. God does everything for a reason and purpose, if He has allowed something to come to you; be sure He had a plan in mind to take you out of it so don't be discouraged.

This morning, I just want you to know that God is still good for you. No matter what you had lost in the past but still God is good that’s why you are alive until this day. If your close friends have deserted you; don't be discouraged just know that God will bring in new friends who will be thousand times better than who you once had.

One thing I have learnt about this God the creator of heaven and earth, the Father of Jesus Christ is that He loves me. I believe with all my heart that He loves you too! Regardless the life you once had; or still living in it just knows that God loves you. His Son Jesus is a friend of sinners, if you know you are living the life of sin; go to Him and He will forgive you and show you His goodness.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your Word. Lord thank You for being good to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

 NEVER GIVE UP

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12 NKJV

Students who are looking forward to graduate one day; they will never give up until the day of graduation comes. No matter how difficult their studies may seem to be; they will work hard knowing that one day they will finish everything and be rewarded for their struggles. This will encourage them to work hard looking forward for that wonderful day of graduation.

For us who are in Christ Jesus have hope that after this life ends; we will see the Lord with our own eyes. The scriptures keep on encouraging us that our work is not in vain; that there is a reward for all of our struggles and that the Lord is overseeing our progress in Him and He watches over us.

Sometimes in our walk with the Lord we become weary; there are things happen which give the impression that the Lord is far away from our struggles. At first it may seemed easy but later you discover that salvation is a battle. There is constant rage between our outer man and inner man. Faith becomes our driving force inside of us; we come to learn that being with Jesus means living by faith not by what we see. This can be very difficult because many of us we were trained to see first and believe and not otherwise.

This morning, I just want to encourage you to continue with your walk with the Lord. Continue fighting against sin, continue praying for your weaknesses, repent for all your wrong doings and have faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord will reward your walk one day, He will say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 25:21)

There is joy before you no matter how life seems to treat you right now. Keep looking for the things which are not seen now; because the things which are seen are temporary but which are not seen are eternal. The Lord has prepared a heavenly City for you, so never give up on the Lord until you see Him with your own eyes.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your Word. Lord please give me strength to endure the difficulties of this life and in all things continue keeping my trust in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces.

Matthew 7:6 AMP

There are several meanings of the verse above but one of the meaning which caught my attention is the one which is found in the bestseller book of Battlefield of the Mind, written by minister Joyce Meyer. She wrote the following in her account about the above verse:

I believe this Scripture is referring to our God-given ability to love each other. If you and I have an ability and a command from God to love others, but instead of doing that, we judge and criticize them, we have taken the holy thing (love) and cast it before dogs and hogs (demon spirits). We have opened a door for them to trample on holy things and turn and tear us to pieces.

We need to see that ''the love walk'' is protection for us against demonic attack. I do not believe the devil can do much harm to someone who really walks in love. (Joyce Meyer, Battlefield of the mind, 139)

This morning, I just want to encourage you to walk in love. Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticize and condemned yourself, Matt 7:1. Our Lord loved us from the beginning and when He was with us in this world; He lived the life which was full of love setting us example of the godly standard which we suppose to live.

Use the God-given ability to love each other by loving the unloved today. Make it an agenda to stop paying evil for evil, while being careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. And if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.( Romans 12:17-18)

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your Word. Lord give me strength to love my neighbor and my enemies too! Help me to walk in love that I may fulfill your law my God and my Savior. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

RETURN TO YOUR ORIGINAL POSITION

But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins.

1 John 1:9 TLB

Faith comes by hearing, and by hearing the word of God. People need to hear that Jesus saves; they need to understand that they can walk free without any burdens of sins inside them. They need to hear that there is deliverance, healing and hope in Christ Jesus.

Many people are seeking solutions of their problems in wrong places; because modern day’s believers are too busy confirming themselves with the world rather than serving the Lord. Many call themselves born again believers, but still living the same life styles like the people of this world.

In the church we have people who still consider others like their enemies. We have people who envy fellow believers and make every possible effort to prevent others to succeed in life. Many of us still live with bitterness, unforgiveness and disgruntle inside. We like to be seen and known more than we like Jesus to be glorified in our lives. It is all about us, not about Christ and hence we have the weak church with no power of the Spirit of God because of our disposition.

This morning, I just want to remind you that our Lord is coming soon so set your affairs in order. Return to your original position in the Lord; so that He may rapture you the day He will come to take His blameless and spotless church. 

Don't conform to the things of this world, for all that is in the world: wanting to please our sinful selves, wanting the sinful things we see, and being too proud of what we have. They will pass away, but whoever does what God wants will live forever. Make sure that when the Lord comes, He will find you prepared. In the mean time continue being a living example of true Christian; knowing that whatever you do for the kingdom of God will never be wasted and surely you will receive your reward on that day.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your Word. Lord forgive me for living the life against your will. Help me to live for you in all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

CALL THE NAME OF JESUS

But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.  But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Mark 4:38-41 NKJV

There is power in the name of Jesus; this is the only name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. The devil and his armies can't stand the power of this name; they flee with great fear when this name is mentioned. Through this name we have all the victory we need to conquer sin and all the matters of this life.

Many people have underestimated the power of the name of Jesus in this world which we are living right now. Many use it just like any other name and it has been so common in their lips in such a way it has no effect for those who hear it. But in the reality there is unstoppable power in this name which can bring forth unimaginable effects for those who believe.

Paul give this account about the name of Jesus,'' Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

This morning, God wants you to call the name of Jesus in your situation. Maybe you have done all things in your power, asked all advice which you can get; but you haven't tried calling Jesus in the middle of your storm. In the middle of the storm when His disciples called His name, He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!

If the wind and the sea obeyed Him, be sure that your storm will obey Him too! At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Call the name of Jesus today and He will come to meet your needs.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your Word. In the name of Jesus I speak to my storm, I command it to be calm from this day. Lord Jesus may your peace be still in me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

FORGIVING HEART

Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If you feel someone has wronged you, forgive them. Forgive others because the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 ERV

In this life people will rise and do you wrong. Life will not be fair for you as sometimes it seems to be; some will give you promises which they will not be able to keep them. Others will say words which will hurt you and cause a lot of pain in you. You will experience rejection from even the closest friends you once trusted.

Some things will happen to you and you will feel like life is bulling you in the direction which you don't want. As a child of God in all these chaos of life, you need to teach your heart to forgive. You need to ask God to give you strength to forgive, receive forgiveness and letting it go that you may continue your life with joy. 

I have learnt that my heart becomes so heavy when I add the burden of unforgiveness inside me. Living with bitterness is like drinking poison and hope it will affect another person. The grieved heart may translate forgiveness as letting someone get away with what he/she did to you; but one thing you should learn that forgiving someone does not make him/her right but sets you free!

This morning, I just want to encourage you to ask God to build in you a forgiving heart. Maybe you have been a Christian for a long time, and you have been believing God in almost everything in your life. When it comes to forgiveness you still struggle to forgive and you sometimes wish you can take all matters in your own hands.

If you will teach your heart to forgive, you will live a peaceful life. If you forgive those who did wrong to you also your Father in heaven will forgive you. Having a forgiving attitude will give you confidence to stand before God asking for your forgiveness knowing you have forgiven those who wronged you. May God help you to forgive.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your Word. Lord I'm asking that You may give me power to forgive those who have wronged me. Give me strength to forgive myself and letting go all hurtful memories inside of me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

YOUR PLAN VS GOD'S PLAN

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 NIV

I know you had your plan in life, you had all figured out how you want to become when you grow up. You had your dream house, car, spouse, job and the community you wanted to belong. You prepared yourself to reach where you were seeing in your mind one day; and you believed God for that kind of life which you once pictured in your mind.

You didn't know that your thoughts are not God thoughts and your plans are not His. For those who were Christians from the beginning every time when God tried to remind you this; you tended to ignore and go for what you felt it is good in your own eyes. God had to come and teach you in a hard way; and put you in some circumstances which you were forced to obey His will in your life.

Secretly you were mad at God though you knew He was right from the beginning. You knew you will not have peace if you will force yourself to enter into that marriage; but because you fall in love with that person so didn't want to hear anything else. God had to allow that person to disappoint you that you may know it was not His plan to begin with.

This morning, you need to know that sometimes you have to let go the life you pictured; in order to have the life that God planned for you. The life which God has been prepared for you may not be fancy like the one you pictured in mind; but trust me the true peace in your life will come to you if you will submit yourself in it.

Maybe God has called you in a ministry but you wanted to be a doctor. You may force to be a doctor but you will not have satisfaction in it even if you will make six figures unless you return to the original plan of God for your life. God plan is the best plan, your plan may end up disappointing you in the future but there is hope and future for you within God's plan.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord I'm letting go the life I once pictured, and I'm allow your plan to be fulfilled in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

Morning with Ebenezer

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.

Job 8:7 NIV

Maybe God has given you an idea to start a business; and you don't have enough resources and you don't know how you will get a capital for your business. You have been with your fiancée for a while now and God is telling you that is about time for you to get married. Now you fear how you will start your new life because it seems like you are not ready and you don't seem to have all things you want to enter into a marriage life.

There are some who God called them in the ministry long time ago but always seem to make excuses because they think that they are not ready for such kind of commitment. They want to be ready and having assurance of many members that they may start a church or ministry. They are busy waiting for a sign from God without realizing that the unstoppable zeal inside of them is enough sign for them that God is still waiting for them.

Maybe you are afraid of your few resources, you don't have enough experience or you are not good at it like someone you know. If God chose you to do something; be sure that He will equip you for His work. What God sent for His purpose, He will provide for it.

This morning, God wants you to know though your beginnings will seem humble, your later days will be very great. If God told you to do something just obey it, and do it by faith. Don't concentrate on your imperfection and misfortunes; but keep looking at Jesus who is the answer and finisher of your faith.

Start with whatever you have, if it is the time to get married just do it by faith knowing God will bless you and your future spouse. If it is the matter of the business, just start it with that small capital which you have knowing that God will give you favor and increase you in the future. You are called in the ministry just go by faith. If you will open a church with a single member don't give up; just know that is the same God who will take you to be a Mega Church Pastor if you will continue faithful until the end.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord I'm asking that You may give me courage to do what want me to do in my life; knowing You will bless the work of my hands. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

MOUNTAINS

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20 ESV

In life we all have problems in one way or another. There are things that happen in our lives which are beyond our reach; and sadly we cannot do anything about them, but God can. Hardships did not start today; if you study the Bible from the Book of Genesis you will get to understand even the Ancient people had their own problems.

Thanks to the advancement in Science and Technology the modern man can perform many things which hundred years ago was impossible even to imagine. But all these modern day knowledge and innovations have their limited capacity. There are some things which only God can do and that's why no matter how we advance in life; we still need Him in every corner of our lives.

There are some mountains of life which money, fame, politics, and riches of this world cannot climb. Even the richest people in this world still get divorced; suffer from incurable diseases and with many things like unforgiveness, bitterness and loneliness. A modern man cannot solve these kinds of miseries inside himself without the help of God. He is the only one who can turn any mess into a message, any test into a testimony, any trial into a triumph, and any victim into a victor.

This morning, I just want to encourage you to turn your mountains to God. I don't know that you are going through now in life. I don't know how much it has been affecting your life, but one thing I know that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Ephesians 3:20.

One act of faith can change the entire picture of your situation and bring forth your salvation. Through having faith in Jesus Christ, you can move that mountain which stood in your way in life. You can turn your nightmare to be your sweetest dream. You can turn your worst defeat to be your greatest victory if you will give a chance for God to intervene in your situation through prayer. 

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I present my situation before You. Lord I speak into these mountains in my life right now that they should move and be cast into the sea. I speak freedom over my life, I speak faith, Lord I speak total healing, salvation and life. May your will prevail Oh Lord, and all purposes of men fail. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

Morning with Ebenezer

WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?

And furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now tell all the world that God sent his Son to be their Savior.

1 John 4:14 TLB

If you will get a chance to ask people in the body of Jesus Christ the church; who is Jesus for them. Each one will define Him according to his/her own experience of Him. Some will say He is their savior, others will say He is their healer, deliverer and their God.

In other hand others will say apart from all mentioned above but also Jesus is their provider; others will describe Him as Emmanuel who has been with them since the day they gave their lives to Him. Others will say He is the Son of God and God who came in the form of a man to take away the sin of the world. Others will continue describing Him as Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Bible scholars may describe Him in many ways such as the Word of God, creator and upholder of all things, Messiah Prince, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

There are many ways in which the Bible described our Lord that we may be able to understand Him in our limited minds. I personally believe that there is more in God which our carnal minds cannot perceive; because we are still living in this body of sin. What we see, hear and understand about our Lord Jesus Christ is only a part but one day after the death of this body; we will have the perfect knowledge of our Lord if we will continue in Him until death. 

This morning, I just want to encourage you to continue loving our Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe you don't understand Him like someone in your church or fellowship; or you are not knowledgeable like some people whom you know but still keep on loving Him. Hold on to what you know about Christ so that no one can deceive you to go back into sin.

If there are things which you are still struggling and you don't understand why they are happening the way they are. Don't give up just keep on trusting God, in His time He will reveal everything and starve your doubts. He will answer your questions and keep you in His perfect peace. What you need to do is continue loving Him and serving Him with all of your heart, knowing your name has been written in Heaven.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer you prayer....

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your Son Jesus Christ. Help me to continue loving Him and trusting Him in everything. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Morning with Ebenezer

ALL MY FEARS

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4 ESV

I have learnt long ago to turn my fears to the Lord. By experience I came to understand that at the end of the day no man can do what the Lord can. People may be with you in your darkest hours but they won't stick with until the end, but The Lord will.

I'm sure you came across with those moments which you were confused and you did not know what to do next. You came across with all seasons of life and they were times you were afraid what will happen next in your life. I have experienced those moments and what I can say is that, the Lord has been good to me.

The Lord has been there for me where no man could and He understood what I was going through. Indeed is the Lord of all comfort, who has been comforting me in the midst of my fears and worries of this life. People who says there is no God, it’s because they haven't tested His goodness yet. I know God lives and He lives inside of me and He is the one who balances everything in my life.

This morning, I just want to encourage you to ask the Lord to deliver you from all what you fear. If there is anything in your life that causes you to fear; the Lord can deliver you from it. What you need to do is to pray and ask the Lord to take you away from that particular thing which has brought fear in your life; and put you in a safe place.

I just want to encourage you my friend, to turn to Jesus and let Him take your fears and give you joy in your soul. It may seem like children bed time stories which most of them are fictions; but the good news is, this is the truth! I did not make up this but I have seen this personal in my life. Not only me but also all who call the name of the Lord Jesus with all of their hearts; they will testify that the Lord has been so good for them too!

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....

Heavenly Father, I'm asking that You may deliver me from all my fears. Fill me by your Spirit of power, love and sound mind. In Jesus' Name, Amen.