IGNYTE: March 2010

THOUGHTS

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 11:30 AM

BUILD YOUR MIND

Be selective in what you watch, what you listen to, and more importantly, to cast down imaginations in your mind. See yourself the way God sees you. Let the Word of God set the standards of who you are. As long as you start seeing yourself as what God sees you, you are on that road to accomplishing it. Build your future by building you mind. Set your mind on things above!

Since then, you have been raised with Christ set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

1 comments

THOUGHTS

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 10:48 AM

This week we are going to talk about the importance of our thought life.

CONTROL YOUR THOUGHT LIFE

It is the thought life that pollutes you and makes you unfit for the things of God (Mark 7:20). You have to take control of your thought life. Your mind is not a garbage can to fill with all kinds of junk. Everything you put in, whether good or bad, is permanently stored in this memory system that God has given to us. If you can control your thought life, you can determine your future.

Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

2 comments

Evaluation

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Monday, March 29, 2010 at 3:06 PM

Let us take an inventory today:

As I have grown in the Lord by reading the Word throughout the last few months, what have I learned from the life of Christ (his identity, his personality, his priorities)?

How have I begun to live my life differently?

How can I continue to live my life differently in the future?

1 comments

A post by Doug Franklin

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 8:13 PM

Blessed R

0Author: Doug Franklin

I so desperately want to live a life of joy. I want peace and satisfaction. I desire to live in community with others, serving them, forgiving them and being loved by them. But how do I get a life like this? I know Jesus said he wanted to give me a full life but how? “Come and retreat with me, let’s go to a mountain side and just sit and talk and I will explain to you how you live a life of complete and lasting joy.” These are Jesus’s words in Matthew 5. He makes this great offer to his disciples, to come and sit and listen as he explains how life in him works. I love the Blessed R’s; they give me a road map to life and when I follow them, I experience joy. They are not easy but they are what my heart needs.

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit
I am poor in spirit when I come to the end of my rope and realize that only Jesus has the answers for my life.

2. Blessed are those who mourn
I am blessed when I mourn over my sin and realize what it does to my relationship with God.

3. Blessed are the meek
I am blessed when I am available to be used by God. When I say “your will not mine.”

4. Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness
I am blessed when my greatest desire is to do right. This happens to me when I serve people in need.

5. Blessed are the merciful
I live a life of joy when I forgive others because it constantly reminds me of God’s forgiveness for me. When I know I am right with God, I feel like I can do anything.

6. Blessed are the pure in heart
My broken heart is healed when I follow him. When he is the lamp at my feet and I follow in his actions then he will show up and I will encounter him in new ways.

7. Blessed are the peacemakers
You will know community when you help others live at peace with each other. When Jesus came to earth the message was peace on Earth and when he left Earth he asked us to his continue his mission of being peacemakers.

8. Blessed are those that are persecuted
This is a kingdom worth dying for, whatever the cost. Being with Jesus in Heaven is such a great reward it’s worth paying any price to be there.

I often review this road map to joy because it helps me understand how much Jesus loves me. He made it so simple and believe me I need it to be simple. He also encourages me through it by giving me pictures of my reward.

I love to teach this to students. Many of them think God is complicated and out to get them. The Blessed R’s demonstrate his love and deep desire to be in relationship with them. You are blessed if you follow the road map to joy!

1 comments

WORSHIP

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 1:31 PM

READ

Matthew 28

SCRIPTURE

The angel said to the women, . . . "Jesus, who was crucified, . . . is not here, he has risen, just as he said." Matthew 28: 5-6

We are going to celebrate in a week's time. Jesus' resurrection gives us the power to live a new life, starting now. If we want to live with perseverance and joy rather than drivenness and despair, we have only to look into the eyes of the Lord who triumphed over death.

How has the resurrection affected the way you live your life - the choices you have made?

Take a few moments and consider your life at this moment - what it is and what you want it to be. Write out the words, "Here I am, Lord, Use me." Then write down whatever you feel God wants you to do with the rest of your life. Finally, write a statement of commitment to follow him wherever he leads.

Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4

1 comments

WORSHIP

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:41 PM

READ

Hebrews 12

SCRIPTURE

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. Hebrews 12:2

There are times when doing the right thing means venturing into the unknown, when doing God's will is costly. At those times, knowing Jesus has been there ahead of us can make a huge difference.

Surrendering to the Father was not always easy for Jesus, especially when he was facing the cross. What does this mean when you are facing difficult choices in your life?

Passive surrender is acceptance of what is - an illness, a job loss, a crisis with our children. Active surrender is the decision to take action in accord with what we believe God wants us to do.

1 comments

WORSHIP

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Friday, March 19, 2010 at 10:23 AM

READ

Colossians 2

SCRIPTURE

Continue to live in Christ Jesus . . . overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

When we grasp who Jesus is and what he does for us, we aren't just grateful in words. We respond with full surrender of our lives.

Jesus died on the cross for our sin, but most of us don't keep that in our minds from day to day. What can you do to maintain a fresh sense of gratitude for his sacrifice?

In addition to the cross, what has Jesus done that deserves extravagant love, gratitude, or worship from you? How can you begin to praise him for the things he has done?

Opening your heart and expressing your thanks to God is an intimate act of worship. Write a prayer of worship to God, telling him of your deep gratitude for the things that he has done.

Jesus said, "You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." Luke 7:46-47

1 comments

WORSHIP

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 12:33 PM

READ

John 3: 22-36

SCRIPTURE

John the Baptist said, "He (Jesus) must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30

John's attitude was that Jesus needed to become greater in his life, and his own desires, goals, and dreams should become less.

To what desires, goals, and dreams in your own life, do you need to apply this attitude?

Surrendering everything that you have and everything you hope to be can be a difficult thing to do. How can you make this surrender a form of worship to the Lord?

Jesus said, "I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the most insignificant person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!" Luke 7:28 NLT

1 comments

WORSHIP

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 11:24 AM

READ

Philippians 3

SCRIPTURE

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8

Often our goals conflict with God's agenda. Then we have to decide, will I surrender my goal or set aside God's agenda?

Jesus wants even our good earthly goals to be secondary to his agenda. Which of your goals have you surrendered to His will? Which of your goals is the Lord still asking you to surrender?

Surrendering our lives to the Lord is an important part of worship - and where we will discover our greatest significance.

What will it take, in a practical sense, for you to surrender these goals and dreams to Jesus?

1 comments

WORSHIP

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 11:02 AM

This week we begin a new topic on worship.

READ

Mark 4: 35-41

SCRIPTURE

Jesus said to his disciples, "Why are you frightened? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:40

A life oriented toward worshiping God, surrendering to Him, begins with trust.

Do you agree with the statement, "True worship of God must begin with trust"?

What do you think about the statement, "Faith is not believing God can - faith is believing God will"?

In what areas are you having difficulty trusting God? How is Jesus challenging you to put your complete trust and faith in Him?

1 comments

Evangelism

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Friday, March 12, 2010 at 10:55 AM

READ

Luke 19:1-10

SCRIPTURE

Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the crowds were displeased. "He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner," they grumbled. NLT

It's tempting to avert our eyes when we see signs of people's brokenness. But Jesus singled out the messed up, the immoral, the people who were in trouble and needed help.

Jesus made "sick" people a priority in his life over "healthy" people. Is this priority reflected in your own life?

It is important to keep a balance between spending time with "sick" and "healthy" people. How can you strike this balance in your life.

Write a prayer for the lost and broken people around you, expressing God's heart and desire that each of them turn to him.

Jesus answered them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor - sick people do. I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins.: Luke 5:31-32 NLT

1 comments

Evangelism

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:55 AM

READ

Luke 10

SCRIPTURE

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke 10:1

Jesus never intended most of his disciples to be solo evangelists. He expected them to make it as a team.

Does the idea of working as a team to spread the gospel encourage you or cause you to feel hindered? What are the advantages to working together?

What are the disadvantages?

Is there someone whom you can partner with to spread the gospel?

1 comments

Evangelism

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10:31 AM

READ

Colossians 4

SCRIPTURE

Pray for us, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.

Socializing and communicating across a cultural divide takes work. Yet Jesus encourages us to widen our view and notice needs among persons who may be very different from us.

What opportunities do you personally have to minister to the physical or spiritual needs of people from other cultures, both at home and in other countries?

Have you ever witnessed of Christ's love to someone from another culture?

Which ethnic groups do you find the most difficult to relate to?

How would you handle an opportunity to speak about your faith to someone from a different culture? What are some of the things you would say?

Think of your college friends who are from a different culture and ask God for an opportunity to share with them God's love.

1 comments

Evangelism

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 9:59 AM

READ

2 Corinthians 5: 11-21

SCRIPTURE

We are Christ's . . . . ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Have you ever presented the gospel to someone who accepted? How did you feel? How did God bless you as a result?

How can you go about building stronger relationships with non-believers? List some practical ways you can do this in the next week.

Do you still remember 12 3 1 1?

1 comments

Evangelism

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Monday, March 8, 2010 at 3:44 PM

THE SKILL OF LISTENING FOR NEEDS

READ John 4: 4-29

With insight from the Holy Spirit, Jesus knew that the Samaritan woman had five husbands. The Holy Spirit may not give you such dramatic insight about strangers, but he does desire to help you discern the felt needs and real needs of people around you. You can learn to notice the broken places in people's lives. Sensitive questions and practical acts, such as giving and receiving water, can speak powerfully to people about your respect and concern for them. Most people are as thirsty for respect and kindness as the Samaritan woman was.

Jesus modeled how to discern a person's real needs. As you listen to the needs someone expresses, you can simply ask a few caring questions that invite her to share more of her heart with you. By listening well, you can draw her out further.

The Five R's of Listening help to keep a conversation going and create an atmosphere that draws someone out:

1. Repeat what the person has shared with you.

2. Repeat his last sentence to encourage him to share more.

3. Return his comment with another question.

4. Respond with affirmation and gratitude for his willingness to share.

5. Renew your commitment to listen and pray for him.

In the next few days, practice using these Five R's in conversation with the people around you. Then record your responses to the following questions.

Did the use of the Five R's enhance your conversation(s) in any way? If so, how?
What did you learn from these conversation(s)
What will you do differently the next time?

1 comments

Evangelism

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Friday, March 5, 2010 at 10:08 AM

READ

1 Corinthians 9

SCRIPTURE

Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him. I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I myself receive when I see them come to Christ. 1 Cor. 9:2-3 TLB

One of the most important way we can sow seeds of the gospel in a person's life is to discuss common human experiences. These conversations are seeds, and it's God's job to make them grow.

What are some of the unbelievers you encounter on a regular basis?

What types of conversations can you begin to have with these people in order to become a witness to them?

Have you ever presented the gospel to someone who ultimately declined?

How did you react? How would viewing that experience as a "seed-planting opportunity" have changed your reaction?

1 comments

Evangelism

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 1:14 PM

READ

Luke 19

SCRIPTURE

Jesus said, "The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Luke 19:10

Jesus came to "seek out" the lost. How active are you in seeking out those people who do not yet have a relationship with God?

In what ways could you be more active? What is holding you back?

List three specific ways in which you can "seek out the lost" and be Christ's "in-the-flesh" presence to them this week.

1 comments

Evangelism

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 10:30 AM

READ

John 1

SCRIPTURE:

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14

When God wanted to offer his love to a lost world, he came in the flesh. He is still present in the flesh in people like you.

Have you ever been Christ's "in-the-flesh" presence to an unbeliever? What did you do?

In what ways might Jesus be asking you to be his hands, his feet, his voice to the people around you who need to know him? Be specific.

Are you "Jesus with skin on"?

1 comments

Communication

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Monday, March 1, 2010 at 11:07 AM

Hi guys,

We have just come back from the Youth Encounter. We have been refreshed, rejuvenated, renewed and we had fun, laughter, joy and a personal face to face encounter with God. We have left the old at "Peniel" and we are walking towards a new destiny and a new season (Ps. Henry's preaching of Joshua 3 - "we have never travelled that way before" ) of our lives.

But we have to realise that we may have changed (and prayerfully for the better), but we still go back to the same old environment. That is where the rubber meets the road. We "create" the environment that we want it to be. By our presence we transform the place we live in, the friends we mix with and our interpersonal relationships.

Today we sidetrack from our normal topic and I will give you the answers to the topic on communication.

a. Be a good listener and do not answer till the other person has finished talking (Prov. 18:13, James 1:19)

b. Be slow to speak. Try not to interrupt. Think first. Don't be hasty in your words. (Prov. 15:23, 28; 21:23; 29:30; James 1:19)

c. Speak the truth but always do it in love. Do not exaggerate. (Eph 4:15, 25; Col 3:9)

d. Do not use silence to frustrate the other person. Explain why are hesitant to talk at this time.

e. Do not become involved in quarrel. It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable. (Prov. 17:14, 20:3; Rom 13:13; Eph 4:31)

f. Do not respond in anger. Use a kind and soft response (Prov 14:29, 15:1; 25:15; 29:11; Eph 4:26, 31)

g. When you are in the wrong, confess it and ask for forgiveness (James 5:16). When the other person confesses to you, tell them you forgive them. Be sure it is forgotten and not brought up to the person later (Prov 17:9; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13; 1 Pet 4:8)

h. Avoid gossip. (Prov 10:19; 17:9; 20:5)

i. Do not blame or criticize the other person but restore him/her, accept and edify him/her (Rom 14:3; Gal 6:1; 1 Thess 5:11). If the other person verbally attacks, criticises, or blames you, do not retaliate in the same manner (Rom 12:17; 1 Pet 2:23, 3:9)

j. Try to understand the other person's perspective. Make allowances for differences. Be concerned about his/her interest (Phil. 2 : 1-4; Eph 4:2)

Hope we will learn to be good communicators.

2 comments

IGNYTE I will ignite the kingdom life within you,a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out -Matthew 3:11-

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 11:30 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 10:48 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Monday, March 29, 2010 at 3:06 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 8:13 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 1:31 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:41 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Friday, March 19, 2010 at 10:23 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 12:33 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 11:24 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 11:02 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Friday, March 12, 2010 at 10:55 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:55 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10:31 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 9:59 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Monday, March 8, 2010 at 3:44 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Friday, March 5, 2010 at 10:08 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 1:14 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 10:30 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Monday, March 1, 2010 at 11:07 AM

The Living Word

Now..

Fellowship Corner..

Advert

Labels

Blog Archive

Followers

Guests...

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 11:30 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 10:48 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Monday, March 29, 2010 at 3:06 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 8:13 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 1:31 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:41 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Friday, March 19, 2010 at 10:23 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 12:33 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 11:24 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 11:02 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Friday, March 12, 2010 at 10:55 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:55 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10:31 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 9:59 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Monday, March 8, 2010 at 3:44 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Friday, March 5, 2010 at 10:08 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 1:14 PM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 10:30 AM

Posted by Ps. Jenny | | Posted On Monday, March 1, 2010 at 11:07 AM