Saturday 21 January 2012
So what does one do when the enemy has already successfully discouraged him or her? Is there a way to get out of that discouraged or depressed state? Yes, there is! The Lord showed me Prov.18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Thus, what we say and confess with our mouths matters, it has the power of life and death. And if we love it (say what is good and not abuse what the tongue is intended by God to say), we will enjoy fruitfulness! There was some point a couple of years when I felt discouraged over some things. The Lord reminded me about the importance of what I confess and say. Then, suddenly these words were impressed in my heart and head, “I am Rev Barnabas Chong, Pastor-In-Charge of Cairnhill Methodist Church!” The impression I had was that I should say these words, like announcing it to myself, to my innermost being, as though something or someone has robbed me of this fact about myself. Initially, I felt very uncomfortable saying it, it felt like an ego trip. However, the Holy Spirit prompted my heart again and said to me that what I was effectively doing when I say these words aloud to myself, is that I was affirming who God had made me and called me into. Furthermore, by doing so, I was reversing what the enemy was trying very hard to do – which was to undercut God’s call, appointment and anointing in my life. I wasn’t supposed to go round saying it to people, that would be an ego trip, but I was to say it to myself. (Of course, right now I’m mentioning it for the purpose of teaching and instruction which I believe is alright too, so that you may also practice this for yourself the next time the enemy seek to cut you down. Remember, it is meant to be announced to yourself.) And by pronouncing these words about who I am to myself nullified the works of the devil! This is one way of applying Prov.18:21. The important thing is we should always watch what we say and say only what is good and right. This includes what you say to people around you especially your children or teenagers at home. Your words can either heal or hurt. As you begin your walk with God today, if you’re feeling discouraged or disheartened about anything, why not remind your innermost being who you are in Christ and what God has called you to. If you are a cell leader, then say, “I am your-name, Cell Leader of name-of-your-church.” Find a private space (so there’ll be no one around who would think you’re crazy) and say it to yourself aloud several times, louder and louder until you’re absolutely convinced how important that appointment God has given you is. If you’re not serving in any capacity in church, you could say, “I am your-name, son/daughter of the living God, called by God out of darkness into His marvelous light!” You may decide on your own what words to actually say, the point is to announce what God has made you to be to yourself verbally so that you can hear it to strengthen yourself, also that the enemy can hear it and he will have to flee because you are exalting and glorifying God when you honor God’s work, call and destiny in your life! Enjoy Him, love Him, serve Him.
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Prov.18:21)
Pastor Barnabas Chong
Email us at twc@cairnhillchurch.com
Today’s recommended video: Here’s a song that talks about what we believe in, great words to pronounce too ……
Creed (Petra)
I believe in God the Father – Maker of heaven and earth
And in Jesus Christ His only Son, I believe in the virgin birth
I believe in the Man of Sorrows bruised for iniquities
I believe in the Lamb who was crucified and hung between two thieves
I believe in the resurrection on the third and glorious day
And I believe in the empty tomb and the stone that the angel rolled away
He descended and set the captives free
And now He sits at God’s right hand and prepares a place for me
(Chorus)
This is my creed – the witness I have heard, the faith that has endured
This truth is assured through the darkest ages past
Though persecuted, it will last and I will hold steadfast to this creed
I believe He sent His Spirit to comfort and to reveal
To lead us into the truth and light, to baptize and to seal
I believe that He will come back the way He went away
And receive us all unto Himself, but no man knows the day
I believe He is the Judge of all men, small and great
The resurrected souls of men receive from Him their fate
Some to death and some to life, some to their reward
Some to sing eternal praise forever to our Lord
