Sunday, January 20, 2008

• Hebrews 11:1 - "substance"= foundation, support. "evidence of things not seen"= confidence in the things I cannot see, but in knowing I will get it.
• .: Faith is synonymous with confidence, i.e. Faith = Confidence
• Faith is the positive attitude of confidence in knowing that God is with me every step of my way.
• Confidence can be seen in my ability to hold my own with people, be it those I'm meeting for the first time or with friends.
• BUT confidence has the tendency to leak away

How do I Stop My Confidence from Leaking Away?

• Confidence comes from the assurance that I have got Jesus with me.
• Praise and worship creates an atmosphere of faith, which is needed for the power of God to travel.
• Matt 4:1-9 - The devil tested Jesus 3 times on His confidence in being the Son of God. The devil used religious language, so the greatest temptation by the devil is in the area of my being a Child of God.
• The moment you act on a negative emotion, it overwhelms you. The more of whatever you act upon, the more you strengthen, so choose to act upon the good and the positive!
• Matt 11: 2-6 - "offended": Scandalised (Greek), Trip up, Stumbled, Enticed to sin
• .: The key to confidence is relevation - I will do what God has called me to do.

How did Jesus Build Up His Confidence?

John 13:3

1. He knew where He came from - I need to know my position, who I am in Christ.
2. He knew what He had - I need to know my gifts and abilities.
3. He knew where He was going - I need to know my purpose.

How does Pastor Kong Build Up His Confidence?

• By having a life message, which is: To love God wholeheartedly and to love people fervently.
• Of which his life message stands upon: The Great Commandment, The Great Commission and the Cultural Mandate.
• We need to find our own life message!

What is a Sure Sign of Having Confidence?

• Confidence gives you the power to be the servant of all.
• John 13:4, 14 - Jesus washed the feet of the disciples.
• Mentioned in the Bible - Joseph had the ability to serve because he was secure in himself. Daniel.

Key Takeaways

1. Without confidence, you can't please God.
2. Confidence gives us power.
3. Confidence gives us the ability to be the servant of all.

How Do I Maintain My Confidence?

The key is to have a secret place in God to turn to, a place to strengthen myself.

Psalms 91:1

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 23:1-4

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Note: "The Lord" (3rd person) to "He" (2nd person) to "You" (1st person) shows the closeness of God to you as you walk through troubled times, times that will undermine your confidence.

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Anyway, would like to add that yesterday's service was a really great one, full of the presence of God, and as Tabitha said, Pastor Kong's anointing has really increased!

I came to service, you know, like usual, but when Pastor was talking about confidence, it really struck me and a longing came into my heart to increase my confidence in the Lord more. And as we were singing the worship song, I was thinking, Lord, break down the stone walls around my heart, I don't want to keep come into service and not be touched by You, I want to surrender myself to You, I want to learn how to place You first in my life. Then His presence became so strong that I started crying. I don't usually cry in normal circumstances and the only other time I cried so uncontrollably was the first day my sister brought me to the JW church, not even that day in Expo when I went for the altar call, or even for Benny Hinn's, but as the tears came, and amidst all the noise, one thought flashed through my mind and it was "I forgive you", and I knew that it was God telling me so, for my big sins, my little sins, for moments of rebellion, for doubting Him, for lack of confidence when people ask me To Prove, many many for-s.

Hmmm. And it's no coincidence that Pastor preached about my baptism name right! heh heh. d:

So I feel like I have given a brand new, guilt-free start to 2008 and I'm sure many of you know that 2008 is going to be a great year that is full of changes, so let's get hyped up and prayed up for it! :)

- suatwei

Labels: Confidence, Faith

Leaving a foot step - 2:40 PM