As I type this, I am enjoying a song from a CD - Songs from around the world (Track 1). A thought came to mind. Many times we question too much about our Lord Jesus but what we neglect that's more important, that is to worship our Saviour for who he is and not what he can do for us. I hope you can take a few moments to quieten your hearts to join me and enjoy this time of worship for our Lord Jesus Christ. Lets sing with a thankful and joyous heart for he has chosen us to be his children and given us the best gift of eternal life.
My Jesus, My Savior
Lord there is none like you
All of my days, I want to praise
The wonders of your mighty love
My Comfort, My Shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship you
Shout to the Lord, all the earth
Let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the king.
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of your name
I sing for joy at the work of your hands
Forever I'll love you, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in
Nothing Compares to the promise I have In
YOU!
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When the music fades and all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the things I've made it
When it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
King of endless worth, no one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor, all I have is Yours
Every single breath
Continue to trust!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
An Answer to a Tough Question
Isn't it a sign of deficient faith when a sick Christian isn't healed or a Christian isn't delivered from danger?
It would be a serious mistake to imply that deficient faith accounts for all instances in which a person does not receive healing or deliverance.
It's true that Scripture tells of people who were healed or delivered from danger because of their faith. Some examples are Gideon ( Judges 7:15-23 ); Naaman the Syrian ( 2 Kings 5:14-15 ); Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego ( Daniel 3:19-29 ); the centurion's servant ( Matthew 8:13 ); the woman with an issue of blood ( Matthew 9:20-22 ); the man with a withered hand ( Matthew 12:9-13 ); and Peter's deliverance from prison ( Acts 12:5-12 ). Even this partial list is impressive.
Clearly, faith in God may result in healing and deliverance. However, the Scriptures also show us just as clearly that there are times when a believer's suffering or sickness has nothing to do with a lack of faith.
When Job lost his family, wealth, and physical health, his friends "comforted" him with the message that his loss and suffering were due to his own moral failure (his lack of faith). But Job was confident in his integrity before God. God Himself had declared him perfect and upright ( Job 1:8 ). Later, God Himself denied the explanation that Job's "counselors" gave for his suffering ( Job 13:1-15 ). Even more importantly, God Himself denounced their words ( Job 42:7-8 ).
Job's faith wasn't the problem. In fact, Job's faith in God was so strong that he, without cursing or disrespect, defended his integrity to God and questioned Him about the injustice of his suffering. Yet, in the midst of his agony, he continued to trust:
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation, for a hypocrite could not come before Him (Job 13:15-16).
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27).
Job's faith was eventually rewarded and vindicated. But he wasn't spared the terrible suffering that allowed his faith to be tested and proven.
Even at a time when miracles often occurred, God allowed Stephen to be stoned ( Acts 7:59-60 ) and James to be beheaded. Although Acts 12 tells of Peter's supernatural deliverance from captivity in prison, Jesus had already prophesied that he would eventually die a martyr's death ( John 21:17-19 ), as (according to tradition) did all of the other disciples except John.
In 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 Paul eloquently described the suffering and trials from which he hadn't been delivered. He also suffered from a particular "thorn in the flesh" ( 2 Corinthians 12:7, 10 ) for which God had not provided a remedy. When Timothy suffered from a stomach ailment, Paul didn't exhort him to have greater faith. Instead he told him to take some wine as medicine ( 1 Timothy 5:23 ). There isn't the slightest hint in these passages that Paul's trials and Timothy's sickness were the product of unconfessed sin or deficient faith. In fact, rather than proclaiming that our faith in Christ should deliver us from the suffering and trials of this world, Paul extols the spiritual benefits of suffering.
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance [produces] character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us (Romans 5:3-5).
James also made it clear that strong faith is no insurance against suffering:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).
On the basis of Scripture, we can say that faith is always relevant to suffering. Our reaction to suffering -- whether in faith or in despair -- determines whether it will produce spiritual growth or despair. But because spiritual healing is more important to us than our physical circumstances, faith is not a barrier against suffering.
Whenever we are inclined to presume that the illness or suffering of another person is the result of that person's sin, we should recall the foolishness of Job's "counselors" in attempting to explain the mystery of God's will. Although faith won't always deliver us from tribulation, it will keep us conscious of God's promises and of the assurance that He will work everything out to good of His children ( Romans 8:28 ).
It would be a serious mistake to imply that deficient faith accounts for all instances in which a person does not receive healing or deliverance.
It's true that Scripture tells of people who were healed or delivered from danger because of their faith. Some examples are Gideon ( Judges 7:15-23 ); Naaman the Syrian ( 2 Kings 5:14-15 ); Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego ( Daniel 3:19-29 ); the centurion's servant ( Matthew 8:13 ); the woman with an issue of blood ( Matthew 9:20-22 ); the man with a withered hand ( Matthew 12:9-13 ); and Peter's deliverance from prison ( Acts 12:5-12 ). Even this partial list is impressive.
Clearly, faith in God may result in healing and deliverance. However, the Scriptures also show us just as clearly that there are times when a believer's suffering or sickness has nothing to do with a lack of faith.
When Job lost his family, wealth, and physical health, his friends "comforted" him with the message that his loss and suffering were due to his own moral failure (his lack of faith). But Job was confident in his integrity before God. God Himself had declared him perfect and upright ( Job 1:8 ). Later, God Himself denied the explanation that Job's "counselors" gave for his suffering ( Job 13:1-15 ). Even more importantly, God Himself denounced their words ( Job 42:7-8 ).
Job's faith wasn't the problem. In fact, Job's faith in God was so strong that he, without cursing or disrespect, defended his integrity to God and questioned Him about the injustice of his suffering. Yet, in the midst of his agony, he continued to trust:
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation, for a hypocrite could not come before Him (Job 13:15-16).
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27).
Job's faith was eventually rewarded and vindicated. But he wasn't spared the terrible suffering that allowed his faith to be tested and proven.
Even at a time when miracles often occurred, God allowed Stephen to be stoned ( Acts 7:59-60 ) and James to be beheaded. Although Acts 12 tells of Peter's supernatural deliverance from captivity in prison, Jesus had already prophesied that he would eventually die a martyr's death ( John 21:17-19 ), as (according to tradition) did all of the other disciples except John.
In 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 Paul eloquently described the suffering and trials from which he hadn't been delivered. He also suffered from a particular "thorn in the flesh" ( 2 Corinthians 12:7, 10 ) for which God had not provided a remedy. When Timothy suffered from a stomach ailment, Paul didn't exhort him to have greater faith. Instead he told him to take some wine as medicine ( 1 Timothy 5:23 ). There isn't the slightest hint in these passages that Paul's trials and Timothy's sickness were the product of unconfessed sin or deficient faith. In fact, rather than proclaiming that our faith in Christ should deliver us from the suffering and trials of this world, Paul extols the spiritual benefits of suffering.
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance [produces] character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us (Romans 5:3-5).
James also made it clear that strong faith is no insurance against suffering:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).
On the basis of Scripture, we can say that faith is always relevant to suffering. Our reaction to suffering -- whether in faith or in despair -- determines whether it will produce spiritual growth or despair. But because spiritual healing is more important to us than our physical circumstances, faith is not a barrier against suffering.
Whenever we are inclined to presume that the illness or suffering of another person is the result of that person's sin, we should recall the foolishness of Job's "counselors" in attempting to explain the mystery of God's will. Although faith won't always deliver us from tribulation, it will keep us conscious of God's promises and of the assurance that He will work everything out to good of His children ( Romans 8:28 ).
Thursday, July 20, 2006
A story to share - The Crucible
Growing up, future United States President Harry Truman never thought of himself as a leader - nor did anyone else. With "eyeglasses thick as the bottom of a Coke bottle," historian David McCullough writes that Truman couldn't try out for school sports and mostly stayed home, working the farm, reading, or playing the piano.
But the course of his life changed forever when, as a young man, he signed up for the Army to fight in World War I. He was shipped off to France as the head of an artillery battery, and for the first time in his life he was forced to lead men through moments of mortal danger. His initial test came on a rainy night in the mountains. The Germans had dropped an artillery barrage close by, and his troops panicked and broke ranks. In the frenzy, Truman's horse fell over on him, and he was nearly crushed. McCullough writes: "Out from under (the horse), seeing the others running, he just stood there, locked in place. He called them back, screaming as loudly as he could¡Kshaming his men back to do what they were supposed to do." The men regrouped, got through the night, and many of them returned home safely. Throughout the rest of their lives, those men were loyal to Harry Truman, their leader, who refused to back down in the face of his own fear.
According to McCullough, Truman discovered two vitally important things about himself that night. First, that he had plain physical courage; and second, that he was good at leading people. He learned that if the leader shows courage, it's contagious.In his conclusion on Truman's life, McCullough writes: "And war was the crucible."
A crucible is an opportunity, test, or emergency that summons the very best from a person and reveals their finest inner qualities. Once a potential leader experiences a crucible, they are transformed forever. The crucible is a challenge or crisis that proves the leadership capacity lying within a person and becomes a defining moment in their leadership journey.
Qualities of the Crucible
They Happen To Every Emerging Leader.
Leadership has to be tested and proven; and the only way this happens is through the crucible. First of all, the crucible is a necessary test for leaders to find courage. Secondly, the crucible shows the leader's followers whether or not they can place their trust in the leader. Under heavy artillery fire, it was necessary for Harry Truman to find out he had enough courage to hold his ground. While important for him, the crucible was equally important for the soldiers in his platoon, because, after that moment, they knew they could respect him as their leader.
They Reveal The Hidden Potential Inside a Person.
Crucibles are like tea in hot water. They bring out the true colors inside. Crucibles don't make the man or woman; they simply reveal the character within. What a person does in the crucible will make or break their future as a leader. The crucible will either show their hidden potential or their hidden problems. Either way, the crucible never leaves us the same.
They Bring Great Difficulties and Stress.
Crucibles are often accompanied by suffering, at least temporarily. For some leaders the crucible experience has been imprisonment, war, or sickness. For others, it was being overlooked for a promotion, losing a client, or being laid off.Maturity and experience with crucibles will not lessen the difficulty, but they will lessen the stress. When we have experience, we understand what is happening, and we can take confidence in having persevered in the past.
They Purify Motives and Shape Ambitions.
Crucibles are cleansing and purifying because they help a leader sort through priorities. Ambitions are brought to light, as the crucible helps leaders get past the trivial and the mundane. J. R. Morgan said it best, "A man always has two reasons for doing anything¡Xa good reason and the real reason." The crucible has a way of pressing out the real reason.
They Teach Lessons That Help Leaders Transcend Themselves.
Crucibles push us to go places we normally wouldn't venture. I vividly remember a conversation with my friend, Dr. John Bright Cage, a heart surgeon. In his concern for my fitness, he scolded me for not leading a healthy life. I recall arguing with him over and over that my health was fine while ignoring his warnings about being overweight. I kept arguing, denying, and justifying until the day I finally had a heart attack. Talk about a crucible experience! It had a wonderful way of awakening me to examine my lifestyle.
They Either Become an Obstacle or an Opportunity to Fulfill One's Purpose.
Crucibles make us or break us. They help us or hurt us. They're an asset or a liability. Crucibles almost always leave a memory we look back on as a defining moment. They propel us on a trajectory, either good or bad, towards our leadership destination. Many of us realize our "life purpose" through the crucible experience.Winston Churchill, the great British leader said: "There comes a special moment in everyone's life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission - a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment he finds greatness. It is his finest hour." Winston Churchill was exactly right; and that moment almost always comes through the crucible.
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When my crucible comes, i pray i'll be able to withstand the time of testing, for the waves to come and for my house to stand firm cos i've built my house on the rock. That when the flames die off, that there'll be a shining stone, tried and tested to be true.How bout you?
But the course of his life changed forever when, as a young man, he signed up for the Army to fight in World War I. He was shipped off to France as the head of an artillery battery, and for the first time in his life he was forced to lead men through moments of mortal danger. His initial test came on a rainy night in the mountains. The Germans had dropped an artillery barrage close by, and his troops panicked and broke ranks. In the frenzy, Truman's horse fell over on him, and he was nearly crushed. McCullough writes: "Out from under (the horse), seeing the others running, he just stood there, locked in place. He called them back, screaming as loudly as he could¡Kshaming his men back to do what they were supposed to do." The men regrouped, got through the night, and many of them returned home safely. Throughout the rest of their lives, those men were loyal to Harry Truman, their leader, who refused to back down in the face of his own fear.
According to McCullough, Truman discovered two vitally important things about himself that night. First, that he had plain physical courage; and second, that he was good at leading people. He learned that if the leader shows courage, it's contagious.In his conclusion on Truman's life, McCullough writes: "And war was the crucible."
A crucible is an opportunity, test, or emergency that summons the very best from a person and reveals their finest inner qualities. Once a potential leader experiences a crucible, they are transformed forever. The crucible is a challenge or crisis that proves the leadership capacity lying within a person and becomes a defining moment in their leadership journey.
Qualities of the Crucible
They Happen To Every Emerging Leader.
Leadership has to be tested and proven; and the only way this happens is through the crucible. First of all, the crucible is a necessary test for leaders to find courage. Secondly, the crucible shows the leader's followers whether or not they can place their trust in the leader. Under heavy artillery fire, it was necessary for Harry Truman to find out he had enough courage to hold his ground. While important for him, the crucible was equally important for the soldiers in his platoon, because, after that moment, they knew they could respect him as their leader.
They Reveal The Hidden Potential Inside a Person.
Crucibles are like tea in hot water. They bring out the true colors inside. Crucibles don't make the man or woman; they simply reveal the character within. What a person does in the crucible will make or break their future as a leader. The crucible will either show their hidden potential or their hidden problems. Either way, the crucible never leaves us the same.
They Bring Great Difficulties and Stress.
Crucibles are often accompanied by suffering, at least temporarily. For some leaders the crucible experience has been imprisonment, war, or sickness. For others, it was being overlooked for a promotion, losing a client, or being laid off.Maturity and experience with crucibles will not lessen the difficulty, but they will lessen the stress. When we have experience, we understand what is happening, and we can take confidence in having persevered in the past.
They Purify Motives and Shape Ambitions.
Crucibles are cleansing and purifying because they help a leader sort through priorities. Ambitions are brought to light, as the crucible helps leaders get past the trivial and the mundane. J. R. Morgan said it best, "A man always has two reasons for doing anything¡Xa good reason and the real reason." The crucible has a way of pressing out the real reason.
They Teach Lessons That Help Leaders Transcend Themselves.
Crucibles push us to go places we normally wouldn't venture. I vividly remember a conversation with my friend, Dr. John Bright Cage, a heart surgeon. In his concern for my fitness, he scolded me for not leading a healthy life. I recall arguing with him over and over that my health was fine while ignoring his warnings about being overweight. I kept arguing, denying, and justifying until the day I finally had a heart attack. Talk about a crucible experience! It had a wonderful way of awakening me to examine my lifestyle.
They Either Become an Obstacle or an Opportunity to Fulfill One's Purpose.
Crucibles make us or break us. They help us or hurt us. They're an asset or a liability. Crucibles almost always leave a memory we look back on as a defining moment. They propel us on a trajectory, either good or bad, towards our leadership destination. Many of us realize our "life purpose" through the crucible experience.Winston Churchill, the great British leader said: "There comes a special moment in everyone's life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission - a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment he finds greatness. It is his finest hour." Winston Churchill was exactly right; and that moment almost always comes through the crucible.
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When my crucible comes, i pray i'll be able to withstand the time of testing, for the waves to come and for my house to stand firm cos i've built my house on the rock. That when the flames die off, that there'll be a shining stone, tried and tested to be true.How bout you?
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Dating a non-Christian...Hmmm..Is that okay?
Dear all,
“And what I say each and every time is: ‘You’re facing a choice. If you are truly a follower of Jesus Christ, then you must choose Jesus and you must turn your back on that guy. In fact, if you have a desire for him to see the reality of Jesus Christ, the most loving thing that you can do is show him that you are more committed to Jesus than you are to him. If you want to show that guy that God is real, then obey the God who is real and choose Him over this relationship –with a person that doesn’t know Him, doesn’t follow Him, doesn’t obey Him. Those are hard words, but those are the words of Jesus."
Some of you who saw the title must be wondering.. hmmm.. is Sinli contemplating a relationship with a non-Christian? well, fortunately the answer is 'no' (for today and hopefully forever). This post was taken from Joshua Harris' sermon on 'What it costs to follow Christ' ...this article caught my eye because one of my close friends has recently started a relationship with a non-believer and it really grieves my heart to know that there is a possibility that she will fall away from God because of this new relationship. Technically, a relationship with a non-believer is not the starting point for backsliding.. backsliding starts when we begin to feel that having God does not make us 'complete'...and we need something/someone to make us feel complete/valued. Therefore, we seek for someone to fulfill our needs.
If we cannot learn to be contented in Christ when we're single, we will never be contented even when we're attached because our hopes will be in our spouse/bf/gf to fulfill our needs. One thing which we really need to remember is that if we rely on humans to fulfill all our needs, we'll be disappointed because humans can fail us but if we put our trust in the Lord and learn to be content in God, we will not be disappointed because He is faithful.
“Is my relationship with this non-Christian guy OK?” --Joshua Harris' answer
Because of the topics that I’ve taught on in the past and the books that I’ve written, there have been so many occasions when I have encountered young men and women who are in a relationship with a person that is not a believer in Jesus Christ. And this seems to be in particular young women who will come, and they’ll talk about their desire to live for Jesus and to give their life to Him. But there’s this guy in the picture. And there is a relationship that has been formed, and there are affections, and there is a growing love for this person. But this person is going in the opposite direction from their Savior. And they’re often confused, and they’re often distraught and they often don’t know what to do. And when you quote the passage about not being ‘unequally yoked’--this kind of picture from agriculture and cows and stuff, just really isn’t doing anything for them. ‘Yoke. Cows. What? He’s so cute--what does that have to do with a cow, you know?’ And they’ll often have a desire to try to care for this guy. They don’t want to hurt his feelings. They think they can reach him with the gospel, and they’ll just stay in this relationship.”
“And what I say each and every time is: ‘You’re facing a choice. If you are truly a follower of Jesus Christ, then you must choose Jesus and you must turn your back on that guy. In fact, if you have a desire for him to see the reality of Jesus Christ, the most loving thing that you can do is show him that you are more committed to Jesus than you are to him. If you want to show that guy that God is real, then obey the God who is real and choose Him over this relationship –with a person that doesn’t know Him, doesn’t follow Him, doesn’t obey Him. Those are hard words, but those are the words of Jesus."
***hopefully this post can shed some light on some very practical issues in our lives. In this blog, we do not only discuss super serious stuffs like praying, daily devotional time, sacrificing for Christ...etc but we would also be open to discuss issues that Christians may face everyday..Let Christ be in every decision that we make, every step that we take and every breathe inhaled !
~feel free to disagree with me coz my view may be biased as I'm pretty much influenced by Joshua Harris' writing. I'm not against relationships but I only believe in investing in a relationship that brings glory to God.. If you're wondering why i'm writing such a weird post, it's because i've just attended a Nigerian wedding this morning .. i've not been bitten by some random love bug :P
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Everyday Evangelism...Why do we need to do it?
hullo ppl.. been ages since my last post. Found something that I'd like to share with all of you.
Judgement Day
You stand before God with sweaty palms and a racing heart. He's asking you only one question: "Do you know and have you accepted my Son?"
You reply confidently, "Yes."
Finally, He has granted you entry into heaven.
As you are about to enter the golden gates, your friend at school - whom you've known for quite some time - quickly yells something at you. You know that person isn't a Christian and a deep sorry sweeps over you as you remember how you tried to just get enough courage to speak to him/her about Christ.
But now it's too late. You look into the eyes of this friend you have known and cannot help to feel some pity for him/her. You know what is going to happen. You try to ignore the feelings of guilt and sadness. Besides, you are going to heaven, why dwell on the past? You strain your ears to hear what he/she is trying to say. Finally you understand. Your friend is asking you a simple question:
"Why didn't you tell me?"
~Author unknown
Judgement Day
You stand before God with sweaty palms and a racing heart. He's asking you only one question: "Do you know and have you accepted my Son?"
You reply confidently, "Yes."
Finally, He has granted you entry into heaven.
As you are about to enter the golden gates, your friend at school - whom you've known for quite some time - quickly yells something at you. You know that person isn't a Christian and a deep sorry sweeps over you as you remember how you tried to just get enough courage to speak to him/her about Christ.
But now it's too late. You look into the eyes of this friend you have known and cannot help to feel some pity for him/her. You know what is going to happen. You try to ignore the feelings of guilt and sadness. Besides, you are going to heaven, why dwell on the past? You strain your ears to hear what he/she is trying to say. Finally you understand. Your friend is asking you a simple question:
"Why didn't you tell me?"
~Author unknown
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Prayer
Dear all,
it's been quite quiet here. It's been some time since i posted. Just felt God wanting to tell you all He loves you to bits! :) Here's a modified prayer from Colossians 1 for you...
I ask God to give you a complete understanding of what He wants to do in your loves, and i ask Him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, i pray you will learn to know God better and better.
I also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power soi that you will have the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with JOY, always THANKING the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light.
For He has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and He has brought us into the Kingdom of His dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with His blood and has forgiven all our sins.
it's been quite quiet here. It's been some time since i posted. Just felt God wanting to tell you all He loves you to bits! :) Here's a modified prayer from Colossians 1 for you...
I ask God to give you a complete understanding of what He wants to do in your loves, and i ask Him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, i pray you will learn to know God better and better.
I also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power soi that you will have the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with JOY, always THANKING the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light.
For He has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and He has brought us into the Kingdom of His dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with His blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Friday, June 16, 2006
A beautiful song for our wonderful saviour
Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I've wondered at Your gift of life
And I'm in that place once again
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Now You are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now I marvel at Your saving grace
And I'm full of praise once again
-- "Once Again" by Matt Redman
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I've wondered at Your gift of life
And I'm in that place once again
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I pour out my life
Now You are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now I marvel at Your saving grace
And I'm full of praise once again
-- "Once Again" by Matt Redman
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Soul Retreat
Dear friends,
We should all strive to be a blessing to others without expecting anything back because we have already been blessed abundantly by our Father-in-heaven. One important lesson I learn from my weekend retreat is to learn to put others before myself and make love the aim of my life without expectations. To love, not just nice people but also, to love unlovable people or people who are difficult to be with and not to give up on them because if I'd give up on them, I'd be giving up on God . We should all learn to ask God to change our attitude towards them and not to change them. I cannot change them but God is going to change them. I am only God's channel of change. There is always hope for anybody. No matter how fierce the battle is in-Crist, we will come out victorious because we are more than conquerors in Christ. Faith is the ultamate weapon and victory that overcomes fear, battle or death. As christians, we should follow Pauls attitude. Echo Pauls words: 'For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.'
Another thing I took back from the retreat is looking into the issue of prayer. As children of God, we dont talk to God only when we have issues. In fact, we should talk to our Father-in-heaven, even when there is no issue and this is a test of faith. God wants to know that when He is quiet, will you still look to him and is he still the Lord of your life when He is silent. God is just sitting at a distant looking at you and keeping quiet. He is watching you to see how you react. We should take this time of silence to find rest in the Lord and just enjoy his presence because God is still God even when he is silent. Take time to read His words becasue this is the time He is sowing his seeds in our hearts so that, when we face trials and suffering, we will be equipped and ready for the battle using His armour and words. The devil knows the bible even better than us. Remember when satan tempted Jesus in the desert. Beware of that! so we have to know the scripture on top of our heads and quickly use them during trials and tempataions so we can outdo the devil and be smarter than them quickly. There is no time to turn to your bible already, we need to know Gods words on top of our head.
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your forehead. Deu 11:18
We should all strive to be a blessing to others without expecting anything back because we have already been blessed abundantly by our Father-in-heaven. One important lesson I learn from my weekend retreat is to learn to put others before myself and make love the aim of my life without expectations. To love, not just nice people but also, to love unlovable people or people who are difficult to be with and not to give up on them because if I'd give up on them, I'd be giving up on God . We should all learn to ask God to change our attitude towards them and not to change them. I cannot change them but God is going to change them. I am only God's channel of change. There is always hope for anybody. No matter how fierce the battle is in-Crist, we will come out victorious because we are more than conquerors in Christ. Faith is the ultamate weapon and victory that overcomes fear, battle or death. As christians, we should follow Pauls attitude. Echo Pauls words: 'For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.'
Another thing I took back from the retreat is looking into the issue of prayer. As children of God, we dont talk to God only when we have issues. In fact, we should talk to our Father-in-heaven, even when there is no issue and this is a test of faith. God wants to know that when He is quiet, will you still look to him and is he still the Lord of your life when He is silent. God is just sitting at a distant looking at you and keeping quiet. He is watching you to see how you react. We should take this time of silence to find rest in the Lord and just enjoy his presence because God is still God even when he is silent. Take time to read His words becasue this is the time He is sowing his seeds in our hearts so that, when we face trials and suffering, we will be equipped and ready for the battle using His armour and words. The devil knows the bible even better than us. Remember when satan tempted Jesus in the desert. Beware of that! so we have to know the scripture on top of our heads and quickly use them during trials and tempataions so we can outdo the devil and be smarter than them quickly. There is no time to turn to your bible already, we need to know Gods words on top of our head.
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your forehead. Deu 11:18
Monday, June 05, 2006
Inspired by Laksa!
In Dublin now, at my bro's place. I was inspired this morning after having a bowl of laksa..hehe..
God spoke to me clearly yesterday through a book I was reading - Searching Issues on tackling seven common objections to the Christian faith namely suffering, other religions, sex before marriage, the new age, homosexuality, science and christianity and trinity. I'm only now on my first chapter on suffering and I'm slowly taking it in bit by bit, indulging in it =P
God reminded me to once again put my trust in Him and not to worry during difficult times. Especially times when we know that human understanding and ability is limited and we have only God to turn to and trust faithfully that he has great plans for us. For God often uses suffering to bring about his good purpose. Paul tells us that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28)
I am just going to share a quick extract from the book which hit me personally.
Suffering, we see an example of this in the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). He suffered from rejection by his close family, was separated from those he loved and forcibly removed to Egypt, away from his father whom he did not see again for twenty years. In Egypt, he was unjustly imprisoned for a crime that he did not commit. For thriteen years he faced trials, temptations and testing until at the age of thirty he was made ruler over Egypt and was put in a position to save the lives of not only his family, but also of all God's people. Towards the end of his life he was able to speak of his suffering to his brothers, saying, 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accompolish what is now being done, the saving of many lives' (Genesis 50:20)
I personally believe that whatever suffering or confusion I have at this time or that I may not always see at this time what God is doing or just like Joseph, who whould not have been able to see it so cearly God's wonderful plan for him, I am convinced God has good plans for me. Often we cannot work out what is going on or why we are suffering in the way we are, but....remember
God says, 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
Another short testimony fronm a little boy in the book...
Gavin Reid, the Bishop of Maidstone, interviewed a boy who shattered his back falling down the stairs at the age of one and who had consequently been in and out of hospital. When Gavin interviewed him in church the boy remarked that 'GOD IS FAIR.'
Gavin stopped him and asked, ' How old are you?'
The boy replied, 'Seventeen'
'How many years have you spent in hospital?'
The boy answered, 'Thirteen years.'
He was asked,'Do you think this is fair?'
He replied, 'God's got ALL of eternity to make it up to me.'
God has indeed all eternity to make it up to us. Thank you Jesus for pardoning my sins and comforting my heart. Because you first love me and because of you, I'm free. Amen.
God spoke to me clearly yesterday through a book I was reading - Searching Issues on tackling seven common objections to the Christian faith namely suffering, other religions, sex before marriage, the new age, homosexuality, science and christianity and trinity. I'm only now on my first chapter on suffering and I'm slowly taking it in bit by bit, indulging in it =P
God reminded me to once again put my trust in Him and not to worry during difficult times. Especially times when we know that human understanding and ability is limited and we have only God to turn to and trust faithfully that he has great plans for us. For God often uses suffering to bring about his good purpose. Paul tells us that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28)
I am just going to share a quick extract from the book which hit me personally.
Suffering, we see an example of this in the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). He suffered from rejection by his close family, was separated from those he loved and forcibly removed to Egypt, away from his father whom he did not see again for twenty years. In Egypt, he was unjustly imprisoned for a crime that he did not commit. For thriteen years he faced trials, temptations and testing until at the age of thirty he was made ruler over Egypt and was put in a position to save the lives of not only his family, but also of all God's people. Towards the end of his life he was able to speak of his suffering to his brothers, saying, 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accompolish what is now being done, the saving of many lives' (Genesis 50:20)
I personally believe that whatever suffering or confusion I have at this time or that I may not always see at this time what God is doing or just like Joseph, who whould not have been able to see it so cearly God's wonderful plan for him, I am convinced God has good plans for me. Often we cannot work out what is going on or why we are suffering in the way we are, but....remember
God says, 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
Another short testimony fronm a little boy in the book...
Gavin Reid, the Bishop of Maidstone, interviewed a boy who shattered his back falling down the stairs at the age of one and who had consequently been in and out of hospital. When Gavin interviewed him in church the boy remarked that 'GOD IS FAIR.'
Gavin stopped him and asked, ' How old are you?'
The boy replied, 'Seventeen'
'How many years have you spent in hospital?'
The boy answered, 'Thirteen years.'
He was asked,'Do you think this is fair?'
He replied, 'God's got ALL of eternity to make it up to me.'
God has indeed all eternity to make it up to us. Thank you Jesus for pardoning my sins and comforting my heart. Because you first love me and because of you, I'm free. Amen.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
My wonderful day!
Actually, I never knew that I'd be crying last night. Cried so hard to God like a big baby! I remembered during exams I asked God to make me cry cause I was feeling so stressed out that I need to release my feelings but God didn't want me to cry becaue I already have Him and salvation.
The reason I cried last night was because I missed home. I missed being taken care of by my mom. I guess it's because after I came back from MEC I have extra special caring concern for all my friends and last night it just struck me that I'm tired and I want sometone to take care of me instead. I told God that I know he is taking care of me and he loves me but I am only human and I also want someone physically helping me. I thought about how I am taking care of my mom and giving her advice on how to be strong and not let other people bully her. Then about how I have to now take care of myself and mom cannot be with me all the time. I cried out to God so badly about how hard it is to be growing up. But God comforted me as always.
I woke up this morning praising God for the good relationships my brothers and I share, together with mom as well. God had patched up the holes between us. Wow, it's so wonderful! I am eager to experience and see what else God has install for my family. May His will be done. Amen!
Landlord came today and we had a big argument, discussion and finally, an agreement. As I reflect on it, I would have cried during these kind of situation. But God kept me calm and organised my explanations to the landlord. I could felt God's holy spirit in me, telling me what to say and keeping me cool and calm without crying. Finally, it was all good. We managed to achieve mutual understanding. God is Good ALL THE TIME!
Bible discussion about TRINITY was really interesting and good. God has blessed Thorsten with a good teaching ability gift. I always enjoyed meetings with Thorsten because I always learn something new and interesting about the bible or about Jesus. Yeah, my mom ususally ask me if I'm ok. I always tell her that, Yeah, with God, everything is always good and ok.
I am off to Dublin to see my brother tomorrow and sushin will be coming with me too~! I am really excited and looking forward to meeting my brother again. I pray God will be the centre of our time together. Yay, can do some shopping toooo!!!
Pam, Ykit and Iwere to meet up after bible study for a walk by the lakeside. YKit came walking towards us with his stick. When he met us, he kept his stick by folding it into a shorter stick and put it behind his pocket.
Pam: What was that? Is that your drumstick?
(I think ykit heard wrongly and just replied with a quick yeah)
Pam: Oh U play the drum!
YKit: YEah, I do..sometimes
HOW DID A WALKING STICK BECOME A DRUMSTICK!!!!????? Anyway, see you guys soon! Have a blessed day and enjoy ur relationship with the Lord!
The reason I cried last night was because I missed home. I missed being taken care of by my mom. I guess it's because after I came back from MEC I have extra special caring concern for all my friends and last night it just struck me that I'm tired and I want sometone to take care of me instead. I told God that I know he is taking care of me and he loves me but I am only human and I also want someone physically helping me. I thought about how I am taking care of my mom and giving her advice on how to be strong and not let other people bully her. Then about how I have to now take care of myself and mom cannot be with me all the time. I cried out to God so badly about how hard it is to be growing up. But God comforted me as always.
I woke up this morning praising God for the good relationships my brothers and I share, together with mom as well. God had patched up the holes between us. Wow, it's so wonderful! I am eager to experience and see what else God has install for my family. May His will be done. Amen!
Landlord came today and we had a big argument, discussion and finally, an agreement. As I reflect on it, I would have cried during these kind of situation. But God kept me calm and organised my explanations to the landlord. I could felt God's holy spirit in me, telling me what to say and keeping me cool and calm without crying. Finally, it was all good. We managed to achieve mutual understanding. God is Good ALL THE TIME!
Bible discussion about TRINITY was really interesting and good. God has blessed Thorsten with a good teaching ability gift. I always enjoyed meetings with Thorsten because I always learn something new and interesting about the bible or about Jesus. Yeah, my mom ususally ask me if I'm ok. I always tell her that, Yeah, with God, everything is always good and ok.
I am off to Dublin to see my brother tomorrow and sushin will be coming with me too~! I am really excited and looking forward to meeting my brother again. I pray God will be the centre of our time together. Yay, can do some shopping toooo!!!
Pam, Ykit and Iwere to meet up after bible study for a walk by the lakeside. YKit came walking towards us with his stick. When he met us, he kept his stick by folding it into a shorter stick and put it behind his pocket.
Pam: What was that? Is that your drumstick?
(I think ykit heard wrongly and just replied with a quick yeah)
Pam: Oh U play the drum!
YKit: YEah, I do..sometimes
HOW DID A WALKING STICK BECOME A DRUMSTICK!!!!????? Anyway, see you guys soon! Have a blessed day and enjoy ur relationship with the Lord!
Queen Esther
"You have a destiny"
"And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (v. 14)
For reading & meditation:
Esther 4:10-14
When Esther receives the message from Mordecai requesting her to meet urgently with the king and plead with him to repeal the edict authorizing the massacre of her people, she is at a loss to know how to proceed. Her response, as paraphrased in the Living Bible, was: "All the world knows that anyone — who goes into the king's inner court without his summons is doomed to die unless the king holds out his golden scepter; and the king has not called for me to come to him for more than a month." Mordecai replies in words that have become a spiritual classic: "If you keep quiet at a time like this, God will deliver the Jews from some other source, but you and your relatives will die; what's more, who can say but that God has brought you into the palace for just such a time as this?" (vv. 11, 14). The appeal was perfect. Esther's spirit is quickened by the thought that God, in His perfect purposes, has prepared her for this very moment. You too are a person of destiny, and have come into God's kingdom for such a time as this. A young girl came home from a Christian youth camp and said excitedly: "Dad, they told me at camp I have a destiny." Later she said: "Dad, what's a destiny?" She had one but didn't quite know what it was. Many Christians are like that. They are here for a purpose but they don't know what it is. God has destined you to do something particular, and if you don't do it, then it just won't get done. My destiny is to write Every Day with Jesus. What's yours?
O Father, can it really be true that You have put me in Your kingdom to fulfil a purpose that is solely mine? I must believe it. Show me my destiny, dear Lord. Make it crystal clear to me I pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
by Selwyn Hughes.
* Esther is one of my favourite Old Testament books coz it's a historical record about a 'lengloi' who has a very special destiny. She's the queen that saved the Jews from Haman (the evil guy). Indeed, God did not create 'just another woman' when He made Esther. God had a purpose for her life. Just like Esther, each of us is special because God has a purpose for us in our lives that no one else can fulfil except us. Wherever you are at this moment, believe that God has put you there for a specific reason. Discover God's purpose for your life and start serving Him with your lives!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
poem
This is from God..not me ah..Yan Shiang cannot write poems :P
If you put others first before yourself,
While putting God above everything else,
If you do it from your heart's basement,
I guarantee it the BEST investment!
Bye!
If you put others first before yourself,
While putting God above everything else,
If you do it from your heart's basement,
I guarantee it the BEST investment!
Bye!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Psalm 62- a Psalm of David
- My soul rests in God alone,
- from whom comes my salvation.
- God alone is my rock and salvation,
- my secure height; I shall never fall.
- How long will you set upon people,
- all of you beating them down,
- As though they were a sagging fence or a battered wall?
- Even from my place on high they plot to dislodge me.
- They delight in lies; they bless with their mouths,
- but inwardly they curse. Selah
- My soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope.
- God alone is my rock and my salvation,
- my secure height; I shall not fall.
- My safety and glory are with God, my strong rock and refuge.
- Trust God at all times, my people!
- Pour out your hearts to God our refuge! Selah
- Mortals are a mere breath, the powerful but an illusion;
- On a balance they rise; together they are lighter than air.
- Do not trust in extortion; in plunder put no empty hope.
- Though wealth increase, do not set your heart upon it.
- One thing God has said;
- two things I have heard: Power belongs to God
- so too, Lord, does kindness,
- And you render to each of us according to our deeds.
I'm always extra encouraged when my brothers n sisters encourage me using God's words. Not that their own words are ineffective but God's word is alive and active , sharper than any double-edged sword , it is able to fathom what is in our hearts and give us the encouragement that we need. Let us make it a habit to speak God's words to each other !
Friday, May 26, 2006
Still Learning
Exams are over. I was relieved but feelings are mixed just like how I felt after I came back from MEC. I prayed, God revealed his promises, I praise and thank Him for being faithful but it's like, after exams, I'm less free from worries and burdens. There isn't much to depend God on???? What happened to the closeness, sweet relationship?? Or is it normal just to be calm? I'm am still learning. Continue to pray and continue to seek God in everything you do, Yan Shiang!
Have You Ever Been Alone with God? - Utmost for His Highest
His Solitude with Us. When God gets us alone through suffering, heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted desires, a broken friendship, or a new friendship— when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are totally speechless, unable to ask even one question, then He begins to teach us. Notice Jesus Christ’s training of the Twelve. It was the disciples, not the crowd outside, who were confused. His disciples constantly asked Him questions, and He constantly explained things to them, but they didn’t understand until after they received the Holy Spirit (see John 14:26).
As you journey with God, the only thing He intends to be clear is the way He deals with your soul. The sorrows and difficulties in the lives of others will be absolutely confusing to you. We think we understand another person’s struggle until God reveals the same shortcomings in our lives. There are vast areas of stubbornness and ignorance the Holy Spirit has to reveal in each of us, but it can only be done when Jesus gets us alone. Are we alone with Him now? Or are we more concerned with our own ideas, friendships, and cares for our bodies? Jesus cannot teach us anything until we quiet all our intellectual questions and get alone with Him.
As you journey with God, the only thing He intends to be clear is the way He deals with your soul. The sorrows and difficulties in the lives of others will be absolutely confusing to you. We think we understand another person’s struggle until God reveals the same shortcomings in our lives. There are vast areas of stubbornness and ignorance the Holy Spirit has to reveal in each of us, but it can only be done when Jesus gets us alone. Are we alone with Him now? Or are we more concerned with our own ideas, friendships, and cares for our bodies? Jesus cannot teach us anything until we quiet all our intellectual questions and get alone with Him.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Psalm 34
Hello friends!
Just want to share a Psalm with you all.
It is good to sing praises to the Lord! And to dwell in His presence and soak in His word. Have a rested Lord's day!
1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Just want to share a Psalm with you all.
It is good to sing praises to the Lord! And to dwell in His presence and soak in His word. Have a rested Lord's day!
1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.
21 Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems his servants;
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Exam Fever
Dear friends,
even as most of us are facing the stress of revision and upcoming exams, let us keep close to our Father in heaven and keep our eyes on Him every day. Let us work hard and smart, but put our trust in HIM!
Keeping us in prayer,
Pam :)
BEFORE EXAMS
I AM WORRIED ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR SUBJECT
"Do not be anxious in anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
I CANNOT CONCENTRATE DURING REVISION
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
I CANNOT SLEEP PEACEFULLY NOWADAYS
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." Psalm 5
I AM PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FATIGUED
"...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
I AM TOO FAR BEHIND TO CATCH UP
"Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 43:5
DURING EXAMS
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS QUESTION IS ALL ABOUT!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
I AM TOO NERVOUS TO THINK PROPERLY
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
I DON'T HAVE WISDOM TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
"If any lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
AFTER EXAMS
WHAT WILL MY RESULTS BE?
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
DOESN'T GOD CARE IF I FAIL?
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
even as most of us are facing the stress of revision and upcoming exams, let us keep close to our Father in heaven and keep our eyes on Him every day. Let us work hard and smart, but put our trust in HIM!
Keeping us in prayer,
Pam :)
BEFORE EXAMS
I AM WORRIED ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR SUBJECT
"Do not be anxious in anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
I CANNOT CONCENTRATE DURING REVISION
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3
I CANNOT SLEEP PEACEFULLY NOWADAYS
"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." Psalm 5
I AM PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FATIGUED
"...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
I AM TOO FAR BEHIND TO CATCH UP
"Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 43:5
DURING EXAMS
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS QUESTION IS ALL ABOUT!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
I AM TOO NERVOUS TO THINK PROPERLY
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
I DON'T HAVE WISDOM TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION
"If any lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
AFTER EXAMS
WHAT WILL MY RESULTS BE?
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
DOESN'T GOD CARE IF I FAIL?
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Revolutionary Thinking - George Barna
I am a sinner, broken by my disobedience but restored by Jesus Christ in order to participate in good works that please God. I am not perfect; but Jesus Christ makes me righteous in God's eyes, and the Holy Spirit leads me toward greater holiness.
God created me for His purposes. My desire as a Revolutionary is to fulfill those ends, and those ends alone. When I get out of bed each day, I do so for one purpose: to love, obey, and serve God and His people.
God does not need me to fight His fight, but He invites me to allow Him to fight through me. It is my privilege to serve Him in that manner. I anticipate and will gladly endure various hardships as I serve God; for this is the price of participation in winning the spiritual war.
I do not need to save the world; Jesus Christ has already done that. I cannot transform the world, but I can allow God to use me to transform some part of it.
My commitment to the Revolution of faith is sealed by my complete surrender to God's ways and His will. I will gratefully do what He asks of me simply because He loves me enough to ask. I gain my security, success, and significance through my surrender to Him.
I am not called to attend or join a church. I am called to be the Church.
Worship is not an event I attend or a process I observe; it is the lifestyle I lead.
I do not give away 10 percent of my resources. I surrender 100 percent.
God has given me natural abilities and supernatural abilities, all intended to advance His kingdom. I will deploy those abilities for that purpose.
The proof of my status as a Revolutionary is the love I show to God and people.
There is strength in relationships; I am bound at a heart and soul level to other Revolutionaries, and I will bless believers whenever I have the chance.
To achieve victory in the spiritual war in which we are immersed, there is nothing I must accomplish; I must simply follow Christ with everything I have.
There is no greater calling than to know and serve God.
The world is desperately seeking meaning and purpose. I will respond to that need with the Good News and meaningful service.
Absolute moral and spiritual truth exists, is knowable, and is intended for my life; it is accessible through the Bible.
I want nothing more than to hear God say to me, Well done, my good and faithful servant.Thank you, Lord God, for loving me, for saving me, for refining me, for blessing me, and for including me in the work of your kingdom. My life is yours to use as you please. I love you.
God created me for His purposes. My desire as a Revolutionary is to fulfill those ends, and those ends alone. When I get out of bed each day, I do so for one purpose: to love, obey, and serve God and His people.
God does not need me to fight His fight, but He invites me to allow Him to fight through me. It is my privilege to serve Him in that manner. I anticipate and will gladly endure various hardships as I serve God; for this is the price of participation in winning the spiritual war.
I do not need to save the world; Jesus Christ has already done that. I cannot transform the world, but I can allow God to use me to transform some part of it.
My commitment to the Revolution of faith is sealed by my complete surrender to God's ways and His will. I will gratefully do what He asks of me simply because He loves me enough to ask. I gain my security, success, and significance through my surrender to Him.
I am not called to attend or join a church. I am called to be the Church.
Worship is not an event I attend or a process I observe; it is the lifestyle I lead.
I do not give away 10 percent of my resources. I surrender 100 percent.
God has given me natural abilities and supernatural abilities, all intended to advance His kingdom. I will deploy those abilities for that purpose.
The proof of my status as a Revolutionary is the love I show to God and people.
There is strength in relationships; I am bound at a heart and soul level to other Revolutionaries, and I will bless believers whenever I have the chance.
To achieve victory in the spiritual war in which we are immersed, there is nothing I must accomplish; I must simply follow Christ with everything I have.
There is no greater calling than to know and serve God.
The world is desperately seeking meaning and purpose. I will respond to that need with the Good News and meaningful service.
Absolute moral and spiritual truth exists, is knowable, and is intended for my life; it is accessible through the Bible.
I want nothing more than to hear God say to me, Well done, my good and faithful servant.Thank you, Lord God, for loving me, for saving me, for refining me, for blessing me, and for including me in the work of your kingdom. My life is yours to use as you please. I love you.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Da Jesus Code [Way, Truth, Life]
Living by the Jesus Code requires recognition that weare battling another re-ification of Gnosticism in thisage. Gnostics believe that all the secrets of God are inthe mind or appeared in an immaterial identity and thatpossession of knowledge was the only requirement forsalvation. The Gnostics also separate matter fromthought and did not attribute humanity to Jesus Christbecause they considered material things to be evil.They taught that he body of Christ appeared to be mate-rial but in reality it was spiritual. The Gnostics ignoredor diminished the significance of the ministry, deathand resurrection of Jesus as not being real but simply apparent.
It's easy to believe the Da Vinci Code and the Gospel ofJudas with its Gnostic influence. It doesn't require aleap of faith or an inherent desire to seek REAL ABSO-LUTE TRUTH. Let me suggest that it's harder to Believeand Live the Da Jesus Code for the following reasons:
[C]hrist-God – We need to believe that "in Christ"all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form(Colossians 2:9). Jesus was truly God in the flesh.
(John 1:14, Col 1:19)
[C]hrist-Centred - We need to recognise that TrueSpirituality is not achieved by our self-centredefforts to control one's passions, but setting one'sheart on Christ.
(Col 3:1-3)
[C]ancelled Written Code – We need to acknowl-edge our sinfulness. Our certificate of in-debtness in our own handwriting has been cancelled by God (Col 2:13-14). He has forgiven us and nailed it to the cross.
[C]onquered Evil – We live victorious lives. Christ hasconquered and disarmed evil powers and authori-ties. He has triumphed over evil. (Col 2:15)
[C]ircumcised Heart – We belong to God once wemake a covenant with Him that it is Him only weserve. We would consecrate ourselves, our children and allwe possessed. (Romans 2:25-29, Dt 30:6, Gen 17:10)
[C]ontrolled by Holy Spirit – We need to die to whatbinds us as we have been redeemed by the Lord sothat we can serve in the way of the Spirit. We are no longercondemned by the Law, we need to live by faith. (Romans2:29, 4:9-14).
[C]ross-Shaped Life – We must confess that Christ isGod (Luke 9:18-27), deny ourselves and take upour cross daily to follow Jesus. We must like Apostle Peter who denied Christ, denied self, confessed Christ, tasteddeath by being crucified upside down and saw the Kingdom of God. (John 21:18-19)
Living by the Da Jesus Code takes courage to die to oneself and let God take control. Until you offer your life to God, youcan't bring life to the Lost. To have the passion of Jesus toredeem the world, you need to die like Jesus. Without Jesusthere will be no Missions, without Your Death the Lost willDie. Are you ready to Live by the Da Jesus Code?
John 14:6 - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truthand the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
It's easy to believe the Da Vinci Code and the Gospel ofJudas with its Gnostic influence. It doesn't require aleap of faith or an inherent desire to seek REAL ABSO-LUTE TRUTH. Let me suggest that it's harder to Believeand Live the Da Jesus Code for the following reasons:
[C]hrist-God – We need to believe that "in Christ"all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form(Colossians 2:9). Jesus was truly God in the flesh.
(John 1:14, Col 1:19)
[C]hrist-Centred - We need to recognise that TrueSpirituality is not achieved by our self-centredefforts to control one's passions, but setting one'sheart on Christ.
(Col 3:1-3)
[C]ancelled Written Code – We need to acknowl-edge our sinfulness. Our certificate of in-debtness in our own handwriting has been cancelled by God (Col 2:13-14). He has forgiven us and nailed it to the cross.
[C]onquered Evil – We live victorious lives. Christ hasconquered and disarmed evil powers and authori-ties. He has triumphed over evil. (Col 2:15)
[C]ircumcised Heart – We belong to God once wemake a covenant with Him that it is Him only weserve. We would consecrate ourselves, our children and allwe possessed. (Romans 2:25-29, Dt 30:6, Gen 17:10)
[C]ontrolled by Holy Spirit – We need to die to whatbinds us as we have been redeemed by the Lord sothat we can serve in the way of the Spirit. We are no longercondemned by the Law, we need to live by faith. (Romans2:29, 4:9-14).
[C]ross-Shaped Life – We must confess that Christ isGod (Luke 9:18-27), deny ourselves and take upour cross daily to follow Jesus. We must like Apostle Peter who denied Christ, denied self, confessed Christ, tasteddeath by being crucified upside down and saw the Kingdom of God. (John 21:18-19)
Living by the Da Jesus Code takes courage to die to oneself and let God take control. Until you offer your life to God, youcan't bring life to the Lost. To have the passion of Jesus toredeem the world, you need to die like Jesus. Without Jesusthere will be no Missions, without Your Death the Lost willDie. Are you ready to Live by the Da Jesus Code?
John 14:6 - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truthand the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
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