Bread of Heaven

a place to turn to

2009-10-16T10:49:00.033+08:00

it is my hope

the Word of Truth can be a place

to turn to

can be the light

in the darkness of confusion

when people don't accept me

my parents

my friends

society itself

don't understand

when things happen

that i find hard to accept

that i don't agree

that are not fair

when life has no purpose

it's like a rat race

when people don't care

when life's painful and hard

no where to go

people so cold

i have done foolish things

i have my regrets

my world is broken

all the wounds and scars

all the memories and hurts

all my weaknesses , all my flaws

overwhelm me

but who can you trust

I wake up in the morning

look into the mirror

I feel so down

What's there to look forward to?

Life's beating me down

Life's so unkind

why?

why am i here?

i did not bring myself here

why there're no answers?

why me?

should i go on?

what's the point?

is it worth it?

yes

in spite of everything

because you've not found the answer

life has a purpose

life has a destiny

only if you allow yourself

to be humble enough

so you can see

if you're humble enough

to go on your knees

to seek the truth

he who seeks certainly find

it's a promise

you can be sure "it's mine."

do you sincerely seek?

have you been deceived by wrong thinking

you're not even awared of?

The Word of God says....

"Come to Me and I'll give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you

and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you'll find rest

for your soul"

Out there there is

only One God

One Truth that lies beneath all mysteries

One road that leads to eternity

follow Jesus n u will see the Truth

U will find your way eventually

let Him guide u

let Him bring u through the storms.

Across the oceans, across the skies

there is only One Kingdom

one true treasure

n it belongs to us

live life meaningfully

God is always there for u

just call out His name

n He will come to u to rescue u

God is with u in every situation

acknowledge His presence

learn to let God's love control u

let it overflow in u

when all hope is lost

know that the Lord will light your path

follow the lead

let Him be Lord over your life

dwell in His presence

spend time alone with Him

all the time think about God

whenever u r about to do something,

talk to Him first

let Him be part of everything u do

be a part of your life

even when u wake up in the morning,

be grateful n give praise to Him

for leading u to give u success

in all u do to give u a good future

even when u r going to sleep,

think of His goodness each day brings

bring all your cares n worries n burdens to Him.

be humble before Him; pray to Him

each coming day shall be a new day for you

His grace n mercy r new every morning

like the branch abiding in the vine,

let your roots grow deeper in Him

let your love grows stronger each day

Always seek the Lord with a humble heart.
Do not let your selfish desires lead you astray
or the cares of the world or the things of the world choke His Word
but take a step of faith n see for yourself His faithfulness
He shall bless you.He is a covenant-keeping God
His covenant, He will not break.
Know that He is your God n you are HIS People.
His protected ones, His blessed ones.
Do not murmur n complain like the Israelites in the wilderness
thinking of the garlics n onions, meat n bread in Egypt.
but appreciate the manna of God, whatever you own
Seek Him on your knees n pray
n God will bless you indeed.

Be humble in His presence.
Be careful of pride in your heart. It can hinder your relationship.
Instead think like a child, be like a child coming to the father
and do not confuse yourself.
Pride can bring confusion in our thinking n our desires.
Do things in His ways for they are much higher than ours
and lean not on thy own understanding.
but always do things in His way, pleasing to Him.
Always put Him first in everything.
Fear the Lord your God . Serve Him n trust Him with all your heart.
Do not take delight in the things of the world, but in Him alone.
For He is a jealous God. Love Him. delight in His holiness.
Cast all your cares unto Him, n He will give you strength.
He will protect you. He will work things out for your good,
your children, your children's children.
He will meet your needs. Like Abraham, walk in faith.
Let Him guide you. Always wait upon Him.
Seek His guidance n wisdom. His light will shine over you
n lead you in the path you are to walk in.
You will lie down on green pastures beside still waters.
No evil shall harm you. It will remain a shadow.

In whatever circumstances you are in,
remember to trust in the Lord in everything.
Always look to Him.
do not let your emotions or the circumstances carry you in the wrong way
making you run ahead of God.
one wrong decision in your haste,especially out of anger,
can have great consequences.
Instead be calm in your spirit so that you can hear His still small voice in you.
Ask for His wisdom in whatever decision you make.
Lean on Him. Not on your own strength.
Only by His grace and mercy can you overcome your difficulties.
Jesus is the only light that can lighten your path
and show you your way.

Have a caring heart. For it will also bless you in return.
Always know His heart's desire and do things in His will
so that the Lord can work things out for you.

Do not hinder His plans for you.
God only has the best for you.
But many a times, we desire the wrong things.
The will of God for you is...care and love one another.

Stay united as one.Help one another.
Understand the real love,the love that Jesus showed.
Always seek the Lord for guidance by spending quiet times with Him.

The Lord will tell you to forgive one another.
To love Him, with all your heart, soul,mind.
And not to despise others.Also don't look down upon yourself.

Know that He is always with you
and He will never forsake you.For the Lord does not change.
Also do not let the Lord grieves over your sins.
Sins will make you go astray from Him.

Your love for things of the world will make you weak.
Instead live a righteous and holy life, by His grace.
Do not take His mercy and grace for granted.
You can do nothing without Him.
So abide in Him and love Him as He first loved you.

Fear the Lord, for He is the great creator of the whole universe.

blessed the poor in spirit
know that His God
repent from your old ways
be convicted of your wrong-doings
open your heart
think positive. be wise in everything u do
judge not. love one another

spend quiet times with the Lord
let His Spirit strengthens you
let His presence comforts you
like David who strengthens himself in the Lord.
His voice is your strength
my strength is in the Lord

the best path u can ever get is the path God has prepared for u
how wonderful to be able to walk this path
it really is
but to do this, u must first put His will
over your will n over your desires
n nothing shall go wrong if u please Him this way
because His mercy n favor will back u up
will follow u all the days of your life
because who is mightier than Him?
blessings shall surely come your way
n u will gradually see God's glory manifesting in your life.

when u seek His will
when u trust in Him
when u lean not on thy own understanding, thy own will
when u acknowledge Him
He will show u this path to walk
how wonderful His path is
path of righteousness
brings peace
n God's hand of protection

the world can turn n turn
there's only 1 still point
in this turning world..
the promise of God.
it's not Einstein's theory of relativity
but the theory of the eternal plan
of God's purpose n salvation.

Many things in life change...people, work, friendship, family.
Life on this earth has a transitory nature.
People come and go in our lives.
We may move from one place to another or switch jobs.
We learn to protect ourselves from such changes;
so we tend to erect walls that keep others from hurting us.
We try to build stability and safety into our lives,
in the midst of this violent and rapid-changing world.

But one thing never changes, and that is God.
God is always there, faithful, true, available, committed to us.

"For there stood by me this night, an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying,
'Do not be afraid, You must be brought before Caesar.'" (Acts 27:23)
Paul declared the God whom he belonged, whom he served.
Our God is the never-changing God, who cannot betray our trust in Him.

We can count on God.
He is the one sure thing in our constantly shifting lives,
the still point in a turning world.
He is the foundation of our existence...the Rock upon which we stand.
God loves u.
u r like precious gold to Him,
actually much more.
He thinks of u everyday.
So give Him a chance
in your life n accept Him.
Once u know Him well enough,
u will see Him in a whole new perspective.
God has never given up on anybody, not even criminals;
so what right do we have
to give up on ourselves?

It is not easy to put the past behind
but look what the future holds for u.
With the help of God, we can do almost anything,
including overcoming our fears and pains;
that is, if u allow Him to take over your situations,
to feel powerless before Him,
n that's when supernatural things take place,
that's when u feel true love,
secured with an eternal belonging.

It's only in God that u can find that...
so free, so close to Him...
it's a feeling that any person is longing for.

So reach out for Him
and He shall grasp n hold u close
n never let u go.

He wants u to know that
He's by your side day n night
watching after u.

Do not let others pull u down;
do not let men talk u out of things.
Follow God's words n listen deep inside u,
the still, small voice that's speaking to u.
Open your ear n heart to Him
n see your life changed for the good.

With the help of God,
we can overcome...
even our fears n pains.
even see the supernaturals.

His grace n mercy are new everyday.
with God,
all things are possible.

"I just want people to come back to Me,
and be with Me, to dwell in My presence,
and have fellowship and relationship with Me.

Therefore walk your life together with Me.

People tend to leave Me out of their lives,
because they don't realise how much I actually notice them,
and care and love them.

I AM not some dictator being stuck to My throne,
sitting in heaven and doing nothing.

On the contrary, I AM always alert,
and ever ready to talk to you
if only you give Me the chance.

My child, be simple, have a little faith,
and only believe,
and you'll find it easier to draw closer to Me."

God is love. He wants u to know that.
God is just n yet merciful.
Nothing ever clouds His judgment
for He sees everything.
He knows every event taking place in the world.
Every cry, laugh, complaint, prayer, thought...
He knows
He hears
He sees.
Many of our questions about life r not answered.
Many things we find hard to understand.
We see so many suffered; yet there r many who don't.
Is it fair? Is there justice?
Life never seems fair.

But God's ways r much higher n better than our ways.
We r finite; God is infinite.
We cannot see n know as God does.
God sees n knows everything;
He knows u even before u ever existed.
He is the Alpha n Omega.
therefore we can never understand as God understands
for we cannot see the future
we cannot see all His plans n purposes.
Therefore seek His will n let Him handles things.

Seek peace with your fellow brethren.
Let love rule over hatred.
Don't let Satan win the battle.
Let Jesus Christ achieve the victory.
God indeed deserves all glory n praise.
What He had done for us is beyond our comprehension.
To the world Jesus looks a fool.
To the world Jesus is a false prophet.
But to those who know the truth
to those who have seen His love n glory
they know Jesus is love, n He is the light
Jesus alone is able to save the world.
He is the beginning n the end.
Nothing can come against God's will n His purpose .
One word from Him n the world can be turned into ashes.
But God is patient, n is still giving us His mercy n grace,
giving us time to repent n to change from our wicked ways.
Therefore talk to Him n learn of His ways
for Jesus is meek n gentle in spirit.
We r blessed to have known Jesus
n to be able to show our love for Him freely.
Treasure what u have now
for there r many who don't have this opportunity.

I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I’m older
Now this mountain I must climb
Feels like a world upon my shoulders
I through the clouds I see love shine
It keeps me warm as life grows colder
In my life there’s been heartache and pain
I don’t know if I can face it again
I wanna know what love is I want You to show me
I’m gonna take a little time A little time to look around me
Ive got nowhere left to hide
It looks like Love has finally found me
Mariah Carey in "I want to know what love is"(adapted)

love is the foundation
of any happiness.
without love,
without someone to love
our happiness is not complete.
we r created in His image,
created to love.

no matter how hushand n wife fights,
a hug still has a lot of feelings
A boy falls in love with a girl,
it’s the happiest moment.
A married couple wants a baby to love
to make their happiness complete.

In order to find happiness
we must have love in the heart,
have someone to love.
love is everything a person needs.
love can penetrate the coldest of hearts.

God is love.
His love is unconditional.
Turn to Him n to His embrace.

let Him comforts u.
He’s always there,
and He’s in you.

just acknowledge His presence
and see your life changed.

"Be not afraid.Only believe."(Luke8:50)

2009-08-01T10:08:00.006+08:00

1John 4:18"There's no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.

But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

As long as we fear, we cannot be made complete in God.
People who serve God out of fear will produce their own good works n fall short.
Dominated by guilt n having to justify themselves,they never knew what true friendship is.

But praise the Lord, God has better things for us...
He wants us to know His love, a love that will drive out every fear.

Fear causes us to want to protect ourselves.
Our minds begin to reason, to imagine.Imagined fears come to our minds...
Tomorrow will there be food on the table?Will things work out tomorrow?
Fear tells us.."You better do something now or it's too late."
"Why did God allow this to happen?"
"I don't understand why this is happening."

Fear comes from immature understanding.
We want to walk in faith; we also want to reason, evaluate n keep control.
When u begin to fear n worry unnecessarily,
begin to doubt His faithfulness or begin to get angry,
then make the decision to trust n to walk in love.

What have we to lose anyway? even if nothing happens.
no lightning or thunder or earthquake.
Our situation will not be worse than before.
Never blame God when things do not work out the way we expect.
Maybe it takes a longer time. But what have we to lose?

On the other hand, fear can only make us take stupid, regrettable actions.
But if our trust is in God,how can He disappoint us?
Was the woman with a haemorrhage disappointed when she touched Jesus's clothes?
"Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace."
Immediately after this,Jesus turned n said to Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue,
"Do not be afraid; only believe, n she'll be made well.'

You don't have to fear an uncertain future, or there's no food on the table,
or the fear of rejection by friends,
or the ability to obey all of God's laws,
or to face His judgment.
Because knowing His heart frees us from fear to trust Him in al things,
like a child coming to the father...the child has no fear.
The Father will handle everything.
This alone...to trust in His love is the 1st step into His holiness.

Past childhood or deep-seated wounded emotions, whether from parent or someone,
can build walls to trust anyone anymore,
making it hard to accept God's love.
Only the deep ministry works of the Holy Spiritcan break down those walls
n bring healing to the wounded soul;
only His love can restore n bring freedom to bondages of fear n hatred
healing all past memories, all wounded emotions
n restoring the mind,will,emotion n intellect.

Allow His faithful love to control n overwhelm us.
Walk in faith birthed by love.

by faith, Moses chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy
the passing pleasures of sin (Hebrews 11:25)

Our Father in heaven so clothes the grass of the field which today is and tomorrow is gone.
yet even Solomon was not clothed in such beauty as these.He knows your daily needs.
seek 1st His kingdom n His righteousness.
do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

a rainbow in the midst of storms

stay strong in His Word n promises.
Cling unto His every Word.
His words are life.
Man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word of God

And many people stumble, never to climb up again
because they r leaning on their own strength n ability to sustain them.
Know that the Lord wants u to lean on Him as your pillar of strength,
to hold His hand n look up to Him
n not to sway to the right or to the left,
not letting Satan to pull u back,
but allow God to push u up,
allowing Him to take u to a higher level,
to soar with Him.

nobody knows when the world will come to its end.
Then, there would be no right and wrong,
because justice then will no longer exist.
Therefore the moment now,
n make full use of your time here.
do not let the evil one or anybody pull u down,
or influence your principle in what's right.
Stand firm on your beliefs.
Discern right from wrong, based on the Lord's wisdom.
do not go astray, but go back to your Creator.
Love Him as He first loved u.
do right n don't go against your conscience.
Hear the still,small voice in u
Know it's there n it's right.
but sometimes u doubt yourself.
have peace within your heart.
hold on to the things u believed r true
put your trust in Him.
be faithful.
for He's always faithful
n He'll never leave u.

The bible is like a map to God's Kingdom.
Treasures n promises r all hidden in His words.
All is there n given to us.
We just have to
obey His words,

see beyond the words
meditate on them
n trust God with the supernatural.
Just allow Him to work wonders
n make your life meaningful.
Live up to God's expectations, not men's.
Please Him n achieve n succeed for Him.
Give glory n praises to Him.
Live your life as a living testimony for God.
Be salt to the world.
Be light to those in darkness.
Be a history maker.
Make your life count for Christ.
Live a life that's worth living.
Don't go through each day
without a sense of purpose.
Thank God for all that He had done for us.
It's because of His love that u n me get to live.
His death brought life.
Let's live for Him.

God loves you.
You might not feel or see Him physically
but He is with u by your side
n angels r dancing all around u.
His presence fills the air!
Grace n mercy r found in Him;
compassion n love flow out of Him
like a river of living water.
Hold onto His hand n don't let go!
When doubts cloud your mind, think of Him.
Let Him help u out
Let Him pull u up

from the darkest hole.
In times of troubles, everything looks dark;
there seems no hope n u r filled with despair.
But don't let depression or sadness take hold of u.
Instead make the effort to rise up n rejoice in the Lord.
Have faith n be strong in the Lord.
Lean on Him for strength

for no man's strength can be compared to the Lord's strength.
Trust Him n seek first His Kingdom n His righteousness
n your life would always be joyful n peaceful.
His peace in u.

God loves you; you have to know that.
God's love must be in us in order for us to be able to love each other.
This is the only one law that Jesus wants us to obey
because it covers everything.
The Lord wants u to be a better person everyday.
n to live day by day
depending totally upon His power n strength
n do not run this race alone.
because the path is not always straight n smooth.
because everyone needs a helping hand going through the life on earth
no matter how capable or independent a person might be.
we r all sinners in need of a Saviour.
That's why God gives us the Holy Spirit
Therefore pay attention to His voice, speaking to u.
Be still
Have the peace of God in u.
Things shall turn out for good with God.
Just rely n depend upon Him.
He's your everything.

God loves a cheerful giver.
He is always there for u.
He wants u to hear His voice yourself.
God is your Shepherd.
Follow Him for He wants the best for u.
No one can tell u your future.
Only the Lord knows what's best for u.
therefore confide in the Lord
n tell Him your secrets n problems.
Ask guidance n wisdom from Him.
Seek Him for He'll light your path n show u the way.
Many perish because they rely on their strength n wisdom.
God wants us to know that
He's the Alpha n Omega, the beginning n the end.
Satan has no power over us.
For the Lord protects the righteous.
We might get hurt physically
but no one can touch our souls.
Leave your life in God's hand.
Let Him take charge
Let Him guide you.
God loves u
n desires your love for Him too.

the battle belongs to the Lord

2009-07-21T10:51:00.001+08:00

many a times,we tend to think that others are not fair or not so good hearted people.
although we call ourselves Christians,we are also not very good people.
we can't see our own selves that we r just as bad or even worse.

how we do things depends how we think.
when we r influenced by what we see n hear in others..
family members, Church people, friends...
we tend to follow the patterns set.

Jesus keep closely with the Father, n not be influenced by people around Him,not even Peter.

if the Palestinians keep hearing from people around them since childhood,
they will believe n follow the ways of people around them;
they'll react in ways they think r true...which r actually the ways of others.

when the Iranians begin to hear voices, questioning the integrity of the election n leadership,
they r affected n they begin not to trust the government.
what they see n hear affect their thinking n they react according to what they think.

the Kingdom of God is won through the hearts n minds of people.
tit for tat method will keep going on till the next generations.
the Hamas send rockets, Israel send bombs, but the hearts r till the same.

the battle belongs to the Lord.
our human ways will never work.
when Israel thought they could protect themselves,
God sent the Assyrians n Babylonians to attack n burned the temple.
The Babylonian king was God's vessel.

Unless all the non-believing Jews in Israel come to the Lord,
God will continue to use the Palestinians n neighboring countries to attack Israel.
the battle belongs to the Lord.

have faith, n God will turn
every evil into good
let not your thoughts or doubts
influence what the Lord has to say
His Word is sure
Open your heart to let God
reveal n uncover the mysteries of His Word
Knowing His Word is knowing God Himself
Have an intimacy with HIm
n see blessings in your life
you are bound to face crossroads n tough decisions
let Him light your path
your future is in His hands

God hears the cries of the broken-hearted

2009-07-21T10:49:00.003+08:00

We must not try to be God ourselves, but let God be God.
We must not try to work things out ourselves, but let God works through us.
Allow God to work things out.

So we say to ourselves:
"I can do nothing on my own.
God'll do all things through me, both to will and to do.
The things which're impossible with men are possible with God."

Therefore wait upon God; trust God in all things.
Lean not on thy own understanding.
All around you, you see sin and sorrow,
but remember, Christ is on the throne.
Like Abraham, be strong in faith, because you know
that God who had promised is able to perform.

Sometimes a situation seems so hopeless, and a cry so futile, so helpless;
yet this is what God looks for to demonstrate His loving care and power
and His powerful hand of protection.
God hears the cry of the heart...a cry that can bring freedom or healing,
a cry that brings help in a moment of grave danger,
a cry that brings a clear direction in a season of deep perplexity.
There is a need to cry out.
A father hears the cries of his children.

Through an honest cry of the heart,
the father whose son was demon-possessed,
received a demonstration of God's power.

"the father of the child cried out and said with tears,

"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24)

In our moment of fear, anxiety or trouble,
to experience God's deliverance and protection
is simply to believe and cry out,
like the woman with the issue of blood.
What a little faith can do.

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed...and nothing shall be impossible unto you"

(Mathew 17:20)

When the Samaritan woman heard Jesus talking about the living water,
she must be thinking, "Is this man ok?"
And Jesus had taken the trouble to go through Samaria just to talk to her.
Then Jesus gave her a word, saying,

"Go, call thy husband, and come hither."

And immediately faith came in and made all the difference.

"The woman then left her water-pot, and went her way into the city,

and said to the men,

'Come, see a man, who told me all things that I ever did:

is not this the Christ?....

And many of the Samaritans of the city believed on Him for the saying of the woman." (John 4:16,28,29,39)

"it is impossible to please God without faith."

"And faith comes by hearing the Word."

The woman with the haemorrhage believed the word about Jesus.
Her faith and desperation and the cry of her heart
drove her through the crowd of men, just to touch Jesus.
What made her so sure that she will be healed?
Faith. What a little faith can do.

As Smith Wigglesworth said, "Only believe."

"Woman, your faith has healed you; go in peace."

There was restoration of health, and also peace within.
God wants so much to restore us physically, emotionally and spiritually.

"thy soul prosper, even thy health."

But because the soil is too shallow,
or the birds came to steal them,
the seed does not grow, but was choked
and prevented to grow in faith.

We need to pray in the Holy Spirit, to come into His presence.

"building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

keeping yourselves in the love of God,

looking for the Lord's mercy unto eternal life."

As we walk with Him, we'll realise how close He is with us.
He'll protect us from the schemes of the evil one.
We need to cling unto Him.
But the Lord also wants us to be strong,
for one day we shall reign with Him if we faint not.

So the Lord is also saying....

"Fear not. Be meek but not weak.

I have given you power over the devils.

Therefore speak with authority."

Have you ever broken an alabaster bottle of perfume?
The aroma fills the whole room.
To delight the heart of God, we must allow ourselves to be broken.
We need to examine our hearts.
We must allow our hearts to undergo a radical surgical dissection
so that we can be made whole.
God wants to get at the roots of the deep-seated problems that cause us to sin.

Psalm 51: God desires truth in our innermost parts.

Instead of trying to cover up with good explanations,

we can allow God to free us from the roots n hurts n wrong motives

n heal us from the inside out.

Psalm 139:23

Search me, O God n know my heart

try me and know my anxious thoughts

n see if there be any wicked way in me.

until u r true to yourself

it's difficult for God to help u.

The Lord loves u.

Indeed He is by your side this very second.

Just feel His presence

feel that warmth

feel that love flowing from Him.

Take in His goodness n His glory.

Read His Word for it will give u strength.

Always lean on His grace n mercy

for we r nothing without Him.

Seek His mercy n grace.

Trust God with your life

for He is never wrong

He never will ever forsake u.

Just know that He is your heavenly Father

who will hear all your problems

n embrace n comfort u.

It is the only time

when u can be yourself

when u can be honest

n truthful with yourself

for there is nothing to hide from God.

Until u r true to yourself

until u realize your weaknesses

until acknowledge your need for God's strength,

God can do nothing.

God will do His best when u do your best.

It needs your commitment together with God's promise.

Then u will see results

that go beyond your expectation.

With God, dream big

for your Father in heaven is a big God;

He is indeed the King of all kings.

Believe in yourself.

Give all glory n praises to God.

Trust in Him for guidance in your life.

Let Him love u.

Renew your love

with the One who first loved u.

even when your heart doubts

2009-07-21T10:45:00.001+08:00

Even when u go through the darkest nights,
through the harshest times ,
even when your heart doubts God,
know that The Lord is always beside you,
even in your sleep, for He's there to protect u n watches over u.
The Lord never slumbers.

The devil is only an angel n the beast only a creation of His.
What greater power can come against the Creator of all things?
Our God the great Almighty is in full control.
Nothing happens without His permission,
n nothing happens by chance.
No sparrow drops to the ground without His knowledge
every strand of hairs on your head is counted.
how much more He cares for your safety n welfare.

Seek His favor n u will see blessings in your life
for who can shut the gates of heaven besides God?
Fear Him with all your heart.
Love n obey His Word for the Word is God.
Meditate on His Word day n night.
Trust Him in everything u do.

Build a relationship with Him.
Do not be discouraged when things do not seem to go your way
but be patient n wait upon the Lord.
The world may think u r foolish
but remember u r serving the Almighty God.
Every morning ask for His grace n mercy.
Do not give up easily but press on.

Everything that happens,which u do not understand,
happens for a reason.
right now u do not understand
but one day u will when the time comes.
When u go through the storms in your life
n God seems so far away,
know that u can always trust the heart of God.
God is not slow n He's not forgetful

Turmoil of emotions
Chaos of passions
Within each challenge is a higher offering
Although Hidden from view, we must raise our thinking,
open our hearts, and recognize that
we’re being called to a new dimension,
called to a higher purpose.
Unfamiliarity n new paths can be frightening,
but what is life if not a journey
into the wondrous unknown?
Look around...grace and beauty
can be found even within pain
Fear keeps us trapped and blind
Your cage is the condition of your mind

we go through storms in our lives

2009-07-21T10:43:00.000+08:00

As we go through our journey in life, we are bound to face crossroads,
and tough decisions that we have to make.
How do we choose? How do we decide?

One thing is for sure : do not make hasty decisions, out of your own desires and thoughts.
Our ways are not as wise as God's ways.
Our thoughts and desires are not righteous as those of God.
Hastiness only leads to poverty and sin.
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone good
who is hasty surely to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5)
"Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge,
and he sins who hastens with his feet." (Proverbs 19:2

Instead we must trust in God, knowing that He's always there to light our path.
Our good future is in God's hand.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
The poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angels encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Do not let your own thinking or doubts hinder you from believing what God says to you.
As you do His will for your life, and please Him,
and live an uncommon life that pleases Him,
God will bless you many times over,as you obey Him and love Him,
and He'll turn everything around for your good,
even turning around every evil that man has for you, into something good.

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely good and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." (Psalm 23:4-6)

The blessings and favors of God shall follow you,
if you would only put your trust and faith in God.
Everything happens according to God's will and perfect timing.

Keeping up our faith as believers is not an easy task, for it requires great strength and courage.
There are so many mountains, so many storms & fires in our lives, that we have to go through.
But God will never let us down, and never to forsake us.
Miracles only happen at the peak of a storm; when everything seems so impossible;
when there is no hope, no light, no future.
God is the light; He will light our paths, but only at His perfect time and will.

God has a perfect plan for our lives, but it is up to us to unfold it,
and walk in it, believing in the impossible,
and being uncommon & separated from the world.

The LORD is saying to you :

Know that I am with you at ALL times.
There is no other person in the world who can HELP you beside Me.
It is not easy to TRUST someone whom you cannot see.
The WORLD will reject you when you serve Me,
for you're the SALT of the world; you do not BELONG to this world.
Thank Me for everything you have now; express your love for Me.
THIS life you're living now is temporary;
but is your life after this eternal? Is it guaranteed?
Salvation is not a ticket to heaven, but it's a head-start to your life with Me.
It is how much you LONG for Me that'll determine
My grace & mercy & favour upon you.
Do not take things for GRANTED, but know WHO's the maker of the heavens and the earth.

Trust in Me in everything; let Me guide you step by step.
Do not run ahead of me, but always be CALM in your spirit,
so that you can hear My small, still voice in you,
and ask wisdom from Me, as regards the decisions you're to make.

Lean unto Me, and not on your own strength,
for only by My grace & mercy,
can you overcome your difficulties that you're facing.
I AM the only true light that can lighten your path,
and SHOW you the way.
You're the salt of the earth; be a history-maker by making a difference
in your life that'll glorify My Name.
It's not enough just to be a believer and be lukewarmth,
because then you're neither hot nor cold.
Know that you're a child of the living God,
a God who's full of compassion, love and warmth,
a God who's caring, and who had died on the cross for you,
a God who suffered through pain and agony for the sins of the world.

Know that My grace is sufficient for you,
and My mercy is new every morning.

What are you to do?
Carry on to walk in faith and unity, undying passion,
even daring to sacrifice your very own life for Me if need to,
never holding back anything back from Me, like Abraham did.
If you give your 100% to Me, I'll do the same for you.

As for strength, knowledge, money and so on,
know that I ,the Lord your God, am in control.
I AM the Almighty. Never DOUBT My power and My PROMISES.

I AM a just God. What you sow is what you reap.
Therefore in every aspect of your life,
stay righteous and loyal to Me, from giving tithes on time,
to serving Me in the church with respect,
to loving your family, and guiding them in My ways.

How hard are you trying to please Me, to do My will?
to share the Gospel, to live a righteous life?

Where is your heart? Is it beating with the My love?
Is your heart beat My heart beat ?

You must be one with me.
You must put your entire life in My hand, and depend on Me totally.
Love Me more each day, and as you walk with Me,
grow in intimacy with Me. Amen.

God loves u.
He is always there for u.
Through rain n storms,He'll not let go of u.
One thing is sure...if we believe
that Jesus is the Son of God
n have His words printed in our hearts
we would definitely have a place in heaven.
Do not hearer only of the Word but also a doer.
Situations in life might be tough n harsh,
but hold on tightly unto God
n never let go.
Only He alone u can trust
to get u through the storms in your life.

The world might be cruel n harsh toward us,
but do not lose hope!
With faith of a mustard seed, we can move a mountain.
There's always comfort n love with God.
But those who deny Him n turn against Him
will suffer His wrath n judgment.
He's the same yesterday, today n forever.
Cast your burdens n worries unto Him.
The Lord loves us n wants us to return to Him.
He had prepared places for us in heaven.
All we have to do is walk in His way,
the way to eternity.
Treasure this life on earth
for it's how we live this life
that determines our eternity.

Stay strong
n continue to trust in God.
As long as u do your best, God'll do the rest.
He had done the greatest sacrifice no man can ever do.
What more He can't do for us, His children?
He wants us to draw close to Him.
He loves to have time with us, to comfort us when we're down,
to heal the wounds within us.
The past needs to be put behind us,
n we can only have a bright future if we push forward.
The best reward one can ever get is eternal life
with the One we love.
Continue to have faith
n cling on to Him.

Love is where
we get our help from.
Situation might be bad now
but know that everything
will turn out for good
with God.
Therefore lean on Him,
and start looking at life
with a different perspective

My grace is sufficient for you

2009-07-21T10:40:00.001+08:00

Yes nobody is an island. When one minor member of the body is affected, the whole body is also affected.
We are to pray for one another, and to encourage one another in Christ.

If our lives are free from pain, turmoil and sorrow, we may not come to know God's faithfulness in such a personal way,
like King David did through fears, troubles and afflictions. So you're not alone.

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears...
The poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them...
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:4,6,7,19)

This is good news for the righteous. The righteous suffers many afflictions, like you did.
But the Lord delivers them all.
When God delivers us from afflictions, His faithfulness becomes real and personal,
and in the process, our faith is stretched.

Sometimes circumstances do not work out the way we like them to.
People pray for die.
Husbands leave their wives.
Children ruin their lives, in spite of the influence of godly parents.
Business goes bankrupt.
Christians lose their jobs.
But God is no less faithful.

"Though there are no fruit on the vines, and the fields yield no food;
Though there are no cattle in the stalls;
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength;
He'll make my feet like deer's feet,
And He'll make me walk on high hills." (Habakkuk 3:17)

God sustains us through our difficulties without removing the circumstances.
The Lord says, "My grace is sufficient for you."
In other words, you'll continue to suffer, but if you hang in there with Me, says the Lord,
you'll make it.

"Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

That's in time of need, God'll provide mercy and grace.
God does not promise a change of circumstances or freedom from pain.
He only provides the grace and the strength to go through.
Through these times of great difficulties, heartaches and much hardships,
we come to know the sufficiency of His grace.

Your husband did not return.
You never recover financially to the way before.
But God'll work things out in His own way.

"All things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose."

So, for the person who does not love God, who is not interested in knowing Him,
then all things do not necessarily work out for good.

"For when I am weak then I am strong."

God has allowed adversity into your life to loosen your dependency upon your own strength.
God wants you to be strong in Him.
He wants His power to be perfected in you, in your weakness.

So the Lord is saying to you...

Continue to love Me with all your heart; have faith in Me.
I Am all you have got to hope for.

Stay and become the person I have created you to be;
use the gifts I have given you to the fullness.
You can do great and mighty things in My name.

Continue to have faith and trust in Me.

Love Me with all your heart, as I first loved you.

Draw closer to Me to feel and know My comfort for you.

Have faith, and believe in new things.
I make all things new.

Do not go astray from My Word,
but dwell in My presence and in My awesomeness.

Be alert and be watchful
of the things that take place around you.

Whenever you have a doubt, come back to Me,
and I'll light your path.

I've never given up hope on you, and never will.

Dwell in My Presence, as I speak to you
and tell you how much I love you.

My peace I give
a peace the world cannot give
cannot understand

when u sleep
when u wake up
think of My ways
let My favor rests upon u
My grace n mercy
r new every morning

Thank God for all the things that you have.
Be wise in decisions that you make.
God loves you and does not want you to be hurt.
He wants you to be protected, but yet He wants you to grow.
God feels hurt when you’re hurt.
He feels what you feel.
He knows you; He’s your creator.
So keep your focus on Him and stay strong.
Read His Words and grow.

Babylon

2009-07-16T00:45:00.002+08:00

Babylon part1
(my own discernment)
—————–
Revelation 17: 18, 18:24
that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.

your merchants were great men of earth
the nations n peoples of the world were deceived by your sorcery
in her was found the blood of prophets
n of saints
n of all who were slain

Babylon’s hold on the world
is through military n economic power
n also through her occult practices
n immoral n sensual living styles.
But she practises freedom of choice
unlike the beast who rules by force n terror.
Her greatest influence is her seductive power of worldliness
n her strong belief in governing her own destiny

Through trading n business with her,
the merchants became wealthy n great men of influence on earth
using their wealth to exert power, prominence n influence.

revelation 18:9
the kings of the earth
who committed acts of immorality with her
n lived sensuously with her
weep over her destruction
her torment makes them fearful
“Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon!
in just one hour, your judgment has come.

the merchants also weep
because no one buys their cargoes any more.
the fruit u long for has gone..luxurious n splendid things,
n men will no longer find them.
“Woe, woe, the great city, the strong city
in just one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!”

every shipmaster, every passenger n sailor
also weep, when they saw the smoke burning
“What city is like the great city?”
“Woe, woe, the great city,
in which all who had ships at sea
became rich by her wealth,
for in one hour she has been laid waste!”

Babylon is a great n strong city.
centre of world trades
all sea routes lead to Babylon the great
like all roads lead to ancient mighty Rome.
her merchandise range from wine n olive oil
n fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep
to gold,silver,precious stones n pearls,
n fine linen n purple n silk n scarlet,
n every kind of citron wood
n every article of ivory
n every article made from very costly wood
n from bronze, iron n marble,
n spices n incense n perfume
to horses n chariots (military weapons, military satelites, nuclear weapons, planes n submarines)
to slaves n human lives( great man power n intellect, high technologies)
With her destruction, the world is plunged
into food crisis
into financial crisis
For the big companies of the world,
Babylon is wealthy. Because of her destruction,
the world is plunged into economic crisis n depression,
from unemployment to bankruptcies to poverty

Revelation 1:8
in one day
her plagues will come
pestilence n mourning n famine

Babylon is a shadow of ancient Rome.
with her splendor n might n riches
n her sins of sorcery, idolatry, horoscope, occult practices.
n her homosexual,unshameful sinful unnatural lifestyles
n wicked luxurious pleasure living.

revelation 18:7,23, 19:2
she glorified herself n lived luxuriously

For your merchants were the great men of the earth,
for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.

the great harlot corrupting the earth with her immorality.

But the sin of new Babylon is greater
piling up to heaven.
Her sins..pride, self-glorification, self-gratification, self-sufficiency
Her fall impacts the whole world.
She is so strong, formidable n seemingly invincible that she boasts:
“I sit as a queen n I am not a widow,
n will never see mourning.”
It’s unimaginable that she could fall.
Babylon looks so invincible like the Titanic that can never sink,
“not even God can sink the ship.”
n like the Roman Empire, it’s impossible Babylon the great can fall.

Babylon’s destruction will not be progressive.
the sinful city will be instantly destroyed.
It will be burned up with fire.

One thing is certain..it is instant n burning with great torment
n it’s fearful even to see from a far distance.

Revelation 17:12,13,16-18
the ten horns are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet;
but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
They have one mind to give their power n strength unto the beast.

the ten horns n the beast shall hate the harlot n make her desolate n naked,
n will eat her flesh n will burn her up with fire.
for God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose
by having a common purpose
n by giving their kingdom to the beast,
until the Words of God be fulfilled.

Everything happens according to what God wants to happen.
even for the ten horns n the beast to burn up the great Babylon.
So it’s the ten kings that destroyed Babylon so completely
according to what God puts into their hearts.

How did the ten horns do it? in just one hour, almost instantly?
maybe they hit her with missiles carrying nuclear bombs?
one thing is certain…
Babylon was totally burnt overnight…
that invincible, mighty, wealthy, self-sufficient, ultra-modern,
never-sleep, high-tech capital city of the world,
that sits upon many waters (peoples n multitudes n nations n tongues),
with her tall buildings n the hanging gardens (one of the wonders of the world),
plus her overhead bullet trains that run on magnetic current
n her futuristic cars that run without gasoline,
plus her high-tech microchips n wireless devices,
merchandise that the world craves for, n only she can produce…
all these r gone in one hour.

Revelation 18: 14
The fruit that your soul longed for gone from you,
n all things which r rich n splendid have also gone,
n you shall find them no more at all.

to the kings n nations n merchants of the world…
this is sad for money-making n for power n influence.

This is the first destruction of the great city Babylon the Great.
This is at the beginning of the rule of the beast.
After her destruction, the world economy goes into recession.
Then the beast n the 10 horns starts to rebuild Babylon city n to revive the economy,
but the city shall no longer see its golden years of luxury n splendor.
The hanging gardens can no longer be restored;
it can no longer be as “clothed in fine linen,purple n scarlet n adorned with gold n precious stones n pearls”
n lives so luxuriously n sensually as before.

The final destruction of Babylon is by God Himself at the end of Tribulation.

Revelation 18:21
a strong angel threw a great millstone into the sea,saying,
“Babylon will be thrown down with violence..”
This violence is from the greatest earthquake ever seen.

Revelation 16: 17-19
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl…”It is done!”
There were noises n thunderings n lightnings;
n such a mighty n great earthquake.
the great city was divided into three parts
the cities of the nations fell And great Babylon was remembered before God

that is God remembers the sins of old Babylon
when she was the Mother of Harlots.

Babylon cannot be Rome
or the Roman Catholic Church.
Rome was a foreshadow
of the more wicked Babylon,
the great worldly city of idols,
a rebellious city, a materialistic society,
a wicked n self-pleasing city with no morals,
with occult practices, where many demon spirits rule…
spirits of pride n self-glorification,spirits of rebellion n independence,
spirits of greed n power,spirits of arrogance n anger,
spirits of sexual lusts,spirits of unnatural behaviours,
spirits of gambling, spirits of fun n pleasure,
spirits of lawlessness,spirits of madness n suicide

Revelation 18:2,3
She has become a dwelling place of demons
n a prison of every unclean spirit
n a prison of every unclean n hated bird
for all the nations have drunk of the wine
of the wrath of her fornication,
the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her
n the merchants of the earth have become rich
through the abundance of her luxury.

2 Timothy 3:14
in the last days
men will lovers of themselves
lovers of money
boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful,
unholy,traitors, headstrong,
haughty, lovers of pleasures.”

Babylon the great is a great city,
the mother of harlots.
Harlotry in Ezekiel 16:30 symbolizes idolatry.
Worldliness n deception through occult practices is a killer of faith n souls.
Many God’s people are deceived by her idolatry.
It’s through deception that the devil
is able to steal, kill n destroy.
Great deception will come upon the world.
The world is drunk with lust for her.
She makes her victims drunk (Jeremiah 51:7)
The harlot’s gold cup is
“full of abominations n of the unclean things of her immorality.”

Revelation 14: 8
n another angel followed, saying,
“Babylons fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink
of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

after the harlot comes the beast

Revelation 14: 9
then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice,
“If anyone worships the beast n his image, n receives his mark
he shall also drink of the wine of God’s wrath
he shall be tormented…n the smoke of the torment ascends forever
they shall have no rest..”

A call is made to God’s people to disentangle from the world system.
The materialistic Babylon will exert an almost irresistible influence
on believers to participate in her sins.

[Without Babylon the harlot, there'll be no anti-Christ.

Without lust, there'll be no corruption.

Ephesians 4:22-24:

22:the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

23:but be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

24:put on the new man in you in righteousness n holiness

Until men's hearts are so corrupt with deceitful lusts,

so intoxicated with lust for the harlot n the unclean things of her immorality,

becoming lovers of pleasures, lovers of themselves,

becoming proud, headstrong n haughty,

becoming selfish, uncaring n wicked of heart

like the Israelites in the wilderness

Exodus 32:7: "have corrupted themselves" n lusted after the garlics n onions of Egypt

Exodus: 32:10: "that My wrath may burn hot against them"

until then, when the hearts of men are so corrupted n so drunk

n intoxicated with the pleasures n immorality of the harlot,

the anti-Christ will not appear.]

Revelation 18:4
“Come out of her, my people,
so that you will not participate in her sins
and receive of her plagues;
for her sins have piled up as high as heaven.”

What are God’s people doing inside this sinful city without the mark of the beast?
The reason is the mark of the beast does not exist yet, or else how can they survive
in that headquarters city n do business there without the mark?
This is at the beginning of tribulation, when the beast is just coming up.
In the beginning, the harlot controls everybody, including the beast n the ten horns.
The great harlot sits on the beast. She also sits on many waters.
She rules over the kings of the earth.
For a short time, she also rules over the ten horns n the beast.
The kings commit sexual immorality with her.
All who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality.
They all give their hearts n souls to her great charm.
They were intoxicated with her beauty n luxury n humanistic thinking.
They are their own gods, governing their own destinies.
They are so united as a body, n their unity gives them such power
to do what they want, even building the tower of Babel that reaches to the heavens.

The beast in the mean time needs her influence she has over the world.
The beast needs her high technology to make the microchip for his mark,
n also all the infrastructure n commercial networks of her influence.
So the beast supports her by allowing her to sit on him for a while.
The beast uses his power to lift her up.
So the beast n the harlot coexist for a while. But eventually,
Revelation 17: 16
“the beast n the ten horns.. will hate the harlot n will make her desolate n naked,
n will eat her flesh n will burn her up with fire.”

But the beast, being brutal n cold without mercy, does not look so attractive to the people.
The beast rules by fear n intimidation, like Hitler with his weapons n soldiers n Gestapo police.
It will be at this point that the false prophet comes in to make the beast looks
more attractive to the people, by his great deception n signs n wonders
through the power of deception that Satan gives to him.

If Babylon is the great capital where all sea routes lead to,
you will find many Jews there doing business, managing big companies there.
Like what happened to Lot n his family n to Sodom n Gomorrah,
the voice from heaven is calling God’s people to come out before her destruction.
The mercy of God endures forever, even when His people are living sinfully with the world.

Babylon…the capital without God
powerful in economics n world trades
rich in technologies n wealth
like the Titanic n Roman Empire,
it’ unsinkable
it’s too mighty to fall
it’s unthinkable that it can fall

Be alert and be watchful
of the things that take place around you.
God alone knows what all our future would be like.
The world’s hope and future r in His hands.
We don’t know what tomorrow holds for us,
but everything that is happening now
are all signs of the future.
In today’s world, it is hard to judge
right from wrong, black from white,
for the devil is making things look
as if it is complicated and so dark;
that’s why the light of Christ must shine,
so that all human beings will see
the truth and walk in the light.People fight against each other
because they’ve different point of view,
but who is searching for peace?
who is fighting for peace?
We don’t have to choose
or take sides in this world,
because the only thing
that we need to know and believe in
is Jesus Christ.
Nothing else matters,
because when we are so,
so very close to Jesus that
everything will be clear,
and we won’t be puzzled anymore.

The world now is chaotic,
but in God’s eyes,
it’s crystal clear.

where u are loved most

2009-03-27T00:51:00.005+08:00

Life would be meaningless
without God in our lives.
God is our strength and our hope.
Sometimes we don't know
why we're even alive.
But know this...
your every breath on this earth
serves a purpose!
It's not by mistake we're onthis planet earth;
also it's not by accident thatJesus was born 2009 years ago.

The reason is this...God loves His creations;
all He wants is you,
and it just pleases Him

when all of His creations come back to Him.

Therefore let the joy of the Lord

fill you so that you may be

a blessing to others.

Things may not make sense now

and you don't understand

how things in your life works,

but God knows what's going on

and He knows what's best for you.

Just trust in HimGod's plans are unlike our plans.

We don't think like God thinks,

because His ways are far better than ours.

The problem with us is thatbecause of our wrong thinking,

we tend to go astray,

and we tend to look to the world for help,

but God wants to help us Himself

and He's always waiting

with His arms opened wide,

ready to embrace us and comfort us.

The world does not love you

and cannot really help you.

So go back to the place of refuge

where you can find help in times of troubles

where you're loved themost...

His embrace.

Like a child speaking to the father,

just tell Him how much you want

and need Him

and He'll accept you

and fill you with His love.

..................................................

i knew u before u were born

naked we come into this world,

naked we'll go.

life has a purpose.

unless u walk in the plan God has for u

u cannot find true fulfilment or true happiness

.................................................
love's tender touch

like God's warm embrace

.............................................
path of righteousness n peace

n God's hand of protection

............................................
Hold My hand

Don't let go!
.....................................................
path of the righteous..though he falls,

he shall not be cast down.

for the Lord uphold him with His hand.

The Lord leads him beside still waters.

The Lord restores his soul.

The Lord leads him in the path of righteousness.

Though he walks through the valley of the shadow of death,

he shall fear no evil, for the lord is with him.

Like Jacob did, can I lay hold of God?

2009-01-11T22:12:00.009+08:00

If dakness covers you, if you need fresh revelation,
if your mind needs relief, if there're problems you can't solve,
lay hold of God.
You must not let go..whatever you're seeking,
whether it's fresh revelation or a particular need.

Can you hold God? Yes, you can.
Sincerity can hold Him; dependence can; weakness can.
It's when you're weak that you can be strong by God's grace.,
for God gives his grace to the humble.

But I tell you what cannot hold Him.
Self-righteousness can't, nor money nor presumption.
High-mindedness can't, when you're so puffed up in your own imagination.

But sincerity and lowliness can hold Him.
You can hold God in prayer closet, in prayer meeting, just anywhere,
but if you're lukewarmth, you become a disappointment.

God has promised not to leave us, and God'll not fail.
We need to get alone with God.
God'll bring us low, so as to change us.

If God does not help me, I cannot be the salt to the earth.
It's easy to lose my flavour, my saltiness.
But as we get alone with God, and meet with Him,
He'll give us His blessing and empowers us.
He may bring us to brokenness,
and the moves us into His will for us.

The Lord is saying...

Dwell in My presence, so that you can go with My anointing.
Empty yourself, so that I can pour into you.
Live in My Spirit, and let Me put My mind in yours
so that you can feel My heart-beat.

to know God is to know His Word

2009-01-01T22:48:00.009+08:00

John 1:18 says, "No one has seen God at any time."
John 12:44-50 :
"He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me.
And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him...the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.
For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.
And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak."

By Jesus's own words, you can see that every word Jesus speaks comes from God the Father, and every word spoken is of great importance.
If anyone hears Jesus's words and does not believe,
he'll be judged one day, that's in the last day.
The Father gave Jesus a command, what Jesus should say and speak,
and His command is everlasting life.

Therefore the Word is of utmost importance.
Even if you've seen God and seen Jesus,
you still have to believe the Word spoken by Jesus.
But no one has seen God.
When you look into the immense night skies, you can sense the existence of an Almighty God.

Jesus said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father." (John 14:9)
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 17:17 : "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth."
Romans 10:17 :"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Jesus came to show us the way to the Father,
and He's the way, the truth and the life.
And we're sanctified by the truth.
The Spirit of truth will lead us into all truth.

The natural mind of man will seek to go its own way,
and discouragement and a feeling of inadequacy would set in,
even after we commit our lives to God.
So God, in His infinite wisdom, decided to send the Holy Spirit
to dwell within the person who has chosen God's way,
whose heart is broken, whose spirit is humble.
The vessel has become the holy temple of the Holy Spirit.
Nothing unclean or sinful should dwell together with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit will cause you to desire holiness, to get rid of sinful ways.
The Counselor will advise you against evil and wicked thoughts and desires.
The Spirit will lead you into repentance, causing you to see the truth,
and putting a desire in you to want to change.
God will take you through life by giving you the help you need
to overcome all circumstances.

So the Lord is saying to you....
To know God, you've to read the Word, for the Word is God.
It's like reading God's mind, and His thoughts and plans.
But God cannot be in your heart,if you're not ready to receive Him,
for your heart needs to be cleansed first,
in order for Him to dwell in your heart.
All the unrighteousness, unforgiveness, bitterness,
negative thoughts have to be uprooted and taken away,
before God can draw close to you.
Seek God with a broken heart, and a humble spirit.
If you only have faith as small as a mustard seed,
you shall see drastic changes in every aspect of your life.

Trust in Him; never give up hope in God for He'll never let you go;
neither will He forsake you.
He's alwaysthere to help, to watch over you to protect you.
Therefore be obedient to His calling, and you shall be blessed.
Make right with God, and renew your covenant with God
for our God is a covenant-keeping God.
Our God is indeed full of grace and mercy;
His grace and mercy are newevery morning.
Therefore continue to have faith and trust in Him.

count your blessings one by one

2008-09-21T00:25:00.004+08:00

Accept with gratitude everything that God allows into your life,
whether it's from a friend or an enemy.
It is to remind you of your need of humbling.
He that humbles himself shall be exalted.
Humble yourself...only you can humble yourself.
God cannot humble you; nobody can humble you.
And then God'll give you more grace; He'll exalt you in due time.

"Learn of Me, for I'm meek and lowly in heart,
and you'll find rest for your soul."
Learn meekness from the Lord, and find rest for your soul.

Every good thing comes by the grace of God.
This realization will help you to be grateful people.
God's looking for such people so He can bless for it pleases Him.
Ingratitude comes from selfishness, and we see selfishness
in Christians who look unhappy.

Because they're forgetful people who could not count their blessings,
like what the Isrealites did in the wilderness.
They forget very fast and take many things for granted,
even the grace and mercy of God.
Like the Isrealites, they keep asking for onions and garlics.
Salvation is not enough; they want luxury, wishing to be back in Egypt.

They begin to develop an attitude of complaining,
thereby opening the door for the devil to enter to cause harm.
(Fear opens the door and to wrong thinking.)
Wrong thinking makes you take stupid, destructive actions that can destroy.

All started from an attitude of ungratefulness.
Be always grateful for the simple things in life, even your breath,
so that God can bless you even more.
The secret to blessing and favour of God is gratefulness.
Therefore be grateful and thankful for every single thing, day by day.

an attitude of thanksgiving

2008-09-19T23:47:00.007+08:00

"Do not worry or be anxious, but in every circumstance, in everything....
give thanks to God in your prayers to Him." (Philppians 4:6)

The solution to worry is not prayer but thanksgiving.
When we come to God in prayer because of a need or worry,
God wants us to be thankful and grateful for what He has already done for us.
If your heart is right and thankful, it pleases God to give you even more.

God does not want an act of prayer or an act of thanksgiving.
God wants an attitude of thanksgiving in our hearts,
even before we pray or say anything.
God sees the heart.

Most people stress on the asking...just keep asking until you get what you want.
But if God sees unthankfulness and an ungrateful heart,
your prayers are displeasing to Him.

If my daughter asks me for Apple doughnuts, and I know her heart is grateful,
is it easy for me to say no?
From the way she asks, you can tell whether she's grateful or not.
When you know her heart is right and grateful, you'll love to give her more
to see her happy.

When a son asks for bread, does the father gives a stone?
Or asks for a fish and the father gives a scorpion?
Whether I meet my daughter's request or not, it's for her good and her future.
Which is more important...her selfish request or her future?

A person with a thankful and a grateful heart is not a selfish person.
God treasures a thankful heart,
an attitude of gratitude for the things already given.
It pleases God to give even more.

Gratitude

2008-09-18T01:55:00.012+08:00

Gratitude makes us grateful even for the past, for the storms we went through,
and for the hard times we'll never forget.
We are where we are today by the grace and mercy of God.
Like Joseph, gratefulness brings peace for today and a vision for tomorrow.
Gratefulness turns anger into humility;
it turns dissatisfaction into satisfaction; it turns enough into more than enough.
Gratitude turns chaos into order, confusion into clarity.

It's common to see Christians doing the right things, reading the bibles, pray and give tithes,
and also give time and efforts to the cause of Christ,
but their lives of obedience often fail to acknowledge the fresh touches from God,
and to say a simple thank you for them.
It's easy to get lost in the discipline of obedience.
Human nature does not lend itself to gratitude.
It lends itself to complaining.

God desires a thankful people, and hates a murmuring, grumbling,
fault-finding, complaining people.
This was the attitude of Isreal during the 40 years in the wilderness.
God called it unbelief. (Fear of the future is also unbelief.)

God's covenant is that we believe and trust in Him;
then He'll keep His covenant promises to us...to protect, to provide,
and to work things out for good to those who love Him.
Only through belief and trust can there be joy and peace.
Our ways, our intelligence, our plans, our visions and our efforts alone
cannot bring this joy and peace.

When the Israelites were delivered from the Egyptian army,
they celebrated and praised the Lord.
But soon out in the desert, with hard walking in the sun,
and thirsty without water to drink, they began to murmur....

"Because they were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?
Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt saying...
"Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve
the Egytians than we should die in the wilderness." Exodus 14:11

"Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt,
when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full!
For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger."
Exudus 16:3

They were thinking of the onions and garlics and meat in Egypt;
they wished they were back in Egypt.
There's a purpose God brought them out into the wilderness....to test them.

"God has led you in the wilderness these 40 years,
that He might humble you, testing you,
to know what was in your heart,
whether you would keep His commandments or not." (Deuteronomy 8:2)

We all face hard times in our lives, one time or another.
Often we're not aware we are ungrateful people,
and we like to justify ourselves.
And through events in our lives, or through other people, we face afflictions and persecutions.
It's difficult to see blessings in afflictions, because it's painful.
But nothing happens by chance.
It's put there for us to test us,
and to bless us by making us stronger spiritually.
Unless you're blessed spiritually, you cannot be blessed in the physical.

But you ask...how can blessings be painful?
Because we suffer hurts and much pain, and also loss of peace and happiness.
Blessing does come with pain...like it did to Joseph, through slavery and prison.
God knew what He was bringing Joseph through,
and God also knows what He's doing when He allows you to go through hard times.
Afflictions are working out God's purpose in our lives.
Afflictions will expose our self-will and pride in us, our attitude of ungratefulness.
God, in His infinite wisdom and foreknowledge, allows things to come into our lives,
because God wants to know what's in our hearts,
and God is working things out for our destiny.

Are you the grateful kind of a person?
The people who see you everyday....friends, family and co-workers...
would they say you're a grateful or a grumpy kind of a person?
They've watched your face as the boss handed you yet another unexpected project to do.
They've heard your reaction to the waiter, when your order is long waitng.

A grumpy attitude can evolve quickly and quietly into a sour character.
You unknowingly become one of those people, no one wants to be around,
because you're always in protest.
Never happy with the way things are, you keep complaining
about the way things could be or should be.

If this sounds like your life, it's time to let them go.
But how? This is how.
"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth."
Because the meek has power,
power to exercise self-control, not complaining in less favourable cirmcumstanses,
power to overlook insults or provocation,
power to bless those who curse you,
power to wait patiently and thankfully accept everything that happened
as a part of God's infinite plan and purpose.

Meekness is the foudation for an attitude of thankfulness.
Obedience is not all that God wants from you. It's not enough.
If God wants obedience , He could create a race of robots.
But God wants you to choose, to pause in your obedience to Him,
and to run back to Him with an open expression of heartfelt appreciation and thankfulness
for all that He has done in your life.

God's seeking a heart that's grateful, an attitude of gratitude.
"In everything, give thanks for this is the will of God."

the sacrifice of God

2008-09-06T14:46:00.008+08:00

What causes sin? Self-exaltation & pride.
This was the sin of the angels who fell. Pride and self-seeking changed them from
bright & beautiful angels into dark, ugly & rotten-smelling demons,
whose destinies are in the dark, smelly, cold, desolate place called hell.

Man's life since Adam's fall, is made of self-love, self-will & self-pleasing.
Self is the idol he serves...the cause of all sin & misery found in this world.

"But now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by
the sacrifice of Himself." (Hebrews 9:26)

So "through the eternal Spirit, (Jesus) offered Himself without spot to God,
to purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." (Hebrews 9:14)

Your sin, my sin, the sins of all who have ever lived, and yet to live,
came on Jesus through the eternal Spirit.

"By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)
...that completely perfect all who put their faith in the sacrifice.

But our appropriation of it, our sanctification is a progressive one,
receiving more and more of God,
and further and further away from sin and the world.

Jesus came to be our Saviour by delivering us from self,
so that we live no longer to ourselves.
Jesus humbled Himself, took the form of a servant and even to death on a cross.

"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

"Come unto Me. Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls."

In order to find rest, what is the main thing to have?
Meekness... a willingness to learn, and to be meek.
This is the way to be blessed.

Jesus subjected Himself to the will of God, and sacrificed Himself for the glory of God.
Because He humbled Himself even unto death, God highly exalted Him

We too must come to the place where the Lamb is.
The Lamb will lead us to the living water;
He'll perfect the salvation begun in us.
We'll share in the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Your fellowship with the Lamb is fellowship in His sacrifice,
in His meekness, in His power and in His victory.
The denial of self,
and fellowship with the death of the Lamb
is our hope into eternal life and salvation.

"The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom
and strength and honour and glory and blessing."

"You're worthy to take the scroll and to open its seal, because you were slain,
and with Your blood you purchased men for God." (Revelation 5:9)

Be thankful in all circumstances; be grateful people

2008-08-26T00:20:00.006+08:00

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:18)

"..singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;always giving thanks for all things
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, the Father." (Ephesians 5:20)

"..singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. and whatever you do in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
(Colossians 3:16,17)

" at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God...
suddenly there was a great earthquake.." (Acts 16:25,26)

In the end times, ingratitude will characterise many people.
People in general will become more wicked and less grateful.

"For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers,
disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy." (2Tim. 3:1,2)
"although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful,
but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened." (Romans 1:21)

People will complain about their circumstances, hoping for some "lucky break" to help him.
With big ego, he thanks himself for who he is, thinking that everthing comes from his own efforts.
The thankless person despises the idea of grace.

It is sad to see Christians who always seem to be stressed out, dissatisfied, depressed,
and unhappy about their circumstances.
Are we giving thanks to God everyday for His grace?

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything,
you may have an abundance for every good deed." (2Corinthians 9:8)

As Vonette Bright said,"When we express thanksgiving and gratitude to God,
peace flooded our hearts, and He provided the solution. My dear, always be thankful...
especially in crisis. God can turn your tragedy to triumph, discord to harmony,
and defeat to victory."

In the Old Testament (Lev. 3:1-17; 7:11-36), thank offerings and peace offerings
were to remind God's people of their need to be thankful to God.
They would bring a sheaf of grain and some oil and wine as thank offerings.
These were symbols of the Lord's provision, a reminder to thank Him
for His grace and mercy in supplying all they have.

Devotionals

2008-08-19T21:15:00.054+08:00

1) It must be God's way.
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day (Genesis 32:24)

As we look back over our own journey in life, we see that a lot of the way had been our way,
and that the end of our way is the beginning of God's way and the deep things of God.
How slow we are to see that God has a better way.
Yes, the glory is never so wonderful as when we are helplesss and have given up our ways,
and when God has His way.

Jacob and his mother devised an evil plan to obtain the family blessing from Isaac which belonged to Esau.
"Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, "The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob" (Genesis 27:41)

So Jacob had to flee to another land, and the Lord was gracious to him.
On the way to his mother's family at Haran, Jacob had an encounter with God,
which changed his life.
He called the place Bethel, which means the place of prayer.
God planned a ladder and the angels that Jacob would see.
God's plans of grace were not frustrated by the carnal workings of Jacob's mind.
So God revealed Himself to Jacob, saying,
"I am with you, and I will keep you whereever you go, and I will bring you back again to this land. I will not leave you. I will do that which I have spoken to you of." (Genesis 28:15)

Jacob remembered God's mercy and grace.
From the time Jacob saw the vision of the ladder and the angels,
he had 21 years of wandering, fighting and struggling.
He had deceived to get his birthright, to get his cattle.
And God was faithful to His promise all those years.
Later, God brought him right back to this same place.
It did not matter how Jacob had wandered.
God swore to him and brought him back.

How marvelous God meets us in our distresses.
When the cry comes from broken hearts, then God comes.
How many times have you tried and failed?
Let God comes; God in His mercy, never fails.

As Jacob returned to the land from where he fled, he was afraid.
God had met him 21 years before when he left home empty-handed.
He wanted to be alone with God.
His wives, children, sheep, oxen, asses and camels had crossed over the brook Jabok.
The Lord saw his need and came down and met with him.
The Lord wrestled with the deceiver, breaking him, changing him, transforming him.
Jacob was brought to a place of absolute weakness. He was broken before God.
And there alone in prayer before God, lean in soul and poor in spirit, he met with God.
He had to get rid of a lot of things in his life if he were to succeed in life.
All his life, it had been I! I! I!
Hour after hour passed, and he wrestled all night alone with God.
At daybreak,the angel said, "Let me go."
Jacob knew that if God left without blessing him, he could not meet Esau.
He must have favour with God.

Likewise you cannot meet the terrible things in life without God's blessing.
We too, as we pray to God alone, we will be broken and changed and trasnformed.
All care and strife is at an end.
We are occupied too much with the things of time and sense.
We need to give God time if we are to receive revelations, for God to deal with us.
We need to get past all the thoughts of earthly matters that crowd in so rapidly.
We must be serious and intense enough for God to bless us.
We must be hot for Christ. Victory is ours if we are earnest enough.
We must never let go, whatever you're seeking...revelation, direction, need.
If darkness covers you, if you're in confusion...never let go,
but hold fast to the Lord, your God.
After God has changed us, He gives us power to prevail.

Our own plans lead us so often into disaster.
In our human planning, we may experience blessings of a kind,
but we also undergo trials, hardships and barrennes
that God would have kept from us, if we had followed His way.
There's a way that seems good, but the end of that way is death,
but God has His very best for each of His own.
There is a good; there is a better; but God has a best for us.
It is a better thing if it is not our plan but God's plan.

It is the goodness of the Lord that leads us to repentance.
Many things happen in our lives to show us how depraved we are by nature,
but when the veil is lifted, we see how merciful and tender God is.
How wonderful it is to be where God is.

Seek the Lord with a humble heart;
Seek Him on your knees and pray.
Worship Him with truthfulness and in spirit.
He is your everything.
Do not stray away from Him.
Without God, life is meaningless and empty.

My eyes look to the hills -
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord.

2)With God all things are possible

"All things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23)
"If you have faith as a mustard seed...nothing will be impossible for you." (Luke 17:6)
"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27)

With men, not all things are possible, but with God, all things are possible.
A good many Christians are living a low life, a life of failure and of sin,
instead of rest and victory.
We need to check our lives, our hearts...any areas not right with God, any unforgiveness, any bitterness.
Is there a lack of humility, a lack of submission, a lack of surrender to God's will?
Are you broken before God?

The angel said to Mary, "With God, nothing shall be impossible."
We worship an Almighty God; our God is a big God.
"I will show you great and mighty things which you do not know."
Abraham knew that God who had promised was able to perform.

We must not try to be God ourselves, but let God be God.
We must not try to work things out ourselves, but le God works through us.
Allow God to work things out.
So we say to ourselves:
"I can do nothing on my own. God'll do all things through me, both to will and to do.
The things which're impossible with men are possible with God."
Therefore wait upon God; trust God in all things.
Lean not on thy own understanding.
All around you, you see sin and sorrow,
but remember, Christ is on the throne.
Like Abraham, be strong in faith, because you know
that God who had promised is able to perform.

Sometimes a situation seems so hopeless, and a cry so futile, so helpless;
yet this is what God looks for to demonstrate His loving care and power
and His powerful hand of protection.
God hears the cry of the heart...a cry that can bring freedom or healing,
a cry that brings help in a moment of grave danger,
a cry that brings a clear direction in a season of deep perplexity.
There is a need to cry out.
A father hears the cries of his children.

Through an honest cry of the heart, the father whose son was demon-possessed,
received a demonstration of God's power.
"the father of the child cried out and said with tears,
"Lord, I believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24)

In our moment of fear, anxiety or trouble, to experience God's deliverance and protection
is simply to believe and cry out,
like the woman with the issue of blood.

3) What a little faith can do.

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed...and nothing shall be impossible unto you"
(Mathew 17:20)
When the Samaritan woman heard Jesus talking about the living water,
she must be thinking, "Is this man ok?"
And Jesus had taken the trouble to go through Samaria just to talk to her.
Then Jesus gave her a word, saying, "Go, call thy husband, and come hither."
And immediately faith came in and made all the difference.
"The woman then left her water-pot, and went her way into the city,
and said to the men, 'Come, see a man, who told me all things that I ever did:
is not this the Christ?....
And many of the Samaritans of the city believed on Him for the saying of the woman."
. (John 4:16,28,29,39)
"it is impossible to please God without faith."
"And faith comes by hearing the Word."

The woman with the haemorrhage believed the word about Jesus.
Her faith and desperation and the cry of her heart
drove her through the crowd of men, just to touch Jesus.
What made her so sure that she will be healed?
Faith. What a little faith can do.

As Smith Wigglesworth said, "Only believe."
"Woman, your faith has healed you; go in peace."
There was restoration of health, and also peace within.
God wants so much to restore us physically, emotionally and spiritually.
"thy soul prosper, even thy health."

But because the soil is too shallow,
or the birds came to steal them,
the seed does not grow, but was choked
and prevented to grow in faith.

We need to pray in the Holy Spirit, to come into His presence.
"building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
keeping yourselves in the love of God,
looking for the Lord's mercy unto eternal life."

As we walk with Him, we'll realise how close He is with us.
He'll protect us from the schemes of the evil one.
We need to cling unto Him.
But the Lord also wants us to be strong,
for one day we shall reign with Him if we faint not.

So the Lord is also saying....
"Fear not. Be meek but not weak.
I have given you power over the devils.
Therefore speak with authourity.

4) Be uncommon for God

As we go through our journey in life, we are bound to face crossroads,
and tough decisions that we have to make.
How do we choose? How do we decide?

One thing is for sure : do not make hasty decisions, out of your own desires and thoughts.
Our ways are not as wise as God's ways.
Our thoughts and desires are not righteous as those of God.
Hastiness only leads to poverty and sin.
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone good
who is hasty surely to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5)
"Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge,
and he sins who hastens with his feet." (Proverbs 19:2

Instead we must trust in God, knowing that He's always there to light our path.
Our good future is in God's hand.
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
The poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angels encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Do not let your own thinking or doubts hinder you from believing what God says to you.
As you do His will for your life, and please Him,
and live an uncommon life that pleases Him,
God will bless you many times over,as you obey Him and love Him,
and He'll turn everything around for your good,
even turning around every evil that man has for you, into something good.

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely good and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." (Psalm 23:4-6)

The blessings and favours of God shall follow you,
if you would only put your trust and faith in God.
Everything happens according to God's will and perfect timing.

Keeping up our faith as believers is not an easy task, for it requires great strength and courage.
There are so many mountains, so many storms & fires in our lives, that we have to go through.
But God will never let us down, and never to forsake us.
Miracles only happen at the peak of a storm; when everything seems so impossible;
when there is no hope, no light, no future.
God is the light; He will light our paths, but only at His perfect time and will.

God has a perfect plan for our lives, but it is up to us to unfold it,
and walk in it, believing in the impossible,
and being uncommon & separated from the world.

The LORD is saying to you :

Know that I am with you at ALL times.
There is no other person in the world who can HELP you beside Me.
It is not easy to TRUST someone whom you cannot see.
The WORLD will reject you when you serve Me,
for you're the SALT of the world; you do not BELONG to this world.
Thank Me for everything you have now; express your love for Me.
THIS life you're living now is temporary;
but is your life after this eternal? Is it guaranteed?
Salvation is not a ticket to heaven, but it's a head-start to your life with Me.
It is how much you LONG for Me that'll determine
My grace & mercy & favour upon you.
Do not take things for GRANTED, but know WHO's the maker of the heavens and the earth.

Trust in Me in everything; let Me guide you step by step.
Do not run ahead of me, but always be CALM in your spirit,
so that you can hear My small, still voice in you,
and ask wisdom from Me, as regards the decisions you're to make.

Lean unto Me, and not on your own strength,
for only by My grace & mercy,
can you overcome your difficulties that you're facing.
I AM the only true light that can lighten your path,
and SHOW you the way.
You're the salt of the earth; be a history-maker by making a difference
in your life that'll glorify My Name.
It's not enough just to be a believer and be lukewarmth,
because then you're neither hot nor cold.
Know that you're a child of the living God,
a God who's full of compassion, love and warmth,
a God who's caring, and who had died on the cross for you,
a God who suffered through pain and agony for the sins of the world.

Know that My grace is sufficient for you,
and My mercy is new every morning.

What are you to do?
Carry on to walk in faith and unity, undying passion,
even daring to sacrifice your very own life for Me if need to,
never holding back anything back from Me, like Abraham did.
If you give your 100% to Me, I'll do the same for you.

As for strength, knowledge, money and so on,
know that I ,the Lord your God, am in control.
I AM the Almighty. Never DOUBT My power and My PROMISES.

I AM a just God. What you sow is what you reap.
Therefore in every aspect of your life,
stay righteous and loyal to Me, from giving tithes on time,
to serving Me in the church with respect,
to loving your family, and guiding them in My ways.

How hard are you trying to please Me, to do My will?
to share the Gospel, to live a righteous life?

Where is your heart? Is it beating with the My love?
Is your heart beat My heart beat ?

You must be one with me.
You must put your entire life in My hand, and depend on Me totally.
Love Me more each day, and as you walk with Me,
grow in intimacy with Me. Amen.

5) When others disappoint

"As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12)

Christian life is a journey, and we need God's strength and guidance along the way.

Paul said in Phlippians 4:11 - "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Paul wrote those words while in prison, his plans disrupted and his future uncertain.
He had learned to see disappointment and failure frm God's perspective,
and to trust the future into His hands. May this be true of us.
When life turns against you, may this prayer be yours :
"Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths." (Psalm 25:4)

You may have said this to yourself: "Life would be great if it weren't for other people."
This is not true, because no man is an island.
We are made for companionship. God knows we need others,
and our greatest joys often come from our relationships.
God declared, "It's not good for man to be alone."(Genesis 2:18),and so God created Eve.

Nevertheless, no area of human life is so full of difficulties and heartaches as relationships.
Someone asks, "Why is life so difficult?" "People."
People can be selfless and kind, but they can also be difficult, stubborn, ego-driven, mean,
thoughtless, selfish, manipulative - the list goes on.
Nor is the problem just other people; it is also ourselves.

Why can't we seem to get along with each other?
We each want our own way. We usually think only of ourselves.
"If that person would just do things my way, we could get along!"
"What causes fights and quarrels mong you? Don't they come from your desires that
battle within you?" (James 4:1)

This is why simply changing the circumstances seldom solves anything.
One married woman said, "We thought if we moved to a pleasant area and built a
beautiful house, we'd be happy, but all we did was take our problems with us."

Our deepest problems are within ourselves...our our hearts and minds.
We need to seek God to change our mind-set and our hearts' desires.
Jesus said, "Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality,
theft, false testimony, slander." (Matthew 15:19)
Our old sinful nature still lives within us, and constantly tries to assert itself.
Only the Holy Spirit can subdue our old nature and overcome it with God's love.

Friendship...is it important?

2008-08-06T12:07:00.028+08:00

Do you agree with me that building good friendship is important?
Friendship with your husband, wife, children, parents, friends, teachers
and with God....is it important?

Why is it important?
It's because good friendship affects our own happiness...
friendship with others, friendship with God.

How to build this friendship?
Building friendship is like buiding a house.
A house needs a strong foundation. The same with friendship.
This foundation needs the help of God.
It requires of us to develop a good, strong character,
with honesty, faithfulness and ability to persevere.
That is, it takes a lot of sacrifices,
for what you sow is what you reap.

Remember Jesus said in Matthew 7: 34-27: -
24 - Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I'll liken him to
a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 - and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house;
and the house did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 - But everyone who hears these sayings of mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 - and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

Why is honesty important?
With falsehood and dishonesty, we cannot develop friendship.

Why is faithfulness important?
Unfaithfulness is the cause of breakdown of many friendships.

Perseverance is needed to make honesty and faithfulness work.
We need to keep going, because obstacles will surely come.

On our own, we're weak.
So we need the strength that comes from a close friendship with God.
Only God can provide that foundation.
We can overcome, because God is with us.
When we cry out our sins to God, we'll find peace & confidence within us.
We can have joy in spite of the circumstances.

Without true commitment, friendships cannot last;
marriages cannot be strong.
We're to accept each person as he or she is,
to build each other up,
to speak words that build up.
We are to be as Jesus is to us.

Jesus is committed to our every need....every hurt, every hunger.
He's faithful to see us through.
He's committed to develop the best in us.
He became poor that we might be rich.
He died that we might live.

Getting along with someone involves not only doing things to strengthen,
but also avoiding things that hurt.
Set a guard over my mouth. O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3)
How many marriages and friendships have been destroyed
because of criticism that get out of control?
because of gossip or a word spoken thoughtlessly or in anger?
A harsh word can't be taken back;
no apology can fully repair its damage.

"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire,and is itself set on fire by hell." (James 3:6)
These indeed are strong words, but they're true.

Like Jesus before Pilate, sometimes it's best to keep silent or talk less,
especially when our words are filled with anger; they can only make things worse.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29)

Remember that no relationship is completely smooth.
The closer the relationship, the deeper is the hurt.
Unforgiven hurts are the greatest source of destruction to a relationship.
If a hurt is allowed to grow, it deepens and becomes a barrier to good relationship.
Even if a person is fully justified in feeling hurt, nothing but harm can result
if that hurt remains unforgiven.

Any hurt, no matter how small it might seem, needs forgiveness.
If we refuse to forgive, that relationship will break down.
When someone hurts us, the instinct is to strike back....
but when we do, we not only destroy any possibility of reconciliation,
but also we allow anger and hate to control us.
We become a captive to the past, poisoned by bitterness all those years,
bitterness or anger becoming part of our identity,
making it difficult to get rid of them.
We can't change the past;
we can only seek God's forgiveness for what we did wrong.
But when God has forgiven us, shouldn't we also forgive others?
Don't let the past hold you captive any longer;
it's time to lay your bitterness & resentment at the foot of the Cross.
Jesus said,"If the Son sets you free, you'll be free indeed" (John 8:36)

We must always be ready to forgive, yet never demanding forgiveness for ourselves.
Forgiveness is the way to respond to the imperfections of others.
The heart attitude to deal with the failures of others is important.
Getting things roughly right comes before
getting things exactly right...we need to learn patience.
We need to forgive, correct, not demand and move on.
This is the right attitude.
We all fall short; none is perfect.
Sometimes we made mistakes that could have been avoided.
We have to forgive others, and also ourselves, and move on.

The key to love, forgiveness and patience is God's grace to you.
Grace is the currency of all true relationships.
Grace enable us to accept others as they are.
It's through intimacy with God that grace abounds.
God's grace abounds in that
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

How can you love someone who had mistreated you?
Try to see your enemy as God does.
Christ also died for the person, who is also hurting.
People who strike out at others are like wounded animals...
they know they're in pain, but they resist attempts to relieve that pain.
By resisting against those who wish to help them,
they bring more pain upon themselves.
The reason is pride, which gets in the way.
True love submits and is willing to sacrifice for another's sake.

Colossians 3:13
"Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges.
Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."

Let this command to forgive ring loud in our hearts,
and let the healing power of forgiveness flow freely in our lives.

maturity

2008-07-22T14:42:00.011+08:00

2Peter3:18

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

God's goal for us is not conversion but maturity, to become more like Christ.
Becoming a Christian is the work of a moment; being a Christian is the work of a lifetime.
The Christian life is not smooth going,
because only through storms and temptations can your faith grows stronger.

Jesus warned us against welcoming the Word of God, but then allowing it to wither or be choked out by the cares of this world, like seeds planted among rocks or thorns. Instead we should be like "those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."
Crops take time to mature, with lots of work and care.
If we ignore the gardens of our souls, we'll be spiritually weak.

Philippians2:15 - We are to"become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation."
2 Corinthians 3:18 - We...are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Only in heaven will this fully happen, for then
"we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."(1 John 3:2)

A sign of maturity is an increasing love for others.
When Christ is formed in you, the love of God in you also increases.
To be like Christ is have Christ becoming Lord of every area of your life.
Christ becomes Lord of your character, of your actions, of your attitudes.
Instead are you negative and critical? arrogant and impatient? filled with anxiety and worry?
lazy and undisciplined? undependable and irresponsible? domineering and harsh?

If our lives do not reflect Christ, why should people believe us.
1 Timothy 6:11 - flee from all this (evil), and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
Galatians 5:22-23 - The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

These 9 characteristics are marks of maturity.
You're a matured Christian if you have these characteristics.
Only as you abide in the vine and His words, can you grow,
and the pruning by The Father will make you more fruitful.
But if you try on your own, all your futile efforts will result in a total crop failure.
The level of your character is the measure of your maturity,
a character that brings pleasure and glory to God.
You can only love others to the extent that God loves you.
It's God's kindness that leads you to repentance(Romans 2:4),
but so often we fail to respond to others befitting this kindness shown to us.
Even when we're faithless, God remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13).

But if your spiritual life is dry and barren, begin by praying -
Search me, O God, and know my heart..see if there's any offensive way in me.(psalm 139:23)
Ask God to show you any area of your life where sin still rules, and then repent of it.

Although God's Spirit is in you, your old nature is still alive.
So everyday a battle rages in your heart, between your will and God's will.
Your old nature strives to gain the upper hand and control you.
So if you're weak, you lose the battle, and you reflect the unbelieving world.
The mark of immaturity is when your flesh gains the upper hand.

This is why Jesus said -
"If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)
Our old nature - our selfishness, evil desires, wrong attitudes habits - must die.
Colosians 3:5 - put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.

For you have been crucified with Christ, and you no longer live.
You've turned away from wrong thoughts and deceitful desires,
and you've replaced them with Christ's thoughts and godly desires,
which are good and pure.
You've put off your old self (corrupted by deceitful desires),
and you've put on the new self,
created to be like Christ in true righteousness and holiness.

To see the mighty working of the Holy Spirit in transforming you,
you must move from repentance and submission into obedience and trust.
You obey because you love the Lord, your God.
God leads you by His Word and Spirit.
Only as you prayed, meditate on His Word,
and sought the Spirit and the godly advice of others,
can you find the path you should walk in,
confirmed by the small still voice of God in you.
Seek to be filled with th Holy Spirit daily,
and obey His Word and trust in Him.
Learn to live and walk in the Spirit,
having crucified your flesh with its passions and desires.
Guard your thoughts, emotions, and actions
so you won't give the enemy a foothold (1Peter 1:5-7).

How am I to pray?

2008-07-21T21:00:00.024+08:00

I know prayer is important. How can I make prayer a part of my daily life?
Let me give you 6 guidelines.

1) First, have the right attitude.
We will only pray when we realise how dependent we are on God,
and we realise we can trust Him to hear our prayers, and to answer them according to His will.

There're people, who never think about God, and suddenly one day they find themselves in a crisis
that's far beyond themselves to handle,
and for the first time in their lives, they begin to pray and cry out for help.

Let's look at Acts 27. Imagine that you were one of the people on that ship, and as verse 20 says,
"Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up."
Most probably at this time, you'll be kneeling down to pray for your life.
At this hour of your life, all your pride and self-sufficiency would have gone by now. Now you feel a dependency on an Almighty God, you never felt before. Because before, there was no such need. And Matthew 5:3 says:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
That is to say that when you felt a dependency on God, you're blessed. "Poor in spirit" means you're dependent on God. And this is the 1st of all the other beattitudes; the 1st leading to the rest of the beattitudes. This is the right attitude you must have in order to make prayer a part of your daily life.
How can you pray when you don't believe you need God's help?
The Bible reminds us that
"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (1Peter5:5)
Prideful, self-sufficient people will never pray.

2) Second, with brokenness

One of the most difficult things for any person to see clearly is his own sin.
Through humility, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us our sin,
so that we can confess it, repent of it and be set free,
so that God can bless us after the hindrance is removed.
Then the Holy Spirit will give insight into His word, His plans and purposes,
and guide us gently and confirm our hearts, giving assurance.

Through our weakness, God pours His power into us,
for we know not how to pray as we ought to pray.
"if My people will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,
and turn from their wicked ways."
"a broken and a contrite spirit I will not despise."
Through prayer also comes a spirit of brokenness.
Prayer in God's presence will change us.
If we continue to walk in His presence, we'll remain broken and humble.
To live like this is to walk in honesty; we learn to lose face. We let our pride go.
The Holy Spirit will cause us to be open and frank, with humility before God.

If we're broken and contrite before God, He gives us more grace.
Success is based on the grace of God.
How do we get more grace?....
by being broken in humility before God.
Therefore the secret to success in prayer is brokenness.
It was God's grace that made Joseph successful, and favour from the king toward Nehemiah.
Nehemiah 1: 4,11
-I wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before God
-O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant,
and let Your servant prosper this day.
Through prayer, Nehemiah knew the mind of God, and he was able to stand firm,
and was able to be in control of the circumstances around him.

As you pray, there arise a new attitude of violence against your flesh and pride,
and you learn how to walk gently with the Holy Spirit,
to allow God to complete His divine work in our lives.

3) Third, with godly fear

Prayer is not just talking with God;
it's a deep, reverent submission to Him.
Through prayer, we come to know the intentions of the father heart of God.

When we come to God in prayer, what is the attitude of our hearts?
God reads our hearts as we pray....
is your heart in oneness with God?
is there reverent submission with godly fear?
is there singleness of mind to hear the still small voice of God in you?
is your heart receptive to His guidance?
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"I know the thoughts I think toward you, to give you a future and a hope.
Then you'll call upon Me, and go and pray to Me, and I'll listen to you.
And you'll seek Me and find Me,
when you search for Me with all your heart;
I'll be found by you."

Jesus prayed and He was heard because of His godly fear,
beause of the submissive attitude of His heart.
Hebrews 5: 7-10
"who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him, who was able to save Him frm death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the authour of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek."

4) Fourth, without fear but with boldness and confidence

When you pray, "Lord, give me safe journey home, which is 10 miles away. Keep me safe from road accidents" Do you think you're praying with faith?
Then how should you pray?
"Lord, help me to be humble, giving way to other cars. Help me not to be impatient, but wait patiently and move with common sense." or
"Lord, even if a big Tsunami were to come and destroy everything there is, I know Lord, if my time is not up, I will still be standing upright, just as You said to Paul, "Do not be afraid; you must stand before Caesar."

Deaths and disasters do not happen by chance;
they happen due to a reason, and for a reason.
Nothing happens by chance.
For God, there's no such thing as a coincidence.
You were born here on this earth not by chance either.
God knew you since you were in your mother's womb,
till the day you die.
Everything happens according to God's will and perfect timing.

5) Fifth, with unwavering faith

We're to pray with unwavering faith, believing that God hears our prayers, also that God will
answer them, in His timing, with His methods,
and for our eternal benefit, and for His glory.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for
and certain of what we do not see."(Hebrews 11)

When we pray, think of the greatness of God. See Him for the mighty God He is.
God created all things....the heavens and the earth.
He moves mountains and calms seas.
As you pray in the face of a spiritual attack, set your mind on the vastness of God's power.
In the face of fear, He gives us boldness.
"God has given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."(2Tim 1:7)
He has power over death.
He gives us an eternal home in heaven.

6) Sixth, According to God's will

God is more interested in us knowing His will and obeying His
than just "saying our prayers."
What God wants is a heart obedient to His will.
Cry out with deep concerns of your heart,
and allow God to bring understanding, strength and comfort into your lives.
Know the heart of God; know His will.
Our prayers are often self-centred, outside the will of God.
God is committed to His loving plans and purposes for us.
God always has eternity in mind.

Prayer is not just for the purpose of getting God to help us,
but of getting our hearts and minds in line with God's will.
Through prayer, we receive wisdom for our lives.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
God desires to instruct us in the way we should go.

Proverbs 3:5,6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on thy own understanding;
in all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He'll make your paths straight."
If we lean on our own understanding, our hearts and minds can be full of the cares of this world.
Prayer is the secret to live without anxious thoughts.
But many people of the world try to do all things by themselves....
so they have stomach ulcers, heart attacks, insomnia and depression.
On the other hand, prayer produces spiritual understanding, even physical health.

Prayer gives us greater discernment, so that we're able to see what others cannot see.
Prayer helps us to hear the still, small voice in us,
hearing God speaking to us in our hearts,
sometimes giving a small warning,
and a word can change everything, making all the difference.

God's purposes are much larger than all our needs and requests.
The plans of God are beyond our imaginations, more than we can ever imagine.
Often we do not see the whole picture;
we ask for things that are unwise or even wrong.
God knows what is best for us.
God not only is working in us, but also working around us,
and often God guides us through our circumstances.

Jesus's prayer was heard because of His godly fear

2008-07-21T09:57:00.004+08:00

Hebrews5:7-10:
in the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to God, who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His godly fear; though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek".

Jesus always seek the Father's heart.
Because of godly fear, and reverent submission to God's will,
and the submissive attitude of His heart,
and yielding fully His life to the Father's will,
Jesus's prayer was heard.

Jesus knew the Father's love.
John 6:57
"As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father,
so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me."
Jesus lives because of the Father, and prayer was His lifeline.
The loving presence of God is His very life.
Beause of this love, Jesus prayed with strong emotions, with loud cries and tears(Heb 5:7).
Through prayer, Jesus prepared Himself to resist any temptation,
that could stand in the way of the Father's will.
Through prayer, He received strength to stay on the path of obedience.
Through prayer, His life was adjusted according to the Father's will.
This closeness kept Him safe.

Jesus said to the disciples,
"We ought always to pray and not to lose heart."

Jesus was one with the Father.
John 17:24: "The love with which You loved me may be in them, and I in them."
Is there oneness with the Lord as you pray?
If the Word of God is in your heart and mind,
and you spend time with the Father,
then you'll come to know His heart and will, as you pray.

Prayer is not just for the purpose of getting God to help you,
although there's nothing wrong to give Him a long list of petitions.
But are you listening? Because God is always speaking.
Are you hindered by pride and selfishness in your heart?
We often pray for our needs to be met, without considering God's eternal plans.
Allow God to open your understanding to His ways, truths and purposes. In the midst of a hurting and troubled world, do you maintain a singleness of mind to hear from the Father or do you tell God how you want Him to make you successful.

What is the one thing God wants fro you more than anything else?
obedience? dedication? prayers? time? service? fear of the LOrd? help the poor?
In one way or another, God asks for all these things.
But what does God want the most? What is His highest priority?
God desires our hearts.
Love thy God with all thy heart, all thy mind, all thy soul and all thy strength.

Through prayer, Jesus's life was patterned to the Father's will through daily adjustments.
john8:29: "I always do those things that please Him."
Jesus was obedient to the Father's will.
He learned obedience by the things He suffered.
He teaches us to pray, "Thy will be done; thy kingdom come."
In the Lord's Prayer, we see Jesus's heart for the Father's will.
In the Father's presence, His understanding was opened to what the Father was doing.
Through prayer, Jesus learned and prepared Himself to follow the Father's will, by adjusting His life to the Father's purposes. So Jesus always knew what to do and say, because He received instructions from the Father. Jesus prayed with godly fear and reverent submission. Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

In the same way, we also, by the things that we suffered,
and through the process of prayer with godly fear and reverent submission,
even with loud cries and tears, and obedience in the midst of suffering,
we are being perfected.
Prayer in our lives give the Father the opportunity to shape and change us
to His will and purpose,
so that God can accomplish His redemptive work in and through us.

power of prayer

2008-07-20T20:33:00.012+08:00

Prayer has power. A person has more strength when he's at prayer.
Effective prayer is offered in faith.
When we're in a threatening situation, the normal tendency is to panic.
Many stories could be told of fear being replaced by calm through the power of prayer.
If we remain calm, placing faith in God and believing that we'll receive God's direction,
we'll eventually find the answer to our problem.

We all face challenges in life - physical, emotional and relationship challenges,
and at times we go through great pains.
But if you have confidence that God is in control, in charge of your life,
and that He'll help you through,
then your relationship with God is your strength.
And that relationship is grounded in prayer, if you are praying always with all prayer
and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance.

Sometimes we try so hard to solve the problems of our health, our children, our business,
or our future that we become agitated or depressed.
psalm46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."
Prayer is more than a plea; it's a place where we must spend time if we are to learn its power.

As we face problems and personal suffering
, we must not forget that our prayers are subject to His will.
This takes the burden off us and gives it to the Lord.
His will is the best for us.
The difficulty is knowing the will of God.
We cannot find true peace outside the will of God.

Prayers that are selfish, vengeful, or mean are not in the will of God.
The answer from God can be yes or no or wait.
God'll not let us down in the hour of our need,
but God'll answer our prayer in His own way and time.
Most of the times, God does not give us what we ask for,
because God has a better plan which we do not know.

How are we to pray, in what manner? We can follow Jesus's pattern.
How did Jesus pray?
Jesus frequently prayed alone, setting Himself away from every distraction. So must we.
Jesus prayed with great earnestness, always seeking to do the Father's will.
His prayer was heard because of His godly fear.(Hebrews 5:7),
because of the submissive attitude of His heart.
He fully yielded His life to the Father's will. He always set His heart to obey the Father's wiill.
God also reads our hearts as we pray.
Jesus entered prayer with godly fear and reverent submission toward God's will.

God desires to reveal Himself to us and give us more and more of His presence and power
to bring about His plans and purposes earth.
The devil desires to keep us from having God's presence and power
actively at work in us to accomplish God's goals for mankind.

The devil knows the effectiveness of a righteous person who is praying with faith.
He'll send little thoughts into our minds to get us off track.
He does not want you to trust God's word in all situations.
He'll keep you busy or distracted so you don't pray or meditate on God's Word;
so that you'll become more anxious about things, more fearful of things,
some of which are unknown, making you think wrong thoughts;
so that you become a burden bearer, and because the responsibily is so great,
you don't want to be responsible for anything at all.

People with a heavy heart, experience weariness, too weary even to read the bible or pray,
no energy to get up, get dressed and go to church;
he is in a state of weakness; and the weaker he becomes,
the more he focus on himself...his needs, his failures.
In a weak state, it's easier for the fiery arrows to hit you.

A person strong in faith has great joy;
joy in turn produces great spiritual strength...the joy of theLord is my strength.
The person who prays has renewed energy and a zest for living.
Such a person feels strong and is eager to take on life's challenges.
Prayer helps one to trust the Father, to claim the promises of God,
to listen to God, and receive His wisdom.

Praying in the Spirit includes praying in tongues.
It means to pray under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It means to be sensitive to His promptings about what to pray, how to pray.
It means to obey the promptings to speak or act in specific ways at specific times.
Pray about those situations beyond the horizon of your life or the lives of others.
Pray for God to redeem them, change them and bless them.

As you pray in the face of a spiritual attack, set your mind on the vastness of God's power.
In the face of fear, God gives us boldness.

Through prayer, we have better understanding of God's word, greater discernment,
greater awareness of sin, and greater energy and strength.

if My people will humble themselves...

2008-07-20T14:53:00.004+08:00

2Chronicles 7:14 :
"if My people will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,
and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

psalm51:1-6,10-11,16-17
1: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your loving kindness;
according to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
blot out my transgressions.
2: Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.
3: For I acknowledge my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4: Against You have I sinned and done evil.
5: I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin, my mother conceived me.
6: You desire truth in the inward parts,
and in the hidden part You will make me to know You.
10: Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11: Do not cast me away from Your presence,
and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
16: For You do not desire sacrifice.
17: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
a broken and a contrite heart....
these, O God, You will not despise.

Revelation3:16,18-21
16: Because you're lukewarm, I will vomit you out.
18: I counsel you to buy from Me GOLD refined in the FIRE, that you may be rich;
and white garments, that you may be clothed,
that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed;
and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.
Therefore be zealous and repent.
20: Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21: To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His Throne.

The Lord is saying to you....

Know that I, the Lord your God, is indeed the Almighty God,
who created the heavens and the earth.
Repent from your old ways, and sin no more.
Obey the Holy Spirit and be convicted of your wrong doings.
Open your heart and ears to My still small voice in you,
because I am always speaking. Do not shut Me off.

Do not take My mercy and grace for granted. Do not test Me.
But repent before My presence, and humble yourself.
Go down on your knees and pray earnestly.
Straighten things out, if you've hurt someone else.

Know that I know your thoughts and your future.
Let not your mind be the devil's workshop,
but instead occupy yourself with righteous and holy acivities.

Do not look down on others, even your loved ones,
even though you think you're better.
But be more loving, more thoughtful...
among family members, church members and other people.
Remember no one is perfect; therefore judge not other people and find fault,
but be forgiving, merciful and gracious to one another.
Be slow to anger and judgement, or judgement shall come upon you.
Fear the Lord, your God, for I'm a jealous God.
And do not murmur or complain or chase after earthly things.

Be an overcomer over earthly things. How?
Pray and seek Me everyday.
Repent before the Lord, and be humble and be patient.
Know that I am always with you, through the storms and hardships.
Think positive; hope for good things. Stay holy and righteous.
Make sure there's peace and unity, even your own families.
Be after My heart.
Make sure your heart is clean, that I may dwell in you.
Do things not according to your heart's desire, but do things with My love.

The time is near. The last days are coming; be prepared.
Therefore guard your heart, that your name is in the Book of Life. ,

Do not let Me grieve over your sins.
Do not go astray; repent with My help and strength.
For I will never desert you.
And I'll not ask you of something you're not able to do.

Without true humility of heart and compassion and love in our characters,
all our worship and the preaching of the Word are in vain.
There's too much pride in our hearts; and we cannot see our own pride.
"anoint your eyes with eye salve that you may see."

Repentance is more than just saying, "sorry". It also means, "I want to change for eternity."
Through our prayers and supplications, and submission and obedience in the midst of suffering,
with passionate cries and tears, and with godly fear, we shall be made perfect.
We shall be changed and shaped to God's will and purpose,
so that God can accomplish His redemptive through us.
We're to be made for greater works.

wait on the Lord

2008-07-20T01:02:00.000+08:00

Isaiah 40:31 :
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not be faint.

God renews the strength of those are weary and exhausted, and who look to Him.
If we rely on God and exercise our faith, God can make us into people who're resilient.
There'll come times when we're too weak to run, walk or even too weak to crawl.
But the Spirit of God can give us wings of faith to help us fly.
Yes, you can fly, because the Spirit will carry and sustain you.
The Spirit has become the wind beneath your wings.

Yes we're running the race in order to win the prize.
We're running the marathon race; yet we're to remain calm.
We're moving and doing; yet we're to be still and know that He's Lord.
We're to stay still in the presence of God.
We're running with speed; yet our breathing remains calm, our focus steady.
If we're running the marathon, we cannot afford to get too excited,
because the anxiety will cut off the wind.
So we've to be calm, steady our course, get rid of our fears,
dwell not on the past or worry about the future.
And we lift up our heads,look ahead at Jesus and run with endurance.
And we'll find the wind of God's breath beneath our wings,
and we'll soar like an eagle beyond our own expectations.

We're to run with endurance, in a calm and steadfast way.
We relax in the midst of stress, as we run.
It is by faith. Faith gives power under control,
so that we can relax in the midst of all the stressful situations in life.
If we're to see victory, then our strength must be harnessed,
our vision must be focussed,
and our stride be steady.

do not be overloaded

2008-07-20T00:35:00.000+08:00

The ship that Apostle Paul was in, on the way to Rome....on the 2nd day, the people on board threw all their cargos into the raging sea. The things that once seemed so important, may be the things that need to be unloaded...old habits, old hurts and memories, past failures and disappointments should all be thrown into the sea of God's forgetfulness, because we must move on.

Overloaded people fail.
Like an airplane, we can only carry a certain amount of weight. Or else how can we soar like the eagle? We all make mistakes in life; we all have regrets, but we must move beyond them. We must trim off the excesses, get rid of things and habits that hinder us. For many, their bags are too heavy, but they won't let them go.

Too often, our actions are dictated, not by our own sense of true purpose in life, but are dictated by a misguided need to please other people. We want to make others happy, and will do anything to win their approvals. We care so much about what others think. Although it's good to be concerned for others, if you're always looking for approval, you're not looking where you're going...you're going in the wrong direction.

Acts 5:29 : "We ought to obey God rather than men"
Therefore learn to let go, so that you can fly. Release yourself from the past, trim off the excess load, know your calling...your goal and purpose in life.

be still and know He's Lord....

2008-07-17T13:50:00.003+08:00

We cannot find peace outside the will of God. Even as we face the storms and crisis and perplexities of life, when all hope is gone, when "the terrible storms raged unabated many days , until at last all hope was gone", and like Paul in Acts 27:23, we can say, "For there stood by me this night, an angel of the God to whom I belong, and to whom I serve, saying, "Do not be afraid. You must be brought before Ceasar."

Everything that happens, happens for a reason. When you get into a traffic jam that lasts for hours, do not fight against it. Patiently wait when it's time to move. This way, you find peace. You move in the will of God. You must allow God to move in, to take control. Your heart attitude must be right. Therefore be still, and know that God is in control.

2Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Right now, the temptation to move ahead of God is great, when the suddenness of this storm propels you to react out of desperation rather than faith. This will only leads you to poverty, and sin. But everything within you screams to do something.

Proverbs 21:5 "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty."

Proverbs 19:2 "Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet."

But by the mercy and grace of God, the Lord shows you that by jumping ship, you're only diving into the turbulent waters. So you cry you,"Lord, bring to a halt the furious thoughts racing in my head. Give me the presence of mind to be still and know that You are God."

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."

Psalm 62:1-2 "Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved."

O Lord, I bring my thoughts, emotions, words, and my actions under Your control. Lead me by Your Spirit, and stop me before I move ahead of You. Please, Lord, quicken my spirit to hear Your voice, so that I can rest in Your assurance, that even the wind and the raging sea obey You. Open my eyes to see that You are as near to me in my turmoil, as You are to me when everything is at peace. I want to walk by faith, not by sight, regardless of the rising waves that surround me.

Lord God, You are my salvation. I will trust in You, and not be afraid, for You are in control.

Jesus said,"Father, I know you always hear me."

God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Have you consistently seek God, believing that He hears you? As you seek to understand God's will for your life, God will lay His heart over your heart and mind; as you obey Him, you will abide in His love, and one with Him; your loud cries and tears will be heard, and His presence shall lead you; you shall pray ith confidence of heart, knowing that the Father hears.

There'll be times when you find yourself, crying out to the Lord, with deep concerns of heart as you follow Him, but you can be confident in the Father's love to hear and answer your prayers, as you submit your life to Him, even if you have to drink the cup like Jesus did. There should be a determination in our heartsto seek te Father's heart and will; the voice of God should be our source of joy, strength and hope.

Paul heard the angel sent to him by God, and he was assured and strengthened. Jesus heard the Father at the garden of Gethsemane."Abba, My Father, all things are possible with you; if it's possible, let this cup pass from me, but nevertheless, let your will be done."

As we listen and obey the voice of God, the Father will be able to fully accomplish His eternal purpose in us and through us. God always has eternity in mind. And greater works we shall do in His name. Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered (Hebrews5). So must we. He prayed with loud cries and tears. So must we. His prayer to the Father was heard because of His godly fear and reverent submission to the Father's will.

"And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him."(Hebrews 5:9). Through the process of continual prayer, submission and obedience in the midst of suffering, Jesus was made perfect. And God was able to fully accomplish His will through Jesus.

Prayer in our lives is purposed by God to change and shape us to His will and purpose, so that God can accomplish His redemptive work in and through us. May we allow God to adjust us as we pray. God is faithful to provide to those who call upon Him.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My srength is made perfect in weakness." When God says 'No", it is because of His perfect love and wisdom.The provisions of God are many, and they come in a multitude of ways.Therefore do not lose faith or lose heart, but continue to submit in prayer to God's will, and to believe the promises of God. In spite of the dark clouds, in spite the great storms and thunders, in spite the hopeless situations, even when there's no sheep in the pen, no cattle in the vine, we know that God is in control.

Father in heaven,

We want to come to you, to cast all our burdens unto You in prayer to You, not holding anything back from You.

Help us Lord, to live our lives according to Your will, and not according to other people's expectations of us. For You're the One who holds our future in Your hand. You're the hope we look to everyday, for You'll be with us throughout our whole lives.

Help us to draw close to You, for You alone understands all our disappointments, and You know everything there's to know. Help us to wait upon You, and renew our strength in You. Help us to feel Your every heart-beat, knowing deep down inside Your heart, You're filled with brokenness and sorrow for us. The moment we sin, it breaks Your heart. The moment we reject another person, we reject You.

Help us to always trust in You, following Your leading, and not to waver or go astray or lose our focus on You, but to always think about You, and dwell in Your presence and carry Your annointing. It is faith from a sincere heart that You look for...trust and loyalty from a sincere heart, not just faith by words or by thoughts.

Help us to humble before You, and be brought low, so that You can pour in, and pour in, into us, filling us with Your love, Your Spirit and power, and putting Your mind into ours.

If I continually keep my mind upon You, You will unfold things to me,
and if I obediently walk before You, and keep my heart pure and clean and holy and right,
You, O Lord, will always be lifting me higher and higher than I ever shall expect.

our confidence is in....

2008-07-15T20:53:00.001+08:00

2Corinthians 3:4,5 :
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think anything as of ourselves,
but our sufficiency is of God."

Our trust is in God. There is much failure in self-assurance. We must not rest upon anything that's human.God has promised to be with us at all times, and to make the path straight, and to make a way through the mountains. God never fails; He knows the end from the beginning.

Psalm 73:25-26 :
Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
My flesh and my heart fail;
But my God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

O God, You're my only hope.
You're the strength of my heart, and everything I will ever need.
When everyone around me is wilting under the pressure,
teach me, O Lord, to remain steadfast.
The testing of my faith shall produce endurance,
and I shall be mature and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4).
I shall reap if I faint not.
"He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might
He increases strength"(Isaiah40:29).
In my exhaustion, renew me like tha eagle so I can run and not be weary;
so I can walk and not faint.
When I reach my breaking point, You'll provide a way of escape.(1Cor.10:13)

The day and night are alike to the man, who rests completely in the will of God,
knowing that
"all things work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8:28

ushers of life

2008-07-15T13:57:00.000+08:00

As you travel beyond your limitations, you will meet new people. They are placed at various stations in your life to enlarge you. Do not ignore them. They are God's messengers. They help you to open doors and neutralize your fears.

There was such an usher on assignment, sent to a young girl who needed aid in adjusting to a new world:

(Ruth 2:2-4) ...
"so Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favour." And Naomi said to her, "Go, my daughter." Then she left, and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz who was of the family of Elimelech. Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, "The Lord be with you." And they answered him,"The Lord bless you!"

Ruth was new to Bethlehem. She began by gleaning behind those who were reaping. She picked up things by just listening. If you want to elevate yourself, associate with those who have matriculated into the areas you aspire to, and catch what they drop until you have caught up with what they have. Ruth stayed close to an older waman named Naomi, who was at a different maturity. There were times when they did not relate to each other. But differences and distinctions were put there by God to bring forth growth. Naomi understood where Ruth had been and where she was currently.
We are a product of our past. The past shapes many of our likes and dislikes, eccentricities and peculiarities. Only a very secure minority has the capacity to grow with you. Naomi was her tutor and mentor, sent by God into her life. Ruth had to depend on God as well as on who God had sent into her life.

God blessed Ruth, yet she found herself in an unfamiliar and stressful world. Being blessed can be stressful. The blessing of the Lord will make you lie down at night and ponder to yourself, "This is a long way from home."

Yes, it is a very long way from home, but you can handle it. If you are going to the promised land, you must leave home.

patience brings forth hope

2008-07-14T00:16:00.001+08:00

Our worst enemies are the ones that live within us.

The times that challenge our faith are when all efforts fail.
Patience is what God gives you when bad things remain unchanged.
Patience is the furnace that brings forth hope.

God will give you the grace to sustain you,
the grace to overcome emotions and feelings,
the grace to pursue your goals, while ignoring the pain.
God works in unexpected ways to bring you to strength and joy in the midst of suffering.

There's joy to be discovered in the midst of suffering.
Without the dark clouds, we would never know the joy of sunshine.
We can become hard and unteachable, if we refuse to learn from our pains.

But if the cup seems too bitter, or burdens too heavy, be sure we cast the burdens unto the Lord.

O Lord, in my dakness and despair, who can I turn to?
My hope is in You.
In this dark hour, I hold fast to You.
I rest in Your goodness, faithfulness, and love.
Though I cannot see You in the darkness, I believe in You.
You're working everything together for good.
I'll not be downcast; I'll not be disturbed within.
I place my hope in your promises.
I look not at my circumstances, but I look up toward You in heaven.
I walk by faith, not by sight.
You give me the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
I shall learn of You, for Your yoke is easy, and Your burden light.
You shall plant me by the waters, and even in drought,
I'll yield fruit because of my trust in You.
You'll keep me in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.
I'll fix my thoughts on You, for You're my refuge and my fortress.
In the name of Jesus, I take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2Cor.10:5).
I pull out all roots of anger, anxiety and bitterness from my mind,
and I command my frenzied thoughts to come to a standstill, in Jesus's name.
Replace the my wrong thoughts with Your Thoughts.
Let Your Word renews my mind.
I'll lie down in peace and sleep;
for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (psalm 4:8).
And when I awaken, Your grace shall enable me to face another day.

God's help during temptations

2008-07-13T17:41:00.001+08:00

You may think that you are tried more than other people are.
If you knew the value of it,
you would praise God for the trials that come your way.

It is in the trials that you are purified;
it is through the fiery furnance of affliction
that God gets you in the place where He can use you.

The person who has no trials and no difficulties
is the person whom God dare not allow Satan to touch
because he could not stand temptation.
Before God puts you through the furnance of afflictions,
He knows you will go through,
and not one single temptation
comes to any person more than he is able to bear;
and with the temptation, God is always there to help you through.

Abraham was tempted and God helped him through to victory.
God wants to make us like Jesus.
As we look back over our spiritual journey,
we see that there has been a good deal of our own way,
and that the end of our way was the beginning of God's way.
We cannot enter into the deep things of God
until we are free from our own ideas and ways.
How mercifully God preserves us from calamity.

Hebrews 4:16
" Let us therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

There's no way I can withstand the allure of temptation on my own.
My feelings neutralise my resistance.
My flesh craves gratification.
It's a war, fought on the battlefield of my soul...my mind, will and emotions.
I win only as my spirit works in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

The Lord is leading you...

2008-07-13T07:22:00.004+08:00

Know where the Lord is leading you to;
know your calling and walk in the calling.
Always trust in Him; follow His leading.
Do not waver, or go astray or lose your focus.
Think about God, every second of your life; do not lose touch with Him.
Always dwell in His presence, and carry His annointing upon you.
Know that you have a purpose in life.

The Lord loves you, but do you love Him?
Do you really love Him,
that you are willing to do whatever it takes to keep your faith,
and continue to believe in Him?

When you in the darkness, you might not see or feel Him,
but will you still believe in Him?
that He is still able to rescue you?
What God wants is your faith,
that comes from your heart,
not just faith by words or by thoughts. ..but trust and loyalty from a sincere heart.

Be committed to Him, and be there when He calls.
God has shown His undying love for you and me on the cross,
and the moment we sin, God's heart is broken.
The more we hate each other, or stay apart from each other,
the body of Christ, which is the church, is divided.
The moment we reject another person, we reject Him...
Do not turn your back against God, for we will be judged on our actions.

experience the mind of the Spirit

2008-07-12T09:47:00.002+08:00

Too many people are concerned about appearances..how they look.
The main thing is to experience the mind of the Spirit deeply within yourself
more clearly today than you had the day before;
that nothing comes between you and God to cloud your mind.
When you continually keep your mind upon God, He unfolds things to you.
When you obediently walk before God, and you keep your heart pure, clean, holy and right,
the Lord will always be lifting you higher than you have ever expected to be.
Live in the Spirit, and God puts His mind into yours.

And how does this come about?
It comes when we are in a place low enough,
and where God can pour in, pour in, pour in, and fill you with His power and Spirit.

God is going to bring many sons to glory.
The Lord is tender to those who cry to Him.
He never turns away from the broken hearted,
and those who seek Him with a whole heart will find Him.
A measure of faith is given to him who says, " I will go all the way with Jesus."
But there are some who have sown the good seed and yet lose out,
if they do not press forward.

reap what you think

2008-07-11T14:15:00.000+08:00

There is nothing more hollow than empty words and lofty cliches, that have no real meaning or compassion in them. They roll listlessly from the mouths of people whose conversations are meant to entertain, but have no capacity to edify.
I would rather spend more time with myself, to warm myself at the fire of my own thoughts and smile with the contentments of the riches contained therein.

psalm19:14 :
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
The Lord is my strength and my redeemer.

Do you know that your thoughts need to be healed? Your thoughts can be the product of damaged emotions, traumatic events, and vicious opinions forced upon you by domineering people.
Do not let past determine who you are today. There people plagued by memories of traumatised chilhood, failed marriages, broken promises and personal failures. The pasts eat at their thoughts. To be healed in your mind, you must think on better thoughts.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report,
if there be any virtue, any praise, think on these things.

reap what you think 2

2008-07-07T11:20:00.000+08:00

A thought is a seed that, if not aborted, will produce off-spring somewhere in your life. Choose carefully what you meditate upon. An evil thought will rearrange your goals, dreams, and it can be planted by the evil one. A thought can feed on an incident in the past and grows, and weaken you. A thought can be as dangerous as the action itself. Remember the Korean boy in an American school, who rehearsed how he was going to get even. It materialised.

Therefore you must quickly cast down an evil thought before it becomes part of you, before it drains away your commitment to excellence and leaves you crying in the valley of regret. Who will know what you really think, but God knows. You reap what you sow, even in your thoughts.
Sow good seeds and reap the rewards. If no one knows what you think, why shouldn't you allow your minds to collect rubbish and poisons, without regard to cleaning and renewing your mind? Even the computer needs clean-up to function properly, what with so many modern day viruses.

We become what we think. It is not just the lust and greed we must clean out, but pride, anger, hatred, unforgiveness, arrogance, envy and jealousy. If you are impregnated with a bad seed, better abort the baby before full term.

Most people who are unsuccessful in their lives do not lack talent. Why are such talented people unsuccessful? There always seemed to be some little thought they entertained that affected their commitment to excellence. Some dwarfed self-image, or over-inflated ego, or anger and hatred that leave them no peace of mind, or arrogance and over-confidence,or lack of humility and wisdom.

The Word of God is your lifeline to repair your damaged thoughts about life, about others, about yourself, about right and wrong, and your purpose on this imperfect earth.

Isaiah 55:9-11
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall My word be that goeth forh out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing hereto I sent it.