Welcome to our Journal. Sharing with you moments with the Lord through the Word in which we hope to inspire you, with your own personal journey and growth in the Lord for the long haul.
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25 May 2010
GOD's GOODNESS
I can't help but realize more and more of God's goodness upon my life. It begins with looking at yourself. As I begin to reflect on what perfect physical form I have, with gifts and talents to do all that I have wanted to do. Went where I wanted go. Did all that I've done. I can't thank God enough for for everything that I have, both the human form as well as what it produces.
In today's self centered society, many times we stumble upon for example beggars on the road, streets and we hear remarks like "better not give, its a con or a syndicate". As we continue to lavish the extra money we have on accessive accessories and stuff we actually don't need, wouldn't it hurt to even give your loose change? Whether its a syndicate or con, we as Christians shouldn't have a common perception like the world does of these people.
How would it be, if you were the one to be begging on the streets?
I am sure as they watch every sandle & shoes that pass them by, in their hearts, a sorrowful cry for HELP, but to no avail when we turn our eyes and zip our purses up.
Don't you realize how blessed you are already by having a job, a car, a house, money in your pocket to buy anything you need. In many sense, you are not the one sitting on the street. Thank God for what you have when others don't seem to have anything.
But to give not just being compassionate, but give because you know a little might help. And as the bible says that we never know when we entertain Angels along our journey in life.
19 Jan 20 10
HOSPITAL
Receiving sms' is a common daily affair, but once you receive one calling upon your urgent visit to the hospital, we tend to stop and take a deep breath, literally seizing what we were doing at that very moment. Thoughts run through our mind. Glimpses of memories begin to flash past.
Hardly a year had even past when famous TV Personality Robert Lam was hosting our MBPJ Easter Concert at Dewan Sivik PJ last year, now stricken with cancer. Upon seeing him tonight, a drastic physical change and transformation from an able bodied man to an unusually frail frame. Yet he was cheerful and composed. Surrounded by relatives and friends, much love was felt as a corporate prayer was addressed to the request of brother Robert.
After leaving the hospital, I began to reflect about life. Looking at the surrounding as I was on my bike, I uttered to the Lord, wow Lord, its kind of difficult leaving all this (world) behind as we grown so accustomed to the way of it. Sure we as Christians understand the destination of where we are heading, but still it's a lot to leave behind. We can't imagine the transition at that point when we take our very last breath.
But with our faith, we have peace of mind, assurance and confidence of what is waiting on the other side.
The Lord brought the words "A time to be born, a time to die" a simple understanding that none of us are sparred from death. We all will eventually die.
Whether its now or later. To lie and face death in the hospital for most are gripped with fear. But as the Lord has graciously made a way for us as Christians, we can look at death as a welcoming phase to a brand new beginning.
What I will continue to remember from this hospital visits as well as memories of some of my dear friends who had passed on is that, to live each day with greater thanksgiving, gratitude and purpose. To thank God for my strong physical body and all the abilities I am able to perform.
Thanking God for my giftings and talents whom I have enjoyed all the accomplishments thus far.
Thanking God that throughout this life, it is only by the mercy and grace of the Lord that He continues to sustain and allow me to live.
I'll never know when my time is up, but to continue to get right with God everyday, plus to get others around me right with the Lord too.
The memory of all who have passed on will eventually be relived when we meet again in another place after this life.
Thoughts
Its also an interesting thought that in hospitals, you pray a lot more and you pray for others too regardless of race or religion.
That in hospitals too you begin to realize a greater perspective of life when you are healthy and others are bed ridden.
That in hospitals too every patient has a father, mother, brother, sister, relatives and it is in these times they are the ones beside you.
That in hospitals too, you see tears of sadness on a parents face when their child is suffering and they wished it could be the reverse.
Say a prayer of whomever you know who are going through these times.
24 Nov 09
HUMILITY
Wow! Woe! Woo!
In the Course of my Christian walk, often I am on guard with ethics giving careful thoughts to my words. But God being the sovereign and Al Mighty knows further and deeper of what is for the best and how He rallies key people to speak into my life. An increase measure of humility is needed as I continue to progress and develop in my character that can only be further moulded and shaped in the journey of my faith.
As much as my human wisdom and mindfulness to guard my choice of words, many times I too fail as my flesh takes over to slander and condemn. Not realising the extent and damage my words have done. But to be spoken to after and being addressed in Godly rebuke, does somewhat bring me down back to earth to realize that I myself am imperfect. At the end of the day its simply this "If you don't have nice things to say about others, than just shut up".
Sometimes it is good to be humbled along the way. It keeps us in check and in line. Most of all it keeps us reminded of the humility of Christ.
Although it is not a pleasant experience to go through, but it is an area we all need to face, head -on and with Godly perspective.
To face the truth because we were the root cause of the problem. We were the reason for the unforgiveness in our brothers and sisters.
We might have been the cause or contributing factor to those who have grown cold and withered away from the faith.
15 Oct 09
SEXUAL SINS
Sexual sins not a popular topic of discussion, I believe because it has evolved to be a common practice and made worst, a common culture in the young generations of today all over the world.
In fact, it’s a cultural acceptance that, to loose your virginity is THE coolest! thing. While all the MTV’s portrayal of non full nudity in its content, is already enough to stir lust and sinful desires to experiment with one another regardless of age or gender.
The Hollywood industry of marriage is a cultural shame that has tarnished and eradicated the sanctity, sacredness and wholeness of both individuals to present themselves pure before each other prior to the union as husband and wife.
Hollywood pretty much sums up the perfect marriage, made of beauty queens and kings and not settling for anything less than million dollar mansions. It’s about the pretty purses and dresses you parade in, while trying to hook up with the best looking, jaw dropping hunky male you can swindle. But sadly Hollywood IS the in-thing for our generation and those to come.
Fearfully we are living in a generation of people who is adapting to the cultures of immorality with a conscience that is tolerant and acceptable disregarding God in totality.
It is made tolerant and acceptable even in the Churches of today.
The churches of today have gravely misrepresented God in the understanding of His grace. And because of that, for example we see an alarming growth of permissible same sex marriages in churches of the world today.
What does that tell us? It tells us that the church has lost the voice and chain of command, in representing a higher order of God’s sacred laws, compromised its integrity, adapting to the values and approval of society rather than honoring the sovereignty of God in whom the church is suppose to represent and uphold.
It does not mean that God hates homosexuals. He loves them just the same as all of us but detest its practices and lifestyle and hope that they too turn from their ways, to find restoration and the salvation by grace upon their lives through Jesus Christ.
I foresee a greater fear of God’s judgment not to those who didn’t accept Christ or those who turned away from God, but the church and Christians. Why didn’t we honor and uphold His commands and laws when He has given us the platform and positions such as pastors, leaders, influential artists, people on the platform, a pulpit to proclaim His laws and teachings that will bring restoration to lives who are truly lost. But instead, we misrepresent and use the pulpit for agendas that are ungodly, reaping the consequences of a society that rebels, who lost or waver in their faith and ultimately turned their ways that to the world.
The church has lost its position of influence and voice to stand for truth and act based on the truth as perceived by the generations of today, simply because the internal anatomy of the Church through the lives it represent has itself been infected. That immorality exists in the body of Christ and is practiced by Christians alike.
How are we as a church or as an individual going to edify another or a non believer when we ourselves are not fit by God’s standards to preach, sing and represent Him to make a difference to the world?
Until we as Christians rise up in our dedication to live holy lives with discipline and obedience, be it an individual or a church, our effectiveness and influence over the lawlessness of the world will have no effect and power or authority even by representing His Name.
It begins with us looking in the mirror and reflect upon the moral standards of God in ourselves and addressing it.
We as Christians are privileged to know and have the truth in our grasp, with wisdom through the Word of God, through prayers that bring upon conviction by the Holy Sprit and if we still fail to uphold His laws, indeed a fearful judgment awaits us.
We as the "Chosen" have no excuse in both living and applying the laws of God in our own lifestyles as we also help edify others to live up to God' s call to be holy and pleasing before Him.
Jas 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Until we as Christians learn to live a righteous life as Christ lived it, through obedience and reverent submission to the Father in all the requirements of His standards and laws, our prayers and influence upon the people within and outside the Church will be useless, trampled by the evil one who takes a blow mocking God.
Let us arise to know that the positions entrusted to us as ministers, comes with a higher standard, measured not just by His grace, but His expectations.
27 June 09
DISTINCTION
As I read my favourite book of Romans, it is profoundly clear that God's distinct distinction of obedience and disobedience helps set our path ahead in our journey with Him. Indeed we have no excuse for what we will receive because His Word has made clear to us of both distinctions. However, we have choices to choose for ourselves. Many times the direction from God upon our lives seems difficult and challenging that we choose otherwise. Only later to find ourselves in a more difficult and prolong situation that we then, realize what God has instored earlier was better. As always, God's love for us is unconditional and He continues to pick us up where we are and encourage us.
The pursuit of Godliness is a call that we respond in urgency, deligence using the Word of God and His laws as a guide and focus that will enable us to reap the promised blessings. But it is one we pursue with great discipline and with a perspective as if today is my "last" day on earth. Living with a sense of urgency that is, will help us constructively improve our daily lives in all departments of our character and attitudes for blessings and benefits of what is ahead.
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and imortality, he will give eternal life.-Romans 2:7
But those who are self seeking and who rejects the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. Romans 2:8
8 June 09
GRACE
A short video clip was shown to the congregation in relating the hurts and discouragement of foreign refugees in our country, in many ways suffering under the unjust oppression of their employers, whose companies exploit their physical well being to working them overtime and often, not paying them due salaries, compensations or humanitarian help when called for. In the video segment, an immensely moving scene of a spokesperson relating an incident of a brother who was sitting beside him who had no hands on both sides.
Relating how the accident took place in the factory where this brother was stationed at a moulding press machine in which requires you to place the object under the compression mould. In a sudden unexpected mishap, the power tripped and while both his hands were still inside the area of compression, the machine compressed and crushed both his hands.
While wiping away his tears, it was obvious that what was left was a stump on both hands. He lost his palm and all his fingers on both hands.
The Company sacked him and didn?t want to take responsibility to ensure his well being. Now sitting hopelessly he gestured ?There is no point in me living? Nobody wants to hire me and therefore I am unable to feed myself and help myself. There is no point living.
Tears continually ran down as the distraught look on his face relates the painful and hopeless situation he is in.
After the sermon and as the benediction was read, the very first words states:
Now may the grace of the Lord be with you etc
My tears started to plunder down. Heavy weighted tears strolled down as I reflected on our dear brother whose hands were gone. It brought about a fresh new perspective, meaning of the benediction and about the word GRACE.
Grace that as I stand to receive His grace, I didnt have to go through the suffering of losing my hands. To realize what and where I am, I am so privileged that I am living the life I am. To have all my necessities and wants fulfilled when others flee in the fear of their lives being brutally taken senselessly.
To be able to sleep on my queen size bed tucked with fine sheets and soft cushioned pillows snug me in every single night with comfort while others sleep in cardboard boxes in the chills of the concrete flooring beneath them.
O how gracious our Father who lavished His grace upon us.
Be thankful and be mindful of others.
22 May 09
WORSHIP IS
A wonderful description of what worship is all about, found in 1 Chronicles in which David was addressing the leaders of Israel to help his son Solomon to build and prepare the temple. The call to be devoted to our entire being by seeking the Lord in all of our heart, mind, and soul as we prepare the sanctuary which is our bodies for the residence of the Holy God to take His place within us, that we are to be instruments through His works for the glory of the Lord.
This would be a powerful verse of scripture to check the condition of our hearts in where it is.
1Chronicles 22:19.
1Ch 22:19 Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD."
17 April 09
A CURSE?
The sufferings that fate inflicts on us should be borne with patience.
Upon waiting for the Lift at my office lobby, there mounted on the wall, an electronic visual advertisement read the above. In a Christian perspective, probably the difference would be the end word, patience to perseverance. The sufferings that fate inflicts on us should be borne with perseverance. Because in perseverance, it moulds character and at the end produces hope.
Ro 5:3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
Ro 5:4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Ro 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Therefore we should not live life in a despairing mode with a mindset that we are cursed because of circumstances, but living it with a foresight that, through our daily dissappointments, sufferings, there's a greater hope that awaits us at the end of life, through Jesus that will bring us to an eternal place of peace and glorious magnificence of God.
A curse now, a cure in making.
6 April 09
WHAT ARE YOU MADE UP OF?
Mt 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
Mt 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mt 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Mt 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds y and praise your Father in heaven.
As Christians we are called to be a potent agent, a commandment of the Word of God as such stated above. The level of saltiness or potency as Christians, has to do with the contents of what we are made of on the inside. The person within. How do you gauge the person within? As Christians the benckmark has been set with the reference to Jesus being the perfect example. Not just in the department of works, services, but His nature, character, attitude, temperament, responses etc.
Like any packed food product, its rear would have the information of its nutritional facts or contents. Calories, sugars, fact, energy etc.
Similarly as human beings, we are made up by our character, attitudes, our nature in response, our thinking, perceptions which therefore represents the contents of our being.
More than just ordinary people, as Christians what we should be made of are, the by-products of Christ. And in so, we practically have no excuse to slack in our behaviour, response, attitude, temperament, character because we've already aquired the truth that is found in Christ to address such issues within ourselves in these areas.
Further enchanced by the Word of God that is the Spoken Word! to help address all areas of our lives through the conviction of the Holy Sprit that will bring about a deep sense of repentance to correct oneself, by examining our thoughts and hearts, daily.
As Christians, our lives must not just be centered on Christ-like activities, but the centering of The Charater of Christ as our main priority. To achieve the understanding of the character of Christ, is not merely by head-knowledge from the Word of God, but the engaging of payer as faith turned into action in response to what the Word of God addresses in our hearts.
Prayer that is centered to address the internal state, reflecting and examining the conditions of our hearts and minds, laid bare before God.
Recognising our own flaws, errors, error in judgement, wrong thoughts of speculation, evil thoughts of harm and come in humility to repent before God. Always remember that thoughts that come in forms of speculations, negative views, destructive ideas, to tear down, discourage are NEVER from the Lord.
We are at a constant battle with our minds daily, that is constantly bombarded by negative thoughts made worse with the lethal combination of emotional stress, circumstances and unfulfilled requirements. The fault lies in oneself by not centering on the Word of God, combined with the power of the Word through PRAYER that enables us to function and live with a sound mind.
A mind that is constantly engaging in God's Word through prayer is a mind that is sound in judgement, perceptions, response in ALL circumstances and situations.
When we are not engaging with God through prayer in reflecting upon His Word, our mind begin to idle. Oour minds will naturally be filled and consumed by ideas, self reasoning and if not careful, the deceptive seemingly harmless thoughts to justify our stand and judgement sets in. We then act and respond based on the fallen nature of men. That is where the trouble begins, when relating to people, our spouses, family members, friends etc. An idle mind is the devil's workshop!.
As Christians, our thoughts and conscience should be very very aware of who we are and what we are as Christians, representing the truth in the nature and character of Christ. Should we as a Christian be found to be hypocrites in the eyes of people / friends / family members / husbands / wives / bosses / around us, flawed by unresolved issues in our character and nature, we then are to be trampled and thrown out from the purposes of God's will upon our lives.
Have you been a stumbling block to people around us? Esp. non believers?
Have you been a stumbling block, discouragement to our fellow Christian brothers and sisters?
Have you even been a stumbling block to our parents?
Have you been a stumbling block to the Christian growth of our husbands or wives?
Have you been a stumbling block to fellow collegues or bosses in our work places?
You know the answers. I do too. It is a daily affair of internal self examination of your heart and mind, before God, repent and seek wise council from His Word. The very famous bible verse quotes: Matthew 7:3.
Mt 7:3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother?s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
Mt 7:4 How can you say to your brother, ?Let me take the speck out of your eye,? when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
Mt 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother?s eye.
3 April 09
SHELF LIFE
For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless
alike perish and leave their wealth to others - Ps 49:10
A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish - Ps 49:20
Death does not recognise all levels of wisdom, status and position. Death is designed by God, like a battery that has its life-span, shelf life. It was created to function by powering up whatever it needed for a period of time. We are like batteries in many ways, The Maker created us and fitted us into a place to work for a period of time, in which after Our Maker finally relieve our duties when death takes its appointed course. The Maker knows the time and the hour and we simply don't.
The point is, we as His created beings have a destiny. A destiny to realise that God has laid out the blue print for our salvation and the course of our life here on earth, is to heed the call and return to the path that leads to God that was once lost.
The fallen nature of Man that seeks to live apart from God is like a battery that thinks its re-chargable.
Unless we are "re-chargable" designed by our sovereign Maker to be so, the truth is that we've got only ONE chance to live and the only chance to making it right in our life time. Making it right is to simply discover and understand the foresight of the purpose of God's salvation for us while we are still on earth.
If you value your life, it is then to reverently acknowledge a higher sovereign power, God that has given you that life. But it has been designed to come with a shelf life that is unknown to us.
The comforts of worldy material possessions and security, lasts' as long as that given shelf life.
But the comforts of Godly perspective and security lasts' for eternity, surpassing the shelf life appointed to us on earth.
Ps 49:11 Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.
Ps 49:12 But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.
Ps 49:13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
Ps 49:14 Like sheep they are destined v for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.
Ps 49:15 But God will redeem my life from the grave; y he will surely take me to himself.
Ps 49:16 Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases;
Ps 49:17 for he will take nothing a with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.
Ps 49:18 Though while he lived he counted himself blessed? and men praise you when you prosper?
Ps 49:19 he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life .
Ps 49:20 A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
2 April 09
GOD's ELECT
Hi all, from time to time we need to monitor and be minful of our well being. Your well being concerns:
a) Your Spiritual Walk (Concerning your faith as a believer)
b) Your Priorities (Concerning your work, family, yourself)
c) Your Time Management (Concernng HOW you govern your time)
d) Your Health (Concerning how sickly or how well you are)
e) Your Physical (Concerning your physical well being, overweight, tiredness, lethargy ness)
f) Your Obligations (Concerning your devout time to your work, ministry, family)
g) Your Commitments (Concerning your commitment to work, ministry,family)
h) Your Services (Concerning lending your services to any party)
I) Your Sleeping hours (Concerning how much rest you get)
j) Your Mind (How you train your mind to be disciplined and focus)
K) Punctuality (Do you keep time? are we aware of time?)
L) Datelines (Concerns your obligation to fulfill your appointed duties at an appointed time)
Probably more
All in which will result in how you perform, respond, operate and govern your life.
If you are careless in any one of these areas, in due time you begin to slack, causing a snow ball effect that effects the rest of your functionalities as a person.
We need to seriously re-think, re-look and re-vamp our lives in these areas mentioned.
If you are slacking, people notice it. If you are tired, people notice it. Everything about you and me are noticed. This is not about religious fulfillment and activities, this is about you. Are you in control of your life? in all these areas?
Why are we falling sick so often? Why are we tired? Why are we slow to respond? and the list goes on and on.
There has to be a simple explanation. We simply are not centering on God enough. Centering on God, will allow us to attain a sound mind. I Tim 1:7
Centering on God will cause us to realize that our bodies needs to function appropriately to the call of God as and when He calls. Meaning, we take care of our bodies in order that we can function to the best of our abilities for Him. Physically, mentally, spiritually...etc
A sound mind and being centered on God, will cause us to live with a sense of urgency, responding with a sharp mind, focus and alertness.
Centering on God, will effect us to govern our lives in all those areas mentioned above, with great discipline and focus.
Have we lacked? I am sure we ALL do.
In regards to the title "God's Elect", the Lord gave me this word this morning.
We are God's elect. Meaning we are God's favoured, appointed, chosen to do His will.
We being God's appointed, are selected by the Lord to function and respond accordingly.
If we have not gotten our lives in order, how are we suppose to carry out God's agendas?. If our lives are always catching up to what we always seem to miss out or get left behind, we have a problem. Either we are not serious with our future, or if worse we are simply not serious with God.
You see, as Christians we know what the future hold. We even know that there's a place instored for us should we finish well, but our salvation has to be worked out. Not just fullfillment in duties, service, obligations, but with fear and trembling.
If we are not making effort to work towards that future God has instored for us or called us, than we can pretty much say, we've lost our right to salvation.
It is by God's grace that we are given the right to salvation but it comes with His terms.
As Christians we know what the future promises, but many times Christians fail in the department of the process of getting there.
His terms are, that we live out our lives according to His standards through obediece and discipline. If we dislike obedience and discipline, we've completely disown God.
Because God's terms are always about obedience and discipline.
As God's elect, we are called to function and function well. Therefore taking care of ourselves is also a top priority. Remember that we are His elected priest. Therefore it comes with great responsibilities. Responsibilities that we ourselves need to implement and sort out our lives to living purposefully, in right perspective and in good order. If we are tired, sleep early. If we are overweight, watch the diet and exercise. On and on.
Our election is by appointment. Do we realize what this means?. God has specially hand picked us. We are so priviledged. But if we overlook that priviledge, we overlook God. We then, are basically condeming ourselves to the judgement of God. We forfeit our own plan of salvation.
God's gift in salvation comes with a term called "Plan". And "plan" requires a span of time for that plan to be fulfilled.
I was watching a documentary on the Noah Ark DVD last night. God gave Noah and his family 120 years in time to built the Ark that will save them. God hand picked Noah, simply because God found him righteous. But in that span of 120 years, people around Noah would have mocked Noah in disbelief. In other words, the people of Noah's time, forfeited their own plan of salvation and the chance of survival, becuase they were ignorant of God. The people had time to respond until it was too late. 120 years, dont you think that was plenty of time?
Brothers and sisters, we are not ignorant of God. We have been well trained, equipped by His Word.
Do not forfeit your salvation with disobedience and indicipline to how you live and the way you live. God is calling us to be hot, anything else He will spit us out. Being spat out is simply to be condemn to eternal hell.
Lets attend to the matter of our life with centering on God from this day with urgency, discipline and obedience.
25 March 09
OBEDIENCE OUT OF FEAR, RATHER THAN OBEDIENCE OUT OF FAVOUR.
There are many types of fears. Fears that grip and pulverize you or the other kind of fear, one in which we as believers of Christ associate with, Fear of the Lord.
Fear in sight of phobia, or the very things that grips our soul to shiver in numbness, is one that is paralysing. But the FEAR of the Lord is a passionate love for the Lord thus will cause us to respond differently, rather than being paralysed, it would cause us to fear because we do not want to pain His heart. Out of the desire to love Him, we fearlessly obey Him. We fearlessly guard His commands out of reverent and Holy fear.
Obedience out of favours are works done to please and satisfy others, but with a temporial span.
Obedience out of fear, (Of God) are works done to please and satisfy Him first, in which we reap the blessings of being touched, transformed, changed, renewed and filled which is everlasting.
Or in a simpler term, Obedience out of favours are obligatory.
Obedience out of fear, purely abiding obedience.
19 March 09
POWER OF PRAYER
Just last night I was in an accountable meet with a brother who related issues of spiritual oppression and dryness since his house-mate set up an alter in worship of another god in his own rented room. He has been experiencing unsettledness in his own life in thoughts and the deceptive nature of the evil one began meddling with his thinking to compormise his faith as a Christian. At times he began questioning his own faith, but on the other hand, his conscience began to acknowledge and distingush what he should continue to believe in to make a stand.
The very first thing that I asked him above the circumstances was how was his prayer life? To which he answered in all honesty that it wasn't encouraging.
One of the many reasons why we as Christians live a life that is constantly in battle, is because we forget that our vessels being the "Temple Of Residence by the Holy Spirit" is not exercised and mantained in the full measure of Prayer. We are both fleshly beings as well as spirit beings. The body does not function with a battery to power-up the limbs. It's simply a spirit led form. When the body and the mind is not Spirit filled and left void, the carnality of the flesh begins to take action by human reasoning and questioning. Further induced by evil desires and influences that captivates the mind to operate otherwise to that of sound judgement and fear of God's laws and commands.
James 5:16
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective".
We need to be righteous not by works, but in humble confession and repentence, an attitude of dependency on God. Which means to say we need to be in a constant attitude of prayer. And when prayer is exercised, the body and being, is filled with the Holy Spirit throught the knowledge of His Word that empower us to think and function with sound judgement, more than that, Godly perspective and empowerment. In which relating to the above circumstances, we begin to take authority and seize control of the circumstance rather than the circumstance consumes us and render us useless and ineffective. To lead an effective and ballanced Christian life, prayer is the key and an essencial part of our Christian life to help sustain us in the winds and storms we face be it, spiritual or carnal.
The power of prayer is not just in the context of casting of demons in the Name of Jesus, but one that enables us to be spirit filled and spirit led at all times in all seasons.
12 March 09
CARRIERS OF GOD
The Lord wants us to not just be followers of Christ, but carriers. Carriers of His presence. Carriers whereby His Holy Spirit resonates within us and off us. Like sweet perfume that permiate the surrounding, the presence of the Lord penetrates bone and marrow, bringing restoration, healing, deliverence by His sovereign grace. Healing is not just pronounced by His Name, but healing is proclaimed by His presence. Make it our point to live being Christ carriers and bearers.
27 February 09
GRACE PERIOD
"Christ's love is not at the beck and call of our fluctuating affections."-McLaren sermon 1875.
The love, grace, faithfulness, kindness of Christ is not to be taken for granted, as and when we wish God to be accommodating at our wimps and fancies, based on the roller coaster state of our human emotions we go through daily.
Christ Love simply represents His entire being, His nature. God Himself.
Its not taking only a piece or a portion of His attributes, which is the nature of His love for granted, it simply means taking God as a whole, for granted.
'Shall we go on sinning, so that grace may increase?' Hebrews 6:1 (NIV)
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and of raging fire that will consure the enemies of God. ..Read on. Hebrews 10:26-29 (NIV)
Have you treated God in the way mentioned above from time to time? Realize that as much as we've treated Him with much disrespect, He is always there for us. But realize that there is a time frame that only He know, or a grace period in which after, He will spit us out. And when that happens, we are basically of no use in His plans. We don't want to get there do we.
26 February 09
DEVOTION
Hi all, yet again another encouraging email for all to be blessed. Yesterday (Wednesday), we had our usual men's accountability meet in church. Our brother Elliott spoke with such conviction, authority yet in humility, sharing his testimony and his time of devotion with the Lord in which produced great faith and breakthrough in his life and those around him. Elliott began with the opening word, "DEVOTION"
The meaning of devotion- is to be devout by loving God first above everything else and in all circumstances. Not just love Him as an act, but a desire to spend time with Him in an attitude of surrender and posture of humility and adoration.
And he proceeded to share the bible reading text from the story of Abraham. Abraham's journey with the Lord, in which Abraham built alters to the Lord as a reminder of God's faithfulness to Him. Abraham didn't built the alter because of what was promised to him as promises of blessings, He built the altars based on a reminder of God's loving and faithful relationship with him (Abraham). The altar represented God's covenanted relationship with Abraham.
And as we journey in our daily affairs, we may tend to stray away. Be consumed with our own wisdom, intepretation, judgement based on our self dependant strategies and problem solving methods by our wisdom. Than we slowly begin to realize that we have wandered in the desert.
The altar depicted in the story of Abraham, is a significant ICON that helps us back-track from our wonderings to come back to the reality and dependency of God in our lives.
Sometimes, we continually choose to live by our own terms, choices and understanding that we never find a way back to God. The consequences of that, is as how God's chosen people wondered in the desert for 40 years. A long time to wonder around don't you think. That's half our life span.
Sould we have grown cold in the Lord, it would be good to remember when was the last time you spend closest to the Lord. And in humility and a posture of reverence, submit to Him.
The Altar is also a reminder of God's faithfulness to you in your years of walking with Him. I'm sure in the course of our lives for all of us, we remember many segments in our lives in different years or months that we were thankful to God for answering our prayers, stepping in to intervene in the affairs of what could have caused us harm or trouble and more.
We were thankful that God did something in order that we din't have to suffer the consequences. I'm sure all of us can relate and remember the accounts such as mentioned.
Then, by looking back and realizing how God has been so kind, gracious, compassionate, loving despite our lack, how can we forget Him and choose to live apart from Him?
How can we live by our own terms? Worse, how can we choose to put Him aside and than call out to Him in desperation when we are in trouble and in dire need.
In other words, God is as if our " Beck & Call", a term I remembered being used in the movie "Pretty Woman" of the prostitue at your service at any time when you need them.
In closing, our journey is to built altars. To built altars as a reminder of our devotion and love for Him. Not of what He has blessed us with, but an altar that represents our passion and heart for Him. How many altars have we built in our lives?
If so, it would be good to begin today by coming back to Him.
Thank you my brother Elliott for this. A word that spoke with empowerment of the Holy Spirit indeed. God Bless
24 February 09
A SOUND MIND
I Tim 1:7 God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.
We can understand and identify the circumstances, struggles all of us are going through in life. Whether in our jobs, responsibilities, struggles in our weaknesses and even past or broken relationships. But none of these should interfere and effect the works and services we carry out in our lives, more so when it concerns the things of God, His works and our sevices to Him.
This is where I believe when scripture speaks about "A Sound Mind". Having a sound mind would mean that we are functional in any given circumstance. There is always a way out in life. Problems can always be solved. To take it further, Having A Sound Mind, is when we are functional with the peace of God. When we have the peace of God, we function in order, clarity and with a calm emotional state.
We can be in a terrible circumstance, like all the apostles who faced death, including Jesus Himself. When facing all these terrible pain that they will face, they faced it knowing God is in control. They function because they knew they had to fulfill God's purposes, despite the circumstances.
So with the given responsibilities all of us undertake in our area of responsibilities in our daily affair, none of which required pain, suffering and struggles of torture as a form of punishment. All it required was a little of our time, dedication, devotion and responsibility.
More so when it concerns the works and services of God, or in our usual routines in the world.
A sound mind not only operates in peace, but function with purpose and urgency by God's will. Jesus was The example of One who practiced this. Otherwise He wouldn't have made it to the cross. Our Abba Father's mission for His son was to go through 'Hell" (torture, torment, temptation, betrayal, seduction, pain, suffering, humiliation ....more) " when on earth, in order to salvage us for Him.
If Jesus were to say and pray, please understand Abba Father, my circumstances is very difficult, ..... There wouldn't be a plan for the salvation of mankind. There would be no hope. Faith is not possible or doesn't exist.
Hebrews 5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek".
With a sound mind, Jesus learned to obey in all His going through in life, ordained by the Father. With a sound mind, He understood what He needed to do, beyond compromise and reasoning, in which developes perseverence, obedience and discipline in faith and greater faith.
I Tim 1:7 God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind.
The scripture text above is a pronounced promise of God's attributes given to us. His attributes comprising Power that represents authority and sovereignty through His Name, every demonic and oppressive spirit, sicknesses will flee.
Love, the very nature of God whose love unconditional and overwhelming heals, soothes and comforts.
A Sound Mind, the ability to function in fair judgement with a stable assessment of any given situation and circumstance.
A sound mind operates with clarity of :
Thought - In how we think, perceive of things, people, dialogues to be reasonable and sensible in our perceptions and reasoning.
Responsibilities - In the governing of our daily activities, responsibilities in our jobs to be done in an orderly fashion, to ensure we do them to our best of our abilities in ensuring we meet deadlines and to keep our word and promises to others. In other words, a sense of urgency and purpose.
Emotions - A sound mind is being able to operate under emotional challenges, to be in control and not be out of control when we are emotionally charged, stressed or provoked.
A sound mind not only operates in peace, but function with purpose and urgency by God's will.
How will you and me improve in our area of attaining and developing a sound mind, to better and improve our lives from this day on?
Blessings
20 February 09
MOCKERY
Remember the Indiana Jones Movie? "The Temple Of Doom" in the scene where Indiana (Harrison Ford) and his beautiful accomplice "Willie" Scott played by Kate Capshaw, were treated to a feast in the temple palace?. And the scene where "Willie" was served a delicacy monkey brains as a meal on a platter, as seen here on the right.
It brought these words to me in the example of this scene. " Do not subject God to the mockery of the Devil". A powerful image of this picture that illustrates the degrading of God by subjecting Him to be made a fool by the devil when we sin. When we sin, it simply gives the evil one a foot hold to take a blow at God. But as we know our God is faithful, gracious and loving. He will continuously help us, restore us and take as many blows for us.
But it doesn't mean that we take His grace and forgiveness for granted because of His nature.
I pray that this will help you and me in our desire and urgency to remind ourselves of this word or this picture, in the moment when we are tempted to sin, or are attempting to sin. Be encouraged.
19 February 09
Below and email of a story from missionaries Ben & Anna.
Dear Pastors, Ministry Leaders, Friends and Family In Jesus, We came across this powerful sharing of God's mighty workings amongst His people and want you to share in this blessing too. Below is a true testimony:
The anti-christian leader was shocked to find Andrew, the Christian evangelist, sitting in his living room with his own family, sharing a meal together! He was shocked because he had recently offered a large reward to have this Christian killed. Now Andrew was in his home telling his own family members about Jesus. What's going on here? he screamed. What's this man, this infidel, this enemy of his god doing in my home?
His daughter-in-law began, I asked him here because he, his Jesus, has healed your son, my husband. Her story continued in a rush of words. He has been sick for eighteen years, but today this Christian, Andrew, came and prayed for him. He laid his hands on him, and now he is well! Jesus has healed him!
The man saw his son's excitement as he told how he had felt the sickness leave his body. This was the first time in months that his son had gotten out of bed. For the first time in eighteen years, he felt no pain. The man's anger was replaced with a sense of relief and happiness. He didn't choose to accept Christ that day, but he has become an ally to the Christians in that area and has helped many avoid jail and persecution. The man who once put a contract on Andrew's head now welcomes him with open arms.
Christianity is a see-for-yourself type of experience. When the anti-christian father walked into his home, Andrew was not preaching a three-point sermon on the triune God. He was not berating the man's wife and children for formerly believing in another god. He was having a meal after praying with the family. They had an empty sickbed to prove God was real. Likewise, we must remember that God's truths are self-evident. The pressure is not on us as the messengers, if we will say and do the right things. We do the right thing whenever we proclaim the gospel to others. Jesus will draw their hearts to him. We must let the evidence of Christ's reality speak for itself. Thank you for sharing these precious moments with YIELDED TO CHRIST MISSION MINISTRY once again. God bless you. With Love In Jesus, Ben and Anna (Missionaries)
We must let the evidence of Christ's reality speak for itself. -
The reality of the evidence of Christ is not man-made, or based on self righteous work or self proclaim spiritual holiness to move the hand of God to exercise His evidence during prayer or healing. I believe God chooses to reveal evidence of His sovereign movement on His own capacity and will. As we might never understand why don't God move to be seen more often these days, is probably because He wants us to continue to exercise and build our faith, without having to base it on a visual evidence which is external, but rather build faith on the internal based on a pure and desperate desire for Him. But as always, the grace of God still chooses to be seen in miracles, signs and wonders till this very day.
8 February 09
A PLEA FOR PERSONAL PURITY
Listening to the sermon by John MacArthur titled "A Plea for Personal Purity" continues to send shockwaves in light and revelation of God's purpose for us. From the Audio sermon here are just some pointers that spoke, a reminder but more so an urgent matter to deal with the flesh.
A) The will of GOD? Simply: YOUR SANCTIFICATION.
(Although the bulk of the message here addresses the issue and state of the flesh and its lustful and sinful desires, sanctification has also to do with every other part of your well being. Not just in the department of sex but also to do with how you think, react, respond to any given circumstances by word, deeds or action. All accountable to the Lord simply because we represent Him.
B) ABSTINENCE
To abstain from sexual immorality. To completely be saperated from sexual sin. Gain control by mastery of the flesh.
C) CONTROL THE FLESH
FEED what strengthens the Spirit Man by Prayer, Worship and meditation of the Word of God and STARVE what feeds the flesh, in thought and sight.
D) LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART
To live up to Godly standards, we need to cultivate an immense love for the Lord, through a healthy prayer life and meditation of the Word in order to get the body under control.
31 January 09
Reflecting on the Death of Jesus on the cross. I asked the Lord in my prayer how He sustained and overcome. These words came to mind - "The cause was more significant than the cost"
Indeed the cause of His death was the salvation of Men, restoring the rightful relational state that was lost due to disobedience and sin in the "beginning".
It is an overwhelming feeling and thought that Christ chose to accept the nature of death by torture, discounting the cost that He had to pay. But He did it because He loved us.
Jn 15:9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
Jn 15:10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Fathers commands and remain in his love.
Jn 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Jn 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Jn 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Jn 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
Jn 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masters business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Jn 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
19 January 09
An sms from a close friend informing me that her other friend had committed suicide. Bitterness towards his wife and that by his death, she will pay for the consequences, that drove him to take his life by carbon monoxide poisoning as the suicide note left behind. Well firstly he was not a Christian nor was the family. But it clearly shows the ways of the world in which their options are driven by an evil deception that life is meaningless when the tides are high. To make matters worse, his deliberate intent to take his life is driven by hate, bitterness and anger which are the absolutes of the evil one. Where is wisdom? Godly wisdom? or even Common sense wisdom? when we face challenges and obstacles.
As I am just reminded of this scripture in Ecclesiastes 7:18 after typing this, That the man who fears God will avoid all extremes. As I turned to refer to the scriptures for confirmation, I realize God's Word continues to affirm and address the state of the human life. In the same scripture reference of Ecclesiastes 7:17 states " Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool - why die before your time? it is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes. Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city."
Amazing How God's Word speaks. Praise God.
11 January 09
1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessings, becaue to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Romans 12 : 17-21
7Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord.
On the 9th January 09 morning, around 945am, as I was driving along the Ulu Klang main rd. A single motobike rider zoomed driven by a young malay youth passed me. Concerned with the way he was riding, I exclaimed, better not end up killing yrself. But ahead, I noticed he suddenly slowed down. As I came up behind him, I noticed that he was tailing and getting closer to another motorist, a malay couple, the wife being the pillion rider seated behind. I noticed that she was carrying her hand bag on her back. I immediately cut them and made an observation from my rear mirror as my instincts told me that something was going to happen after carefully observing the situation. And it did, in my rear view mirror, the single rider was grabbing the handbag of the lady pillion rider. Struggling to snatch it and controlling his ballance at the same time, but to no avail he sped off, heading toward my left to cut me. I had already planned ahead and the moment he came cutting on my left, I swerved my car and hit him on purpose, hoping that he would fall and I would have gotten down and given him a heck of a beating and called the police. But as skilled as he is, he got away ahead in front of me. I gave chase, but my KIA sportage weight a ton trying to catch up with this rider, who was at a "superman" position on his bike as he knew that I had seen his evil conduct prior to our meeting. Coming to the end of the Ulu Klang express way, I knew it was going to be impossible to get him and seized my chase because of the traffic lights ahead. But like a fool I forgot to look at his registration plate.
Now, my conscience and my human nature is to stand for justice. Having to read cases after cases of women succumbing to snatch theives made me angry. All the more when my own mother was a victim last 2 Chinese New Years ago. It would seem that I was justified in my actions to curb such an act of evil.
But a day later as I came to the Lord in prayer, I was given the scripture stated above. Further to this scripture, the Lord also states in Romans 12. I believe that the Lord's intervention was at work by preventing this "social pest" from falling and KILLING himself. For his blood would be upon my hands. As I pondered further on, I begin to see it that as much as he was a social pest, he was somebody's son, brother, who has a father and mother. And if he were to die even for his "sin" It would bring tremendous grief to his family.
So which in fact my intention to harm, would have been an act of evil itself. The Lord's intervention sparred his life, but to leave a serious implication and notice that he would think twice again before deciding to repeat his evil act in future.
It would be difficult for me to say that in future whether I would intervene in such a circumstance. I most likely still would for the sake of justice especially when it concerns the well being of others who are innocent. Nevetheless, I stand and am answerable only to Him who will judge me.
My concerns was for the couple falling off their vehicle, they would have been killed by the on coming traffic behind them and this social pest would have gotten away scott free.
10 January 09
1 peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded so that you can pray.
Am sure that you are able to identify with me, for when we close our eyes and begin our communion with the Lord, pictures, visuals, thoughs, ideas, flashes across our minds causing havoc in our ability to concentrate on the Lord.
A powerful scripture to begin our prayer life. We are constantly distracted by the nature of our minds to think and remember the needs, accomplishments, duties, responsibilities that we need to fulfill so much so, we are not used to being quiet, at peace and especially being clear minded when we begin to seek the Lord. All forms of distractions begin to cloud our thoughts when we seek solace, peace and quietness with God. Therefore having to fight it with the will to concentrate, which takes a longer time to overcome might be a little tiring. In my experience and my usual time in prayer, I would first begin to pray this scripture to seize my flesh. To seize all thoughts and prepare my mind with a condition fit for the clarity and frame of mind for the Lord to speak and converse. If you have problems focusing because of worldly distractions, use this scripture and repeat it mentally, vocally speaking it into your flesh and you will soon notice the difference in your level of concentration and focus during prayer. God Bless
6 January 09
Galatians 5:16
Gal 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, l and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. m Gal 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. n They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. o Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, p you are not under law. q
As a believer, the highlight of this scripture verse in my opinion would be the word "Conflict". It is so very true that there is the constant conflict between the flesh which continually tries to exercise its carnal sinful nature and the law of the spoken Word by the Lord, through the Holy Spirit that brings us constant conviction to counter and overcome moments of temptations.
Indeed we refer to the law of God in scripture, but until we understand that the law is applicable, not by head knowledge but rather by a diciplining in exercising a lifestyle in fulfilling the requirements of the law, will we fully understand the state of being conscious of sin daily and therefore responding to the measure of seeking the Lord and running to Him for help in prayer to overcome.
5 January 09
Romans 3:19
Ro 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, v it says to those who are under the law, w so that every mouth may be silenced x and the whole world held accountable to God. y Ro 3:20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; z rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. a
A regard for the Law, heightens the state of our consciousness to the fear of God.
A disregard for the Law, heightens the state of our disillusion to the existence of God therefore subjecting us to sin.
4 January 09
Colossians 4:2
Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, p being watchful and thankful.
4 crucial elements to our walk in Christ.
a) Devote found in the dictionary as: ( "apply" or "give over to") which is to totally surrender our life to the element of prayer.
b) Prayer is a life-line in communion and communication with God.
c) Being watchful is to be aware and be vigilant of potential threats from both external as well as internal (mind), resulting in sin, to the sanctity of the Temple of God,which is our inner being.
d) Being thankful is to acknowledge Him as firstly Sovereign, inscribe with Godly contentment, a posture of reverence and humility.
3 January 09
Romans 2:17 - 24
Ro 2:17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God; k Ro 2:18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; Ro 2:19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, Ro 2:20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth? Ro 2:21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? l Ro 2:22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? m Ro 2:23 You who brag about the law, n do you dishonor God by breaking the law? Ro 2:24 As it is written: "God?s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." 6 o
The need to examine our lives as an ambassador of Christ that we are supposedly agents of change and influence in the community, people groups, our friends and families. Especially when those of us who are teachers and examples to others, hold a greater responsibility in ensuring that our lives reflect the truth found in what we preach and teach. For we cannot allow God's name to be tarnished in any way, simply by the irresponsible acts or a careless attitude we as Christians live by. Worst is that we are found to live as hypocrites of the Gospel in the eyes of fellow believers, but worst unbelievers.
2 January 09
Romans 2:12 & 13
All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law e will be judged by the law. Ro 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God?s sight, but it is those who obey f the law who will be declared righteous.
Knowing the law plainly as head knowledge, found is the Word of God is wonderful, but whether we allow what we know to convict our lives in the very nature of our actions, attitudes, habits, words said to others, interaction with others is a key to transformation in our personal growth for the improvement of oneself, as well as the influence we have upon those around us. The obedience in the Word of God and His laws, applied to our lives will enable us to live in greater hope, confidence with the sense of Godly fear that will enable us to set boundaries and guidelines that will possibly deter us from falling into sin.
1 January 09
Psalm 91:1&4
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. / 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
There is a condition in God's loving plan for all of us, in which it is to first dwell in the Lord, in His Word, in His presence through Prayer and Exaltation through worship. Only with the attitude to seek and the desires of our hearts to search Him, will we rest in the covering of the Lord. There are no boundaries in God's covering. Yet we sometimes don't realize how awesome His covering of love, grace and mercy is upon us that we still choose to dwinddle outside that covering. Draw near to Him and you will realize that boundless covering of His love upon you.
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