re-visited past entries
thankful that i'd been journaling testimonies of God's goodness from the beginning of my salvation
am much encouraged myself as i re-read some entries
not posted any entry for past 4 mths..
what a journey
so much grace, so much forgiveness.. unforgivenesss, so much evil, so much love..
watched the documentary movie furious love in mar, was bowled over by God's love all over again
God's protection is so apparent through so many things
i hadn't had to do anything or say anything except pray and obey when things go wrong, or when bad things happen
He hears our thoughts and answers our prayers and he is the One who makes and allow things to happen, for our good
He is always good and faithful
Monday, April 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
thoughts this morning (sat 24th)
what's the significance of the mulberry?
it's the way of warfare
coz battles are not ours but the Lord's
we can't rely on our skills n experience, but we need to inquire of God what to do in battle.
victory belongs to God
2 Sam 5:18-25
David won his battle repeatedly when he waited at the mulberry tree, for the sign that God gave him, to advance, n it was in his obedience, n reliance on God's wisdom that he won the battles.
he did not assume that the battle can be won the same way as how it was won the previous time. he didn't go into battle on his own, but asked God whether he shld fight the battle, and waited for God to show him how.
even though we have past success and achievements, we are not to do the same thing again the same way, without first asking God..
do not assume that we have done this before and it works so this is how we should do it again..
situations change, God knows best
it's the way of warfare
coz battles are not ours but the Lord's
we can't rely on our skills n experience, but we need to inquire of God what to do in battle.
victory belongs to God
2 Sam 5:18-25
David won his battle repeatedly when he waited at the mulberry tree, for the sign that God gave him, to advance, n it was in his obedience, n reliance on God's wisdom that he won the battles.
he did not assume that the battle can be won the same way as how it was won the previous time. he didn't go into battle on his own, but asked God whether he shld fight the battle, and waited for God to show him how.
even though we have past success and achievements, we are not to do the same thing again the same way, without first asking God..
do not assume that we have done this before and it works so this is how we should do it again..
situations change, God knows best
Sunday, November 29, 2009
childlike faith
there's so much to learn from children, i thank God for all the children He has put in my life, across my path at different points in time. when i look at them, their actions, they remind me of how God sees us
my nephew said today "i love you so much i want to follow You wherever you go.." (he was referring to us playing in the living room or going to another room to play..)
it reminds me of how we should follow Jesus
i love Jesus, and i want to follow Him wherever He leads
at a recent camp, a pre-school boy brought a smile to my heart each time he came to me and say with a smile that is lighted up from his heart :"hallo jie jie (sister) jessica. good morning jie jie jessica. bye bye jie jie jessica." he would sit beside me during lessons, flag together during worship, show me paper planes that he's made, and pictures that he's drawn. it brings such delight and joy to see his face lit up when i catch him unawares and spring him a surprise hello!
it reminds me of how we love God and love to come to Him all the time, and it pleases Him much when we seek Him all the time, and He'd endear His heart to us, when He sees how much we love being with Him, that we should be like little children calling out to Him: "Papa Papa look at me" and show Him everything that we do all the time, at any and every moment of our life. He loves every detail and loves spending tme with us, He has something to teach us at every moment if we would just focus our attention on Him and spend time to listen to Him.
Papa God please help me to be your rema kid always!
many people look to people for love and approval, and experience disappointment, hurt, pain, people are not perfect, and has limited time, energy, capacity to love, but God's love is limitless and perfect in every way, He is the only One that we need look to and learn from.
i pray that each and every child whom You love so dearly, Lord Jesus, will know and experience Your everlasting and perfect love deeply, that it becomes tangible and they will encounter You personally and hunger for you and follow You with all their heart, so that they will never thirst or be hungry and seek other substitutes for Your true and amazing deep love
Papa God thank You for Your peace that surpasses understanding, that i need not fret or worry even when things seem absurd and difficult, almost impossible to achieve, for coming to the rescue all the time, and letting me know that You hear my thoughts and You are the One who is in control, and that You love everyone and has the best in store for all of us
pl help me to love You more and more and seek You and hear You better and obey You promptly
love You Lord
my nephew said today "i love you so much i want to follow You wherever you go.." (he was referring to us playing in the living room or going to another room to play..)
it reminds me of how we should follow Jesus
i love Jesus, and i want to follow Him wherever He leads
at a recent camp, a pre-school boy brought a smile to my heart each time he came to me and say with a smile that is lighted up from his heart :"hallo jie jie (sister) jessica. good morning jie jie jessica. bye bye jie jie jessica." he would sit beside me during lessons, flag together during worship, show me paper planes that he's made, and pictures that he's drawn. it brings such delight and joy to see his face lit up when i catch him unawares and spring him a surprise hello!
it reminds me of how we love God and love to come to Him all the time, and it pleases Him much when we seek Him all the time, and He'd endear His heart to us, when He sees how much we love being with Him, that we should be like little children calling out to Him: "Papa Papa look at me" and show Him everything that we do all the time, at any and every moment of our life. He loves every detail and loves spending tme with us, He has something to teach us at every moment if we would just focus our attention on Him and spend time to listen to Him.
Papa God please help me to be your rema kid always!
many people look to people for love and approval, and experience disappointment, hurt, pain, people are not perfect, and has limited time, energy, capacity to love, but God's love is limitless and perfect in every way, He is the only One that we need look to and learn from.
i pray that each and every child whom You love so dearly, Lord Jesus, will know and experience Your everlasting and perfect love deeply, that it becomes tangible and they will encounter You personally and hunger for you and follow You with all their heart, so that they will never thirst or be hungry and seek other substitutes for Your true and amazing deep love
Papa God thank You for Your peace that surpasses understanding, that i need not fret or worry even when things seem absurd and difficult, almost impossible to achieve, for coming to the rescue all the time, and letting me know that You hear my thoughts and You are the One who is in control, and that You love everyone and has the best in store for all of us
pl help me to love You more and more and seek You and hear You better and obey You promptly
love You Lord
Thursday, October 15, 2009
God is with us all the time
God knows our heart
and sends help
even before we verbalize it
He is listening
and watching over us all the time
this morning during worship
i saw a vision of beautiful dancing purple hues
i wondered if my eyes was playing tricks on me
when i thought that thought, it changed to light color
i knew it wasn't me
God reminded me of our identity in Him
that we are His precious children
that He loves us, and delights in dancing over us
His beauty surrounds us
we are His
the same message was given to me at the end of the day
by a friend who called me in obedience to Holy Spirit's prompting and touched my heart deeply
when she told me i'm precious and is His princess
same as the message that i received this morning..
it is ok to feel pain, sadness, or hurt sometimes
but just throw it all to Him
and catch His outpouring of abounding love & grace
for His love is gentle
He teaches and leads without condemnation, without judgement
in Him there is always peace
***
it's so distinctive
two meals that were prepared and served today
it tastes awful when the ingredients are stale and the food is forced down the throat
it takes immense love and grace to appreciate this meal with thanks from the heart
yet the meal prepared with love warms the heart, even if you arrive late and get to savour the colder portions
God pl teach me and fill me to the brim with Your amazing grace and unending love
i want to see through Your lenses and love like You do
help me to pray and learn to appreciate all kinds of food and chef, and be joyful and give thanks for everything that is on my plate
i know everything that You put on my plate is good, the best and i will be able to finish it all with joy and love and peace in You
love You Lord
and sends help
even before we verbalize it
He is listening
and watching over us all the time
this morning during worship
i saw a vision of beautiful dancing purple hues
i wondered if my eyes was playing tricks on me
when i thought that thought, it changed to light color
i knew it wasn't me
God reminded me of our identity in Him
that we are His precious children
that He loves us, and delights in dancing over us
His beauty surrounds us
we are His
the same message was given to me at the end of the day
by a friend who called me in obedience to Holy Spirit's prompting and touched my heart deeply
when she told me i'm precious and is His princess
same as the message that i received this morning..
it is ok to feel pain, sadness, or hurt sometimes
but just throw it all to Him
and catch His outpouring of abounding love & grace
for His love is gentle
He teaches and leads without condemnation, without judgement
in Him there is always peace
***
it's so distinctive
two meals that were prepared and served today
it tastes awful when the ingredients are stale and the food is forced down the throat
it takes immense love and grace to appreciate this meal with thanks from the heart
yet the meal prepared with love warms the heart, even if you arrive late and get to savour the colder portions
God pl teach me and fill me to the brim with Your amazing grace and unending love
i want to see through Your lenses and love like You do
help me to pray and learn to appreciate all kinds of food and chef, and be joyful and give thanks for everything that is on my plate
i know everything that You put on my plate is good, the best and i will be able to finish it all with joy and love and peace in You
love You Lord
Thursday, October 8, 2009
israel
heard "Israel" when i asked God where i should go a few months back..
i've just gotten back from Israel but i think i forgot to bring my heart back with me
אשרי הוא בא שם לורד
Baruch ha ba be shem Adonai means
Blessed (is) he (who) come in (the) Name (of the) Lord
i've just gotten back from Israel but i think i forgot to bring my heart back with me
אשרי הוא בא שם לורד
Baruch ha ba be shem Adonai means
Blessed (is) he (who) come in (the) Name (of the) Lord
Sunday, August 16, 2009
prophesies
so glad i got to attend service tdy!
thank You Papa
ran out for altar call, and was much blessed
the speaker took time to pray and prophesy over everyone who responded, i think..
what he prophesied over me was all i've been pondering abt the whole week.. the speaker doesn't know me at all! he mentioned that the last time he spoke here was 17 years ago!
God uses anointed strangers to tell me things that are on my heart so that i know for sure it's Him
God is always with us and watching over us, whatever we are feeling inside of us
thank You Papa
love You lots
thank You Papa
ran out for altar call, and was much blessed
the speaker took time to pray and prophesy over everyone who responded, i think..
what he prophesied over me was all i've been pondering abt the whole week.. the speaker doesn't know me at all! he mentioned that the last time he spoke here was 17 years ago!
God uses anointed strangers to tell me things that are on my heart so that i know for sure it's Him
God is always with us and watching over us, whatever we are feeling inside of us
thank You Papa
love You lots
Saturday, August 1, 2009
3 firsts
many good things have come to me in threes
recently had new experiences and adventures through doing things that i've not done before
here's three of my firsts
my first solo travel
travelled to a country i've never been to, and found my way to an unfamiliar destination (on my own, with God's guidance n protection)
it was an exhilarating n liberating experience
spent time with children at an orphanage, who quickly became friends and feels like family
can't wait to go again
mom had asked who i was going with n i didn't know how to tell her without her worrying
miraculously, she didn't make a fuss or try to stop me
i knew God is in this
so many wonderful things happened along the journey..
shared testimony and Christ with people i met, prayed for healing and blessings for strangers
handed out 6 bibles to 7 individuals who wanted to know more about God's word
my first sharing with my parents
had a vision of me sitting down with my parents and preaching a sermonette.. using verses from esther, genesis n ephesians
it didn't come out exactly as in the vision, but today, i got to speak to my parents about what i felt was very important for the family and for generations to come. they both sat n listened quietly. i pray God will touch their hearts n let what has been sown take root n flourish and bear fruit..
my first day at work
leaving my comfort zone to pursue what i sense is God's plan for me for now..
beginning a new chapter in my walk with Him and knowing He's the One who will bless me n guide me n provide all i need
He had sent a little girl to give me a farewell hug on my last day at work and on the day before i began work, He sent crew on the airplane to bless me with special gifts.. never been treated so well on a plane before, i was well taken care of and had a really good rest, and got to catch up on sleep (didn't sleep well for 2 consecutive nights..)
thank You Father
i'm beginning to see what Yo mean by "out of the box"
i feel most happy, no exhilarated.. when i'm not in a box
help me to be out of the box n to do everything that blesses Your name and pleasees You.
love You Lord
recently had new experiences and adventures through doing things that i've not done before
here's three of my firsts
my first solo travel
travelled to a country i've never been to, and found my way to an unfamiliar destination (on my own, with God's guidance n protection)
it was an exhilarating n liberating experience
spent time with children at an orphanage, who quickly became friends and feels like family
can't wait to go again
mom had asked who i was going with n i didn't know how to tell her without her worrying
miraculously, she didn't make a fuss or try to stop me
i knew God is in this
so many wonderful things happened along the journey..
shared testimony and Christ with people i met, prayed for healing and blessings for strangers
handed out 6 bibles to 7 individuals who wanted to know more about God's word
my first sharing with my parents
had a vision of me sitting down with my parents and preaching a sermonette.. using verses from esther, genesis n ephesians
it didn't come out exactly as in the vision, but today, i got to speak to my parents about what i felt was very important for the family and for generations to come. they both sat n listened quietly. i pray God will touch their hearts n let what has been sown take root n flourish and bear fruit..
my first day at work
leaving my comfort zone to pursue what i sense is God's plan for me for now..
beginning a new chapter in my walk with Him and knowing He's the One who will bless me n guide me n provide all i need
He had sent a little girl to give me a farewell hug on my last day at work and on the day before i began work, He sent crew on the airplane to bless me with special gifts.. never been treated so well on a plane before, i was well taken care of and had a really good rest, and got to catch up on sleep (didn't sleep well for 2 consecutive nights..)
thank You Father
i'm beginning to see what Yo mean by "out of the box"
i feel most happy, no exhilarated.. when i'm not in a box
help me to be out of the box n to do everything that blesses Your name and pleasees You.
love You Lord
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
spontaneous worship 7 feb 09
God gave me this song during worship on 7 feb 09..
it took me a long time attempting to paint Jesus, saw His kind eyes, smiling face through the clouds in a vision one night during soaking, my little niece says the painting resembles me instead of Jesus.. tried:P
here's the thoughts that came to me that day before i began worship.. thank You Lord.. for always being near n watching over us, even when we don't feel it
***
when u see darkness and can’t help feeling sad
know that God knows the pain in our heart
and is keeping His light on for us
look for His light in that darkness
don’t venture too far out into darkness
draw close to Him
His light gives warmth, forgiveness and love
when we feel like we have nothing.. rejoice! becoz we have Him
- His heart goes out to those who mourn
when we feel like we own nothing in the world.. rejoice! becoz we have all that we ever will need in Him
- His heart goes out to the poor who are hungry and helpless
when we feel like we are nothing.. rejoice! becoz we are most precious in His eyes and are so loved by Him
- His heart goes out to the hurt and rejected
when we feel like God is far from us.. rejoice! becoz He is all around no matter what we feel inside
- His heart out goes out to us, His creation, His beloved, His sheep, His children, His precious, His little ones, His sweetheart and darlings
call out to Him and praise Him who is Holy, Righteous, Faithful and True, no matter what we are going through.. know that He loves us no matter what - unconditionally, unfailingly, His love is perfect and everlasting
draw strength & wisdom from His love to face difficulties and overcome all sadness and fear
pray pray pray.. in all ways and never stopping
sing dance praise.. with all we have, from our hearts.. in every circumstance
i love You Lord.. i need You Lord.. i want You Lord.. i really do.. terribly much..
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
***
then came the song..
it has since grown and become..
hallelujah hallelujah
hallelujah to my Lord
o Lord my God, my Saviour my All
You're all i ever wanted
all i ever need
i just wanna be with you wherever i might be
o Lord my God, my Father
You're the One who loves me
and You give me all i need
You would never leave me however i might be
o Lord my God my Teacher my All
You're the One who feeds me
and You have the best for me
i just wanna follow You and love as it should be
o Lord my God my Saviour my All
my All my All
wanna love You Lord with my all
my All my All
o Lord You're my All
my All
***
thank You Lord
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
tgif
Hearing God
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, June 30 2009
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"(John 10:27).
I have discovered a pattern in the way God speaks to me when I'm faced with major decisions. I will spend a great deal of time seeking direction from Him and asking Him to speak to me regarding a decision. I spend time in prayer and Bible study. Many times I have suddenly had a rush over me with an overwhelming feeling of His presence. The feeling is usually so intense I will begin to cry, sometimes uncontrollably. (Thank God this doesn't happen too often, because it is rather embarrassing in a public setting.)
I recall one time when I was praying about whether I should make a commitment to work for a ministry that would involve at least a one-year commitment. It seemed like the right thing, but I was still awaiting confirmation. One morning during my quiet time, the situation I just described came over me. Angie walked into the room to find me crying. (She always laughs when this happens and says there's nothing like seeing a grown man cry.) I told her God was telling me to enter into a working relationship with this ministry. It was a great release in my spirit and confirmation of what I was to do. Two years later, I was able to look back and see that God had led that decision which resulted in much fruit.
One night as the famous Bible teacher F. B. Meyer stood on the deck of a ship approaching land, he wondered how the crew knew when and how to safely steer to the dock. It was a stormy night, and visibility was low. Meyer, standing on the bridge and peering through the window, asked "Captain, how do you know when to turn this ship into that narrow harbor?"
"That's an art," replied the captain. "Do you see those three red lights on the shore? When they're all in a straight line I go right in!"
Later Meyer said: "When we want to know God's will, there are three things which always occur: the inward impulse, the Word of God, and the trend of circumstances. Never act until these three things agree."
Seekers of God
By Os Hillman, June 30, 2009
Powered By Marketplace Leaders
God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. - Psalm 53:2
Are you a man or woman who is a seeker of God? The Lord delights in seeing those children of His who truly understand the meaning of life and why there is only one thing worth seeking God Himself.
I can always tell when I have not been seeking God. The cares of this life, the urgent over the important, and the petty irritations-these are the symptoms of a life that has not been in the presence of God. Do we understand, really understand? That is the question God raises to each of us today. If we understand, then why do we spend day after day toiling and fretting over what doesn't matter? Can we set proper boundaries in our lives that don't allow our time with Him to be continually stolen away? It is a challenge in a world that screams "activity, activity!"
Do you have a consistent time of seeking Him in your life? Are you committed to developing that intimacy with your Lord that He so desires? If not, ask Him today to help you. This is the longing of His heart. Ask Him to make it the longing of your heart. Then you will demonstrate to Him that you understand, and you will be a seeker of God.
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, June 30 2009
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"(John 10:27).
I have discovered a pattern in the way God speaks to me when I'm faced with major decisions. I will spend a great deal of time seeking direction from Him and asking Him to speak to me regarding a decision. I spend time in prayer and Bible study. Many times I have suddenly had a rush over me with an overwhelming feeling of His presence. The feeling is usually so intense I will begin to cry, sometimes uncontrollably. (Thank God this doesn't happen too often, because it is rather embarrassing in a public setting.)
I recall one time when I was praying about whether I should make a commitment to work for a ministry that would involve at least a one-year commitment. It seemed like the right thing, but I was still awaiting confirmation. One morning during my quiet time, the situation I just described came over me. Angie walked into the room to find me crying. (She always laughs when this happens and says there's nothing like seeing a grown man cry.) I told her God was telling me to enter into a working relationship with this ministry. It was a great release in my spirit and confirmation of what I was to do. Two years later, I was able to look back and see that God had led that decision which resulted in much fruit.
One night as the famous Bible teacher F. B. Meyer stood on the deck of a ship approaching land, he wondered how the crew knew when and how to safely steer to the dock. It was a stormy night, and visibility was low. Meyer, standing on the bridge and peering through the window, asked "Captain, how do you know when to turn this ship into that narrow harbor?"
"That's an art," replied the captain. "Do you see those three red lights on the shore? When they're all in a straight line I go right in!"
Later Meyer said: "When we want to know God's will, there are three things which always occur: the inward impulse, the Word of God, and the trend of circumstances. Never act until these three things agree."
Seekers of God
By Os Hillman, June 30, 2009
Powered By Marketplace Leaders
God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. - Psalm 53:2
Are you a man or woman who is a seeker of God? The Lord delights in seeing those children of His who truly understand the meaning of life and why there is only one thing worth seeking God Himself.
I can always tell when I have not been seeking God. The cares of this life, the urgent over the important, and the petty irritations-these are the symptoms of a life that has not been in the presence of God. Do we understand, really understand? That is the question God raises to each of us today. If we understand, then why do we spend day after day toiling and fretting over what doesn't matter? Can we set proper boundaries in our lives that don't allow our time with Him to be continually stolen away? It is a challenge in a world that screams "activity, activity!"
Do you have a consistent time of seeking Him in your life? Are you committed to developing that intimacy with your Lord that He so desires? If not, ask Him today to help you. This is the longing of His heart. Ask Him to make it the longing of your heart. Then you will demonstrate to Him that you understand, and you will be a seeker of God.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
brokenness
met a lady at the park today, God gave me a picture for her, i had paper and coloring materials with me, so i drew it for her and as i was telling her the nice things God had shown me abt her with the picture, she broke down and thanked God, she poured out her heart, and i realized that she was going through what i had been through before.. i shared my testimony of how and God had delivered me from that deep dark valley of tears and given me such joy.. He is our deliverer and healer and protector and provider. i had also wondered if i could smile again when i was so broken, but nothing is impossible for God. He gave me amazing joy so much sooner than i thought possible. we prayed and hugged and prayed some more, she shared that she's never been to the park before and she rarely ventured out beyond her neighborhood, she was at another end of the park but somehow her feet brought her to the spot we met, she knew it was God..
she didn't know that we were there on a treasure hunt with God, we had actually prayed and asked God to send us His treasures so that we may bless them with the nice things He wanted to tell them, and she was one of the precious treasures that God had led us to today! while i was chatting and praying with her, i invited my friend over to bless her with a song, without even knowing God had just downloaded a new song to my friend especially for her, and the lyrics was just perfect for her! my friend wasn't even within earshot, that is how amazing God is.. He loves each of us in such a perfect way, and always loves us so much more than we can imagine..
thank you Lord, in all our brokenness, we give You glory, honor, praise, and thanks
***
a visiting pastor who didn't know me at all, prophesied during anointing some time ago, that God had allowed my heart to be broken for a reason, and that He wants to be my relationship. God is so awesome, people who know Him closely and hears His voice so clearly, are so amazing and such a blessing, i wanna be like them too Lord, to hear your softest sigh, and be totally obedient to You
been getting this picture of a shell totally broken, and God's great big gentle hand taking the pearl from the broken shell and beholding it in His hands. God is holding me in His hands.. another lady minister who didn't know me had also saw the same picture of God holding me like a pearl in His hand and she doesn't know this picture God gave me.. wow God
***
and came across this extract from TGIF
Pleasing to the Lord
By Os Hillman, June 28, 2009
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"Prepare it with oil on a griddle; bring it well-mixed and present the grain offering broken in pieces as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. - Leviticus 6:21
There is a requirement to be blessed at a deeper spiritual level by God. Christ requires it of each of His servants. He required it of Paul when He struck him down on the Damascus Road. He required it of Joseph when he was left in the pit and then sold into slavery. He required it of Jacob when he left his homeland penniless and needy. He required it of most every major leader that He used significantly - brokenness.
Brokenness cannot be achieved on your own. It is something God does Himself. We cannot determine that we are going to be broken, but we can refuse to become broken. When God begins this deeper work in our lives, we can kick and scream and refuse the process. We can manipulate and strive to stay on top, but this only delays His work."
***
God pl do whatever needs to be done with me further, so that i will be a blessing, and fulfill all that You have called me to, You know best what is best for me, pl help me to hear You clearly and love and follow You with my all, come what may
she didn't know that we were there on a treasure hunt with God, we had actually prayed and asked God to send us His treasures so that we may bless them with the nice things He wanted to tell them, and she was one of the precious treasures that God had led us to today! while i was chatting and praying with her, i invited my friend over to bless her with a song, without even knowing God had just downloaded a new song to my friend especially for her, and the lyrics was just perfect for her! my friend wasn't even within earshot, that is how amazing God is.. He loves each of us in such a perfect way, and always loves us so much more than we can imagine..
thank you Lord, in all our brokenness, we give You glory, honor, praise, and thanks
***
a visiting pastor who didn't know me at all, prophesied during anointing some time ago, that God had allowed my heart to be broken for a reason, and that He wants to be my relationship. God is so awesome, people who know Him closely and hears His voice so clearly, are so amazing and such a blessing, i wanna be like them too Lord, to hear your softest sigh, and be totally obedient to You
been getting this picture of a shell totally broken, and God's great big gentle hand taking the pearl from the broken shell and beholding it in His hands. God is holding me in His hands.. another lady minister who didn't know me had also saw the same picture of God holding me like a pearl in His hand and she doesn't know this picture God gave me.. wow God
***
and came across this extract from TGIF
Pleasing to the Lord
By Os Hillman, June 28, 2009
Powered By Marketplace Leaders
"Prepare it with oil on a griddle; bring it well-mixed and present the grain offering broken in pieces as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. - Leviticus 6:21
There is a requirement to be blessed at a deeper spiritual level by God. Christ requires it of each of His servants. He required it of Paul when He struck him down on the Damascus Road. He required it of Joseph when he was left in the pit and then sold into slavery. He required it of Jacob when he left his homeland penniless and needy. He required it of most every major leader that He used significantly - brokenness.
Brokenness cannot be achieved on your own. It is something God does Himself. We cannot determine that we are going to be broken, but we can refuse to become broken. When God begins this deeper work in our lives, we can kick and scream and refuse the process. We can manipulate and strive to stay on top, but this only delays His work."
***
God pl do whatever needs to be done with me further, so that i will be a blessing, and fulfill all that You have called me to, You know best what is best for me, pl help me to hear You clearly and love and follow You with my all, come what may
Friday, June 26, 2009
banana cupcakes
did baking with my nieces tdy
it was so much fun, just watching them get all excited every step of the way
they peered at the cupcakes through the oven door during baking and got worried when they saw the mixture expanding and spilling out over the cups.. both went "oh no.. oh no.. wat should we do.."
i was frantically praying in my heart for God to help, this was our first time baking.. i knew the cups were too flimsy to support the mixture, but it was too late to do anything about it, and we could only pray..
we pried their little faces off the oven door, and left the cupcakes to bake
when the ringer sounded, we opened the oven door and saw that the cupcakes were nicely browned, smelled good, and looked quite alright, some had expanded and spilled out of the cups, and weren't perfectly round but everyone got really excited after tasting the first.. it was yummy!!
thank You Lord that our first bake out went well! they could have turned out too hard or dry or not so yummy, but You didn't allow that to happen.. they were soft and yummy, not perfectly round like those in the shops, but each one was uniquely shaped and some looked like hearts!
my niece went about promoting the cakes, and all were "sold out" in no time :)
o.. and here's the recipe.. thanks to janice or sharing and giving great advice and ensuring i got all the measurements correct, without me having a measuring cup!
125 g butter (unsalted)
half cup caster sugar
2 eggs
1tspn vanilla essence
1 and half cup mashed bananas* (about 4 medium ones)
1 tspn bicarbonate soda
half cup milk
2 cups self raising flour
*use very ripe bananas, it makes the recipe tastier.. the sugar can then be reduced slightly as ripe bananas are sweeter
1) beat butter & sugar till light & creamy
2) continue beating and add eggs, essence, and mashed bananas
3) dissolve soda in milk
4) fold sifted flour, alternately with milk, into the mixture
5) stir to combine thoroughly
6) spoon mixture into cups (2/3 full to allow for rising)
7) bake for 10 min at 180C
the cupcakes remind me of how each of us is perfect in God's eyes, no matter what we look like, or what others think we should be like. God made us the way we are and He loves us very much just as we are, as long as we abide in Him, and rely on Him in all that we do, we'll turn out great for the good of everyone around us
Sunday, June 21, 2009
my last day at work
so glad i got to say goodbye to the cleaner aunties who have showered me with such love, auntie goh said God bless me several times when i told her it was my last day at work.. and that she was very happy for me.. and that her idol is mother theresa.. and that money doesn't matter.. so jie put down her work and gave a me a big hug when she heard i was leaving.. so happy to learn that she has started to attend church near her home, everyone one of them is on God's heart..
God bless so jie with good health, heal her surgical wound completely, take away her pain, and give her good eyesight, God bless everyone with love joy peace and salvation, and touch everyone deeply with Your love, and draw everyone into Your heart
thank You Lord
***
a little girl who looked abt 4 years old caught my eye when i was at the counter yesterday, she was alone, and she looked at me like she knew me, and started smiling and waving, i waved back happily, trying to recall where i've met her.. i figured i probably resembled someone she knows
then her mom came with a younger sis and she joined them as they walked toward the lift, but after a while she turned back and walked toward the counter where i was seated, i thought she was going to ask me for directions or for book recommendations.. but she came round to the side of the counter where the swing door was, and waited ofr me to go near to her.. i bent over and smiled and asked her if there was something i could do for her, and she said in a soft sweet voice..
"can i hug you..?"
and she gave me a really good hug! i could feel the love, and i haven't met this little girl before! i asked for her name.. she has a beautiful name, and it fits her perfectly.. jewel.. she is such a jewel! i was reminded of the prophetic jewel painting i'd just given to sulian earlier over lunch.. i couldn't help loving her and telling her nice thoughts God thought towards her.. i asked her how she knew me, and she said she recognize me from the photo.. i figured it must be the princess standee..
we enjoyed the moment so much, we almost forgot abt her mom and sis, i remembered they were headed for the lift.. they were waiting for her and beckoning for her to join them, it's quite unusual.. there was a connection between us even though we've not met before, thank You Lord for sending this jewel along on my last day at work, it made the day special
God bless jewel and her family i pray their hearts and eyes will be transfixed to You even when there are distractions
jewel is such a mighty channel of blessing of God's love! thank You Lord
wow thank You Lord for this lovely moment especially on my last day at work, for bringing me great encouragement and wonderful affirmation of Your plans for me
love You Lord
***
got to share my testimony of how God has called me to Him at a wedding dinner with dance frens.., and how He has placed His love for children in my heart, how i run to church with joy and anticipation and yet can't help weeping during worship when i'm deeply touched by His love.. one of them commented i look very happy indeed and wondered aloud why God hasn't spoken to him or why he hasn't heard from God.. Lord pl speak to him clearly and let him know that it is You who are speaking to Him and it is You who had arranged that moment of testimony sharing.. God bless bj and morn and keep them safe and joyful in their travel and wedding preparations
thank You Lord
***
couldn't stop weeping today during altar call, when pastor prayed in tongues.. it's amazing how we connect spirit to spirit with God.. our mind dun have to fully comprehend it, yet we can be touched so deeply
God bless so jie with good health, heal her surgical wound completely, take away her pain, and give her good eyesight, God bless everyone with love joy peace and salvation, and touch everyone deeply with Your love, and draw everyone into Your heart
thank You Lord
***
a little girl who looked abt 4 years old caught my eye when i was at the counter yesterday, she was alone, and she looked at me like she knew me, and started smiling and waving, i waved back happily, trying to recall where i've met her.. i figured i probably resembled someone she knows
then her mom came with a younger sis and she joined them as they walked toward the lift, but after a while she turned back and walked toward the counter where i was seated, i thought she was going to ask me for directions or for book recommendations.. but she came round to the side of the counter where the swing door was, and waited ofr me to go near to her.. i bent over and smiled and asked her if there was something i could do for her, and she said in a soft sweet voice..
"can i hug you..?"
and she gave me a really good hug! i could feel the love, and i haven't met this little girl before! i asked for her name.. she has a beautiful name, and it fits her perfectly.. jewel.. she is such a jewel! i was reminded of the prophetic jewel painting i'd just given to sulian earlier over lunch.. i couldn't help loving her and telling her nice thoughts God thought towards her.. i asked her how she knew me, and she said she recognize me from the photo.. i figured it must be the princess standee..
we enjoyed the moment so much, we almost forgot abt her mom and sis, i remembered they were headed for the lift.. they were waiting for her and beckoning for her to join them, it's quite unusual.. there was a connection between us even though we've not met before, thank You Lord for sending this jewel along on my last day at work, it made the day special
God bless jewel and her family i pray their hearts and eyes will be transfixed to You even when there are distractions
jewel is such a mighty channel of blessing of God's love! thank You Lord
wow thank You Lord for this lovely moment especially on my last day at work, for bringing me great encouragement and wonderful affirmation of Your plans for me
love You Lord
***
got to share my testimony of how God has called me to Him at a wedding dinner with dance frens.., and how He has placed His love for children in my heart, how i run to church with joy and anticipation and yet can't help weeping during worship when i'm deeply touched by His love.. one of them commented i look very happy indeed and wondered aloud why God hasn't spoken to him or why he hasn't heard from God.. Lord pl speak to him clearly and let him know that it is You who are speaking to Him and it is You who had arranged that moment of testimony sharing.. God bless bj and morn and keep them safe and joyful in their travel and wedding preparations
thank You Lord
***
couldn't stop weeping today during altar call, when pastor prayed in tongues.. it's amazing how we connect spirit to spirit with God.. our mind dun have to fully comprehend it, yet we can be touched so deeply
Saturday, June 20, 2009
3
noticed that God's been giving me pictures and words in 3's
received 3 pictures of a windmill from 3 different persons and 3 pictures of a house and He also gave me John 15 three times before i followed Him with my all
and each time the picture and message's the same.. and the set of 3 pictures/words are all given to me within a short time frame (a week)
recently received 3 pictures of God pouring and me holding a jar and receiving His outpouring, all within a week.. from 3 people, i received the first one one night during prayer, another during prophesy by a sister, and the third was painted by a speaker at a conference, who included john 15 (my calling verse!) in her prophetic painting.
He also sent along 3 "treasures" during a treasure hunt last sunday on 14 jun
our cell group was blessed with 3 durians for our picnic yesterday (haha we find this fruit really yummy but it was featured on fear factor as a challenge)
and there's 3 baptism services this weekend
wow.. so many good things come in 3's :)
Father Son Holy spirit is 3 in 1!
some of what i gather from the recent set of pictures
the goodness He pours out onto us is for the people around us, so that everyone will taste of His goodness, and we are not to keep His goodness to ourselves, for His goodness is endless and He is eager to pour so much more than we can ever imagine.
His goodness should flow out of us like a river, and it will be refreshed all the time, for He has infinite supply
He replenishes faster than we can leak them out, and we should pour out as soon as we receive them so that the goodness doesn't clog up and become stagnant
***
attended transformation conference recently and was greatly blessed
deeply touched by the spirit of prophecy.. with testimonies of encounters with Jesus by speaker
random thoughts:
everyone is loved infinitely by God, God sees each of us as His most precious, no matter how we see ourselves, no one person is less valued than another, every life is important to Him, each is given different things to do and each is valued very very very much by Him, no matter what we do, we don’t even have to do anything, and He just loves us.
there are those who are overwhelmed with His love, and can’t help but want to serve Him with their all and He knows our heart, He will fulfill the desires of our heart. all we have to do is desire, and He will give us and equip us to do all that we wanna do for Him out of His infinite love for us all, no matter lost or found
but most of all we are called to love Him, and be loved by Him, and share His endless love for everyone, with everyone endlessly
received 3 pictures of a windmill from 3 different persons and 3 pictures of a house and He also gave me John 15 three times before i followed Him with my all
and each time the picture and message's the same.. and the set of 3 pictures/words are all given to me within a short time frame (a week)
recently received 3 pictures of God pouring and me holding a jar and receiving His outpouring, all within a week.. from 3 people, i received the first one one night during prayer, another during prophesy by a sister, and the third was painted by a speaker at a conference, who included john 15 (my calling verse!) in her prophetic painting.
He also sent along 3 "treasures" during a treasure hunt last sunday on 14 jun
our cell group was blessed with 3 durians for our picnic yesterday (haha we find this fruit really yummy but it was featured on fear factor as a challenge)
and there's 3 baptism services this weekend
wow.. so many good things come in 3's :)
Father Son Holy spirit is 3 in 1!
some of what i gather from the recent set of pictures
the goodness He pours out onto us is for the people around us, so that everyone will taste of His goodness, and we are not to keep His goodness to ourselves, for His goodness is endless and He is eager to pour so much more than we can ever imagine.
His goodness should flow out of us like a river, and it will be refreshed all the time, for He has infinite supply
He replenishes faster than we can leak them out, and we should pour out as soon as we receive them so that the goodness doesn't clog up and become stagnant
***
attended transformation conference recently and was greatly blessed
deeply touched by the spirit of prophecy.. with testimonies of encounters with Jesus by speaker
random thoughts:
everyone is loved infinitely by God, God sees each of us as His most precious, no matter how we see ourselves, no one person is less valued than another, every life is important to Him, each is given different things to do and each is valued very very very much by Him, no matter what we do, we don’t even have to do anything, and He just loves us.
there are those who are overwhelmed with His love, and can’t help but want to serve Him with their all and He knows our heart, He will fulfill the desires of our heart. all we have to do is desire, and He will give us and equip us to do all that we wanna do for Him out of His infinite love for us all, no matter lost or found
but most of all we are called to love Him, and be loved by Him, and share His endless love for everyone, with everyone endlessly
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
God rulez
Performing Miracles With Your Staff
By Os Hillman, June 3, 2009
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But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it. - Exodus 4:17
What is the staff God has put into your hand? Is it being a builder? Is it being an office worker? Is it being a doctor? Moses' staff represented his vocation as a shepherd. God had something in mind for his vocation - to perform miracles. And awesome miracles He did! God turned the Nile river into blood with the touch of the staff. He turned the staff into a snake. He parted the Red Sea with it. These are just a few of the miracles God did with that staff.
When we yield our talents and abilities to the Lord, God can perform miracles through them. First, Moses had to yield what He had in his hand to God. Only after this took place could God use that staff. As long as Moses held onto it, God could not and would not perform miracles through it.
Until we come to this place with our heavenly Father, we will fail to see miracles performed in our work. He delights in showing His power through us. When we become an open vessel, we can expect to see things happen.
Have you given your staff to the Lord? Offer it to Him and see what He might want to do through it. Your life will never be the same.
By Os Hillman, June 3, 2009
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But take this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it. - Exodus 4:17
What is the staff God has put into your hand? Is it being a builder? Is it being an office worker? Is it being a doctor? Moses' staff represented his vocation as a shepherd. God had something in mind for his vocation - to perform miracles. And awesome miracles He did! God turned the Nile river into blood with the touch of the staff. He turned the staff into a snake. He parted the Red Sea with it. These are just a few of the miracles God did with that staff.
When we yield our talents and abilities to the Lord, God can perform miracles through them. First, Moses had to yield what He had in his hand to God. Only after this took place could God use that staff. As long as Moses held onto it, God could not and would not perform miracles through it.
Until we come to this place with our heavenly Father, we will fail to see miracles performed in our work. He delights in showing His power through us. When we become an open vessel, we can expect to see things happen.
Have you given your staff to the Lord? Offer it to Him and see what He might want to do through it. Your life will never be the same.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
John 10:27
Hearing the Father Speak
By Os Hillman, May 26, 2009
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My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. - John 10:27
An Englishman tells a true story of his encounter with a Muslim man while walking in the country. The Englishman wanted to share the gospel with this man but knew little of Muslim beliefs. The two men talked as they walked and agreed they would each share their beliefs with one another. The Muslim went first and dominated the time of sharing. The Englishman asked the Holy Spirit how to share his faith with the Muslim man. "Do you consider your god your father who speaks?" asked the Englishman.
"Certainly not," replied the Muslim man.
"That is one of the big differences between your god and my God. I consider my God as my Father who speaks to me personally."
"You cannot prove that," stated the Muslim man.
The Englishman again prayed to himself, "Lord, how do I prove this to this man?" A few moments later the two men began walking toward two young ladies on the other side of the road coming toward them. As they approached, the Englishman spoke to the ladies and made small conversation. He then said to one woman, "I believe you are a nurse, is that correct?"
The woman was startled that a man whom she had never met had just informed her of her occupation. "How would you know that? I have never met you before," she questioned.
He replied, "I asked my Father and He told me." The Muslim had his proof.
Many of us do not hear God's voice because we do not believe He speaks or desires to speak to us. In order to hear, we must listen. In order to listen, we must believe that He speaks. Ask the Lord today for a listening ear so that others might know that you have a heavenly Father who speaks.
***
lunch conversation with a colleague yesterday was all about God! how He has blessed me at work, and how He speaks to us through words and pictures that touches our hearts so deeply, where no one else could, and brings tears to our eyes, how he could use people who don't know us to let us know it is Him who knows us, and loves us
how He descends upon our worship and how gold glitter sparkles on our hands and arms after worship, i had doubts myself at first and made sure i washed my hands clean before worship, but they'd still appear.. it's embedded in the skin, and doesn't come off. it disappears after a while, haven't noticed when they disappear, just noticed that it appears after worship.. but i've also seen some that comes off and can be collected
it started with a thought in my mind.. which i thought aloud and asked my colleague.. does your church do prophesying?
the answer was negative.. thank God my colleague asked abt it and what we do.. and i couldn't stop talking.. that we should desire most of all the gift of prophecy, the distinction between gifts and fruits of the spirit, and how Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to do greater works. that God strengthens His body and builds unity through one spirit and one mind, when He speaks to us, it brings amazing comfort, encouragement and strength. it releases affection and builds honor between the person who receives and the person who releases the prophecy
then it rained heavily and we were stuck and had an extended time of sharing and testimonies.. what we do, what i've seen, what i've heard, what i've learnt, what i've experienced, abt prophesying (hearing the Father's voice), walking in the supernatural by the power of the Holy Spirit..
we are called to love everyone, including our persecutors, and God loves everynoe, wants everyone to know Him and receive His love for them, we do not really know about persecution, for we haven't experienced any real persecution yet ourselves, there are those who's life are in danger for sharing the gospel, and many who have died sharing the gospel. Jesus came to die for us, and demonstrated to us true obedience to God.
thank You Lord for Your thoughts for us, and for creating opportunities to share, for Your heart for us, for Your hunger for us, to draw closer and closer to You all the time
love You Lord
By Os Hillman, May 26, 2009
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My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. - John 10:27
An Englishman tells a true story of his encounter with a Muslim man while walking in the country. The Englishman wanted to share the gospel with this man but knew little of Muslim beliefs. The two men talked as they walked and agreed they would each share their beliefs with one another. The Muslim went first and dominated the time of sharing. The Englishman asked the Holy Spirit how to share his faith with the Muslim man. "Do you consider your god your father who speaks?" asked the Englishman.
"Certainly not," replied the Muslim man.
"That is one of the big differences between your god and my God. I consider my God as my Father who speaks to me personally."
"You cannot prove that," stated the Muslim man.
The Englishman again prayed to himself, "Lord, how do I prove this to this man?" A few moments later the two men began walking toward two young ladies on the other side of the road coming toward them. As they approached, the Englishman spoke to the ladies and made small conversation. He then said to one woman, "I believe you are a nurse, is that correct?"
The woman was startled that a man whom she had never met had just informed her of her occupation. "How would you know that? I have never met you before," she questioned.
He replied, "I asked my Father and He told me." The Muslim had his proof.
Many of us do not hear God's voice because we do not believe He speaks or desires to speak to us. In order to hear, we must listen. In order to listen, we must believe that He speaks. Ask the Lord today for a listening ear so that others might know that you have a heavenly Father who speaks.
***
lunch conversation with a colleague yesterday was all about God! how He has blessed me at work, and how He speaks to us through words and pictures that touches our hearts so deeply, where no one else could, and brings tears to our eyes, how he could use people who don't know us to let us know it is Him who knows us, and loves us
how He descends upon our worship and how gold glitter sparkles on our hands and arms after worship, i had doubts myself at first and made sure i washed my hands clean before worship, but they'd still appear.. it's embedded in the skin, and doesn't come off. it disappears after a while, haven't noticed when they disappear, just noticed that it appears after worship.. but i've also seen some that comes off and can be collected
it started with a thought in my mind.. which i thought aloud and asked my colleague.. does your church do prophesying?
the answer was negative.. thank God my colleague asked abt it and what we do.. and i couldn't stop talking.. that we should desire most of all the gift of prophecy, the distinction between gifts and fruits of the spirit, and how Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to do greater works. that God strengthens His body and builds unity through one spirit and one mind, when He speaks to us, it brings amazing comfort, encouragement and strength. it releases affection and builds honor between the person who receives and the person who releases the prophecy
then it rained heavily and we were stuck and had an extended time of sharing and testimonies.. what we do, what i've seen, what i've heard, what i've learnt, what i've experienced, abt prophesying (hearing the Father's voice), walking in the supernatural by the power of the Holy Spirit..
we are called to love everyone, including our persecutors, and God loves everynoe, wants everyone to know Him and receive His love for them, we do not really know about persecution, for we haven't experienced any real persecution yet ourselves, there are those who's life are in danger for sharing the gospel, and many who have died sharing the gospel. Jesus came to die for us, and demonstrated to us true obedience to God.
thank You Lord for Your thoughts for us, and for creating opportunities to share, for Your heart for us, for Your hunger for us, to draw closer and closer to You all the time
love You Lord
Monday, May 25, 2009
my life is in You Lord..
The Goal of the Christian Life
By Os Hillman, May 25, 2009
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I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. - John 12:24
The goal of the Christian life is death, not success. A popular teaching says that if we follow God, we will prosper materially. God may, in fact, bless His people materially, but few can make this claim among third-world countries. Wealth must never be the goal of a person's life, only a by-product.
A missionary to a Middle-Eastern country has shared a motto among their ministry team: "God does not require success, but radical, immediate obedience." Jesus' obedience gained Him the cross. It did not gain Him popularity among the heathen, the religious or financial success, or a life of pleasure. His obedience resulted in His death on the cross. This is the same goal Christ has for each of us--death of our old nature so that He might live through us. That may not sell well among outcome-based Christian workplace believers, but it will result in an eternal reward that far exceeds any earthly reward. "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Rev. 22:12).
The Christian life is a paradox--the first will be last, death in return for life, and we are encouraged to offer praise to God to overcome a spirit of heaviness. It requires faith in a God who operates from a different set of values that are sometimes difficult to measure from human standards. Let death work in you a life that only God can raise up.
By Os Hillman, May 25, 2009
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I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. - John 12:24
The goal of the Christian life is death, not success. A popular teaching says that if we follow God, we will prosper materially. God may, in fact, bless His people materially, but few can make this claim among third-world countries. Wealth must never be the goal of a person's life, only a by-product.
A missionary to a Middle-Eastern country has shared a motto among their ministry team: "God does not require success, but radical, immediate obedience." Jesus' obedience gained Him the cross. It did not gain Him popularity among the heathen, the religious or financial success, or a life of pleasure. His obedience resulted in His death on the cross. This is the same goal Christ has for each of us--death of our old nature so that He might live through us. That may not sell well among outcome-based Christian workplace believers, but it will result in an eternal reward that far exceeds any earthly reward. "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Rev. 22:12).
The Christian life is a paradox--the first will be last, death in return for life, and we are encouraged to offer praise to God to overcome a spirit of heaviness. It requires faith in a God who operates from a different set of values that are sometimes difficult to measure from human standards. Let death work in you a life that only God can raise up.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
tgif
Working Versus Striving
By Os Hillman, May 24, 2009
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So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
Your greatest obstacle in fulfilling God's purposes in your life is the skills you have acquired to perform well in your work life. One of the great paradoxes in Scripture relates to our need to depend on the Lord; yet at the same time, we're instructed to use the talents and abilities God gives us to accomplish the work He gives us to do. It has been one of the most difficult principles to live out. How do we know that what we achieve is by the power of the Holy Spirit in our life versus our own abilities, and is there a difference? When we reach a level of excellence and performance in our fields, it actually becomes an obstacle to seeing God's power manifest in our work. What we naturally do well becomes the object of our trust. When this happens, God retreats. You see, God allows us to develop skills, but these must be continually yielded to God's Spirit. There will be times when God will use these skills to accomplish His purposes. There will be other times that God will not use any of our skills just to ensure that we know it is by His power that we can do anything.
It is the oxymoron of all oxymorons for Christian workplace believers. Learning not to act until God shows you to act is a sign of maturity in God. "Do not lean on the natural skill which you have been given. Let God manifest Himself in what you are doing," said a mentor who has learned this balance of skill and walking with God. "You must almost restrain from doing those things you know you are prone to do and actually go against them."
I was learning this lesson recently when I was asked to participate in a large event that would give great exposure and much needed financial increase to my ministry. It made all the sense in the world to participate. Then I prayed with a friend and asked the Lord His mind on it. The Lord showed us this was not His plan for me. I declined the invitation.
Ask God to teach you what it means to walk according to the power of the Holy Spirit in your business life. Develop a listening ear to the small voice inside that wants to direct your efforts by His Spirit.
***
..and obey :)
obey obey obey..
there's nothing better than to trust and obey..
thoughts from worship & soaking tdy
i do not know what lies ahead but i love You & i will follow You
i want to run with You and thank You all the days of my life
i shall not be afraid because You love me and You watch over me and You take care of me and You have the best for me
send me use me
pictures: rays of colorful light shining into the room for the children, a rainbow, an eagle with outspread wings
& isa 40:31
31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Lord help me to actively seek You.. desperately, passionately.. hunger and thirst for You like never before
in Jesus mighty name i pray
amen
By Os Hillman, May 24, 2009
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So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
Your greatest obstacle in fulfilling God's purposes in your life is the skills you have acquired to perform well in your work life. One of the great paradoxes in Scripture relates to our need to depend on the Lord; yet at the same time, we're instructed to use the talents and abilities God gives us to accomplish the work He gives us to do. It has been one of the most difficult principles to live out. How do we know that what we achieve is by the power of the Holy Spirit in our life versus our own abilities, and is there a difference? When we reach a level of excellence and performance in our fields, it actually becomes an obstacle to seeing God's power manifest in our work. What we naturally do well becomes the object of our trust. When this happens, God retreats. You see, God allows us to develop skills, but these must be continually yielded to God's Spirit. There will be times when God will use these skills to accomplish His purposes. There will be other times that God will not use any of our skills just to ensure that we know it is by His power that we can do anything.
It is the oxymoron of all oxymorons for Christian workplace believers. Learning not to act until God shows you to act is a sign of maturity in God. "Do not lean on the natural skill which you have been given. Let God manifest Himself in what you are doing," said a mentor who has learned this balance of skill and walking with God. "You must almost restrain from doing those things you know you are prone to do and actually go against them."
I was learning this lesson recently when I was asked to participate in a large event that would give great exposure and much needed financial increase to my ministry. It made all the sense in the world to participate. Then I prayed with a friend and asked the Lord His mind on it. The Lord showed us this was not His plan for me. I declined the invitation.
Ask God to teach you what it means to walk according to the power of the Holy Spirit in your business life. Develop a listening ear to the small voice inside that wants to direct your efforts by His Spirit.
***
..and obey :)
obey obey obey..
there's nothing better than to trust and obey..
thoughts from worship & soaking tdy
i do not know what lies ahead but i love You & i will follow You
i want to run with You and thank You all the days of my life
i shall not be afraid because You love me and You watch over me and You take care of me and You have the best for me
send me use me
pictures: rays of colorful light shining into the room for the children, a rainbow, an eagle with outspread wings
& isa 40:31
31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Lord help me to actively seek You.. desperately, passionately.. hunger and thirst for You like never before
in Jesus mighty name i pray
amen
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Jesus loves little children
i wasn't so close to my nieces and nephew and little children before, but after following Jesus, i see them differently, and love them like never before, i can't help loving little children now.. i know this love is not from me, it's a gift from God
my nephew just came back from a holiday trip and last night we got to play together again after a longer-than-it-seems one week.. missed him terribly, gotten used to playing with him everyday.. couldn't stop asking him abt everything, and all he wanted to do the whole night was to play with me.. "why did i come back later than him.. can i go with him to his home to see him do his homework, do i want to see his new bullet train.." yes yes and yes!!! wow Jesus must miss us so much more when we get tied up with everyday things and don't spend time with Him or focus our attention on Him.. for His love for us is greater than we can ever imagine and our human love for each other is just a tiny fraction of His amazing and endless love for us.
i miss my nieces dearly too, especially the elder, it's been too long.. thank you Jesus for keeping them close in Your heart, and protecting them and blessing them with Your presence..
help us and all your children, to love You more and more each day and teach us to bless everyone as You will.
i love You Lord
***
extract from http://www.allaboutgod.com about how Jesus loves little children and want us to come to Him like little children, with 100% dependence and faith
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Chicago-born C. Herbert Woolston (1856-1927), the songwriter, is said to have been inspired by Matthew 1:14 where Jesus says, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” In this verse, the disciples were afraid the children would bother Jesus, but Jesus wants children to come to him.
“Faith is natural to a child, for complete physical dependence is accompanied by absolute emotional confidence,” wrote Christian educator Lois LeBar in her classic book, Children in the Bible.
While children come to Jesus readily, there is more hesitancy for adults to respond. Grown-ups seem to lose the innocent faith and trusting nature that children possess. Yet in Matthew 18:4-6, Jesus invites us to come to Him “like little children” and says “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
my nephew just came back from a holiday trip and last night we got to play together again after a longer-than-it-seems one week.. missed him terribly, gotten used to playing with him everyday.. couldn't stop asking him abt everything, and all he wanted to do the whole night was to play with me.. "why did i come back later than him.. can i go with him to his home to see him do his homework, do i want to see his new bullet train.." yes yes and yes!!! wow Jesus must miss us so much more when we get tied up with everyday things and don't spend time with Him or focus our attention on Him.. for His love for us is greater than we can ever imagine and our human love for each other is just a tiny fraction of His amazing and endless love for us.
i miss my nieces dearly too, especially the elder, it's been too long.. thank you Jesus for keeping them close in Your heart, and protecting them and blessing them with Your presence..
help us and all your children, to love You more and more each day and teach us to bless everyone as You will.
i love You Lord
***
extract from http://www.allaboutgod.com about how Jesus loves little children and want us to come to Him like little children, with 100% dependence and faith
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Chicago-born C. Herbert Woolston (1856-1927), the songwriter, is said to have been inspired by Matthew 1:14 where Jesus says, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.” In this verse, the disciples were afraid the children would bother Jesus, but Jesus wants children to come to him.
“Faith is natural to a child, for complete physical dependence is accompanied by absolute emotional confidence,” wrote Christian educator Lois LeBar in her classic book, Children in the Bible.
While children come to Jesus readily, there is more hesitancy for adults to respond. Grown-ups seem to lose the innocent faith and trusting nature that children possess. Yet in Matthew 18:4-6, Jesus invites us to come to Him “like little children” and says “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
carpe diem
i've been much blessed in my life with family, friends, comfort and pleasures..
but nothing compares to what i have received in Him.. the amazing peace, joy, love
He is all i ever need and all i could ever want..
knowing God and receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior is the best thing that could ever happen to me.. and i pray that everyone will come to taste of His goodness, know Him personally and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior too
all that i have belongs to Him, my life, my relationships, my possessions
i own nothing but have everything because He lives in me
i am weak but He gives me strength
He is always there to pick me up and guide me when i stumble and fall
He makes the impossible possible
i want to be soft plyable clay in Your hands, that goes where You call me to, and does what You will
Lord help me
***
The Plans of Tomorrow
By Os Hillman, May 13, 2009
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You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14b
A group of workplace believers meet at my office every week for fellowship, study, and prayer. One man attended our group for several years. Jim was well liked and in good health. One Thursday he showed up as usual. The next morning I received a call, "Jim is dead! He died in his easy chair last night!" Jim had no prior problems and there was no indication he was about to go be with the Lord. Naturally, it came as a shock to us all.
Whenever things like this happen close to home, it brings us face to face with our mortality. A friend of mine said he was challenged by someone to do an experiment. He challenged him to live his life for one year as if it were the last year he would live. He responded to the challenge and did as proposed. It changed his life forever. He began to focus on different priorities and people when he viewed life in these terms.
James gives us a perspective on viewing tomorrow.
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:13-15).
Life is fragile. Consider where you are investing your time and energies. Someone once said they had never heard anyone on his deathbed say that he wished he had made more money in his lifetime or he wished he had made a certain deal. Usually it is something like, "I wish I had spent more time with my kids." Ask the Lord to give you His priorities for your life.
***
David Fulfilled His Purpose
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Wednesday, May 13 2009
"For David...served the purpose of God in his own generation" (Acts 13:36 NASB)
Imagine for a moment that you have just died and you are about to come before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Jesus is speaking to his angel about you. He then says these words: "Janice served the purpose of my Heavenly Father for her generation."
Will God be able to say you served your purpose in your generation? Imagine being able to say that. God was able to say this about the life of David, even though David made some incredibly bad choices in his life that led to long term consequences. However, because David repented each time he erred, his purpose was accomplished on earth as God had designed it.
One of the prayers I often pray for people whenever I'm asked to pray for them is this; "Lord, may you fulfill every purpose for which you made them. May there be no inheritance left on the table that he/she is entitled to."
That is really the definition of success. Success is fulfilling the complete purpose for which God made you. It has nothing to do with wealth, accomplishments, stature in life, or standard of living. It has to do with living a life of obedience to the Father. And when we live a life of obedience to the Father, we will fulfill the purposes that God had in mind when he made you and me.
In 1924, Eric Liddle, a Scottish Olympic runner who's life was chronicled in a movie entitled the Chariots of Fire, was challenged by his missionary sister to forego running in the Olympics in lieu of going to China with her as a missionary. He responded by saying, "When I run I feel His (God's) pleasure. I was made to run and I was made to be a missionary too." Eric understood his complete purpose for his generation. As a result, he brought glory to the Father through his running and his missionary service.
Today, ask God to fulfill His purposes for your life in your generation.
but nothing compares to what i have received in Him.. the amazing peace, joy, love
He is all i ever need and all i could ever want..
knowing God and receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior is the best thing that could ever happen to me.. and i pray that everyone will come to taste of His goodness, know Him personally and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior too
all that i have belongs to Him, my life, my relationships, my possessions
i own nothing but have everything because He lives in me
i am weak but He gives me strength
He is always there to pick me up and guide me when i stumble and fall
He makes the impossible possible
i want to be soft plyable clay in Your hands, that goes where You call me to, and does what You will
Lord help me
***
The Plans of Tomorrow
By Os Hillman, May 13, 2009
Powered By Marketplace Leaders
You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14b
A group of workplace believers meet at my office every week for fellowship, study, and prayer. One man attended our group for several years. Jim was well liked and in good health. One Thursday he showed up as usual. The next morning I received a call, "Jim is dead! He died in his easy chair last night!" Jim had no prior problems and there was no indication he was about to go be with the Lord. Naturally, it came as a shock to us all.
Whenever things like this happen close to home, it brings us face to face with our mortality. A friend of mine said he was challenged by someone to do an experiment. He challenged him to live his life for one year as if it were the last year he would live. He responded to the challenge and did as proposed. It changed his life forever. He began to focus on different priorities and people when he viewed life in these terms.
James gives us a perspective on viewing tomorrow.
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:13-15).
Life is fragile. Consider where you are investing your time and energies. Someone once said they had never heard anyone on his deathbed say that he wished he had made more money in his lifetime or he wished he had made a certain deal. Usually it is something like, "I wish I had spent more time with my kids." Ask the Lord to give you His priorities for your life.
***
David Fulfilled His Purpose
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Wednesday, May 13 2009
"For David...served the purpose of God in his own generation" (Acts 13:36 NASB)
Imagine for a moment that you have just died and you are about to come before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Jesus is speaking to his angel about you. He then says these words: "Janice served the purpose of my Heavenly Father for her generation."
Will God be able to say you served your purpose in your generation? Imagine being able to say that. God was able to say this about the life of David, even though David made some incredibly bad choices in his life that led to long term consequences. However, because David repented each time he erred, his purpose was accomplished on earth as God had designed it.
One of the prayers I often pray for people whenever I'm asked to pray for them is this; "Lord, may you fulfill every purpose for which you made them. May there be no inheritance left on the table that he/she is entitled to."
That is really the definition of success. Success is fulfilling the complete purpose for which God made you. It has nothing to do with wealth, accomplishments, stature in life, or standard of living. It has to do with living a life of obedience to the Father. And when we live a life of obedience to the Father, we will fulfill the purposes that God had in mind when he made you and me.
In 1924, Eric Liddle, a Scottish Olympic runner who's life was chronicled in a movie entitled the Chariots of Fire, was challenged by his missionary sister to forego running in the Olympics in lieu of going to China with her as a missionary. He responded by saying, "When I run I feel His (God's) pleasure. I was made to run and I was made to be a missionary too." Eric understood his complete purpose for his generation. As a result, he brought glory to the Father through his running and his missionary service.
Today, ask God to fulfill His purposes for your life in your generation.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
guitar class
wow, it's been 10 weeks since guitar class started.. yesterday was the final lesson for b2guitar class at coos
what i like best about the class is the emphasis on prayers and praise, and connecting to God and being led by the Holy Spirit!
it is probably difficult for skilled players with many many years of experience to understand the struggles and difficulties that beginning players face, for it is already effortless for them to play basic chords, but our teachers have taken the trouble to give much thought and evaluated each lesson over the weeks and conduct subsequent lessons based on our progress, covering each module as planned, and yet providing individual guidance and tips based on our wide range of entry levels and playing abilities.. they have been extremely kind to structure the lesson in such a way that is best for us, and their patience is simply amazing, they would even slow down the lesson to go through chord changes pair by pair with us to show us how we can practise when we are on our own!
i have been much much blessed.. i've always admired how people can play the guitar and sing just like that, it's so incredibly beautiful.. i can only gape in wonder and go wow wow wowing non-stop in my heart.. i had found it very difficult and painful to even strike a nice sounding note at first, and remember thinking how nice it'd be if i could play the guitar and sing at the same time, even if it's just one song.. it had seemed far-fetched to me and quite impossible.. it just looked too complicated to me, the fingering with the different chords (how could i possibly remember all those chord shapes and placement of fingers on which fret and which string..?) and strumming with the other hand.. how do i do one thing with one hand (chord fingering) and do another thing with the other..(strumming)?
well, i don't play quite well yet, i don't strum skillfully or effortlessly for now, and i still struggle a lot with bar chords and Fs and Bs and am not very confident about playing, publicly, in particular, but our teachers have been really understanding and encouraging.. and it really can be done..!! each of us were able to play a song at the end of the course! i'm deeply thankful that i managed to play (and sing!!) a full song to testify of God's goodness and grace
i used to have a phobia of singing in the presence of other people..
would never sing, no matter how my friends try to coax..
but God has helped me overcome my singing phobia!
and helped me to play and sing at the same time!
and even given me new songs!! when i didn't know how to compose songs nor recognize chords..
His goodness and grace is simply overwhelming
it was very painful at first, the skin on the fingers becomes sore and peels. i used to dislike the calluses on my fingers.. they look ugly, but now i love them.. they keep the pain away :)
i believe everyone can play.. i thought i couldn't but i did it, and i know everyone else can too!
what inspires me most is our teachers' heart of worship, and always harping on the heart of worship, that it is all about Him
what i like best about the class is the emphasis on prayers and praise, and connecting to God and being led by the Holy Spirit!
it is probably difficult for skilled players with many many years of experience to understand the struggles and difficulties that beginning players face, for it is already effortless for them to play basic chords, but our teachers have taken the trouble to give much thought and evaluated each lesson over the weeks and conduct subsequent lessons based on our progress, covering each module as planned, and yet providing individual guidance and tips based on our wide range of entry levels and playing abilities.. they have been extremely kind to structure the lesson in such a way that is best for us, and their patience is simply amazing, they would even slow down the lesson to go through chord changes pair by pair with us to show us how we can practise when we are on our own!
i have been much much blessed.. i've always admired how people can play the guitar and sing just like that, it's so incredibly beautiful.. i can only gape in wonder and go wow wow wowing non-stop in my heart.. i had found it very difficult and painful to even strike a nice sounding note at first, and remember thinking how nice it'd be if i could play the guitar and sing at the same time, even if it's just one song.. it had seemed far-fetched to me and quite impossible.. it just looked too complicated to me, the fingering with the different chords (how could i possibly remember all those chord shapes and placement of fingers on which fret and which string..?) and strumming with the other hand.. how do i do one thing with one hand (chord fingering) and do another thing with the other..(strumming)?
well, i don't play quite well yet, i don't strum skillfully or effortlessly for now, and i still struggle a lot with bar chords and Fs and Bs and am not very confident about playing, publicly, in particular, but our teachers have been really understanding and encouraging.. and it really can be done..!! each of us were able to play a song at the end of the course! i'm deeply thankful that i managed to play (and sing!!) a full song to testify of God's goodness and grace
i used to have a phobia of singing in the presence of other people..
would never sing, no matter how my friends try to coax..
but God has helped me overcome my singing phobia!
and helped me to play and sing at the same time!
and even given me new songs!! when i didn't know how to compose songs nor recognize chords..
His goodness and grace is simply overwhelming
it was very painful at first, the skin on the fingers becomes sore and peels. i used to dislike the calluses on my fingers.. they look ugly, but now i love them.. they keep the pain away :)
i believe everyone can play.. i thought i couldn't but i did it, and i know everyone else can too!
what inspires me most is our teachers' heart of worship, and always harping on the heart of worship, that it is all about Him
Thursday, May 7, 2009
love
came across this article on love by Ronit Baras
here's an extract
"I remember looking at my newborn daughter with my heart full of feelings I'd never had and loving her with every cell of my body. She did nothing. She was tiny and her eyes were closed most of the time. She just had to be there for me to have that feeling. I remember Gal holding her the first time and saying, "I don't know you, but I already love you so much". It's funny how babies don't need to do anything to be loved. They just need to be.
I wonder when this rule fades or when we, parents, forget it. I remember in those moments I imagined my mum and dad looking at me like that and I knew, with 100% certainty, that love is born with the birth of your child and that I was loved, very much loved."
***
that is like how God loves us.. without us having to do anything.. that He loves us just as we are.. very very much.. much much more than we can ever imagine or feel
He knows every little detail about us, and still loves us torrentially, just as we are..
here's an extract
"I remember looking at my newborn daughter with my heart full of feelings I'd never had and loving her with every cell of my body. She did nothing. She was tiny and her eyes were closed most of the time. She just had to be there for me to have that feeling. I remember Gal holding her the first time and saying, "I don't know you, but I already love you so much". It's funny how babies don't need to do anything to be loved. They just need to be.
I wonder when this rule fades or when we, parents, forget it. I remember in those moments I imagined my mum and dad looking at me like that and I knew, with 100% certainty, that love is born with the birth of your child and that I was loved, very much loved."
***
that is like how God loves us.. without us having to do anything.. that He loves us just as we are.. very very much.. much much more than we can ever imagine or feel
He knows every little detail about us, and still loves us torrentially, just as we are..
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
God loves us, is always with us & we are called to love & bless everyone including our persecuters
When God Seems Far Away
By Os Hillman, May 5, 2009
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Why, O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble? - Psalm 10:1
One of the great mysteries of God is His ways. Some of His ways almost appear to bring us into the most difficult places, as if He were indifferent to our circumstances. It would appear that He is turning His head from our sorrows. These events in our lives have a particular objective to perform for us. That objective is to bring us to the end of ourselves that we might discover the treasure of darkness. "Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness" (Job 30:26).
When we are taken into these dark periods, we begin to see light that we never knew existed. Our sensitivities become heightened and our ability to see through spiritual eyes is illuminated. Unless we are taken into these times, our souls never develop any depth of character. We do not gain wisdom, only knowledge. Knowledge is gained through understanding; wisdom is gained through the experience of darkness.
After we go through these periods, we discover that God was, in fact, with us throughout the entire time. It does not feel or appear that He is there when we are in the midst of the dark periods. However, He is there walking with us. He has told us countless times that He will never leave us. However, when we are in those dark periods, it does not feel like He is there because He does not rescue us from the circumstances. He does this for our benefit in order that we might become more like Jesus. Jesus learned obedience from the things He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). What does that say about how you and I will learn obedience? Embrace the dark times and gain the wisdom that God intends for you from these times.
Graduate Level Christianity
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, May 05 2009
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:44).
There was a man who had become a friend and mentor to me, but a conflict arose between us that we were unable to resolve. I never imagined that this man would go from being one of my best friends to an enemy. I asked God to show me how I should treat this man, and the words of Jesus came to mind, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
"Lord," I said, "surely you don't mean I'm to love this man! Not after the way he's hurt me and refused to reconcile!"
As I argued with God, I remembered that Jesus, before He was betrayed, got down on his knees and washed the feet of Judas Iscariot, His enemy. The moment that scene came to my mind, I knew what God was calling me to do. I had to wash the feet of my Judas.
This man who had been my friend and mentor had also been a client of my advertising agency. He was a Christian author and speaker, and I decided to bless this man by continuing to promote his ministry and his books.
Did he ever come back to me and reconcile? Yes, seven years later. But even if he had never reconciled with me, I knew that I did what God called me to do. I washed the feet of my Judas. I passed the test.
God doesn't promise that if we forgive there will be a happy ending. He doesn't promise that the man who refuses to pay a bill will suddenly write a check. He doesn't promise that the one who rejects reconciliation will instantly soften his heart. Jesus forgave his executioners, but that didn't keep them from nailing Him to the cross.
The Graduate Level Test is not about getting the results we want. It's about proving that we trust God enough to forgive our Judases. It's a graduate-level course in Christian obedience. But I believe that every leader whom God uses in a significant way must pass the Judas Test.
God wants to know if we are willing to be imitators of Jesus. How can we say we are followers of Christ if we won't wash the feet of our Judases?
By Os Hillman, May 5, 2009
Powered By Marketplace Leaders
Why, O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble? - Psalm 10:1
One of the great mysteries of God is His ways. Some of His ways almost appear to bring us into the most difficult places, as if He were indifferent to our circumstances. It would appear that He is turning His head from our sorrows. These events in our lives have a particular objective to perform for us. That objective is to bring us to the end of ourselves that we might discover the treasure of darkness. "Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness" (Job 30:26).
When we are taken into these dark periods, we begin to see light that we never knew existed. Our sensitivities become heightened and our ability to see through spiritual eyes is illuminated. Unless we are taken into these times, our souls never develop any depth of character. We do not gain wisdom, only knowledge. Knowledge is gained through understanding; wisdom is gained through the experience of darkness.
After we go through these periods, we discover that God was, in fact, with us throughout the entire time. It does not feel or appear that He is there when we are in the midst of the dark periods. However, He is there walking with us. He has told us countless times that He will never leave us. However, when we are in those dark periods, it does not feel like He is there because He does not rescue us from the circumstances. He does this for our benefit in order that we might become more like Jesus. Jesus learned obedience from the things He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). What does that say about how you and I will learn obedience? Embrace the dark times and gain the wisdom that God intends for you from these times.
Graduate Level Christianity
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, May 05 2009
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:44).
There was a man who had become a friend and mentor to me, but a conflict arose between us that we were unable to resolve. I never imagined that this man would go from being one of my best friends to an enemy. I asked God to show me how I should treat this man, and the words of Jesus came to mind, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
"Lord," I said, "surely you don't mean I'm to love this man! Not after the way he's hurt me and refused to reconcile!"
As I argued with God, I remembered that Jesus, before He was betrayed, got down on his knees and washed the feet of Judas Iscariot, His enemy. The moment that scene came to my mind, I knew what God was calling me to do. I had to wash the feet of my Judas.
This man who had been my friend and mentor had also been a client of my advertising agency. He was a Christian author and speaker, and I decided to bless this man by continuing to promote his ministry and his books.
Did he ever come back to me and reconcile? Yes, seven years later. But even if he had never reconciled with me, I knew that I did what God called me to do. I washed the feet of my Judas. I passed the test.
God doesn't promise that if we forgive there will be a happy ending. He doesn't promise that the man who refuses to pay a bill will suddenly write a check. He doesn't promise that the one who rejects reconciliation will instantly soften his heart. Jesus forgave his executioners, but that didn't keep them from nailing Him to the cross.
The Graduate Level Test is not about getting the results we want. It's about proving that we trust God enough to forgive our Judases. It's a graduate-level course in Christian obedience. But I believe that every leader whom God uses in a significant way must pass the Judas Test.
God wants to know if we are willing to be imitators of Jesus. How can we say we are followers of Christ if we won't wash the feet of our Judases?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
God is so good
There's so much happening around us, around the the world, and yet God has each of us in His heart amidst the chaos and unrest..
He doesn't stop reaching out to the lost and He hears and answers our prayers no matter what we see happening around us..
and His amazing love and salvation is intended for everyone.. including those who are yet in His flock..
11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Fatherand I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."
He doesn't stop reaching out to the lost and He hears and answers our prayers no matter what we see happening around us..
and His amazing love and salvation is intended for everyone.. including those who are yet in His flock..
11"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Fatherand I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life only to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."
Sunday, April 19, 2009
lovely surprise
surprise visit from my darlings nieces tdy.. hardly get to see my eldest niece since she started p1 and miss her terribly..
her daddy brought her here this morning, wanted to bring her for a swim and we were looking for the huge dolphin float when she said:"xiaogu can u pray and ask God where it is?" i was, asking actually.. and she smiled and said.."you forgot to say..(in tongues)" yay God!
later.. i showed her the recent video on paintings of love and she said.."they wrote wrongly xiaogu.. they should write i'm connected to Jesus.." yay God that is true love!! for we can only receive and give love with You in us, only when we are connected to You.. thank You Lord
during lunch i gave thanks n she reminded me to pray in tongues.. she asked:"xiaogu do u know y i didn't burn my tongue..?" y? "because i prayed to God to make the food not hot"
yay God!
pl help us and all your children be connected to You always.. You in us and us in You all the time
thank You Lord!!
her daddy brought her here this morning, wanted to bring her for a swim and we were looking for the huge dolphin float when she said:"xiaogu can u pray and ask God where it is?" i was, asking actually.. and she smiled and said.."you forgot to say..(in tongues)" yay God!
later.. i showed her the recent video on paintings of love and she said.."they wrote wrongly xiaogu.. they should write i'm connected to Jesus.." yay God that is true love!! for we can only receive and give love with You in us, only when we are connected to You.. thank You Lord
during lunch i gave thanks n she reminded me to pray in tongues.. she asked:"xiaogu do u know y i didn't burn my tongue..?" y? "because i prayed to God to make the food not hot"
yay God!
pl help us and all your children be connected to You always.. You in us and us in You all the time
thank You Lord!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
happenings at the library
lovely paintings by visitors at the queenstown library! wonderful time sharing thoughts on love and painting.. thank You Lord!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Dear God
i want to see You, everyday
i want to go where You go
and wherever You want me to be
i want to be happy and proclaim Your goodness and amazing love
all the more, when it is difficult to do so
Lord give me strength to rejoice in the darkest moments
when i am blinded and broken
so that i can shine for You
no matter what
Father help me to be obedient to only Your voice
give me faith and boldness
to stand up for You
to walk in the way i should go
no matter what
Teacher give me wisdom to speak at the right time with words from Your heart that will bring healing and reconciliation to hearts that need You
i surrender my body, soul and spirit to You
i'm Yours Lord Jesus now and forever Amen
***
Habakkuk 2:2 KJV
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
Habakkuk 2:3 NIV
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.
i want to go where You go
and wherever You want me to be
i want to be happy and proclaim Your goodness and amazing love
all the more, when it is difficult to do so
Lord give me strength to rejoice in the darkest moments
when i am blinded and broken
so that i can shine for You
no matter what
Father help me to be obedient to only Your voice
give me faith and boldness
to stand up for You
to walk in the way i should go
no matter what
Teacher give me wisdom to speak at the right time with words from Your heart that will bring healing and reconciliation to hearts that need You
i surrender my body, soul and spirit to You
i'm Yours Lord Jesus now and forever Amen
***
Habakkuk 2:2 KJV
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
Habakkuk 2:3 NIV
For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
homeschooling
one particular morning after urbankidz, was sitting and chatting with rachel and charlotte ~ my attention is easily drawn to these 2 girls each time i see them.. rema kids:)~ and rachel began sharing with me excitedly about what she's learnt at homeschool about the human body systems when i asked her how was her week - the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the skeletal system.. and bubbling over with excitement over what they were going to learn the next day and how each day begins with devotion and worship.. wow i'm so inspired and totally convinced to do homeschooling with my kids too..
to soak together in God's presence everyday, learn God's word together, live out God's will for us, and to guide them in the way that they should go.. God's way
i dun have kids of my own yet, i'm not married, dun even have a boyfren yet..
but couldn't help wanting to find out..
more about homeschooling..
thought it'd be good to keep these links here, so i can refer to them when i need to :P
history and origin
Transformation of classical education by Trivium pursuit
origin
history
christian homeschooling
Trivium pursuit
help for homeschoolers
homeschool christaian
uk homeschool
christian homeschoolers
sonlight
classical homeschooling
homeschool info
angel fire
jubilee academy
homeschooling
resources for moms
help for homeschool moms
paradise for homeschool moms by babara frankin
homeschool planners
planner templates by homeschool mom
homeschool curriculum
classical homeschooling curriculum
quotes
squidoo homeschool quotes
to soak together in God's presence everyday, learn God's word together, live out God's will for us, and to guide them in the way that they should go.. God's way
i dun have kids of my own yet, i'm not married, dun even have a boyfren yet..
but couldn't help wanting to find out..
more about homeschooling..
thought it'd be good to keep these links here, so i can refer to them when i need to :P
history and origin
Transformation of classical education by Trivium pursuit
origin
history
christian homeschooling
Trivium pursuit
help for homeschoolers
homeschool christaian
uk homeschool
christian homeschoolers
sonlight
classical homeschooling
homeschool info
angel fire
jubilee academy
homeschooling
resources for moms
help for homeschool moms
paradise for homeschool moms by babara frankin
homeschool planners
planner templates by homeschool mom
homeschool curriculum
classical homeschooling curriculum
quotes
squidoo homeschool quotes
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
thank you Lord
my niece asked me to bring her to the playground one afternoon after school..
but i had to leave for work (nite shift) and it was a very hot afternoon
i told her it was too hot to play outside
she walked away and then i saw her come to stop and as she stood still with her hands clasped, she was whispering softly
i went near to eavesdrop.. :P
and heard her praying for weather that's not hot..
thank you Lord!!
but i had to leave for work (nite shift) and it was a very hot afternoon
i told her it was too hot to play outside
she walked away and then i saw her come to stop and as she stood still with her hands clasped, she was whispering softly
i went near to eavesdrop.. :P
and heard her praying for weather that's not hot..
thank you Lord!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
abide in Him
***
Extract from TGIF
Peace-A Weapon Against Satan
By Os Hillman, March 24, 2009
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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me. - Psalm 23:4a KJV
In the battles of the workplace, your peace is actually a weapon. The workplace creates many opportunities to rob us of our peace. Cash flow concerns, deadlines, relationships - all create stress on us. Your confidence in the God of peace declares that you are not falling for the lies of the devil. You see the first step toward having spiritual authority over the adversary is having peace in spite of our circumstances. When Jesus confronted the devil, he did not confront satan with His emotions or in fear. Knowing that the devil was a liar, He simply refused to be influenced by any voice other than God's. His peace overwhelmed satan; His authority then shattered the lie, which sent demons fleeing.
There is a place of walking with God where you simply fear no evil. David faced a lion, a bear, and a giant. In this Psalm he stood in the "shadow of death" itself, yet he "feared no evil." David's trust was in the Lord. He said, "...for Thou art with me." Because God is with you, every adversity you face will unfold in victory as you maintain your faith in God! David continued, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" (Ps. 23:5a). The battle you are in will soon become a meal for you, an experience that will nourish and build you up spiritually. Only God's peace will quell your fleshly reactions in battle. The source of God's peace is God Himself. If fear has been knocking at your door, begin to face that fear with God's peace. It is God's secret weapon to destroy fear
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