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

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.

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

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.”

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.

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

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..

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?

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."

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!!

happenings at the library

lovely paintings by visitors at the queenstown library! wonderful time sharing thoughts on love and painting.. thank You Lord!

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.

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

if there's only one thing that i can do in my life

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!!

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

God's promises

feb has past in a blink and i hadn't blogged as much as i'd like to..
there's so much to thank God for..

ssl started in feb 09
missed the 1st session for niece's bday. hadn't spent time with her since she started p1, miss her terribly
managed to attend the 2nd session of ssl & was much blessed. a sister i juz met told me God hears my prayers for the salvation of many!!

and 3 days later.. a little boy at the hawker near church, with whom God has endeared my heart to.. and been spending time with & singing worship songs together whenever we meet, received Christ into his heart, accepting Christ as his Savior!!

God is amazing, barely 2 weeks later, his mom accepted Christ as her Savior & Lord too!! I followed her home one night on the bus.. it wasn't planned, it just happened! i somehow just hanged around alone till late at the hawker that night, and walked her to the bus stop, somehow got onto the bus together with her, not really noticing where the bus was going, coz i was really excited at how open and sensitive her heart was towards God as we chatted!! it got to the point when i was just bursting to ask.. i did at some point.. and she said yes!! we finished praying just before she alighted, i couldn't stop smiling all the way home.. (such joy!! all of heaven must be singing and dancing over this little new baby) and i got home without a glitch even though it was the first time i've been there.. and not sure of the way around there (..just certain God will see me homely safely)

there are many more to come!! God hears our prayers and answers us when we ask, seek n knock!! knock knock knock, keep knocking..

saw a rainbow as i came out of the library one evening (the evening when i was going for my first harvest & sow cell meeting), a really huge one, across the sky stretching as far as my eyes could see..

God's promises are true & good. remember His promises. God will bring it to pass no matter what

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


and nothing, absolutely nothing (..hey that's another song :)) copmpares to the beauty of the Lord


Jesus Your love
Has come one step closer
I will trust
That You will never let me go
Jesus Your love
Has won me over
All my trust
Has found no other
I will declare the beauty of the Lord
Nothing compares to the beauty of the Lord
Jesus Your love takes my breath away
I'm living everyday for the beauty of the Lord
Jesus Your love takes my breath away

Pray unceasingly..

Prayerfully Arranged Marriage
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Wednesday, February 18 2009

"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James
5:16).
James Rutz, author of MegaShift, tells a wonderful story of God's supernatural hand in answering prayer.

"I have a good friend named Barclay Tait who sells vacation real estate in Niceville, Florida. Back in 1977, he was a 36-year-old Florida basketball coach. That summer, he decided to hitch-hike to a Christian conference in Front Royal, Virginia. Arriving four days early, he went to a nearby forest and pitched his tent by a stream. On the last day, a tall, thin hiker with a notebook under his arm suddenly appeared, startling him as he read his Bible. Barclay explained that he came out there to fast and meditate.

Dave, the hiker, replied, "Well, I'm an intercessor. What would you
like me to pray for?"

Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, Barclay said, "Uh, frankly, I'd like prayer for a wife." The man wrote the request in his notebook and walked on.

By 1988, Barclay, now married to Sherry, has been divinely guided to move to Asheville, North Carolina. A chance encounter in the Holiday Inn parking lot led to an invitation to join a gathering of a Christian group outside of town.

Arriving just before the 7:00 P.M. meeting, the host walks in from the kitchen and stops dead in his tracks. "I know you!" he exclaims, pointing his finger. "You're Barclay Tait!" Barclay draws a blank.

"Just a minute. I have something I want to show you," the host announces. He scampers upstairs, leaving the puzzled Taits standing in the middle of the suddenly hushed room. In a moment the host reappeared with a well-worn ledger book. "See here? This is where I wrote your prayer request in column one when I met you in Front Royal in 1977: 'Barclay Tait: God's choice for a wife.'" Barclay looked down at the journal entry. It was the most detailed, methodical prayer journal he'd ever seen.

"I prayed for you for seven years," proclaims Dave. "Then in the middle of the night on December 30, 1984, God woke me up out of a sound sleep and said, 'Write in your journal, "Prayer answered." So I did.

See? Here in column two, "Prayer answered.'"

Barclay and Sherry look at each other with their mouths open. They sat down,
and their eyes fill with tears. Quietly, Barclay tells Dave, "That was the
day we were married."

Source: Today God Is First daily devotional


Source: NavPress
Some verses on prayers

God’s ears are attentive to the cries of His children
Ps. 34:15
15 The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous,
And his ears are open unto their cry.

Even before we call, He has prepared a specific answer
Is. 65:24
24 Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking I will hear.

He not only hears me, but He responds to me
Jer. 33:3
3 Call to me and I will answer you
and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

so awed..

wow..

God is so good. no matter wat. He is awesome as always.

He is in control, and has the best for us, no matter wat is happening, no matter wat we see or feel.

***
been feeling low for quite a while, somehow felt far from Him, couldn't sense Him like before, not because He's gone away, He is always near, it's my heart that's gone in hiding.. retreated back to its old shell, and doesn't quite know how to come out again.. fear & confusion crept in & i retreated to nowhere..

i ought to be wailing:"where am i.." coz God is always faithful and omnipresent, but i juz dunno how to meet Him..

extract from my journal written on 7 Feb ..click to view
after these thoughts were penned, i took out my guitar to twang, and it turned into spontaneous worship, and God blessed me with a new song!!
..click to listen

***
testimony from last nite's school of supernatural living at coos, church of our Saviour - 13 Feb

had a wonderful time worshipping, and enjoying God's presence, had imageries of Him cradling me as His baby, hand-holding me as His child, walking through pastures, looking at pretty flowers, dancing round & round holding hands, stopping by the water to see the fish, playing together in the water, Him pushing me on the swing, flying the kite together.. and me just lying on His lap and Him stroking my hair!

pastor derek was especially humorous last nite, and i especially loved all the verses and messages shared.

as the session was abt to end, the kind sister sitting beside me said she found it nice to beside me because.. can't remember what she said exactly (probably still dazed from the imageries & not wanting to come back to earth haha), but she said it was nice to sit with me..

later i found that it was me who was really blessed to be sitting beside her!
it started with me praying for her coz pastor asked us to pray for those who raised their hands, i barely finished praying when she also spontaneously prayed for me.. to receive the gift of knowledge, she also told me that God hears my prayers for salvation for many many people!! my heart was silently screaming in praise & awe.. maybe some did came out as audible sounds.. i'm not sure, but i'm sure my face must have been quite a funny sight, see.. i can't control my expressions very well..

for indeed i have been praying for salvation for people i know, and i was also praying the same last nite, i felt peace as i prayed.. and knew that God has it covered..

i was so bowled over when this dear sister, whom i just met, told me what has been on my heart! that He hears my prayer (even though i already know God hears us from the bible, it's juz different when someone else comes and tell u audibly..!!)
i couldn't stop smiling all the way home, remember still having that blissful smile on my face when i fell asleep..

yippee God!! thank You thank You thank You thank You thank You can't thank You enuf!!

sulian was just telling me last tues that when i don't hear God well enuf, He'll send someone along to tell me audibly..

and 3 days later.. He sends this sister to tell me He hears my prayers!! aaaahhhh..[silent screams in my heart again]

texted sulian in excitement & she says:"Praise the Lord! God is always faithful, n honors u, n loves whom u love!"

wow..

***
God made it easy for me to do things that i had been wanting to do but haven't been able to do for my family last nite & this morn! Father, i choose to put my heart in You for safekeeping forever and ever and ever.. i can't get by if it's anywhere else. i can go anywhere physically, but my heart has to be in Yours.. help me..

***
just read this article "Peace, Be Still! Do Not Let the Enemy Move You From the Rock of Your Peace" by Kathi Pelton
with the same message about God's steadfastness, and walking assuredly in His victory no matter what happens

read the full article here >>
www.elijahlist.com

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that you gave Me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me..." John 17:20-23

"These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
." John 16:33 AKJV

dwelling

been receiving prophetic paintings of a "house"

the first one was received during teachers advance last dec, drawn by a little girl; the 2nd was drawn by a little boy who partnered me during sunday school when we asked God for pictures for each other in pairs; and the 3rd was drawn by a sister i'd recently met at a prophetic painting session abt 2 weeks ago

i had been looking for a house before, but had stopped looking altogether as the prices weren't good then.. hmmmm and it doesn't really matter where i stay right now, because God provides me with all i need

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock."
Psalm 27:4-5



"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
John 14:2-3

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beatuiful treasures."
Proverbs 24:3-4

i was re-reading John 15 and this verse on the same page caught my eye..
John 14:23
"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."

then i came upon this interesting interpretation of John 15..
"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you."
"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love."


the first i received
***

went to the beach recently with my niece and got her to soak as i sang worship songs
she lay still as she soaked and later described what she saw excitedly.. eagles.. sun.. house.. clouds.. trees.. people.. angels.. Jesus!!
when she got up, she sang "Glory" with actions.. she remembers the actions! :)
she drew them on paper when we got home..



she started with the house and then the girl in the house..
i asked:"who's that in the house..?"
she said:"xiaogu" :)
i fell alseep beside her as i watched her paint :P and when i woke.. rather, she happily woke me up when she was done and showed me her beautiful painting..

God is so good :)

***

my mom was sick during the chinese new year, one night i woke up to find her coughing and vomiting and she was so weak she couldn't talk or stand properly.. tin was also awakened by her coughing and stood by.. i asked my mom if she wanted to see the doctor, and she shook her head.. then i asked her if i could pray for her and she didn't say anything.. i took it as a yes..

the next morning when i woke, she was already up and about, being her normal self again.. i asked her how she felt and she said she was ok!

i shared this with tin and tin said.. "praise God!!"

Hallelujah!!

precious moments

tin, our home help, asked me to pray for her today, on her own initiative! this is a first!! (my family doesn't approve of me sharing the gospel with her, but God rulez!)

usually it's me who'd ask to pray for her..

she shared that when i prayed for her a few days back, she received healing for her rashes and today she showed me a small wound on her hand and asked for prayer!

i pray that she will know Jesus more and more and follow Him with all her heart

***

overheard my 4 yr old nephew telling my 4yr niece (who was angry for no apparent reason, and refused to talk to anyone) : "jie jie, even though you don't play with me but i still luuuurrve yoouuuu..."

no response from my niece at that but all the adults around were amazed and beaming ear to ear

that was when i first sang "telephone to Jesus" for my niece animatedly.., she listened quietly and the day after, each time she saw me walking by, she went: "telephone to Jesus.. telephone to Jesus.." haha..

Lyrics for the song:
telephone to Jesus X 3
everyday..
hello?
i want to talk to Jesus X 3
everyday..
hello?
Jamaiseh (greetings in nepali, where i first heard this song)

when we went east timor, we learnt to sing it in tetum
telefon ba Jesus X 3
loronglo..
hello?
hau kolia ho Jesus X 3
loronglo..
hello?
bondiak(gd morn)/bontarde(gd afternoon)/bonoite(gd nite)

***

i didn't know that my nephew already knew how to sing "Glory.." until my car radio stopped playing one night..

i'd been singing it in front of him only a couple of times, and he'd just been watching & listening intently..

that night, he was sitting in the frontseat with me and he was busy with the touch screen while i was driving, i didn't see what he pressed, but when i stopped, i couldn't get the radio to play.. i thought it was spoilt.. i couldn't get it to play despite countless tries..

i finally gave up and ask him to sing a song for me because the radio was spoilt
and he sheepishly went... "Glory.. Glory... Glory to the lamb.." i instantly melted..

i felt so sorry i got upset with him that the radio kinda hanged..

i asked him to pray for the radio to work..
we both layed hands on the radio :)
then i tried again, it still didn't work..

i got out for a little errand while my mom stayed with him in the car..

when i came back, i saw them walking around somewhere near the car..

but when i tried again after we got back into the car.. the radio worked!!! me & my nephew beamed at each other.. and i couldn't stop saying Hallelujah!!

***

love spending time with my nieces and nephew, been playing alot with them especially during their school holidays, after i came back from east timor :)

remember singing "into my heart" with them several times, coz i really wanted Jesus to come in & stay in their hearts :)

one day, i asked my nephew to sing "into my heart" together with me.. again..
before he finished the first line, he stopped and said:"but xiaogu.. (translates to "little aunt" in chinese) Jesus is already in my heart...!" haha..

so then we sang "out of my heart.. out of my heart.. shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus.."

***

"xiaogu, can you pray for me?" my niece said one night during bedtime at a chalet and i was sleeping next to her.. i went "huh?" twice, i think, before i realized that my niece was really asking me to pray for her.. her parents doesn't approve, and she's told me before that she can't pray aloud at home.. coz her parents don't like it..

i pray that God keeps her safe, strengthens her faith and fills her heart with His unceasing love everyday and night, every moment of her life

***

thank You Lord for such precious moments in my life

fasting and learning to break fast

felt prompted to fast last thur morning, for 3 days, wasn't sure why at that point in time, or for who or what to pray but i just started the fast anyways.. maybe God wanted me to fast to hear His voice better.. :)

well, later that morning i received a call from a sister who was concerned about the blood test results she'd recently received..

i wondered if this was what i was to be fasting for..

on fri nite, another sister invited me to pray and worship overnite at her studio, she had been feeling stretched by her work.. was this what i was to be fasting for too..?
for breakthrough for this sister's ministry..?

it's a miracle for me to be able to fast.. i've had gastric problems, it was so bad i'd have pain if i skip even just one meal.. my mom wouldn't let me skip meals, it's amazing that i managed to not eat while i was at home those 3 days..

well, i didn't get gastric when i fasted one meal for 40 days, and now, for 3 full days.. God is amazing.. it's not that i don't like to eat.. i'm a foodie, but in those 3 days, i didn't feel like i needed to eat physical food.. i was more hungry for spiritual understanding..

pastor squeezed time to meet me after service impromptu and shared with me about bible study, and as she prayed for me, she saw white round bread.. it reminds me of Rosa's yummy cheese bread but i think it's supposed to be manna from God.. that God will give me bread to eat to feed my spiritual hunger :)

later that night i read the passage about Jesus' ministry not being recognized in his hometown.. this is the 2nd time i've been led to this passage..

it's supernatural that i hadn't eaten for 3 days nor slept for 2 days, and i don't feel hungry or tired.. late sat nite, i felt prompted to break fast, but i wrongly thought i could go to sleep and break fast the next morning (had arranged for breakfast with the sister whom i felt prompted to pray for)

this was a practical lesson in obedience and hearing God's voice.. for the next morning i woke up feeling strangely weak and tired and wobbly, i couldn't walk straight.. i knew i should have eaten last night when i felt prompted to.

this fasting experience feels like throwing out the old to receive the new..
so that God can teach me how to "eat", all over again.. from scratch, what to eat, show me things / words that are good for me to consume, at the right time..

God knows best

* * *

i haven't been dancing for ages, not "fasting" from it consciously, but just didn't.. it feels kind of like fasting from the old so that i can receive the new.. i don't want to dance because of my own desires, i want to learn to dance in a new way.. with God..

old dance videos >>

i stumbled upon this dance video on youtube from 2004.. rehearsal with scholars.. i'm in red pants and black top, had long hair then

kinda miss dancing..
need to get started on running..

minutes later.. here's another one!! miss Rob and everyone else.. thanks to steph for making and sharing this video.. sweet memories

i was led to these verses this morning.. and it's about wat was shared last evening!

Matthew 24:23-31
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
—Matthew 24:23-31

Matthew 24:36-44
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
—Matthew 24:36-44

Matthew 25:1-13
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
—Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
—Matthew 25:31-46

Mark 13:32-37
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
—Mark 13:32-37

Acts 1:10-11
And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
—Acts 1:10-11

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
—1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

2 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.
—2 Thessalonians 2:1-8

1 John 3:2
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
—1 John 3:2

Source: www.scripturemenu.com

awesome weekend

things are clearing up for me. thank you Lord

***

finally did prophetic painting yesterday (Sunday). it's been postponed so many times. been wanting to do it since last sep, but me & sulian fell sick on scheduled days and other things cropped up each time

we thought we'd be painting one painting each yesterday, but we were blessed with 12 paintings in total:)

the evening ended with an engaging talk about pagan christmas, anti Christ, timing and season, hebrewic calendar, gregorian calendar, meaning of discipling, salvation - is not just about saying the sinners prayer, but a changed life - living out the life that God calls us to live.. His way, not our way.. "I do not know you". "playing church" versus obedience to God.. hearing God's voice and obedience.. that partial obedience is also disobedience, including not going by God's timing.. King Saul got impatient and didn't wait for Samuel to arrive and went ahead with a burnt offering.. with dire consequences

***
and read this early this morning (monday)..

Obedience
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Sunday, January 11 2009

Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and You have not rescued Your people at all. - Exodus 5:23
Have you ever felt that the more obedient you are to following God, the more adversity there is? Moses had been instructed to go to Pharaoh and tell him to release the people of Israel. God had said He was going to deliver the people through Moses. The only problem is that God did not tell Moses at what point they actually would be released. When Moses complained to God, the Lord told Moses that He had to harden Pharaoh's heart in order to perform greater miracles. God was behind hardening Pharaoh's heart. We forget that the king's heart is in God's hand. God had a specific reason for each plague and each delay. God said to Moses,

"I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these miraculous signs of Mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed My signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord" (Exodus 10:1b-2).

God has a reason for everything He does. These delays were designed to bring greater glory to God and were to be a lasting legacy of God's miracle-working power for generations to come.

When the people were freed, God again hardened Pharaoh's heart to go after them. This action of God to harden Pharaoh's heart was to set the stage for an even greater miracle -- the parting of the Red Sea. The people were angry with Moses for bringing them to the desert "to die." But God said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on" (Ex. 14:15b). There was only one place to go by this time -- the Red Sea. God parted the Red Sea, and another greater miracle took place.

Moses learned several lessons that each of us must learn. God's promises are true, but His timing is not the same as ours. God always wants greater glory than what we might be willing to give Him. God puts obstacles and adversity into our lives in order to build perseverance and faith. Why has God put the mountain in your life at this time? To demonstrate His power through your life. To show His glory.

Hallelujah

seeking directions

so many things on my mind, desperately need directions from God.. ministry.. equipping.. work.. family.. His plans for me!!

on one hand am thrilled and excited at the promptings in my heart, yet hesitant that i might be acting out of my own will and not following His timing and plans

was walking along margaret drive last evening and asking God for help, and clear signs.. and along came a sweet sister (just as i was praying.. i haven't even said amen)

we first met during pastor michael's book of james class, where i was so blessed i teared from beginning to end of class.. we met each other briefly only a few times since then, it's always nice talking with her..

in the few minutes that we met last evening, she shared how God has led her to leave her job and do the things that He wanted her to do, and that she is enjoying herself very much now, doing what He wants her to do (could really sense the peace in her, and such sweetness). God has since healed her from faintings spells from last Sep.. every word she spoke was such an encouragement to me.. that was exactly what i want to do!!

Lord i pray for total obedience. pl help me to follow Your timing for the things You have planned for me

***

adapted the following from article by Bradley Stuart and TGIF daily devotional by Os Hillman this morning..
much blessed, just what i need right now
thank You Lord for knowing me and loving me unfailingly

Confirming a Word from God
1) Write down what you've sensed you've received from the Lord.
Habakkuk 2:2 Then the Lord answered me and said: "Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."
2) Wait for confirmation. 2Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”
3) Understand God's timetable and the timing of the fulfillment of the word.
Habakkuk 2:2 "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
4) Check for any conditions involved.
my heart needs healing before God can give me what He has shown me and it takes time, for God knows how much i can take at a time, but it will happen for sure and the healing will be complete.
This ties in with today's devotional from TGIF..
God knows the stubborn human heart. He knows that if He is to accomplish His deepest work, He must take us into the desert in order to give us the privilege to be used in His Kingdom.
For Paul, it was Arabia for three years; for Moses, it was 40 years in the desert; for Joseph, it was 13 years in Egypt; for David, it was many years of fleeing from King Saul.
In the desert God changes us and removes things that hinder us. He forces us to draw deep upon His grace. The desert is only a season in our life. When He has accomplished what He wants in our lives in the desert, He will bring us out. He has given us a mission to fulfill that can only be fulfilled after we have spent adequate time in preparation in the desert. Fear not the desert, for it is here you will hear God's voice like never before. It is here you become His bride. It is here you will have the idols of your life removed. It is here you begin to experience the reality of a living God like never before. Someone once said, "God uses enlarged trials to produce enlarged saints so He can put them in enlarged places!"
Hosea 2:14 "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her."
2 Samuel 22:20 "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me."
God i want to go in the desert with You, i do not know what i'm asking for, or what i'll face but i want to go through all that it takes to be tuned in to Your heart and be in total submission
5) Faithful obedience with meditation on God's word.
Psalm 1 Blessed is the man.. whose :2 "..delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night."
1 Samuel 12:21 "and do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing."
1 Samuel 12:24 "Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you."
When we don't understand how we need to really work with the word, it will often cause us to go into partial obedience and partial obedience is the same as disobedience, which can often hinder the word's fulfillment. In 1 Samuel 9:17 Saul had received a very clear word to be king, but when he partially obeyed the word of the Lord and never fully obeyed His instructions, he lost his kingship. 1 Samuel 13:13-14.



I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints? (Eph 1:18-19).

"There is a distinction between a later, special calling and our original, ordinary calling. Selfishness prefers the first, but stewardship respects both. A special calling refers those tasks and missions laid on individuals through a direct, specific, supernatural communication from God. Ordinary calling, on the other hand, is the believer's sense of life-purpose and life-task in response to God's primary call, 'follow me,' even when there is no direct, specific, supernatural communication from God about a secondary calling..In this sense no follower of Christ is without a calling, for we all have an original calling even if we do not all have a later, special calling.." yet..

*Os Guinness, The Call, Word Books, Nasvhille, TN p. 4, 48 1998 in TGIF 07 Jan 09

activated spirit

it's too much of a coincidence to be coincidental..
my thoughts and the messages i've been getting are falling into place so nicely
..my resolution for the new year
..pastor michaels's sermon last sunday
..altar call prayers
..conversations about activated spirit
..pictures and prophesies of God's word and standing firm and being rooted to His word which will be my strength in the face of tsunami waves and storms

and i just found the following article while i was looking for the verse that God spoke to me 2 years ago.. yay.. i'm almost 2 years old :) but hey..God really doesn't belittle the weak, for we are mighty when He is in us and He cares enough to send encouragement when i felt unrightly small and inadequate :) He hears our thoughts and is waiting to give us what we need, as soon as we turn our hearts to Him

i know it's not a coincidence for i've searched for the verse before but have never noticed this site, and today the search results didn't retrieve the usual sites that carries the verses even though the search terms i used are similar.. there were many links in the search results but this was the 1st site i clicked on..

the message also reinforces last sunday's sermon about connecting with God's spirit
which resonates with my new year resolution..

extract from activated ministries

Activated Magazine: 2005 Activated Issues > July 2005
“Abide In Me, And I In You” (John 15:4).
In the beautiful 15th chapter of John, Jesus says, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:5–6). If ever you, as a branch, don’t abide in the Vine, Christ—if you don’t abide in His love and His Word—then you will become unfruitful and withered, and you will be pruned from the tree as a dead branch. You won’t lose your salvation, but you will be cast aside as being no longer useful to God and His kingdom.

Without the flow of God’s Spirit there is no life. You must be firmly attached to the Vine where you’re receiving the spiritual sap and life and nourishment that you need directly from the Lord Himself. A lot of how you grow is up to you and how much nourishment you receive, so don’t cut yourself off from the Vine.

Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). But if you are dwelling in the Vine, as one of the branches, then you can produce beautiful leaves and beautiful fruit so that He and the Father may be glorified and have much fruit (John 15:8).

all i want for 2009 is..

to hear Your voice..

so much have happened this year.. as i think about what has happened the past 2 years, things that happened during childhood also came to mind.. that God has actually been in my life since young, without me really knowing, that i've had His favor since that special moment in kindergarten..

and as i think about 2009, the things that i would like to do.. (so many.. haha) i realize that the only thing that matters most is for me to hear Your voice..

just as i'm thinking about hearing Your voice being all i need.. i came upon this website that helps in hearing God's voice (was actually just browsing random christian graphics from the net.. or so i thought.. :P)
>> godtalkstoyou.com (image source)
thank you Lord for always being there for me and telling me so clearly !! :)

The Lord is my shepherd

Like a Shepherd
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Friday, December 26 2008

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart (Isa 40:11a).
Sometimes we can see Christ modeled in the most unusual ways.

Gerry, our neighbor, is a shepherd to the neighborhood dogs. Once Buddy, the roving black lab of the neighborhood discovered that Gerry was a wellspring of treats by simply pushing open his broken front door, he began bringing other dogs on his visits. They made themselves welcome in his front foyer.

One of them was an older cocker spaniel named Joe Cocker. But unlike Buddy, Joe didn't leave after thirty minutes. He ended up staying for two days! Finally Gerry called the name listed on his dog tag and found out that his owner lived up the road. As Gerry started to walk him home Joe stopped as soon as he reached the hill because he was too weak to climb it. So Gerry picked him up and carried him home. It was not a short walk and Joe was not a small dog.

Day after day this routine continued and I was amazed at how much Gerry grew to love that dog. He'd let him stay at his house for days at a time and Joe was content to just hang out with him and loved to sleep on top of his dirty laundry. Then one day Gerry got a call from Joe's owner to let him know that Joe had died. When Angie called Gerry to see how he was, he choked back the tears as he talked about him.

Jesus is often referred to as the good shepherd in the scriptures and his followers are referred to as His sheep He carries close to His heart. There are times in our lives when Jesus knows that we cannot make it up our own hill in life. It may be because we are facing financial ruin, debilitating health or insurmountable grief. But no matter what the reason, we can trust that Jesus is there to carry us.

Allow Him to pick you up so you can find rest in His arms and comfort in hearing His heartbeat as he carries you close to his heart.

a new slate for 2009

why do i weep so much when You tell me You love me
i can never comprehend Your love for me
how you've made me and called me
and see me as precious and beautiful

they say i've grown so fast and am trying to outrun You
how could i ever run ahead of You..?
all i wanna do is love you and follow You all the days of my life,
and pray that my thoughts will please You,
that my heart will always yearn for You with fervor
and that my actions will glorify You

do i really wanna grow up..?
i wish i could be Your little baby forever
and be cradled in Your embrace always
but i know You have the best plans for me
and i do want to walk where You lead me
i want to tell the world of Your goodness
and shout to the world that salvation belongs to You

i will cry like a baby for Your love overwhelms me
i can't do anything else but weep
when i know how much You love me
who am i that You've come and saved me
that you know me and my naughty deeds and yet still rescued me
and keep reminding me of how much You love me

i will grow and learn to walk boldly
for i know You are watching over me
and will help me when i fall
that You want me to soar with You
and not be afraid
for Your great big hands are upon me
and Your love will carry me and see me through each day

***

was very touched at today's service
pastor cynthia talked about forgiving and forgetting and starting on a new slate for 2009
so overwhelmed by God's love again