Ezekiel 36:33-36
'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns and the ruins will be built. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. They will say, "This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited." Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.'
I believe that the lord likes to bless. Even while I was doing my quiet time, I really felt the words "become like the garden of Eden" jumping out at me. The garden of Eden is the best symbol of beauty and serenity and God wants to make us just like it.
I know that there are times where I do things that God isn't pleased with and after a while it becomes a recurring problem. Slowly but surely, the once beautiful plot of land that the lord had given me, becomes more and more desolate. But I thank God cause there's hope!
When we look at our lives, at how we have sometimes stumbled and fallen. I thank God that he still wants to rebuilt what was destroyed. I believe in the lord's words and I believe that no matter how bad we think we are or how little patience we have left in our people, the lord wants to replant and to give us life.
It is when I come to the end of myself and really am forced to sit at the lord's feet, that I remember that his ways are higher than our ways. He wants to make us the garden of Eden.
"I the lord have spoken, and I will do it."
- Ezekiel 36: 36
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
bAaA BAa Black SheEp
Ezekiel 34:1-10
Many things have been happening around me in this season of my life. I find that I've had to face difficult colleages, family tension, long - standing problems and learn how to face my worst fears. Even as I write this, my dad is unhappy with me because I'm still awake and deemed to be unable to 'run my own life'.
I'm learning how to cope and I'm always amazed at God's timing. How He manages to allow everything bad that can happen, to happen, all in one short time frame. But I think God is really good, and I'm really reminded not to dwell on my problems.
"... Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?" - Ezekial 34: 2
Yup, life is full of it's ups and downs and there are always problems and urgent things we have to tend to. Ultimately, I know that God will provide and that He will bless but is my faith strong enough to believe that I can still love my people and actively do something about it? I pray for strength.
I really thank God for a particularly beautiful lady the lord has blessed me with. I truly believe that she's one of those shepherds who take care of the flock even when she should only be taking care of herself. So thank you, because I've learned what it means to love even when life is so unlovable.
To my fellow sheep mates, have you been thanking your shepherds?
Many things have been happening around me in this season of my life. I find that I've had to face difficult colleages, family tension, long - standing problems and learn how to face my worst fears. Even as I write this, my dad is unhappy with me because I'm still awake and deemed to be unable to 'run my own life'.
I'm learning how to cope and I'm always amazed at God's timing. How He manages to allow everything bad that can happen, to happen, all in one short time frame. But I think God is really good, and I'm really reminded not to dwell on my problems.
"... Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?" - Ezekial 34: 2
Yup, life is full of it's ups and downs and there are always problems and urgent things we have to tend to. Ultimately, I know that God will provide and that He will bless but is my faith strong enough to believe that I can still love my people and actively do something about it? I pray for strength.
I really thank God for a particularly beautiful lady the lord has blessed me with. I truly believe that she's one of those shepherds who take care of the flock even when she should only be taking care of herself. So thank you, because I've learned what it means to love even when life is so unlovable.
To my fellow sheep mates, have you been thanking your shepherds?
Thursday, March 29, 2007
nuclear watchdog
I made my students stay back after class today. It was quite funny actually because none of them were taking my threats seriously. I told them that if they couldn't finish their work, they wouldn't be going home. And so I gave them half an hour to complete an essay. Guess what? These students just continued 'dili dali-ing' and one of them even had the audacity to fall asleep! AH! The angst of a teacher!
At the stroke of 4.20pm, which is the usual time to go home, I could sense that they were waiting in anticipation for me to give in and set the essay as homework. So I kept quiet and waited.
4.30pm They continued staring at the clock
*Tick Tick Tick*
4.50pm They finally got the idea and started doing their work.
So after one WHOLE hour, they FINALLY got the point!
Anyway, if you really wanted to know, they finally left at 5.30pm after completing their assignments.
So I was wondering what the lord was trying to say to me. Then I nearly fainted when I did my QT.
Pls read Ezekiel 33:1-6.
Especially Ezekiel 33: 6
"But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood."
You see, the problem that I face is that I'm teaching in a private school. Customers are always right and students' opinions always comes before the lecturers. I know that by making them stay back, they could easily lodge a complaint against me. Ah yes! so please pray.
The difference here is that I know that God has called me to be their 'watchwoman'! And before the sword of 'failing' comes, I must warn them!
It's funny how God speaks to me sometimes. This not only serves as a reminder to be that watchman at work, but also that watchman for my girls. Even before the sword comes, do we as leaders sometimes hold back our warnings? Or applied in a different way, do we warn our friends and colleages when we know that what they are doing isn't right? (Gosh.. I'm talking to myself!! Oh God, stop playing tricks on me!!)
You guys get the point? or must I make you stay back till 5.30pm too?
At the stroke of 4.20pm, which is the usual time to go home, I could sense that they were waiting in anticipation for me to give in and set the essay as homework. So I kept quiet and waited.
4.30pm They continued staring at the clock
*Tick Tick Tick*
4.50pm They finally got the idea and started doing their work.
So after one WHOLE hour, they FINALLY got the point!
Anyway, if you really wanted to know, they finally left at 5.30pm after completing their assignments.
So I was wondering what the lord was trying to say to me. Then I nearly fainted when I did my QT.
Pls read Ezekiel 33:1-6.
Especially Ezekiel 33: 6
"But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood."
You see, the problem that I face is that I'm teaching in a private school. Customers are always right and students' opinions always comes before the lecturers. I know that by making them stay back, they could easily lodge a complaint against me. Ah yes! so please pray.
The difference here is that I know that God has called me to be their 'watchwoman'! And before the sword of 'failing' comes, I must warn them!
It's funny how God speaks to me sometimes. This not only serves as a reminder to be that watchman at work, but also that watchman for my girls. Even before the sword comes, do we as leaders sometimes hold back our warnings? Or applied in a different way, do we warn our friends and colleages when we know that what they are doing isn't right? (Gosh.. I'm talking to myself!! Oh God, stop playing tricks on me!!)
You guys get the point? or must I make you stay back till 5.30pm too?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
GLory not Gory!
As suggested by our spiritual grandmama, we will be looking at ACTS 5: 1-11 today.
It's the story about Ananias and Sapphira and how they decided to keep part of the money they were supposed to give to the lord.
Well, the strangest thing that the lord spoke to me about was not at all about tithing but about relationships. (Although I strongly recommend that you tithe!!!)
"Peter said to her, " How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. " - Acts 5:9
Is your current relationship pleasing the lord? Do you find yourself constantly struggling with doing the right thing? Do you find that your partner and you have unknowingly agreed to do things that do not please the lord? Or are there friends of yours that you have unwittingly struck an agreement with?
Reading this serves as a great reminder to me. Remember, it wasn't Adam who first took a bite from the apple, but it was Eve who brought it to him. Have we as partners or friends become stumbling blocks to the people around us?
Don't worry, we're not going to die.. IF we repent!
The key is seeking the lord and pumping more Jesus petrol. Do you want a relationship that pleases the lord? It could be a friendship, courtship or even parent-child relationship.
So I urge all of you to join me as I sincerely seek and ask God ," Have i done anything wrong?"
It's the story about Ananias and Sapphira and how they decided to keep part of the money they were supposed to give to the lord.
Well, the strangest thing that the lord spoke to me about was not at all about tithing but about relationships. (Although I strongly recommend that you tithe!!!)
"Peter said to her, " How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. " - Acts 5:9
Is your current relationship pleasing the lord? Do you find yourself constantly struggling with doing the right thing? Do you find that your partner and you have unknowingly agreed to do things that do not please the lord? Or are there friends of yours that you have unwittingly struck an agreement with?
Reading this serves as a great reminder to me. Remember, it wasn't Adam who first took a bite from the apple, but it was Eve who brought it to him. Have we as partners or friends become stumbling blocks to the people around us?
Don't worry, we're not going to die.. IF we repent!
The key is seeking the lord and pumping more Jesus petrol. Do you want a relationship that pleases the lord? It could be a friendship, courtship or even parent-child relationship.
So I urge all of you to join me as I sincerely seek and ask God ," Have i done anything wrong?"
Monday, March 26, 2007
one HuMuNGouS plaster!
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." - 1 peter 4:7
How many of us can truly say that we can remain calm and 'clear minded' when 'the end is near'? How many of us actually manage to achieve this state of zen?
If you can, I truly applaud you. If you can't, join the club! ( I'm so tempted to sing that Michael Jackson song again... "you are not alone.. ")
Sometimes I go through life fuelled with so much fire and passion. I feel that I have all that energy and desire to achieve goals that seemed so unattainable. Along the way, I slog and I work and I find that my batteries start to grow weak, the fuel runs out and I get tired. Then finally it dawns upon me that I haven't been filling my tank with some good, old Jesus oil. Haha, you get the point. Have you been praying? Do you constantly seek God even when things are seemingly impossible? When people let you down, can you still remain 'self - controlled' ? Or do you start ranting and blaming them?
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8
Love. One of the simplest elements ,yet the hardest to attain. Maintenance is key. Is your love consistent? Does it remain even when you're annoyed? Remember that when Jesus died for you and me on the cross, his love covered a multitude of sin.
Many of us face difficult people at work and school. When we come home, we face caring yet annoying partners and family members (like my dad). Can we still choose to love them?
Love is the ultimate plaster that can heal and protect but always remember to fill up your tank at your friendly neighbourhood Jesus petrol station before you continue your journey.
How many of us can truly say that we can remain calm and 'clear minded' when 'the end is near'? How many of us actually manage to achieve this state of zen?
If you can, I truly applaud you. If you can't, join the club! ( I'm so tempted to sing that Michael Jackson song again... "you are not alone.. ")
Sometimes I go through life fuelled with so much fire and passion. I feel that I have all that energy and desire to achieve goals that seemed so unattainable. Along the way, I slog and I work and I find that my batteries start to grow weak, the fuel runs out and I get tired. Then finally it dawns upon me that I haven't been filling my tank with some good, old Jesus oil. Haha, you get the point. Have you been praying? Do you constantly seek God even when things are seemingly impossible? When people let you down, can you still remain 'self - controlled' ? Or do you start ranting and blaming them?
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8
Love. One of the simplest elements ,yet the hardest to attain. Maintenance is key. Is your love consistent? Does it remain even when you're annoyed? Remember that when Jesus died for you and me on the cross, his love covered a multitude of sin.
Many of us face difficult people at work and school. When we come home, we face caring yet annoying partners and family members (like my dad). Can we still choose to love them?
Love is the ultimate plaster that can heal and protect but always remember to fill up your tank at your friendly neighbourhood Jesus petrol station before you continue your journey.
The iRoNy of it all
I feel tired and frustrated with my dad.
As many of you know, my family is going through some tough times and sometimes I really do feel like throwing in the towel. If I had the chance, I think I'd probably take the opportunity to do something really drastic. I bet i'm not alone on this one. Are there times you simply cannot understand why your parents are being so difficult? Especially when you seem to be doing everything right? Do you feel that some of their advice and rules are just downright pointless?
Music please!
' You are not alone... I am here with you..' (Michael Jackson song)
OKay! Maybe it isn't all that bad. Maybe it's just that one time when you felt rage coursing through your bloodstream and hot air oozing out of every pore of your body or just once when you snapped.
*Piak*
Today's devotion is dedicated to all of us..
"Honour your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is givng you." - Exodus 20:12
Oh My GosH! Am I going to DIE?!
Well thank goodness I'm still alive and writing this post.. hallelujah! You're still reading this post.. double hallelujah!
The key thing here is to ask ourselves this question. Do we still love our parents? Does God love them? Having a relationship with our parents can be like a roller coaster ride. When things are progressing, they move slowly towards the peak. We can enjoy the view and relax but like all roller coasters, things can spiral down even more quickly. uP and DOwn it goes.
The common truth about rollercoasters and relationships is this. At the end of the exhilarating ride, we're still satisfied .(Though some may puke.)
I still love my dad and I still believe in him. I believe that God placed him in my life for a reason, one of which is so that I can be made.. hehehe.. At the end of the day, I've learnt that I must honour my dad. How? By honouring his request, his advice and his actions. By remembering that God placed him in my life. By knowing that at the end of the day, God will take care of my dad and I. Do you believe?
As many of you know, my family is going through some tough times and sometimes I really do feel like throwing in the towel. If I had the chance, I think I'd probably take the opportunity to do something really drastic. I bet i'm not alone on this one. Are there times you simply cannot understand why your parents are being so difficult? Especially when you seem to be doing everything right? Do you feel that some of their advice and rules are just downright pointless?
Music please!
' You are not alone... I am here with you..' (Michael Jackson song)
OKay! Maybe it isn't all that bad. Maybe it's just that one time when you felt rage coursing through your bloodstream and hot air oozing out of every pore of your body or just once when you snapped.
*Piak*
Today's devotion is dedicated to all of us..
"Honour your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is givng you." - Exodus 20:12
Oh My GosH! Am I going to DIE?!
Well thank goodness I'm still alive and writing this post.. hallelujah! You're still reading this post.. double hallelujah!
The key thing here is to ask ourselves this question. Do we still love our parents? Does God love them? Having a relationship with our parents can be like a roller coaster ride. When things are progressing, they move slowly towards the peak. We can enjoy the view and relax but like all roller coasters, things can spiral down even more quickly. uP and DOwn it goes.
The common truth about rollercoasters and relationships is this. At the end of the exhilarating ride, we're still satisfied .(Though some may puke.)
I still love my dad and I still believe in him. I believe that God placed him in my life for a reason, one of which is so that I can be made.. hehehe.. At the end of the day, I've learnt that I must honour my dad. How? By honouring his request, his advice and his actions. By remembering that God placed him in my life. By knowing that at the end of the day, God will take care of my dad and I. Do you believe?
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Live in style
Scripture Rreference: Philippians 4:8-9
Hi all! Today marked the last entry I would be writing for the blog.... Maybe a recap of what the Lord had spoken to us this week:-
- Monday - Believing in your people
- Tuesday - Taming of tongue - To edify/encourage
- Wednesday - Putting love into practice
- Thursday -Being God conscious - The approval of God to man
- Friday - Never cease praising - Praise looks good on you!
- Saturday - To submit - Out of reverence to the Lord.....
- Sunday -?????
Today's devo is an adaption to the daily bread..... As I was reading thr my QT with God.... this portion of the story kinda caught me attention... The author says:" .... After he preached the same sermon for the 3rd week in a row.. the leaders met with him to find out what was going on... The pastor assured them:" I know what I am doing. When you start living out this sermon, I'll go on to my next one." Woah! How true it is izznt it!?? Have we been a "doers" of the Word or merely a passerby??? Even as you read thr this wk's devotional... is it just a head knowledge to you??
Sometimes, we take the advices of our parents, leaders, authority too lightly.. more often than not.. we find the advices passe and naggy... and is the Lord's Word in the same league with the above?? In v8-9 "..........if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things...... put it into practice" Today let us not walk away this week or later after service with just simply nodding our heads and say "Yah.. today's message is so gd!!!! I love his preaching!!!" Lets put aside this "idolising" manner but go beyond the superficial and lets embrace His word and be His model daily!!
Food for thot: Practising His commands take discipline... Be accountable to someone (preferably a leader) who is interested in seeing victory in your life. Have a fun-filled journey with the Lord... Practise makes prefect!!!!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Just 4 You!
Scripture Rreference: Eph 5:22-23
As I am typing today's devotion.... I just want to give praise thanks to the Lord... Why? Cos' in the morning, I was fliping through the bible when I chanced upon this passage.. without knowing that today's daily bread key passage was the same one I read this morning! Izzit amazing how the Lord wants to catch our attention by revealing things more than one time? Oh well... only God knows and He sure knows me well! I was quite upset with Roger as we made our way home yesterday.. so was pretty much pouting and sulking throughout the trip home... Even when I reached home and settled down... I was still upset. certain passages really speak volumes to me! v22 "Wives, submit to your husband as to the Lord... and v33b "....the wife must respect her husband." Indeed, if I am to "fight" all the way to prove that I am right... I think Roger will still "let me win" but is that what I want...? Of cos... not!!!! Like I mentioned in the earlier devo (i think.. hee).. its about the win-win situation and not a lobsided one!!! 2nd thing that spoke to me was.... in Eph 4:26 says "In your anger do not sin.. Do not let the sun goes down while you are still angry." I had a choice.. to ruin the day by pouting/throwing tantrums or to forgive and forget and end the day nicely... I must admit that I used to take a few days just to not harped on the matters.. (btw trival matters) which overtime.. it makes me look rather silly....!!!! But today... Praise be to God! I chose to forgive and forget.
Food for thot: Today, are you angry with your loved one and meanwhile even if you are attached or not... we still have people to submit to, have you been a humble servant...? I would end off with this: which path will you choose... ?
Friday, March 23, 2007
Just keep praising!
Scripture Reference: Psalm 66
Thank God its Friday.... or is it so?? Today's central theme is on praising the Lord at all times! Have this been a tough week for you that the only time you are praising the Lord is when you doing your quiet time? Have we let the mundane things we do each day to weigh us down? As I was pondering on this Psalm, I can picture the author praising the Lord in the most sincere and eagerly anticipating manner... v2 "Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!" v3 "Say to God, "How awesome your deeds are......" And how many of us is still filled with that kind of zeal as the weekend is approaching? Are you busy thinking of catching up with your "own life" and when Sun comes.. you feel the "anti-climax" as you need to "appear" for church service???? I repented as I thought through these questions... I admit I do feel that way too. Have we forgotten about our 1st love as other aspects of our lives are craving for our attention as well?
Today before you start the day be it at home, in school or at work...utter this prayer to Him... And may He dwell in our hearts each and every day.... :
"Dear Lord, will you give us this one desire, that is to pursue your heart..? Lord, still our hearts in all circumstances, do not let our emotions overwhelmed us but by your blood we will be overcomers of sins. Lord show your everlasting love for us/for mankind"
Food for thot: "When our efforts falter, we need to keep praising and lifting up Jesus. It's all about Him anyway. (From Daily Bread) Let us not lose heart.... and remember.. "Praise looks good on you!"
Thursday, March 22, 2007
"Numbfounded"
Scripture Reference: Acts 24:16; Galations 1:10
Do you know how it feels like when your toes are numb? No matter how you poke them, you cannot feel anything? This is exactly what today's daily bread passage was talking about... Have you always been God-conscious or men-conscious? This is a rather "unique week" for me even as I agreed to do the devotions for this wk's blog, I did not realise that it was after G12 conference. In addition,all my weekday nights are being filled up. I have been coming home latest by 11.30pm and it will probably go on till the end of this week. And to be honest! I am struggling to write the blog because I am physically tired and hee hee I am typing away on my bed lah! Furthermore, there are more things crying out for my attention as well... So yah.... until this verse spoke to me... v16 " So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and men" I was reminded of why we are doing is... is not just for the people to read and do their QT (as this is the season of growing deep) but it is because the Lord wants me to grow deep in Him... and frankly... Praise be to God! I do feel more connected to the Lord and God-conscious this week more than ever before! And I really want to please the Lord by practising what the Lord has spoken to me to the people around me. Today, are you busy seeking the approval of men, approval of deadlines, approval from performance appraisal.. wats your motive as you go about doing your daily routines? Have you been too "busy" to please the Lord?
Food for thot: We live in a world where compromising has become the benchmark in the way we live our lives. Have you compromise too much that you become "numbfounded"??... Will you ask the Lord to renew your mind daily? Will you be a Mary and sit by the Lord's feet and listen to what He has to say to you??
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ready.... 1, 2,3..... ACTION!!!
Scripture Reference: 1 John 3:11-20
Hi all, hows your walk with the Lord been? As I am typing today's devotion, I realised that the Lord is really interested in working in our life... Mon's devo was on believing in our ppl, ydae was on taming of the tongues and today's Word is abt loving in action. How apt izznt it?! That the Lord do not want us to read His Word and walk away with only the head knowledge but with personal application!
Today's devo speaks to me alot esp the part from v18-20 "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with action and in truth...... For God is greater than our hearts and He knows everything." Is it not true that it is so easy to say the 3 words "I love you" but its so difficult to put it into action? I was reminded of 2 issues that I am working on it... Some of you would know about my relationship with my eldest brother... We have not been on talking terms for the longest time, often, when my mum tell me certain things abt my brother, my immediate reaction was to make some sacrastic remarks/comments. However, this yr, one of the areas I want to see a breakthrough is that I will not say any bad things about my bro to the people around me. Honestly, it is not easy! Are you in the same situation with me? Cannot see eye to eye with a fellow project mate, classmates or colleague. Today will you exercise love in action and not just mere words? Remember talk is cheap; rather walk the talk!
The 2nd thing that I was reminded of it.... I always tell my daughters to love one other, to build one another up.. to be united etc. However, I realised I did not "model" for my people to see what is means to love one another. And recently I told myself to call this particular daughter of mine at least once a wk...wah.. since then.. I feel a change of heart in me towards her... somehow I do feel closer and more connected with her... With a change of heart, there comes a positive impression you have towards the person... maybe tats really what it means to love the person for who he/she is? Today, will you take the first step to pick up the phone to give up your 5 mins to talk to your loved one?
Food for thot: God sees your heart. He knows everything! In the midst of giving... remember to give not to expect for returns, give not out of compulsion but give with a willing heart.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
R u a quarrelsome frend, daughter, leader, gf, wife or all of the above?!!!
Scripture Reference: James 3:1-12
Today's devotion is adopted from the Daily Bread "A Word from the Wise" Hmmm.. if your answer to the above the title is "All of the above." Its a wake up call to you! How many times as girls/ladies that we let our emotions/feelings come first before going through our thot processes. And usually, the ending is a sad one or pretty much guilt-ridden. James made 2 very strong statement in verse 1, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers..... cos' you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly" and in verse 10 "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be"
As I was working on these verses, I was reminded of what one of my daughters who shared with me that she was afraid to share things for fear that she will be scolded by me (heh.. sounds familiar hor, del!), that actually caught me thinking have I been too harshed with my approach? Many times as leaders, we forget to put on a more humane, motherly approach to their issues that they are going through and immediately put on the "you-should-know-better-and-i-have-told-you-so" approach to our children which is why misgivings were surfaced. Today, will you ask the Lord to work in your heart to be "quick to listen" and "slow to speak" so as to edify and build one another up?
In addition, during the woman session, one of the 12 pts that Ps Nina shared abt the "noble woman" was "She is wise and she speaks graciously" - to the gfs, wives and wife-to-be! Have you been too harsh on your man? At the end of the day, it is not about who is right and who is wrong... because wat gd will it be if it is a win-lose situation. Proverbs 21:19 says "Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered woman." !!!!! Gosh.... Sahara desert anyone??? Today, will you ask the Lord a gentle spirit to fill you up?
Food for thot:
The Lord knows that we wear many hats daily... but will you take the extra mile to be genuinely nice to one another or to put your own agenda/desires before others? 'Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (Prov 16:24)
Monday, March 19, 2007
I believe in you!
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:8-12
As the title saes... "I believe in you" and who is this "you"? Am I referring to God? If not, who else? Hee.. today's devotion is adapted on Shawna's sharing at the congre. I do not know if her sharing spoke to you or not but it certainly did to me.... Frankly speaking, it was not the 3 points that she shared tat inspired me... but it was the speaker's leader that inspired me... The reason why Shawna was able to stand there to speak was because someone believe in her.. someone tinks she is special, she is a princess of God.. that she is worthy before the Lord... and someone who did not give up on her.
To my dear sisters/leaders out there:
Have you stop believing in your people? I questioned myself on that all the time. As most of u noe that I have some sec gals in my cell... It was never a easy journey since day 1... many times I really want to surrender... (not to the Lord but to throw in the towel! haha) but I noe the Lord refused to let me let go of them.. why? Cos' I choose to see them using my own naked eyes, my perception of them, their past behaviours to determine who they are.. who there will become... I have stop believing in them. But thx be to God... during the G12 conference..... I managed to speak to one of them.. a heart to heart talk for the longest time.. tats when I realised that how broken, how confused they are... Today, will you choose to hear the felt needs and love them for who they are or demand them to meet up with your "Godly" expectations?
To those who wants to serve but...:
In 2 Tim 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." What is holding you back from serving Him.... if today you lacked the courage because of the baggages/experiences you have.. will you surrender it before the Lord and said I let it go... I no longer want to be timid... I want to move in boldness... don't say you are too young, too old, too busy for the Lord...... Today, will you make a stand once and for all?!!
Food for thot: If Abraham can be used by the Lord (though he was sooo wishy-washy in the beginning), certainly the Lord can use you...would you want to pursue a life of faithfulness and obedience or a life of self-indulgence and disillusions?
Saturday, March 17, 2007
who wouldnt like to have presents??
Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:3-12
The Lord tells us today, that we should praise him, because all good and perfect gift is from Him above. and yes, as Paster Cesar said in the last session yesterday, that Prayer, is the key that we use, to access to all the blessings and weapons that God has given to us.
7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
And above all, we have the precious gift, of grace that is so free! His wisdom and understanding is lavished on us. All theses are good resources to see us through any toughest times that you and I go through. Comeom my dear sisters, what are you waiting for? In Him we have no lack, and together with him, we can go through all things. Children of the King have no reason to live like paupers. Instead, let there be a spirit of generousity, to give forth to others, so that more and more, can experience of His sweet love.
Friday, March 16, 2007
TGIF
Scripture Reference: 2Cor 5:12-21
Yeah, its finally Friday!Finally, one week of work is over, and this weekend is going to be super duper good because of the conference!
in verse 1 it says, Give thanks! because the Lord is good! Yes. The first thing is to give thanks for bringing us through the whole of this week.
In this psalm, it is repeated 3times, that if we cry out to the Lord in distress, He will deliver us. but it was mentioned 4 times that they should give thanks for his unfailing love, and his wonderful deeds! Yeah.. He is good. and today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, remember to give thanks to the Lord for every single small thing.
Daily bread says today, that indeed, this person is so thankful for his salvation, that he gives away free bibles to his customers. Its his way of blessing others and meeting their felt needs. One of the ways I bless my colleagues around me, is to open the doors for them wherever we go. Its just a small act of blessing, and one day, someone asked if if I really really liked opening doors for people. I simply replied that it is my way of blessing people, and an easy way to be a blessing too. so he keep disturbing me that I am a blessing girl.. yes! First step to vistory.. I am blessed to bless.. This is an open door for me to continue to bless them and meet their felt needs.. I pray very hard.
Today, what is your way of sharing this unspeakable joy to the ones around you? As an act of giving thanks, I enourage you, to share this joy to someone.
=) Have a blessed weekend!
So blessed I can't contain it. So much I gotta give it away.
Your love has taught me to live now.
You are more than enough for me.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
I. I. C
Scripture Reference: 2Cor 5:12-21
Many a times when we are so busy, and when we finally quieten down after a long time of weariness, we ask ourselves.. who am I? why am I here, and for whom am I doing so much? Why cant I just be simple and the questions just come in a vicious cycle..
Soon after, I realised, the more I learn to let go of things, and not let it bother me, the less tired I am because I find joy in the Lord.
14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
this verse speaks that I live for Christ and not for myself. when we find our identity in Christ, we no longer let things of the world determine who we are, what we do or how well we do, and we are happier. simply because, we know we have a Father who loves us more than anything else in the world, we are special in His sight.
In the old testament, Genesis 25:29-34, Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, because he despised his birthright. Today, we have been redeemed, with an identity in Him. Let nothing sell away this identity that give us eternal security and joy. To resolve our identity crisis, we must be identitfied with Christ.
The creator or his world, is our lover. How wonderful it is, and there is no other, far greater than this gift, that is worth, to give up this identity.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
God is good, All the time
Before I began today's devotion, I thank God for being there for me.. we celebrated my sister's birthday with a family dinner and we had a good time, considering the fact that my parents had a BIG quarrel on Saturday, and it was raining very heavily, and all of us were rushing home from work. coincidentally, my sister n dad was out, and I gave them a lift from office. All turned out well, and it was really good.
I started my day thankful for how good God has been, yet irritated with all the issues I have to deal with at work since the start at 6am. Everything that could go wrong, went way wrong.. and i was sooo busy trying to touch on everything. I felt like.. so.. urrrgh...I decided to take some time out to just calm myself down..
title on today's daily bread is " He is There " I knew it was for me.. to remind me that in whatever that happens, God is there for me.. God's intervention proved that.. he has beyond what we can think of. As I start to read into the psalm, in this verse it says:
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
I hear the Lord saying, even problems will not be problems to you, learn to see that the Lord is good. He put problems there, so that you can find the answer to it and be better. That this problem, will no longer be a problem for me! and for you, the Lord wants to renew you. Is there anything in your life that you have been holding on, and am troubled by it? is there a confession that you want to share, but you do not dare because you are afraid that the Lord will be angry with you? The Lord is telling you today, that He knows us, because he is the one who has created us, and he wants to bring you to light. in verse 10 it says that His hand will guide us and hold us. we have this assurance that God is our refuge and our strength.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Pastor Khong shared on Sunday that true repentance comes when there is a renewal of the mind. Not only actions that change, not only words has changed, but also thoughts n feelings, totally changed! Not only do we keep saying and chanting that God is with us, God is good, but we really experience and know it in our hearts that God is with us, and God is good! Embrace this truth today my sisters, as the kids song that says, Our Lord is able to carry me through, it will carry you through today too! Open your hands and your heart to him today.
I feel so much lighter after reading this. cos, there is something much greater to accomplish than to be bothered about the work pile that is making me tired. Its the devil at work, that wants to bring us down, cos something mighty is happening this weekend! the G12 conference! I believe, it must be moving so spiritually strong that even the devil wants to stop us from attending, with an excuse of being tired from work, or preperation for school that re-opens next week. My dear sisters, let us persevere n cling on.. cos the Lord will carry us through..He is there for us.
Juan.. dont worry about the practical exam.. we're all praying for u.. The Lord is good, remember...?
MeiFang.. the Lord is our healer.. he will take away the rashes, if u believe.. =)
Scripture Reference: Psalms 139
I started my day thankful for how good God has been, yet irritated with all the issues I have to deal with at work since the start at 6am. Everything that could go wrong, went way wrong.. and i was sooo busy trying to touch on everything. I felt like.. so.. urrrgh...I decided to take some time out to just calm myself down..
title on today's daily bread is " He is There " I knew it was for me.. to remind me that in whatever that happens, God is there for me.. God's intervention proved that.. he has beyond what we can think of. As I start to read into the psalm, in this verse it says:
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
I hear the Lord saying, even problems will not be problems to you, learn to see that the Lord is good. He put problems there, so that you can find the answer to it and be better. That this problem, will no longer be a problem for me! and for you, the Lord wants to renew you. Is there anything in your life that you have been holding on, and am troubled by it? is there a confession that you want to share, but you do not dare because you are afraid that the Lord will be angry with you? The Lord is telling you today, that He knows us, because he is the one who has created us, and he wants to bring you to light. in verse 10 it says that His hand will guide us and hold us. we have this assurance that God is our refuge and our strength.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Pastor Khong shared on Sunday that true repentance comes when there is a renewal of the mind. Not only actions that change, not only words has changed, but also thoughts n feelings, totally changed! Not only do we keep saying and chanting that God is with us, God is good, but we really experience and know it in our hearts that God is with us, and God is good! Embrace this truth today my sisters, as the kids song that says, Our Lord is able to carry me through, it will carry you through today too! Open your hands and your heart to him today.
I feel so much lighter after reading this. cos, there is something much greater to accomplish than to be bothered about the work pile that is making me tired. Its the devil at work, that wants to bring us down, cos something mighty is happening this weekend! the G12 conference! I believe, it must be moving so spiritually strong that even the devil wants to stop us from attending, with an excuse of being tired from work, or preperation for school that re-opens next week. My dear sisters, let us persevere n cling on.. cos the Lord will carry us through..He is there for us.
Juan.. dont worry about the practical exam.. we're all praying for u.. The Lord is good, remember...?
MeiFang.. the Lord is our healer.. he will take away the rashes, if u believe.. =)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
rest or no rest
Scripture Reference: Gen 2:1-3
I always like to be busy. When I was in my school days, my whole schedule is jam packed with CCAs, projects, lessons and revision lessons. Any free time, it would be time for meetings, discussions, and little time is left for school work. Rest comes last. Then church came in, but I dont really spend much time for church, besides service time and cell group time.
From secondary school till my poly days. Then it was time to start work. Work schedule was very very packed too.. had to work late nights often.. In the midst of which, I still find enjoyment. simply cos I liked being busy. Its like part of.. being efficient. My mum always teaches us not to waste time. Need to spend our time wisely, and we are not allowed to sleep late till late mornings. By 1030am, my mum will be screaming at her top of her voice to wake us up, irregardless of how tired we are or what time we slept. I did my degree while I was at my first job, and yes, believe me, its not easy.. but Thank God for a good boss, who allowed me to do my assignments during office hours.
After going on and on for quite some time, I began to ask myself,: "What is it at the end of the day do you want to tell the Lord you are doing, and what is it that you are busy with? Do you really want to go on and on like that? I remember the Lord telling me one day, " will you slow down and listen to me, or just take a stool and sit at my feet? You'll know what you are missing out on."
In today's quite time, the title is " Slow Down ".. and the first reaction that WeiLoon had, was.. "hey today's quiet time is for you.. better read it! " God demonstrated that rest is appropriate and right. One day after working for 6 straight days, he rested, (vs3) By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. and this is the day we observe as Sabath. Our times of rest refreshes us for times of service.
During June Rest Camp last year, Pam talked about resting in the Lord, working in Him, and allowing him to take control of your life a little more than usual. Instead of us taking the remote control to what happens to us, we let God take the control.
I am not sure about you, but I certainly feel refreshed from the week, after every Sunday service. It always feels good, to be in the midst of the family, together in the presence of the Lord, where we come back in renewal in Him.
At times we always say we are tired and weary, that is because we do not allow ourselves to rest. Physical rest is equally important as spiritual resting, and resting, is not just sleeping, but resting of our souls, slowing down to listen to what the Lord has to say to us, or just let the world pass us by, instead of just rushing together with the environment and feel sian about everything, why not allow some time to sit back, for a cup of tea, and catch up with someone that you have not talked to for a long time, then get on with work again. 休息是为了走更长远的路. resting does not equal not doing anything but resting = slowing down. I have never regretted spending more time with the Lord, yet things and tiredness always eats away quality tired time. I'll just read, finish up and go to bed. Today's quiet time reminds me, 10mins to rest and listen to the Lord, beats 30minutes of sleep. I want to try, to not let the ZZzzzzZZ monster overcome me, but to patiently sit and meditate on my daily bread!
Monday, March 12, 2007
We are F-A-M-I-L-Y
Scripture Reference: Mark 3:31-35
This was a devotion that I read on a Sunday, after service. The whole of these few weeks, the church has been going through a difficult time when there was an announcement that Pastor Billy has left church.
Pastor led us to pray for the Hokkien ministry during service. This reminded me, that we are a family. not just a family as Youthnet, not just a family as Dellia's tribe or William and Debra's tribe, but a family as a church.
It is not just the hokkien people who reach out to the hokkien people, but each of us serving a different purpose, just like different parts of the body, we function differently, but yet still in one body.
I feel that we should pray more for the church, to be more united. for the leaders, to stand stronger. for the people, to grow their roots deeper. or is this another point or scene of confusion of the evil one, that is trying to do something in the midst of victorious warriors to wreck big plans of the Lord. at this time, it is also a reminder for us, to be rooted and standing together as a family, to draw closer to Dellia, and our people, because we are a BIG Family.
someone told me this: FAMILY = Father-And-Mother-I-Love-You
My family is not a family that easy uses the word love, but this week, I challenge myself to show my expression of love, through action to my family. Just to bless them, to draw closer to them. You can do so too!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Approved by God
Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:4-9
This is not an unfamiliar passgae. Yet everytime I read it, there are different ways in which God speaks to me through it.
Firstly, it is to rejoice, as in verse 4, that we as children of God, is to Rejoice. One of the most difficult things in bad times that I am going through, is to rejoice. But I always am very amazed by how Pastor William is always joyful about things. He always say " Its ok.. ". It makes me wonder if its really ok sometimes. soon to realise, that he does not allow these things to bother him, and make his heart burdened, but just letting go to God, and the peace, as in verse 9, will be with Him. No 1: Rejoice!
Been struggling alot with my office colleagues. Got some misunderstanding here and there, and I realise, that mankind, is very difficult to understand. On that day of a combined G12 meeting with Pastor Debra and William, he reminded me of something that Dellia always used to say.. " An accusation is always made up of half truth and half lie. Do not let the evil one stir up these thoughts in you, that makes you burdened. on QT that day, verse 7 says ".. the peace of God which transcends all undertsanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. " I am a very anxious person.. or rather, impatient. I usually get very upset and defendsive when I am accused, so.. this verse reminds me.. a 5 seconds pause.. before I react to anything, in a state of upset-ness, i will pause for 5-seconds.. yeaps.. and this really worked.. Just yesterday when my colleague passed a very sacarstic remark, it struck me very hard.. but I paused 5secs, then just smiled at him.. I keep telling myself.. " its an accusation, its an accusation.. just.. ignore.. " so I just smiled at him.. of course, after that prayed about it, and the Lord said, its ok.. He just wanted to bring you down.. I am glad, that I paused for 5-seconds
Today, there is so many things that you can drive through this verses, even in daily bread, it speaks of casting your cares unto Jesus. When you are upset, or when you are weary, will you choose to rejoice? or will you choose to let it bring you down? Will you choose to still smile, and say.. the Lord will carry me through? I know I cant do it very well, but I will try.. at least, try the 5-seconds method. and I pray that everyday, I can learn to let go more to the Lord
When God intervenes
Sorry fot eh last post, i tot i posted... ;) here it is!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5
There were a few times when i planned my cell word until very long and so called good. I believe it will speak to the ppl. BUT sometimes God works differently! He intervenes and says,"huijuan, y dun u do that instead?" My response is, r u sure God? I tot i seeked you so hard, now you asked me to change?" I battled with myself a while but still allowed God to intervene cos i choose to be obedient and know that He knows what is best for his ppl.
Are there times in your life when you have planned and organized your schedule and life so well that suddnely God intevenes, and the whole schedule is messed up. Today i want to suggest to you that God isn't sabotaging you, He knows what''s best for you. So next time when you experience God's intervention,learn to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5
There were a few times when i planned my cell word until very long and so called good. I believe it will speak to the ppl. BUT sometimes God works differently! He intervenes and says,"huijuan, y dun u do that instead?" My response is, r u sure God? I tot i seeked you so hard, now you asked me to change?" I battled with myself a while but still allowed God to intervene cos i choose to be obedient and know that He knows what is best for his ppl.
Are there times in your life when you have planned and organized your schedule and life so well that suddnely God intevenes, and the whole schedule is messed up. Today i want to suggest to you that God isn't sabotaging you, He knows what''s best for you. So next time when you experience God's intervention,learn to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Give thanks
34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34
How many times do we remember to give thanks to God when He blessed us?! I think you always do, right? If not…hmmmm.. ahha… But how many times do we give thanks when there is trial is our life? In James, trials are meant to mould our character and help us grow in the Lord. Do we believe?
Yesterday night Simon’s company had an annual D & D. At the last min, no one knows who’s in charge of the committee? But most of the stuffs was done by Simon, because no one in the company wants to do it. It’s a very long story and I shall not elaborate on it. In the end Simon was thrown as the chairman just before the dinner began ( I witness the whole situation), Oh my god…I said in my heart. And then in 5 mins time, he was supposed to give a speech. But he gave thanks and we prayed. The D & D was very successful; the VIP enjoyed this year’s one very much. Thanks to be to God who made all things possible.
Today is there a trial in your life that you find hard to give thanks? Why not take this moment to give thanks to God for the trial? He will make a way! Below is one of my favorite song, may it minister to you!
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
For the trials that come my way
In that way i can grow each day
As i let You lead
And i thank You Lord
For the patience those trials bring
In the process of growing
I can learn to care
But it goes against the way i am
To put my human nature down
And let the Spirit take control of all i do
'Cos when those trials come
My human nature shouts the things to do
And God's soft prompting can be easily ignored
But i thank You Lord
With each trial i feel inside
That You're there to help, lead and guide
My way from wrong
'Cos You promised Lord
That with every testing
That Your way of escaping is easier to bear
Yes, i thank You Lord
For the victory that growing brings
In surrender of everything
Life is so worthwhile
And i thank You Lord
That when everything's put in place
Out in front i can see Your face
And it's there You belong
his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34
How many times do we remember to give thanks to God when He blessed us?! I think you always do, right? If not…hmmmm.. ahha… But how many times do we give thanks when there is trial is our life? In James, trials are meant to mould our character and help us grow in the Lord. Do we believe?
Yesterday night Simon’s company had an annual D & D. At the last min, no one knows who’s in charge of the committee? But most of the stuffs was done by Simon, because no one in the company wants to do it. It’s a very long story and I shall not elaborate on it. In the end Simon was thrown as the chairman just before the dinner began ( I witness the whole situation), Oh my god…I said in my heart. And then in 5 mins time, he was supposed to give a speech. But he gave thanks and we prayed. The D & D was very successful; the VIP enjoyed this year’s one very much. Thanks to be to God who made all things possible.
Today is there a trial in your life that you find hard to give thanks? Why not take this moment to give thanks to God for the trial? He will make a way! Below is one of my favorite song, may it minister to you!
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord
For the trials that come my way
In that way i can grow each day
As i let You lead
And i thank You Lord
For the patience those trials bring
In the process of growing
I can learn to care
But it goes against the way i am
To put my human nature down
And let the Spirit take control of all i do
'Cos when those trials come
My human nature shouts the things to do
And God's soft prompting can be easily ignored
But i thank You Lord
With each trial i feel inside
That You're there to help, lead and guide
My way from wrong
'Cos You promised Lord
That with every testing
That Your way of escaping is easier to bear
Yes, i thank You Lord
For the victory that growing brings
In surrender of everything
Life is so worthwhile
And i thank You Lord
That when everything's put in place
Out in front i can see Your face
And it's there You belong
Friday, March 9, 2007
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,
42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41-42
Are there times when you feel that there so many things you need to accomplish in a day! And you complain and complain. I complain about why am I still studying? Why am I serving? Why did God give us these members? Why God give us this leader? Why am I doing this or that??!! And then when things don’t work the way we expected it to go! We get frustrated and upset with ourselves or even with God! I think we have lost our first love in God. We live as though there is no God in our lives. Today I want to suggest one thing: Try falling in love with Jesus once again and you find your life back on the ball and also less complains.
I keep falling in love with Him
Over and over
Over and over again (x2)
He gets sweeter and sweeter
As the days go by
Oh what love between
My Lord and I
I keep falling in love with Him
Over and Over
And over and over again.
“No Jesus, No life.”
42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:41-42
Are there times when you feel that there so many things you need to accomplish in a day! And you complain and complain. I complain about why am I still studying? Why am I serving? Why did God give us these members? Why God give us this leader? Why am I doing this or that??!! And then when things don’t work the way we expected it to go! We get frustrated and upset with ourselves or even with God! I think we have lost our first love in God. We live as though there is no God in our lives. Today I want to suggest one thing: Try falling in love with Jesus once again and you find your life back on the ball and also less complains.
I keep falling in love with Him
Over and over
Over and over again (x2)
He gets sweeter and sweeter
As the days go by
Oh what love between
My Lord and I
I keep falling in love with Him
Over and Over
And over and over again.
“No Jesus, No life.”
Thursday, March 8, 2007
An oak tree
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Colossians 1:9-10
Recently, I discovered that Pastor Khong also has a blog..ehhe…He has a daily devotion in his blog. So I am using his devotion to do my QT. Last 2 days I came across this devotion which I think really speaks to me and I hope it speaks to you too. There are two kinds of trees in the forest, a rubber tree and an oak tree. Rubber trees have shallow roots; it falls easily when soil erosion occurs. An oak tree has deep roots into the ground, it is firm and independent, and it still stands strong when storms come. An example in our walk with God; are your Christian walk superficial and shallow like the rubber trees? You will only draw nearer to God when you need Him. Or are you the oak tree? Where your roots are strong in the Lord, in trials or in happiness, my only hope and joy is in the Lord. I want to go deep in the God, please him in everyway. Be a special oak tree that can live through storms, where their roots are deep. In this season of growing deep in the Lord, talk to Him everyday, grow in the knowledge of Him. Is there anything that the Lord is prompting you to grow in the knowledge of Him?
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Be Honest!
Today’s devotion is adapted from Monday’s daily bread.
9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD's temple. [a] 10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. 11 And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."
12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine."
15 "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief."
17 Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."
18 She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
1 Samuel 1:9-18
Last week has been one of the worst weeks I had from beginning of the year. I felt that I was such a failure in life. It seemed that I wasn’t able to manage and balance my time with my work, household chores, ministry and school work. I was very disappointed with myself. I even threw tantrums on Simon for no reasons. Then on Saturday night, suddenly it dawned upon me that I didn’t talk to God for this one week. (no wonder my week so terrible). Then I sat down on my table and begin to pour out all that I have been feeling for the past one week to God. At the same moment, I can feel His presence surrounding me and I could also feel my lightness of my heart. Praise God He is always there to listen!
Today, are you feeling frustrated with school, work or in ministry? Why not take this moment to talk to God and tell him everything. He is waiting for you. When you take 1 step towards God, He takes 50 steps towards you.
9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD's temple. [a] 10 In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD. 11 And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."
12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine."
15 "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief."
17 Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."
18 She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
1 Samuel 1:9-18
Last week has been one of the worst weeks I had from beginning of the year. I felt that I was such a failure in life. It seemed that I wasn’t able to manage and balance my time with my work, household chores, ministry and school work. I was very disappointed with myself. I even threw tantrums on Simon for no reasons. Then on Saturday night, suddenly it dawned upon me that I didn’t talk to God for this one week. (no wonder my week so terrible). Then I sat down on my table and begin to pour out all that I have been feeling for the past one week to God. At the same moment, I can feel His presence surrounding me and I could also feel my lightness of my heart. Praise God He is always there to listen!
Today, are you feeling frustrated with school, work or in ministry? Why not take this moment to talk to God and tell him everything. He is waiting for you. When you take 1 step towards God, He takes 50 steps towards you.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Pass can le?
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."
Philippians 3:8
I remember talking to Joanna on Friday night after Del’s G12 dinner. She was rushing home to do work and I was still hanging out with the rest. Jo ask: “ DMN, no need study ah?” I say pass can le la! Well, I didn’t know why recently I could easily say this statement out. Huijuan is one who focuses on grades…No A means failure, the whole world can collapse. This is a statement that is coming from a girl who topped O levels among the Sec 5 cohort, top in Temasek Poly, top in NIE. (not trying to boast here, want to emphasis my point) I think it is difficult to have come out from my mouth. But after last semester when Simon was admitted to hospital in the midst of my exam plus some other things, it dawned upon me what was important in my life, it is my family including the spiritual one and KNOWING GOD! If God wasn’t in my life, I will not know how to remain calm and peaceful when Simon was admitted. If del and the rest wasn’t there, I didn’t know who to confide in. If my cell didn’t send encouraging sms to me, I couldn’t have the joy in me. My friends, today I am not trying to say just get a pass in your results or just do ok in your job. Please by all means still excel in them! I believe God will give me at least a 3rd class honours. But today are all those school grades and work climbing over you, controlling you? Are they the most important thing in your life? Do you consider them rubbish? Today is our priority on spending time to know God, building God’s family or munching on these rubbish?
Philippians 3:8
I remember talking to Joanna on Friday night after Del’s G12 dinner. She was rushing home to do work and I was still hanging out with the rest. Jo ask: “ DMN, no need study ah?” I say pass can le la! Well, I didn’t know why recently I could easily say this statement out. Huijuan is one who focuses on grades…No A means failure, the whole world can collapse. This is a statement that is coming from a girl who topped O levels among the Sec 5 cohort, top in Temasek Poly, top in NIE. (not trying to boast here, want to emphasis my point) I think it is difficult to have come out from my mouth. But after last semester when Simon was admitted to hospital in the midst of my exam plus some other things, it dawned upon me what was important in my life, it is my family including the spiritual one and KNOWING GOD! If God wasn’t in my life, I will not know how to remain calm and peaceful when Simon was admitted. If del and the rest wasn’t there, I didn’t know who to confide in. If my cell didn’t send encouraging sms to me, I couldn’t have the joy in me. My friends, today I am not trying to say just get a pass in your results or just do ok in your job. Please by all means still excel in them! I believe God will give me at least a 3rd class honours. But today are all those school grades and work climbing over you, controlling you? Are they the most important thing in your life? Do you consider them rubbish? Today is our priority on spending time to know God, building God’s family or munching on these rubbish?
Monday, March 5, 2007
God wants to be THE leader of your heart!
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight
Proverbs 3:5-6
Many times we choose to settle things using our own method, and that many times you wonder whether you did the right thing. I remember in one of the youth service, I heard God saying, “Huijuan, I wan to be the leader of your heart!” This is the time when I was helpless with the cell. And I remember 2 weeks ago, I scolded one of my member…after I put down the phone, I was very upset cos I have used my OWN way to settle this problem! I was very very sad. Then I prayed. God brought me back to the time He spoke to me during the youth service. Immediately I prayed, God gave a method to salvage the situation. I called back my member. Then I told her that we shall do QT every night. 2 weeks have gone; she has changed to be a stronger woman in the Lord! Praise God!
This message is not only for leaders, it is for you too! Are there times that you feel helpless in the situation you are in? Let Him be THE leader in your Heart and guide you in this journey!
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight
Proverbs 3:5-6
Many times we choose to settle things using our own method, and that many times you wonder whether you did the right thing. I remember in one of the youth service, I heard God saying, “Huijuan, I wan to be the leader of your heart!” This is the time when I was helpless with the cell. And I remember 2 weeks ago, I scolded one of my member…after I put down the phone, I was very upset cos I have used my OWN way to settle this problem! I was very very sad. Then I prayed. God brought me back to the time He spoke to me during the youth service. Immediately I prayed, God gave a method to salvage the situation. I called back my member. Then I told her that we shall do QT every night. 2 weeks have gone; she has changed to be a stronger woman in the Lord! Praise God!
This message is not only for leaders, it is for you too! Are there times that you feel helpless in the situation you are in? Let Him be THE leader in your Heart and guide you in this journey!
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