Ezekiel 37:1-14
"Then he said to me,'Prophesy to these bones and say to them,'Dry bones, hear the word of the lord! This what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones:I will make breath enter you and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the lord." - Ezekiel 37: 4-6
How many times did the word 'prophesy' appear in this passage?
SEVEN!
I have a tendency to say that "it's impossible" and to make negative statements that pretty much seal my fate. Whenever I face a difficult situation, like when I look at my dad, I really like to say ,"I don' t know. Die already.." And that pretty much becomes the motto of my life.
Even as I was reading ezekiel, God really reminded me to be that prophet of hope! To bring the dry bones to life, all I have to do is to prophesy, believing that God can work miracles.
MuSic pls... " I believe in miracles, where you from.. you sexy thing!!" (ok that was out of point)
Recently I've been trying to say " God I believe that things will work out in my family. I believe that my dad will reconcile with my mum. " It really took a lot of effort and plenty of 'dying to myself' to reach this stage.
"Then he said to me, " Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man.." - Ezekiel 37:9
So prophesy, daughters and sons, so that we might see the glory of the lord in our lives! Let the words that come out of our mouths, be a reflection of the abundunt blessings we know that God will provide.
"I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken and I have done it, declares the lord." - Ezekiel 37:14
Showing posts with label aileen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aileen. Show all posts
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
the Garden of Eden
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
'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
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.
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