Seeing A Greater Purpose In Adversity
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Thursday, January 24 2008
But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" - Acts 16:28
Paul and Silas had just been thrown into prison. An earthquake erupted and the jail cell was opened. It's Paul and Silas' opportunity. "Deliverance! Praise God!" might be the appropriate response. But this is not what Paul and Silas did. In fact, rather than leave, they sat quietly in their cell area. The guard, in fear of his life, knew that it would be automatic death if prisoners escaped. Paul and Silas did not leave because they saw a higher purpose for which they were in prison. They were not looking at their circumstance; they were much more concerned about the unsaved guard. The story goes on to explain how Paul and Silas went home with the guard and his family. Not only did the guard get saved, but his entire household as well.
What a lesson this is for us. How often we are so busy looking for deliverance from our circumstance that we miss God completely. God is looking to do miracles in our circumstances if we will only look for them. Sometimes as workplace believers we become so obsessed with our goals we miss the process that God involves us in, which may be where the miracle lies. What if that bill collector who has been hounding you is unsaved and he is there for you to speak to? What if a problem account has arisen due to something God is doing beyond what you might see at this time? Our adverse situations can often be the door of spiritual opportunity for those who need it.
I saw this personally when God allowed me to go through a number of adversities. It took some time, but I saw some great miracles as a result of those adversities. When God said that "all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purposes" (see Rom. 8:28), He meant all things. It is up to us to find the "work together for good" part by being faithful to the process. In the next adversity you face, tune your spiritual antennae and ask God for discernment to see the real purpose for the adversity.
24 January 2008
14 January 2008
Psalm of Comfort
I like Psalm 23. Brings me comfort.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
12 January 2008
Jesus is Lord!
Psalm 118
5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
and He answered by setting me free.
People will fail us, it cannot be avoided. we must learn that God alone is our Saviour and Salvation. '
Call out to God and He will save you (v5). No matter the wrong that others do to us, no matter how much people don't care or misunderstand us - God is with us, don't be afraid (v6)!
In times of confusion and trouble, call out to God, run and hide under the shadow of His wings, under the shelter of His love.
God won't let you fall (v13).
When anything comes against you, cut it off in the name of Jesus! proclaim Christ is Lord over all, rebuke evil and the devil in the mighty name of Jesus!
In everything, I proclaim the Lordship and Goodness of Our God!
To Him be the Honour, Power, Glory and Blessing; Now and Forever!
Amen!
5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
and He answered by setting me free.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
11 They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
12 They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
People will fail us, it cannot be avoided. we must learn that God alone is our Saviour and Salvation. '
Call out to God and He will save you (v5). No matter the wrong that others do to us, no matter how much people don't care or misunderstand us - God is with us, don't be afraid (v6)!
In times of confusion and trouble, call out to God, run and hide under the shadow of His wings, under the shelter of His love.
God won't let you fall (v13).
When anything comes against you, cut it off in the name of Jesus! proclaim Christ is Lord over all, rebuke evil and the devil in the mighty name of Jesus!
People are attacking me because I believe in Jesus - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Troubles and persecution are pushing me down - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Darkness and confusion block my path - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
My family is in financial trouble - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Laziness and spiritual indifference is pulling me away from God - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Hurts and unforgiveness are stopping me from loving others - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Troubles and persecution are pushing me down - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Darkness and confusion block my path - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
My family is in financial trouble - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Laziness and spiritual indifference is pulling me away from God - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Hurts and unforgiveness are stopping me from loving others - but in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
To Him be the Honour, Power, Glory and Blessing; Now and Forever!
Amen!
02 January 2008
LifeWords
The Work of God
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, January 01 2008
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -- yes, establish the work of our hands (Ps 90:17).
Martin Luther brought the word of God back to the people. Today, God is bringing the work of God back to the people. God never intended the clergy to be the primary distribution channel of His Gospel. You and I are the distribution channel -- those of us in the workplace.
The local church is simply the franchise to equip and release His army into the world to effect every aspect of society. Today, God is establishing mini-franchises in the form of prayer groups and Bible studies in the workplace. He is igniting the silent remnant of workplace believers who have never realized, until now, that their work really is their ministry. It is a holy calling on par with vocational ministry.
Our local franchises (churches) should be viewed as mini battle ships designed to raise an army of qualified warriors who can pray, create, and influence their workplaces and industries with a biblical worldview. We must be reminded of God's perfect plan found in Ephesians 4:11-13.
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
The next time you are tempted to pass ministry responsibility to your pastor, remember what Ephesians 4 says. After all, there are no part-time Christians in His Kingdom. We may get our checks in secular fields, but our ministry is full-time.
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, January 01 2008
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -- yes, establish the work of our hands (Ps 90:17).
Martin Luther brought the word of God back to the people. Today, God is bringing the work of God back to the people. God never intended the clergy to be the primary distribution channel of His Gospel. You and I are the distribution channel -- those of us in the workplace.
The local church is simply the franchise to equip and release His army into the world to effect every aspect of society. Today, God is establishing mini-franchises in the form of prayer groups and Bible studies in the workplace. He is igniting the silent remnant of workplace believers who have never realized, until now, that their work really is their ministry. It is a holy calling on par with vocational ministry.
Our local franchises (churches) should be viewed as mini battle ships designed to raise an army of qualified warriors who can pray, create, and influence their workplaces and industries with a biblical worldview. We must be reminded of God's perfect plan found in Ephesians 4:11-13.
"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
The next time you are tempted to pass ministry responsibility to your pastor, remember what Ephesians 4 says. After all, there are no part-time Christians in His Kingdom. We may get our checks in secular fields, but our ministry is full-time.
27 December 2007
memory loss
"[Of David.] Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-"- Psalm 103:1-2
sometimes we wonder why life turns so dark, seems so meaningless. we lose hope, lose sight of our prize!
this psalm of David, offers the remedy, the cure - Praise God, don't forget all the good the Lord has done for you!
keep a list and watch it grow! NEVER forget that the Lord is Good and His mercies are new every morning!
sometimes we wonder why life turns so dark, seems so meaningless. we lose hope, lose sight of our prize!
this psalm of David, offers the remedy, the cure - Praise God, don't forget all the good the Lord has done for you!
keep a list and watch it grow! NEVER forget that the Lord is Good and His mercies are new every morning!
26 December 2007
Working Wholeheartedly
May God bless you as you read His word daily =)
---------------------
Working Wholeheartedly
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 26 2007
In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. - 2 Chronicles 31:21
Hezekiah was a godly king. He was also a very talented businessman and builder. He was responsible for many noteworthy projects that are described in detail in the Old Testament. We discover from the passage above that King Hezekiah had two major attributes that contributed to his success and prosperity: He sought God, and he worked wholeheartedly upholding God's laws.
Godly success involves a partnership between you and God. Success in God's economy means achieving the purpose for which God made you. That purpose can never be discovered without seeking Him with a whole heart. You may achieve great things without seeking God, but you will never achieve the things God set out for you to achieve without seeking Him. Unless you seek Him, you may find yourself one day climbing to the top of the ladder only to find it leaning against the wrong wall.
What does it mean to seek God? It means creating time to sit before His throne in quiet places. It means reading His Word in order to know Him more intimately. It means developing an ear to hear His voice so that we know when to turn to the right or to the left. God desires to know you.
Are you willing to take the time to know Him? If so, you can be sure He will guide you into those things that will bring success to every aspect of your life.
---------------------
Working Wholeheartedly
TGIF Today God Is First by Os Hillman
Wednesday, December 26 2007
In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. - 2 Chronicles 31:21
Hezekiah was a godly king. He was also a very talented businessman and builder. He was responsible for many noteworthy projects that are described in detail in the Old Testament. We discover from the passage above that King Hezekiah had two major attributes that contributed to his success and prosperity: He sought God, and he worked wholeheartedly upholding God's laws.
Godly success involves a partnership between you and God. Success in God's economy means achieving the purpose for which God made you. That purpose can never be discovered without seeking Him with a whole heart. You may achieve great things without seeking God, but you will never achieve the things God set out for you to achieve without seeking Him. Unless you seek Him, you may find yourself one day climbing to the top of the ladder only to find it leaning against the wrong wall.
What does it mean to seek God? It means creating time to sit before His throne in quiet places. It means reading His Word in order to know Him more intimately. It means developing an ear to hear His voice so that we know when to turn to the right or to the left. God desires to know you.
Are you willing to take the time to know Him? If so, you can be sure He will guide you into those things that will bring success to every aspect of your life.
25 December 2007
blessed christmas
dear kairos ! here's wishing u all a blessed christmas to u n ur familes!
2007 has been an eventful year for all of us, many changes! but
Amen!-our God is the same yesterday, today & forever! alpha & omega!
whatever happens, always focus on God. we need faith & we need to b
faithful to His word!
I will always love u guys & u r always in my prayers! may God bless u
& cause His face to smile upon u! if u ever need me, I am just an
email or sms away!
so proud of all of u!
A New Journey
As you all would know, Isaiah isn't our cell leader as of few days back.
I would like to thank Isaiah for all his effort and sacrifice to disciple us into who we are today. This one year has been fun and fruitful, learnt a lot - and got scolded a lot too. But that's the whole idea right? Spare the rod and spoil the child.
In my case, it would be the frequent "smacks" from Isaiah. I'm always so blessed to be at the receiving end. Now, it's gonna take some time for me to adapt to not being smacked during cell.
In our faith, people come and go. I can never forget our dear friend, Ivan Toh. Who would have thought he would go?
Anyway, gotta go. Blessed Christmas
I would like to thank Isaiah for all his effort and sacrifice to disciple us into who we are today. This one year has been fun and fruitful, learnt a lot - and got scolded a lot too. But that's the whole idea right? Spare the rod and spoil the child.
In my case, it would be the frequent "smacks" from Isaiah. I'm always so blessed to be at the receiving end. Now, it's gonna take some time for me to adapt to not being smacked during cell.
In our faith, people come and go. I can never forget our dear friend, Ivan Toh. Who would have thought he would go?
Anyway, gotta go. Blessed Christmas
07 December 2007
bye bye!
God bless dear ones!
please keep close to God during these days leading up to the camp. the devil will attack, but stand strong together!
Total Surrender,
Complete Devotion
give it all to God! AMen?
ps: pls go for Prayer and Praise in church this evening!
please keep close to God during these days leading up to the camp. the devil will attack, but stand strong together!
Total Surrender,
Complete Devotion
give it all to God! AMen?
ps: pls go for Prayer and Praise in church this evening!
04 December 2007
Update on Mee Hwa 2nd Dec (Advent Sunday)
Pls Pray!
Dear Friends
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Dear Friends
Today is Advent Sunday. This is when we remember the coming of Jesus into this world. The Scriptures tell us that His 2 nd coming will be with great power and in great glory!
Today is the 5th week since Mee Hwa has been diagnosed with Stage IV Lung adenocarcinoma. It has been challenging, to say the least, adjusting to new priorities while juggling between different demands and responsibilities. Thankfully, we have been supported and cared for by so many wonderful people through practical assistance, care and encouragement- Mee Hwa's close personal friends, Pearly, Peter, Staff members and various others from St Paul's, church friends from St George's, SJSM and elsewhere, our beloved Cambodian brethren, family members, and many more others who quietly support us in the background. We are truly indebted to all of you for your love and kindness. Above all, may I especially thank you for faithfully upholding Mee Hwa in your constant prayers. The last update sent out was that of 13 th Nov. There have been several encouraging developments since and good reasons to give thanks and praise to God for. Hallelujah! We can see our Lord's gracious hand at work.
UPDATE:
1. Mee Hwa has completed her 10 sessions of radiotherapy last Wednesday the 21st Nov and appeared to have made good progress. The results were that the intensity of the headaches had been significantly reduced immediately thereafter. These have subsequently disappeared altogether since Sunday the 25 th Nov. All praise and thanks be to God!
a) Mee Hwa continues to be on the steroid(dexamethasone) to reduce inflammation in her brain lining. The dosage was halved on Saturday 24 th Nov (to one 4mg tablet a day) and further halved (to 2mg a day) from the 1st Dec onwards for a week.
b) Mee Hwa has stopped taking the painkiller tramadol altogether since completing radiotherapy. With the headaches having subsided significantly, she began to sleep very much better as a result. Her appetite has also returned and she has since been eating rather voraciously. We were informed that this was also likely to be due to the steroid(dexamethasone) she is on.
c) One unavoidable outcome of the radiotherapy was hair loss. The good news is that her hair is expected to re-grow in due course.
2. Mee Hwa has begun taking one 150mg Tarceva tablet once a day since the 22nd Nov. This is the orally targeted therapy. Unlike chemotherapy, it will only deal with the cancerous cells. This again is a systemic treatment which has been known to show good results. Mee Hwa has an outbreak of pimples/acne as a side effect. We were told that this was desirable as it shows that the drug is working.
3. According to the oncologist, Mee Hwa's MRI of her spine did not show any visible compromise and her spinal cord sheath looked normal, thus there was no need for the Lumber Puncture(LP) to extract the Cerebral Spinal Fluid(CSF) for analysis. Thank the Lord that her CSF and spinal cord have been preserved and that she has been spared the painful LP procedure.
4. As said, Mee Hwa has been eating very well and has managed to put on quite a bit more weight, thanks once again to all the wonderful food and nourishing juices she has been supplied with by friends, Church people and relatives. She has been able to move her bowels normally for over a week without the aid of a laxative(lactulose). Praise the Lord!
5. Lina and Pisey who had arrived from Cambodia since Sunday night(11th Nov) have just returned back on the 30th Nov. Nari has already arrived since the 26 th Nov to take over for a month. Sara has also returned to S'pore at the same time. Our Cambodian brethren continue to provide much comfort and encouragement to Mee Hwa besides practical assistance. We want to praise the Lord too for friends who have made it possible for them to spend time with Mee Hwa!
PRAYER:
May I kindly request that, using Advent as a theme, you would pray for the in-breaking of the Lord's power and authority into Mee Hwa's life that would result in a miraculous healing work to her body. Pray for a powerful visitation of the Lord and a mighty intervention of the Holy Spirit into her condition. Is there anything too difficult for the Lord? Please would you kindly continue to persist in prayer together with us for Mee Hwa's complete physical healing.
Please pray for the following:
1 Treatment:
a. Pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to breathe new life into Mee Hwa daily and bring wholeness and healing to her.
b. Pray for the treatment with Tarceva that this will produce lasting healing effects . Pray too for the Lord's protection over Mee Hwa's vital organs against any ill and undesirable effects from the treatment. Pray for protection over Mee Hwa's entire body, especially her brain and the Central Nervous System from any infection or injury and that her CSF will be free from cancerous activity or cells.
c. Pray against any possible spinal cord compression caused by the cancer cells weakening her thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Signs being numbness and weakness in her lower limbs or incontinence in her bowels or bladder. So far, there has been no pain in her bones. We praise and thank the Lord for this but would continue to covet your prayers.
2 Mee Hwa:
a. Praise the Lord that the migraines/headaches have gone. Please pray that Mee Hwa will continue to enjoy more and more a general sense of well-being daily. The vomiting and nausea have stopped. Please pray that this will continue to be that way from now on. Praise be to God!
b. Pray that Mee Hwa gets high quality and refreshing sleep each night and is well-rested. Pray that she will enjoy her rest in the Lord's presence and wait patiently for the fullness of His healing to be released on her. Pray that she will be physically strengthened to face and to overcome all odds in this battle against the ailment. Pray for God's strength and His all-sufficient grace to sustain Mee Hwa at all times.
c. Praise the Lord that Mee Hwa is able to eat and enjoy a wide variety of food as she is no longer struggling to keep food down. She needs to continue to receive good physical nourishment. Praise the Lord for the many friends and loved ones who have come round with all sorts of nutritious food, soups, juices etc to feed her. Also, for all those who have been blessing and helping in many practical ways that they too will be blessed and refreshed in the Lord daily.
d. Praise the Lord for the many encouragements, prayers and testimonies she continues to receive from all of you(cards, notes, emails etc) and from those who have ministered to and shared with Mee Hwa too. These have helped and encouraged her and us so much.
3 Wai Mung and Sara:
a. Sara has returned to Singapore as planned on the 26th Nov. Praise the Lord that she has had a blessed and enjoyable time renewing ties with loved ones, friends and relatives in Phnom Penh. Pray that she will find ways and means to
b. Wai Mung has been able to begin to adjust to a new work pattern under the current circumstances. Please pray for wisdom and strength daily to cope with these changes. Pray also that he will have time to relax and be recharged in the midst of all that is happening without sacrificing quality care and time with Mee Hwa. Pray that the Lord will keep them in good health all the time.
c. Pray for the Lord's blessings and grace to be upon them as a family.
Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer!
God Bless!
Wai Mung, Mee Hwa and Sara
_________________
Rev Mok Wai Mung
Vicar
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03 December 2007
The Spirit of Competition
The Spirit of Competition
by Os Hillman
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 17:23
A story is told about F.B. Meyer, the great Bible teacher and pastor who lived a century ago. He was pastoring a church and began to notice that attendance was suffering. This continued until he finally asked some members of his congregation one Sunday morning why they thought attendance was down.
A member volunteered, "It is because of this new church down the road. The young preacher has everyone talking and many are going to hear him speak."
His name was Charles Spurgeon. Meyer, rather than seeking to discourage this, exhorted the entire congregation to join him and go participate in seeing this "move of God" as he described it to his congregation.
"If this be happening, then God must be at work."
Meyer, even though he was an accomplished preacher and teacher, recognized where God was at work and joined Him in it. [The author heard this on a radio show from Key Life Ministries with Steve Brown, based in Orlando, Florida.]
Can you imagine this story taking place in our competitive world today? Competition has penetrated the Church so much that many churches and Christian organizations approach ministry like a sports event. They view their mission as a business that seeks to gain market share among Christians - donors, members, influence - all under the name of God. I am sure God looks down at us and asks, "Whatever happened to John 17:23?" Sometimes we must remind our fellow servants that we are all on the same team! We should be seeking to impact the Kingdom of God, not increase our own market share.
When Jesus made this statement about unity in John 17:23, it represented the key to bringing salvation to many. He was saying that when His Body is unified, the non-Christian would be able to see who Jesus really is - the Son of God. Are you contributing to unity in the Body of Christ? Or are you contributing to a spirit of competition? Ask God where you can be an instrument of unity in His Body.
27 November 2007
Reason
[wow so long no post, let me revive it =)]
Why do we want certain things so badly? I guess it's mainly these few...
1) self satisfaction
2) recognition
3) comfort
4) for the fun of it
...
...
...
...
...
...
99999999) i dont know? haha...
( and the list goes on and on and on.... -_-)
During one of my Economics lesson, my teacher tested us. Why do you study Economics? Then few answers came out... Then later he told us something that really made sense. The more reasons you have to do something, the easier it becomes.
Just like you work hard in your career, because you have a family to support, you want to buy nice stuff for yourself, you want to do charity, you want to keep it in the bank to get interest, you want to use it to invest in shares to earn greater money, whatever.
With all these reasons, we're driven to accomplish something or just attempt it, even though its difficult, tedious, and maybe near impossible. Our reasons become our driving force...
Let's take a look at Jesus... He died for us, died for God's purpose in us... One reason, JUST 1 REASON!!! yet he did something so great, so as to give up his life...
We are the reason
As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
With all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives
We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live
As the years went by
We learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung crying in the rain
All because of love, all because of love
We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live
I've finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him
We are the reason
That He gave His life
We are the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live
He is my reason to live
pay attention to the lyrics... we WERE the reason, that jesus gave his life for, and we still ARE =)
though 1 reason of jesus's compared to our many many uncountable reasons to do things may seem pathetic, but its a powerful one. Because, the reason is for God...
Though doing things FOR God is just one reason, but it is a very powerful reason... much more powerful than any reason... Why? Cos besides being our driving force, God also gives us strength, and many other blessings. So in whatever we do, let God be the first reason you do things, followed by any other minor reasons you have =)
Cheers =)
Why do we want certain things so badly? I guess it's mainly these few...
1) self satisfaction
2) recognition
3) comfort
4) for the fun of it
...
...
...
...
...
...
99999999) i dont know? haha...
( and the list goes on and on and on.... -_-)
During one of my Economics lesson, my teacher tested us. Why do you study Economics? Then few answers came out... Then later he told us something that really made sense. The more reasons you have to do something, the easier it becomes.
Just like you work hard in your career, because you have a family to support, you want to buy nice stuff for yourself, you want to do charity, you want to keep it in the bank to get interest, you want to use it to invest in shares to earn greater money, whatever.
With all these reasons, we're driven to accomplish something or just attempt it, even though its difficult, tedious, and maybe near impossible. Our reasons become our driving force...
Let's take a look at Jesus... He died for us, died for God's purpose in us... One reason, JUST 1 REASON!!! yet he did something so great, so as to give up his life...
We are the reason
As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
With all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives
We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live
As the years went by
We learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung crying in the rain
All because of love, all because of love
We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live
I've finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him, for Him
We are the reason
That He gave His life
We are the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live
He is my reason to live
pay attention to the lyrics... we WERE the reason, that jesus gave his life for, and we still ARE =)
though 1 reason of jesus's compared to our many many uncountable reasons to do things may seem pathetic, but its a powerful one. Because, the reason is for God...
Though doing things FOR God is just one reason, but it is a very powerful reason... much more powerful than any reason... Why? Cos besides being our driving force, God also gives us strength, and many other blessings. So in whatever we do, let God be the first reason you do things, followed by any other minor reasons you have =)
Cheers =)
19 November 2007
thanks people!
Dear Kairos!
i had a wonderful time at cell last friday!
It was truly refreshing and encouraging to my spirit to fellowship with all of you.
Sheena, u did a good job on the bible study! well done!
Faith, the ice-breaker was excellent =)
David, thanks for standing-in even though it was not your duty.
Joseph, thank you for going all the way home to take your guitar.
Brandon, thank you again for opening up your home!
I think it was quite a cool experience, to see 2 different kinds of worship going on in one house!
remember - that as we gather, the Spirit of God is already dwelling in the home! and as we sing and worship, as God's Word is read out.
we are declaring victory over the enemy, because they will flee in the name of Jesus! as we stand strong by relying on the Holy Spirit, the light begins to shine brighter and brighter!
Let's keep praying for our families and friends who don't yet know Jesus, and let us keep shining bright for God! Amen?
looking forward to the Camp & BBQ! wow! it's going to be great...great cos we are trusting God to do His will and Great cos we are working together & giving our best to Him!
i had a wonderful time at cell last friday!
It was truly refreshing and encouraging to my spirit to fellowship with all of you.
Sheena, u did a good job on the bible study! well done!
Faith, the ice-breaker was excellent =)
David, thanks for standing-in even though it was not your duty.
Joseph, thank you for going all the way home to take your guitar.
Brandon, thank you again for opening up your home!
I think it was quite a cool experience, to see 2 different kinds of worship going on in one house!
remember - that as we gather, the Spirit of God is already dwelling in the home! and as we sing and worship, as God's Word is read out.
we are declaring victory over the enemy, because they will flee in the name of Jesus! as we stand strong by relying on the Holy Spirit, the light begins to shine brighter and brighter!
Let's keep praying for our families and friends who don't yet know Jesus, and let us keep shining bright for God! Amen?
looking forward to the Camp & BBQ! wow! it's going to be great...great cos we are trusting God to do His will and Great cos we are working together & giving our best to Him!
06 November 2007
P.R.A.Y
In life we must learn to P.R.A.Y
Praise the Lord in all circumstances, in all situations (Psalm 103)
As our praises go up to the Lord, His glory falls on us.
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Rest in the Lord (Matt 11:28-30)
Give your troubles to the Lord and let your soul find rest in Him alone.
Acknowledge His Lordship over everything & Ask in His Name (Psalm 24:1, John 16:24)
The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. Ask in Jesus' name and receive through faith. Ask for things on the Mind and Heart of God.
Your Decision - it's always your choice to Plant yourself in the house of the Lord, to Praise, to Rest, to Acknowledge & Ask (Psalm 92:12-15, 100:4)
Enter His gates with thanksgiving in your heart and Enter His courts with Praise.
It is our choice to enter in praise, it is our choice to plant and root ourselves in the House of God.
When we follow the order set by God, He unlocks His blessings upon us.
We will remain fruitful even till old age and we remain fresh and green and flourish in the courts of our God.
Praise the Lord in all circumstances, in all situations (Psalm 103)
As our praises go up to the Lord, His glory falls on us.
1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Rest in the Lord (Matt 11:28-30)
Give your troubles to the Lord and let your soul find rest in Him alone.
Acknowledge His Lordship over everything & Ask in His Name (Psalm 24:1, John 16:24)
The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. Ask in Jesus' name and receive through faith. Ask for things on the Mind and Heart of God.
Your Decision - it's always your choice to Plant yourself in the house of the Lord, to Praise, to Rest, to Acknowledge & Ask (Psalm 92:12-15, 100:4)
Enter His gates with thanksgiving in your heart and Enter His courts with Praise.
It is our choice to enter in praise, it is our choice to plant and root ourselves in the House of God.
When we follow the order set by God, He unlocks His blessings upon us.
We will remain fruitful even till old age and we remain fresh and green and flourish in the courts of our God.
05 November 2007
cell this week
chair - johnny
icebreaker - david
worship - faith
musician - caleb
bible study - sheena (Daniel)
icebreaker - david
worship - faith
musician - caleb
bible study - sheena (Daniel)
31 October 2007
Cell This Week
Cell on 2nd November (i got a funny feeling over this date.. haha)
Location: Church
Time: 8pm
What we gonna do?: Support the church in a prayer meeting
so, there will also be an optional cell meeting on sunday 11am in church - isaiah leading it.
Location: Church
Time: 8pm
What we gonna do?: Support the church in a prayer meeting
so, there will also be an optional cell meeting on sunday 11am in church - isaiah leading it.
30 October 2007
Grace
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."- Ephesians 2:8-9
But He(God) said to me (paul), "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
But He(God) said to me (paul), "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
24 October 2007
Let's Bring The Church Out
I was praying last night and this verse just came to my mind: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” - Luke 14:11
Sometimes, when we do things, we tend to forget that we're doing this for Christ. We do things to let people see how good or how spiritual we are. As a Christian, I feel this is one thing we should always look out for. Not in others - but in ourselves.
I was having a drink with Isaiah yesterday (I hoped you all didn't forget to fast) and he told me this: “If Mohammed don't want to go to the mountain, bring the mountain to Mohammed”. We can apply it to the church as well - bring the church to the people! It's not the building that is the church. We, the people, are the church!
Later at night I was reading the book of Luke, I read about the parable about the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. Let me share the one about the lost sheep. If a man has a 100 sheep and and one of them goes missing, wouldn't he leave the other 99 and search for the lost one?
The Bible continues to teach that he will joyfully carry it back home and asks his neighbours to rejoice with him! In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents than the 99 others who haven't strayed away.
Let's all look for the people who have gone missing. I pray that God will give us the strength and direction to do just that. Remember, if people don't want to go to church, we bring the church to the people.
Sometimes, when we do things, we tend to forget that we're doing this for Christ. We do things to let people see how good or how spiritual we are. As a Christian, I feel this is one thing we should always look out for. Not in others - but in ourselves.
I was having a drink with Isaiah yesterday (I hoped you all didn't forget to fast) and he told me this: “If Mohammed don't want to go to the mountain, bring the mountain to Mohammed”. We can apply it to the church as well - bring the church to the people! It's not the building that is the church. We, the people, are the church!
Later at night I was reading the book of Luke, I read about the parable about the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. Let me share the one about the lost sheep. If a man has a 100 sheep and and one of them goes missing, wouldn't he leave the other 99 and search for the lost one?
The Bible continues to teach that he will joyfully carry it back home and asks his neighbours to rejoice with him! In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents than the 99 others who haven't strayed away.
Let's all look for the people who have gone missing. I pray that God will give us the strength and direction to do just that. Remember, if people don't want to go to church, we bring the church to the people.
22 October 2007
Doing What We're Called To Do
I believe that our God is a full-time faithful God. But sometimes we're not being that full-time Christian that God wants us to be. We would fall into traps laid out by Satan without knowing it but God is always there to pick us up. Sometimes, we would fall into these traps willingly because we find it easier to live with the devil.
Christians love to blame the evil one when they sin. But they don't realise the fact that they chose to fall into it. I've been praying for strength to overcome the evil one. Everytime I fall, God picked me up as a stronger person.
Recently, I felt very burdened with stuffs. I've seen a few people come and go and it just pains me. People who've been seeking God and in the next minute, they're gone - just like that. I just feel that there are more things about to happen. I pray that He will give us a direction.
Early last week, I just felt the Holy Spirit impressing something upon my heart but I ignored it because I think it's just me and my wild imagination because it was too impossible to believe. Soon after, I found out that it was true.
But it ends there. I pray that God will tell someone what to do with it because I don't know what's going to happen but I just have a bad feeling about it. When God calls us to do something, do it.
Christians love to blame the evil one when they sin. But they don't realise the fact that they chose to fall into it. I've been praying for strength to overcome the evil one. Everytime I fall, God picked me up as a stronger person.
Recently, I felt very burdened with stuffs. I've seen a few people come and go and it just pains me. People who've been seeking God and in the next minute, they're gone - just like that. I just feel that there are more things about to happen. I pray that He will give us a direction.
Early last week, I just felt the Holy Spirit impressing something upon my heart but I ignored it because I think it's just me and my wild imagination because it was too impossible to believe. Soon after, I found out that it was true.
But it ends there. I pray that God will tell someone what to do with it because I don't know what's going to happen but I just have a bad feeling about it. When God calls us to do something, do it.
Of trees and hope
How many of us actually take time to notice the trees or bushes by the roadside, as we walk along a pavement, or drive along a road? Probably no one... and probably you'll think it's meaningless.
It just sways in the breeze, unnoticed, unrecognised... Who will actually care to groom it, or know how many leaves they have, or whether they rot to death or not? But no matter how it gets ignored, it still continues to photosynthesize and replenish the oxygen in the air, something very crucial to the earth, which we most of the time fail to realise. Though they continually help others around them by doing what they do, we usually fail to realise how crucial and important they are to us...
Plants have many wonders besides replenishing oxygen. Maybe the leaves of these plants have medicinal value, or fruits that are edible to feed people, but has yet to be discovered? Yes, plants have many mysteries that require people to DISCOVER them...
Take some time to compare ourselves with the trees on the roadside... Though we may not be recognised or find what we do very meaningless, but do take some time to realise that whatever routine we are going through now, we may be blessing many others around us without knowing it. yes, our routine. And we have many aspects have yet to realise about ourselves, and the discoverer is none other than God our creator . We may be comparable to only a grass at times, only serve for people to step or dogs to shit on, but Do not despair, because we are miraculously and amazingly made. Everyone is special =)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
" Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
"and hope does not disppoint us, because God poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" Romans 5:5
Cool eh? the numbers nicely fall nicely together, and both talk about hope.
Hoping for something doesn't necessarily bring happiness, mainly because, there are still chances that things will turn out wrong eventually. I guess the message to be joyful in hope is because hope is very related to faith. One cannot exist without the other. And also, hoping gives us a drive to move on, to press on. It gives us a purpose and a direction to work towards.
Therefore, even if things do not turn out as "hoped" , we'll still learn something called perseverence. Probably we may get something even better than we hoped for without knowing.... of course hopes will be useless without effort, and most importantly without faith and prayer... =)
HOPE you guys enjoy your week! YAY =)
It just sways in the breeze, unnoticed, unrecognised... Who will actually care to groom it, or know how many leaves they have, or whether they rot to death or not? But no matter how it gets ignored, it still continues to photosynthesize and replenish the oxygen in the air, something very crucial to the earth, which we most of the time fail to realise. Though they continually help others around them by doing what they do, we usually fail to realise how crucial and important they are to us...
Plants have many wonders besides replenishing oxygen. Maybe the leaves of these plants have medicinal value, or fruits that are edible to feed people, but has yet to be discovered? Yes, plants have many mysteries that require people to DISCOVER them...
Take some time to compare ourselves with the trees on the roadside... Though we may not be recognised or find what we do very meaningless, but do take some time to realise that whatever routine we are going through now, we may be blessing many others around us without knowing it. yes, our routine. And we have many aspects have yet to realise about ourselves, and the discoverer is none other than God our creator . We may be comparable to only a grass at times, only serve for people to step or dogs to shit on, but Do not despair, because we are miraculously and amazingly made. Everyone is special =)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
" Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
"and hope does not disppoint us, because God poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" Romans 5:5
Cool eh? the numbers nicely fall nicely together, and both talk about hope.
Hoping for something doesn't necessarily bring happiness, mainly because, there are still chances that things will turn out wrong eventually. I guess the message to be joyful in hope is because hope is very related to faith. One cannot exist without the other. And also, hoping gives us a drive to move on, to press on. It gives us a purpose and a direction to work towards.
Therefore, even if things do not turn out as "hoped" , we'll still learn something called perseverence. Probably we may get something even better than we hoped for without knowing.... of course hopes will be useless without effort, and most importantly without faith and prayer... =)
HOPE you guys enjoy your week! YAY =)
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