1 Samuel 19
- v18 So David fled and escaped, and went to Samuel at Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and stayed in Naioth.
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David is now fleeing from Saul, who is out to persecute/kill him even though he had sworn not to after Johnathan had persuaded him.
And this time, his own army is out to get him. And Samuel brought him to Naioth in Ramah.
Interestingly,
Naioth means to rest (as at home); causatively (through the implied idea of beauty, to celebrate (with praises)
Ramah means to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively):--bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up
So what do you do when the world persecutes you?
REST, SING PRAISES, AND BE LIFTED UP.
Saul himself went to Naioth in Ramah, and with the Spirit of God stopped him from killing David.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
1 Samuel 18
1 Samuel 18
- NKJV v5 So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
- MSG v5 Whatever Saul gave David to do, he did it—and did it well. So well that Saul put him in charge of his military operations. Everybody, both the people in general and Saul's servants, approved of and admired David's leadership.
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- NKJV v12-16 Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul. Therefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him. Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
- MSG v12-16 Now Saul feared David. It was clear that God was with David and had left Saul. So, Saul got David out of his sight by making him an officer in the army. David was in combat frequently. Everything David did turned out well. Yes, God was with him. As Saul saw David becoming more successful, he himself grew more fearful. He could see the handwriting on the wall. But everyone else in Israel and Judah loved David. They loved watching him in action.
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- NKJV v28-30 Thus Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him; and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David’s enemy continually. Then the princes of the Philistines went out to war. And so it was, whenever they went out, that David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed.
- MSG v28-30 As Saul more and more realized that God was with David, and how much his own daughter, Michal, loved him, his fear of David increased and settled into hate. Saul hated David. Whenever the Philistine warlords came out to battle, David was there to meet them—and beat them, upstaging Saul's men. David's name was on everyone's lips.
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I think it's quite obvious by now that:
The Lord is with you
= You behave wisely (i.e. wisdom)
= Everything you do turns out well (and you become more and more successful)
= Your enemies will fear you (and then hate you)
= People will approve, admire, highly-esteem and love you (more and more!)
- NKJV v5 So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
- MSG v5 Whatever Saul gave David to do, he did it—and did it well. So well that Saul put him in charge of his military operations. Everybody, both the people in general and Saul's servants, approved of and admired David's leadership.
------------------------------------------------------------
- NKJV v12-16 Now Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul. Therefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the LORD was with him. Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he went out and came in before them.
- MSG v12-16 Now Saul feared David. It was clear that God was with David and had left Saul. So, Saul got David out of his sight by making him an officer in the army. David was in combat frequently. Everything David did turned out well. Yes, God was with him. As Saul saw David becoming more successful, he himself grew more fearful. He could see the handwriting on the wall. But everyone else in Israel and Judah loved David. They loved watching him in action.
--------------------------------------------------
- NKJV v28-30 Thus Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him; and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David’s enemy continually. Then the princes of the Philistines went out to war. And so it was, whenever they went out, that David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed.
- MSG v28-30 As Saul more and more realized that God was with David, and how much his own daughter, Michal, loved him, his fear of David increased and settled into hate. Saul hated David. Whenever the Philistine warlords came out to battle, David was there to meet them—and beat them, upstaging Saul's men. David's name was on everyone's lips.
-------------------------------------------------
I think it's quite obvious by now that:
The Lord is with you
= You behave wisely (i.e. wisdom)
= Everything you do turns out well (and you become more and more successful)
= Your enemies will fear you (and then hate you)
= People will approve, admire, highly-esteem and love you (more and more!)
1 Samuel 17
1 Samuel 17 (The Message)
- v33 Saul answered David, "You can't go and fight this Philistine. You're too young and inexperienced—and he's been at this fighting business since before you were born."
- v34-37 David said, "I've been a shepherd, tending sheep for my father. Whenever a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I'd go after it, knock it down, and rescue the lamb. If it turned on me, I'd grab it by the throat, wring its neck, and kill it. Lion or bear, it made no difference—I killed it. And I'll do the same to this Philistine pig who is taunting the troops of God-Alive. God, who delivered me from the teeth of the lion and the claws of the bear, will deliver me from this Philistine."
---------------------------------------------
- v45-47 David answered, "You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel's troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I'm about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there's an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he's handing you to us on a platter!"
- v48-49 That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. David reached into his pocket for a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine hard in the forehead, embedding the stone deeply. The Philistine crashed, facedown in the dirt.
---------------------------------------------
You will always be seen as inexperienced in the eyes of people who do not know what you have gone through. I always get warnings / sincere advice from people who care, who tell me things that I already know, and advise me to reconsider what I intend to do. They always tell me of the stories of people who failed and you start to think that if you do try and end up failing, you prove them right that God can't be with you.
I used to see these warnings/advice as signs from God telling me that I'm not ready yet, that I must have the approval of the people around me before I can deemed "fit" to go out and do what I wanna do.
But I guess it takes a certain amt of discernment to know how "experienced" you really are, and the realisation that you can never be fully ready. David did have some prior experience killing animals, but does all that experience really qualify him to be able to kill a walking, thinking, murdering giant? No, but the fact that he knows the battle belongs to God, that makes all the difference.
And as long as he got the go-ahead by the king (i.e. the person whose opinion mattered the most, e.g. mummy), that was all he needed. You can imagine more than 90% of the army thinking who is this young punk to take on Goliath, who has never even gone through formal army training, who can't even walk while wearing the full body armour. How unqualified in the natural is that?
And even facing the giant, David knew there was a chance he would turn back and run away. But he didn't think twice. He ran towards his giant, and the rest was in God's hands.
- v33 Saul answered David, "You can't go and fight this Philistine. You're too young and inexperienced—and he's been at this fighting business since before you were born."
- v34-37 David said, "I've been a shepherd, tending sheep for my father. Whenever a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I'd go after it, knock it down, and rescue the lamb. If it turned on me, I'd grab it by the throat, wring its neck, and kill it. Lion or bear, it made no difference—I killed it. And I'll do the same to this Philistine pig who is taunting the troops of God-Alive. God, who delivered me from the teeth of the lion and the claws of the bear, will deliver me from this Philistine."
---------------------------------------------
- v45-47 David answered, "You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel's troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I'm about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there's an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he's handing you to us on a platter!"
- v48-49 That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. David reached into his pocket for a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine hard in the forehead, embedding the stone deeply. The Philistine crashed, facedown in the dirt.
---------------------------------------------
You will always be seen as inexperienced in the eyes of people who do not know what you have gone through. I always get warnings / sincere advice from people who care, who tell me things that I already know, and advise me to reconsider what I intend to do. They always tell me of the stories of people who failed and you start to think that if you do try and end up failing, you prove them right that God can't be with you.
I used to see these warnings/advice as signs from God telling me that I'm not ready yet, that I must have the approval of the people around me before I can deemed "fit" to go out and do what I wanna do.
But I guess it takes a certain amt of discernment to know how "experienced" you really are, and the realisation that you can never be fully ready. David did have some prior experience killing animals, but does all that experience really qualify him to be able to kill a walking, thinking, murdering giant? No, but the fact that he knows the battle belongs to God, that makes all the difference.
And as long as he got the go-ahead by the king (i.e. the person whose opinion mattered the most, e.g. mummy), that was all he needed. You can imagine more than 90% of the army thinking who is this young punk to take on Goliath, who has never even gone through formal army training, who can't even walk while wearing the full body armour. How unqualified in the natural is that?
And even facing the giant, David knew there was a chance he would turn back and run away. But he didn't think twice. He ran towards his giant, and the rest was in God's hands.
1 Samuel 16
1 Samuel 16
- v12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”
- v13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
- v14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him.
- v18 Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the LORD is with him.”
- v21 So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer.
- v23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.
------------------------------------------------------------------
After David was anointed by God, God created the time and chance for him to appear before Saul, and set him on his journey to becoming king over Israel.
- v12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”
- v13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
- v14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him.
- v18 Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the LORD is with him.”
- v21 So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer.
- v23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.
------------------------------------------------------------------
After David was anointed by God, God created the time and chance for him to appear before Saul, and set him on his journey to becoming king over Israel.
of words and Wisdom
had befriender's training at charis' castle, and as i re-read the training manual i saw 1 Col 4:6.
Ask God to anoint your lips, that 'your speech will always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man'.
yes, it is the verse again, "let your words be seasoned with grace..." but it was the later part of the verse which spoke to me. because with it, you'll never have to worry during interviews anymore, which was something i used to be quite anxious about. and it's amazing because i just had an unexpected interview (ok, actually just a couple of questions really) yesterday for some research work during the vacation. it went well, of course, and it coming unexpectedly left me with no time to worry about it. hahaha-
on another note, i realised that after so much training etc, it's our personal relationship with Daddy that will ultimately equip us in serving, in being led to the right people at the right time, in speaking into their lives.
Ask God to anoint your lips, that 'your speech will always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man'.
yes, it is the verse again, "let your words be seasoned with grace..." but it was the later part of the verse which spoke to me. because with it, you'll never have to worry during interviews anymore, which was something i used to be quite anxious about. and it's amazing because i just had an unexpected interview (ok, actually just a couple of questions really) yesterday for some research work during the vacation. it went well, of course, and it coming unexpectedly left me with no time to worry about it. hahaha-
on another note, i realised that after so much training etc, it's our personal relationship with Daddy that will ultimately equip us in serving, in being led to the right people at the right time, in speaking into their lives.
Friday, March 28, 2008
He can do it all for you
Today, during lecture, I realised that my all time favourite uniball figno 0.38mm blue pen was running out of ink. There was only like 2mm worth of ink left inside and decided not to use it anymore to copy down notes in lectures cause I only had that one blue pen with me then.
Then, when I reached home, I decided to write my notes using that same pen since I had the refills at home. I started writing my notes and before I knew it, I'd already written one whole page of notes with it. And I guess only bel would know how densely condensed my words are on that one sheet of A4 paper. I was amazed. There was still 1mm of ink left inside that pen even after I wrote that much words. Then, it struck me. That if the ink can still keep flowing even though there's 1mm left, that God can use whatever that we have, no matter how little and turn it around into something that WILL flow non-stop and never end.
From there, I was reminded once again, of the five loaves and four loaves thingy. Cause it reminded me that once I commit something into His hands, He'd multiply them.
Matthew 14:17-21
"And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children."
Mark 8:5-10
"
"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked.
"Seven," they replied.
Pastor once mentioned that the reason why Jesus fed 4000 men with 7 loaves and fed even more men and women with five loaves, was implying that the BIGGER your problem is, the easier it is for God to solve it!
I can't help but fall in love with Jesus more and more each day as I find out and am reminded of His love towards me from small little things like a pen that I've used for many years.
He's just amazingly amazing.
Then, when I reached home, I decided to write my notes using that same pen since I had the refills at home. I started writing my notes and before I knew it, I'd already written one whole page of notes with it. And I guess only bel would know how densely condensed my words are on that one sheet of A4 paper. I was amazed. There was still 1mm of ink left inside that pen even after I wrote that much words. Then, it struck me. That if the ink can still keep flowing even though there's 1mm left, that God can use whatever that we have, no matter how little and turn it around into something that WILL flow non-stop and never end.
From there, I was reminded once again, of the five loaves and four loaves thingy. Cause it reminded me that once I commit something into His hands, He'd multiply them.
Matthew 14:17-21
"And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children."
Mark 8:5-10
"
"How many loaves do you have?" Jesus asked.
"Seven," they replied.
He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha."
Pastor once mentioned that the reason why Jesus fed 4000 men with 7 loaves and fed even more men and women with five loaves, was implying that the BIGGER your problem is, the easier it is for God to solve it!
I can't help but fall in love with Jesus more and more each day as I find out and am reminded of His love towards me from small little things like a pen that I've used for many years.
He's just amazingly amazing.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
To Selene: Philemon 1
Philemon 1 (NIV)
Thanksgiving and Prayer for the greatest CGL in the world
- v4-7 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, sister, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Thanksgiving and Prayer for the greatest CGL in the world
- v4-7 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, sister, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Guidance for the young
Proverbs 3:1
1My son (or daughter), do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2For the length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
What is "the commands" to keep?
Proverbs 1:23
... Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
Proverbs 2 reveals....
1My son (or daughter), if you have receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,2So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
*Try the amplified version, I realised it reveals much more!!!
Indeed, the Holy Spirit (The power of the spirit upon you) shall remind you Daddy's words, guiding you, leading you through. Hear with your ears and open up your heart to allow the words to fill in, fill in... Shalom and wisdom you shall receive, where you shall be effective in doing things within the little time you have. With this acceleration, length of days shall be multiplied on to you coz you complete your stuff quick and swift. Not forgetting health too!
Shalom shalom =)
1My son (or daughter), do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2For the length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
What is "the commands" to keep?
Proverbs 1:23
... Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.
Proverbs 2 reveals....
1My son (or daughter), if you have receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,2So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
*Try the amplified version, I realised it reveals much more!!!
Indeed, the Holy Spirit (The power of the spirit upon you) shall remind you Daddy's words, guiding you, leading you through. Hear with your ears and open up your heart to allow the words to fill in, fill in... Shalom and wisdom you shall receive, where you shall be effective in doing things within the little time you have. With this acceleration, length of days shall be multiplied on to you coz you complete your stuff quick and swift. Not forgetting health too!
Shalom shalom =)
Titus 3
Titus 3
- AMP v1 ...to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work,
- NKJV v1 ...to be ready for every good work
Isaiah 1:19
- NKJV v19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
- AMP v1 ...to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work,
- NKJV v1 ...to be ready for every good work
Isaiah 1:19
- NKJV v19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
walk in wisdom
"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time."
Colossians 4:5
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,"
Ephesians 5:15-19
we can redeem back lost time by walking in wisdom. how do we walk in wisdom? allow yourself to be filled with the Spirit in which He will teach us all things, to do and say the right things at the right time.
Colossians 4:5
"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,"
Ephesians 5:15-19
we can redeem back lost time by walking in wisdom. how do we walk in wisdom? allow yourself to be filled with the Spirit in which He will teach us all things, to do and say the right things at the right time.
Titus 2
Titus 2 (Amplified)
- v6 In a similar way, urge the younger men to be self-restrained and to behave prudently [taking life seriously].
- v15 Tell [them all] these things. Urge (advise, encourage, warn) and rebuke with full authority. Let no one despise or disregard or think little of you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect].
- v6 In a similar way, urge the younger men to be self-restrained and to behave prudently [taking life seriously].
- v15 Tell [them all] these things. Urge (advise, encourage, warn) and rebuke with full authority. Let no one despise or disregard or think little of you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect].
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
the WORD
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of heart.
Hebrews 4:12
the verses from the bible that you meditate on is not dead, but living and powerful. it pierces through every single circumstance that you are going through.
Hebrews 4:12
the verses from the bible that you meditate on is not dead, but living and powerful. it pierces through every single circumstance that you are going through.
Titus 1
Titus 1 (The Message)
- v6-9 As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?" It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.
- v6-9 As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?" It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.
Monday, March 24, 2008
o Lord, our God, how excellent Your Name is
.... For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left NOTHING that is not put under him.
Hebrews 2: 8
through Him, every problem is under us.
Hebrews 2: 8
through Him, every problem is under us.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Romans 4:17
".... God who gives life to the dead, and calls those things which do not exist as though they did"
Daddy God gives life into our circumstances and calls for our results (which have yet to come... but will come!). Calls... this just brings me to visualise Daddy's astounding call. When Daddy God calls, His voice is super loud and clear, victorious, full of affirmation!!! Hhahaz... just like how He calls Jesus as the Beloved son who He is well pleased. And further more, He is saying from the heavens above leh!!!
The good shall come, for Daddy God calls for it to be so! The paths of the righteous shall shine brighter and brighter, like the morning Sun, until the perfect day. (The perfect day- rapture I suppose, haven't come... SO... our path is still shining la!)
Simply love how Romans 4:17 comes before Romans 5. Being convinced and strengthened in faith, through our journeys. Praise Daddy, for challenges means greater reliance on Daddy, greater push to read the bible in which I'll see more of Jesus, and my heart be filled more by His love.
As Jesus is, so am I in this world!!!
As Jesus IS, so are you in this world!!!! Jiayou jiayou to those studying, to those working, to those who are believing in Daddy for something... =)
Daddy God gives life into our circumstances and calls for our results (which have yet to come... but will come!). Calls... this just brings me to visualise Daddy's astounding call. When Daddy God calls, His voice is super loud and clear, victorious, full of affirmation!!! Hhahaz... just like how He calls Jesus as the Beloved son who He is well pleased. And further more, He is saying from the heavens above leh!!!
The good shall come, for Daddy God calls for it to be so! The paths of the righteous shall shine brighter and brighter, like the morning Sun, until the perfect day. (The perfect day- rapture I suppose, haven't come... SO... our path is still shining la!)
Simply love how Romans 4:17 comes before Romans 5. Being convinced and strengthened in faith, through our journeys. Praise Daddy, for challenges means greater reliance on Daddy, greater push to read the bible in which I'll see more of Jesus, and my heart be filled more by His love.
As Jesus is, so am I in this world!!!
As Jesus IS, so are you in this world!!!! Jiayou jiayou to those studying, to those working, to those who are believing in Daddy for something... =)
Friday, March 21, 2008
1 Timothy 6
1 Timothy 6:3-5 (Amplified)
- v3 But if anyone teaches otherwise and does not assent to the sound and wholesome messages of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and the teaching which is in agreement with godliness (piety toward God),
- v3 But if anyone teaches otherwise and does not assent to the sound and wholesome messages of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and the teaching which is in agreement with godliness (piety toward God),
- v4 He is puffed up with pride and stupefied with conceit, [although he is] woefully ignorant. He has a morbid fondness for controversy and disputes and strife about words, which result in (produce) envy and jealousy, quarrels and dissension, abuse and insults and slander, and base suspicions,
- v5 And protracted wrangling and wearing discussion and perpetual friction among men who are corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, who imagine that godliness or righteousness is a source of profit [a moneymaking business, a means of livelihood]. From such withdraw.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Jesus Promises Another Helper
Praying in tongues, that was what I caught this week, after hearing Pastor Prince shared and being reminded again by Pastor Lian. Keep praying in tongues, when you are weary and tired...
Am still a student, am still having mountains of school work to do, am still having some issues at home. But seeing all this problems in the way Jesus says it to be, somehow, made light of these issues.
I love how sweetly Jesus's love for me is being revealed, as I am (now) taking a break from studying in Sci Lib. I began to realise I can be more effective studying in the lib then at home, where the bed is very tempting.
John 14:15
16" And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -
17 "the Spirit of truth, whom the word cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you".
Coolest! Jesus will not leave me wandering aimlessly, He will not leave me in despair... HE will come to me! And to you too...
And revealing further...
2 Corinthians 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you. 13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.Gathering from verse 15, I felt that through my journey, Daddy God's grace has indeed spread through many... like all of you beloveds, who showed concern for me. Indeed, in times of rough journeys, Daddy sent His beloved children to edify and encourage each other, that His LOVE is spread through many. Love propagates! Coolest!
Seeing the Invisible
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Daddy's love prevails! And He gave us the Holy Spirit who makes holds us up, together in the truth. Praying in tongues, indeed produces the rest and the refreshing, the renewal of the inner man. Pray in tongues before you start revision and after. It helps your inner man alot!!!
Am still a student, am still having mountains of school work to do, am still having some issues at home. But seeing all this problems in the way Jesus says it to be, somehow, made light of these issues.
I love how sweetly Jesus's love for me is being revealed, as I am (now) taking a break from studying in Sci Lib. I began to realise I can be more effective studying in the lib then at home, where the bed is very tempting.
John 14:15
16" And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -
17 "the Spirit of truth, whom the word cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you".
Coolest! Jesus will not leave me wandering aimlessly, He will not leave me in despair... HE will come to me! And to you too...
And revealing further...
2 Corinthians 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you. 13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
Gathering from verse 15, I felt that through my journey, Daddy God's grace has indeed spread through many... like all of you beloveds, who showed concern for me. Indeed, in times of rough journeys, Daddy sent His beloved children to edify and encourage each other, that His LOVE is spread through many. Love propagates! Coolest!
Seeing the Invisible
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.Daddy's love prevails! And He gave us the Holy Spirit who makes holds us up, together in the truth. Praying in tongues, indeed produces the rest and the refreshing, the renewal of the inner man. Pray in tongues before you start revision and after. It helps your inner man alot!!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
grace is all i need
I haven't emo-ed so badly in such a long time. I can't even remember when was the last time I emo-ed.
Was talking to bel online when I realised that the problem lies in the fact that I've been relying on self-effort the past few days. Only 3 days of self-effort and it's enough to kill.
All I need now is grace. This is a lesson that I'll remember for a very very long time.
Grace is all I need.
Psalm 84:11
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield;The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly."
Was talking to bel online when I realised that the problem lies in the fact that I've been relying on self-effort the past few days. Only 3 days of self-effort and it's enough to kill.
All I need now is grace. This is a lesson that I'll remember for a very very long time.
Grace is all I need.
Psalm 84:11
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield;The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly."
are you convicted?
3Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
romans 15:13 (KJV)
be convicted of your righteousness by the blood of Jesus. as a nobody, we dont have a right to anything. but as a beloved child of the Most High, we have a right to everything.
romans 15:13 (KJV)
be convicted of your righteousness by the blood of Jesus. as a nobody, we dont have a right to anything. but as a beloved child of the Most High, we have a right to everything.
amazed at His infinite wisdom.
today during biochem lecture, my lecturer showed us a video on the processes happening inside one cell and it really amazed me. probably min huey and cecilia have already watched it haha. but when i was watching it, i was really really amazed at God's infinite wisdom and how He created me.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TD4VBWNM99w&feature=related
to those who don't understand the video, it's just mainly processes occuring inside the body which looks like monsters but is actually a series of super complex reactions which man will never fully comprehend.
I had a glimpse of revelation of Psalms 139: 14 as it says that " I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;" Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." I'm so glad God made us the way we are and in the image of Christ.
Sometimes people ask me why i like biology, but i think the only reason is because i want to amazed by God when i learn new stuff. haha.
And sometimes the more u learn, you'll come to realise that all problems that occur in the body will lead to something terrible. So today when we learnt about genetic defects in babies, my friend was saying that the more she learns the more scared she becomes and the more she does not want to give birth. haha, but in my heart i was thinking, "i want to have kids le and i want them to be perfectly normal". that is when i have to trust God.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TD4VBWNM99w&feature=related
to those who don't understand the video, it's just mainly processes occuring inside the body which looks like monsters but is actually a series of super complex reactions which man will never fully comprehend.
I had a glimpse of revelation of Psalms 139: 14 as it says that " I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;" Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." I'm so glad God made us the way we are and in the image of Christ.
Sometimes people ask me why i like biology, but i think the only reason is because i want to amazed by God when i learn new stuff. haha.
And sometimes the more u learn, you'll come to realise that all problems that occur in the body will lead to something terrible. So today when we learnt about genetic defects in babies, my friend was saying that the more she learns the more scared she becomes and the more she does not want to give birth. haha, but in my heart i was thinking, "i want to have kids le and i want them to be perfectly normal". that is when i have to trust God.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
edification
Got bored from doing my lab reports at 1.40am and I've decided to blog about a whole new revelation that I've gotten from Daddy God.
Just 2 weeks ago, on a Monday, I was bored of studying for my 38 drugs and decided to open up my bible and flipped through the pages. Suddenly, this verse caught my eye, it was Matthew 15:17-18 (NKJV)
"17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man."
I was shocked. Daddy was correcting me. At that point of time the first thought that came to my mind was, "Sharks, this is so obvious that even a simpleton would also know what He is trying to tell me." I got an outright correction from God. Who am I to deny that correction when I know that I myself have been having problems in that area of speaking things which are well, unedifying. After mediating on it, I realised that sometimes, whatever that comes out of our mouths without us thinking is something that is from the heart and most of time, would be truth. Hey, I thought to myself, sometimes, the truth hurts right!? So I thought to myself, alright, maybe this means that I should let my brain filter out whatever that I wanted to say. But that would be super self-effort lah!
The next day,a Tuesday, I continued flipping the bible, I saw another verse that caught my eye. It was 1 Corinthians 11:33.
"Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another."
Then, I was like OH NO! again! This means that I am supposed to wait for the rest before I start eating! Sharks. Kanna correction twice in a week, on consecutive days somemore!
Then on service just yesterday, I was kinda feeling really tired and was trying my best not to well, take 2 winks from the sermon. But when I was really awake, the first thing that Pastor shared about was the part whereby he said that if you ever feel like saying something that is going to curse, slander or well, isn't good for the other party, just pray in tongues. I WAS SHOCKED! To me, it's all happening again. The corrections came again.
And today, at around 1am, I was flipping through my bible and I saw this phrase from 1 Corinthians 8:1. This might be out of context as this passage is talking about food offered to idols. But, read on lah....
"...We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies."
Then, it all made sense to me. Remember I mentioned earlier on that the truth might come out of the heart and the truth hurts. But if you truly love that person from your heart(be it a fatherly, motherly, sisterly, brotherly or even pacar-ly love), whatever that you say out of your heart would be edifying that person and not hurting that person.
This is all that I needed to do. No need to use self-effort to filter the words that come out of my heart. All I need to do is just change my heart. To let the love of Jesus for the people fill my heart and naturally, love edifies...
Just 2 weeks ago, on a Monday, I was bored of studying for my 38 drugs and decided to open up my bible and flipped through the pages. Suddenly, this verse caught my eye, it was Matthew 15:17-18 (NKJV)
"17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man."
I was shocked. Daddy was correcting me. At that point of time the first thought that came to my mind was, "Sharks, this is so obvious that even a simpleton would also know what He is trying to tell me." I got an outright correction from God. Who am I to deny that correction when I know that I myself have been having problems in that area of speaking things which are well, unedifying. After mediating on it, I realised that sometimes, whatever that comes out of our mouths without us thinking is something that is from the heart and most of time, would be truth. Hey, I thought to myself, sometimes, the truth hurts right!? So I thought to myself, alright, maybe this means that I should let my brain filter out whatever that I wanted to say. But that would be super self-effort lah!
The next day,a Tuesday, I continued flipping the bible, I saw another verse that caught my eye. It was 1 Corinthians 11:33.
"Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another."
Then, I was like OH NO! again! This means that I am supposed to wait for the rest before I start eating! Sharks. Kanna correction twice in a week, on consecutive days somemore!
Then on service just yesterday, I was kinda feeling really tired and was trying my best not to well, take 2 winks from the sermon. But when I was really awake, the first thing that Pastor shared about was the part whereby he said that if you ever feel like saying something that is going to curse, slander or well, isn't good for the other party, just pray in tongues. I WAS SHOCKED! To me, it's all happening again. The corrections came again.
And today, at around 1am, I was flipping through my bible and I saw this phrase from 1 Corinthians 8:1. This might be out of context as this passage is talking about food offered to idols. But, read on lah....
"...We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies."
Then, it all made sense to me. Remember I mentioned earlier on that the truth might come out of the heart and the truth hurts. But if you truly love that person from your heart(be it a fatherly, motherly, sisterly, brotherly or even pacar-ly love), whatever that you say out of your heart would be edifying that person and not hurting that person.
This is all that I needed to do. No need to use self-effort to filter the words that come out of my heart. All I need to do is just change my heart. To let the love of Jesus for the people fill my heart and naturally, love edifies...
Monday, March 17, 2008
the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:13-16
there is one thing you can do, in situations that you are completely helpless about. that thing is not to dwell or worry about it. pray, in the known language or in tongues about your situation. your prayers are effective and will avail much
James 5:13-16
there is one thing you can do, in situations that you are completely helpless about. that thing is not to dwell or worry about it. pray, in the known language or in tongues about your situation. your prayers are effective and will avail much
Friday, March 14, 2008
Ecclesiastes 12
Ecclesiastes 12
- AMP v12 But about going further [than the words given by one Shepherd], my son, be warned. Of making many books there is no end [so do not believe everything you read], and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
- MSG v12 But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else.
---------------------------------------
- AMP v13 All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.
- AMP v14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil.
- AMP v12 But about going further [than the words given by one Shepherd], my son, be warned. Of making many books there is no end [so do not believe everything you read], and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
- MSG v12 But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else.
---------------------------------------
- AMP v13 All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.
- AMP v14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or evil.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Ecclesiastes 11
Ecclesiastes 11
- NKJV v4 He who observes the wind will not sow,
And he who regards the clouds will not reap.
v5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind,
Orhow the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child,
So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
v6 In the morning sow your seed,
And in the evening do not withhold your hand;
For you do not know which will prosper,
Either this or that,
Or whether both alike will be good.
- MSG v7-8 Oh, how sweet the light of day,
And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!
Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted.
Take delight in each light-filled hour,
Remembering that there will also be many dark days
And that most of what comes your way is smoke.
v9 You who are young, make the most of your youth.
Relish your youthful vigor.
Follow the impulses of your heart.
If something looks good to you, pursue it.
But know also that not just anything goes;
You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.
v10 Live footloose and fancy-free—
You won't be young forever.
Youth lasts about as long as smoke.
- NKJV v4 He who observes the wind will not sow,
And he who regards the clouds will not reap.
v5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind,
Orhow the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child,
So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
v6 In the morning sow your seed,
And in the evening do not withhold your hand;
For you do not know which will prosper,
Either this or that,
Or whether both alike will be good.
- MSG v7-8 Oh, how sweet the light of day,
And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!
Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted.
Take delight in each light-filled hour,
Remembering that there will also be many dark days
And that most of what comes your way is smoke.
v9 You who are young, make the most of your youth.
Relish your youthful vigor.
Follow the impulses of your heart.
If something looks good to you, pursue it.
But know also that not just anything goes;
You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.
v10 Live footloose and fancy-free—
You won't be young forever.
Youth lasts about as long as smoke.
---------------------------------------------------------
I met up with my mentor in my company and he gave me the exact same advice about doing what you like when u are young because you don't have any liabilities (e.g. family, car loans etc) to hold you back. If you don't take a chance, you'll never know. If you go out there and start your own company, you would probably be a millionaire in 3 years, but if you stay in the company for 8 years, you'll only just be an assistant manager.
I just remembered one more thing about the Servers' Appreciation Night. Pastor also said very briefly during Servers' Appreciation Night that the gifts that God gives you might lead you out of your comfort zone, to do things you never thought possible for the glory of Jesus.Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Why would anyone want to serve in church?
Isn't it interesting that for my daily devotion yesterday, I shared about the quote that stuck with me from the movie, Back to the Future?
Because Pastor Benjamin showed us snippets of the movie, Man of Honour, during Servers' Appreciation Night yesterday. And what struck me was how this guy went against all physical / mental odds even against calamity/persecution/sabotage by his own fellow navy officers to succeed as a Navy Diver of the US Navy.
Especially the part where he stayed underwater for 9 hours to pass the Navy Diver's Test after being sabotaged by his officers, I thought that kinda reminded me of myself while I was doing the training circuit during Adventure Camp, except that he didn't puke his guts out in the end.
During prayer, Pastor also had a vision that God was handing out golden keys to unlock all the grace gifts in us, to enlarge us in our serving.
As I stood there looking at the list of "long service award" servers in church, I couldn't help but feel so humbled. A revelation sorta dawned on me. These people have actually dedicated so much of their lives to serving God and His people. Now you know for sure how to differentiate a true calling and a spur-of-the-moment impulse.
As they flashed the past photos of these "long service award" servers in church, who could've thought these people would turn out to be such amazing vessels used by Jesus to minister to His people? I couldn't even recognise Pastor Daniel. And Pastor Benjamin's photo, he looked nothing like what he is today. He looked, to be honest, super nerdy and quite loser. I would never even have been his friend. HAHA Who would've believed that he would turn out to be a pastor/entrepreneur?
I believe the best in people, that everyone has a sincere heart to serve the Lord. But many simply don't follow through - many lack faithfulness. I'm not talking about serving with a spirit of excellence, that everything you do must have over-and-exceedingly-above outstanding results that will wow your leaders. I'm talking about simply the bare minimum of getting the job done, being there when your leaders need you, and holding on til the end.
Before you jump on me and accuse me of having a "Law & Works Mentality" towards serving, allow me to provide a simple analogy.
When you go to work, your company pays you a salary. Because of that, you get the job done (read: it doesn't mean you put in your best). Why? Because if you don't get the minimum done, you get fired. Period.
Now let's talk about serving. Is there a contract/bond for you to sign before you serve? No. Do you get paid a salary when you serve? No. Can you simply call it quits anytime once you don't feel like serving? Yes. Can your leaders do anything about it? No.
So if you need to sign a contract to serve, and the church pays you a salary for your serving, will your attitude towards serving change?
If it does, then you are exactly under a "Law & Works Mentality".
Today we see some people serving, and giving up after a while due to various unacceptable reasons (which i shan't elaborate). Today we see people serving, but they lack commitment and do not give weight/prority to their serving. Today we see people serving, but their over-zealous enthusiasm fizzles out after a few weeks or so and they jump to the next ministry that they find exciting. Today we see people serving, but they are expecting fast promotions to leadership and honour. [I'm talking to myself here.]
It's no wonder that Pastor has preached before that leaders should never feel embarrassed when they assign stuff for their servers to do. Why should serving have any less priority than your full-time job or school work? Also, Lynn always shares with the Ambassadors/Befrienders that the winner is someone who hangs on til the end to see his/her breakthrough.
What I'm trying to say is this: regardless of your caliber, skills, status etc, when you have the right heart and attitude towards serving, when you avail yourself to be used and you stay faithful to what God has placed in your hands, that is when God will be able to use you for His glory.
As for me, I realised that how far I had to go, after seeing the list of "long service award" servers. I realised what a novice I was, how wet behind the ears I was, and I believe my perspectives on serving were put into place almost instantly. I mean, my company also has long service awards for employees who have worked in the company for 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years (literally their whole lives), but it's nothing like this. I don't really know how else to describe it; it's something that I caught in my spirit.
I'm glad this happened to me, because I believe God wants to show me something with regards to the dreams and the desires that He has placed in my heart for my future.
And I think this is one of the golden keys that many servers have yet to unlock.
Because Pastor Benjamin showed us snippets of the movie, Man of Honour, during Servers' Appreciation Night yesterday. And what struck me was how this guy went against all physical / mental odds even against calamity/persecution/sabotage by his own fellow navy officers to succeed as a Navy Diver of the US Navy.
Especially the part where he stayed underwater for 9 hours to pass the Navy Diver's Test after being sabotaged by his officers, I thought that kinda reminded me of myself while I was doing the training circuit during Adventure Camp, except that he didn't puke his guts out in the end.
During prayer, Pastor also had a vision that God was handing out golden keys to unlock all the grace gifts in us, to enlarge us in our serving.
As I stood there looking at the list of "long service award" servers in church, I couldn't help but feel so humbled. A revelation sorta dawned on me. These people have actually dedicated so much of their lives to serving God and His people. Now you know for sure how to differentiate a true calling and a spur-of-the-moment impulse.
As they flashed the past photos of these "long service award" servers in church, who could've thought these people would turn out to be such amazing vessels used by Jesus to minister to His people? I couldn't even recognise Pastor Daniel. And Pastor Benjamin's photo, he looked nothing like what he is today. He looked, to be honest, super nerdy and quite loser. I would never even have been his friend. HAHA Who would've believed that he would turn out to be a pastor/entrepreneur?
I believe the best in people, that everyone has a sincere heart to serve the Lord. But many simply don't follow through - many lack faithfulness. I'm not talking about serving with a spirit of excellence, that everything you do must have over-and-exceedingly-above outstanding results that will wow your leaders. I'm talking about simply the bare minimum of getting the job done, being there when your leaders need you, and holding on til the end.
Before you jump on me and accuse me of having a "Law & Works Mentality" towards serving, allow me to provide a simple analogy.
When you go to work, your company pays you a salary. Because of that, you get the job done (read: it doesn't mean you put in your best). Why? Because if you don't get the minimum done, you get fired. Period.
Now let's talk about serving. Is there a contract/bond for you to sign before you serve? No. Do you get paid a salary when you serve? No. Can you simply call it quits anytime once you don't feel like serving? Yes. Can your leaders do anything about it? No.
So if you need to sign a contract to serve, and the church pays you a salary for your serving, will your attitude towards serving change?
If it does, then you are exactly under a "Law & Works Mentality".
Today we see some people serving, and giving up after a while due to various unacceptable reasons (which i shan't elaborate). Today we see people serving, but they lack commitment and do not give weight/prority to their serving. Today we see people serving, but their over-zealous enthusiasm fizzles out after a few weeks or so and they jump to the next ministry that they find exciting. Today we see people serving, but they are expecting fast promotions to leadership and honour. [I'm talking to myself here.]
It's no wonder that Pastor has preached before that leaders should never feel embarrassed when they assign stuff for their servers to do. Why should serving have any less priority than your full-time job or school work? Also, Lynn always shares with the Ambassadors/Befrienders that the winner is someone who hangs on til the end to see his/her breakthrough.
What I'm trying to say is this: regardless of your caliber, skills, status etc, when you have the right heart and attitude towards serving, when you avail yourself to be used and you stay faithful to what God has placed in your hands, that is when God will be able to use you for His glory.
As for me, I realised that how far I had to go, after seeing the list of "long service award" servers. I realised what a novice I was, how wet behind the ears I was, and I believe my perspectives on serving were put into place almost instantly. I mean, my company also has long service awards for employees who have worked in the company for 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years (literally their whole lives), but it's nothing like this. I don't really know how else to describe it; it's something that I caught in my spirit.
I'm glad this happened to me, because I believe God wants to show me something with regards to the dreams and the desires that He has placed in my heart for my future.
And I think this is one of the golden keys that many servers have yet to unlock.
a people undeserving
was expecting a sermon during servers night yesterday, but it didn't happen. but Daddy never shortchanges us, does He.
pastor benjamin shared a little here and there throughout the service/programme, and i don't know why selene knows but something pastor said became a rhema for me to meditate on for quite a while, especially during this trying period.
"it's not what you have, but what you don't have that qualifies you for everything He has."
i know this is not new but that is the thing about the Word. this semester God must have something wonderful in store for me, or else i wouldn't be attacked in this. been really into schoolwork these days, and undeniably i have been whining to God, "God, i need time leh.", "argh God what is this? got so many things to do already!!!", "i need You Lord."
but Jesus is ever so full of grace. He says, "your very disqualification is qualifies you for My blessings." nevermind the apparent lack of time, energy, strength; when i cannot, God can. i mean, His hands are greater than mine aren't they? i know He has provided, and the Word that goes forth shall not return void.
i thank God He is faithful. whatever that you need, it's already given to you, paid by Jesus in full. do you believe it?
pastor benjamin shared a little here and there throughout the service/programme, and i don't know why selene knows but something pastor said became a rhema for me to meditate on for quite a while, especially during this trying period.
"it's not what you have, but what you don't have that qualifies you for everything He has."
i know this is not new but that is the thing about the Word. this semester God must have something wonderful in store for me, or else i wouldn't be attacked in this. been really into schoolwork these days, and undeniably i have been whining to God, "God, i need time leh.", "argh God what is this? got so many things to do already!!!", "i need You Lord."
but Jesus is ever so full of grace. He says, "your very disqualification is qualifies you for My blessings." nevermind the apparent lack of time, energy, strength; when i cannot, God can. i mean, His hands are greater than mine aren't they? i know He has provided, and the Word that goes forth shall not return void.
i thank God He is faithful. whatever that you need, it's already given to you, paid by Jesus in full. do you believe it?
Ecclesiastes 10
Ecclesiastes 10
- MSG v19 Laughter and bread go together,
And wine gives sparkle to life—
But it's money that makes the world go around.
- MSG v19 Laughter and bread go together,
And wine gives sparkle to life—
But it's money that makes the world go around.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Ecclesiastes 9
Ecclesiastes 9
- MSG v7 Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
- MSG v9-10 ... Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
This is your last and only chance at it...
-------------------------------------------------------
If you remember, I shared during one of our first CGs about Back To The Future, about one scene that always stayed with me throughout my younger years - that was when Doc Emmett Brown told Marty & Jennifer that "Your future's not been written yet; no one's has. Your future is whatever you make of it, so make it a good one, both of you!"
- MSG v7 Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
- MSG v9-10 ... Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
This is your last and only chance at it...
-------------------------------------------------------
If you remember, I shared during one of our first CGs about Back To The Future, about one scene that always stayed with me throughout my younger years - that was when Doc Emmett Brown told Marty & Jennifer that "Your future's not been written yet; no one's has. Your future is whatever you make of it, so make it a good one, both of you!"
what are you seeing?
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.
Genesis 3:6
was eve lacking for food in the garden of eden? surely, a whole garden for 2 people was more than enough
was eve lacking for things pleasant to the eyes? surely, God created a perfect world of many things that were pleasant to the eyes.
was eve lacking in wisdom? surely walking with God/wisdom personified everyday gave her wisdom
what are you seeing in your life? all the lack or all what God has placed in your life?
Genesis 3:6
was eve lacking for food in the garden of eden? surely, a whole garden for 2 people was more than enough
was eve lacking for things pleasant to the eyes? surely, God created a perfect world of many things that were pleasant to the eyes.
was eve lacking in wisdom? surely walking with God/wisdom personified everyday gave her wisdom
what are you seeing in your life? all the lack or all what God has placed in your life?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Ecclesiastes 8
Ecclesiastes 8
- MSG v1 There's nothing better than being wise, Knowing how to interpret the meaning of life.
Wisdom puts light in the eyes,
And gives gentleness to words and manners.
<in the context of obeying your boss>
- MSG v2-5 Do what your king commands; you gave a sacred oath of obedience. Don't worryingly second-guess your orders or try to back out when the task is unpleasant. You're serving his pleasure, not yours. The king has the last word. Who dares say to him, "What are you doing?" Carrying out orders won't hurt you a bit; the wise person obeys promptly and accurately.
- MSG v12-13 Even though a person sins and gets by with it hundreds of times throughout a long life, I'm still convinced that the good life is reserved for the person who fears God, who lives reverently in his presence, and that the evil person will not experience a "good" life. No matter how many days he lives, they'll all be as flat and colorless as a shadow—because he doesn't fear God.
- MSG v14 Here's something that happens all the time and makes no sense at all: Good people get what's coming to the wicked, and bad people get what's coming to the good. I tell you, this makes no sense. It's smoke.
- MSG v1 There's nothing better than being wise, Knowing how to interpret the meaning of life.
Wisdom puts light in the eyes,
And gives gentleness to words and manners.
<in the context of obeying your boss>
- MSG v2-5 Do what your king commands; you gave a sacred oath of obedience. Don't worryingly second-guess your orders or try to back out when the task is unpleasant. You're serving his pleasure, not yours. The king has the last word. Who dares say to him, "What are you doing?" Carrying out orders won't hurt you a bit; the wise person obeys promptly and accurately.
- MSG v12-13 Even though a person sins and gets by with it hundreds of times throughout a long life, I'm still convinced that the good life is reserved for the person who fears God, who lives reverently in his presence, and that the evil person will not experience a "good" life. No matter how many days he lives, they'll all be as flat and colorless as a shadow—because he doesn't fear God.
- MSG v14 Here's something that happens all the time and makes no sense at all: Good people get what's coming to the wicked, and bad people get what's coming to the good. I tell you, this makes no sense. It's smoke.
- MSG v15 So, I'm all for just going ahead and having a good time—the best possible. The only earthly good men and women can look forward to is to eat and drink well and have a good time—compensation for the struggle for survival these few years God gives us on earth.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
submitting to your parents
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
proverbs 1:8-9
most of the times, we dont think our parents are people who have it all together. but God has placed them in our lives for a reason. because of that, their words will guard us and guide us.
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.
proverbs 1:8-9
most of the times, we dont think our parents are people who have it all together. but God has placed them in our lives for a reason. because of that, their words will guard us and guide us.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Ecclesiastes 7
Ecclesiastes 7
- MSG v1 A good reputation is better than a fat bank account. Your death date tells more than your birth date.
- MSG v11-12 Wisdom is better when it's paired with money,
Especially if you get both while you're still living.
Double protection: wisdom and wealth!
Plus this bonus: Wisdom energizes its owner.
- NKJV v15 I have seen everything in my days of vanity:
There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness,
And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.
16 Do not be overly righteous,
Nor be overly wise:
Why should you destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overly wicked,
Nor be foolish:
Why should you die before your time?
- MSG v18 It's best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.
- MSG v1 A good reputation is better than a fat bank account. Your death date tells more than your birth date.
- MSG v11-12 Wisdom is better when it's paired with money,
Especially if you get both while you're still living.
Double protection: wisdom and wealth!
Plus this bonus: Wisdom energizes its owner.
- NKJV v15 I have seen everything in my days of vanity:
There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness,
And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.
16 Do not be overly righteous,
Nor be overly wise:
Why should you destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overly wicked,
Nor be foolish:
Why should you die before your time?
- MSG v18 It's best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Ecclesiastes 6
Ecclesiastes 6
- MSG v2 There are people, for instance, on whom God showers everything—money, property, reputation—all they ever wanted or dreamed of. And then God doesn't let them enjoy it.
- AMP v9 Better is the sight of the eyes [the enjoyment of what is available to one] than the cravings of wandering desire. This is also vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility) and a striving after the wind and a feeding on it!
- MSG v2 There are people, for instance, on whom God showers everything—money, property, reputation—all they ever wanted or dreamed of. And then God doesn't let them enjoy it.
- AMP v9 Better is the sight of the eyes [the enjoyment of what is available to one] than the cravings of wandering desire. This is also vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility) and a striving after the wind and a feeding on it!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Ecclesiastes 5
Ecclesiastes 5
- AMP v3 For a dream comes with much business and painful effort, and a fool's voice with many words.
- AMP v18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is for one to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun all the days which God gives him--for this is his [allotted] part.
- AMP v3 For a dream comes with much business and painful effort, and a fool's voice with many words.
- AMP v18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is for one to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun all the days which God gives him--for this is his [allotted] part.
- AMP v19 Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, and the power to enjoy them and to accept his appointed lot and to rejoice in his toil--this is the gift of God [to him].
- AMP v20 For he shall not much remember [seriously] the days of his life, because God [Himself] answers and corresponds to the joy of his heart [the tranquillity of God is mirrored in him].
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Ecclesiastes 4
Ecclesiastes 4
- MSG v4 Then I observed all the work and ambition motivated by envy. What a waste! Smoke. And spitting into the wind.
- MSG v6 One handful of peaceful repose
Is better than two fistfuls of worried work—
- MSG v7-8 I turned my head and saw yet another wisp of smoke on its way to nothingness: a solitary person, completely alone—no children, no family, no friends—yet working obsessively late into the night, compulsively greedy for more and more, never bothering to ask, "Why am I working like a dog, never having any fun? And who cares?" More smoke. A bad business.
- MSG v9-10 It's better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there's no one to help, tough!
- MSG v4 Then I observed all the work and ambition motivated by envy. What a waste! Smoke. And spitting into the wind.
- MSG v6 One handful of peaceful repose
Is better than two fistfuls of worried work—
- MSG v7-8 I turned my head and saw yet another wisp of smoke on its way to nothingness: a solitary person, completely alone—no children, no family, no friends—yet working obsessively late into the night, compulsively greedy for more and more, never bothering to ask, "Why am I working like a dog, never having any fun? And who cares?" More smoke. A bad business.
- MSG v9-10 It's better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there's no one to help, tough!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Ecclesiastes 3
Ecclesiastes 3
- MSG v1 There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth
- MSG v10-13 True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.
- MSG v1 There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth
- MSG v10-13 True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Ecclesiastes 2
Ecclesiastes 2
- MSG v2 What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane!
My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it?
- NKJV v11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done
And on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.
- MSG v13-14 But I did see that it's better to be smart than stupid, just as light is better than darkness. Even so, though the smart ones see where they're going and the stupid ones grope in the dark, they're all the same in the end. One fate for all—and that's it.
- MSG v15-16 When I realized that my fate's the same as the fool's, I had to ask myself, "So why bother being wise?" It's all smoke, nothing but smoke. The smart and the stupid both disappear out of sight. In a day or two they're both forgotten. Yes, both the smart and the stupid die, and that's it.
- MSG v24-26 The best you can do with your life is have a good time and get by the best you can. The way I see it, that's it—divine fate. Whether we feast or fast, it's up to God. God may give wisdom and knowledge and joy to his favorites, but sinners are assigned a life of hard labor, and end up turning their wages over to God's favorites. Nothing but smoke—and spitting into the wind.
-------------------------------------------------------
The main reason why I ask God for wisdom is because I cannot stand seeing the people of the world doing better than Christians. Why are they the ones cutting the big deals, knowing all the intricacies of the business and financial world, driving the biggest cars, and even though they might not know they are going to hell, they're having the time of their lives right here right now.
I've asked God the same qn before - some Christians just go through life harmless as sheep, not knowing anything about the world, and yet they are blessed as much as me! So why bother asking for wisdom, working so hard, and at the end of the day, we both go to heaven anyway!
But despite this, Solomon says it is better to be smart than stupid. So what's the catch?
Joyce Meyer says about verse 24, that "there is nothing better than enjoying what we do. Are you enjoying what you do or are you tired, weary and bored? Ask God to refresh you and enable you to enjoy your work."
At work and serving, sometimes I also feel discouraged that I put in so much effort into a project, at in the end, management or leadership pulls the plug on it, or massive changes come in later on that annuls everything that I've done thus far. Then why bother trying so hard?
I think the two-prong approach to resolving this dilemma is to work smart (wisdom) and to enjoy every moment doing what you do. And at the end of the day, the Christian life is a life of receiving. When you are blessed, remember that God gives you the power to get wealth. But at the same time, be humble to receive the spoils when it is turned over to us by those who strive and sweat.
- MSG v2 What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane!
My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it?
- NKJV v11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done
And on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.
- MSG v13-14 But I did see that it's better to be smart than stupid, just as light is better than darkness. Even so, though the smart ones see where they're going and the stupid ones grope in the dark, they're all the same in the end. One fate for all—and that's it.
- MSG v15-16 When I realized that my fate's the same as the fool's, I had to ask myself, "So why bother being wise?" It's all smoke, nothing but smoke. The smart and the stupid both disappear out of sight. In a day or two they're both forgotten. Yes, both the smart and the stupid die, and that's it.
- MSG v24-26 The best you can do with your life is have a good time and get by the best you can. The way I see it, that's it—divine fate. Whether we feast or fast, it's up to God. God may give wisdom and knowledge and joy to his favorites, but sinners are assigned a life of hard labor, and end up turning their wages over to God's favorites. Nothing but smoke—and spitting into the wind.
-------------------------------------------------------
The main reason why I ask God for wisdom is because I cannot stand seeing the people of the world doing better than Christians. Why are they the ones cutting the big deals, knowing all the intricacies of the business and financial world, driving the biggest cars, and even though they might not know they are going to hell, they're having the time of their lives right here right now.
I've asked God the same qn before - some Christians just go through life harmless as sheep, not knowing anything about the world, and yet they are blessed as much as me! So why bother asking for wisdom, working so hard, and at the end of the day, we both go to heaven anyway!
But despite this, Solomon says it is better to be smart than stupid. So what's the catch?
Joyce Meyer says about verse 24, that "there is nothing better than enjoying what we do. Are you enjoying what you do or are you tired, weary and bored? Ask God to refresh you and enable you to enjoy your work."
At work and serving, sometimes I also feel discouraged that I put in so much effort into a project, at in the end, management or leadership pulls the plug on it, or massive changes come in later on that annuls everything that I've done thus far. Then why bother trying so hard?
I think the two-prong approach to resolving this dilemma is to work smart (wisdom) and to enjoy every moment doing what you do. And at the end of the day, the Christian life is a life of receiving. When you are blessed, remember that God gives you the power to get wealth. But at the same time, be humble to receive the spoils when it is turned over to us by those who strive and sweat.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Ecclesiastes 1
Ecclesiastes 1
- MSG v8 Everything's boring, utterly boring—
no one can find any meaning in it...
- MSG v9 What was will be again,
what happened will happen again.
There's nothing new on this earth.
- MSG v11 Nobody remembers what happened yesterday.
And the things that will happen tomorrow?
Nobody'll remember them either.
Don't count on being remembered.
----------------------------------------------------------
The following in my own personal analysis/revelation of what Solomon said. Notice that Ecclesiastes also comes directly after Proverbs.
Solomon says everything on earth works in cycles - there is nothing new on this earth under the sun.
In other words, I perceive from this that there are no "surprises" in the future. Whatever progress we think we are seeing, is essentially a cycle from the past happening all over again, just in a more modernised fashion.
And because there is nothing in the future which we cannot expect, shouldn't that make us more stable about life?
We don't have to live life fearing a future where we don't know what will happen next, since Solomon says there is nothing new that will happen that would catch us off-guard. i.e. the past can be a very good reference for what is to come, and wisdom & understanding of knowledge will teach us that.
And because we believe what we believe in the Grace of God, take this concept of everything happening in cycles, and you'll realise that even when we are blessed with a car, or a house, or any other material items, there is no point holding onto it when you finally get it, because you are going to get another car, and another house very soon in the future, which will definitely be much better than what you already have!
There is nothing "new", so to speak. The essentially underlying process of everything that is happening is the same throughout time.
- MSG v8 Everything's boring, utterly boring—
no one can find any meaning in it...
- MSG v9 What was will be again,
what happened will happen again.
There's nothing new on this earth.
- MSG v11 Nobody remembers what happened yesterday.
And the things that will happen tomorrow?
Nobody'll remember them either.
Don't count on being remembered.
----------------------------------------------------------
The following in my own personal analysis/revelation of what Solomon said. Notice that Ecclesiastes also comes directly after Proverbs.
Solomon says everything on earth works in cycles - there is nothing new on this earth under the sun.
In other words, I perceive from this that there are no "surprises" in the future. Whatever progress we think we are seeing, is essentially a cycle from the past happening all over again, just in a more modernised fashion.
And because there is nothing in the future which we cannot expect, shouldn't that make us more stable about life?
We don't have to live life fearing a future where we don't know what will happen next, since Solomon says there is nothing new that will happen that would catch us off-guard. i.e. the past can be a very good reference for what is to come, and wisdom & understanding of knowledge will teach us that.
And because we believe what we believe in the Grace of God, take this concept of everything happening in cycles, and you'll realise that even when we are blessed with a car, or a house, or any other material items, there is no point holding onto it when you finally get it, because you are going to get another car, and another house very soon in the future, which will definitely be much better than what you already have!
There is nothing "new", so to speak. The essentially underlying process of everything that is happening is the same throughout time.
Big challenges are nothing to Daddy.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
"But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence"
Indeed, God likes to use small things to bring to nothing the big challenges in your life.
This line, mentioned by Pastor Prince, caught me when I read the solid rock magazine. Just brought me to remember how Pastor demonstrates how Daddy God would flick the dirt (the challenges) away.
"But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence"
Indeed, God likes to use small things to bring to nothing the big challenges in your life.
This line, mentioned by Pastor Prince, caught me when I read the solid rock magazine. Just brought me to remember how Pastor demonstrates how Daddy God would flick the dirt (the challenges) away.
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