Super Holy Blog

Just for laughs

2008-09-05T17:18:00.000+08:00

Cute video of Elijah & the prophets of Baal

Psalm 10

2008-08-20T07:42:00.000+08:00

Psalm 10:17 (Amplified)

- v17 O Lord, You have heard the desire and the longing of the humble and oppressed; You will prepare and strengthen and direct their hearts, You will cause Your ear to hear,

No little people.

2008-08-17T14:09:00.003+08:00

Heyo to all... I came across this blog (shared by ZJ in multiply) which is very inspiring, http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001813.cfm

And just wanna share a verse which has been in my heart these days... Romans 8:28 (Amplified version). It's also what Pastor shared yday, that our challenges are opportunities to reflect our deeper need for Daddy God, opportunities to shine forth His loving grace, opportunities for our characters to be moulded and sharpened for His glory. His heart is all about us, all FOR us.

28We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

And lastly, to end off with a chill video (shared by Elaine), Good-O-Meter from youtube. Very awesomely cute. The primary source is from http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/.

'Njoy Beloveds! =)

Psalm 9

2008-08-17T10:40:00.004+08:00

Psalm 9:9-10

- AMP v9 The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation).

- AMP v10 And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity].

destitution - a state without friends or money or prospects; an extreme state of poverty, in which a person is almost completely lacking in resources or means of support

desperation - The act of despairing or becoming desperate; a giving up of hope; A state of despair, or utter hopeless; abandonment of hope; extreme recklessness; reckless fury

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- MSG v9-10 God's a safe-house for the battered,
a sanctuary during bad times.
The moment you arrive, you relax;
you're never sorry you knocked.

Beautiful verse.

2008-08-09T13:16:00.003+08:00

Selene mentioned abt proverbs 4:18 yday, which I thought was beautifully painted. In fact, the verse became very visual to me and I decided to check it out. And the whole verse proved to be very personal to me; it's very Jesus talking to you. May you all also receive a truckload of revelations! A beautiful dialogue about Jesus's wise advice to you.

Proverbs 4 (NLT)

A Father’s Wise Advice

1 My children, listen when your father corrects you.
Pay attention and learn good judgment,
2 for I am giving you good guidance.
Don’t turn away from my instructions.
3 For I, too, was once my father’s son,
tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

4 My father taught me,
“Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.
5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
9 She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
she will present you with a beautiful crown.”

10 My child, listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways
and lead you in straight paths.
12 When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble.
13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
Guard them, for they are the key to life.

14 Don’t do as the wicked do,
and don’t follow the path of evildoers.
15 Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way.
Turn away and keep moving.
16 For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.
They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.
17 They eat the food of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence!

18 The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

20 My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
21 Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22 for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.

23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.

24 Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.

25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.

Yvonne's Graduation

2008-07-20T22:10:00.006+08:00

Hey peps,

Thanks for coming to my graduation. Really appreciate the lovely flowers. It's rotting nicely in my room.

(Click image below to see the pics we took. Thank you mh for taking the photos. :))

Rgds,
Yvonne

1 Corinthians 1:8

2008-07-17T14:47:00.001+08:00

1 Corinthians 1:8 (Amplified)

- v8 And He will establish you to the end [keep you steadfast, give you strength, and guarantee your vindication; He will be your warrant against all accusation or indictment so that you will be] guiltless and irreproachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

1 Corinthians 1:27 - 29

2008-07-04T01:42:00.006+08:00

Read this, as inspired by today's devotional on 1 Corinthians 1:30. Remembered what George (my CGL last time) told me when I start to really read the bible, when you come across any verse, read the whole context (the particular chapter, or before and after). So yupx.. chanced upon these 3 pre-ceding verses.

27 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;
28 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,
29that no flesh should glory in His presence.
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption -

Daddy God likes to use small things to bring to nothing the big challenges in your life. =) HE loves you for simply who you are. You are HIS precious hand-crafted masterpiece.

2008-07-02T00:08:00.002+08:00

"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labour of the olive oil may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls- Yet i will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high mountains." Habakkuk 3:17-19

2 Corinthians 8: 14-15

2008-06-18T00:34:00.004+08:00

14but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

Chanced upon this verse which speaks about giving and receiving, and the power of sharing in fellowship. That your abundance, what you give and share shall bless others, and the abundance of others will also bless you. The revelations which you caught in your journey shall bless others; and you'll also receive from the revelations caught by others in their own journey. There lies just so much power, so much of the Father's love as we share our lives with each other. Praise Daddy God! =)

Isaiah 41:10

2008-06-16T13:33:00.000+08:00

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Acts 11

2008-06-16T07:46:00.002+08:00

Acts 11

Amplified

- v20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on returning to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, proclaiming [to them] the good news (the Gospel) about the Lord Jesus.

- v21 And the presence of the Lord was with them with power, so that a great number [learned] to believe (to adhere to and trust in and rely on the Lord) and turned and surrendered themselves to Him.

- v22 The rumors of this came to the ears of the church (assembly) in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

- v23 When he arrived and saw what grace (favor) God was bestowing upon them, he was full of joy; and he continuously exhorted (warned, urged, and encouraged) them all to cleave unto and remain faithful to and devoted to the Lord with [resolute and steady] purpose of heart.

- v24 For he was a good man [good in himself and also at once for the good and the advantage of other people], full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit and full of faith (of his belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through Whom we obtain eternal salvation). And a large company was added to the Lord.

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The Message

- v18 Hearing it all laid out like that, they quieted down. And then, as it sank in, they started praising God. "It's really happened! God has broken through to the other nations, opened them up to Life!"

- v19-21 Those who had been scattered by the persecution triggered by Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, but they were still only speaking and dealing with their fellow Jews. Then some of the men from Cyprus and Cyrene who had come to Antioch started talking to Greeks, giving them the Message of the Master Jesus. God was pleased with what they were doing and put his stamp of approval on it—quite a number of the Greeks believed and turned to the Master.

- v22-24 When the church in Jerusalem got wind of this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to check on things. As soon as he arrived, he saw that God was behind and in it all. He threw himself in with them, got behind them, urging them to stay with it the rest of their lives. He was a good man that way, enthusiastic and confident in the Holy Spirit's ways. The community grew large and strong in the Master.

Acts 5

2008-06-12T04:15:00.001+08:00

Acts 5 (Amplified)

- v38 Now in the present case let me say to you, stand off (withdraw) from these men and let them alone. For if this doctrine or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail (be overthrown and come to nothing);

- v39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them; you might even be found fighting against God!

take You at Your Word

2008-05-31T20:59:00.002+08:00

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

let us not stop giving thanks to Him who has provided, and will provide, out of His glorious riches, because it is He who gives the increase, who multiplies our 5 loaves and 2 fishes, with 12 basketfuls left over.

and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Amen. :)

1 Kings 19

2008-05-26T10:09:00.000+08:00

1 Kings 19

- v4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

- v5-7 Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.”

1 Kings 18

2008-05-25T02:13:00.000+08:00

1 Kings 18

- v21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

From today's devotional

2008-05-23T13:09:00.002+08:00

Isaiah 54:1
1“Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not laboured with child!

To start rejoicing and (with a receiving heart) start envisioning the breakthroughs coming. Old man dream dreams, young man sees visions. Daddy God's heart desires is for us to simply enjoy basking in His love, seeking first His righteousness - which is keeping the love, peace and joy on the inside, and walk along with our inside filled up. And all that we ask, shall be added onto us.

Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, pruned and well-taken care of, as long as we abide and stay in the vine. In time to come, our branches will sprout beautiful green leaves, fruits and scented flowers, where birds perched on, chirping cheerfully!

1 Kings 17

2008-05-23T11:22:00.003+08:00

1 Kings 17

- v24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth.”

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The widow (the woman in this story) saw the unlimited flour and oil that provided for herself and her family during the severe drought, but that wasn't enough for her to believe.

But when her son died, and was resurrected by Elijah, only then she believed.

Sometimes, I believe we don't have to wait until something really dramatic happens to know that God saves. How much better it is to live life already believing that God is there for you, so that when challenges occur, you are well-grounded with the faith to see it through differently from the rest who don't believe.

1 Kings 7-10

2008-05-20T07:33:00.002+08:00

1 Kings 10

- v3 So Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing so difficult for the king that he could not explain it to her.

1 Kings 6

2008-05-16T07:44:00.002+08:00

1 Kings 6 (The Message)

- v11 The word of God came to Solomon saying, "About this Temple you are building—what's important is that you live the way I've set out for you and do what I tell you, following my instructions carefully and obediently..."

1 Kings 5

2008-05-15T01:18:00.002+08:00

1 Kings 5

- v6 Now therefore, command that they cut down cedars for me from Lebanon; and my servants will be with your servants, and I will pay you wages for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know there is none among us who has skill to cut timber like the Sidonians.

- v12 So the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty together.

1 Kings 4

2008-05-14T07:47:00.001+08:00

1 Kings 4

- NKJV v29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart (Leb) like the sand on the seashore.

- AMP v29 And God gave Solomon exceptionally much wisdom and understanding, and breadth of mind (Leb) like the sand of the seashore.

Leb - inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding

1 Kings 3

2008-05-12T07:29:00.002+08:00

1 Kings 3 (The Message)

- v7-8 ...I'm too young for this, a mere child! I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you've chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.

- v9 "Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil...

1 Kings 1-2

2008-05-10T04:40:00.002+08:00

1 Kings 2 (The Message)

- v2-3 (David to Solomon) ...but you—be strong; show what you're made of! Do what God tells you. Walk in the paths he shows you: Follow the life-map absolutely, keep an eye out for the signposts... then you'll get on well in whatever you do and wherever you go.

giving.

2008-04-30T20:59:00.004+08:00

"If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him."

James 1:5

God gives wisdom without any restrain. He gives liberally. What more about us, who have been bought by the blood of Christ, His only son.

2008-04-29T10:35:00.002+08:00

And God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that you, always having sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

we have a life of surplus because of His abundant grace toward us.

let them who want, ask of Me and I will freely give

2008-04-26T12:47:00.002+08:00

For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense,
But the excellence of knowledge is that
wisdom gives life to those who have it.

Ecclesiastes 7:12

2 Samuel 24

2008-04-24T03:21:00.002+08:00

2 Samuel 24 (The Message)

- v10 But when it was all done, David was overwhelmed with guilt because he had counted the people, replacing trust with statistics. And David prayed to God, "I have sinned badly in what I have just done. But now God forgive my guilt—I've been really stupid."

pearl of great price

2008-04-23T10:35:00.004+08:00

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls,
who, went he had found on pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

Matthew 13:45

the church is the pearl of great price that God gave His precious Son to redeem. How much more will He not freely give us all things? if its more time you need, ask Him. if its better memory you need, ask Him. if its more wisdom you desire, ask Him. and know that you will receive because He who loves you desires that every good thing be added unto you

2 Samuel 22

2008-04-23T07:31:00.002+08:00

2 Samuel 22 (The Message)

- v1 David prayed to God the words of this song after God saved him from all his enemies and from Saul.

- v4 I sing to God the Praise-Lofty,
and find myself safe and saved.

- v5-6 The waves of death crashed over me,
devil waters rushed over me.
Hell's ropes cinched me tight;
death traps barred every exit.

- v7 A hostile world! I called to God,
to my God I cried out.
From his palace he heard me call;
my cry brought me right into his presence—
a private audience!

- v47-51 Live, God! Blessing to my Rock,
my towering Salvation-God!
This God set things right for me
and shut up the people who talked back.
He rescued me from enemy anger.
You pulled me from the grip of upstarts,
You saved me from the bullies.
That's why I'm thanking you, God,
all over the world.
That's why I'm singing songs
that rhyme your name.
God's king takes the trophy;
God's chosen is beloved.
I mean Raphael and all his children—
always.

Numbers 23:19-20

2008-04-16T22:59:00.003+08:00

Numbers 23:19-20 (Amplified)

- v19 God is not a man, that He should tell or act a lie, neither the son of man, that He should feel repentance or compunction [for what He has promised]. Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?

- v20 You see, I have received His command to bless Israel. He has blessed, and I cannot reverse or qualify it.

2 Samuel 10-12

2008-04-16T07:44:00.002+08:00

2 Samuel 12

- v13-14 So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”
And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.”

- v20 So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate.

2008-04-15T17:23:00.004+08:00

Ephesians 6:10
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Amplified says it better...
10In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

Took this from today's devotional. Beautiful for such a time like this coz been busy studying for tests and rushing through projects. I must say, it's my first time co-leading in something cox I never get to lead. And certainly, there is favour!!! I actually grow to enjoy making decisions.. of course with Daddy God. It's fun to make decisions with HIM.

Recently, as I walked home all alone, talking to Daddy God, heard Him telling me, in His usual calm voice. "Michelle, if you can let your heart be filled to love others, why not use this love I give you to apply into your own life". Puzzled, I pondered for the past few days... and I began to realised, all these while, I've been giving, centralising people in my life. I forgot about myself, to love myself.

"When love takes you in, everything changes. A miracle starts with a beat of the heart. The loneliness ends, and a new life begins." -- When love takes you in, Steven Curtis Chapman.

Indeed, it all starts with a beat of the heart, linking your heart to Daddy's. Knowing Daddy's heart for you. Having this revelation, just gave me this supernatural strength to study. We study not to score, but taking this opportunity to commune with Daddy, to study knowing deep down in your heart, He is flipping through the notes together with you.

Simply enjoy HIS outpouring love and let it flow, transcend into your life. Where you think you lack, HE will fill HIS love into that void.

2 Samuel 9

2008-04-13T10:30:00.004+08:00

2 Samuel 9

- v7 So David said to him (Mephibosheth), “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.”

- v8 Then he bowed himself, and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”

- v9-10 And the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “I have given to your master’s son all that belonged to Saul and to all his house. You therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread at my table always.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

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I believe David knew Mephibosheth had an self-esteem problem. But instead of counseling him about it in front of everyone at the king's court, he just ignored Mephibosheth's "dead dog" statement and spoke directly to Ziba.

Personally, I see a principle here - there is a right time to counsel people. Some people just won't get it at that point in time. Moreover, David would look quite stupid if he tried to counsel Mephi and failed. David just continued to show Mephi grace.

This relates to something about me and I think God is now releasing me to share this with all of you as well.

What happened to Mephi kinda applies to me at my work as well. My VP has been telling me that I'm doing a good job but I always felt I wasn't good enough, and that she was just encouraging me superficially. As time went by, I felt so inadequate that I started avoiding my VP because I felt I had not performed up to standard, and I know that she can sense it as well.

There was once I screwed up a presentation to her and the vendor VP, and got corrected by the vendor consultants in front of everyone.

She then came up to my desk, sat down, and said that she was very pleased with my presentation and satisfied with my work thus far. And I told her that I wasn't happy with my performance because I felt that I could have done better, and that I should have worked more on having the facts at my fingertips. Then she smiled and replied, "slowly la". Then she got up and walked off.

My confirmation is this week - the end of my probation. And my VP and boss have to write a recommendation report about my performance for the last 9 months at SIA. This is a confidential report that is not shown to anyone except my VP's bosses.

However, during our weekly project review meeting last week, she told my boss, "Show Raphael what we wrote for him for his recommendation report."

My boss was quite stunned and he said, "Are you sure?"

She said, "Yeah, show him." All this was said in front of my other colleagues.

Then my boss went out and printed a copy of my recommendation report. And all my colleagues gathered around me to read it.

"Wah, how come I never get to see mine leh?" one colleagued mused.

My boss said, "I also never got to see mine."

Then another colleague said, "Wah! You got to attend SO MANY courses ah?" (There is a list of courses I've attended at the back of the report)

And another colleague said, "I work for so many years and I didn't even get a mentor lor!" (All of us are assigned a person of senior rank to be our mentor who will take care of us in our 1 yr of service)

And when I read the 4-page report, I just felt so embarrassed. I felt I was nothing like what my VP and boss had written about me.

"Raphael has done well and met all his work objectives.... Raphael is hardworking... Raphael has good work ethics... Raphael is amiable and is able to relate well to colleagues and our vendor.... Raphael is.... Raphael has.... Raphael this... Raphael that... Raphael has shown potential for further career development. I highly recommend his confirmation at the end of his probation."

And to show that it was not just a report of superficial praise, there was a paragraph also about my weaknesses and how my bosses were going to send me for more training to address these areas over the next 2 years. (My bosses had already planned ahead for my training and welfare.)

My boss asked me what I felt about the report, and I just said, "Praise God."

I had nothing else to say. This is just pure grace, undeserving and unearned. I don't deserve anything at all.

I have always benchmarked myself against my other experienced colleagues who have been working for 10 years+ in the company. I never believed in the "excuse" that because you are "fresh and unexperienced", you are allowed to perform lesser than them.

And as I looked back, I believe a lot of my work dissatisfaction, agony and unhappiness stemmed from these high expectations that I've placed on myself.

Now, things at work is really quite easy for me. I've already gotten the hang of all the technical stuff and I've favour with everyone whom I need to work with. I'm also able to talk at a certain level with the vendors who used to despise me for my ignorance. Now, it's only a matter of getting the job done.

I used to tell God that it was unfair that someone who's good in the natural would not be able to experience as much of His grace as someone who isn't as good in the natural.

But I guess I've reached the end of myself yet again, the end of my excellence. And God has shown me that at the end of the day, no matter how good I am in the natural, I don't lose out, because His grace is even larger than that.

2008-04-12T20:37:00.003+08:00

today while i was studying, i felt super unmotivated as always cause sometimes i really don't see a purpose in studying so hard if i only want to work ten years. haha. but i was thinking even if i don't study really hard, His grace will still cover for me to get the results that i want right? but then the verse that i have been meditating on suddenly came across my mind.

"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." 2 Cor 9:6

then it dawned on me that it can apply to my studies as well. I'm so glad that in this chapter, God did not specify what is the 'thing' that we must sow and reap. be it tithes, time to serve, time to study, that if we sow bountifully, we will reap bountifully. and God is able to make all grace abound toward us. it's also amazing to know that God who is the one who supplies everything in the first place, will be the one who multiply the seed that we sow. haha what more can we ask for.

but then i asked God again if i were to study very hard, it seems as though it is using self effort. but He reminded me that what makes us different from the world, is that when we study, we study out of rest, and not out of stress. we can study out of rest, not worrying about what results we get because we know that He has already provided everything for us in our lives and that it is good. and whatever results that we get are His.

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" Col 3:17

what God told me today really motivated me to study because it makes me want to study for His glory, because when i do the natural He can do the supernatural for me.

2 Samuel 8

2008-04-12T09:38:00.004+08:00

2 Samuel 8

- v1 After this it came to pass that David attacked ...

- v6 ... So the LORD preserved David wherever he went.

- v14 ... And the LORD preserved David wherever he went.

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2 Sam 8 shows a list of David's victorious conquests after God said He would build David a house. So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered judgment and justice to all his people. (v15)

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But what's interesting here is David's administration.

- v16 Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army;

Joab = Jehovah is Father

When you see God as your Father, you will be victorious in all your trials.

Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

Jehoshaphat = Jehovah has judged

recorder = to remember, recall, call to mind

God has remembered your judgment at the cross

- v17 Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were the priests;

Zadok = righteous

Ahimelech = my brother is king

You are a king-priest; you are the righteousness of God in Christ, and our Lord Jesus, who is King of kings, is also a Brother to you.

Seraiah was the scribe;

Seraiah = Jehovah is ruler

scribe = to count, recount, relate

God, who rules the whole universe, is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His name.

- v18 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites;

Benaniah = Yahweh has built up

Cherethites = executioners - bodyguards of King David

Pelethites = couriers - guardsmen of King David

Like how David was protected by his bodyguards, God will keep you safe under the shadow of His wings.

and David’s sons were chief ministers.

And your children, and future generations are blessed.

1 John 5:5

2008-04-12T00:25:00.002+08:00

5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

It's amazing how I chanced upon this verse after CG today.

We are overcomers of the world just by believing that Jesus is the Son of God.

psalm 51

2008-04-11T12:13:00.001+08:00

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones You have broken may rejoice.
9 Hide Your face from my sins,
And blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.
16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise.

psalm 51:7-17

2 Samuel 7

2008-04-11T10:03:00.008+08:00

2 Samuel 7 (The Message)

- v1-2 Before long, the king made himself at home and God gave him peace from all his enemies. Then one day King David said to Nathan the prophet, "Look at this: Here I am, comfortable in a luxurious house of cedar, and the Chest of God sits in a plain tent."

- v3 Nathan told the king, "Whatever is on your heart, go and do it. God is with you."

- v4-5 But that night, the word of God came to Nathan saying, "Go and tell my servant David: This is God's word on the matter: You're going to build a 'house' for me to live in?

- v 8-9 "So here is what you are to tell my servant David: The God-of-the-Angel-Armies has this word for you: I took you from the pasture, tagging along after sheep, and made you prince over my people Israel. I was with you everywhere you went and mowed your enemies down before you. Now I'm making you famous, to be ranked with the great names on earth....

- v11 Finally, I'm going to give you peace from all your enemies. Furthermore, God has this message for you: God himself will build you a house!

- v18-21 King David went in, took his place before God, and prayed: "Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that's nothing compared to what's coming... What can I possibly say in the face of all this? You know me, Master God, just as I am. You've done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are—out of your very heart!—but you've let me in on it.

---------------------------------------
Recently, a few people have come to me to share with me about stuff related to the one-north building fund, and also about the coming Miracle Sunday.

People came to share with me about how finances came for them to sow, and people also came to tell me about their lack of faith to sow.

And I felt the release to share with them about what God has done for me as well. And seeing my daily devotion for today, I'll share with you gals as well.

Describing all that happened in detail is going to be a mouthful, so I'll just share the facts. If you all wanna know more, feel free to approach me.

I told God in March, "How can I expect a substantial increase in income this year, looking at my pathetic salary?" I knew I was going to get a special half-month bonus in April, and that would bring my take-home income to slightly more than $3,000.

But in faith, sitting in my bedroom, I declared, "God, I call forth prosperity for myself in the month of April. Devil, hands off my finances! By the authority of my Lord Jesus Christ, ministering angels, go! And bring forth my finances to me. I claim $4,000 - $5,000 for the month of April. In Jesus' name!"

Because I knew that any increase in income is definitely not going to come from my salary. And you could tell how faithless I was that I couldn't even say $5,000, and I had to give God a range.

And guess what?

On 7 April, I received a credit in my bank account from CPF. They had cashed out my ERS shares and I got around $1,200+.

Then I woke up last Sunday and my mum told me she found a purse somewhere in her wardrobe and gave it to me. I opened it and found a whole wad of Australian dollars and a whole bunch of coins. It was easily a few hundred Australian dollars. My Hillsong Conference trip in July has been PAID FOR!!!

Then I realised. Oh my God, I had never planned to go to London at all last month!!! And suddenly I'm planning for my London trip, and it is also PAID FOR!!!

Another CPF letter came in a few days ago, telling me to pay off my school loan of $23,000+.
My dad told me, "Don't worry, I'll pay it off for you." My NUS degree, also PAID FOR!!!

Not to mention all the sudden adhoc treats my bosses have been giving this month. They brought us out for lunch at T2 Swensons + takeaway ice cream cakes, and I've got a dinner treat tonight at some restaurant after work.

I don't even need to calculate. The monetary blessings I've received this month can add up to so much more than the $5,000 that I've claimed. And it's not even the middle of the month yet. God provides exceedingly, abundantly indeed.

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EDIT - OMG!! I JUST FOUND OUT I GOT A PAY INCREMENT AND BACKPAY ALL THE WAY BACK TO JAN!!!

2 Samuel 6

2008-04-10T07:42:00.002+08:00

2 Samuel 6

- v20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”

- v21-22 So David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the LORD. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor.”

- v23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.

----------------------------
Even David's own wife had things to say to him!!

And Michal never had a heart for the Ark, because her father never did. And some people, even after seeing you become king/queen, will still be blind to see that your success is attributed to having Jesus in your life!

2 Samuel 5

2008-04-09T07:33:00.002+08:00

2 Samuel 5 (Amplified)

- v3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them [there] before the Lord, and they anointed [him] king over Israel.

- v10 David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him.

- v11 Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, carpenters, and masons; and they built David a house.

- v12 And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel and that He had exalted his kingdom for His people Israel's sake.

-------------------------------------------
Even though the people of Israel had already made David their king, David only considered himself king over Israel when the Lord confirmed it.

2 Corinthians 12:9

2008-04-08T21:16:00.002+08:00

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”....

His grace is sufficient for me.
That is all I need.
His strength is made perfect in weakness.
To place down my pride and be vulnerable before God.

2 Samuel 2-4

2008-04-08T20:58:00.003+08:00

2 Samuel 4

- v8 And they brought the head of Ishbosheth to David at Hebron, and said to the king, “Here is the head of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul your enemy, who sought your life; and the LORD has avenged my lord the king this day of Saul and his descendants.”

- v9-11 But David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all adversity, when someone told me, saying, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ thinking to have brought good news, I arrested him and had him executed in Ziklag—the one who thought I would give him a reward for his news. How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous person in his own house on his bed? Therefore, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and remove you from the earth?”

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If you've noticed by now, a lot of ppl SAID things to David, every one of using the Lord's name in what they wanted to tell him.

But David always knew when it was God, and when it was not.

Proverbs 12,13

2008-04-07T17:54:00.002+08:00

" The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise." Proverbs 12: 15

"A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke." Proverbs 13: 1

" Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honoured." Proverbs 13:18

reading these few verses just makes me want to humble myself and receive constructive correction and feedback from God and people around me.

2 Samuel 1

2008-04-07T07:42:00.003+08:00

2 Samuel 1

- v14-16 So David said to him, “How was it you were not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?” Then David called one of the young men and said, “Go near, and execute him!” And he struck him so that he died. So David said to him, “Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the LORD’s anointed.’”

--------------------------------
Even after David was told that Saul is finally dead, he still saw him as the Lord's anointed.

1 Samuel 28-31

2008-04-06T10:10:00.006+08:00

1 Samuel 30 (The Message)

- v18-20 David rescued everything the Amalekites had taken. And he rescued his two wives! Nothing and no one was missing—young or old, son or daughter, plunder or whatever. David recovered the whole lot. He herded the sheep and cattle before them, and they all shouted, "David's plunder!"

- v21 Then David came to the two hundred who had been too tired to continue with him and had dropped out at the Brook Besor. They came out to welcome David and his band. As he came near he called out, "Success!"

- v22 But all the mean-spirited men who had marched with David, the rabble element, objected: "They didn't help in the rescue, they don't get any of the plunder we recovered. Each man can have his wife and children, but that's it. Take them and go!"

- v23-25 "Families don't do this sort of thing! Oh no, my brothers!" said David as he broke up the argument. "You can't act this way with what God gave us! God kept us safe. He handed over the raiders who attacked us. Who would ever listen to this kind of talk? The share of the one who stays with the gear is the share of the one who fights—equal shares. Share and share alike!" From that day on, David made that the rule in Israel—and it still is.

---------------------------------------------
Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (The Message)

- v17-18 If you start thinking to yourselves, "I did all this. And all by myself. I'm rich. It's all mine!"—well, think again. Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today.

1 Samuel 27

2008-04-05T08:26:00.004+08:00

1 Samuel 27 (The Message)

- v7 David lived in Philistine country a year and four months.

- v8 From time to time David and his men raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites...

- v10 Achish would ask, "And whom did you raid today?"

- v11 David would tell him, "Oh, the Negev of Judah," or "The Negev of Jerahmeel," or "The Negev of the Kenites." He never left a single person alive lest one show up in Gath and report what David had really been doing. This is the way David operated all the time he lived in Philistine country.

- v12 Achish came to trust David completely. He thought, "He's made himself so repugnant to his people that he'll be in my camp forever."

----------------------------------------

David wasn't naive and stupid.

1 Samuel 26

2008-04-05T08:22:00.003+08:00

1 Samuel 26

- v8 Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once with the spear, right to the earth; and I will not have to strike him a second time!”

- v9-11 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD’s anointed, and be guiltless?” David said furthermore, “As the LORD lives, the LORD shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed...

1 Samuel 25

2008-04-04T20:39:00.004+08:00

1 Samuel 25 (The Message)

- v28 (Abigail to David) "Forgive my presumption! But God is at work in my master, developing a rule solid and dependable. My master fights God's battles! As long as you live no evil will stick to you.

- v30-31 (Abigail to David) "When God completes all the goodness he has promised my master and sets you up as prince over Israel, my master will not have this dead weight in his heart, the guilt of an avenging murder. And when God has worked things for good for my master, remember me."

- AMP v33 (David to Abigail) And blessed be your discretion and advice, and blessed be you who have kept me today from bloodguiltiness and from avenging myself with my own hand.

1 Samuel 24

2008-04-03T07:41:00.003+08:00

1 Samuel 24

- v4-7 Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. And he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.” So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way.

- v12 Let the LORD judge between you and me, and let the LORD avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you.

- MSG v17-18 (Saul to David) "You're the one in the right, not me," he continued. "You've heaped good on me; I've dumped evil on you. And now you've done it again—treated me generously. God put me in your hands and you didn't kill me.

- v19-20 (Saul to David) ... Therefore may the LORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.

-----------------------------------------------------

David followed his heart (the Lord's leading), and not what people said / told him to do.

hosea 6

2008-04-03T00:50:00.002+08:00

6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,
And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

hosea 6:6

this is our Father's heart- that we receive every good thing that He has for our lives by grace. He desires so much that we know His heart that is always towards us.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8

2008-04-02T17:15:00.003+08:00

7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

Having God's grace abound towards us. God's undeserved unmerited favour is for us. Having all sufficiency in all things. Meaning having sufficient time, wisdom and strength to go about doing what is needed.

1 Samuel 22-23

2008-04-02T07:45:00.004+08:00

1 Samuel 22

- v3 Then David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother come here with you, till I know what God will do for me.”

1 Samuel 23

- v1 Then they told David, saying, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are robbing the threshing floors.”

- v2 Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?”
And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.”

- v3-5 But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” Then David inquired of the LORD once again.

And the LORD answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines, struck them with a mighty blow, and took away their livestock. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

- v6 Now it happened, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David at Keilah, that he went down with an ephod in his hand.

- v7-8 And Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah. So Saul said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars.” Then Saul called all the people together for war, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men.

- v9-11 When David knew that Saul plotted evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” Then David said, “O LORD God of Israel, Your servant has certainly heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD God of Israel, I pray, tell Your servant.”

And the LORD said, “He will come down.”

- v12 Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?”
And the LORD said, “They will deliver you.”

- v13 So David and his men, about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah and went wherever they could go. Then it was told Saul that David had escaped from Keilah; so he halted the expedition.

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Saul judged by circumstances, David inquired of the Lord.

Psalm 1

2008-04-01T10:48:00.002+08:00

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the paths of the sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 1:1-3

1 Samuel 20-21

2008-04-01T07:34:00.004+08:00

1 Samuel 20

- MSG v23 Regarding all the things we've discussed, remember that God's in on this with us to the very end!"

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1 Samuel 21

- MSG v3 Now, what's there here to eat? Do you have five loaves of bread? Give me whatever you can scrounge up!"

- MSG v6 So the priest gave them the holy bread. It was the only bread he had, Bread of the Presence that had been removed from God's presence and replaced by fresh bread at the same time.

1 Samuel 19

2008-03-31T07:47:00.006+08:00

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.

-----------------------------

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.

1 Samuel 18

2008-03-30T12:21:00.006+08:00

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.

--------------------------------------------------
- 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

2008-03-30T11:58:00.004+08:00

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.

1 Samuel 16

2008-03-30T11:06:00.005+08:00

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.

of words and Wisdom

2008-03-30T06:29:00.003+08:00

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.

He can do it all for you

2008-03-28T00:29:00.002+08:00

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.

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.

To Selene: Philemon 1

2008-03-27T09:38:00.003+08:00

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.

Guidance for the young

2008-03-26T16:13:00.004+08:00

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 =)

Titus 3

2008-03-26T07:41:00.001+08:00

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;

walk in wisdom

2008-03-26T02:03:00.002+08:00

"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.

Titus 2

2008-03-26T01:24:00.002+08:00

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].

the WORD

2008-03-25T10:19:00.002+08:00

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.

Titus 1

2008-03-25T07:33:00.000+08:00

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.

o Lord, our God, how excellent Your Name is

2008-03-24T15:20:00.002+08:00

.... 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.

Romans 4:17

2008-03-23T00:59:00.003+08:00

".... 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... =)

1 Timothy 6

2008-03-21T10:06:00.003+08:00

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),

- 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.

Jesus Promises Another Helper

2008-03-20T18:41:00.002+08:00

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!!!

grace is all i need

2008-03-19T22:34:00.003+08:00

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."

are you convicted?

2008-03-19T01:24:00.002+08:00

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.

amazed at His infinite wisdom.

2008-03-19T01:21:00.002+08:00

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.

edification

2008-03-18T01:42:00.004+08:00

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...

the effective, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much

2008-03-17T11:34:00.003+08:00

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

Ecclesiastes 12

2008-03-14T07:37:00.002+08:00

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.

Ecclesiastes 11

2008-03-13T07:20:00.003+08:00

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.

---------------------------------------------------------

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.

Why would anyone want to serve in church?

2008-03-12T20:34:00.008+08:00

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.

a people undeserving

2008-03-12T16:31:00.005+08:00

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?

Ecclesiastes 10

2008-03-12T07:24:00.001+08:00

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.

Ecclesiastes 9

2008-03-11T07:33:00.002+08:00

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!"

what are you seeing?

2008-03-11T01:23:00.002+08:00

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?

Ecclesiastes 8

2008-03-10T07:21:00.002+08:00

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 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.

submitting to your parents

2008-03-09T11:21:00.001+08:00

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.

Ecclesiastes 7

2008-03-08T22:45:00.003+08:00

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.

Ecclesiastes 6

2008-03-07T07:36:00.001+08:00

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!

Ecclesiastes 5

2008-03-06T07:36:00.001+08:00

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 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].

Ecclesiastes 4

2008-03-04T07:33:00.001+08:00

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!

Ecclesiastes 3

2008-03-03T07:36:00.001+08:00

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.

Ecclesiastes 2

2008-03-02T10:53:00.008+08:00

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.

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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.

Ecclesiastes 1

2008-03-01T10:00:00.006+08:00

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.

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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.

2008-03-01T01:03:00.003+08:00

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.

your authority

2008-02-29T16:33:00.001+08:00

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

2 Corinthians 10:5-6

exercise your authority in the spiritual realm, and see results in your life.

Proverbs 31

2008-02-29T07:32:00.002+08:00

Proverbs 31

- NIV v23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

- Contemporary English Version
v23 Her husband is a well-known

and respected leader

in the city.

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I think this answers the qn posed in v10 - who can find a capable, intelligent and virtuous woman?

Proverbs 30

2008-02-28T07:28:00.001+08:00

Proverbs 30

- v5 Every word of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

- v33 ... So the forcing of wrath produces strife.

Proverbs 29

2008-02-27T07:23:00.002+08:00

Proverbs 29

- AMP v11 A [self-confident] fool utters all his anger, but a wise man holds it back and stills it.

- NKJV v26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
But justice for man comes from the LORD.

- MSG v26 Everyone tries to get help from the leader,
but only God will give us justice.

Management By Proverbs

2008-02-26T22:28:00.002+08:00

Hi CG, as you can tell by now, I'm focusing on the book of Proverbs this whole month for 31 days. At the same time, I'm also reading a book called "Management by Proverbs - Applying Timeless Wisdom in the Workplace" by Michael A Zigarelli. It's basically a book for managers on applying the principles of Proverbs at your workplace.

I just finished the book, and I'm so awe-struck by part of its conclusion that I just have to share it here. Although it uses the context of the "workplace", you can just change that word to "school" or "home" or "church", and it makes perfect sense!

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For those of us who, for whatever reason, overlook the Father's instruction to "pay attention to my wisdom," Proverbs 19:27 speaks bluntly to the possible consequences:

"Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge."

The verse tells us what we know to be true from personal experience. When there is a hiatus in our exposure to God's wisdom - when we "stop listening to instruction" - we become increasingly deaf to Scripture's advice for decision making. We tend to "stray from the words of knowledge," from God's path, in favour of the displeasing alternative. In the workplace, many of us construct our managerial house on the quicksand of human experience rather than building it on the rocks of divine wisdom. The natural result is that we sink into whatever thinking pattern is typical for our organisation, thereby becoming largely indistinguishable from our unbelieving and nominally believing colleagues. Sadly, our deafness to God's wisdom renders our witness mute.

Proverbs 28

2008-02-26T07:41:00.001+08:00

Proverbs 28

- AMP v1 THE WICKED flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion.

- MSG v1 The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one's after them;
Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions.

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- AMP v20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich [at any cost] shall not go unpunished.

- MSG v20 Committed and persistent work pays off;
get-rich-quick schemes are ripoffs.