Today, I went to watch "A Twist of Fate" by the SRT. Excellent show! It's a murder mystery musical. There were many comic moments, laced with tragic elements. The sets was beautiful. It was a Peranakan house set on a rotating stage. Wished they had did a DVD of the show for posterity purposes. :) Bravo!
And I love Dick Lee's music. Bought the music album during the interval. These are two of the songs that was sung. The first is called "Who am I". But I've extracted certain parts of the lyrics - which changes somewhat the content and context of the song - but there's a point why I extracted it this way. Think you'll understand when you read it. It's a cry of the heart...before.. remember? How blessed and loved we are now! His!
Music by Dick Lee; Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
Who am I
So many years without a word
Only rumours I pretend I haven't heard
I can't go on living in the dark
When I write my name
There's a question mark that's asking..
Who am I?
I'm asking from the heart
What does it really change?
Nothing will fall apart
Yet to live this lie
Means that I can't move on
How can I turn the page
Until all my doubts have gone?
The second song is called "Everytime you look into my eyes" I'm putting it down here simply because it's romantic. Sigh... yar, you can tell.. I'm a romantic.. :) This song is a duet. I have highlighted the phrases I liked.
Everytime you look into my eyes
He:
You'll see the love reflected in my eyes
A mirror of the heart that never lies
They sparkle in the way you do
And show the warmth I feel for you
It's clear
When you are near
You'll see the love reflected in my eyes
The feelings that I have
and can't disguise
The tears of joy are there to show
All you ever need to know
Everytime you look into my eyes
Her:
You'll see the love reflected in my eyes
The way in which my foolish heart replies
The secrets that we hide away
A fleeting glance can still betray
It's true
When I'm with you
You'll see the love reflected in my eyes
Far brighter than the stars in all the skies
I feel I can forget the past
Start to live my life at last
Everytime you look into my eyes
Both:
Doesn't it seem strange
How situations change
Far away from home and farther from my mind
Suddenly standing there in front of me
Is more than I had every dreamed I'd find
You'll see the love reflected in my eyes
So wide awake for now they realise
That even when I'm on my own
I won't feel that I'm alone again
On the darkest day the sun will rise
Everytime you look into my eyes
Suddenly standing there in front of me
Is more than I had ever dreamed I'd find
You'll see the love reflected in my eyes
So wide awake for now they realise
That even when I'm on my own
I won't feel that I'm alone again
On the darkest day the sun will rise
Everytime you look into my eyes
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Friday, November 18, 2005
MTV dedication
Hmm.. I like science, but I definitely like the arts too. :) I like to express myself through music - personalisation.
Even personalisation of somewhat secular music can make holy spirit sense. :D I love it when I'm able to read the music in such a way that it ministers to me. And why not? Every good thing is from above. And God loves music!
So anyway, I'm preparing for a performance at my teacher's.. it's a small gathering of about 20. If you're interested to hmm.. hear me sing, let me know :D It's on the evening of the 3rd of December.
I'm singing "Just the way you are". And have been rehearsing it in my mind. I see it like a mini-MTV. You'll know what's running through my mind when I sing this song. :)
(You'll have to have heard the song before to make any sense of what's coming up next. I'm singing a shortened version of the song.)
Opening scene: A girl (it's me when I personalised it) is sitting on a window seat, looking rather forlornly out. It is night outside. The window is one of those old arched windows, framed with curtains of a sheer white, gently moving to a soft breeze. The room is rather bare and dark, though there is a shimmering of moonlight at the back.
From the corner, we see a shadow of a man (JC), looking at her. Music starts.
JC: Don't go changing, to try to please me,
You never let me down before (He starts walking towards her. She's determined to look out of the window, and not look at Him. He continues..)
Don't imagine, you're too familiar (He goes down on one knee and looks at her)
and I don't see you anymore.
as He continues, He takes both her hands in His. She's still not looking at Him
JC: I wouldn't leave you, in times of trouble,
we never could have come this far (She finally looks at Him)
I took the good times, (He looks into her eyes calmly) I'll take the bad times (a tear rolls down her cheek 'cos she knows what the next line is)
I love you just the way you are.
She finally looks at Him and speaks to Him, almost urgently, a little desperately
Girl: I need to know that You will always be
That same old Someone, that I knew
There's a hint of a sad laugh as He answers her, holds her hands a little tighter
JC: What would it take till you believe in Me?
The way that I believe in you.
There's a little silence. She's comforted that despite everything, He believes in her. She wants to reassure Him...
Girl: I said I love You (but at the back of her mind, she wonders whether she can really... He reads her mind and reassures her instead.. that it is not her love, but His love that sustains them. He continues for her with a smile)
JC: and that's forever (she is relieved that He knew what she was trying to say, thankful for His reassurance, that it is with a lighter heart that she continues...
Girl: and this I promised from the heart ('I love You' she quietly reiterates from her heart)
He looks into her eyes
JC: I couldn't love you...
she looks into His and continues for Him
Girl: ... any better
Together: (because it's an intimate two-way relationship) I love you/You just the way you/You are....
My Beloved is mine, and I am His.. (Song of Solomon)
Even personalisation of somewhat secular music can make holy spirit sense. :D I love it when I'm able to read the music in such a way that it ministers to me. And why not? Every good thing is from above. And God loves music!
So anyway, I'm preparing for a performance at my teacher's.. it's a small gathering of about 20. If you're interested to hmm.. hear me sing, let me know :D It's on the evening of the 3rd of December.
I'm singing "Just the way you are". And have been rehearsing it in my mind. I see it like a mini-MTV. You'll know what's running through my mind when I sing this song. :)
(You'll have to have heard the song before to make any sense of what's coming up next. I'm singing a shortened version of the song.)
Opening scene: A girl (it's me when I personalised it) is sitting on a window seat, looking rather forlornly out. It is night outside. The window is one of those old arched windows, framed with curtains of a sheer white, gently moving to a soft breeze. The room is rather bare and dark, though there is a shimmering of moonlight at the back.
From the corner, we see a shadow of a man (JC), looking at her. Music starts.
JC: Don't go changing, to try to please me,
You never let me down before (He starts walking towards her. She's determined to look out of the window, and not look at Him. He continues..)
Don't imagine, you're too familiar (He goes down on one knee and looks at her)
and I don't see you anymore.
as He continues, He takes both her hands in His. She's still not looking at Him
JC: I wouldn't leave you, in times of trouble,
we never could have come this far (She finally looks at Him)
I took the good times, (He looks into her eyes calmly) I'll take the bad times (a tear rolls down her cheek 'cos she knows what the next line is)
I love you just the way you are.
She finally looks at Him and speaks to Him, almost urgently, a little desperately
Girl: I need to know that You will always be
That same old Someone, that I knew
There's a hint of a sad laugh as He answers her, holds her hands a little tighter
JC: What would it take till you believe in Me?
The way that I believe in you.
There's a little silence. She's comforted that despite everything, He believes in her. She wants to reassure Him...
Girl: I said I love You (but at the back of her mind, she wonders whether she can really... He reads her mind and reassures her instead.. that it is not her love, but His love that sustains them. He continues for her with a smile)
JC: and that's forever (she is relieved that He knew what she was trying to say, thankful for His reassurance, that it is with a lighter heart that she continues...
Girl: and this I promised from the heart ('I love You' she quietly reiterates from her heart)
He looks into her eyes
JC: I couldn't love you...
she looks into His and continues for Him
Girl: ... any better
Together: (because it's an intimate two-way relationship) I love you/You just the way you/You are....
My Beloved is mine, and I am His.. (Song of Solomon)
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
A baby's hug
A sister sent this story to me. Hope it ministers to you as it did me. :)
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there." He pounded his fat baby hands on the highchair tray.
His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment. I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.
"Hi there, baby; Hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?" Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi, hi there." Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.
Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo."
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skidrow bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door.
"Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed.
As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position.
Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck.
The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby." Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain.
I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift." I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me." I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.
I am a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?" when He shared His for all eternity. The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "...unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 18:3)
"You can tell the true character of a man by the way he treats someone who can do absolutely nothing for him"
Footnote: It is so true, we are all guilty of judging others by their appearance at times, I know I would have reacted like the lady in the story. Lord, please forgive us for our shortcoming!
Thank you Lord for Romans 8:1....Amen!
We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there." He pounded his fat baby hands on the highchair tray.
His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment. I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.
"Hi there, baby; Hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?" Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi, hi there." Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.
Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo."
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skidrow bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door.
"Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed.
As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position.
Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love relationship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck.
The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby." Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone. He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly, longingly, as though he were in pain.
I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift." I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me." I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.
I am a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?" when He shared His for all eternity. The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "...unless you change and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 18:3)
"You can tell the true character of a man by the way he treats someone who can do absolutely nothing for him"
Footnote: It is so true, we are all guilty of judging others by their appearance at times, I know I would have reacted like the lady in the story. Lord, please forgive us for our shortcoming!
Thank you Lord for Romans 8:1....Amen!
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Someone
Today: 12 Nov 2005, Oasis meeting
Topic: Finding a life partner
Hmm... a reminder
Nowadays, I feel that the messages confirm my 'life lessons'. I'm a little bemused. God usually teaches me something and then that particular lesson will be preached.
But I'm determined to chew on it - though it's tempting to say I know all this. Because it's really head knowledge I suppose. And the reason Abba is speaking to me through the Pastor Chin is that He wants me to know it in my heart.
I choose to believe that in EVERY sermon that I go to, because He loves me so much, He will always give Pastor a word for me, regardless of what is preached.
I took down notes (habit :)) But the two important things I took away from the meeting today was:-
1. Being the one for Him first
Last time I listened to this message by Pastor Prince, I was paying more attention to the qualities to look for in a life partner.
This time, I believe that He wants to set in me, to give me a picture of how He already sees me - His sakal and chayil woman
to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper
to be prudent, be circumspect
to look at or upon, have insight
to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent
to have insight, have comprehension
insight, comprehension
to cause to consider, give insight, teach
to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely
to prosper, have success
to cause to prosper
chayil {khah'-yil}
strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army
a) strength
b) ability, efficiency
c) wealth
d) force, army
2. Quoting what Pastor Chin said at the end of the meeting... "When your sight is on Jesus, you'll find love"
It's not about know more, studying more about Him then He will give you someone.
It's about an intimate relationship with Him alone.
Tonight, I went a concert. Enjoyed the Yellow River Extravaganza! by the Singapore Chinese Orchestral. For moi, I like to enjoy certain things alone but at the same time, it gets too quiet. Yet if one goes with friends, then one is not alone...
So tonight, as I settled into my seat waiting for the music to start, I had mixed feelings. And I remembered, hey, call Jesus along. It'll be like a date!
It's practising the consciousness of His presence.
There were many thoughts running through my mind - too long to go into detail.
Was recalling what Pastor Chin shared about not being too 'idealistic', searching for the 'perfect' one. Personally, I'm not the kind who says my life partner must be this, must be that and all. At the end of the day, the only 2 things that's a must is the hesad love and faithfulness with money. But I also don't believe in giving people 'a chance' where there is no chemistry in the first place - so is that being too 'idealistic'?
Anyway, I don't think Pastor meant what I thought. One thing stuck to me though - what Pastor Prince shared, never settle.
So at that point of time in the hall, and I was so enjoying the music - I just felt so comfortable and satisfied and suddenly so aware and clear that He is indeed my all. And suddenly, feeling that looking for a life partner is such a non-issue, like it was so strange to even consider the issue 'cos do I need that someone since He is already my all in all?
I guess this moment was an example of "when your sight is on Jesus" :D When the prospect of having a boyfriend or life partner seem like such a unnecessary messy hassle! haha.. Had such moments before.. they come and go. They go 'cos we are earthern vessels, and sometimes we go back to the flesh and our worries and insecurities. But at other times, when I'm just rejoicing in His love, these "things of the world, grow stranger dim, in the light of His glory and grace."
Topic: Finding a life partner
Hmm... a reminder
Nowadays, I feel that the messages confirm my 'life lessons'. I'm a little bemused. God usually teaches me something and then that particular lesson will be preached.
But I'm determined to chew on it - though it's tempting to say I know all this. Because it's really head knowledge I suppose. And the reason Abba is speaking to me through the Pastor Chin is that He wants me to know it in my heart.
I choose to believe that in EVERY sermon that I go to, because He loves me so much, He will always give Pastor a word for me, regardless of what is preached.
I took down notes (habit :)) But the two important things I took away from the meeting today was:-
1. Being the one for Him first
Last time I listened to this message by Pastor Prince, I was paying more attention to the qualities to look for in a life partner.
This time, I believe that He wants to set in me, to give me a picture of how He already sees me - His sakal and chayil woman
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent (sakal) wife is from the LORD.(Prov 19:14)sakal {saw-kal'} [07919]
to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper
to be prudent, be circumspect
to look at or upon, have insight
to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent
to have insight, have comprehension
insight, comprehension
to cause to consider, give insight, teach
to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely
to prosper, have success
to cause to prosper
An excellent (chayil) wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. (Proverbs 12:4)
chayil {khah'-yil}
strength, might, efficiency, wealth, army
a) strength
b) ability, efficiency
c) wealth
d) force, army
2. Quoting what Pastor Chin said at the end of the meeting... "When your sight is on Jesus, you'll find love"
It's not about know more, studying more about Him then He will give you someone.
It's about an intimate relationship with Him alone.
Tonight, I went a concert. Enjoyed the Yellow River Extravaganza! by the Singapore Chinese Orchestral. For moi, I like to enjoy certain things alone but at the same time, it gets too quiet. Yet if one goes with friends, then one is not alone...
So tonight, as I settled into my seat waiting for the music to start, I had mixed feelings. And I remembered, hey, call Jesus along. It'll be like a date!
It's practising the consciousness of His presence.
There were many thoughts running through my mind - too long to go into detail.
Was recalling what Pastor Chin shared about not being too 'idealistic', searching for the 'perfect' one. Personally, I'm not the kind who says my life partner must be this, must be that and all. At the end of the day, the only 2 things that's a must is the hesad love and faithfulness with money. But I also don't believe in giving people 'a chance' where there is no chemistry in the first place - so is that being too 'idealistic'?
Anyway, I don't think Pastor meant what I thought. One thing stuck to me though - what Pastor Prince shared, never settle.
So at that point of time in the hall, and I was so enjoying the music - I just felt so comfortable and satisfied and suddenly so aware and clear that He is indeed my all. And suddenly, feeling that looking for a life partner is such a non-issue, like it was so strange to even consider the issue 'cos do I need that someone since He is already my all in all?
I guess this moment was an example of "when your sight is on Jesus" :D When the prospect of having a boyfriend or life partner seem like such a unnecessary messy hassle! haha.. Had such moments before.. they come and go. They go 'cos we are earthern vessels, and sometimes we go back to the flesh and our worries and insecurities. But at other times, when I'm just rejoicing in His love, these "things of the world, grow stranger dim, in the light of His glory and grace."
At Your feet
Down, at Your feet O Lord
is the most high place
At Your feet O Lord
I see Your face
I see Your face
There is no higher calling
No greater honour
than to come, and bow before Your throne
I'm amazed at Your glory
embraced by Your mercy
O Lord, I live to worship You!
is the most high place
At Your feet O Lord
I see Your face
I see Your face
There is no higher calling
No greater honour
than to come, and bow before Your throne
I'm amazed at Your glory
embraced by Your mercy
O Lord, I live to worship You!
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Reality shows
I've a new hobby in watching reality shows...
Anyway, the two that I'm really keen on at the moment is Project Runway and The Apprentice 3.
Well, The Apprentice has already finished its run in the States, its on its last two episodes here in Singapore. Haven't been following it that closely except in the last 3 weeks. But I remembered when I casually watched it - I think it was when there were about 8-10 contestants in the amusement park episode, I was already impressed with Kendra. From the get-go, it was clear to me she was a marketing whiz.
Anyway, have been really inspired by her. Here's her website and this is an interesting article for "The Apprentice 3" fans.
Project Runway just aired last Monday over channel 5. I love fashion and Project Runway is not only about designing them - but I think it's fascinating to have an insight on the process of design. Well, after episode 1, there's a intriguing designer called Austin Scarlett. Was really impressed with his creativity since for the first challenge ("Innovation"), the designers could only use materials bought from a supermarket to design their clothes. And to use the fresh lush corn husks was a great idea! He just set up his website, so you can check it out here (Don't agree with his lifestyle but I'm not here to judge..)
Anyway, the two that I'm really keen on at the moment is Project Runway and The Apprentice 3.
Well, The Apprentice has already finished its run in the States, its on its last two episodes here in Singapore. Haven't been following it that closely except in the last 3 weeks. But I remembered when I casually watched it - I think it was when there were about 8-10 contestants in the amusement park episode, I was already impressed with Kendra. From the get-go, it was clear to me she was a marketing whiz.
Anyway, have been really inspired by her. Here's her website and this is an interesting article for "The Apprentice 3" fans.
Project Runway just aired last Monday over channel 5. I love fashion and Project Runway is not only about designing them - but I think it's fascinating to have an insight on the process of design. Well, after episode 1, there's a intriguing designer called Austin Scarlett. Was really impressed with his creativity since for the first challenge ("Innovation"), the designers could only use materials bought from a supermarket to design their clothes. And to use the fresh lush corn husks was a great idea! He just set up his website, so you can check it out here (Don't agree with his lifestyle but I'm not here to judge..)
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Conceiving a miracle (Sunday service)
Hebrews 11:11
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a childwhen she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
strength=dunamis
Sarah received a miracle child
Genesis 18:1-15
Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.” They said, “Do as you have said.”
a little water - the water of the word
to wash your feet - using the Word to wash off the dustiness in our walk with life
rest under the tree - rest under the tree of calvary - rest under the sure promises bought by Jesus' work on the cross
morsel of bread - man does not live by bread alone, but every Word of Christ - Jesus is the true bread of life - eating of the finished work
refresh your hearts - rest, shalom peace in my heart
So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate. Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” So he said, “Here, in the tent.”
And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh!”
1 Peter 3:3-6
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
Even God is taken by the inner charm of a woman - how wonderful it is to have the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, precious in His sight. Good reminder that what is pleasing and beautiful to Him is not only outward, but the hidden person of the heart.
I have seen beautiful ladies, and their beauty is from an inner glow, contentment and joy in the Lord. It supercedes the physical.
What is 'doing good'? (if we want to be daughters of Sarah, able to conceive a miracle, let's 'do good'? How? Read in context..
"as Sarah obeyed Abraham" - refer to Genesis.. an inner attitude (called Him Lord within herself) but more importantly,
looking at genesis, she said "shall I have pleasure" rather than "shall I have a baby"?
It was a response that God loved.. it's not about having the baby (the product) but God loves us so much, and what He is pleased with regarding Sarah, is her pleasure (the process)
Don't forget the fun and the pleasure in your Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord keeps me. The result/product is a by-product.
"When you enjoy your husband, there is seed conceived"
1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
Psalm 127:1-3
Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
bread of sorrows = painful labour
"For so He gives His beloved sleep" - I agree with Pastor that it can be read both ways.
Firstly, He gives His beloved sleep.
Secondly, He gives His beloved in his sleep - reading in context, I'm more inclined to read it as the latter.
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.
By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a childwhen she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
strength=dunamis
Sarah received a miracle child
Genesis 18:1-15
Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.” They said, “Do as you have said.”
a little water - the water of the word
to wash your feet - using the Word to wash off the dustiness in our walk with life
rest under the tree - rest under the tree of calvary - rest under the sure promises bought by Jesus' work on the cross
morsel of bread - man does not live by bread alone, but every Word of Christ - Jesus is the true bread of life - eating of the finished work
refresh your hearts - rest, shalom peace in my heart
So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate. Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” So he said, “Here, in the tent.”
And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing.
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh!”
1 Peter 3:3-6
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
Even God is taken by the inner charm of a woman - how wonderful it is to have the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, precious in His sight. Good reminder that what is pleasing and beautiful to Him is not only outward, but the hidden person of the heart.
I have seen beautiful ladies, and their beauty is from an inner glow, contentment and joy in the Lord. It supercedes the physical.
What is 'doing good'? (if we want to be daughters of Sarah, able to conceive a miracle, let's 'do good'? How? Read in context..
"as Sarah obeyed Abraham" - refer to Genesis.. an inner attitude (called Him Lord within herself) but more importantly,
looking at genesis, she said "shall I have pleasure" rather than "shall I have a baby"?
It was a response that God loved.. it's not about having the baby (the product) but God loves us so much, and what He is pleased with regarding Sarah, is her pleasure (the process)
Don't forget the fun and the pleasure in your Lord. Rejoicing in the Lord keeps me. The result/product is a by-product.
"When you enjoy your husband, there is seed conceived"
1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
Psalm 127:1-3
Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
bread of sorrows = painful labour
"For so He gives His beloved sleep" - I agree with Pastor that it can be read both ways.
Firstly, He gives His beloved sleep.
Secondly, He gives His beloved in his sleep - reading in context, I'm more inclined to read it as the latter.
Proverbs 10:22
The blessing of the LORD makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.
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