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.

Jesus was too beautiful to resist, too lovely to work away

I'm always blessed by this sister's sharing. :) Feed on it here It is about "The woman at the well"

For You alone

You are the peace that guards my heart
My help in time of need
You are the hope that leads me on
and brings me to my knees

For there I'll find You waiting
and there I find release
so with all my heart I worship
and unto You I sing

For You alone deserve all glory
For You alone deserve all praise
Father, I worship and adore You
Father, I love to sing Your praise

For You alone deserve all glory
For You alone deserve all praise
Father, I love You
and I worship You this day

Thank You for the cross

Thank you for the cross
the mighty cross
that God Himself should die for such as us

and everyday we're changed into Your image more and more
yes by the cross we've truely been transformed

And we're so amazed
And we give You praise
that You would save us at such a cost

And we're so amazed
And we give You praise
for the power of the cross

In Your presence

In Your presence, I am content
In Your presence, I am content

In Your presence, there is light
Expressions of Your life
Revelations of Your power and might

In Your presence I can bring
my love song offering
I'm in the presence of my king

Misconceptions

I got this article from the paper "Today" (21 Oct 2005).


'During the question-answer round of the recent Miss International pageant, Miss Philippines Lara Quigaman was asked what she felt about people typecasting Filipinos as nanies.

She replid, "I take no offence in being typecast as a nanny. But I do take offence that the educated people of the world have somehow degraded the true sense and meaning of what a nanny is. Let me tell you what it is.

She is someone who gives more than she takes. She is someone you trust to look after the people most precious to you - your child, the elderly and yourself. She is the one who has made a living out of caring for and loving other people." '


It's true.. as I reflect on this article. I realised how different the same words are to us people today. At times, we (a general societal 'we', not necessary my view) take unconscious glee in putting down words, whilst expanding the meaning of certain words to justify the rather grey values of civilization today.

For example, words that modern yuppies tend to put down are "virginity" "submission" "honour" "God" "patriotism" "politician" and

words that are twisted and meanings expanded in order to justify the "me, myself and I" values are words like "freedom" "choice" "sex" "liberty"


Actually, when one thinks historically about it. The golden age of the Roman civilization and it's decline - it's decline being precepted by debauchery etc.. I just wonder whether we are now experiencing it. So much has changed, in the way we think and act and perceive, since just a century ago. What has once been taboo, is now being glorified as hip. And values that once has been treasured, is now deemed as dull and unattractive and 'won't you get on with the times?'

I've since learnt and even delight in an aversion of being common with "the rest" of the world. There is nothing to boast about if one is as common as mud. (The Word says our righteousness is as filthy rags) I've taken pride in not being and being lumped together with the masses - a one in the crowd. It's boring! Get a life, the world does not revolve around one's pleasure only.

Some people like to be cynical - it makes them feel wise. I suppose I'll rather keep my ideals and be a wide-eyed child to the beauties of the world, and the positive in every situation. I pray that I'll be like that by His grace. Jesus did tell us to be "as wise as serpents and as gentle as doves"

Some shows like to portray Christians as goody-two-shoes.. like it's something bad. It doesn't mean that just because we don't sting means we can't. It's not about being nice, having a good image.. it's because knowing how much God is for us, we don't have to step on people, play office politics, in order to succeed. But don't mistake inaction for ignorance. Don't mistake a desire to see the good as being naive.

The love that we are called to love others with is NOT the feely-good type of love. "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy spirit." It is not simply compassion. It is love with wisdom. (so we don't get swindled by con-artist touting sob stories) We are led forth by the peace and love in our hearts.

Human compassion and human love is limited - and one has to struggle to sustain it. Divine love is unlimited and unconditional. It is the kind of love that enables us to experience joy and peace in the midst of tribulations. It is beyond comprehension.

We are made to be loved, called to love - but do not make the mistake of thinking love is weak. It is the most powerful force in the universe (not the world). For God is love. And it is God who created earth and man. Post-fall, it was man who shaped the world today as we know it.

To be sanctified and set apart, called by Him, into a royal priesthood, adopted as His own.. to be sanctified, meaning, uncommon and set apart; to be unique and His. That is something to boast about.

The Gift of Work

I'm still 'in the midst' of repenting (if that's possible). But came across a really good article on work from Elizabeth Elliot's Devotional. Click here to take a look. It ministered to me. Hope it refreshes you! :)


The Gift of Work

The principal cause of boredom is the hatred of work. People are trained from childhood to hate it. Parents often feel guilty about making children do anything but the merest gestures toward work. Perhaps the children are required to make their beds and, in a feeble and half-hearted fashion, tidy up their rooms once a month or so. But take full responsibility to clear the table, load the dishwasher, scrub the pots, wipe the counters? How many have the courage to ask this of a ten-year-old? It would be too much to ask of many ten-year-olds because parents have seriously asked nothing of them when they were two or three. Children quickly pick up the parents' negative attitudes toward work and think of it as something most sedulously to be avoided.

Our Lord and Savior worked. There is little doubt that He served in the carpenter shop under the instruction of His earthly father Joseph, putting in long hours, learning skill, care, responsibility, and above all, the glory of work as a gift to glorify His heavenly Father. He did always those things that please the Father. Later He chose almost all His disciples from those who labored with their hands. Even the apostle Paul, a man of brilliant intellect, made tents. . . .

Booker T. Washington, an African-American who grew up in the South when members of his race were expected to do the hardest and dirtiest jobs, learned his greatest lesson from the example of a Christian woman. A New Englander, the founder of the Hampton Institute, she herself washed the windows the day before school started, so it would be nice for those children who had been born slaves.

Is work a necessary evil, even a curse? A Christian who spent many years in Soviet work camps, learning to know work at its most brutal, its most degrading and dehumanizing, testified that he took pride in it, did the best he could, worked to the limit of his strength each day. Why? Because he saw it as a gift from God, coming to him from the hand of God, the very will of God for him. He remembered that Jesus did not make benches and roofbeams and plow handles by means of miracles, but by means of saw, axe, and adze.

Wouldn't it make an astounding difference, not only in the quality of the work we do (in office, schoolroom, factory, kitchen, or backyard), but also in our satisfaction, even our joy, if we recognized God's gracious gift in every single task, from making a bed or bathing a baby to drawing a blueprint or selling a computer? If our children saw us doing "heartily as unto the Lord" all the work we do, they would learn true happiness. Instead of feeling that they must be allowed to do what they like, they would learn to like what they do.

St. Ignatius Loyola prayed, "Teach us, Good Lord, to labor and to ask for no reward save that of knowing that we do Thy will." As I learn to pray that prayer, I find that there are many more rewards that come along as fringe benefits. As we make an offering of our work, we find the truth of a principle Jesus taught: Fulfillment is not a goal to achieve, but always the by-product of sacrifice.

Just for laughs!

A sister sent me this e-mail. It's a little cheeky.. that's why 'tis fun! haha :D (Italics, my thoughts)


Humourous Christian pick-up lines


Nice Bible. You know Jesus?! Me, too!

God told me to come talk to you.

I know a church where we could go and talk.

How about a hug, sister? (no thanks)

Do you need help carrying your Bible? It looks heavy. (why not?)

What are your plans for tonight? Feel like a Bible study? (testing)

The Word says, "Give drink to those who are thirsty, and feed the hungry." So how about dinner? (nice style)

You don't have an accountability partner? Me neither!

You want to come over and watch "The 10 Commandments" tonight? (and sit under the ministry of death? 2 Corin 3:7, no thanks!)

Is it a sin that you stole my heart? (haha.. guy must have charm to say this or it'll fall flat)

Would you happen to know a Christian woman that I could love with all my heart and wait on hand and foot? (Hmm... I want a man though, not a snag)

"You know, I'm really into relationship evangelism."

Do you believe in divine appointment? (I do, are you sure you have one?)

Have you ever tried praying at a drive-in movie before? (toeing the line)

Excuse me, I believe one of your ribs belongs to me. (please..)

Christians don't shake hands, Christians gotta hug! (desperate)

Oh, you're cold? Maybe we should read Ecclesiastes 4:11 (roll of eyes)

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?

"I hear there's going to be a love offering tonight." (don't understand)

My friend told me to come and meet you, he said that you are a really nice person. I think you know him. Jesus, yeah that's his name. (cute)

Songs that soothe

There's nothing like music, a tender reminder to soothe the soul. I was looking through the song list we had for our last CG.

Looking through the lyrics of "Blessed Jesus", I was reminded of what Pastor said. When we are thirsty for Him, it's not about reading the bible, listening to sermons, but what does the Word say?

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. (John 7:37)

It's about coming to Jesus. Him alone. Not the bible. Not doing the christian things. When we open the bible, we ought to pray, "Abba, open the eyes of my heart to see Jesus" so that the bible becomes a medium of connection to Him - not just read for the sake of reading. How I needed to be reminded of that!


Blessed Jesus

Blessed Jesus come to me
Soothe my soul with songs of peace
As I look to You alone
Fill me with Your love

Mountains high and valleys low
You will never let me go
By Your fountain let me drink
Fill my thirsty soul

Glorious marvellous grace that rescued me
Holy worthy is the Lamb who died for me!


When circumstances around me distract, when my emotions become confused - when I'm searching for an anchor to hang on to, I struggle to keep my heart and my mind on Him.

Sometimes it's a flow, there's a yearning and a want, and it's easy as I turn, relieved to find Him.

Sometimes it seems difficult because it's easy to let go and get tossed about in the currents - becoming angsty seems so normal in the world, a common indulgence. And I have to struggle to be still and be reminded that it's better, safer, in His arms. Here's a stanza.. :)

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
in quietness and trust

Sometimes, I search God with a desperation. I know He'll never leave nor forsake me. But I'm desperate for a sense of His presence. I wish I have that sense about me all the time. But I know by faith, that He is with me every moment of every day. His is the only unconditional love - a tidal wave of love. A mighty love that I can hang my confidence on. Why then am I desperate for the sense, the emotional quality of it?

I want to sing until I am lost in Your love
Til I'm found in Your presence
Worshipping before Your throne
Filled by Your Spirit
entering into Your flow
Oh, how precious this moment
Lord, I want You to know

It's You, You who have won my heart
Taken me into Your arms
Comforted me like a friend
Your love surrounded me from the start
I never want to be apart
from You ever again


Perhaps, in terms of His love, I'll always want to be Abba's beautiful beloved child. And yet in other ways, I want to grow up faster! Be an adult - to be more mature spiritually! Hmm.. what is spiritual maturity? I think it's not about bible knowledge or going to bible school.. but to have that revelation of the width, length, depth and height of His love for me - that beautiful revelation of Jesus! Oh Abba, show me more!

Whoosh!

I went rollerblading yesterday morning. When I started off, I was petrified with the fear of falling. No amount of tongues could help.

In the end, I fell down on my rear-end three times! Praise God the fall was cushioned! :D

The first was a big one! One moment I was standing, the next, I was falling backwards and landed hard on my bum. I had the breath knocked out of me. The last time I had a hard fall was when I fell off a horse! :)

When I fell the next 2 times, I had gotten 'used' to it. The fear became lesser and lesser.. so I guess something good did come out of me falling! :)

When I fell, there was a song track repeating itself in my mind - Toby Mac's "Whoopsi Daisy" hahaha.. you can check it out here here

To keep Your lovely face

To keep your lovely face
Ever before my eyes
This is my prayer
Make it my strong desire

That in my secret heart
No other love competes
No rival throne survives
And I serve only You

Every new day

This song is by Hillsong. It is actually titled "My Greatest Love" But I love to sing this song, especially at the start of the day. It reminds me that every sunrise is a miracle. It reminds me to come to him when I thirst.

I was watching this song on VCD just now. And the camera zoomed in on one of the lead worshippers. I remembered the testimony that he shared. Both his parents are deaf - growing up, there didn't seem to be opportunities to enjoy music, yet it is through God's grace that he has the love and heart to use music to worship and enjoy Him. I could see that he was moved during worship, perhaps remembering all the times when He has been faithful.

And I'm just reminded that He is the author of our lives, the alpha and the omega - we are living epistles, our names engraved on His hands - and He's still writing, He isn't finished with me yet, He's still writing a love story on my life. :)


Every new day
Your glory unfolds
Filling my eyes
with Your treasures untold
The beauty of holiness
brings worship anew
My greatest love is You

Draw me deeper
into Your grace
The river that flows
from the holy place
Wash over me
Cleansing me through
My greatest love is You

Brains matter

I was watching the comedy Friends yesterday. Anyway, there was this scene whereby Ross was telling his friends that years ago, he had come up with this comic character called "Science boy" whose superpower was his insatiable thirst for knowledge. The audience laughed, presumerably 'cos that was such a 'geeky' thing to think up.

I was thinking, was it that funny?

In a way, Friends is quite an adult comedy, not because it tells dirty jokes or anything like that, but of the implicit presumptions that it shares with the audience. Most people are unawares because it is very subtle. It is for a mature audience because younger people (I'm thinking about teenagers) may not be able to discern the values it promotes.

Just a short scene described above, was a subtle put-down for a hardworking bookish child - perhaps the effects are far ranging precisely because it is not obvious.

That's so sad. A hunger for knowledge is mocked at. Perhaps because we are in a civil society, it is not expressed as uglily as say, racism. But titters and little snide remarks are just as devastating, all the more so because it's insidious.

It seems with modern technology and better education, we are so focused on the physical (looks, clothes, body) and the material (cash, car, condo). Trying to find joy and happiness in the things and people that surround us rather than being content and joyful with ourselves first.

There's a difference between being alone and being lonely. One can be with a group of friends, be married, and still be lonely. It is not a matter of numbers.

I think sometimes, people are afraid to be by themselves so they surround themselves with a buzz of activities.

Have we ever taken time to cultivate the soul and the spirit? To reflect, to think and to appreciate? To cultivate the faculties of the mind in reflective contemplation. To cultivate the soul with music, art, sound, observation.

It is only when our inner man is filled that we can appreciate the world and people around us, rather than to take from them; to serve others rather than to let our happiness and self-esteem depend on them.


Have you ever heard this term called "renaissance man"? Think Leonardo da Vinci..

A renaissance man is a philosopher, an artist, a scientist, a painter, a musician.. etc. And I'm just thinking, where does he get all the time to be all these? And this being about three to four hundred years ago? With the opportunities and technology and the vast amount of knowledge we have today, where's the renaissance man of the 21st century?

They had time.

How do we spend our time today?

Time in the present - gobbled away in front of the telly, reading the newspaper, dazed on the bus to work, stoned after clubbing on the way home. And then to come home, empty, drained on resources, too busy then, too tired now to realise loneliness. But as the head touch the pillow, and eyes stare at the ceiling, and the heart ask, "is there all there is"?

My experience once upon a time, praise God, never again!


They say that people only use 10% of their brain in their lifetime.

I believe that it'll be more than that for us.

Various reasons. But in short,

1. mind of Christ
2. observation on cranial activities when praying in tongues
3. long life, days of heaven on earth - mind needs to store years of knowledge and experience


Oh, there's something noble, exciting and thrilling to thirst for knowledge! It's the anticipation, about being lost, the thrill of discovery, the journey to find the answer - it is in the debates, the theory, practical application - it is in the realization of bringing an intangible idea into tangible fruition.

Falling in love

Have you fell in love before?

I had crushes before and a fling once. But I knew that wasn't love. So how does falling in love feel?

And I've been thinking about this question for the past 2 weeks. Does love come with heart pounding or a logical discussion? How do I differentiate between attraction and love? Is it love when it doesn't 'measure up' to one's romantic ideals?

So I sighed, 'cos never having fallen in love before, I wouldn't know right? Just follow the peace in my heart when it comes.

Yesterday, one of the songs we sang for worship was "First Love". It was so apt 'cos I was thinking about this song a few days ago. Click here for the lyrics.

Sometimes, I think I know the song.. but during worship, it's a two-way thing. It's not me singing of my love for Him, it's also feeling His embrace.

As I was singing the song, it was like looking through a journal of our times together. Perhaps much like during a wedding, where they would show a photojournal of the happy couple's courtship.

And I realised, falling in love with Jesus - well, He's not just God and my Beloved, He's also that somebody. Sometimes we think that there's my God and then, there's also physical man. Someone that I can see, touch and love.

The song reminded me. I felt like Jesus was tenderly saying, "Don't say you've never fallen in love before. Remember falling in love with me? The first time we met?" And then the past came back as sweet memories.

First love is the most precious. I think it's impossible to know love unless one has been loved by Him.

Because You first loved me, Jesus I want You to be.
I want You to be, my first love.

Perhaps, after that first love, knowing that I am loved and precious in His eyes, I treasure myself.

Before, I asked myself whether it was too idealistic to harbour romantic feelings or to dream of a certain type of love. Some people call it high expectations. Better to be realistic and down-to-earth. Love is not a giddy feeling.

Perhaps true. Love is not simply romance. Love is a decision. And the beauty of time is that love becomes passion. I just recall the title of this book I had. Never read it 'cos it was too thick. But it was a ficticious story with religious elements involved. And the title was, "The Agony and the Ectasy".

I never thought about love in those terms. But what a brother mentioned got me thinking. When we talk about the Passion of Christ and of the love that would send His son down as a living sacrifice. That love is not about an emotionally, feeling-good sensation. That love goes beyond feelings, reaching past the soul (the realm of the mind and understanding) into the spirit.

And the beauty of marriage and growing deeper into love is like that.

Of course, romance is still involved. How often does my Jesus affirm me wash me with His Word! When I worshipped with that song yesterday, I'm reminded to keep my ideals and romance - what lady doesn't have dreams? :) When I see how precious I am in His eyes, so I was in my own sight.

Having high expectations is not about having the 5Cs. (Is it still called the 5 Cs?) Nope, high expectations is about valuing yourself. I read an interesting quote from a book once. Paraphrasing here, "So many women want to be treated as princesses, but they resist and refuse to treat their husbands as kings." It's not about one upmanship but mutual submission. Only secure people are able to be humble and submit.

I don't have to worry about falling in love or not. Oh, to have that fresh reminder that He's my first love.. I don't have to worry 'cos I've already fallen in love. If it's true love, how can one love 2 different persons at the same time?

That is why, what would draw me to a person (be it as a brother or life partner) would be the hesad love of God in his heart. (I suppose that's how one chooses one's closer friends too.)

Is love that complicated? Financial maturity and responsibility is the only other criteria for me. The 'must-haves'. :) (yes, I'm following Pastor's message - which I believe is practical wisdom from God)

Is love complicated in a materialistic world? In Singapore, it is said that the men propose here by saying, "let's get a flat" (I'm sure this is an over-exaggeration. haha :D) Let's not reduce marriage to a financial partnership. argh! where's the romance, love and passion in that?!

I'm wondering whether I should have a post on "Courtship - letting her fall in love with you" hmmm... most of my conclusions would come from the interaction of my observations on my relationship with Him and my relationship with friends.. then again, perhaps not.

Like to end this post with what Jesus sang to me yesterday. :)

Sally, you are, more precious than silver
Sally, you are, most costly than gold
Sally, you are, more beautiful than diamonds
And nothing I desire, compares to you.

And He's singing this song to you. Not to the world. It is a song personally to you. Just listen to your heart.. :)

Thanksgiving!

The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy. Pastor has been preaching on righteousness and peace for the past two years.. and today, joy!

Joy stems from thanksgiving! It seems so simple isn't it? And yet we don't realise, don't give thanks for the here and now. Sometimes, I hanker for the past, the if-onlys and worry for the future what-ifs.

Truely, there are things here and now that I am blessed with that I am not thankful for. I guess its human nature to think the grass is greener on the other side; to think, if only I have this gadget, earn this salary, get this degree, be with this person, I will be happy, I will be satisfied.

If we can't be happy and joyful and be thankful for the blessings we have now, what makes us think we'll be happy after?

I have been looking at my deficiencies and other people's blessings and have forgotten what I have. I look at the material, the money earned, the clothes worn and forgetto value my own.

I've forgotten that I have everything already. I have Jesus.


Have I given thanks today?

Thank You Abba, that You are with me always.

Thank You Abba, that Your love is unconditional. You'll never leave me, nor forsake me, even when I disappoint You.

Thank You Abba, that You are my encourager. You'll not let me be disappointed with myself nor even let self-condemnation touch me. Your acceptance and love embraces me at all times.

Thank You Lord, for my family who have been so patient with me, so undemanding and faithful.

Thank You Lord, for my friends who have been source of inspiration and joy. That I may learn from each and everyone of them.

Thank You Lord, for setting me in families. You answered my prayer even after I've forgotten all about it.

Thank You Lord, that You are always faithful, even when I am faithless.

Thank You Lord for sunshine and rain.. I love the rain especially! When it's night and I feel so safe and comfortable.

Thank You Lord for revealing Your presence through the wonders of nature.. it's in the details, how marvellously creative You are!

Thank You Lord for children! They are beautiful and they are gifts and reminders of how gently You have crafted me too.. known me.. living demonstrations of what love is.

Thank You Abba, for sending down Jesus, Your only son to die on the cross for me whilst I was still in my sins.

Thank You Jesus, for giving yourself. For knowing the cost, and counting it worthwhile. You lived to die, rejected and alone. You took the fall, and thought of me, above all.

Thank You Lord, for a curious mind and aesthetic sense. hahaha :D

Thank You Abba, for placing me in Singapore with all those marvellous food!

Thank You Lord, for this sexy cool white notebook that I'm currently typing on! It's hip man!

Thank You Lord for revealing Your truths in my heart.. for feeding my soul.

Thank You Lord, for being the light of my life!

Thank You Lord, for an awesome life partner, a glorious marriage and beautiful children!

Thank You Lord, for life and life more abundantly!

Thank You Abba for Your favour! For your double portion! For making me a king priest. For your abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness through Your sacrifice!

Thank You Lord for my senses, to enjoy colour, relish taste, decipher sounds, sniff and convey feelings through touch.

There're so many other things to thank you for. And as I'm typing this, that smile on my face is getting broader. Thank You Lord, You are my joy!

I shall remember. The day that Jesus was crucified as a living sacrifice - that was the day that You have made. And by his death, we are victorious! Thank You Jesus..


Psalm 118:22-29

The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the LORD’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Save now, I pray, O LORD;
O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
God is the LORD,
And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

Snap decisions

Okay, my dear readers, this post may seem a little in the abstract 'cos it's a public blog :D But I think you'll get the principles of it...


It's strange how it's sometimes possible to turn on and off one's emotional valve. To be able to make a logical decision on an 'emotional' issue well, emotionlessly. These could be issues relating to job and in particular, relationships.

Some may deem it 'ruthless'(??) but I enjoy the clarity that comes with it. I believe that it's His peace that guards our hearts. It's becomes easier to cut ourselves away from issues that are potentially emotional. I guess when all that matter is Christ, compassion and love flows where it should, where there is life. And where there is no life, and because I know that all my passions are vested in Christ, nothing else and no one else matters as much as Him. When I recognise the relative value of what I am currently holding dear and what Jesus is to me, the former becomes like dust.

In the last fortnight, I've made 'snap' decisions on 3 potentially emotional issues. It was quite painless. Except for the latest, probably 'cos it's only yesterday, so there's still the twinge of nostalgia. But I have that confidence that whatever decisions I make, my God, my Abba is so jealous of me, He'll never let me get hurt.

The decisions are easy to make (hence 'snap' haha) 'cos if what I see now seems good but I know it's not the best for me, how much more the real thing - the unshakeable promise and plans that He has already laid for me in my future. I mean, what I see is already good and I am already willing to take it - if I'm already satisfied at this level and it's the 'wrong' one, how much more the 'right' one! How much more glorious is my hope in Him and His promise! Hallelujah!

23

Read slowly.


The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23

Dare to let God loose in you

E.W. Kenyon said that! The above title. I'm flipping through the pages of "The Blood Covenant" lent to me by a beloved sister. Below is a few paragraphs extracted from a chapter:-

"Do you know what hinders our faith toay?

We go before the Lord, BUT we listen to the devil before we go there. We go there with a sense of inferiority, the devil's message ringing in our ears!

Christians as a whole are afraid of Satan, dare not say they are free, dare not face Satan.

God's Righteousness makes you fearless in Satan's presence.

We rob the work of Jesus Christ of its efficacy, and we stand pwoerless before the adversary because we have doubted the integrity of the Word of God.

God's righteousness has been imparted to you, not as an "experience," but as a legal fact.

This is the most tremendous truth that God has given us in the Pauline REvelation, and this is the very heart of the New Covenant, that God makes us like Himself.

Weren't you made in His image and likeness?

That image is an image of righteousness.

If God declares that you are righteous, what business have you to condemn yourself?

Are you a partner of Christ? Do you dwell in Christ? Does Christ dwell in you?

Paul said, "It is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me" Gal 2:20

The Incarnation was God becoming one with us.

The Blood Covenant made Paul disown himself and utterly own Christ as his life. It made Christ leave Glory and come here to be one with us.

Now you can stand asf earlessly in the presence of hell, in the presence of the devil, as you would inthe presence of some little inferior thing.

Didn't Jesus meet him and conquer him for us? Didn't He strip him of his authority? Didn't He take his armor from him, and didn't He leave him paralyzed?

Greater is He that is in us than the devil.

Why should we be afraid of him?

Why not stand before the world as a conqueror?

You are in blood covenant relationship with God Almighty.

Are you a partaker of the Divine nature? Yes.

Are you a son of God? Yes.

Has God given you His righteousness? Yes

Is God your righteousness? Certainly.

Then, has He given you a legal right to the use of Jesus' name? Certainly.

Do you see what kind of man you are?

You are not a weakling. You stand like the Son of God. You are a son of God.

I say it reverently, if I understand the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, this is the vision He has given me of it: that all of heaven's ability and heaven's glory and heaven's strength are at the dispoal of the believer.

This is the most miraculous thing the world ever saw.

I believe that in the last days there is going to be an unveiling of the power of God, and multitudes will arise and live.

If you believe on Jesus Christ, He IS your righteousness.

Then go out and act it. Dare to let God loose in you."

The Way You are

I heard about Christian rock group "The Afters" from our church magazine. I'm new to their music and not really a fan yet. But I've been reading through the lyrics. In particular, the chorus of this song, "The Way You are"


It's like the sun swallowed up by the earth
Like atomics bombs in reverse
As if a glass could contain the sea
That's the way You are in me
That's the way You are

First Love

Was flipping through the notes and thoughts I've written down during Ben-gen camp. Realised I have taken down the lyrics to a song we sang.

I think part of my heart is crying out, to stay true to Him. To the One who loves me. No relationship with man can ever replace His love. I cling to Him because He is unchangeable, His love, unconditional, dependable. My rock, my love!

It's a beautiful song. Even if you don't know the melody, read the lyrics, close your eyes and imagine yourself speaking to Him, your Beloved. :) How wonderful He is!

First love, my first love
My soul longs after You
First love, my first love
I want my heart to stay true

Because You first love me
Jesus, I want You to be
I want You to be
my first love

Taking a break from blogging!

Hey all!

I'm taking a break from blogging. Why? Hmm... think it's 'cos I want to take some quiet time to grow inwardly, like a tree branching her roots deep into the soil.. poetic license.. haha :D I guess I want a little more 'me-time' just Abba and myself. Hmm.. perhaps not enough overflow to share... shall go and drink more deeply of the living waters...

Isaiah 58:11

The LORD will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Don't take enough time to think and meditate on God's Word... just feel quite hungry.

See ya all.. perhaps next year! :)

Where is Jesus in the bible?

In Genesis Jesus is the Ram at Abraham's altar.
In Exodus He's the Passover Lamb.
In Leviticus He's the High Priest.
In Numbers He's the Cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.
In Deuteronomy He's the City of our refuge.
In Joshua He's the Scarlet Thread out Rahab's window.
In Judges He is our Judge.
In Ruth He is our Kinsman redeemer.
In 1st & 2nd Samuel He's our Trusted Prophet.
And in Kings and Chronicles He's our Reigning King.
In Ezra He is our Faithful Scribe.
In Nehemiah He's the Rebuilder of everything that is broken.
And in Esther He is the Mordecai sitting faithful at the gate.
In Job He's our redeemer that ever liveth.
In Psalms He is my Shepherd and I shall not want.
In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes He's our Wisdom.
And in the Song of Solomon He's the Beautiful Bridegroom.
In Isaiah He's the Suffering Servant.
In Jeremiah and Lamentations it is Jesus that is the Weeping Prophet.
In Ezekiel He's the Wonderful Four-Faced Man.
And in Daniel He is the Fourth Man in the midst of a fiery furnace.
In Hosea He is my Love that is forever faithful.
In Joel He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit.
In Amos He's our Burden Bearer.
In Obadiah our Savior.
And in Jonah He is the Great Foreign Missionary that takes the Word of God into all of the world.
You go on and you see in Micah He is the Messenger with beautiful feet.
In Nahum He is the Avenger.
In Habakkuk He is the Watchman that is ever praying for revival.
In Zephaniah He is the Lord mighty to save.
In Haggai He is the Restorer of our lost heritage.
In Zechariah He is our Fountain.
And in Malachi He is the Son of Righteousness with healing in His wings.

In Matthew Thou art the Christ the Son of the Living God.
In Mark He is the Miracle Worker.
In Luke He's the Son of Man.
And in John He is the Door by which everyone of us must enter.
In Acts He is the Shining Light that appears to Saul on the road to Damascus.
In Romans He is our Justifier.
In 1st Corinthians our Resurrection.
In 2nd Corinthians our Sin Bearer.
In Galatians He redeems us from the law.
In Ephesians He is our Unsearchable Riches.
In Philippians He supplies our every need.
And in Colossians He's the Fullness of the Godhead Bodily.
In 1st and 2nd Thessalonians He is our Soon Coming King.
In 1st and 2nd Timothy He is the Mediator between God and man.
In Titus He is our Blessed Hope.
In Philemon He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.
And in Hebrews He's the Blood of the everlasting covenant.
In James it is the Lord that heals the sick.
In 1st and 2nd Peter He is the Chief Shepherd.
In 1st, 2nd and 3rd John it is Jesus who has the tenderness of love.
In Jude He is the Lord coming with 10,000 saints.
And in Revelation..... He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.

Be responsible. Buy insurance.

Just read this whilst surfing today.

But he didn't have life insurance

Makan time!

Makan time!

O food, glorious food!

I'm referring both to the spiritual and physical. :D

Yesterday, Oasis ministry - wow, excellent! It's not the kind of prosperity message I expected.

And then the dinner later.. well with bro CW, you can be sure it'll be very cerebral! Praise Jesus! I'm so fascinated by the conversations.. definitely have a teaching anointing over him :) We looked at the Word, culturally, geographically and historically... Revelations come through the heart, but we get renewed in our mind as well.. and it's wonderful when someone comes along and fits the puzzle for you, the places and names and it makes sense and you go... "oh..wow..oh..I see" Excellent!

Then today, Pastor said something I didn't really see before.. anyway, let me 'assimilate' the revelation first. Feel sometimes like it's boiling soup, take time slowly to boil all the nutrients and goodies out...

Wow, fellowship over makan is ze best! Especially with fellow brethren who are as excited about the Word. Wow, so much life! And it's like the washing of the Word and building each other up. :D

Today, got to serve in nursery. And really felt the presence of God today. Such peace and confidence. Very shiok! Abba is good!

When I am dry
You fill my cup
You are my all in all...

King of Heaven

Who is there like you Lord?
Clothed in strength and beauty
Marvellous, so wonderful in deeds

You who calmed the tempest
You who made the blind see
Mighty is Your hand to deliver me

King of Heaven
Exalted above all
My victory, my song
Great in majesty and glory

King of Heaven
You're worthy to be praised
All honour to Your name
Jesus reigned forevermore


This song is written by Karen from our music ministry. She's the Lucy Liu look-alike playing the keyboard during worship.

The first time I heard this song, it just touched me. Because it is a song that I am singing to Him. It is not a song we're singing. And when I am singing to Him, I just feel that Jesus is mine. "Who is there like you Lord? Clothed in strength and beauty."

And in the next verse, I can just see Him walking alone the shores of Galilee. That's my Jesus. That's my God.

What is worship? As I was singing "Exalted above all; My victory, my song, Great in majesty and glory" I was just reminded of this verse from John 3:14

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

Exalted - lifted high.. at what price our victory? And yet, through the cross, through His death, we are victorious. And so we sing, Jesus, great in majesty and glory. O worthy to be praised! Jesus, reign forevermore!

Just for fun!

You are Ephesians.


Which book of the Bible are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Quote from Smith Wigglesworth

Tongues and Interpretation; "The living God has chosen us for His divine inheritance, and He it is who is preparing us for our ministry, that it may be of God and not of man."


It is a blessed thing to learn that God's word can never fail. Never hearken to human plans. God can work mightily when you persist in believing Him in spite of discouragements from the human standpoint.

I am not moved by what I see. I am moved only by what I believe. I know this-no man looks at appearances if he believes. No man considers how he feels if he believes. The man who believes God has it. Every man who comes into the Pentecostal condition can laugh at all things and believe God. There is something in the Pentecostal work that is different from anything else in the world. Somehow, in Pentecost, you know that God is a reality. Wherever the Holy Ghost has right of way, the gifts of the Spirit will be in manifestation; and where these gifts are never in manifestation, I question whether He is present. Pentecostal people are spoiled for anything else than Pentecostal meetings. We want none of the entertainments that the churches are offering. When God comes in He entertains us Himself. Entertained by the King of kings and Lord of lords! O, it is wonderful.

A man and a woman

I have been thinking about what Pastor Prince and Pastor Mark mentioned..

Pastor Prince observed that in the bible, it talks many times about the husband loving the wife, but not about the wife loving the husband... and he asked the congregation 'why?' (of course rhetorical :))

Because when a man loves a woman, she will love him back. Women are made that way.

The bible talks about the relationship between Christ and the church, as between a husband and his wife. But also in our own personal relationship with Him... ask yourself when and why you fell in love with Jesus? You'll have the same answer as me :) When I found out how much He loved me, that's when I fell for Him.

Is it the same between a man and a woman? Does it not work the other way round too? hmmm... well, the bible did not mention, wife love thy husband. And I'm just reminded, a book I read concluded that men spell love as 'r-e-s-p-e-c-t'. I partly summarised it here: For women only Way before this book was written, the bible talks about women submitting to the husband, as to the Lord.

There's something awesome about the observation that Pastor Prince made. He said God gave woman to man so that man would understand Jesus' love for the church. I think it's a very special revelation that perhaps only a man would understand?

It takes a secure woman to submit, to a man, as to the Lord. I would venture to say true submission in the heart is only possible through a revelation of His love.

Interesting observation Pastor Mark made.. actually about his wife. Some time back, he said "when a man loves a woman, she just blossoms."

There's just something about love.

I suppose that's why some people, whether they are Christians or not, have that inner glow. They know they're loved.

Sensory perceptions

Personal definition...

Carnality - using sense-knowledge to determine the Word of God.

I know that the truth of His Word, is simply because He says so. Circumstances do not determine nor dictate the truth and reality of His Word. And to be honest, I distrusted the senses.. waiting for the redemption of this mortal body, to put on incorruptible.

But I have since started this past week, not to despise the senses. You see, what I did was to have a blanket distrust of sensory perception. Yet when one thinks about it, it is the Lord who created colour, texture, aroma and sound. Before the fall, God created the earth and all it's beautities for us to enjoy.

Hmm.. how did I come up with this conclusion? The strangest thing...

Cologne! hahaha :D

Personally, I don't wear perfume. Just not used to it I guess. And generally, I don't enjoy perfume. But strangely, I kinda of like cologne. Is it an opposite sex kind of thing?

Well, not all cologne! Anyway, someone I knew was wearing this cologne that I really liked... it was well, very pleasing :D Hmm.. does cologne then makes the man? :D

It kinda of reminded me that Jesus was presented as a sweet smelling aroma to God, pleasing to Him. It's just the way the bible describes it.. linking the sense of smell and pleasure...

and hence, it also reminded me to take the time, to enjoy creation. To enjoy my senses. After all, God gave man the 5 senses to enjoy creation before the fall. Hmm.. taking the time to enjoy the texture of a leaf, to admire the redness of a rose, to feel the brush of the wind, to smell rain, the whisper of a breath...

Take my life and let it be

by Frances Ridley Havergal

Take my life and let it be, consecrated, Lord, to Thee
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
At the impulse of Thy love

Take my feet and let them be, swift and beautiful for Thee
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King
Always, only, for my King

Take my silver and my gold: Not a mite would I withhold
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Let them flow in ceaseless praise

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne
It shall be Thy royal throne

People

People - can you figure them out? 'cos I can't! :D

At times loving, at times petty...

At the end of the day, I suppose it's the companionship.

It's the conversation and the presence.

Communication and conversation.. hmm.. words are a powerful thing. It can build a person, it can turn vicious.

A long time back, I read this poster that went straight to my heart 'cos I was guilty of it... I told myself then, that I shall watch my tongue, for it holds the power of life and death.. and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Of course, I'm quoting scripture now. But back then, I wasn't a Christian. Still, God gives a certain amount of wisdom to the world.

And I believe it's applicable today.


The poster read:-

Big minds discuss ideas

Average minds discuss events

Small minds discuss people


I'm writing this down 'cos well, honestly, I'm taking the coward's way out. It's difficult to tell people directly. But it's not so much the person speaking, I'm finally writing this down 'cos I've been witnessing its deterioriating effect, not only on the person itself, but friends who are around as well.

Well, I'm speaking this in abstract. Take it if you feel there's life in this correction. Reject it if you feel it doesn't apply. :)

On the other hand, I've been around environment where there's absolutely no politics. And it's wonderful! It's liberating!

God loved people. People are meant to be enjoyed, to be loved. I'm still learning! God knows! But where it proves to be a tough challenge, like how a saying goes, "when you have nothing good to say, don't say."

The tongue, the tongue - "even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity." (James 3)

Yet praise God! He has given us today a new language! A new heart! Love bears all thing. Beloved, I pray that you build yourself up on your most holy faith. Use your words to cleanse, to build each other, to edify, to encourage and to love. For in so doing, you too are able to experience the love Abba has for each and every one of us.

Pursuit

I will follow after you as long as my soul lives
I will lift up my hands unto thy name O Lord
My mouth shall praise You
because You have been my help

In the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice my Lord
Your loving kindness overwhelms my soul O Lord
and I will bless You
I will love You all my life


I was just thinking this afternoon of taking a break from blogging.. 'cos recently have no flow to blog. Because this is a public blog, I don't really share the real, intimate and personal aspects of my relationship with Jesus.

And really, intimacy is what I missed most. I missed journelling... there's something about writing it down, pen on paper, something very physical and tangible that's just different from typing it up. And also, I don't refer to Him in the third person. It's not "the Lord", it becomes "You". And when He becomes "You", I become "me". And isn't that what a relationship is about? Just two people having a personal one-on-one time.

The pursuit of God.. I missed that. During worship, I feel Him loving me, in His embrace. I love being still in His presence, to simply meditate and think on His love. But I also love it when He reminds me of His presence in the nitty gritty of my life.

Part of my job involves calling. Well, I was calling for over an hour and the stats were against me. Didn't get an appointment. I suppose by this time, some people may be psyching themselves up like "every no brings me closer to a yes" etc etc..

Well, naturally, part of me was wondering, hey Lord, where's the favour? But you know, there was no sense of rejection or feeling down. I felt that deep within me, a gentle voice asked, "Do you still believe?"

It's like that ball that refuses to sink, but is still buoyant, bouncing, floating on top of the rough waters.. except it doesn't seem rough to me. And I said, "yes" to the truth that my supply came from the Lord; "yes" to the truth that God is faithful even when circumstances don't seem good; "yes" to what the Word says, that His favour surrounds me as a shield even when I don't seem to see it.

And as I answered that voice, I just felt His love and His joy come gently around, His peace settling in my heart. I just felt Him love me. And I feel, wow, even when I doing this mundane thing like calling, He shows Himself to me. Not even leaving me alone. He reminds me that He is there. Abba is just so good, so good to me.

And I realise, that He's calling me to drink more deeply from Him. To come and refresh myself again. It's not in going to church, in worship only... it's to feed and feed on His Word as bread, to be still and enjoy Him. Enjoy Him.. wow. To sit at His feet and look at Him, in His beauty, in His goodness, in His glory.

Wow, work is wonderful when God reveals Himself in the things we do. I guess that's why work can be worship.

I remind myself not to get distracted, and I have been for the past few weeks. It's not about doing other things. I can still have an active life. But it's to gird my mind, to focus my energies, to labour to enter the rest by actively partaking of the manna from heaven. O Abba, even this hunger in my heart Lord, this unspeakable yearning in my soul is from You. O give me more of You!

Today was so wonderful! My boss' sister was in critical life-threatening condition in the hospital. But praise God! He wrought a miracle. When she showed me the sms giving the good news, I had good shivers just reading it.. wow, God is so good! And my boss, she was 'stubborn'. She refused to give up on her sister, even when bad reports are all around. As she was telling me this testimony, I just feel the love that Abba had for her sister. He loves her so much, so much. And I think God yearns too. And He hates sickness and disease. And He is the great "I AM" Jehovah Repheka, He is still the Lord that healeth. O isn't He great! His name is Wonderful! Praise Jesus! Praise Jesus! Lovely, wonderful Saviour! Almighty God!

Just the way you are

Easy listening...


Just the way you are (Billy Joel)


Don't go changing, to try and please me
You never let me down before
Don't imagine you're too familiar
And I don't see you anymore
I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble
We never could have come this far
I took the good times, I'll take the bad times
I'll take you just the way you are

I don't want clever conversation
I never want to work that hard
I just want someone that I can talk to
I want you just the way you are.

I need to know that you will always be
The same old someone that I knew
What will it take till you believe in me
The way that I believe in you.

I said I love you and that's forever
And this I promise from the heart
I could not love you any better
I love you just the way you are.

A prayer

Abba, today's a new day. A day that You have made. But it seems like any other day. And 'any other' seems so dull...

Abba, Daddy, be with me today Lord. In every moment, let my mind settle at rest on You. Remind me of Your presence with me Father, in the little details of my life. Sometimes, I need the tangible feel of your love to feel loved, even though I know that You already love me so.

My Jesus, my saviour, my Lord and friend. Embrace me again, speak loving words in my heart and refresh me. Life isn't in the activities and the busyness of the day. Neither is it in the dull, lingering, merry-go-round coach potato moments of life. Life my love, I believe, is continuous prayer with You, to be continuously aware of Your loving presence in my life.

Not even as a 'feel good' Kodak moment. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that You are my God too. Ready to move in might and power on my behalf. To show Yourself strong before Your people, that You may be feared and glorified. That You may be loved, in reverence and awe.

What is intensity Lord? What is your love Lord? Just when I thought I felt it all, there's more to discover isn't there? Of Your goodness and Your love and Your power. You are so immense and still... yet so intimate and real. How do I know You more Jesus? Just by letting You draw me near and loving me?

But Abba, sometimes I want to do something for You too - to love as You love me. But even then, it's not how much I can love, my capacity is so limited. Sometimes, I admit, I'm afraid to draw near You, because before You, I'm reduced to tears, by Your goodness and Your mercy. Yet You continuously call me to yourself.

Abba, sometimes I feel like I'm receiving so much from You but not doing enough. I look at myself and have to remind myself to look back to You. Teach me simply Lord, more and more, just to rest, really rest in Your love. And be unashamed to have You love me again and again...

I love You Lord. Because You first loved me. And gave Yourself for me.

No. 14

If thou must love me, let it be for nought
Except for love's sake only. Do not say
I love her for her smile--her look--her way
Of speaking gently,--for a trick of thought
That falls in well with mine, and certes brought
A sense of ease on such a day--
For these things in themselves, Belovèd, may
Be changed, or change for thee,--and love, so wrought,
May be unwrought so. Neither love me for
Thine own dear pity's wiping my cheek dry,--
A creature might forget to weep, who bore
Thy comfort long, and lose thy love thereby!
But love me for love's sake, that evermore
Thou may'st love on, through love's eternity.


Sonnet XIV, Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Divine lover

He will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17)

Excerpted from "A Divine Invitation" by Steve Mcvey.

'I was teaching from this verse one day when Helena came to me afterward and said, "I was reading that verse not long ago and noticed that it says the Lord sings over us with joy. 'Lord,' I asked, 'Do you really sing over me? What could you possibly sing about me?' Immediately," she said, "one of my favourite old songs from years gone by popped into my mind, word for word.At first I tried to dismiss it, thinking, "This can't be the Lord.' but the song wouldn't stop and shortly I knew it was indeed the Lord singing a song to me."

Helena continued, "I heard Him sing to me, 'You are my sunshine, My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away!' I realized then," Helena said, "just how much He loves me! To think that I am the sunshine of His life absolutely overwhelmed me!"

Someone might protest, "Why would the Lord sing a song to her like that one?" Don't think the only songs your Prince Charming knows are religious songs. He sang the song to Helena that He knew would thrill her heart. He wasn't singing to Himself, but to her. That's how wonderful our Divine Lover is. He knows your favourite songs, your favourite places, your favourite everything. Every good thing you enjoy in life is His love song to you.'


Earths crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God;
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,
The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning in her poem "Aurora Leigh"

And finally, a gentle invitation....


Arise, my darling, my beautiful one,
And come along.
For behold, the winter is past,
The rain is over and gone.
The flowers have already appeared in the land;
The time has arrived for pruning the vines,
And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.
The fig tree has ripened its figs
And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance.
Arise, my darling, my beautiful one,
And come along....


Song of Solomon 2:10-13

Growing gloriously

Have you ever thought about physical growth and the passing of time?

I saw a little girl today, draped comfortably over daddy's arms.

A few days ago, I saw a picture of the world's oldest recorded human being, a lady, age 117, all wrinkled but full of smiles.

Today, I met a classmate I haven't seen for some time, beautiful, sexy, vivacious and young.

I had the impression that 33 years young is the peak, the fullness of manhood or womanhood as the case may be 'cos Christ died when He was 33. Thereafter, "with long life He satisfies me."

But a thought ocurred to me today.

When God made man, He crowned him with glory and honour. Even when man sinned and died spiritually, he physically lived for over 900 years. How wonderful, how youthful they must be!

It was what Eve said that caught my attention today.

"I have acquired a man from the Lord" (Genesis 4:1)

To me, babies are fresh from heaven. In this world though, they are 'taught' fear and worry. Then sin creeps in and the body grows and ages. But is this necessarily true for those of us in Christ today?

Adam and Eve were never babies. So it must have been quite strange when she gave birth. And she said, "a man" In their near perfect physical state, just after the fall, (man had to be taught to speak words of death and learn to die then 'cos sin was so alien in the beginning) - a full grown man and a babe must have been both glorious, both 'fresh from heaven.'

I don't know. But a baby is born with foolishness in its heart (Proverbs 22:15) and needs to learn to eat from the tree of life. But usually, it is taught to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (The law = ministry of death [2 Corin 3:7])

Instead of growing old and dying, shouldn't we in Christ be growing glorious and living?

What does it mean when the Word says that we are being transformed from glory to glory? Is it only inner transformation? Or is it physical as well?


Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

"quicken" in greek

1) to produce alive, begat or bear living young

2) to cause to live, make alive, give life

a) by spiritual power to arouse and invigorate

b) to restore to life

c) to give increase of life: thus of physical life

d) of the spirit, quickening as respects the spirit, endued with new and greater powers of life

3) metaph., of seeds quickened into life, i.e. germinating, springing up, growing


Whoa! I tell you what I think!

Forget about 'peaking' at 33 years young.

God's way of restoring us is not restoring us like Adam. Nope! Abba does it lavishly! Restoring us from sinners to adoption into His family, found in Christ!

So imagine, babies are so beautiful right? So what am I like now? An aging babe?! hahaha :D No way! According to His Word, the Holy Spirit within me zoefies my mortal body.

Eve equated Caine with Adam ('cos the only man she had reference to was Adam) - and man was still physically beautiful and young after the fall. How much more us today!

In Christ, we are transformed from glory to glory. So in the natural, if a baby is so beautiful to behold, in a family showered by the love of God, a believing family speaking life to it, it grows to become more glorious, not old.

It's a promise of the here and now! We are the generation that will not see death. I truely believe that I will see Him face to face!

There is still sin in the flesh.. yet we are dead to it - I believe it's through a continual renewal of the spirit of the mind, meditating day and night on His Word. Not scripture memorising! But just, R&R in His love for moi - allowing Him to love me deeply!

Wonderful to be daughters of Sarah! Her youth was renewed in her 'old' age!

Wonderful to have the promise of Abraham (for guys as well). You know he had many children by another lady after Isaac? Praise God!

Hey, take God's orders seriously. Be fruitful and multiply! I was telling my client that I wanted 5 children. His eyes opened a little bigger and he observed wryly that I am a supporter of the government, "get married, don't stop at 2 policy." hahahaha :D

Well, Abba did give man a mandate to populate the earth! Hallelujah! I want to surround myself with a family I love too! And children are blessings BLESSINGS from the Lord!

Whatever

Is there a way whereby whatever you do prospers?

Wouldn't that be great? If you're a teacher, you're a great one! If you're a security consultant, you're a great one! So since I'm a financial advisor, I'm a great one! :D


Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of 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.

Getting political

Hmm.. today they feature some 'youths' (i.e. in their thirties) being party of the youth arm of the opposition, Workers Party.

Sound very gung ho and enthusiastic. But it also sounds like there's a lot of talk and not quite enough maturity. It doesn't mean that if one can speak well, call for open debate, be outspoken, dares to challenge the system, one is an effective opposition.

That may be how politics in the States work. But in Singapore, no can do. It just sounds a little tired - like we're going through the cycle again, and people who speak out that way seems a little wet behind the ears. Because it's simply not how things are run here.

Just yesterday, someone was commenting in the papers(I'm paraphrasing) that Singapore may be souless (don't agree with that! but nevermind) but it's competent. What we want is a government which can get things done, not a 'spin machine', spending millions of campaign dollars simply to get votes. Sometimes, the results speak for itself. Lower crime rate, education, job rate, etc

It doesn't mean Singapore doesn't have an opposition. It just doesn't have an opposition in the common sense of the word. But I believe there are checks and balances in the system, various focus group to keep the political and executive machinery running efficiently.

I'm of the view that if one is not 'in the system', one would not know the problems and the day to day running of said system - and criticising it is not doing your part to help. Singapore is such an interesting political model because changes truely come from within.

And opposition is not external. Since Singapore was independent, talented opposition leaders (Tony Tan comes to mind) has been assimilated into 'the system'. And why not? Instead of making noise, be part of the system to effect change. That's how it works in Singapore. Play by the rules and you can get things done. Play outside the rules and you're out of the game.

If I had to give a name to the system here, it would be 'authoritarian democracy'. Quite an oxymoron in terms!

Actually, have you wondered why a democracy came about?

Well, we know the advantage of a democracy - to represent the majority interest.

But on the flip side, a democracy came about because of a negative - to prevent the abuse of power by an authoritarian figure. Interesting read if you traced the origins of democracy in Athens. (Empires rise and fall by the actions of a ruler).

For every Hitler, there was a Winston Churchill. Even the antithesis of democracy, communism failed, because it become a warped version of it's ideal. During the Stalinist regime, it became a personality cult. It has its own representation, in the form of an executive committee and before that, a party by the peoples. It failed, not so much in it's political structure but because it's politics and beliefs gave birth to a non-viable economic model. Equal distribution rather than capitalism.. selah.

Very precious in the sight of the Lord

1 Peter 3:4

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

1 Peter 3 begins by talking about relationship in the context of marriage. It also refers to women.

I used not to understand the meaning of "gentle and quiet" - 'cos I'm not. Well, I knew enough of Abba's love to know that He loves me just the way I am. And any passage that I read that I sense has the potential to give me bondage - I'll discard for the moment because I know that the holy-spirit interpretation will produce liberty and life. And if I interpret it so that by my understanding, it binds me, well then, my understanding is wrong.

Since then, I've seen so many examples of a "gentle and quiet" spirit. It does not mean outward demeanor but rather, an inward restfulness. A cheerful, outgoing woman of God may have a "gentle and quiet" spirit. It is not the outward form only.

Today, I was reading a supplement to the Straits Times. Every Thursday, they have a fashion supplement called Urban. And generally, I like to read it for the fashion and the clothes.

Hmm.. God created shopping for us women to enjoy :) Although personally, I don't think God likes shopping much. Whenever I go shopping with Him, I find the stuff that I'm looking for real fast. And even when I insist to browse around and try out other clothes, I still come back to the first few that I tried on initially - just a side note. Maybe it's a male thing.. I don't know.. hahaha :D

Anyway, in today's Urban, they were talking about vagina surgery and breast reductions. I couldn't be bothered reading about the former.. but really! It must be quite unhealthy to be obsessed by the body only. I feel pity for them. Is this what life for them is boiled down to? An endless nitpicking on looks and microscopic examination on self?

Coming across these articles reminded me of how far Abba has brought me. From a mundane life to truly, LIFE! found in Him. I used to think life consisted of activities and activities and how many social engagements I have and how much fun I can have. But after all the busyness, and I'm alone by myself, deep within me I asked, "Is that all there is? Is life living one event to the next?"

Now, my soul satisfaction is found in Him. It's a state of INTENSE contentment, of quiet passion, a reservoir of strength and fulfillment - it's satisfaction regardless of circumstances and events. It is building, growing within, rather than social networking and doing.

Does it mean being a homebody?

By no means. I like to chill out, hang out with friends. Usually, I bring Jesus along or it's not quite as fun :D It's not so much a matter of conscious prayer. Just last night, I had a conversation with Him and I realised I haven't really spoken to Him for quite some time, in a known tongue. It was nice - and I felt it's okay 'cos He makes me aware of Him all the time.

You know, it's like a couple who's really busy. But it's those many eye-contacts during the day, it's like the reassuring touch on the arm, the hold of the hand, the quick hug and brush of lips on the face. I think that's what we experience when my thoughts rest on Him at various times of the day.

And I have started praying in tongues again. I have zero self-discipline. Especially in my line of work when I'm my own boss, that's no good. But I've tried schedules and plans and goal-setting and I'm simply not motivated. Even regularly going to church and reading the bible and good Christian books doesn't cut it.

But somehow praying continuously in tongues bring me a peace and an unconscious (not even desire or want) automatic response to do the things that I'm supposed to do which I've procrastinated for so long. No logic behind it. But just letting Him take over and pray for me is far far easy than all the self-motivation "I must do this" psychology and "know thyself" personality tests (though interesting :)) can ever do for me.

God answers prayer

This is one of my favourite songs I loved to sing when I was in Fairfield Methodist Primary. I don't know whether I was saved yet, but it was chapel time.

Abba told me He enjoyed me singing to Him when I was a child, even though I didn't know the significance. Then, I see in my heart, like in a mini-vision - He brought me back to years before, when I was I think about 9 years young, bobbing about to the tune of this song and my Daddy, smiling happily along. :)



Have you ever talked to God above?
Tell Him that you need a friend to love
Pray in Jesus' name believing that
God answers prayer

Have you told Him all your cares and woes?
Every tiny little fear He knows
You can know He always hear and
He will answer prayer

Have you whispered in a crowd to Him
cried aloud when you're alone with Him
You don't have to pray out loud to Him
He knows your thoughts

On a lofty mountain peak He's there
In a meadow by a stream He's there
anywhere on earth you go
He's been there from the start

Find the answer in His Word, it's true
You'll be strong because He walks with you
By His faithfulness He changed you too
God answers prayer

Resist

I am writing this after reading Rebekah's blog.

Sometimes, when I look around and see sicknesses, especially in young children, I just hate the devil so much. He comes with misery and pain and suffering. I think when Jesus walked on earth, it pained him to see the blind, the lepers, people suffering. And I believed it angered Him very much also.

I HATE the devil and what he is doing. And I won't stand for it. And I know God Almighty won't stand for it. I know that he is a defeated foe. Only RESIST and he will FLEE.

You know what, the God of peace has already crushed him. Where? Under His feet, NO! It's under MY feet. The devil is already crushed by God under MY feet. (Romans 16:20) Don't take his filthy nonsense! He has NO authority over anything for you are the Lord's.

Touch not God's anointed. You know what Christians mean? It means the Anointed Ones.

The truth is that the power of darkness has NO power over us for we have been translated from darkness to light through Jesus Christ. For we have LIFE now through His death.

Let nothing that we see or hear convince us otherwise. And even through sufferings, let us cling on to this truth - that God loves, specifically, your child and He is more than able to rescue for He is the Lord that healeth.

Only stand fast on His Word. Where nothing seems to be happening and where our strength and our heart fails, where there is pain all around - yet we can have hope in the God who loves us, who has given Himself for us.

What's next?

Is Jesus coming back? Is the rapture coming soon?

Despite the events that are about the world today - and these may be signs.. it is my personal opinion, not yet.

Though I do believe that I will see the rapture in my lifetime and I will not see death. Somehow, the number 150 years comes to mind... :D hmmm...

After all, dear Moses lived to 120 years and he was under the old covenant. How much more glorious the ministry of the spirit is! The spirit that zoefies my mortal body. And restoration through Jesus Christ is far greater and above the position of the first Adam. And boy, he lived for over 900 years.

Why not soon?

Because the church is just beginning on it's transformation of glory! The last enemy to be put under our feet is death. So before that poverty, sickness would be replaced by health and wealth...

It is not that we have to see the results of the gospel to believe. We, in Christ, knows that all things are given, though not manifested. And we have to look at events beyond the finite constraints of time - for manifestation is only a matter of time. But believing the gospel, the good news of the peace and favour of God - that is the strength and assurance we have with Him.

And what is more sure through looking back at the cross, where God in human flesh, our saviour and lover, Jesus Christ hung. Sometimes I look at the depravity of sin and wonder how a holy God who knew no sin is able to take it on Himself. The savagery of His spiritual death far exceeds His physical one. The bible describes His death in the original as Jesus dying many deaths.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm untouchable by the things that happen in the world. Remember the seals in Revelation that God has redeemed me from? He loves me so much, how can He stand by and let worldly events or things take my life?

But even when I go through trials; yea, though I may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for He is with me. His rod and staff, they comfort me.

I just recall Caleb and Joshua, who had a different spirit. They saw the giants, and they were going to war. Did they not know that they may die in battle? But somehow, they were oblivious to these natural facts. Facts are not falsehood - it is something that people acknowledge as the truth because truth is perceived through their senses.

But we have been born-again. A new creation! There was something awesome that God created when Jesus died and rose again. Just as many many years ago, God breathed His breath and created man in His image and man sinned and that breath and image of God within them died. Now, as a new creation, something that was dead within us is born-again. We are no longer souls in a mortal body. But we're a tripartite being. Born-again of the Spirit of God, with a soul and a mortal body.

And perhaps even more mysteriously, not only of our own Spirit, but we are One with His Spirit. That it is Christ IN us NOW! Adam's spirit was alive and I believe his spirit and body was an image of God. How much more, even now, after the cross, where our spirit is not an image of God, but somehow, One with Him.

And as spirit beings, we perceive reality, and true perception of reality for a Christian is not through the mortal senses. But through the Spirit of God. It is not holy spirit goosebumps and weird vibes. I don't know, I'm still learning.

This I know, to bring every thought captive to the Word of God. To bring everything I observe and subject it to His Word, His truth. To know that only His Word is reality, even when it is contrary to what I see and feel.

I used to wonder about this verse which talks about crucifying the passions of the flesh. And I wondered whether a Christian life is 'passion-less' because the activities that I used to enjoy, I no longer do. Sometimes on TV, they have these appeals to charity, and I am not moved.

Abba loves me with a passion. I cannot fathom that I am passion-less just because I don't 'feel' it. Afterall, I am an offspring of God Himself, who is love. And if I ever doubt about the passion of God, I just have to meditate on the manner of His death. Knowing truely, how Jesus suffered for love for us, who can ever doubt His passion or His love for me?

In fact, I don't 'feel' a lot of things. And when I erupt, I cool down real fast. When the holy spirit teaches me, He'll not be pointing his finger at me and saying, "You should do this". In fact, most of the times, I would look at myself (mistake! Nothing good comes with looking at myself) and say "I should..." In fact, He just writes His laws on my heart and then I desire to do something. Like desiring to apologise! In the past, that would have been an ego hurdle.

It's wonderful to be able to complain to God. Sometimes when I'm so angry, I just want to spew venom and use words to cut the person who makes me mad, I need to take that step of faith and quickly leave the room before I say things that I regret. I go lock myself in my own room and vent at Abba. And sometimes words in a known tongue are so limited and not very nice to hear..and there I am spluttering with anger (thank God! these incidents are very few nowadays..)

Well, I don't know whether it's PC or not, but I'll complain to God in tongues. I can just talk and talk in an angry tone in tongues and it's very eloquent. (honestly, it sounds pretty good. Like I'm giving a speech or something.. hahaha) I don't know what I am saying. I know that in an unknown tongue I speak to God, and not me, but my spirit prays. (prayer is talking to God) But at least even though I am praying through my flesh, it's the holy spirit that is praying. And I cool down after a while, and then think to myself, "Gee, what's the big deal?"

I totally veered off the topic of 'What's next?'

Hmmm... no matter what, I know He loves me. I went to Comex last Sunday and participated in 2 blessed draws. Anyway, one of the prize was a PDA and I wanted it. So of course I asked Dad, "Abba, I really want the PDA. I want it." And well, I know that He is rich and He loves me, so hey, why not?

Well, I didn't get the PDA. And of course I was disappointed. Okay, this is a small incident, but Abba always speaks to me through small incidents of everyday life. So at this point I can ask, "Why Abba?" I didn't verbally, but in my heart, yes, sure, I thought about it.

But you know what, whether or not He answered my prayer didn't really bother me. He didn't have to give me a PDA to show that He loves me and hears my prayer. He has demonstrated His love for me when He sent His only beloved Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for me. Looking at the cross is more certain than if His love depends on the things that He can give me now. Of course, I believe that if I didn't get the PDA, He has something better in mind for me. He's so in love with me what! And I'm not saying that flippantly. He really loves me very much!

I just draw this analogy to what happened in New Orleans where some people was asking how God can let this happen to Christians? The implicit accusation underlying this is "God, if You loved them, You would have rescued them."

His love is already demonstrated on the cross.

And, my own opinion again, I personally believe, how much God can move depends on one's revelation of one's authority in Christ. This world is a fallen world. And although many people say God is in control, it is my view that God is in control only over His covenant people. All authority on heaven and earth, all power over principalities is given over to Jesus. And Jesus has given it to His church. That is why there is something about prayer that 'allows' God to move. I believe that prayer is activating the blood covenant that Almighty God has with me. Also, the Word says to speak to the mountain. Sure, you can talk to God about your problem, but the Word says, you speak to the mountain. Children of God, you have the authority. How many of us knows that?

It is something powerful when we know who we are in Christ - I believe that even if I were in New Orleans, somehow my Abba would have gotten me out of there. As Christ is, so am I in this world. Are they not all ministering spirits sent to serve the heirs of salvation?

So even if I refuse to heed Him and disobeyed, am I so powerful that my act of disobedience is able to thwart His plan for me, His power to save me even from the follies of my own actions? God makes all things, good and bad, work for good, for those who love Him.

I believe the phrase "for those who love Him" - I know it seems dependent on how much we love God. But how do we love God? This is love, not that we love Him, but that He loved us, and sent His son as a propitiation for our sins.

We can't love Him on our own. Man tried to for 2000 years. But there's only one Man who could love God with all His heart, all His soul and all His might, and was able to keep the entirety of the law.

So we love God only through a heart revelation of His love for us. So that even the love we love Him with, is fueled by His love for us and not our own love. For God is love. And how do we 'get' this revelation?

How did David know that God is love? He spoke after His loving kindness which is better than life? How did this lad (afterwards a King of Judah and Israel) who lived under the old covenant knew about God's love?

Why, he was a shepherd who walked in the meadows, tending his sheep. Not much of a career when you think about it... but in the midst of that, he just enjoyed talking to God and worshipping Him. I suppose for us today, it's taking time to walk and talk with Him, like when He used to walk with man in the Garden.

I liked what Pastor said. "We have coffee with friends but do you know that God wants to coffee with you. And you know what, when you talk to God, He talks back! And boy, does He have things to say."

Remember, the devil goes about LIKE a roaring lion. He is known as the accusor of the brethren. Your Dad has more class than to point fingers. All your sins (past, present and FUTURE) have been punished in the body of His Son, so that He is now, righteous and just to remember our sins no more because Jesus did a finished work.

Now, I come boldly to the throne of grace to have coffee with Abba. To sit at His feet and perhaps daydream. And allow Him to hold my hand and to look into the eyes of my Beloved and well, simply to R&R in His love for me. Today, it's like a warm blanket. On other days, it seems like crashing into the waves of His love.

Who have I in heaven but You? There is none like You. There is none I desire besides You.

God creates beauty

Yesterday, I was looking after some children. In came this rather frazzled parent with his child. They were of Middle-Eastern origin.

In Singapore, we're a multi-racial society. But middle-eastern is well, pretty 'exotic' He left his boy, a precocious, intelligent, active 4 year old who flittered from toy to toy.

Oh, I think it's so blessed to have children! They are a joy, and they remind me how to live life in unconscious enjoyment. We had a corner with a play stove and food. He had spent some time cooking, and as children were wont to do, got diverted and was playing 'chess' with me.

Suddenly, he got up and cried, "oh, oh, the food is burning, the food is burning!" And hurried over to his stove to check on the cooking! hahaha :D It was hilarious! I wonder how many times he observed his mum saying the same thing. Talk about a reality show. :)

I think children have that capacity to live life with glee. Wish we remember that! After all, we are sons of the Most High!

Anyway, later I found out that he was Turkish. I took a close look at father and son...

Have you ever thought, we are all human beings, with two eyes, ears, a nose and a mouth. Yet different, not only between the races but also individuals. We all look different but still beautiful.

Abba is so creative. And He creates beauty.

I'm a fan of sci-fiction, particularly Star Trek. And the aliens (or, like my Pastor likes to humorously call them, the 'ah-lians'.. local joke..) are so weird and quite ugly. In the bid to make different aliens, they create these beings with different skin colour, funny antennas, scaly skin etc...

Our imagination simply cannot compare with His.

With one single entity, the homosapiens, He has created a myriad of races, of colour and diversity using a single template. It is in the nuances - the shape of the eye, the colour of the hair, the skin shade, the intonation of voice; even culturally, in the physical facial and verbal expression and of shared values.

I think the beauty is all in the details. He pays such attention to details, much like delicate art. It's in all creation. In the freshness of flora, the abundant blueness of the sky, the tangy smell of rain, the comedic giraffes and elephants (who says God does not have a sense of humour?), the majesty of mountains and waterfalls and the serenity of a sunset.

I simply cannot comprehend that the world, with all it's wonders came out from some black hole or something. If one would take the time and simply contemplate a blade of grass or feel the caress of the wind, His presence and beauty would just seep through my consciousness. All creation shouts His name.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.

All things were created through Him and for Him.

And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

Colossians 1:15-17