It's enjoyable when you read books where the author is clearly a fan of the Word. Not presenting a stilted study but where he simply 'bubbles over' in sharing the Word.
So I was reading this book "Grace-based parenting" by Dr. Tim Kimmel where he mentions Romans 8 (which is also my favourite chapter in the bible)
"Everyone has favourite passages in the Bible. One of mine is the last part of Romans, chapter 8. Paul brings his powerful teaching on the grace of God to a crescendo. He talks of how grace helps us in our personal struggle with sin (Romans 7:7-25), how we can lead a victorious life through the power of God's Spririt (Romans 8:1-7), and of the future glory that awaits people who have taken part in the grace of God (Romans 8:18-27). Then it's as though he can't contain himself anymore, and he spills over with one of the most exciting passages of encouragement to people who hae received the grace-filled love of God. A sampling reminds us of the secure love that awaits people who have allowed Christ to change their lives.
[Savour the verses below.. :)]
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?....Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-32, 37-39)
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Have a cuppa
A little story I received from my e-mail group. :) A little something to think on...
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got
together to visit their old university Professor. Conversation soon
turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his
guests coffee, the Prof went to the kitchen and returned with a
large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic,
glass, some plain-looking and some expensive and exquisite, telling
them to help themselves to hot coffee. When all the students had a
cup of coffee in hand,the lecturer said "If you noticed, all the
nice-looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain
and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the
best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems
and stress. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup,
but you Consciously went for the better cups and are eyeing each
other's cups."
"Now, if Life is coffee, then the jobs, money and position in
society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life,
but the quality of Life doesn't change. "Sometimes, by
concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee in it."
So friend, don't let the cups drive you...enjoy the coffee instead.
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got
together to visit their old university Professor. Conversation soon
turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his
guests coffee, the Prof went to the kitchen and returned with a
large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic,
glass, some plain-looking and some expensive and exquisite, telling
them to help themselves to hot coffee. When all the students had a
cup of coffee in hand,the lecturer said "If you noticed, all the
nice-looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain
and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the
best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems
and stress. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup,
but you Consciously went for the better cups and are eyeing each
other's cups."
"Now, if Life is coffee, then the jobs, money and position in
society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life,
but the quality of Life doesn't change. "Sometimes, by
concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee in it."
So friend, don't let the cups drive you...enjoy the coffee instead.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Moving in
I've wanted to move out for some time. You know, do some growing up, have my own place - no more clashing with family members, absence makes the heart grow fonder and all that...
I was just reminded of this again when I was reading the papers. This lady was talking about the sterotype that good Chinese girls staying home. And about moving on - or in this case moving out.
Till recently (a month ago), I thought this way. I mean, it's time to learn to do my own laundry, cook my own food, mend my own clothes (we have a domestic helper at home). It's like "training" to be my own woman when I get married and all that. And moving myself away from available help make me learn these 'life skills' that I needed.
Well, some of you may know, my parents are looking for a place. We've sold off our family home here. There're 5 of us in the family (plus 1 for the maid). And dad and mum had a tough time trying to find an apartment with enough rooms for all of us.
Finally we shortlisted two. One was a flat, next to a plaza, windy, high floor, near bus-stops and interchange, but one bedroom short. But my sister and I are willing to share.
The other was a beautiful jumbo flat, very clean, windy area but out of the way with not many amenities.
Well we were discussing. And were split between the two. Of course, being siblings, we would prefer to have a room of our own instead of sharing - if we could. The former was very attractive and convenient.
And I was all for it. And at first my dad was all for it as well. Until I told him that we would "prefer" if we "could". It was not such a big thing and I was okay to share. But my dad said something which really moved me.
"You know I would give the moon to you all if I could," (wow, never thought my dad could say such a thing! He's such a traditional Chinese father, I thought!)
"of course, I want to give both of you separate rooms if I could, but the price offered is not reasonable." (the latter owner of the jumbo flat wanted to sell $30-40K above valuation)
I totally agreed with my dad. And insisted it was okay to get our first choice. There's no problem in my sister and myself sharing a room.
I thought it was settled.
Later on, I heard my dad talking over the phone with the agent. My dad has upped our offering price for the jumbo. Sigh.. touched :)
I never knew my dad cared so much about us. And I realised that parents do a lot of things out of love and we missed the point. Sometimes, it's good to say also 'cos children like myself are not very sharp in picking it up! :D
Always thought about moving out to get away from my demanding parents. I don't know why, with regards to my loved ones, that I used to have such a short fuse; or that I always have negative assumptions about them. I think it takes a certain level of self-awareness to realise that.
I thank God that he has changed me. And I've seen His hand on my family. Yesterday was one of the 'manifestation' of it - seeing how He is able to transform the hearts of my family members. And even mine too! I've become more tolerant and feel so much more love to them - compared to indifference 3 years ago!
I'm just full of gratitude for Abba that He has moved mightily and is doing great works here! I thank You Lord for the salavation already granted to my family! Your faithfulness Lord, Your faithfulness!
So, seeing how much love and care my parents had in picking just the right house, (they've been searching for 3 months and filled 4 notebooks with all the houses that were visited!) I no longer have a desire to move.
Anyway, move to what? To who?
I rather be able to come home after work and be able to talk to them, keep them company. I want to be more filial. Like learn how to boil nutricious soup for them and all. Buy their favourite cantonese opera songs etc..
I think cherishing one's family is very satisfying. :) I haven't done that enough. And I thank the Lord, really, I would have never thought of such a thing being so spoilt - I thank Abba God that it is through Him, that heaven can be, and is, a place on earth!
I was just reminded of this again when I was reading the papers. This lady was talking about the sterotype that good Chinese girls staying home. And about moving on - or in this case moving out.
Till recently (a month ago), I thought this way. I mean, it's time to learn to do my own laundry, cook my own food, mend my own clothes (we have a domestic helper at home). It's like "training" to be my own woman when I get married and all that. And moving myself away from available help make me learn these 'life skills' that I needed.
Well, some of you may know, my parents are looking for a place. We've sold off our family home here. There're 5 of us in the family (plus 1 for the maid). And dad and mum had a tough time trying to find an apartment with enough rooms for all of us.
Finally we shortlisted two. One was a flat, next to a plaza, windy, high floor, near bus-stops and interchange, but one bedroom short. But my sister and I are willing to share.
The other was a beautiful jumbo flat, very clean, windy area but out of the way with not many amenities.
Well we were discussing. And were split between the two. Of course, being siblings, we would prefer to have a room of our own instead of sharing - if we could. The former was very attractive and convenient.
And I was all for it. And at first my dad was all for it as well. Until I told him that we would "prefer" if we "could". It was not such a big thing and I was okay to share. But my dad said something which really moved me.
"You know I would give the moon to you all if I could," (wow, never thought my dad could say such a thing! He's such a traditional Chinese father, I thought!)
"of course, I want to give both of you separate rooms if I could, but the price offered is not reasonable." (the latter owner of the jumbo flat wanted to sell $30-40K above valuation)
I totally agreed with my dad. And insisted it was okay to get our first choice. There's no problem in my sister and myself sharing a room.
I thought it was settled.
Later on, I heard my dad talking over the phone with the agent. My dad has upped our offering price for the jumbo. Sigh.. touched :)
I never knew my dad cared so much about us. And I realised that parents do a lot of things out of love and we missed the point. Sometimes, it's good to say also 'cos children like myself are not very sharp in picking it up! :D
Always thought about moving out to get away from my demanding parents. I don't know why, with regards to my loved ones, that I used to have such a short fuse; or that I always have negative assumptions about them. I think it takes a certain level of self-awareness to realise that.
I thank God that he has changed me. And I've seen His hand on my family. Yesterday was one of the 'manifestation' of it - seeing how He is able to transform the hearts of my family members. And even mine too! I've become more tolerant and feel so much more love to them - compared to indifference 3 years ago!
I'm just full of gratitude for Abba that He has moved mightily and is doing great works here! I thank You Lord for the salavation already granted to my family! Your faithfulness Lord, Your faithfulness!
So, seeing how much love and care my parents had in picking just the right house, (they've been searching for 3 months and filled 4 notebooks with all the houses that were visited!) I no longer have a desire to move.
Anyway, move to what? To who?
I rather be able to come home after work and be able to talk to them, keep them company. I want to be more filial. Like learn how to boil nutricious soup for them and all. Buy their favourite cantonese opera songs etc..
I think cherishing one's family is very satisfying. :) I haven't done that enough. And I thank the Lord, really, I would have never thought of such a thing being so spoilt - I thank Abba God that it is through Him, that heaven can be, and is, a place on earth!
Friday, March 03, 2006
No sweat - part 1
Pastor continued his series on the priest's garments for bible study tonight. This time, it was not the High Priest (Aaron), but the garments worn by Aaron's sons. Here are my notes for today. Lots of food for thought. I'm going to divide it into 3 parts for easy reading. Be blessed!
Revelation 1:5-6
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen
This passage tells us we are kings and priests! That's our identity today.
I also love the beauty of this passage. See how John writes it. "To Him who loved us" how? He "washed us from our sins" in the giving of Himself, "in His own blood."
"To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood"
The passage below describes the garments of Aaron's sons.
Note that today, Jesus is our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7,9) and we are the priests (not high priests) - like the sons of Aaron. So it behooves us to see the new testament significance of the garments that Aaron's sons wore.
Exodus 28:39-43
39 “You shall skillfully weave the tunic of fine linen thread, you shall make the turban of fine linen, and you shall make the sash of woven work.
40 “For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics, and you shall make sashes for them. And you shall make hats for them, for glory and beauty.
41 So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests.
42 And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.
43 They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, that they do not incur iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his descendants after him.
and also in Exodues 39:27-29 which similarly describes that the garments won by the priests were linen.
Linen is a light material as we all know. Contrast wool. It's a material particularly when one wants to keep cool. It is designed to 'minimise' sweating. The significance here is that God does not want, the priests in serving Him, to have any element of human sweat.
Ezekiel 44:17-18
And it shall be, whenever they enter the gates of the inner court, that they shall put on linen garments; no wool shall come upon them while they minister within the gates of the inner court or within the house. They shall have linen turbans on their heads and linen trousers on their bodies; they shall not clothe themselves with anything that causes sweat.
Why? Because sweat is a curse (Genesis 3:19) It speaks of man's effort before God, least man should boast. [even in the construction of the tabernacle, it was the Holy Spirit who came upon the craftmen]
God wants us to depend on Him. To rest in Him. (Note that rest is not inactivity. It is Holy Spirit directed activity)
Below, we see that the elders are sitting, a position of rest.
Revelation 4:4
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
Sitting honours God because we esteem the perfect work on His Son on the cross for us.
The number 24 may be an actual number but it may be symbolic. Pastor submitted that it refers to the God's people in the old testament (the 12 tribes of Israel) and the gentiles in the new.
Elders does not refer to age. It refers to Christians who are mature in the Lord. And those who are mature (not dependent on age or how long one has been a Christian) are the ones with a righteousness-consciousness. [1 John 2 identifies that there are different stages of development in the Lord - children, fathers and young men]
Revelation 1:5-6
and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen
This passage tells us we are kings and priests! That's our identity today.
I also love the beauty of this passage. See how John writes it. "To Him who loved us" how? He "washed us from our sins" in the giving of Himself, "in His own blood."
"To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood"
The passage below describes the garments of Aaron's sons.
Note that today, Jesus is our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7,9) and we are the priests (not high priests) - like the sons of Aaron. So it behooves us to see the new testament significance of the garments that Aaron's sons wore.
Exodus 28:39-43
39 “You shall skillfully weave the tunic of fine linen thread, you shall make the turban of fine linen, and you shall make the sash of woven work.
40 “For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics, and you shall make sashes for them. And you shall make hats for them, for glory and beauty.
41 So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests.
42 And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs.
43 They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, that they do not incur iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his descendants after him.
and also in Exodues 39:27-29 which similarly describes that the garments won by the priests were linen.
Linen is a light material as we all know. Contrast wool. It's a material particularly when one wants to keep cool. It is designed to 'minimise' sweating. The significance here is that God does not want, the priests in serving Him, to have any element of human sweat.
Ezekiel 44:17-18
And it shall be, whenever they enter the gates of the inner court, that they shall put on linen garments; no wool shall come upon them while they minister within the gates of the inner court or within the house. They shall have linen turbans on their heads and linen trousers on their bodies; they shall not clothe themselves with anything that causes sweat.
Why? Because sweat is a curse (Genesis 3:19) It speaks of man's effort before God, least man should boast. [even in the construction of the tabernacle, it was the Holy Spirit who came upon the craftmen]
God wants us to depend on Him. To rest in Him. (Note that rest is not inactivity. It is Holy Spirit directed activity)
Below, we see that the elders are sitting, a position of rest.
Revelation 4:4
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.
Sitting honours God because we esteem the perfect work on His Son on the cross for us.
The number 24 may be an actual number but it may be symbolic. Pastor submitted that it refers to the God's people in the old testament (the 12 tribes of Israel) and the gentiles in the new.
Elders does not refer to age. It refers to Christians who are mature in the Lord. And those who are mature (not dependent on age or how long one has been a Christian) are the ones with a righteousness-consciousness. [1 John 2 identifies that there are different stages of development in the Lord - children, fathers and young men]
No sweat - part 2
Whenever temptation succeeds, it's a case of mistaken identity.
Whenever we sin, or are tempted, it's because we've forgotten who we are. Beloved of the Lord, unconditionally accepted. The righteousness of God in Christ. We have lost that consciousness of how glorious we are in Christ; that we are royalty and we did not stoop down.
Royalty gives.
Not only in terms of monetarily, but of the giving of oneself without expectation of return. And the giving is not because it is a good or Christian thing to do, but because there is a holy joy there. It becomes unconscious that you're 'doing good' but that it stems from a nature of BEING. Being a king, far above petty squabbles and all, and giving from that largeness of heart because it's the natural thing to do, like breathing. And this giving stems from being secure in that identification with Christ.
I also feel that one must be able to receive graciously as well. In fact, the best givers are the best receivors of God's grace and mercy, giving out of the fullness of the spirit.
And why not receive from men too? None of this Chinese pai seh attitude! :D God will bless those who bless you! And elsewhere, it is more blessed to give than to receive!
Revelation 19:8 (KJV)
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
fine linen = righteousness of the saints
We are saints not because of what we do, but because of what Christ did. God has imputed His righteouness on us (Romans 4)
[note that in the NKJV version, it talks about the 'acts' of righteousness. I personally prefer the KJV version because seems to suggest working to attain the righteousness that God has already imputed to us.]
Learn to live in the present. (Matthew 6)
You know, when you love someone, you don't want them to worry. And oft-times, we worry about things that may not even happen. Elsewhere, the bible says, "Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Out of the blue, Pastor mentioned:-
Nothing is more attractive than a man who has strength under control.
There's something about a man, holding back for a lady. Ladies do get intrigued too! Depth to explore and love. Strength to trust and protect.
Whenever we sin, or are tempted, it's because we've forgotten who we are. Beloved of the Lord, unconditionally accepted. The righteousness of God in Christ. We have lost that consciousness of how glorious we are in Christ; that we are royalty and we did not stoop down.
Royalty gives.
Not only in terms of monetarily, but of the giving of oneself without expectation of return. And the giving is not because it is a good or Christian thing to do, but because there is a holy joy there. It becomes unconscious that you're 'doing good' but that it stems from a nature of BEING. Being a king, far above petty squabbles and all, and giving from that largeness of heart because it's the natural thing to do, like breathing. And this giving stems from being secure in that identification with Christ.
I also feel that one must be able to receive graciously as well. In fact, the best givers are the best receivors of God's grace and mercy, giving out of the fullness of the spirit.
And why not receive from men too? None of this Chinese pai seh attitude! :D God will bless those who bless you! And elsewhere, it is more blessed to give than to receive!
Revelation 19:8 (KJV)
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
fine linen = righteousness of the saints
We are saints not because of what we do, but because of what Christ did. God has imputed His righteouness on us (Romans 4)
[note that in the NKJV version, it talks about the 'acts' of righteousness. I personally prefer the KJV version because seems to suggest working to attain the righteousness that God has already imputed to us.]
Learn to live in the present. (Matthew 6)
You know, when you love someone, you don't want them to worry. And oft-times, we worry about things that may not even happen. Elsewhere, the bible says, "Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Out of the blue, Pastor mentioned:-
Nothing is more attractive than a man who has strength under control.
There's something about a man, holding back for a lady. Ladies do get intrigued too! Depth to explore and love. Strength to trust and protect.
No sweat - part 3
On blessings:-
Look to the Lord. Because if you don't look to the Lord, where do you look for your blessings? Yourself? If so, you shall produce results by your sweat (with stress and anxiety)
No, I look to the Lord. I want the Lord's blessings!
What does the bible say about a bless-me! prayer?
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez,saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.
Indeed, the only thing that was recorded of Jabez was his prayer.
And how does God described him? That he was more honourable than his brothers.
Why?
He was more honourable because he looked to God.
And what happened?
God granted him what he requested.
What grieves the Lord?
Luke 19:41-42
Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
When we don't know what makes for our shalom.
According to Strong's concordance, peace is eirene [1515]
1) a state of national tranquillity
a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war
2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
4) of the Messiah's peace
a) the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death
What grieves the Lord today is when we don't know what our inheritance is. Think about it. God so loved us, He gave His only begotten Son for us. Jesus so loved us, that He chose to die on the cross for us. And through His death, God, through the Holy Spirit, so loved us, that He never wants to be separated from us and makes His abode within us. If God is for us, who can be against us? And yet, we are blinded, yet we struggle - we come so close to Life itself, only to turn away, as if we were orphans when Christ has come and through His death, given us everything, reconciled us to God, given us the spirit of sonship!
Philippians 2:13
for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Accept the REALITY, that it is God working IN you. Know that! He is the one working in me the willingness and the performance of whatever I do.
God's commandments in the new testament are all His enable-ments.
How?
It is not us doing it! Read the above again! It is God working in us!
Colossians 1:27-29
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
Don't even try to love. Because it's you who's trying. And you're not 'Love'.
Boy, do I know what that means. When I try to love someone, it becomes an obligation. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm rude to that someone, but I just accept the fact that I don't like the person at all. And when I let go of 'trying', I slowly feel compassion for him and her.
"A child needs to feel. You are not a child anymore."
I felt that the Lord was firmly telling me this. Actually, it means something else to me. Maybe I'll share it some other time.
Meditate (speak it out, mutter): God is working in me. (emphasis on different word each time)
My heart gave a thrill when Pastor observed in the auditorium that "it sounds like an army is being prepared." I feel the tremble, and soon it will be time. When the sons of Man will rise. The Shekeniah glory of God is returning to His church. An army arises to face a defeated foe. When the sons of El-Shaddai would come into a full revelation of their inheritance, wielding the spirit as a sword, they shall take command and put to flight the works of the evil one. An army is prepared! Can you hear the awe? Can you taste their fright? An army is prepared, heralding the return of the King of kings!
1 John 2:27
But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
The anointing is already abiding in me. Anointing = present continuous.
The power of God working in me mightily.
As Christ is, so am I.
Greater things than this shall you do when I go back to my Father.
Give me boldness in this day Lord! I walk victoriously because of You!
Look to the Lord. Because if you don't look to the Lord, where do you look for your blessings? Yourself? If so, you shall produce results by your sweat (with stress and anxiety)
No, I look to the Lord. I want the Lord's blessings!
What does the bible say about a bless-me! prayer?
1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez,saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.
Indeed, the only thing that was recorded of Jabez was his prayer.
And how does God described him? That he was more honourable than his brothers.
Why?
He was more honourable because he looked to God.
And what happened?
God granted him what he requested.
What grieves the Lord?
Luke 19:41-42
Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
When we don't know what makes for our shalom.
According to Strong's concordance, peace is eirene [1515]
1) a state of national tranquillity
a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war
2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord
3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)
4) of the Messiah's peace
a) the way that leads to peace (salvation)
5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is
6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death
What grieves the Lord today is when we don't know what our inheritance is. Think about it. God so loved us, He gave His only begotten Son for us. Jesus so loved us, that He chose to die on the cross for us. And through His death, God, through the Holy Spirit, so loved us, that He never wants to be separated from us and makes His abode within us. If God is for us, who can be against us? And yet, we are blinded, yet we struggle - we come so close to Life itself, only to turn away, as if we were orphans when Christ has come and through His death, given us everything, reconciled us to God, given us the spirit of sonship!
Philippians 2:13
for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Accept the REALITY, that it is God working IN you. Know that! He is the one working in me the willingness and the performance of whatever I do.
God's commandments in the new testament are all His enable-ments.
How?
It is not us doing it! Read the above again! It is God working in us!
Colossians 1:27-29
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
Don't even try to love. Because it's you who's trying. And you're not 'Love'.
Boy, do I know what that means. When I try to love someone, it becomes an obligation. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm rude to that someone, but I just accept the fact that I don't like the person at all. And when I let go of 'trying', I slowly feel compassion for him and her.
"A child needs to feel. You are not a child anymore."
I felt that the Lord was firmly telling me this. Actually, it means something else to me. Maybe I'll share it some other time.
Meditate (speak it out, mutter): God is working in me. (emphasis on different word each time)
My heart gave a thrill when Pastor observed in the auditorium that "it sounds like an army is being prepared." I feel the tremble, and soon it will be time. When the sons of Man will rise. The Shekeniah glory of God is returning to His church. An army arises to face a defeated foe. When the sons of El-Shaddai would come into a full revelation of their inheritance, wielding the spirit as a sword, they shall take command and put to flight the works of the evil one. An army is prepared! Can you hear the awe? Can you taste their fright? An army is prepared, heralding the return of the King of kings!
1 John 2:27
But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
The anointing is already abiding in me. Anointing = present continuous.
The power of God working in me mightily.
As Christ is, so am I.
Greater things than this shall you do when I go back to my Father.
Give me boldness in this day Lord! I walk victoriously because of You!
Heart of worship
Today, a sister was sharing with me something about worship.
Where is God now? God is at Mount Zion.
And in His presence there is joy ever lasting.
So when we're feeling blah and down, what do we do? When there is an absence of His presence? Or when we're feeling condemned etc..
Well, God has moved! He's no longer at Mount Sinai.
Hebrews 12:22-23
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect
We've been well taught enough to know that He's not there any longer but at Mount Zion. So here, we are, at the foot of Mount Zion, with the cares of the world upon our shoulders.
And we worship. When we worship and speak forth, we focus our attention on the Lord. When we focus our attention as we worship and speak forth, and confess the Word in the midst of our worship, we speak life.
Slowly, worship creates a buoyancy in the spirit. Where one was once low and down, worship lifts the spirit up up and up to Mount Zion. There, in His presence.
Another thing my sister shared, which I felt is so good...
That worship ploughs the heart.
Yes, you read it right!
You know how the Word falls onto different ground, like a seed.
Well, for best results, the farmer ploughs the land before scattering the seeds. And worship does that! It softens the heart; it prepares a tender heart, a fertile heart, a readied heart for the Word of life!
Yes, isn't that so true?
So now, before I read the bible, I shall come before the Lord, in quietness, in obedience, in worship. And let Him tenderly minister to me. And allow myself to draw near to His presence in worship and open my heart to the zoe life, and saving power of His Word, and exalt in it taking deep root within my soul, renewing my mind.
Where is God now? God is at Mount Zion.
And in His presence there is joy ever lasting.
So when we're feeling blah and down, what do we do? When there is an absence of His presence? Or when we're feeling condemned etc..
Well, God has moved! He's no longer at Mount Sinai.
Hebrews 12:22-23
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect
We've been well taught enough to know that He's not there any longer but at Mount Zion. So here, we are, at the foot of Mount Zion, with the cares of the world upon our shoulders.
And we worship. When we worship and speak forth, we focus our attention on the Lord. When we focus our attention as we worship and speak forth, and confess the Word in the midst of our worship, we speak life.
Slowly, worship creates a buoyancy in the spirit. Where one was once low and down, worship lifts the spirit up up and up to Mount Zion. There, in His presence.
Another thing my sister shared, which I felt is so good...
That worship ploughs the heart.
Yes, you read it right!
You know how the Word falls onto different ground, like a seed.
Well, for best results, the farmer ploughs the land before scattering the seeds. And worship does that! It softens the heart; it prepares a tender heart, a fertile heart, a readied heart for the Word of life!
Yes, isn't that so true?
So now, before I read the bible, I shall come before the Lord, in quietness, in obedience, in worship. And let Him tenderly minister to me. And allow myself to draw near to His presence in worship and open my heart to the zoe life, and saving power of His Word, and exalt in it taking deep root within my soul, renewing my mind.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
A conversation
Abba,
O Lord, what can I write?
I don't know how You put up with my disobedience. I'm so stubborn. I'm just like a petulant child, demanding that You need to put the desires in my heart.
But is it wrong Lord? My Abba. I feel like I'm taking advantage of Your love for me. Always counting on You to rescue me. Knowing of Your goodness. And everytime You do, I just feel so loved and thankful. And then I make the same mistake again. And I don't like it at all!
But I'm still like that child, refusing to budge. Wassup man?!
I haven't been eating well. I think. I've been listening and feeding on the sermons. But I missed the reading. I missed feeling having Your precious seeds fall on a fertile tender heart, hungry for Your Word. At times, I feel like, "hey, I know this already." But I don't right? Or else I wouldn't be writing like this.
I know You Lord. I know You love me. And I'm so glad that You reassure me so many times. But Lord, what's next? What's the next step? What does it mean to flow with You? To soar upon eagle's wings - 'cos right now I feel like I'm just perching.
I'm grumpy Abba. Just plain grumpy. Not angry - that's too tiring. And I'm glad I can be grumpy with You. That I can be free to be myself with You. But Abba, it's so unexciting to be grumpy.
I remember the thrill of being in love. Yes Lord, hooked on love. Madly in love with Jesus. And this thing about being married to Him - well, I want to feel the romance everyday!
And there's nothing to do but allow You to love me? The thing is Lord, I don't allow You enough. I just can't quiet myself and fix my mind, my heart, my soul on You. Even being so close to You, You just awe me You know. I'm not complaining. I love it when You touch my heart, say that You love me... I guess I have this secret fear.. what if one day I come, and I just don't feel anything? So I'm apprehensive to come into Your presence. Silly right?
Sometimes I feel so young. Like You know so much. And I'm just a child. And sometimes I feel that I have to grow up. Be responsible etc... but there's nothing more that I want to do than depend on You. Is that the struggle of the flesh? And then I go the other extreme...
Abba, feed me more! I know You are good. You are just pouring something into my spirit, and it's frustrating because I don't understand yet. Does it make sense to You? I know it does.. You know everything.
Tell me again. How do You see me?
As a beloved daughter. Beautiful and pure. Honoured and gifted. Endowed with healing hands and anointed. Wearing the mantle of a priest and the crown of royalty. Carrying Your glory. Holding the sceptor. Commanding, decreeing, words of life proceeding. Favoured, a shining destiny. A retinue of angels, ministering spirits sent forth to minister to the heirs of this world. More than a conqueror. In Christ. Seated at the right hand. Close to the Father's heart. Hidden in His bosom. Precious. Treasured. Deeply loved. Inseparable. Ever in My thoughts.
Abba, Your affirming words gives me rest. I am not ashamed to come to You to be washed from the weariness of the world. Apart from You I am dry Lord. Intellectual pursuits is no substitute for Your living waters.
Thank You Lord for Your peace that guards my heart. That keeps You in my mind. You are the one that is holding on to me. You'll never let me out of Your sight. You make sure that I don't stray away from You.
I didn't forget Lord. That day, that prayer I made, walking up that slope on the way home. I just knew You Abba, as really, my Daddy. And I remembered telling You that You have all the keys to my heart, my mind, my soul, my life. That I've given it all to You. I know You have brought that memory in remembrance. I remember what You said, how You felt. You were moved. You said You loved me and I felt Your embrace. When I said that Abba, I was afraid. Afraid to be apart from You like I was before. And finding You, knowing You Jesus, I never wanted to be apart again. And I was afraid that one day, I would leave You. But You reassured me. You'll never let me part from You ever ever ever again. How precious I am to You my Lord!
I love talking to You Abba. It's been such a long time since we had such a heart to heart chat aside from the hurried one-liners that I toss towards You at other times.
Thank You for blessing my family with choices for a new place. Suddenly, we get bigger places at lower prices, and it just keeps coming, and I know that it's You Abba.
I hope I can sit still and just let You love me.
Why do men labout to enter the rest?
I just want more, more of You Jesus. More revelation of You Jesus. I'm just so hungry for You right now. And You are just so generous in the giving of Yourself.
I love You, I love You, I love You!
You're cool Man! You're just so great! Saviour, Lord, King! and Mine!
I love it! I love being able to come into Your presence freely and unload my baggage on You. You love me so much You take all my crap. I still wonder at times, why You love me so much. I know.. You just do right?
Ah.. Lord! It's Your goodness that leads me to repentence!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever! Excellent! Eternity!
You're such a wonderful, great, swell Dad! I just want to love You more!
Ciao. Night. Sleep. Luv Ya! Luv ya, luv ya, luv ya!
Oh, You fill me up until I want to be like David, dancing with all His might before the Ark. I want to do cartwheels until I am exhausted! Hahahahahaha... You have put the smile back onto my face my Love!
Okay, really now, good night Darling!
O Lord, what can I write?
I don't know how You put up with my disobedience. I'm so stubborn. I'm just like a petulant child, demanding that You need to put the desires in my heart.
But is it wrong Lord? My Abba. I feel like I'm taking advantage of Your love for me. Always counting on You to rescue me. Knowing of Your goodness. And everytime You do, I just feel so loved and thankful. And then I make the same mistake again. And I don't like it at all!
But I'm still like that child, refusing to budge. Wassup man?!
I haven't been eating well. I think. I've been listening and feeding on the sermons. But I missed the reading. I missed feeling having Your precious seeds fall on a fertile tender heart, hungry for Your Word. At times, I feel like, "hey, I know this already." But I don't right? Or else I wouldn't be writing like this.
I know You Lord. I know You love me. And I'm so glad that You reassure me so many times. But Lord, what's next? What's the next step? What does it mean to flow with You? To soar upon eagle's wings - 'cos right now I feel like I'm just perching.
I'm grumpy Abba. Just plain grumpy. Not angry - that's too tiring. And I'm glad I can be grumpy with You. That I can be free to be myself with You. But Abba, it's so unexciting to be grumpy.
I remember the thrill of being in love. Yes Lord, hooked on love. Madly in love with Jesus. And this thing about being married to Him - well, I want to feel the romance everyday!
And there's nothing to do but allow You to love me? The thing is Lord, I don't allow You enough. I just can't quiet myself and fix my mind, my heart, my soul on You. Even being so close to You, You just awe me You know. I'm not complaining. I love it when You touch my heart, say that You love me... I guess I have this secret fear.. what if one day I come, and I just don't feel anything? So I'm apprehensive to come into Your presence. Silly right?
Sometimes I feel so young. Like You know so much. And I'm just a child. And sometimes I feel that I have to grow up. Be responsible etc... but there's nothing more that I want to do than depend on You. Is that the struggle of the flesh? And then I go the other extreme...
Abba, feed me more! I know You are good. You are just pouring something into my spirit, and it's frustrating because I don't understand yet. Does it make sense to You? I know it does.. You know everything.
Tell me again. How do You see me?
As a beloved daughter. Beautiful and pure. Honoured and gifted. Endowed with healing hands and anointed. Wearing the mantle of a priest and the crown of royalty. Carrying Your glory. Holding the sceptor. Commanding, decreeing, words of life proceeding. Favoured, a shining destiny. A retinue of angels, ministering spirits sent forth to minister to the heirs of this world. More than a conqueror. In Christ. Seated at the right hand. Close to the Father's heart. Hidden in His bosom. Precious. Treasured. Deeply loved. Inseparable. Ever in My thoughts.
Abba, Your affirming words gives me rest. I am not ashamed to come to You to be washed from the weariness of the world. Apart from You I am dry Lord. Intellectual pursuits is no substitute for Your living waters.
Thank You Lord for Your peace that guards my heart. That keeps You in my mind. You are the one that is holding on to me. You'll never let me out of Your sight. You make sure that I don't stray away from You.
I didn't forget Lord. That day, that prayer I made, walking up that slope on the way home. I just knew You Abba, as really, my Daddy. And I remembered telling You that You have all the keys to my heart, my mind, my soul, my life. That I've given it all to You. I know You have brought that memory in remembrance. I remember what You said, how You felt. You were moved. You said You loved me and I felt Your embrace. When I said that Abba, I was afraid. Afraid to be apart from You like I was before. And finding You, knowing You Jesus, I never wanted to be apart again. And I was afraid that one day, I would leave You. But You reassured me. You'll never let me part from You ever ever ever again. How precious I am to You my Lord!
I love talking to You Abba. It's been such a long time since we had such a heart to heart chat aside from the hurried one-liners that I toss towards You at other times.
Thank You for blessing my family with choices for a new place. Suddenly, we get bigger places at lower prices, and it just keeps coming, and I know that it's You Abba.
I hope I can sit still and just let You love me.
Why do men labout to enter the rest?
I just want more, more of You Jesus. More revelation of You Jesus. I'm just so hungry for You right now. And You are just so generous in the giving of Yourself.
I love You, I love You, I love You!
You're cool Man! You're just so great! Saviour, Lord, King! and Mine!
I love it! I love being able to come into Your presence freely and unload my baggage on You. You love me so much You take all my crap. I still wonder at times, why You love me so much. I know.. You just do right?
Ah.. Lord! It's Your goodness that leads me to repentence!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever! Excellent! Eternity!
You're such a wonderful, great, swell Dad! I just want to love You more!
Ciao. Night. Sleep. Luv Ya! Luv ya, luv ya, luv ya!
Oh, You fill me up until I want to be like David, dancing with all His might before the Ark. I want to do cartwheels until I am exhausted! Hahahahahaha... You have put the smile back onto my face my Love!
Okay, really now, good night Darling!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
1994 Inaugural Speech
I typed this out about 2 years ago and found it in a file recently. It's one of my favourite quotes of all time.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darknes, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around us.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone of us.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Nelson Mandela, in this 1994 Inaugural Speech
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darknes, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around us.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone of us.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Nelson Mandela, in this 1994 Inaugural Speech
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Wedding
There's something about weddings and love songs that moves me.. :)
Was at a wedding dinner tonight and they had this song playing. Had a ring on my finger and it felt like my Beloved expressing the same sentiments as the words of this song. Yes, it's romantic... but it's more than that. Sigh...I felt swept away and so satisfied and secure and safe as they played this song and I heard His heart as He sang this just for me. :)
If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long
With you I see forever oh so clearly
I might have been in love before
But it never felt this strong
Our dreams are young
And we both know they'll take us
Where we want to go
Hold me now
Touch me now
I don't want to live without you
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
If the road ahead is not so easy,
Our love will lead the way for us
Like a guiding star
I'll be there for you if you should need me
You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
from the song "Nothing's gonna change my love for you" by Glenn Medeiros
Thoughts running through my mind:-
I don't want to live without you
Jesus chose to stay. When the soldiers came to arrest Him, He could have called angels to help him (Matthew 26:53) If He had gone back, He would have returned to the Father but without His bride.
I'm reminded of a scene in The Passion as Jesus, His back already scourged, was handed the cross. Someone mocked Him (paraphrasing), "Look! This guy's crazy. He's embracing the cross." I believe that happened (even though it was not recorded in the bible). I believe that as He struggled physically to carry the cross, He knew the end was near. He embraced the cross because He saw us. Finally. Reconciled. His.
He went to the cross because He didn't want to live the rest of eternity, without His bride, me.
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
What security! Nothing! ever!
You ought know by now how much I love you
See how He reassures me? He doesn't take me for granted even though He's God :) And I think, perhaps, a little exasperated here. Oh, He feels as we do. Love, joy, sorrow, regret, pain, jealous and yes, exasperation! But still, He's here!
I'll never ask for more than your love
It's not about earning His love. Sometimes I wonder, that's all You want? My love? Who am I that You should desire me? Ask me for my love? Court me? Pursue me?
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
Wow, to see forever. Forever with Him! To see beyond! Dream beyond.. He'll help me... setting eternity in my heart. I wonder then if I understand. And I didn't care whether I understood or not. I just wanted to enjoy Him and follow Him for He loves me!
Was at a wedding dinner tonight and they had this song playing. Had a ring on my finger and it felt like my Beloved expressing the same sentiments as the words of this song. Yes, it's romantic... but it's more than that. Sigh...I felt swept away and so satisfied and secure and safe as they played this song and I heard His heart as He sang this just for me. :)
If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long
With you I see forever oh so clearly
I might have been in love before
But it never felt this strong
Our dreams are young
And we both know they'll take us
Where we want to go
Hold me now
Touch me now
I don't want to live without you
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
If the road ahead is not so easy,
Our love will lead the way for us
Like a guiding star
I'll be there for you if you should need me
You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
from the song "Nothing's gonna change my love for you" by Glenn Medeiros
Thoughts running through my mind:-
I don't want to live without you
Jesus chose to stay. When the soldiers came to arrest Him, He could have called angels to help him (Matthew 26:53) If He had gone back, He would have returned to the Father but without His bride.
I'm reminded of a scene in The Passion as Jesus, His back already scourged, was handed the cross. Someone mocked Him (paraphrasing), "Look! This guy's crazy. He's embracing the cross." I believe that happened (even though it was not recorded in the bible). I believe that as He struggled physically to carry the cross, He knew the end was near. He embraced the cross because He saw us. Finally. Reconciled. His.
He went to the cross because He didn't want to live the rest of eternity, without His bride, me.
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
What security! Nothing! ever!
You ought know by now how much I love you
See how He reassures me? He doesn't take me for granted even though He's God :) And I think, perhaps, a little exasperated here. Oh, He feels as we do. Love, joy, sorrow, regret, pain, jealous and yes, exasperation! But still, He's here!
I'll never ask for more than your love
It's not about earning His love. Sometimes I wonder, that's all You want? My love? Who am I that You should desire me? Ask me for my love? Court me? Pursue me?
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
Wow, to see forever. Forever with Him! To see beyond! Dream beyond.. He'll help me... setting eternity in my heart. I wonder then if I understand. And I didn't care whether I understood or not. I just wanted to enjoy Him and follow Him for He loves me!
Thursday, February 23, 2006
An astute observation
Read this quote in "Life" today and laughed. The observation is right though the attitude is not.
'Forgiveness itself is a hostile move that says "You don't matter enough for me to go whack you."' American Legal scholar, William Ian Millder
Holding a grudge just means that person has 'power' over thee, 'cos he's able to stir one's emotions. Forgiveness really says, you don't matter. I'm a bigger person than you are and nothing you do to me is able to shake me.
But it's difficult to be a bigger person. 'Cos there's this thing called emotion and somewhere within ourselves, we demand justice for the wrong that others have done unto us.
That's why in the bible, it says, "Forgive others, as God for Christ's sake, has forgiven you."
Knowing how much we have sinned and how much we have forgiven through the death of God's son, we are are able to forgive others for the transgressions against us.
That's why the ability to truely forgive, is first, according to the verse, having that revelation that we are forgiven.
'Forgiveness itself is a hostile move that says "You don't matter enough for me to go whack you."' American Legal scholar, William Ian Millder
Holding a grudge just means that person has 'power' over thee, 'cos he's able to stir one's emotions. Forgiveness really says, you don't matter. I'm a bigger person than you are and nothing you do to me is able to shake me.
But it's difficult to be a bigger person. 'Cos there's this thing called emotion and somewhere within ourselves, we demand justice for the wrong that others have done unto us.
That's why in the bible, it says, "Forgive others, as God for Christ's sake, has forgiven you."
Knowing how much we have sinned and how much we have forgiven through the death of God's son, we are are able to forgive others for the transgressions against us.
That's why the ability to truely forgive, is first, according to the verse, having that revelation that we are forgiven.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
When You tell me that you love me
I like this song and was reminded of it when I heard it on American Idol today. Found the lyrics meaningful :) (changed some parts of the lyrics)
I wanna call the stars
Down from the sky
I wanna live a day
That never dies
I wanna change the world
Only for You
All the impossible
I wanna do
I wanna hold You close
Under the rain
I wanna kiss Your smile
And feel the pain
I know what’s beautiful
Looking at You
In a world of lies
You are the truth
And baby
Everytime You touch me
I become a hero
You make me safe
No matter where You are
And bring me
Everything I ask for
Nothing is above You
I’m shining like a candle in the dark
When You tell me that You love me
I wanna make You see
Just what I was
Show You the loneliness
And what it does
You walked into my life
To stop my tears
Everything’s easy now
I have You here
And baby
Everytime You touch me
I become a hero
You make me safe
No matter where You are
And bring me
Everything I ask for
Nothing is above You
I’m shining like a candle in the dark
When You tell me that You love me
In a world without You
I would always hunger
All I need is Your love to make me stronger
And baby
Everytime You touch me
I become a hero
You make me safe
No matter where You are
And bring me
Everything I ask for
Nothing is above You
I’m shining like a candle in the dark
When You tell me that You love me
You love me
When You tell me that You love me
I wanna call the stars
Down from the sky
I wanna live a day
That never dies
I wanna change the world
Only for You
All the impossible
I wanna do
I wanna hold You close
Under the rain
I wanna kiss Your smile
And feel the pain
I know what’s beautiful
Looking at You
In a world of lies
You are the truth
And baby
Everytime You touch me
I become a hero
You make me safe
No matter where You are
And bring me
Everything I ask for
Nothing is above You
I’m shining like a candle in the dark
When You tell me that You love me
I wanna make You see
Just what I was
Show You the loneliness
And what it does
You walked into my life
To stop my tears
Everything’s easy now
I have You here
And baby
Everytime You touch me
I become a hero
You make me safe
No matter where You are
And bring me
Everything I ask for
Nothing is above You
I’m shining like a candle in the dark
When You tell me that You love me
In a world without You
I would always hunger
All I need is Your love to make me stronger
And baby
Everytime You touch me
I become a hero
You make me safe
No matter where You are
And bring me
Everything I ask for
Nothing is above You
I’m shining like a candle in the dark
When You tell me that You love me
You love me
When You tell me that You love me
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Live life because I am a blessing everywhere I go!
I was flipping through an old notebook and found some notes that ministered to me today. It was from a YAM (Young Adults' Ministry) meeting dated 26 June 2004. Read slowly, digest and meditate and be blessed!
Genesis 12:1
Now the LORD had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
Greatness is a mark in my life
Psalm 139
We are fearfully and wonderfully made
= reverently made, an art piece.
We are all breathed into being by God
Therefore, everyone of us has a cry of greatness in our life.
Creation is not enough, we have to move into redemption.
You are an evangelist in the workplace. (not in the preaching sense)
The world will want to come and see how you attained your success (light of the world).
Greatness is my inheritance
It's through grace (unmerited favour) but it does not mean it's a license to do what we want - I am the blessed. It is the blessing of God
Use money to make friends (not use friends to make money)
God has designed Christians to be a blessing to be successful.
Get up knowing that I am a blessing! Get up with fire in the belly! Begin with that vision that I am a blessing!
Discipline is a by-product of vision
Lord, prove your Word through me, as an instrument.
I am blessed to be a blessing.
Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Hebrews 6:13-16
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.
Isaiah 55:11
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
Hebrews 6:17-20
Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Hope, an anchor for our souls (emotion)
Do not build the blessing of God on our own faith but build it on the 2 immutable things, the Word and promise of God.
Genesis 22: offering of Isaac
v5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad[a] and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
v8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.
Abraham had an inner vision that God will provide himself a lamb.
When we believe, we rest in what God has done. God has blessed and nobody and nothing can reverse it.
Jesus is the author and finisher of faith. He completes our broken faith.
Genesis 12:1
Now the LORD had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father’s house,
To a land that I will show you.
Greatness is a mark in my life
Psalm 139
We are fearfully and wonderfully made
= reverently made, an art piece.
We are all breathed into being by God
Therefore, everyone of us has a cry of greatness in our life.
Creation is not enough, we have to move into redemption.
You are an evangelist in the workplace. (not in the preaching sense)
The world will want to come and see how you attained your success (light of the world).
Greatness is my inheritance
It's through grace (unmerited favour) but it does not mean it's a license to do what we want - I am the blessed. It is the blessing of God
Use money to make friends (not use friends to make money)
God has designed Christians to be a blessing to be successful.
Get up knowing that I am a blessing! Get up with fire in the belly! Begin with that vision that I am a blessing!
Discipline is a by-product of vision
Lord, prove your Word through me, as an instrument.
I am blessed to be a blessing.
Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Hebrews 6:13-16
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.
Isaiah 55:11
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
Hebrews 6:17-20
Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Hope, an anchor for our souls (emotion)
Do not build the blessing of God on our own faith but build it on the 2 immutable things, the Word and promise of God.
Genesis 22: offering of Isaac
v5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad[a] and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”
v8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.
Abraham had an inner vision that God will provide himself a lamb.
When we believe, we rest in what God has done. God has blessed and nobody and nothing can reverse it.
Jesus is the author and finisher of faith. He completes our broken faith.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Security
A song from Hillsong
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour
I know for sure
all of my days are,
held in Your hands,
crafted into Your perfect plans
You gently call me
into Your presence
guiding me by,
Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord
to live all my days
through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your Holy calling
set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself
Teach me Lord, I pray
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour
I know for sure
all of my days are,
held in Your hands,
crafted into Your perfect plans
You gently call me
into Your presence
guiding me by,
Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord
to live all my days
through Your eyes
I'm captured by Your Holy calling
set me apart
I know You're drawing me to Yourself
Teach me Lord, I pray
Thursday, January 26, 2006
When God ran
The first time I stepped into church. I wasn't even looking for God. I have decided that I didn't believe in Him. I went to church 'cos I was bored. I was looking for the supernatural. What is this thing about praying in an unknown language and seeing 'things'? I was going there a skeptic, a kinda of 'show me the money' attitude.
When Pastor Joshua started preaching, I just took it as listening to any sermon. Then he talked about the prodigal son returning home, and inexplicably, I felt tears in my eyes. And I just knew, He had been waiting all this time. All this time, for me to come home. I gave up on Him and denied Him, wasn't searching for Him. But He waited. Just one glance back from me, and He opened His arms wide and ran to me.
Listening to this song brought the sweet memories back. :)
So here're the lyrics of the beautiful song "When God ran" from Phillips, Craig & Dean.
Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror, and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run
CHORUS:
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran
The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run
And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees
When God ran – I saw Him run to me
BRIDGE:
I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day
I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again
He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”, He called me Son
He said, “Son do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him
When God ran
Unconditional, unconditional, unconditional love. Unconditional, unconditional acceptance. Your love brings me to my knees. Your unconditional acceptance gives me the courage and strength to live. Because I know, I know, that whatever happens, whatever I do, at the end of the day, at the end of all days and for all time, You are there for me. Knowing this love and acceptance Lord, oh what security! I can joyfully, easily trust in You! Knowing that a sure hope is in You!
When Pastor Joshua started preaching, I just took it as listening to any sermon. Then he talked about the prodigal son returning home, and inexplicably, I felt tears in my eyes. And I just knew, He had been waiting all this time. All this time, for me to come home. I gave up on Him and denied Him, wasn't searching for Him. But He waited. Just one glance back from me, and He opened His arms wide and ran to me.
Listening to this song brought the sweet memories back. :)
So here're the lyrics of the beautiful song "When God ran" from Phillips, Craig & Dean.
Almighty God, the great I am
Immovable rock, omnipotent, powerful, awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, commanding King of Kings
Mighty conqueror, and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run
CHORUS:
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran
The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run
And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise as He brought me to my knees
When God ran – I saw Him run to me
BRIDGE:
I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day
I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again
He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”, He called me Son
He said, “Son do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him
When God ran
Unconditional, unconditional, unconditional love. Unconditional, unconditional acceptance. Your love brings me to my knees. Your unconditional acceptance gives me the courage and strength to live. Because I know, I know, that whatever happens, whatever I do, at the end of the day, at the end of all days and for all time, You are there for me. Knowing this love and acceptance Lord, oh what security! I can joyfully, easily trust in You! Knowing that a sure hope is in You!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Anticipation!
Faith is the substance of faith hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Now, hope does not disappoint.
When our hopes are anchored to His promises found in His Word, there is nothing more certain than His Word.
Can we bring ourselves to take God at His Word? The answer for me my friend, is yes, yes and yes!
It is Your goodness that leads me to repentence! How awesome and full You are! El-Shaddai! Surely goodness and mercy and Your lovingkindness shall pursue me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Oh! I fall at Your feet O Lord - in Your presence, I see Your face. Your love and Your goodness overwhelms me. And I rejoice and exalt in Your power and Your love! My God is so big! So strong, and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do!
Isaiah 54
"Shout for joy, O barren one, you who have borne no child;
Break forth into joyful shouting and cry aloud, you who have not travailed;
For the sons of the desolate one will be more numerous than the sons of the married woman," says the Lord
"Enlarge the place of your tent;
Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not;
Lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs.
For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,
and your descendants will possess nations and will resettle the desolate cities.
Fear not, for you will not be put to shame;
And do not feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced;
But you will forget the shame of your youth,
And the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.
For your husband is your Maker,
Whose name is the LORD of hosts;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth..."
Isaiah 60
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you! For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Lift up your eyes round about and see; They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms. Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you...
Foreigners will build up your walls, and their kings will minister to you. For in My wrath I struck you, and in My favour I have had compasion on you. Your gates will be open continually; they will not be closed day or night, so that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in possession...
Violence will not be heard again in our land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders; but you will call your walls salvation and your gates praise.
No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give you light; but you will have the LORD for an everylasting light, and your God for your glory.
Your sun will no longer set, nor will your moon wane; for you will have the LORD for an everylasting light, and the days of your mourning will be over.
Then all your people will be righteous;
They will possess the land forever,
The branch of My planting,
The work of My hands,
That I may be glorified,
The smallest one will become a clan,
And the least one a mighty nation.
I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time."
Now, hope does not disappoint.
When our hopes are anchored to His promises found in His Word, there is nothing more certain than His Word.
Can we bring ourselves to take God at His Word? The answer for me my friend, is yes, yes and yes!
It is Your goodness that leads me to repentence! How awesome and full You are! El-Shaddai! Surely goodness and mercy and Your lovingkindness shall pursue me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Oh! I fall at Your feet O Lord - in Your presence, I see Your face. Your love and Your goodness overwhelms me. And I rejoice and exalt in Your power and Your love! My God is so big! So strong, and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do!
Isaiah 54
"Shout for joy, O barren one, you who have borne no child;
Break forth into joyful shouting and cry aloud, you who have not travailed;
For the sons of the desolate one will be more numerous than the sons of the married woman," says the Lord
"Enlarge the place of your tent;
Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not;
Lengthen your cords and strengthen your pegs.
For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,
and your descendants will possess nations and will resettle the desolate cities.
Fear not, for you will not be put to shame;
And do not feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced;
But you will forget the shame of your youth,
And the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.
For your husband is your Maker,
Whose name is the LORD of hosts;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel, who is called the God of all the earth..."
Isaiah 60
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you! For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Lift up your eyes round about and see; They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters will be carried in the arms. Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and rejoice; because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, the wealth of the nations will come to you...
Foreigners will build up your walls, and their kings will minister to you. For in My wrath I struck you, and in My favour I have had compasion on you. Your gates will be open continually; they will not be closed day or night, so that men may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in possession...
Violence will not be heard again in our land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders; but you will call your walls salvation and your gates praise.
No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give you light; but you will have the LORD for an everylasting light, and your God for your glory.
Your sun will no longer set, nor will your moon wane; for you will have the LORD for an everylasting light, and the days of your mourning will be over.
Then all your people will be righteous;
They will possess the land forever,
The branch of My planting,
The work of My hands,
That I may be glorified,
The smallest one will become a clan,
And the least one a mighty nation.
I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time."
Sunday, January 15, 2006
No one else
Lord, it's only by Your grace
That I can worship in this place
O what a great privilege
To know You, face to face
There is no one else like You
No one else as beautiful as You
No one else can compare to You
All I want is to worship You
That I can worship in this place
O what a great privilege
To know You, face to face
There is no one else like You
No one else as beautiful as You
No one else can compare to You
All I want is to worship You
Monday, January 09, 2006
Helplessly
An excerpt from the song Dwelling Places by Miriam Webster
Thirsty I come after You
Jesus my joy, my reward
Your love's restoring my soul
Now I'm Yours and You are mine
And from my heart a song will rise
I love You, I love You, I love You
I love You, I love You, I love You
I love You, I love You, I love You
And my heart will follow wholly after You
This song and the song in the previous entry titled "Awe" is from one of my favourite worship CDs that a brother got for me for my birthday. It's a testimony itself! :) He was shopping for a gift but didn't know what songs I liked, so he asked Abba and got this!
Anyway, I love this song. It's located in the middle of the CD, so by this time, it's like I'm in the Holy of holies, in His presence. I love this stanza. How many times I become thirsty - it's often those times when we are feeling bored - but then I come to my Jesus, I come to Him because He refreshes me. In His presence, there is fullness of joy. In His presence, there is life!
He restores my soul with a reminder of His awesome love. Wow. Amazing love, how can it be? That You my King would die for me? And sometimes, I get a glimspe of that love and it overwhelms me. I feel like falling to my knees but I have to control myself. In the face of such love, when Jesus willingly became the sacrificial lamb... I see the demonstration of His love for me on the cross. On the cross, there my Lord hangs, for me alone.
These thoughts are rushing through my mind - I can barely comprehend or pause to think. Yet my soul, my spirit, in my heart - there it grips me. And when the chorus comes, it is from that revelation that we sing, "I love You, I love You, I love You.. I love You, I love You, I love You!"
You know the commandment that God gave - "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your might."
Something within me cringe. How am I to love, with all my heart, all my soul, all my might? How am I able to? To love God perfectly? And I thought it wasn't a fair commandment. I mean, it's sad isn't it? How can you command someone to love you? Isn't love supposed to be freely given?
You see, I've heard some preachers preach that way, and it scares me 'cos I can't love God like that!
But you know what? As I sang this song, as I turn my focus, not on how much I must love Him, but how much He has loved me. Oh, how much my Jesus loved me! How He chose to go to the cross for me, how He chose to go through the scourging for me! He had a choice you know, to leave and go back - but no, He chose not to. How can we ever comprehend a holy God to carry the sins of the world - sins of rape, murder, incest, torture - of the whole world, of peoples past and present - a God who knew no sin to become sin itself.
I see Him on that cross and the refrain from a beloved song comes to mind.. "I'll never know how much it cost, to see my sins upon that cross.. I'll never know how much it cost, to see my sins upon that cross......
So here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that You're my God. You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me..."
As I saw the cross afreshed, as if it just happened and I see my Jesus, my Saviour hanging on the cross, I saw His love for me. I am moved and tears fill my eyes. Then I sing, "I love You, I love You, I love You!" How easy it is to say it then. 'Cos you see, I'm helpless. Helpless to say otherwise. Helplessly in love. Against all my selfish desires, my ego, my material needs or whatever, to see the cross, to really see and have a revelation of the cross is to be helplessly in love with Him.
How easy it is then, to love such a beautiful Saviour, all wonderful and glorious, clothed in strength and beauty - how easy it is to love Him, how I want to love Him, to give everything of myself to Him who gave everything of Himself to me - oh what a privilege to love Him with all my heart, all my soul, with all my might!
We love, because He first loved us...
Thirsty I come after You
Jesus my joy, my reward
Your love's restoring my soul
Now I'm Yours and You are mine
And from my heart a song will rise
I love You, I love You, I love You
I love You, I love You, I love You
I love You, I love You, I love You
And my heart will follow wholly after You
This song and the song in the previous entry titled "Awe" is from one of my favourite worship CDs that a brother got for me for my birthday. It's a testimony itself! :) He was shopping for a gift but didn't know what songs I liked, so he asked Abba and got this!
Anyway, I love this song. It's located in the middle of the CD, so by this time, it's like I'm in the Holy of holies, in His presence. I love this stanza. How many times I become thirsty - it's often those times when we are feeling bored - but then I come to my Jesus, I come to Him because He refreshes me. In His presence, there is fullness of joy. In His presence, there is life!
He restores my soul with a reminder of His awesome love. Wow. Amazing love, how can it be? That You my King would die for me? And sometimes, I get a glimspe of that love and it overwhelms me. I feel like falling to my knees but I have to control myself. In the face of such love, when Jesus willingly became the sacrificial lamb... I see the demonstration of His love for me on the cross. On the cross, there my Lord hangs, for me alone.
These thoughts are rushing through my mind - I can barely comprehend or pause to think. Yet my soul, my spirit, in my heart - there it grips me. And when the chorus comes, it is from that revelation that we sing, "I love You, I love You, I love You.. I love You, I love You, I love You!"
You know the commandment that God gave - "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your might."
Something within me cringe. How am I to love, with all my heart, all my soul, all my might? How am I able to? To love God perfectly? And I thought it wasn't a fair commandment. I mean, it's sad isn't it? How can you command someone to love you? Isn't love supposed to be freely given?
You see, I've heard some preachers preach that way, and it scares me 'cos I can't love God like that!
But you know what? As I sang this song, as I turn my focus, not on how much I must love Him, but how much He has loved me. Oh, how much my Jesus loved me! How He chose to go to the cross for me, how He chose to go through the scourging for me! He had a choice you know, to leave and go back - but no, He chose not to. How can we ever comprehend a holy God to carry the sins of the world - sins of rape, murder, incest, torture - of the whole world, of peoples past and present - a God who knew no sin to become sin itself.
I see Him on that cross and the refrain from a beloved song comes to mind.. "I'll never know how much it cost, to see my sins upon that cross.. I'll never know how much it cost, to see my sins upon that cross......
So here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that You're my God. You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me..."
As I saw the cross afreshed, as if it just happened and I see my Jesus, my Saviour hanging on the cross, I saw His love for me. I am moved and tears fill my eyes. Then I sing, "I love You, I love You, I love You!" How easy it is to say it then. 'Cos you see, I'm helpless. Helpless to say otherwise. Helplessly in love. Against all my selfish desires, my ego, my material needs or whatever, to see the cross, to really see and have a revelation of the cross is to be helplessly in love with Him.
How easy it is then, to love such a beautiful Saviour, all wonderful and glorious, clothed in strength and beauty - how easy it is to love Him, how I want to love Him, to give everything of myself to Him who gave everything of Himself to me - oh what a privilege to love Him with all my heart, all my soul, with all my might!
We love, because He first loved us...
Awe
Often, the magical moments that I experience are in times of worship. Whether it is listening to a worship CD (not praise CD) or during corporate worship in church. It is during worship that I feel the soothing strong presence of God envelope me - and all the dirt, the stress, the worry, the blahness of life just fall away as I linger in His presence. These are the quiet times of worship.
And there are times of quiet intensity too, which brings tears into my eyes. When I behold His glory and His marvellous beauty. And even when I'm in the bus listening to the CD, I see myself standing up, arms outstretched, head tilted up giving Him the glory. And not just giving praise 'cos it's a time of worship - I feel myself, my soul, my spirit within me, as if bursting forth, going forward, stretching to reach Him. It's a consecration of myself, a giving of myself to Him in worship. At intense moments, the longing to be one with Him, or perhaps somehow, the revelation that we are already one somehow resonates within my soul. Such moments when I am devoid of speech, helpless, tears overflowing, unspeakable joy as I behold Him. Jesus.. Jesus, my King, Lord God, my love, my Saviour...
Lingering over those beautiful words in this song, whispering Him.. it becomes an intimate confession between us.
You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvellous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom
Who can fathom the depth of Your love
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty enthroned above
And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You
And there are times of quiet intensity too, which brings tears into my eyes. When I behold His glory and His marvellous beauty. And even when I'm in the bus listening to the CD, I see myself standing up, arms outstretched, head tilted up giving Him the glory. And not just giving praise 'cos it's a time of worship - I feel myself, my soul, my spirit within me, as if bursting forth, going forward, stretching to reach Him. It's a consecration of myself, a giving of myself to Him in worship. At intense moments, the longing to be one with Him, or perhaps somehow, the revelation that we are already one somehow resonates within my soul. Such moments when I am devoid of speech, helpless, tears overflowing, unspeakable joy as I behold Him. Jesus.. Jesus, my King, Lord God, my love, my Saviour...
Lingering over those beautiful words in this song, whispering Him.. it becomes an intimate confession between us.
You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvellous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom
Who can fathom the depth of Your love
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty enthroned above
And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You
Friday, January 06, 2006
Unabashed!
How many of us are able to declare our love unabashfully?
These are one of the times I envy couples. Around Jesus, I'm not shy - there's a wonderful liberty in that.
But don't you feel sometimes, with all the romantic love that He showers on you, that you wish you're able to love someone just like that? Hmm... I wonder how it is like to be in love with a person?
When in love, are we able to say it, boldly love like in the Song of songs? I'm better at writing than saying and expressing words out loud. Don't know whether it is an Asian thing. I wonder how it is to make love with words. Like Shakespeare (modernised of course) - or like the moving lyrics of some songs.
Anyway, got on this topic as I'm listening to some music. Discovered this group called Rascal Flatts. Their music sounds like rock country. This song is titled Where you are.
Written by: James Leblanc & Catt Gravitt
Published by: Fame Publishing Co., Inc.
Lyrics
There you are standing strong
I'm a leaf holding on
You believe like a child
In this fire running wild
Oh I love how you see right to the heart of me
Chorus:
You're a waterfall washing over me
I'm a thirsty man let me drink you in
I am on my way
You're a mountain top
When I reach for you
Your love lifts me up
And all that I want is to be
Where you are
I'm the frozen ground
You're the warm sunlight
Shining down on me
Baby, just in time
I have never been in love like this
Oh, you move my soul every time we kiss
And I love how you heal
I can't believe how alive I feel
Chorus:
You're a waterfall washing over me
I'm a thirsty man let me drink you in
I am on my way
You're a mountain top
When I reach for you
Your love lifts me up
And all that I want is to be
Where you are
Imagine being serenaded like this! I believe Abba has already given me a passionate relationship with him. Wow, the anticipation! :D
These are one of the times I envy couples. Around Jesus, I'm not shy - there's a wonderful liberty in that.
But don't you feel sometimes, with all the romantic love that He showers on you, that you wish you're able to love someone just like that? Hmm... I wonder how it is like to be in love with a person?
When in love, are we able to say it, boldly love like in the Song of songs? I'm better at writing than saying and expressing words out loud. Don't know whether it is an Asian thing. I wonder how it is to make love with words. Like Shakespeare (modernised of course) - or like the moving lyrics of some songs.
Anyway, got on this topic as I'm listening to some music. Discovered this group called Rascal Flatts. Their music sounds like rock country. This song is titled Where you are.
Written by: James Leblanc & Catt Gravitt
Published by: Fame Publishing Co., Inc.
Lyrics
There you are standing strong
I'm a leaf holding on
You believe like a child
In this fire running wild
Oh I love how you see right to the heart of me
Chorus:
You're a waterfall washing over me
I'm a thirsty man let me drink you in
I am on my way
You're a mountain top
When I reach for you
Your love lifts me up
And all that I want is to be
Where you are
I'm the frozen ground
You're the warm sunlight
Shining down on me
Baby, just in time
I have never been in love like this
Oh, you move my soul every time we kiss
And I love how you heal
I can't believe how alive I feel
Chorus:
You're a waterfall washing over me
I'm a thirsty man let me drink you in
I am on my way
You're a mountain top
When I reach for you
Your love lifts me up
And all that I want is to be
Where you are
Imagine being serenaded like this! I believe Abba has already given me a passionate relationship with him. Wow, the anticipation! :D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)