I come before your throne
to worship at Your feet
to look upon Your nail-pierced hands O Lord
How awesome is Your love!
For You,
Your grace restores my soul
You've set Your heart on me
You've set me in Your righteousness!
Fall afresh on me!
Move within my heart,
Let Your tenderness consume me
Pour Your love on me
like rain upon my face
Till everything I am
is lost in Your embrace
Fall afresh on me!
This passionate song is written by Sean Goh, from New Creation Church.
I don't know him personally, but he seems to be a down-to-earth, humourous guy. Check out this blog here
I was just singing this song on the way home from caregroup, and just meditating on the lyrics. It's really beautiful isn't it?
to look upon Your nail-pierced hands..
how awesome is Your love!
Your grace.. restores my soul
Move within my heart
Let Your tenderness
consume me
Pour Your love..
like rain..
Till everything
I am is
lost in Your embrace
Fall afresh on me!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
God does NOT help those who help themselves
Today's service went back to doctrine - my fave 'subject' of the bible. I'm going to let the Word speak for itself in this post.
Galatians 5:4 (KJV)
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Christ is our holiness, sanctification, wisdom and health.
When Christians ask, "how come I'm sick, poor, don't see the blessings of God?" Galatains 5:4 explains why.
How is Christ of no effect?
Is it because of sin?
No!
Christ becomes of no effect when Christians seek to be justified by the law.
Galatians 5:1-5 (KJV) in context
1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
God does not ask us to not listen to the counsel of the wicked; He tells us not to listen to the counsel of the ungodly.
Ungodly people can be naturally good. But being naturally 'good' avails nothing because it boasts in man's strength.
Whose way do you want to do it? God's way or man's way?
Isaiah 31:1-3
1Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
2Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.
3Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is helpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.
Again, in Isaiah 30:1-3
1Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
2That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
3Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
Unfortunately, I think I see something like this in my company.
But I believe with all my heart, that my presence is a blessing to them. And that's why God does not want me to leave. Not saying this boastfully. I believe that I really matter to Him. And that He wants to use me as a channel of blessing. :D
As long as our eye is on the LORD, and not on the wisdom of man - knowing that our reliance is on Him and not on our strength - then it is God who will prosper us!
2 Chronicles 26:3-5 (NKJV)
Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visionsof God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper
note the qualifier in bold. Uzziah did not seek the Lord all the time. Read about it in 2 Chronicles 26.
This does not mean do nothing! But to do everything from a position of 'rest'. Not striving to achieve. Rest means Holy Spirit directed activity. Working from a position of confidence in Christ.
In Genesis 15, God had already promised Abraham a son.
Why are God's blessings 'slow' to come?
Genesis 16:1-3
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar.
So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.
Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan.
Why are God's blessings slow to come?
Sometimes it's of our own doing. We don't want to 'wait' like Sarai. Sometimes, God's blessings may be delayed. Why?
1. Like Sarai, we want to obtain by our own strength.
It's telling the little detail that Abram took Hagar to be his wife after he "had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan" The number ten being the picture of the law. This also corresponds to Paul's analogy in Galatians 4 about Sarah and Hagar being a picture of the two covenants.
2. Sarai had the wrong picture of God.
She said that it was God who had restrained her from bearing children. But did God not promise Abram that he would have a son? She did not believe the Word.
Who is a cursed man and who is a blessed man?
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Thus says the LORD:
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
“ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fearwhen heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Galatians 5:4 (KJV)
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Christ is our holiness, sanctification, wisdom and health.
When Christians ask, "how come I'm sick, poor, don't see the blessings of God?" Galatains 5:4 explains why.
How is Christ of no effect?
Is it because of sin?
No!
Christ becomes of no effect when Christians seek to be justified by the law.
Galatians 5:1-5 (KJV) in context
1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
God does not ask us to not listen to the counsel of the wicked; He tells us not to listen to the counsel of the ungodly.
Ungodly people can be naturally good. But being naturally 'good' avails nothing because it boasts in man's strength.
Whose way do you want to do it? God's way or man's way?
Isaiah 31:1-3
1Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
2Yet he also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words: but will arise against the house of the evildoers, and against the help of them that work iniquity.
3Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is helpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together.
Again, in Isaiah 30:1-3
1Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
2That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
3Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.
Unfortunately, I think I see something like this in my company.
But I believe with all my heart, that my presence is a blessing to them. And that's why God does not want me to leave. Not saying this boastfully. I believe that I really matter to Him. And that He wants to use me as a channel of blessing. :D
As long as our eye is on the LORD, and not on the wisdom of man - knowing that our reliance is on Him and not on our strength - then it is God who will prosper us!
2 Chronicles 26:3-5 (NKJV)
Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visionsof God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper
note the qualifier in bold. Uzziah did not seek the Lord all the time. Read about it in 2 Chronicles 26.
This does not mean do nothing! But to do everything from a position of 'rest'. Not striving to achieve. Rest means Holy Spirit directed activity. Working from a position of confidence in Christ.
In Genesis 15, God had already promised Abraham a son.
Why are God's blessings 'slow' to come?
Genesis 16:1-3
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar.
So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.
Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan.
Why are God's blessings slow to come?
Sometimes it's of our own doing. We don't want to 'wait' like Sarai. Sometimes, God's blessings may be delayed. Why?
1. Like Sarai, we want to obtain by our own strength.
It's telling the little detail that Abram took Hagar to be his wife after he "had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan" The number ten being the picture of the law. This also corresponds to Paul's analogy in Galatians 4 about Sarah and Hagar being a picture of the two covenants.
2. Sarai had the wrong picture of God.
She said that it was God who had restrained her from bearing children. But did God not promise Abram that he would have a son? She did not believe the Word.
Who is a cursed man and who is a blessed man?
Jeremiah 17:5-8
Thus says the LORD:
“ Cursed is the man who trusts in man
And makes flesh his strength,
Whose heart departs from the LORD.
For he shall be like a shrub in the desert,
And shall not see when good comes,
But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness,
In a salt land which is not inhabited.
“ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is the LORD.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fearwhen heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Impatience
Today, I went to a website. And they had all this philosophies and ideologies. They had also people who had totally, the wrong idea of my God. Which really irked me.
Then there were also, my fellow beloved brethren, I think though very intellectual, perhaps a baby Christian? I wish I could tell him, hey, read Romans and Galatians! (but I can't 'cos he's always got his PM function off)
Ahhh! If only they knew! They're so blinded!
Yes, but for the grace of God, go I - like them!
I mean, this agitation (totally of my own making) kinda of marred my morning a little. I wanted to release a torrent of preaching on them. But it would be done so I would feel selfishly good and does little to edify them. Worse, it is SO not done in love but in stern 'correction'!
All sort of discussions, going about in circles - don't they see? Maybe they just like to debate, discuss and go round and round.
I realise Abba's ways are different! I mean He says something, we really see the light! and where it is the truth, it is really, the LIVING word, because we just feed and feed off it. Whereas in worldly discussions, it just gives me a headache - and there's no conclusion. It's just people talking and talking. Oh dear, how intolerant! grace grace..
And I know that some intellectuals think me too 'religious'. :) Oh well.
I'm passionate for Christ but I know it's not my battle to fight. And anyway, actually, there's no battle. It's just me. I'm the one who's impatient with them, jumping up and down at the sidelines, wanting to point to the cross, but don't know the politically correct way to do so.
And finally saying, "Lord, it's not for me to save." :)
Okay, whatever Abba. I'll just chill.
I'm gonna buy Pastor's message, "The importance of fellowship" It's really different, talking to the brethren from the same church, from different church, and finally, people in the world. Different levels of intimacy.
Okay Lord. Yes, chill. Be cool! ;)
Then there were also, my fellow beloved brethren, I think though very intellectual, perhaps a baby Christian? I wish I could tell him, hey, read Romans and Galatians! (but I can't 'cos he's always got his PM function off)
Ahhh! If only they knew! They're so blinded!
Yes, but for the grace of God, go I - like them!
I mean, this agitation (totally of my own making) kinda of marred my morning a little. I wanted to release a torrent of preaching on them. But it would be done so I would feel selfishly good and does little to edify them. Worse, it is SO not done in love but in stern 'correction'!
All sort of discussions, going about in circles - don't they see? Maybe they just like to debate, discuss and go round and round.
I realise Abba's ways are different! I mean He says something, we really see the light! and where it is the truth, it is really, the LIVING word, because we just feed and feed off it. Whereas in worldly discussions, it just gives me a headache - and there's no conclusion. It's just people talking and talking. Oh dear, how intolerant! grace grace..
And I know that some intellectuals think me too 'religious'. :) Oh well.
I'm passionate for Christ but I know it's not my battle to fight. And anyway, actually, there's no battle. It's just me. I'm the one who's impatient with them, jumping up and down at the sidelines, wanting to point to the cross, but don't know the politically correct way to do so.
And finally saying, "Lord, it's not for me to save." :)
Okay, whatever Abba. I'll just chill.
I'm gonna buy Pastor's message, "The importance of fellowship" It's really different, talking to the brethren from the same church, from different church, and finally, people in the world. Different levels of intimacy.
Okay Lord. Yes, chill. Be cool! ;)
My all in all
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking you as a precious jewel
Lord to give up I'll be a fool
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God!
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God!
Worthy is Your name
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking you as a precious jewel
Lord to give up I'll be a fool
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God!
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God!
Worthy is Your name
Friday, March 24, 2006
To be called a child of God
We ended bible study tonight with this song. It's actually called "Just let me say". But this blog entry is titled "To be called a child of God" 'cos it's from my favourite stanza in this beautiful song. *sigh* It's a sigh of rest. Like, what did I ever do to deserve Jesus? Nothing, nothing... that's the beauty of it.. :)
Just let me say how much I love You
Let me speak of Your mercy and grace
Just let me live in a shadow of Your beauty
Let me see You face to face
And the earth will shake as Your Word goes forth
And the heavens will tremble and fall
But let me say how much I love You
Oh my Savior, my Lord and Friend
Just let me hear Your finest whispers
As You gently call my name
And let me see Your power and Your glory
Let me feel Your spirit's flame
Let me find You in the desert
Till this sand is holy ground
And I am found completely surrendered
To You my Lord and Friend
So let me say how much I love You
With all my heart I long for You
For I am caught in this passion of knowing
This endless love I've found in You
And the depth of grace, the forgiveness found
To be called a child of God
Just makes me say how much I love You
Oh my Savior, my Lord and Friend
Just makes me say how much I love You
Oh my Savior, my Lord and Friend
Just let me say how much I love You
Let me speak of Your mercy and grace
Just let me live in a shadow of Your beauty
Let me see You face to face
And the earth will shake as Your Word goes forth
And the heavens will tremble and fall
But let me say how much I love You
Oh my Savior, my Lord and Friend
Just let me hear Your finest whispers
As You gently call my name
And let me see Your power and Your glory
Let me feel Your spirit's flame
Let me find You in the desert
Till this sand is holy ground
And I am found completely surrendered
To You my Lord and Friend
So let me say how much I love You
With all my heart I long for You
For I am caught in this passion of knowing
This endless love I've found in You
And the depth of grace, the forgiveness found
To be called a child of God
Just makes me say how much I love You
Oh my Savior, my Lord and Friend
Just makes me say how much I love You
Oh my Savior, my Lord and Friend
From this moment
I just heard this Shania Twain song from my friend's blog. Love this song! :) Here're the lyrics:_
(I do swear that I'll always be there. I'd give anything
and everything and I will always care. Through weakness
and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse,
I will love you with every beat of my heart.)
From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on
(I do swear that I'll always be there. I'd give anything
and everything and I will always care. Through weakness
and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse,
I will love you with every beat of my heart.)
From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Singing
I love You Lord
and I lift my voice
to worship You
O my soul, rejoice!
Take joy my King
in what You hear
let it be a sweet sweet sound
in Your ears
and I lift my voice
to worship You
O my soul, rejoice!
Take joy my King
in what You hear
let it be a sweet sweet sound
in Your ears
Renaissance
Have you ever wondered how in the past, someone can be a painter, writer, scientist, musician, politician, philosopher,playwright etc etc and still be a someone and not one(s)?
I mean, the capacity of the human brain. Why, in the past, Mr Jack was a Jack of all trades, Master of all.
Why don't we have such people now? With our compulsory education, modern technology and gadgetry, higher standard of living...
The answer? DISTRACTION.
Yes. We have been numbed with routine, that sense of wonder we had as children, extinguished by playstations, drowned by television - our concentration wasted staring at the computer (perhaps even now as I'm typing!), even as our thumbs do a silly little dance sending sms-es over the phone.. I mean, what are we doing?
You know what, I have a DESIRE to be a renaissance lady.
Yes, a lady of letters, of beauty and refinement, of charity, of wit, of fashion - to write plays and political essays, read history and law, go on mission trips, soak in the wonders of nature, a photographer, a writer, a pastor, a healer, an evangelist - a daughter, awife, a mother of 8, play classical piano, play jazz, listen to the SSO, the SCO... I'm getting ahead of myself.
But I wonder, what would life be like, if I devoted it to (on top of having babes, being a babe and mother - 'cos family is of course, the 2nd top priority aside from God), a life of learning.
Yes, learning. Of what? Just everything. EVERYTHING my brain can hold.
Abba, what if you would give me a ferocious appetite for learning and knowledge - and along with it wisdom for application. Above all, Lord, use this knowledge to let me be Your women. Not just sprouting out information or participating in debates Lord, but also to ENJOY it and APPRECIATE it for its own sake.
See how I am capitalising it Lord? It's a reminder to Me.
Baby steps? what say you Abba? Do away with the telly first? Revive my library membership at the law library? Set up a system in learning classical chinese?
Lord, center my heart on You. Keep me focused. Life is too precious to waste on moments of frivolity. Yes, I know, neither should it be too serious. Lord, give me a godly sense of humour - man, what kind of request is that? hahahaha.. I shouldn't be asking You that! You! of all people! :D I know You can be corny. Sometimes I can't take You. Mushiness too! Brrr.. but deliciously nice! ;)
Okay, just let me enjoy Abba! Remind me to enjoy!
I mean, the capacity of the human brain. Why, in the past, Mr Jack was a Jack of all trades, Master of all.
Why don't we have such people now? With our compulsory education, modern technology and gadgetry, higher standard of living...
The answer? DISTRACTION.
Yes. We have been numbed with routine, that sense of wonder we had as children, extinguished by playstations, drowned by television - our concentration wasted staring at the computer (perhaps even now as I'm typing!), even as our thumbs do a silly little dance sending sms-es over the phone.. I mean, what are we doing?
You know what, I have a DESIRE to be a renaissance lady.
Yes, a lady of letters, of beauty and refinement, of charity, of wit, of fashion - to write plays and political essays, read history and law, go on mission trips, soak in the wonders of nature, a photographer, a writer, a pastor, a healer, an evangelist - a daughter, awife, a mother of 8, play classical piano, play jazz, listen to the SSO, the SCO... I'm getting ahead of myself.
But I wonder, what would life be like, if I devoted it to (on top of having babes, being a babe and mother - 'cos family is of course, the 2nd top priority aside from God), a life of learning.
Yes, learning. Of what? Just everything. EVERYTHING my brain can hold.
Abba, what if you would give me a ferocious appetite for learning and knowledge - and along with it wisdom for application. Above all, Lord, use this knowledge to let me be Your women. Not just sprouting out information or participating in debates Lord, but also to ENJOY it and APPRECIATE it for its own sake.
See how I am capitalising it Lord? It's a reminder to Me.
Baby steps? what say you Abba? Do away with the telly first? Revive my library membership at the law library? Set up a system in learning classical chinese?
Lord, center my heart on You. Keep me focused. Life is too precious to waste on moments of frivolity. Yes, I know, neither should it be too serious. Lord, give me a godly sense of humour - man, what kind of request is that? hahahaha.. I shouldn't be asking You that! You! of all people! :D I know You can be corny. Sometimes I can't take You. Mushiness too! Brrr.. but deliciously nice! ;)
Okay, just let me enjoy Abba! Remind me to enjoy!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Jesus, my beauty
They looked to Him and were radiant
Psalm 34:5
"I am beautiful, lovely, and radiant only when I look to Him, only when I listen to His words and what He says about me. When, through obedience, I allow His character to become my character, He fills and covers all the holes of insecurity I've dug for myself.
Jesus is my beauty. He is my loveliness, my confidence. He is the charisma, the attractiveness that is right and true - the breeds life not death. That points to good and not evil. The perfume the world, our family, and our friends will take notice of. What is she wearing? Jesus. The answer must be Jesus."
Kathy Troccoli, recording artist and writer
Psalm 34:5
"I am beautiful, lovely, and radiant only when I look to Him, only when I listen to His words and what He says about me. When, through obedience, I allow His character to become my character, He fills and covers all the holes of insecurity I've dug for myself.
Jesus is my beauty. He is my loveliness, my confidence. He is the charisma, the attractiveness that is right and true - the breeds life not death. That points to good and not evil. The perfume the world, our family, and our friends will take notice of. What is she wearing? Jesus. The answer must be Jesus."
Kathy Troccoli, recording artist and writer
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Records of the grand historian
Just picked up my reserved book from the library yesterday. It's "Records of the grand historian" by Sima Qian. I'm looking at the thickness of the book in anticipation.
You know, it's like when you get this huge juicy steak - you examine the appearance - the browness, the gravy and appreciate the overall setting of that meat amongst the veggies and marsh potatos; you sniff in the aroma and whoo a little, then you prod it with your knife to test it's tenderness. You sit back and gaze in admiration at that dish for some time before you really dig in.
'Cos at the back of your mind, you're anticipating but something is holding you back, like a leash. Because you know that when you start, you'll have to finish, every. single. bite. - perhaps to the exclusion of everything else.
At least, that's how I read novels. As much as possible, in one seating. And if possible, I'll forgo sleep; unless my tiredness eats into my enjoyment. But I'm just anticipating the adrenalin right now and savouring the moment.
And the beauty of this book is that it's history, written in the form of a novel. So not only is it enjoyable to read, it has the additional 'kick' of it being true.
One of my favourite things to do, is to cosy up in the night, with a really good book and a cup of coffee. The best time, would often be during the monsoon seasons, with the winds whirling their way into the living room and the sound of threshing leaves on the trees outside; and me, snug, safe and warm at home with a thriller of a book.
Thank God for such moments! :D
You know, it's like when you get this huge juicy steak - you examine the appearance - the browness, the gravy and appreciate the overall setting of that meat amongst the veggies and marsh potatos; you sniff in the aroma and whoo a little, then you prod it with your knife to test it's tenderness. You sit back and gaze in admiration at that dish for some time before you really dig in.
'Cos at the back of your mind, you're anticipating but something is holding you back, like a leash. Because you know that when you start, you'll have to finish, every. single. bite. - perhaps to the exclusion of everything else.
At least, that's how I read novels. As much as possible, in one seating. And if possible, I'll forgo sleep; unless my tiredness eats into my enjoyment. But I'm just anticipating the adrenalin right now and savouring the moment.
And the beauty of this book is that it's history, written in the form of a novel. So not only is it enjoyable to read, it has the additional 'kick' of it being true.
One of my favourite things to do, is to cosy up in the night, with a really good book and a cup of coffee. The best time, would often be during the monsoon seasons, with the winds whirling their way into the living room and the sound of threshing leaves on the trees outside; and me, snug, safe and warm at home with a thriller of a book.
Thank God for such moments! :D
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Wonderful world
Hey, do you remember when you were a giddy teenager? Like in college, and there was this cute guy that would cause your heart to flutter and skip a beat? Ah, those innocent days of daydreams and sideway looks and little smiles for no reason.
Oh, just felt like this this evening. Like that giddy teenager 'in love' with my JC. And this song was in my head...
Don't know much about history
Don't know much about biology
Don't know much about a science too
Don't know much about the French I took
What I do know is that I love you
And I know that if You love me too
What a wonderful world it would be
Now I don't claim to be an A-student
But I'm trying to be
For maybe by being an A-student, Baby
I can win Your love for me
Don't know much about geography
Don't know much trigonometry
Don't know much about algebra
Don't know what a slide rule is for
What I do know: one and one is two
And if this world should be with You
What a wonderful world this should be
Wonderful world, by Sam Cooke
Oh, just felt like this this evening. Like that giddy teenager 'in love' with my JC. And this song was in my head...
Don't know much about history
Don't know much about biology
Don't know much about a science too
Don't know much about the French I took
What I do know is that I love you
And I know that if You love me too
What a wonderful world it would be
Now I don't claim to be an A-student
But I'm trying to be
For maybe by being an A-student, Baby
I can win Your love for me
Don't know much about geography
Don't know much trigonometry
Don't know much about algebra
Don't know what a slide rule is for
What I do know: one and one is two
And if this world should be with You
What a wonderful world this should be
Wonderful world, by Sam Cooke
Captivating
I recommend this book called "Captivating", Unveiling the mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge. Planning to start a ladies' group to get together to exalt and affirm one another. So after you've read this beautiful book and are interested, and are located in Singapore, e-mail or leave a comment for me :)
This is what's written on the back of the book:-
Every woman was once a little girl. And every little girl holds in her heart her most precious dreams. She longs to be swept up into a romance, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, to be the Beauty of the story. Those desires are far more than child's play. They are the secret to the feminine heart.
And yet - how many women do you know who ever find that life? As the years pass by, the heart of a woman gets pushed aside, wounded, buried. She finds no romance except in novels, no adventure except on television, and she doubts very much that she will ever be the Beauty in any tale.
Many women think they have to settle for a life of efficiency and duty, chores and errands, striving to be the women they "ought" to be but often feeling they have failed. Sadly, too many messages for Christian women add to the pressure. "Do these ten things, and you will be a godly woman." The effect has not been good on the feminine soul.
But her heart is still there. Sometimes when she watches a movie, sometimes in the wee hours of the night, her heart begins to speak again. A thirst arises wtihin her to find the life she was meant to live - the life she dreamed of as a little girl.
The message of Captivating is this: Your heart matters more than anything else in all creation. The desires you had as a little girl and the longings you still feel as a woman - they are telling you of the life God created you to live. He offers to come now as the Hero of your story, to rescue your heart and release you to live as a fully alive and feminine woman. A woman who is truly captivating.
This is what's written on the back of the book:-
Every woman was once a little girl. And every little girl holds in her heart her most precious dreams. She longs to be swept up into a romance, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, to be the Beauty of the story. Those desires are far more than child's play. They are the secret to the feminine heart.
And yet - how many women do you know who ever find that life? As the years pass by, the heart of a woman gets pushed aside, wounded, buried. She finds no romance except in novels, no adventure except on television, and she doubts very much that she will ever be the Beauty in any tale.
Many women think they have to settle for a life of efficiency and duty, chores and errands, striving to be the women they "ought" to be but often feeling they have failed. Sadly, too many messages for Christian women add to the pressure. "Do these ten things, and you will be a godly woman." The effect has not been good on the feminine soul.
But her heart is still there. Sometimes when she watches a movie, sometimes in the wee hours of the night, her heart begins to speak again. A thirst arises wtihin her to find the life she was meant to live - the life she dreamed of as a little girl.
The message of Captivating is this: Your heart matters more than anything else in all creation. The desires you had as a little girl and the longings you still feel as a woman - they are telling you of the life God created you to live. He offers to come now as the Hero of your story, to rescue your heart and release you to live as a fully alive and feminine woman. A woman who is truly captivating.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
TGIF!
Thank God I'm Female!
Oh, it's wonderful to be female!
Women get to be beautiful, personify beauty, offering love and care, nurturing.
Women get to be adored, known, treasured, loved.
Women get to be unveiled, enjoyed, a place of comfort.
They provide rest and peace, strength and support, hope and love.
Women get to enjoy their own femininity. The dresses, the makeup, the gestures, the laughter, the talk, the enjoyment of their own company.
They get to give little gifts of their presence to people who matter to them.
We have the power of kindness in our tongues, speaking life to others, building and edifying them, cleansing them from negativity.
We are able to share our beauty - in quietness, in exuberance - as in a restful presence or that twinkle of an eye, that elusive dimple, a bright laugh or a gentle smile.
Oh, it's wonderful to be female!
Women get to be beautiful, personify beauty, offering love and care, nurturing.
Women get to be adored, known, treasured, loved.
Women get to be unveiled, enjoyed, a place of comfort.
They provide rest and peace, strength and support, hope and love.
Women get to enjoy their own femininity. The dresses, the makeup, the gestures, the laughter, the talk, the enjoyment of their own company.
They get to give little gifts of their presence to people who matter to them.
We have the power of kindness in our tongues, speaking life to others, building and edifying them, cleansing them from negativity.
We are able to share our beauty - in quietness, in exuberance - as in a restful presence or that twinkle of an eye, that elusive dimple, a bright laugh or a gentle smile.
Reaching for You
I stand here before You
in wide open wonder
amazed at the glory of You
the power of heaven
revealing Your purpose in me
as I'm reaching for You
Hillsong
in wide open wonder
amazed at the glory of You
the power of heaven
revealing Your purpose in me
as I'm reaching for You
Hillsong
Everything
As I start this post, I'm reminded of a song that I used to sing...
He is my everything
He is my all
He is my everything
Both great and small
He gave His life for me
Made everything new
He is my everything
Now how about you?
This Sunday, Pastor Joshua was preaching the message, "As Christ is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4)
We use faith to get healing, prosperity etc.. We 'use' Jesus to get monies, blessings, favour.. so that Jesus becomes a means to something that we want.
This is erronous.
What are we saying when we tell someone, "I'm believing God for a great job!" There's nothing wrong in saying that. It's one thing to say it to remind myself, it's another thing to say it to convince myself. The latter can become a formula, the former is a rest.
What do I mean?
See, people get distracted easily about what they see around them. We forget that all the blessings come with Jesus and we don't have to use faith to get them. When we have Jesus we have everything.
A man is poor or rich, not by what he owns but what he sees within himself. He comes poor by looking at what he does not have.
We're looking at things on the outside, whereas God gave us wealth on the inside already.
You see, we judge whether we have everything by what we actually have - and not simply by His Word. This is totally natural. Our understanding has to do with our 5 senses after all. But are we able to shape reality by the Word alone?
We talk about the bible. The bible says this, the bible says that. But what is the bible? The bible is the Word right? And who is the Word? The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us. The Word is Jesus.
So reality is Jesus.
When the Holy Spirit comes and indwells us - it is almighty God Himself within us! He is the richness, the fullness God within us. But we don't realise it.
When we have Jesus, we already have everything. When we have symptoms - we are able to disregard them (this depends on your level of faith - how intimate you are with Jesus) because Jesus IS my health.
Now, this can seem really out of this world? Whatcha mean 'disregard' symptoms?
Hence, the qualifier. It depends on your level of faith.
Then, isn't the question back to having enough faith? Am I having to convince myself, psycho myself, to believe?
Nope. Jesus is the author and finisher of the faith. So who is your faith? Your faith is Jesus. You don't look at yourself for the faith you need. You look at Jesus, and faith will come.
That is why Paul prayed that we would have a greater revelation of Jesus. If we knew His value; if we knew how much He cares and loves us - the fact that He would come true and through for us is a given. We 'judge' reality then by what we see within and not our physical eyes.
1 John 4 - (my analysis is bracketed)
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us.
God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us (God is perfected within us), so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love (in context, the Holy Spirit who is that love perfected within me assures me) casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love (is growing in the revelation of Christ in him.)
What is the temptation of us Christians today?
The temptation of the devil is to make me see myself apart from Christ.
Discontentment can be a subtle thing. When we ask for things, there can be no end. There's always something bigger, brighter, better on the other side. Is it then wrong to ask for things?
Why, not at all! But it is an accurate observation is it now? If only I can have a notebook, I'll be happy. When the notebook comes, I may think, oh I wish I had this other model...
So what do I do? To ask or not?
There's no right or wrong answer. It is okay to want. God is not about freeing one's mind and heart from desires like some other religions would say. They say, without 'want', there can be no pain. Without 'expectations' there can be no regret.
A rather colourless way to live in my opinion.
But God wants our desires, our contentment, not in things - becomes He knows us. That things alone can never satisfy the soul and the spirit. We are His created beings, breathed into life by His breath - forever incomplete unless we invite Him to complete us. Contentment and satisfaction is found in Christ alone.
When God fills us, passion fills us. Have you read the bible? Oh! The language! The poetry, the hunger, the want, the joy, the exhileration! Nothing like the zen-like books I used to flip through and puzzle over. None of the intellectual stuff that makes one's brain run about in circles arriving to no conclusion. But God is a passionate God, who pursues us and embraces us! He is God! Worthy of worship!
He is my everything
He is my all
He is my everything
Both great and small
He gave His life for me
Made everything new
He is my everything
Now how about you?
This Sunday, Pastor Joshua was preaching the message, "As Christ is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4)
We use faith to get healing, prosperity etc.. We 'use' Jesus to get monies, blessings, favour.. so that Jesus becomes a means to something that we want.
This is erronous.
What are we saying when we tell someone, "I'm believing God for a great job!" There's nothing wrong in saying that. It's one thing to say it to remind myself, it's another thing to say it to convince myself. The latter can become a formula, the former is a rest.
What do I mean?
See, people get distracted easily about what they see around them. We forget that all the blessings come with Jesus and we don't have to use faith to get them. When we have Jesus we have everything.
A man is poor or rich, not by what he owns but what he sees within himself. He comes poor by looking at what he does not have.
We're looking at things on the outside, whereas God gave us wealth on the inside already.
You see, we judge whether we have everything by what we actually have - and not simply by His Word. This is totally natural. Our understanding has to do with our 5 senses after all. But are we able to shape reality by the Word alone?
We talk about the bible. The bible says this, the bible says that. But what is the bible? The bible is the Word right? And who is the Word? The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us. The Word is Jesus.
So reality is Jesus.
When the Holy Spirit comes and indwells us - it is almighty God Himself within us! He is the richness, the fullness God within us. But we don't realise it.
When we have Jesus, we already have everything. When we have symptoms - we are able to disregard them (this depends on your level of faith - how intimate you are with Jesus) because Jesus IS my health.
Now, this can seem really out of this world? Whatcha mean 'disregard' symptoms?
Hence, the qualifier. It depends on your level of faith.
Then, isn't the question back to having enough faith? Am I having to convince myself, psycho myself, to believe?
Nope. Jesus is the author and finisher of the faith. So who is your faith? Your faith is Jesus. You don't look at yourself for the faith you need. You look at Jesus, and faith will come.
That is why Paul prayed that we would have a greater revelation of Jesus. If we knew His value; if we knew how much He cares and loves us - the fact that He would come true and through for us is a given. We 'judge' reality then by what we see within and not our physical eyes.
1 John 4 - (my analysis is bracketed)
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us.
God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us (God is perfected within us), so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love (in context, the Holy Spirit who is that love perfected within me assures me) casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love (is growing in the revelation of Christ in him.)
What is the temptation of us Christians today?
The temptation of the devil is to make me see myself apart from Christ.
Discontentment can be a subtle thing. When we ask for things, there can be no end. There's always something bigger, brighter, better on the other side. Is it then wrong to ask for things?
Why, not at all! But it is an accurate observation is it now? If only I can have a notebook, I'll be happy. When the notebook comes, I may think, oh I wish I had this other model...
So what do I do? To ask or not?
There's no right or wrong answer. It is okay to want. God is not about freeing one's mind and heart from desires like some other religions would say. They say, without 'want', there can be no pain. Without 'expectations' there can be no regret.
A rather colourless way to live in my opinion.
But God wants our desires, our contentment, not in things - becomes He knows us. That things alone can never satisfy the soul and the spirit. We are His created beings, breathed into life by His breath - forever incomplete unless we invite Him to complete us. Contentment and satisfaction is found in Christ alone.
When God fills us, passion fills us. Have you read the bible? Oh! The language! The poetry, the hunger, the want, the joy, the exhileration! Nothing like the zen-like books I used to flip through and puzzle over. None of the intellectual stuff that makes one's brain run about in circles arriving to no conclusion. But God is a passionate God, who pursues us and embraces us! He is God! Worthy of worship!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Love IS
Love is the commitment of my will
to your needs and best interests,
regardless of the cost
Dr Tim Kimmel, author of "Grace based parenting"
In this the love of God was manifested toward us,
that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through Him.
In this is love,
not that we loved God,
but that He loved us and sent His Son
to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
How do we know that God loves us?
"regardless of the cost"
He sent His only begotten Son, as the sacrificial lamb.
Jesus was the only baby ever born to die.
That we might live through Him.
to your needs and best interests,
regardless of the cost
Dr Tim Kimmel, author of "Grace based parenting"
In this the love of God was manifested toward us,
that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through Him.
In this is love,
not that we loved God,
but that He loved us and sent His Son
to be the propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
How do we know that God loves us?
"regardless of the cost"
He sent His only begotten Son, as the sacrificial lamb.
Jesus was the only baby ever born to die.
That we might live through Him.
Dreams and work
A lot of things can be subtle - self-condemnation, I know for a long time is like that. Especially when one is a Christian, and you think you should have known better. I struggle to remind myself, as the Word says, that it is through beholding that I am transformed from glory to glory. And not to judge my self-worth, no matter how compelling the world's standards are, by what I have and see. But to have that revelation, that Christ in me, the Lord's presence is EVERYTHING.
True satisfaction lies in Christ alone.
I wrote this entry in mid-November 2005 but did not publish it here on the blog.
Re-reading it, nothing much has changed. I realised how difficult it is to gird the mind, to constanting renew it with the Word of God.
I don't think it is an uplifting entry, more like a plea to the Lord. I feel that I would now like to publish it with some minor editing. Perhaps you may draw some insight into your own situation if you're feeling like me:-
A leader quoted this from General McArthur. It really spoke to me.
"The years will wrinkle your skin, but the lost of dreams will wrinkle your soul."
Why?
'Cos I've been feeling unenthusiastic about my job.
For me, I don't find obstacles in my job difficult - as long as I enjoy it. Objectively, to lots of people, rejection isn't easy. Subjectively to me, my job has been a breeze before, despite the 'rejections' because I enjoyed it.
But lately for the past few months, it's been a drag. Things now, are supposed to be much easier but why have I not been enjoying it?
I know that my job is a ministry but my heart does not know it yet.
Why do I feel UP on Sundays and down on Mondays when I haven't felt it before?
Previously, when I was new, my time and attention was focused on skills and knowledge. Not knowing anything, I depended heavily on the Lord. Now, after months, my skills and knowledge reflect my experience. I still depend on Him. But what had been a challenging but exciting process - now has plato-ed.
On Sundays and bible study nights, life is fed. Infused by the surety of His Word and confidence in His love. But then, working in the world - well, it's all about wages. Do this and you'll get that. Go, go, sell, sell, look at the production, see the money!
Man, I like money, I do! I love to spend it. But other then that, money does not motivate me. So I work until I have enough then I am contented - which is really a lazy way out 'cos it's mediocre standard and God deserves my best in this ministry.
Yet, I can only work my best when I enjoy it.
And God gives us freely all things to enjoy!
Why did God give me a job?
To enjoy! A job is for me to express the gifts that He has given to me.
And this was what I did for the first 18 months in my job. Now, I'm just so blah about it, 'cos everything has become routine - and they're pushing to motivate us in the company revolves around $$$ which is like, so what?
I'm wondering? What's up with me? Is it time for another job? Another company?
Prayed about it. To the former, I think the answer's no. To the latter, I think the answer's also no, though my mind and heart perhaps need a little convincing.
And today I got the answer.
The loss of dreams.
I've to learn to dream again. To dream again specifically in regards to my work. Not just do the things. It's not about once having a dream... people forget. I forgot my dreams through the months as I got caught up in the day to day affairs.
I guess that's why I feel up on weekends and blah during the weekdays.
On Sundays and midweek, the Word goes forth, to sozo - eternity is being set in my heart. Where the good news, the gospel, His love goes forth, faith stirs, the spirit rejoices, the soul, the mind, the emotions, the body is refreshed.
How to translate it to work?
I realised that there is no 'Pastor', no someone at work who can light the fire - speak to me in a language that I can identify. What's my 'motivation'? Talk to me about dreams. Talk to me about a cause. Speak to me about the future. Constant remind me, speak to me of ideas, help me identify ownership over what I do. Teach me how to achieve it.
I think I have a problem with pride at work. In my psyche, I justify it 'cos my work is commission-based, and by virtue of the nature of my work, I am not considered an employee of the company. My job is like my own little business. It's a very 'me' attitude. But I can't seem to change it. And to be frank, I think I'm condemning myself over this issue of insubordination. I can't bring myself to submit to the systems they have there - I tried to. But I can't. I suppose I can force myself to go to meetings.. which I did for a few months, but am unhappy about it. Now, I'm not going for meetings, but because I'm supposed to go, I condemn myself, and am still unhappy about it. 'nuff said. :(
"Raising leaders"
It's so different, the way believers and unbelievers do it.
I don't really have anyone that I respect and look up to and model over at work. And I find it very difficult to submit (as compared to church). And I know that this is not right. Submission, not only of actions, but of the heart. I guess a huge part is that at work, I feel that we don't speak the same lingo. We don't feel the same love and acceptance.
Some people may say, but come on! Be realistic, you're in the world what. You should not expect love and acceptance and all!
Yes, I agree. I don't expect it. I realise acceptance is very performance-based in the world. But how many people would perform better if they loved the job, loved the people and know they are loved in return, simply for who they are. I think respect and love as a motivation is awesome in a corporation. The challenge would be how to foster such a culture.
I'm blessed that the people in my company are very open, friendly and coorperative.
Perhaps I just wish for like-minded people to be around me. Or perhaps for understanding. For someone I respect enough to honour the advice given.
Perhaps it's time wishing for that sort of support from someone - that person to fan my dreams. Perhaps it's time to talk to my senior partner more, and let Him manage me to manage His business.
Let Him set eternity, place dreams in my heart regarding my work.
I don't know what's going to happen. But I'm looking to Him to give me the joy in this ministry.
It is all dead works and empty obedience Lord, without You. I want life more abundantly in this area. Teach me Lord. I must be real slow, 'cos I've asked this from You for months! Is there an area which I am disobedient in? Lord! Give me the desire - write Your laws on the tablet of my heart. That the work that I do would be like before, with Your joy, Your strength, Your favour - and most of all, let me enjoy, enjoy! Please! Amen.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Growing up
Okay, I need to arrange my thoughts.
These two words "growing up" has been on my mind lately. That I have not risen to the potential that God has placed within me. All I need to do is to flex those wings and soar.
That it's a matter of "taking charge" yet resting in the Lord. And the time is NOW. The time is NOW. But Lord, I don't know what to do.
Yes, I do. I'm just procrastinating. Until it becomes more painful for me to do nothing than to do something. And that's just silly.
Focus! Focus on Him.
I wonder how the children of Israel felt, wandering about the wilderness, but always being able to see the manifest presence of the Lord with them. Living comfortably (their clothes never wore out), having enought to eat. God took care of them, giving them cool in the day, and warmth in the night. I'm sure they were pretty comfortable with the status quo.
How did they feel when Moses died and Joshua became leader and then told them that they were going over to Jerico? Did trepidition grip their hearts? This is war. Were they reluctant to get out of their comfort zone?
Or were they fired-up in their hearts? Saying, "Finally!" For this was a new generation, untouched by the lies and lures of Egypt. Growing up hearing the word of the Lord, seeing His faithfulness day by day. Raring to go and finally, the time has come where God Himself would fulfil the promise that He made to them.
Come and possess the land that I've already given thee! A land flowing with milk and honey!
The Lord will fight for you!
Be like Joshua; be strong and very courageous!
I wonder her Gideon felt. What valiant man? "I'll rather stay and thresh wheat safely in my father's home." Would I rather do that and miss the fun?
But even Gideon, even he was roused to action. Perhaps there's something about being close to the Lord that inspires. For one cannot be in His presence without being moved. What's more today when His Spirit resides in me!
Oh, to practise that consciousness!
I'm done with writing. I'm done with contemplating and reflecting. I still feel I'm in my cocoon.
But this I believe, that I'm always in Your thoughts. That regardless, You're doing a mighty work in me. And because I often do not understand what's going on and am tired of trying to figure out, Holy Spirit, You take over. You pray, for I do not know what and how to pray as I ought.
My eyes are on You Lord. I've received your message but I do not know how to execute it. It's no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. I rest in Your Word and as I see my Father do, that I will do also. Amen.
These two words "growing up" has been on my mind lately. That I have not risen to the potential that God has placed within me. All I need to do is to flex those wings and soar.
That it's a matter of "taking charge" yet resting in the Lord. And the time is NOW. The time is NOW. But Lord, I don't know what to do.
Yes, I do. I'm just procrastinating. Until it becomes more painful for me to do nothing than to do something. And that's just silly.
Focus! Focus on Him.
I wonder how the children of Israel felt, wandering about the wilderness, but always being able to see the manifest presence of the Lord with them. Living comfortably (their clothes never wore out), having enought to eat. God took care of them, giving them cool in the day, and warmth in the night. I'm sure they were pretty comfortable with the status quo.
How did they feel when Moses died and Joshua became leader and then told them that they were going over to Jerico? Did trepidition grip their hearts? This is war. Were they reluctant to get out of their comfort zone?
Or were they fired-up in their hearts? Saying, "Finally!" For this was a new generation, untouched by the lies and lures of Egypt. Growing up hearing the word of the Lord, seeing His faithfulness day by day. Raring to go and finally, the time has come where God Himself would fulfil the promise that He made to them.
Come and possess the land that I've already given thee! A land flowing with milk and honey!
The Lord will fight for you!
Be like Joshua; be strong and very courageous!
I wonder her Gideon felt. What valiant man? "I'll rather stay and thresh wheat safely in my father's home." Would I rather do that and miss the fun?
But even Gideon, even he was roused to action. Perhaps there's something about being close to the Lord that inspires. For one cannot be in His presence without being moved. What's more today when His Spirit resides in me!
Oh, to practise that consciousness!
I'm done with writing. I'm done with contemplating and reflecting. I still feel I'm in my cocoon.
But this I believe, that I'm always in Your thoughts. That regardless, You're doing a mighty work in me. And because I often do not understand what's going on and am tired of trying to figure out, Holy Spirit, You take over. You pray, for I do not know what and how to pray as I ought.
My eyes are on You Lord. I've received your message but I do not know how to execute it. It's no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. I rest in Your Word and as I see my Father do, that I will do also. Amen.
Psalm 91
Song inspired by Psalm 91. Written by Karen of New Creation Church music ministry.
I will dwell in the secret place of the Most High
I will stay in the shadow of Your wings
For Lord You are my refuge
My tower of strength
My hope is in You
Secure I stand
You will deliver me
Your truth will be my shield
Jesus You cover me
In Your love no fear prevails
No evil, no terror,
no arrow, no plague
Shall ever come near me
For You are my safety
My hiding place
Jesus I trust in You
Jesus I trust in You
The Word of the Lord comforts.
Here's Psalm 91, an assurance of His protection over His anointed ones.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
I will dwell in the secret place of the Most High
I will stay in the shadow of Your wings
For Lord You are my refuge
My tower of strength
My hope is in You
Secure I stand
You will deliver me
Your truth will be my shield
Jesus You cover me
In Your love no fear prevails
No evil, no terror,
no arrow, no plague
Shall ever come near me
For You are my safety
My hiding place
Jesus I trust in You
Jesus I trust in You
The Word of the Lord comforts.
Here's Psalm 91, an assurance of His protection over His anointed ones.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
new blog template
How do you like it?
Actually, yesterday, I was trying out another one. It was called 'kitchen template'. But it was such a 'westernised' kitchen.
Anyway, this one is nice. Serene. I like the sea, so I'm glad she's by the sea.
She's this picture of femininity, dressed in bridal white (see the bouquet in her hands?) and she is looking towards the horizon, waiting... Kinda of reminds me of myself. Waiting with positive expectancy. :)
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Now, hope does not disappoint.
Actually, yesterday, I was trying out another one. It was called 'kitchen template'. But it was such a 'westernised' kitchen.
Anyway, this one is nice. Serene. I like the sea, so I'm glad she's by the sea.
She's this picture of femininity, dressed in bridal white (see the bouquet in her hands?) and she is looking towards the horizon, waiting... Kinda of reminds me of myself. Waiting with positive expectancy. :)
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Now, hope does not disappoint.
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