Ever seen I spoke to KL last Thursday 14/2/08, the thought of christians having a love relationship with Christ keep coming to my mind, at what stages are we. During our conversation, all of a sudden, my thoughts run and grading came into place. N1, N2, K1, K2 P1 - P6 (PSLE).
N1 begins only when a christian desires the things of God, aware of God's presence under special circumstances and become a seeker. Even no none goes with him or her, that person is willing to make a difference alone consistantly with obedience and an open heart to learn. I am sure there will be struggles but the Lord sees the heart. Then that person can move on to next stage quickly. Otherwise, will stay stagnant until commitment from the heart is ready.
There are christians who are aware of God's presence and blessings under certain circumstances and rejoice for that very moment, then done with, not a seeker, no desire for the things of God. Most of the time living a self-centre life, waiting to be bless by God but sometimes at will, can serve with great zealousness and this type of christian has not reached N1 yet. Just a norminal christian. Not realistic in the walk with God.
There are a handful who zealously study the scriptures from cover to cover and memorise verses seriously. Observe God's law and many forms. Desire to follow and obey God sincerely according to their perception of God, unaware of God's presence and His directions. Many christians presumingly thought this is definitely what God would have them to do. I have been in this situation for almost 30 years. It is a very sad thing, I have salvation because I believe in my heart that Jesus came to die to give me eternal life but I have no relationship with Him.
I also realised that christians can surrender his or her life to God at will. They are in control not God. They actually tell God what they want to do for Him. This is not what God wants, He wants our total obedience in submission to Him, in everything. His will is always right and the best.
Such a christian lives in confusion, very sad. They need guidance from people who can show them by example, how to live that christian life. I felt so amazing how God taught me to understand these things in a short time of a year in 2003, I have never understood it before. As I move on in the past years, I see even more of the love of Jesus shed abroad in the heart of christians where real testimony I witness and their life example touches and greatly impact my life.
From N2 -K2, there is a desire to read the bible, serve, make changes to your life. Some special verses will keep appearing to you to bring about a conviction in your life. And you will have a heart that wants to learn and make a different by being the channel of blessings for the Lord. Always waiting for God's direction to be revealed to you. By K2, you probably have been reading the bible and prayering often before you reach P1. P1 will be the time you give your life to the Lord before a ministry begin in your life. The Lord will fill you with discerning spirit and wisdom to guide you in all that He wants you to do. At this stage, you are rather aware of God's presence. Almost like daily or many time by the moment.
On another hand, one can slip in and out of coma if no commitment to the Lord take place. Soon, discouragement creeps in and doubts too. You won't stay long at P1, you will degrade quickly. The cycle may repeat itself, this is known as 'stuck' christian.
I wrote this in March 2007 in my diary.
One week before the youth went on the mission trip Dec 2006, I share about the word ‘SOLD’.
In order to serve in the ministry effectively, we need to have a good relationship with God.
One Sunday morning before worship, this few words came to my mind. I was wondering how can a christian come to a close relationship with God. There are too many blur christians, unaware of God's presence. Four words just simply flow through my thoughts.
Listening to God’s still small voice is very important. Discerning whether the voice comes from God or from the work of darkness is just as important. After we have heard the voice of God, next is to Obey Him.
And before we can do all this things (Listening, Discerning and Obeying), we have to Surrender our life to Him who is the author and finisher of our faith because our natural man can’t do it. Our flesh is weak; our faith is small and sometimes our hearts
are not willing to do what He wants us to do. Only, after you have surrendered your heart to God and put your complete trust in Him then flow rivers of unimaginable blessings. The Lord’s presence will always go before you, without fail.
In order not to forget these four words, I try to make a word to remember it. The first tries was ‘DOLS’ sound like a puppet kind of life and God does not control our lives. He let us make choices, He allows us to choose and we need to make wise choices in our lives that please God.
On the second try, I formed the word ‘SOLD’, it strike me much. We are bought with a price by the blood of Christ, therefore we are SOLD to Him once we except Jesus into our hearts and at that minute we receive salvation, we belong to Him. What an appropriate word for the four important words that I try to remember and put them in my heart.
And when God wants you to do something for Him, He will speak by the Holy Spirit through the bible, prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
When He speaks, it is usually unique and you are sure that God is speaking. You will know what He says and that is an encounter with God. And you can be sure that what He begins in you, He will also complete it.
If you have lost God’s contact number, please dial 333. (Jer. 33:3) He will sure to answer your call. Be ready to hear Him speaks.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Lord of our Lives
Yesterday, surprised by my niece, Yi Ling's visit. I invited her to WEB and she agreed. Do pray for her salvation. During WEB, Ps 8 was read, I felt the word was so beautiful.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the seas.
O LORD, OUR LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (NIV)
Experiencing God's bk pg 130 by Henry T. Blackaby
Absolute Surrender
God frequently requires adjustments in areas you have never considered or been open to in the past. You may have heard someone say something like this: " Don't ever tell God something you will NOT do. That is what He will ask you to do. "God is not looking for ways to make you "squirm." He does, however, want to be Lord of your life. Whenever you identify a place where you refuse to allow His lordship, that is a place He will go to work. He is interested in absolute surrender. God may or may not require you to do that very thing you identified, but He will keep working until you are willing for Him to be Lord of all. Remember, because God loves you, His will is always best for you! Any adjustment God expects you to make is for your good. As you follow Him, the time may come that your life and future may depend on your adjusting quickly to God's directives.
The adjusting is always to a Person. You adjust your life to God. You adjust your view points to be like His veiwpoints. You adjust your ways to be like His ways. After you make the necessary adjustments, He will tell you what to do next to obey Him. When you obey Him, you will experience Him doing through you something only God can do.
Kinds of adjustment
In circumstances
In relationships
In thinking
In commitments
In actions
In beliefs
Pg132
You cannot stay where you are and go with God in obedience to His will. Adjustments must come first.Then you can follow in obedience.. Keep in mind - the God who calls you is also the One who will enable you to do His will.
Today's Sunday msg by Ptr E How To Live Through A Bad
Five Keys for turning A TEST into a TRIUMPH:
1) That which we must FACE - reality of suffering
2) That which we must KNOW - Jesus Christ our comfort
3) That which we must WANT - God's divine will
4) That which we must DO - Entrusting God in every bad time ( He has a purpose)
5) That which we must HOLD FAST TO - God's promises
Lastly, go watch - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsPBVNecOMo
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:
all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the seas.
O LORD, OUR LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (NIV)
Experiencing God's bk pg 130 by Henry T. Blackaby
Absolute Surrender
God frequently requires adjustments in areas you have never considered or been open to in the past. You may have heard someone say something like this: " Don't ever tell God something you will NOT do. That is what He will ask you to do. "God is not looking for ways to make you "squirm." He does, however, want to be Lord of your life. Whenever you identify a place where you refuse to allow His lordship, that is a place He will go to work. He is interested in absolute surrender. God may or may not require you to do that very thing you identified, but He will keep working until you are willing for Him to be Lord of all. Remember, because God loves you, His will is always best for you! Any adjustment God expects you to make is for your good. As you follow Him, the time may come that your life and future may depend on your adjusting quickly to God's directives.
The adjusting is always to a Person. You adjust your life to God. You adjust your view points to be like His veiwpoints. You adjust your ways to be like His ways. After you make the necessary adjustments, He will tell you what to do next to obey Him. When you obey Him, you will experience Him doing through you something only God can do.
Kinds of adjustment
In circumstances
In relationships
In thinking
In commitments
In actions
In beliefs
Pg132
You cannot stay where you are and go with God in obedience to His will. Adjustments must come first.Then you can follow in obedience.. Keep in mind - the God who calls you is also the One who will enable you to do His will.
Today's Sunday msg by Ptr E How To Live Through A Bad
Five Keys for turning A TEST into a TRIUMPH:
1) That which we must FACE - reality of suffering
2) That which we must KNOW - Jesus Christ our comfort
3) That which we must WANT - God's divine will
4) That which we must DO - Entrusting God in every bad time ( He has a purpose)
5) That which we must HOLD FAST TO - God's promises
Lastly, go watch - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsPBVNecOMo
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Home at last
I am so glad that my two sisters had arrived Singapore safely from Shanghai. The flight was delayed for 8 hrs, can't imagine myself waiting at the airport for 8 hrs. It was due to the heavy snowing. I was on my way to the airport at 3.15pm but received sms from them that they just boarded the flight. So I made a U-turn home. Teletext show that 3.40pm before I left to pick them. Thank God that He saves me the trip to the airport.
Many people were stranded in many part of China. Now, I thank God that it was just only a 8 hrs of waiting instead of never get a chance to go back to their hometown to spend time with their love ones.
Thank God that my brother Mark fly back home safely yesterday due to work stuff.
* Glad to hear that my sister in law (Mark's wife) has a baby boy. I make the right guess. The first grandson in my family line.
Many people were stranded in many part of China. Now, I thank God that it was just only a 8 hrs of waiting instead of never get a chance to go back to their hometown to spend time with their love ones.
Thank God that my brother Mark fly back home safely yesterday due to work stuff.
* Glad to hear that my sister in law (Mark's wife) has a baby boy. I make the right guess. The first grandson in my family line.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A love relationship with God
Ezekiel 36:9-11 these verses were given to me on 12/7/05. After my morning prayer today when I open the bible it appear to me again. I was delighted, I perceived that the Lord will prosper me in His ways and in His time. I am very encouraged despite of my aches on my neck and shoulders which sometimes effect my head too.
Just running through "Experiencing God book" there was a statement by the author that reminded me,
To be loved by God is the highest relationship, the highest achievement, and the highest position in life.
That doesn't mean we don't care about our studies, works, family needs, our responsbilities for others and ourselves, etc. It is through all these that God works out our relationship with Him. There will be a proper balance in our life and not extremes.
Experiencing God book is a skill and guide book to me, it is not a bible. It helps enlighten me and gives me good understanding just like someone learning how to play a piano. A teacher and music score is important to produce the tune or music piece. If not it will be only noise that we are be producing.
I am so glad to hear from my sis Reb, Shanghai is snowing badly and many transports are delayed. So glad they are flying home tomorrow (Sat 3pm), hope to have a good time with each of them before they go back. Strengthen and be encourage in the Lord.
Just running through "Experiencing God book" there was a statement by the author that reminded me,
To be loved by God is the highest relationship, the highest achievement, and the highest position in life.
That doesn't mean we don't care about our studies, works, family needs, our responsbilities for others and ourselves, etc. It is through all these that God works out our relationship with Him. There will be a proper balance in our life and not extremes.
Experiencing God book is a skill and guide book to me, it is not a bible. It helps enlighten me and gives me good understanding just like someone learning how to play a piano. A teacher and music score is important to produce the tune or music piece. If not it will be only noise that we are be producing.
I am so glad to hear from my sis Reb, Shanghai is snowing badly and many transports are delayed. So glad they are flying home tomorrow (Sat 3pm), hope to have a good time with each of them before they go back. Strengthen and be encourage in the Lord.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Discovery Weekend 26/1/08
Today, I was given the opportunity to sit in Discovery Weekend for Dating Couples which Galvin n Charmaine had attended. Each time after attending something special in Covenant, I am often touch by Covenanters passion for the Lord and the love for others.
Four topics was covered 1) Spiritual foundations 2) Communication and Conflict Management 3) Dating Principles 4) Family Background.
Relatively, they are very well covered in such short time, practical and down to earth yet pleasing God. I am enlightened by speaker No 3, he gave me understanding over some past stuff that I am now no longer feeling guilty about. At the same time, I realised that as parents is my responsiblity to teach my girls about dating values and their responsiblity as a partner.
I was invited by the last speaker to sit, a month ago. He called me one night out of the blue. I have never met him before but was very surprised that he had attended my first church before for a year plus and he knows a handful of my old friends. At his young age of 34, I am very impressed by his maturity, having the wisdom of God. He is able to express his thoughts fluently and clearly to the 15 couples about families background which effects couples relationships and what they have to work on.
It is the first time to see my dream on display. I am waiting and learning to be equip by God before I take my place in God's purposes in my life journey. Each time I attended something in Covenant, each time I am being affirmed by the Lord that my family has come to the right place to learn. This is the place to build our faith and journey with God.
Last Sunday 20/1, I attended the newcomers tea session at 2.30 to 4.30pm. There were about 20 newcomers but they had about 8 helpers and was so well organised. Their heart to connect with us touches me. I like one of the pastor shared on the 3Gs n 4C n more. He gave a very clear understanding before I commit myself in the church.
A young lady was asigned to connect with me and I simply enjoy meeting her. We have a good time Chatting. And almost 80% of the people I met, I ended up working with them . Somehow they were special ppl that God wants me to meet. They are a handful of 10 of 3500 ppl there. As if the Lord has make plan for me, I am very aware of God's moving hand until this day. Isn't this amazing. He made me meet up the ppl that He wants me to, so they can direct me where God wants me to be. My heart rejoice and I know it will mean serving Him in His time and for His purposes.
Four topics was covered 1) Spiritual foundations 2) Communication and Conflict Management 3) Dating Principles 4) Family Background.
Relatively, they are very well covered in such short time, practical and down to earth yet pleasing God. I am enlightened by speaker No 3, he gave me understanding over some past stuff that I am now no longer feeling guilty about. At the same time, I realised that as parents is my responsiblity to teach my girls about dating values and their responsiblity as a partner.
I was invited by the last speaker to sit, a month ago. He called me one night out of the blue. I have never met him before but was very surprised that he had attended my first church before for a year plus and he knows a handful of my old friends. At his young age of 34, I am very impressed by his maturity, having the wisdom of God. He is able to express his thoughts fluently and clearly to the 15 couples about families background which effects couples relationships and what they have to work on.
It is the first time to see my dream on display. I am waiting and learning to be equip by God before I take my place in God's purposes in my life journey. Each time I attended something in Covenant, each time I am being affirmed by the Lord that my family has come to the right place to learn. This is the place to build our faith and journey with God.
Last Sunday 20/1, I attended the newcomers tea session at 2.30 to 4.30pm. There were about 20 newcomers but they had about 8 helpers and was so well organised. Their heart to connect with us touches me. I like one of the pastor shared on the 3Gs n 4C n more. He gave a very clear understanding before I commit myself in the church.
A young lady was asigned to connect with me and I simply enjoy meeting her. We have a good time Chatting. And almost 80% of the people I met, I ended up working with them . Somehow they were special ppl that God wants me to meet. They are a handful of 10 of 3500 ppl there. As if the Lord has make plan for me, I am very aware of God's moving hand until this day. Isn't this amazing. He made me meet up the ppl that He wants me to, so they can direct me where God wants me to be. My heart rejoice and I know it will mean serving Him in His time and for His purposes.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Pastor's E on The Art of Gratitude
This was printed on Sunday bullentin. I find this great so decided to type it out.
The Art of Gratitude
Introduction
True gratitude is an act. A decisive act. The inner spirit that is truly thankful expresses itself spontaneously. It comes forth eloquently in varied ways.
A thoughtful gift, A note of thanks. A genuine smile. A helping hand.
And even a forgiving graciousness - one that overlooks the times when these acts are not likewise reciprocated - for true gratitude, like true love, doesn't keep score of wrongs.
Yet more than an act, true gratitude is an art. It is the art of a tutored soul. It is the art of a noble mind. It is the art of an indebted heart.
For many, however, gratitude is a lost art. There are more gripes than gratefulness. There is a restless dissatisfaction within the soul. Lehman once wrote:
It was Spring, but it was Summer I wanted -
The warm days and the great outdoors
It was Summer, but it was Autumn I wanted -
The colourful leaves and the cool dry air.
It was Autumn, but it was Winter I wanted -
The beautiful snow and the joy of the holiday season.
It was Winter, but it was spring I wanted -
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted -
The freedom and the respect
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted -
To be matured and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted -
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted -
The presence of mind, without limitations.
Then my life was over, and I never got what I wanted.
Never enough. Never satisfied. Never happy. Never truly grateful.
We miss a fundamental truth. True happiness in life is not about getting what we want but rather, it's about wanting what we get. And being grateful for it. ( This means be thankful for what we have right now, what is presented to us, we ought to thankfully accept it from the Lord)
As the curtain comes down upon 2007, let's look back meaningfully on what we have been blessed with. We can choose to gripe about what we don't have or to be grateful for what we have already been blessed with.
What are you truly thankful for? Let's cultivate the art of gratitude. And act on it!
I only realised how to be grateful to the Lord at the age of 40. It took a great trial to help me see God's hand upon me. The past five years I learned to see things in God's perspective, this make the difference. I learned to be thankful for all that I have, my heart's desire is to be a person of influence in the Lord and see lifes change.
The Art of Gratitude
Introduction
True gratitude is an act. A decisive act. The inner spirit that is truly thankful expresses itself spontaneously. It comes forth eloquently in varied ways.
A thoughtful gift, A note of thanks. A genuine smile. A helping hand.
And even a forgiving graciousness - one that overlooks the times when these acts are not likewise reciprocated - for true gratitude, like true love, doesn't keep score of wrongs.
Yet more than an act, true gratitude is an art. It is the art of a tutored soul. It is the art of a noble mind. It is the art of an indebted heart.
For many, however, gratitude is a lost art. There are more gripes than gratefulness. There is a restless dissatisfaction within the soul. Lehman once wrote:
It was Spring, but it was Summer I wanted -
The warm days and the great outdoors
It was Summer, but it was Autumn I wanted -
The colourful leaves and the cool dry air.
It was Autumn, but it was Winter I wanted -
The beautiful snow and the joy of the holiday season.
It was Winter, but it was spring I wanted -
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted -
The freedom and the respect
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted -
To be matured and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted -
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted -
The presence of mind, without limitations.
Then my life was over, and I never got what I wanted.
Never enough. Never satisfied. Never happy. Never truly grateful.
We miss a fundamental truth. True happiness in life is not about getting what we want but rather, it's about wanting what we get. And being grateful for it. ( This means be thankful for what we have right now, what is presented to us, we ought to thankfully accept it from the Lord)
As the curtain comes down upon 2007, let's look back meaningfully on what we have been blessed with. We can choose to gripe about what we don't have or to be grateful for what we have already been blessed with.
What are you truly thankful for? Let's cultivate the art of gratitude. And act on it!
I only realised how to be grateful to the Lord at the age of 40. It took a great trial to help me see God's hand upon me. The past five years I learned to see things in God's perspective, this make the difference. I learned to be thankful for all that I have, my heart's desire is to be a person of influence in the Lord and see lifes change.
Encouragement at dawn prayer
One the 1/1/08, I went for dawn prayer at Covenant 6am-7.30am. It was very mind renewing spiritually. I have not attended dawn prayer since my early 20s, it was my first time after 2 decades, it was really encouraging.
I thanked God that He took me there, it was not in my plan but due to some unforeseen circumstances. I only plan to attend this Saturday 5/1/08, 2.30-6pm for the day of prayers.
Pastor E shared a few important points - Embrace God's purposes, God's promises and God's power.
And all these comes from - obedient in the Lord, reading the word of God and prayers.
Having the intimate relationship with God through true worship lead to existing missons and ministries because our hearts make right and our desire change to seek God's ways.
Pastor E said, "Our first call is to worship God and not witnessing for Him. We can't make Him (God's son Jesus Christ) known FOR God the Father unless we know Him. Whatever He tells us to do, just follow."
I feel it so true that when we are so zealous for God, we have the tendency to speak for Him instead of allowing Him to speak through us.
When your walk with God is so close, you will know what He wants you to do for Him when the Holy Spirit speaks in you because we are His temple. His Spirit lives within us. Whatever He wants to tell us will be very clear.
I am glad that this message is a reminder right from the first day of 2008 for me. And what the Lord has begun in me, He will complete it til the day of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord all ye people. Amen.
I thanked God that He took me there, it was not in my plan but due to some unforeseen circumstances. I only plan to attend this Saturday 5/1/08, 2.30-6pm for the day of prayers.
Pastor E shared a few important points - Embrace God's purposes, God's promises and God's power.
And all these comes from - obedient in the Lord, reading the word of God and prayers.
Having the intimate relationship with God through true worship lead to existing missons and ministries because our hearts make right and our desire change to seek God's ways.
Pastor E said, "Our first call is to worship God and not witnessing for Him. We can't make Him (God's son Jesus Christ) known FOR God the Father unless we know Him. Whatever He tells us to do, just follow."
I feel it so true that when we are so zealous for God, we have the tendency to speak for Him instead of allowing Him to speak through us.
When your walk with God is so close, you will know what He wants you to do for Him when the Holy Spirit speaks in you because we are His temple. His Spirit lives within us. Whatever He wants to tell us will be very clear.
I am glad that this message is a reminder right from the first day of 2008 for me. And what the Lord has begun in me, He will complete it til the day of Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord all ye people. Amen.
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