i woke up early on Friday, but still ended up taking a cab to teach.
It was mainly due to the fact i changed my outfit, which needed ironing. I decided to take a cab because it was too late to take the mrt and bus, so i slowed my pace down, decided to wear my highest heels, and packed an extra pair of shoes in case my feet started hurting.
I turned the lock, then reached into my bag to check that i had my keys. That took me a few seconds. When i turned back again to the door, i forgot that i was supposed to unlatch the chain, and just yanked the door open. The whole latch came off the door and hung by the hook. I gave a yelp. Oh no! i had to confess to hubby who was still sleeping. Deciding to sms him first, and then speak to him after the lesson, i went out.
In the lift, i took a deep breath, smsed an apology to hubby about the latch (he has to get it replaced, you see) and decided to focus on the Lord. This is still a good day. I began to pray and praise Him. I got a cab easily within a couple of minutes as usual (mainly due to the location of my home, and of course the blessing of the Lord). When i got in, i gave instructions to the cab driver regarding destination and which way to go. He kindly suggested another route. I agreed.
As we reached the expressway, he began to hum and sing along with the Mandarin 'oldies' that was playing. I was distracted by the music, but at the same time, impressed he could remember all the lyrics and began to compliment him on his singing, together with the fact that he was so relaxed driving in the morning traffic. I had begun the trip wanting just to relax and pray in the cab, but sensed the Holy Spirit leading otherwise. We began to chat in Mandarin, and in my heart, i was praying for an opportunity to speak to him about Jesus.
As we left the expressway, i saw Trinity Christian Church and pointed it out as a landmark i recognised. He asked me whether i attended the church. I said that i had friends who did. He then deduced i was a Christian and began to quote John 3:16, first in Mandarin, then in English. I became really excited, and wanted to know where he had learnt it from. But i had to wait till he finished quoting the verse in both languages, complete with reference!! :D
From an exercise book, he said, and went on to explain that he had a friend who was a teochew pastor. I asked him why he did not believe. His opinion was that all religions are the same. Not really, i ventured, pointing out the difference in a believer's relationship with the Lord, our heavenly Father. He insisted that every religion teaches people to do good. But as Christians, i explained, it becomes possible to do good because of what Jesus did. He says he knows about all this, but had been put off by those who put down or spoke bad about other religions. I tried to defend these people by emphasizing their passion and thus they offended unintentionally, but he disagreed.
We were near my destination. He shared that he used to attend church and he likes the older hymns. He sang his favourite one in Mandarin, and i recognised the tune - What A Friend We Have In Jesus!
Wow...i was very touched. I wished for him to know God's love, and encouraged him to go to church and find out more, saying that God loves him. I would have said more, but i needed to alight.
Next time, i will take time to ask for prayer needs, and to pray for them there and then. It was a moment for eternity, and i needed to learn to take hold and make the most of it. This is what the Holy Spirit showed me to do.
I shared this brief encounter with my class. I believed that it was in God's plan for me to meet the cab driver. At the end of my lesson, we prayed for him and for others we knew personally who needed the Lord - that their eyes will be enlightened, and labourers would be sent along their path.
I believe with all my heart the cab driver and his family will know Jesus.
I believe that as i put distracting, temporal moments aside, which divert me from the purpose that God has for me, then only can i fully focus on moments with eternal impact.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Thursday, 16 July 2009
the life i have now
Having said all that in the last post, i'd like to add that the life i have now is a good life. I believe Jesus came to give me life, and that i might have it abundantly.
I enjoy what i do, and am contented with what i have.
I was just referring to specific aspects of my life, and things i am still believing in God for.
His promise is always yes in Christ and in Him amen!!
I enjoy what i do, and am contented with what i have.
I was just referring to specific aspects of my life, and things i am still believing in God for.
His promise is always yes in Christ and in Him amen!!
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
the life i want
I woke up for a few minutes in the middle of the night, so i started praising God and telling Him i love Him, focusing my attention on God instead of tossing and turning meaninglessly or fretfully.
Then, the Holy Spirit spoke to me about an aspect of a situation i have been dealing with. I decided to make adjustments.
Thereafter, i was drifting in and out of sleep. But each time, i was awake, i rehearsed in my mind, or whispered to myself:
I will no longer say: "this is not the life i want(ed)" about things that God promised, but i have not seen them being fulfilled in my life, yet.
I will say: "My life is lived according to His plan and purpose and will for me".
Saying that former statement expressed slight self-pity i was not aware of until now, and that is not healthy, not glorifying to God. Saying that statement expressed frustration and that is not faith.
The latter statement expresses faith - I believe, i confess, i receive His promises. This is the kind of life i want to live.
Then, the Holy Spirit spoke to me about an aspect of a situation i have been dealing with. I decided to make adjustments.
Thereafter, i was drifting in and out of sleep. But each time, i was awake, i rehearsed in my mind, or whispered to myself:
I will no longer say: "this is not the life i want(ed)" about things that God promised, but i have not seen them being fulfilled in my life, yet.
I will say: "My life is lived according to His plan and purpose and will for me".
Saying that former statement expressed slight self-pity i was not aware of until now, and that is not healthy, not glorifying to God. Saying that statement expressed frustration and that is not faith.
The latter statement expresses faith - I believe, i confess, i receive His promises. This is the kind of life i want to live.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
more on revolutionary counterculture
I woke up this morning with the term, revolutionary counterculture, on my lips.
Then the Holy Spirit alerted me to 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Jesus came to make a difference. He revolutionised the world at that time by introducing a new concept of intimacy with God, whom He called "Father". He showed the disciples how to pray by addressing God as Heavenly Father.
Jesus demonstrated the heart of Abba Father when he healed the sick, the lame, the blind, the deaf, the mute, and the broken-hearted. He was tender towards the children, compassionate towards the people of God without a shepherd (spiritual leader), loving towards the physically hungry.
His power and authority displayed in the way he spoke and taught, Jesus amazed the spiritually 'empty' leaders of that time with his wisdom and boldness. He saw beyond their superficial practises into their hearts.
We are called to be His disciples. As born-again believers, God placed in us the Holy Spirit, full of power and glory, so that we can do the same works, and even greater works, because of the sheer numbers that we can form.
Brennan Manning understood this when he concluded that the Work of the Kingdom is not to be carried out by individuals here and now. We can never accomplish this vast work of bringing many souls into the kingdom of God by ourselves.
Instead, we are to proclaim His praises, His excellencies as a generation, a priesthood, a nation, a people. He chose us, and because He called us, He gives us His gifts and His grace to enable us. We are royal, His very own children, belonging to His family, joint heirs with Jesus Christ - this means we have a position and an inheritance. We are seated in the heavenly places in Christ, and are thus able to see things from a high perspective. Moreover the inheritance given to us is unprecedented and unsurpassed - whatever Jesus has, we have, being joint heirs with the Son.
We are holy, even as our heavenly Father is holy, a people set apart for Him and His purpose. Because of Jesus Christ, we are made the righteousness of God. From that position of righteousness, we are able to follow the ways of the Lord and live holy lives. As a special people belonging to the Lord, we walk out His divine plan, fulfilling His divine purpose - TOGETHER.
We form a counterculture when we boldly walk out the truths in God's word, not conforming to the world, but even as we are transformed, other lives are impacted FOREVER.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
A counterculture is formed by a people daring to be different, not for the sake of being different, but because the God-kind of life placed in our spirits is flowing out. Jesus was that kind of a person. God in Him made Him different. He drew controversy not because he liked or enjoyed it - in fact, it could have pained him - but because He spoke the truth, inevitably stepping on the toes of tradition and meaningless rituals. However, he was unfazed by the accusations and criticisms when He knew that He was following God. He did and said what He saw and heard His Father do or say.
It is time for us to look beyond ourselves.
It is time for walls of indifference - in ourselves, in the church - to crumble.
It is time for to live out who we are in Christ.
Then the Holy Spirit alerted me to 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Jesus came to make a difference. He revolutionised the world at that time by introducing a new concept of intimacy with God, whom He called "Father". He showed the disciples how to pray by addressing God as Heavenly Father.
Jesus demonstrated the heart of Abba Father when he healed the sick, the lame, the blind, the deaf, the mute, and the broken-hearted. He was tender towards the children, compassionate towards the people of God without a shepherd (spiritual leader), loving towards the physically hungry.
His power and authority displayed in the way he spoke and taught, Jesus amazed the spiritually 'empty' leaders of that time with his wisdom and boldness. He saw beyond their superficial practises into their hearts.
We are called to be His disciples. As born-again believers, God placed in us the Holy Spirit, full of power and glory, so that we can do the same works, and even greater works, because of the sheer numbers that we can form.
Brennan Manning understood this when he concluded that the Work of the Kingdom is not to be carried out by individuals here and now. We can never accomplish this vast work of bringing many souls into the kingdom of God by ourselves.
Instead, we are to proclaim His praises, His excellencies as a generation, a priesthood, a nation, a people. He chose us, and because He called us, He gives us His gifts and His grace to enable us. We are royal, His very own children, belonging to His family, joint heirs with Jesus Christ - this means we have a position and an inheritance. We are seated in the heavenly places in Christ, and are thus able to see things from a high perspective. Moreover the inheritance given to us is unprecedented and unsurpassed - whatever Jesus has, we have, being joint heirs with the Son.
We are holy, even as our heavenly Father is holy, a people set apart for Him and His purpose. Because of Jesus Christ, we are made the righteousness of God. From that position of righteousness, we are able to follow the ways of the Lord and live holy lives. As a special people belonging to the Lord, we walk out His divine plan, fulfilling His divine purpose - TOGETHER.
We form a counterculture when we boldly walk out the truths in God's word, not conforming to the world, but even as we are transformed, other lives are impacted FOREVER.
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
A counterculture is formed by a people daring to be different, not for the sake of being different, but because the God-kind of life placed in our spirits is flowing out. Jesus was that kind of a person. God in Him made Him different. He drew controversy not because he liked or enjoyed it - in fact, it could have pained him - but because He spoke the truth, inevitably stepping on the toes of tradition and meaningless rituals. However, he was unfazed by the accusations and criticisms when He knew that He was following God. He did and said what He saw and heard His Father do or say.
It is time for us to look beyond ourselves.
It is time for walls of indifference - in ourselves, in the church - to crumble.
It is time for to live out who we are in Christ.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
revolutionary counterculture
My pastor quoted from Brennan Manning in her sermon last Sunday and what struck me was Manning's vision of how the Kingdom of God should be served and advanced.
"If we dared to live beyond our self-concern, if we refused to shrink from being vulnerable, if we took nothing but a compassionate attitude toward the world, if we were a counterculture to our nation's lunatic lust for pride of place, power and possessions, if we preferred to be faithful rather than successful, the walls of indifference to Jesus Christ would crumble.
A handful of us could be ignored by society, but hundreds, thousands, millions of servants would overwhelm the world. ... The call of Jesus Christ is revolutionary. If implemented, we would change the world in a few months."
Pastor went on to say that all believers are called to be priests, dedicating our entire lives to serving God. We are not to be concerned with our own lives alone, or our individual projects, but with the concerns of His Kingdom and His Church.
"If we dared to live beyond our self-concern, if we refused to shrink from being vulnerable, if we took nothing but a compassionate attitude toward the world, if we were a counterculture to our nation's lunatic lust for pride of place, power and possessions, if we preferred to be faithful rather than successful, the walls of indifference to Jesus Christ would crumble.
A handful of us could be ignored by society, but hundreds, thousands, millions of servants would overwhelm the world. ... The call of Jesus Christ is revolutionary. If implemented, we would change the world in a few months."
Pastor went on to say that all believers are called to be priests, dedicating our entire lives to serving God. We are not to be concerned with our own lives alone, or our individual projects, but with the concerns of His Kingdom and His Church.
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
sermon notes 5 - praying brings results
You can't be a minimalist when it comes to prayer
1 Corinthians 14:14
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
Be engaged. Tune in to God
Proverbs 17:3
Daniel 3:16
God will deliver!!
1 Corinthians 14:14
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
Be engaged. Tune in to God
Proverbs 17:3
Daniel 3:16
God will deliver!!
Monday, 29 June 2009
hearing from the Holy Spirit
Last Sunday's sermon was inspiring.
I was blessed by the various illustrations that pastor gave to explain the leading of the Holy Spirit, as well as her personal encounters of His guidance and prompting.
She shared that at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, she boldly read out a verse three times to a pre-believer, even when told by family members that the person was not open to the gospel. She then asked the person whether she wanted to believe, and the person did. Pastor then knew at that moment that she would want to be baptized and thus asked the family member to check with her. The family member finally relented and asked and was surprised at the answer. Pastor had left by this time, and returned that very afternoon to baptise the lady.
One phrase that she shared spoke so strongly to me, that tears ran down my face. It was an example of how the Holy Spirit was using her, as i believe that the particular phrase was not in her sermon notes. "Your grace is sufficient", she said, and i was reminded once again of how God had spoken to me the day before regarding the truth that He is on my side. It was a RHEMA word spoken right into my spirit.
Her message had me thinking further about how we gauge or 'feel' or 'sense' the presence of the Holy Spirit. Like she said, this is not emotional in origin. It is a spiritual encounter or experience not easily described with mere words. However, when we sense the presence of God, our emotions are involved, impacted, affected as well.
The prompting of the Holy Spirit is birthed in our spirit. Often, these promptings go against conventions or logic. Our usual ways of thinking or behaving are challenged. When we choose to follow or obey His prompting, we are emboldened, even strengthened, and the results are good, sometimes even phenomenal. Often our spirits are stirred, prompted, nudged, inspiring our very passions. If we ignore His promptings, we grieve the Holy Spirit.
I was talking to my cousin in law at a family function yesterday. She expressed a spiritual principle in very simple terms with a clear illustration. It was like an unintended answer to an unasked question. She was sharing that she was touched by a powerful message delivered in Mandarin by my late grandfather. As the message was in a unfamiliar language, one that she understood just a little, she felt that that message cut to the quick, right into her spirit. Often, she said, we would allow our intellect, our own thinking to tamper with or temper the message. She understood that messages are imparted spirit to spirit, even subliminally.
In that moment, i understood more clearly some of the things i had been experiencing.
This, i believe, is what happens in our spirit when we pray or sing in tongues. The Holy Spirit communes with our spirits directly without interference from our understanding, and we are stirred, established, encouraged and strengthened.
I was blessed by the various illustrations that pastor gave to explain the leading of the Holy Spirit, as well as her personal encounters of His guidance and prompting.
She shared that at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, she boldly read out a verse three times to a pre-believer, even when told by family members that the person was not open to the gospel. She then asked the person whether she wanted to believe, and the person did. Pastor then knew at that moment that she would want to be baptized and thus asked the family member to check with her. The family member finally relented and asked and was surprised at the answer. Pastor had left by this time, and returned that very afternoon to baptise the lady.
- She taught that conviction, not emotions or goose bumps, indicate the leading of the Holy Spirit.
- Neither trying nor drifting are beneficial to spiritual transformation, but depending on the Holy Spirit.
- We discern and move along with Him, so we can keep step with Him.
- She also gave the example of the church as a pair of gloves, and it is the Holy Spirit in us who fills the gloves.
- IT IS TIME, she said, for the church to move.
One phrase that she shared spoke so strongly to me, that tears ran down my face. It was an example of how the Holy Spirit was using her, as i believe that the particular phrase was not in her sermon notes. "Your grace is sufficient", she said, and i was reminded once again of how God had spoken to me the day before regarding the truth that He is on my side. It was a RHEMA word spoken right into my spirit.
Her message had me thinking further about how we gauge or 'feel' or 'sense' the presence of the Holy Spirit. Like she said, this is not emotional in origin. It is a spiritual encounter or experience not easily described with mere words. However, when we sense the presence of God, our emotions are involved, impacted, affected as well.
The prompting of the Holy Spirit is birthed in our spirit. Often, these promptings go against conventions or logic. Our usual ways of thinking or behaving are challenged. When we choose to follow or obey His prompting, we are emboldened, even strengthened, and the results are good, sometimes even phenomenal. Often our spirits are stirred, prompted, nudged, inspiring our very passions. If we ignore His promptings, we grieve the Holy Spirit.
I was talking to my cousin in law at a family function yesterday. She expressed a spiritual principle in very simple terms with a clear illustration. It was like an unintended answer to an unasked question. She was sharing that she was touched by a powerful message delivered in Mandarin by my late grandfather. As the message was in a unfamiliar language, one that she understood just a little, she felt that that message cut to the quick, right into her spirit. Often, she said, we would allow our intellect, our own thinking to tamper with or temper the message. She understood that messages are imparted spirit to spirit, even subliminally.
In that moment, i understood more clearly some of the things i had been experiencing.
This, i believe, is what happens in our spirit when we pray or sing in tongues. The Holy Spirit communes with our spirits directly without interference from our understanding, and we are stirred, established, encouraged and strengthened.
Sunday, 28 June 2009
sermon notes 4 - peace in turbulent times
I heard this message a few months back when we attended a friend's church.
We have peace in turbulent times (John 14:1,26)
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
This is because
- obey = love Jesus (John 14:21a- He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. )
- love Jesus = loved by Father (John 14:21b - And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.)
- loved by the Father = Father will be with you (John 14:23 - Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.)
We have peace in turbulent times (John 14:1,26)
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
This is because
- we know where we are going
- the Father loves us
- we have the promises of God that we shall overcome:
- we will do what others cannot do - even greater things than what Jesus did
- we will not suffer any lack (John 13: 13-14) - those who trust and obey Him will not suffer lack
- obey = love Jesus (John 14:21a- He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. )
- love Jesus = loved by Father (John 14:21b - And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.)
- loved by the Father = Father will be with you (John 14:23 - Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.)
- we will not be alone (John 16:13)
Friday, 26 June 2009
Psalm 18
This is a song i learnt in Myanmar taken from Psalm 18. Sung in the local language in harmony and saturated with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, this locally composed song touched our hearts even when we did not understand the language.
O Lord my God
You're my strength and You're my life
I love you with all of my heart
(repeat)
You're my Rock and You're my fortress
You're my stronghold
You're the One who sets me free
You're the One in whom i trust
You're my shelter
You're the horn of my salvation
You are my refuge O Lord
O Lord my God
You're my strength and You're my life
I love you with all of my heart
(repeat)
You're my Rock and You're my fortress
You're my stronghold
You're the One who sets me free
You're the One in whom i trust
You're my shelter
You're the horn of my salvation
You are my refuge O Lord
Thursday, 25 June 2009
sermon notes 3 - power of peace (day 3)
Proverbs 31:10-31
1 Peter 5:6
Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
We humble ourselves. We don't look for ways to exalt ourselves.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
Strong verb - rule. Peace is not weak nor feeble. Peace is STRONG!!
Romans 16:20
And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with you.
God of peace is powerful enough to CRUSH satan.
'Snakes and scorpions' used to represent evil powers and principalities. Scorpions cannot be squashed to death. They must be grounded and twisted - CRUSHED!
Hebrews 13:20-21
20Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), 21Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it).
The God of peace ROUSED Jesus from the dead...He makes us everything we need to be strong, like the proverbs 31 woman who girds herself with strength.
His peace does not only calm us, but emboldens us.
We need to be properly clothed... in peace, etc. so that we are not even in a hurry to get out of a difficult situation, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
1 Peter 5:6
Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
We humble ourselves. We don't look for ways to exalt ourselves.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
Strong verb - rule. Peace is not weak nor feeble. Peace is STRONG!!
Romans 16:20
And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with you.
God of peace is powerful enough to CRUSH satan.
'Snakes and scorpions' used to represent evil powers and principalities. Scorpions cannot be squashed to death. They must be grounded and twisted - CRUSHED!
Hebrews 13:20-21
20Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), 21Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it).
The God of peace ROUSED Jesus from the dead...He makes us everything we need to be strong, like the proverbs 31 woman who girds herself with strength.
His peace does not only calm us, but emboldens us.
We need to be properly clothed... in peace, etc. so that we are not even in a hurry to get out of a difficult situation, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
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