I was leading worship at a ladies' fellowship, and was blessed by quite a few nuggets of truth from the teaching.
I've been meditating one of the statements that stood out for me: Mary knew when it was time for Jesus to do his first miracle at the wedding.
How did Mary know?
Many of us focus on the birth of Jesus and assume that the Magnificat was the only time she heard from heaven, or perhaps not even aware that God is continuing to speak to her through various events and people in her life. Still, the Magnificat shows us clearly Jesus' destiny as Messiah. The glorious song of the angelic hosts, the visits from the magi and the shepherds, as well as Joseph's supernatural encounters God's hand, all clearly pointed to Jesus' divine purpose.
We see in Luke 2:19 that all these had a strong impact on her heart, and she continued to meditate on the Words she heard and the events that have taken place.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
On the 8th day after Jesus was born, he was presented at the temple and circumcised. Moved by the Spirit, Simeon recognised Jesus as the Messiah, and prophesied over the baby and His mother things that will take place in their lives in the future. Luke 2:33 records Joseph's and Mary's reactions to the extraordinary prophecy:
The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Anna also knew in her spirit who Jesus was, and began to preach to all.
Fast forward to Jesus at 12 years of age: He remained behind and was discussing the Word of God with the teachers. People were amazed at His answers and understanding. Here, Jesus was beginning to understand His own role as Messiah and relationship with God as Father, as evidenced by his answer in Luke 2:49 to his parents who were anxiously seeking Him:
"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"
Again, it is recorded that Mary treasured these things, and perhaps in the years to come, began to understand more, although not fully, what Jesus was supposed to do:
Luke 2:50-51
50But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
In those interim years, where nothing much was recorded of Jesus' life except that he grew in wisdom and stature and in favour with both God and man, Mary must have continued to observe and hear from the Holy Spirit so that in John 2:5, which was after Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, she could state boldly and firmly:
His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
Did she know better than Jesus? Jesus did say just before she instructed the servants that his time had not yet come.
The answer could be found in the miracle of water being turned into wine, and that was the best wine the wedding guests had tasted at the wedding.
Jesus performed his first miracle, and Mary knew His time had come. I believe she heard from the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Thursday, 10 September 2009
a new song
I woke up with a new song this morning. I quickly grabbed pen and paper and started writing. The melody was fading from my memory, but i managed to write the words. Below are some lines from the 'song' in my heart:
Your faith in you is activated
by the words you speak
with power to make what is dead come alive
to wake that which lies dormant
As you speak forth His Word
miracles are born
plans are fulfilled
As you believe you speak
His Word charged with His spirit and life
dreams and hopes resurrected
bursting into reality
It is interesting that i later read Romans 10:8-11 (see amplified version below)
8But what does it say? The Word (God's message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach, 9Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. 11The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.
Your faith in you is activated
by the words you speak
with power to make what is dead come alive
to wake that which lies dormant
As you speak forth His Word
miracles are born
plans are fulfilled
As you believe you speak
His Word charged with His spirit and life
dreams and hopes resurrected
bursting into reality
It is interesting that i later read Romans 10:8-11 (see amplified version below)
8But what does it say? The Word (God's message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach, 9Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. 11The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
walking
Hubby got us on the park connector network, and we walked a total of 10km over 2.5 hours, from Simei to Bedok camp and then back again, with a half hour break for dinner and drink. That was on Thursday evening from 6-9pm. My ankles ached a little, and there was a slight strain on the muscle/nerve at the back of my knee (which eased by the next morning) and my feet needed some massaging. But did i sleep good that night!
We walked again on Saturday evening. This time, as my ankles were still very slightly tender, i asked for a shorter distance. Hubby promised that we will walk 3km, at the most. We ended up walking about 5km from Bedok Camp to East Coast Parkway Food Village.
We spent a leisurely hour with my in-laws, including our niece and nephew, flying the kite (one single kite, and we had to take turns) and playing snakes and ladders, before having dinner. After dinner, it was time to head home. We walked to the bus stop almost 2km away, took the bus, and then walked again.
A grand total of 17.5km.
Thank God i recovered quickly this time as hubby made sure i warmed down, though my big toe feels somehow out of place. :D
So yes, walking is relaxing and therapeutic, and good for the body.
We walked again on Saturday evening. This time, as my ankles were still very slightly tender, i asked for a shorter distance. Hubby promised that we will walk 3km, at the most. We ended up walking about 5km from Bedok Camp to East Coast Parkway Food Village.
We spent a leisurely hour with my in-laws, including our niece and nephew, flying the kite (one single kite, and we had to take turns) and playing snakes and ladders, before having dinner. After dinner, it was time to head home. We walked to the bus stop almost 2km away, took the bus, and then walked again.
A grand total of 17.5km.
Thank God i recovered quickly this time as hubby made sure i warmed down, though my big toe feels somehow out of place. :D
So yes, walking is relaxing and therapeutic, and good for the body.
Monday, 7 September 2009
an open vision
I was at a fellowship with Christians and people of other faiths last Friday morning and we were watching an hour long testimony of believer. It was touching as he had a very difficult childhood, being born out of wedlock, a result of rape. But God had very different plans for him, and he lived, became a believer at the age of 15 and never turned back since.
At the end of his testimony, he gave an altar call, and many responded in the video. 2 ladies among us were already tearing, and the speaker himself was wiping tears off his face. The anointing and presence of God was strong, even in our room. The cry of my heart and of other believers was that God will touch those who did not know Him yet.
When the host of our fellowship asked whether we had any comments or responses, there was the usual awkward silence. After a while, as the host scanned round the room at the 12 of us, one lady spoke up, unable to control her tears: I saw Jesus smile at me. His face was full of love. I felt His love as He came towards me. He is very real. I'm sorry i'm crying.
I was tasked to follow up with her, so we just ended with prayer.
I went to her and spoke to her, and found out that it was an open vision. Her eyes were open, and she saw Jesus as the rest of us in the room faded. She said that Jesus is real, but so is Buddha - whom she is more familiar with, because of her family background. I responded that Buddha never professed to be god. Only Jesus did. She admitted that she had peace whenever she stepped into a church situation, and having studied in a mission school, and having been brought to church periodically by her aunt since she was seven, she admired the teachings of Jesus. But all, whether Jesus or Buddha, led to the same God. I explained further.
She understood but needed more time to come to a final decision, although she felt she was close to a decision. She again told her encounter with Jesus, amazed by His love, and wondered whether if she had not gone to the fellowship, would she have missed it. Perhaps she should have never gone. It was merely a casual decision to attend, and she received so much.
I assured her that this was an encounter planned by our loving God, and she should not miss it for anything.
I just realised while writing this that God's love is so great, that He would have gotten through to her in other ways. I will tell her the next time i speak to her.
At the end of his testimony, he gave an altar call, and many responded in the video. 2 ladies among us were already tearing, and the speaker himself was wiping tears off his face. The anointing and presence of God was strong, even in our room. The cry of my heart and of other believers was that God will touch those who did not know Him yet.
When the host of our fellowship asked whether we had any comments or responses, there was the usual awkward silence. After a while, as the host scanned round the room at the 12 of us, one lady spoke up, unable to control her tears: I saw Jesus smile at me. His face was full of love. I felt His love as He came towards me. He is very real. I'm sorry i'm crying.
I was tasked to follow up with her, so we just ended with prayer.
I went to her and spoke to her, and found out that it was an open vision. Her eyes were open, and she saw Jesus as the rest of us in the room faded. She said that Jesus is real, but so is Buddha - whom she is more familiar with, because of her family background. I responded that Buddha never professed to be god. Only Jesus did. She admitted that she had peace whenever she stepped into a church situation, and having studied in a mission school, and having been brought to church periodically by her aunt since she was seven, she admired the teachings of Jesus. But all, whether Jesus or Buddha, led to the same God. I explained further.
She understood but needed more time to come to a final decision, although she felt she was close to a decision. She again told her encounter with Jesus, amazed by His love, and wondered whether if she had not gone to the fellowship, would she have missed it. Perhaps she should have never gone. It was merely a casual decision to attend, and she received so much.
I assured her that this was an encounter planned by our loving God, and she should not miss it for anything.
I just realised while writing this that God's love is so great, that He would have gotten through to her in other ways. I will tell her the next time i speak to her.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
baby zee and me :-)
Drinking contentedly: look! i can drink with my eyes closed!
Baby Zee: I haven't slept in so long... all of 5 minutes!Aunt: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
active aid
Prayer is the greatest of all forces, because it honors God and brings him into active aid. -- E.M. Bounds
Monday, 31 August 2009
note from the past
I found this note written to God in an old literature text from my JC days.
"Where to go?
I do not know what you want to teach me. I feel lost with all these choices before me and me with no inkling at all. I like many things - singing, writing, talking to people and learning about them. I want to serve you too. What am actually to do next? And what am i to do in the meantime besides studying?"
Looking back, God has shown me His will and led me step by step. He has never left me nor forsaken me through all my days.
He will continue to lead me!
"Where to go?
I do not know what you want to teach me. I feel lost with all these choices before me and me with no inkling at all. I like many things - singing, writing, talking to people and learning about them. I want to serve you too. What am actually to do next? And what am i to do in the meantime besides studying?"
Looking back, God has shown me His will and led me step by step. He has never left me nor forsaken me through all my days.
He will continue to lead me!
Friday, 28 August 2009
souls!
We had a time of refreshing in the Lord in prayer school yesterday, amongst the many other things we did, like ministering to the students, praying for one whose father is in a coma, and being prayed for.
As hands were laid on hubby and me, I felt the anointing of the Lord 'whoosh' into me, the weight of His anointing pushing me down on my knees. There was a burning in my spirit, and i knew it was a desire of the Lord. And as i opened my mouth, i was amazed at the force behind the word that was spoken: SOULS!! It was a cry that birthed from the very throne of God, a yearning that came forth from the very depths of my spirit, a desire that superseded all my other desires.
I had not realized the strength of that desire that God had placed in me. As i was pondering over these things, i began to understand that the Lord was showing me what my focus should always be.
I have been singing songs about the greater things God is going to do, the love of the Father in sending Jesus and how our response should be, and our desire to see the nations whole and healed, in preparation for a missions banquet this Sunday. I believe the Holy Spirit has been using these songs to touch my heart, and help me focus.
From each of the three songs, i thought i'd just share lines that have impacted me.
"Greater things have yet to come, Greater things are still to be done in (these) cities...
Where glory shines from hearts alive, with praise for you and love for you in (these) cities..."
"In sweet abandon, let me be spilled out and used up (wasted) for Thee."
"Break me for the nations
Let my heart become Your heart for all the world"
That last line is the very line that God showed me during that prayer time.
It was His heart speaking in my heart and from my mouth: SOULS!!
As hands were laid on hubby and me, I felt the anointing of the Lord 'whoosh' into me, the weight of His anointing pushing me down on my knees. There was a burning in my spirit, and i knew it was a desire of the Lord. And as i opened my mouth, i was amazed at the force behind the word that was spoken: SOULS!! It was a cry that birthed from the very throne of God, a yearning that came forth from the very depths of my spirit, a desire that superseded all my other desires.
I had not realized the strength of that desire that God had placed in me. As i was pondering over these things, i began to understand that the Lord was showing me what my focus should always be.
I have been singing songs about the greater things God is going to do, the love of the Father in sending Jesus and how our response should be, and our desire to see the nations whole and healed, in preparation for a missions banquet this Sunday. I believe the Holy Spirit has been using these songs to touch my heart, and help me focus.
From each of the three songs, i thought i'd just share lines that have impacted me.
"Greater things have yet to come, Greater things are still to be done in (these) cities...
Where glory shines from hearts alive, with praise for you and love for you in (these) cities..."
"In sweet abandon, let me be spilled out and used up (wasted) for Thee."
"Break me for the nations
Let my heart become Your heart for all the world"
That last line is the very line that God showed me during that prayer time.
It was His heart speaking in my heart and from my mouth: SOULS!!
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
introducing baby zee
My nephew (we shall call him baby zee) was born on 10 August.
He's just turned 15 days old today. Really cute and adorable, with features of both mum and dad.
He's just turned 15 days old today. Really cute and adorable, with features of both mum and dad.
At first glance, his face (usually sleeping), especially the nose, is a mould of his father's (and uncle's - both brothers after all!), and who can miss his "curly not-so-black hair" (definitely father's, though you have to look really closely at the back of his head to follow the wave of his hair) but his lips are longer like his mum's, and when he opens his eyes, they are surprisingly, startlingly large.
Precious.
Monday, 24 August 2009
rekindling friendships (continued)
God brought another godly friend onto my path just two weeks ago.
I had known this friend as she attended the same church before she was married in the early 90s, and moved off to attend her husband's church. We had kept in touch with through their newsletters at least once a year, sometimes more often. Their newsletters regarding their ministry were always very interesting, with lessons from their experiences, and insights about God and His Word. Over this period, i probably replied only a few times.
We first knew each other when i was in secondary school, and she was in uni. I was only a few years younger, but mid to late teens can be quite different from early to mid twenties, and we moved in entirely different church groups. However, I remembered finding her very pretty (she is still very pretty) and her wedding invitation, which had the phrase: "each for the other, together for the Lord" impacted me. I used it for my own wedding a few years later.
A new acquaintance of mine was instrumental in bringing my friend's husband into a discussion meeting we had regarding a particular project i was helping out in. I immediately replied in the email that i knew this man, but i only replied to the new acquaintance. Later i forwarded this same email to all involved in the discussion meeting to remind them regarding the date and time. The very next day, my friend wrote that she wanted to meet up.
It was strange because she had also been thinking of me every since her friend, which was the ex-colleague i mentioned in my previous entry, shared with her about how God had answered her prayer about contacting me. At that time however, she just thought it was strange how my friend had found someone with the same name as me, and who also was a teacher. She didn't realise it was just one and the same person. I quickly replied and said yes, i would love to meet up with her.
We had a good time when we met up. She hadn't changed much, really, though it's been probably 15 years since i had seen her in person.
Half an hour into our date. My ex-colleague appeared - she had a gift for me too!
It was like hitting double jackpot for me. Haha! God doubly answered my prayer for godly friends. I believe we were mutually encouraged. I certainly was strengthened in my walk with God as i heard their testimonies of faith and God's goodness in their lives.
I'm looking forward to more dates with my godly friends.
I had known this friend as she attended the same church before she was married in the early 90s, and moved off to attend her husband's church. We had kept in touch with through their newsletters at least once a year, sometimes more often. Their newsletters regarding their ministry were always very interesting, with lessons from their experiences, and insights about God and His Word. Over this period, i probably replied only a few times.
We first knew each other when i was in secondary school, and she was in uni. I was only a few years younger, but mid to late teens can be quite different from early to mid twenties, and we moved in entirely different church groups. However, I remembered finding her very pretty (she is still very pretty) and her wedding invitation, which had the phrase: "each for the other, together for the Lord" impacted me. I used it for my own wedding a few years later.
A new acquaintance of mine was instrumental in bringing my friend's husband into a discussion meeting we had regarding a particular project i was helping out in. I immediately replied in the email that i knew this man, but i only replied to the new acquaintance. Later i forwarded this same email to all involved in the discussion meeting to remind them regarding the date and time. The very next day, my friend wrote that she wanted to meet up.
It was strange because she had also been thinking of me every since her friend, which was the ex-colleague i mentioned in my previous entry, shared with her about how God had answered her prayer about contacting me. At that time however, she just thought it was strange how my friend had found someone with the same name as me, and who also was a teacher. She didn't realise it was just one and the same person. I quickly replied and said yes, i would love to meet up with her.
We had a good time when we met up. She hadn't changed much, really, though it's been probably 15 years since i had seen her in person.
Half an hour into our date. My ex-colleague appeared - she had a gift for me too!
It was like hitting double jackpot for me. Haha! God doubly answered my prayer for godly friends. I believe we were mutually encouraged. I certainly was strengthened in my walk with God as i heard their testimonies of faith and God's goodness in their lives.
I'm looking forward to more dates with my godly friends.
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