"Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." ~ Matthew 12:25
This a crucial wake up to pray. If the house is divided, it will NOT stand. Let us not be ignorant to the scheme of the enemy but forgive each other. Do not be caught in his trap (2 Cor 2:10-11).
Pray my friends, pray.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Bear with the Defects of Others
I will quote some phrases from the timeless classic, "Of the Imitation of Christ" by Thomas Kempis, and share what I have learned from it. Be encouraged.
"Those things that a man approves not in himself or others he ought to suffer patiently, until God orders things otherwise." - Bear with things you do not approve of or do not agree with until God orders otherwise. He's in charge, worry not.
"If one who is once or twice warned will not stay, contend not with him, but commit all to God, that His will may be done (Matt 6:10), and He be honoured in all His servants, who well know how to turn evil into good." - If after speaking to a person about a certain matter and he does not listen, do not contend any longer with him. Instead, commit precious time to God in prayer. He will do what He wills, and He can turn any bad situation into good ones. Trust in Him steadfastly.
"Endeavour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others, of whatever sort they be; for you also have many failings which must be borne with by others (1 Thess 5:15, Gal 6:1)" - We are in the same boat. Many times we complain, criticise or disapprove of another person, but we would not do that to ourselves. Fact is, we seldom weigh our neighbour in the same balance as ourselves. We must humble ourselves before God and before man.
"No man is without fault, no man without his burden, no man sufficient of himself, no man wise enough of himself. But we ought to bear with one another, comfort one another, help, instruct, and admonish one another (1 Cor 12:25, 1 Thess 5:14)" - Remember this. No one person is greater than another. All are important, all are subjected to Christ. Build each other up.
"Occasions of adversity discover best how great virtue each one has. For such occasions do not make a man frail, but they reveal what sort he is" - There is great training and reward in bearing with the defects of others. Let us become more like the Master. He knows and He cares.
"Those things that a man approves not in himself or others he ought to suffer patiently, until God orders things otherwise." - Bear with things you do not approve of or do not agree with until God orders otherwise. He's in charge, worry not.
"If one who is once or twice warned will not stay, contend not with him, but commit all to God, that His will may be done (Matt 6:10), and He be honoured in all His servants, who well know how to turn evil into good." - If after speaking to a person about a certain matter and he does not listen, do not contend any longer with him. Instead, commit precious time to God in prayer. He will do what He wills, and He can turn any bad situation into good ones. Trust in Him steadfastly.
"Endeavour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others, of whatever sort they be; for you also have many failings which must be borne with by others (1 Thess 5:15, Gal 6:1)" - We are in the same boat. Many times we complain, criticise or disapprove of another person, but we would not do that to ourselves. Fact is, we seldom weigh our neighbour in the same balance as ourselves. We must humble ourselves before God and before man.
"No man is without fault, no man without his burden, no man sufficient of himself, no man wise enough of himself. But we ought to bear with one another, comfort one another, help, instruct, and admonish one another (1 Cor 12:25, 1 Thess 5:14)" - Remember this. No one person is greater than another. All are important, all are subjected to Christ. Build each other up.
"Occasions of adversity discover best how great virtue each one has. For such occasions do not make a man frail, but they reveal what sort he is" - There is great training and reward in bearing with the defects of others. Let us become more like the Master. He knows and He cares.
Revival in Troubled Times
"Enlarge the place of your tent,
stretch your tent curtains wide,
do not hold back;
lengthen your cords,
strengthen your stakes" ~ Isaiah 54:2
"God, are you sure I am hearing right?", I asked. At this junction, this verse is certainly very puzzling. I thought the tent is looking shaky and need some repair work, but You want us to enlarge it? As I ponder, God seems to say, "Why not? Look at the bible. Did revival happen in pleasant times or troubled times?"
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt - What happened before that? "...I have heard them crying out...I am concerned...I have come down to rescue them..", the LORD said. (Exodus 3:7-10). Then I remembered the book of Judges - God raised up judges to deliver His people whenever His people are suffering greatly and cried out to Him. Nehemiah cried out to the Lord and the Lord rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in the midst of great adversity. The disciples did not know what to do after Jesus ascended to heaven but they were constantly praying together (Acts 1:14) and as we know, the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost and revival hit the land. The times were even harder in Acts chapter 8, but as we read, the Kingdom of God expanded even further in the midst of persecution.
So what's so strange about this verse in troubled times? Nothing. It is only strange to us because we have made God soooo small in our eyes. Forgive us Lord. Rally us to pray and cry out to you like never before. I know you will hear us. Yes Lord, you will hear us. And you will work great wonders before our teary eyes.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:9
stretch your tent curtains wide,
do not hold back;
lengthen your cords,
strengthen your stakes" ~ Isaiah 54:2
"God, are you sure I am hearing right?", I asked. At this junction, this verse is certainly very puzzling. I thought the tent is looking shaky and need some repair work, but You want us to enlarge it? As I ponder, God seems to say, "Why not? Look at the bible. Did revival happen in pleasant times or troubled times?"
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt - What happened before that? "...I have heard them crying out...I am concerned...I have come down to rescue them..", the LORD said. (Exodus 3:7-10). Then I remembered the book of Judges - God raised up judges to deliver His people whenever His people are suffering greatly and cried out to Him. Nehemiah cried out to the Lord and the Lord rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in the midst of great adversity. The disciples did not know what to do after Jesus ascended to heaven but they were constantly praying together (Acts 1:14) and as we know, the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost and revival hit the land. The times were even harder in Acts chapter 8, but as we read, the Kingdom of God expanded even further in the midst of persecution.
So what's so strange about this verse in troubled times? Nothing. It is only strange to us because we have made God soooo small in our eyes. Forgive us Lord. Rally us to pray and cry out to you like never before. I know you will hear us. Yes Lord, you will hear us. And you will work great wonders before our teary eyes.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:9
Resurrection of Fire-filled Prayer
This is a season of prayer for me - I have no doubt about it. A week ago, my friend told me, "You need to go on a higher 'dimension' of prayer. Pray till the breakthrough come. Cry out to Him. Get hold of portions of scriptures. God will reveal things through His word. Persevere in intense prayer."
A very good friend preached - "Behind every vision that is given and fulfilled are faceless and nameless saints who have paid the price on their knees - in much prayer and intercession. Labour in prayer!"
As I begin to engaged myself in more intense prayer, God's word became more alive. He begins, first of all, by showing me what I need to repent of. Lack of faith & unbelief, fear & disobedience and even to release forgiveness. He then begin to direct me to scriptures and show me what I need to do. It is awesome.
1. Accept the frailty of man - No man is perfect. I need to forgive man of his wrongs as much as I need man to forgive me of my wrongs. I shall elaborate this further in another post.
2. Do all things without grumbling or disputing - Phil 2:14-15. So that we may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish. More in another post.
God begins to 'quicken' my spirit and He begins to speak. I'm hearing. I'm catching the fire. I'm ALIVE!!! ROAAARRRR
A very good friend preached - "Behind every vision that is given and fulfilled are faceless and nameless saints who have paid the price on their knees - in much prayer and intercession. Labour in prayer!"
As I begin to engaged myself in more intense prayer, God's word became more alive. He begins, first of all, by showing me what I need to repent of. Lack of faith & unbelief, fear & disobedience and even to release forgiveness. He then begin to direct me to scriptures and show me what I need to do. It is awesome.
1. Accept the frailty of man - No man is perfect. I need to forgive man of his wrongs as much as I need man to forgive me of my wrongs. I shall elaborate this further in another post.
2. Do all things without grumbling or disputing - Phil 2:14-15. So that we may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish. More in another post.
God begins to 'quicken' my spirit and He begins to speak. I'm hearing. I'm catching the fire. I'm ALIVE!!! ROAAARRRR
Monday, April 21, 2008
Beyond Summary - At the Crux
This weekend has been a most powerful and refreshing one. God brought into remembrance the workings of Him in my life and to fan into flame the gifts which He has given me. I remembered. I cried. I wept for souls. I surrender again. I was blind but now I see. I see what has been missing from my life, what has been dormant, what has been snuffed.
There is too much to say. The presence of God so powerful, so assuring, so awesome. I can linger on and on in praise and worship at the altar of my God. There were Spirit-led prayers that ministered deep into the hearts of my friends, there were God-birthed encouragement that can only come from the Lord because no one had knowledge of that matter but when spoken, both parties exclaimed in wonder at the confirmation.
I want to commit my life to God again. I will ask the Lord to make me a soul winner for His sake. I will ask the Lord to deliver my church from our iniquities and foolishness. "O Lord, have mercy on us. We have cast aside your will and follow blindly our ways. Turn us from our foolishness and help us do the things we did at first when we were madly in love with You. Be patient with us and do not forsake us. Forgive us and deliver us from the curse. Help each and everyone of us to walk in step with Your Spirit and bear Your fruits. May we live lives that are worthy of the gospel of Christ, and glorify your name always. Amen"
"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." ~ Revelation 2:2-5
There is too much to say. The presence of God so powerful, so assuring, so awesome. I can linger on and on in praise and worship at the altar of my God. There were Spirit-led prayers that ministered deep into the hearts of my friends, there were God-birthed encouragement that can only come from the Lord because no one had knowledge of that matter but when spoken, both parties exclaimed in wonder at the confirmation.
I want to commit my life to God again. I will ask the Lord to make me a soul winner for His sake. I will ask the Lord to deliver my church from our iniquities and foolishness. "O Lord, have mercy on us. We have cast aside your will and follow blindly our ways. Turn us from our foolishness and help us do the things we did at first when we were madly in love with You. Be patient with us and do not forsake us. Forgive us and deliver us from the curse. Help each and everyone of us to walk in step with Your Spirit and bear Your fruits. May we live lives that are worthy of the gospel of Christ, and glorify your name always. Amen"
"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." ~ Revelation 2:2-5
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
God of the Impossible - Watch Him Defy Your Odds
I felt a certain sense of peace even in the midst of this uncertainty. What's it gonna be? For 2 years in a row, I have been given only a one year renewal for my PR re-entry permit. The norm is 5 years. Logically, I would say I still lack the criteria for a 5 years renewal but somehow, it felt different this time. My LG and friends were roped in to pray and God had answered our prayers. I had been given 5 years! This time no questions asked, no higher-ranked officer handling my case and the renewal process finished within 10 minutes. How's that for a hallelujah to God? Yes! Praise His mighty name!
God is just so good. He knows how much this renewal meant to me, and He has given me the first step. I can go anyway up to 5 years without having to return - that is really really going to be helpful in my work. As I sat waiting for my turn in the renewal process and reading my bible, these verses reminded me of His goodness:
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you." ~ Psalm 84:11-12
Impossible you say? "For nothing is impossible with God" - Luke 1:37. And He showed up again today. What an awesome God I serve. Just gotta trust and obey. He'll work all things out. Yes, He will.
God is just so good. He knows how much this renewal meant to me, and He has given me the first step. I can go anyway up to 5 years without having to return - that is really really going to be helpful in my work. As I sat waiting for my turn in the renewal process and reading my bible, these verses reminded me of His goodness:
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you." ~ Psalm 84:11-12
Impossible you say? "For nothing is impossible with God" - Luke 1:37. And He showed up again today. What an awesome God I serve. Just gotta trust and obey. He'll work all things out. Yes, He will.
Monday, April 07, 2008
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Love demands my soul....love demands my soul...my life, my all.... Is that you? Has such a love demands your soul and your all? May this song remind and challenge you in your devotion to the Lord again.
When I Surveyed (The Wondrous Cross) By Kathryn Scott
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
Forbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood
See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ere such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul
Demands my soul
Love demands my soul
My life my all
When I Surveyed (The Wondrous Cross) By Kathryn Scott
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
Forbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood
See from His head His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ere such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul
Demands my soul
Love demands my soul
My life my all
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