God told Abraham in Genesis 15
"I am your shield, Your reward."
Everything that I do, must be to gain God. Yes, it's important that I get fruits, get advancement, get fellowship, get understanding from people... but most important, and aim of it all, it must be to gain God.
Saturday 15 December 2007
Friday 7 December 2007
Tuesday 20 November 2007
This is the Year of Victory!
What can I say? With John winning the Top Prize in the Lenovo Innovation Award 2007, and TOUCH winning the Outstanding Non-Profit Organisation Award 2007???
The word that Pastor Eugene released earlier this year:
"See, I am concerned for you, and I will come to help you. Your ground will be tilled and your crops planted. I will greatly increase the population of Israel, and the ruined cities will be rebuilt and filled with people. Not only the people, but your flocks and herds will also greatly multiply. O mountains of Israel, I will bring people to live on you once again. I will make you even more prosperous than you were before. Then you will know that I am the LORD."
Ezekiel 36:9-11
Lord, thank you!
The word that Pastor Eugene released earlier this year:
"See, I am concerned for you, and I will come to help you. Your ground will be tilled and your crops planted. I will greatly increase the population of Israel, and the ruined cities will be rebuilt and filled with people. Not only the people, but your flocks and herds will also greatly multiply. O mountains of Israel, I will bring people to live on you once again. I will make you even more prosperous than you were before. Then you will know that I am the LORD."
Ezekiel 36:9-11
Lord, thank you!
Friday 9 November 2007
Meaning of Joyce
Found this on a website www.babynamesworld.com
"Though usually used as a feminine name today, Joyce is a traditionally masculine name. It derives from an old Breton name meaning "experienced in battle," but many parents today choose it because it contains the word "joy." "
I'm speechless that my name actually means experience in battle. Makes sense.. humbly in His kingdom :p
"Though usually used as a feminine name today, Joyce is a traditionally masculine name. It derives from an old Breton name meaning "experienced in battle," but many parents today choose it because it contains the word "joy." "
I'm speechless that my name actually means experience in battle. Makes sense.. humbly in His kingdom :p
Thursday 1 November 2007
A Stronger Tribe, with Hearts Warm
I was only usual way to work, being packed like Sardines on the MRT, when suddenly, the faces of the Youths (Esp the Boy that won the Entertainment Award) came to my mind.
I find myself, smiling and gleeing my way to work.
Last night, I felt a never before openness in my G12 group (Not that last time not open), but really, a deeper connection and deeper transparency. I find that my G12 group has become more closely knitted this year.
Reason? We fought together (praying for one another), sweat together, eat together, sleep together (like real cell-mates), bathe together (for some of us...haha), and definitely, cry together.
We are more aware of each other's weaknesses and strengths, and also, clearer in terms of alignment in values. It's not just me enforcing anymore, it's the entire tribe in one voice.
We are stronger than ever. We've never been this strong. Yet our hearts, evermore warm and connected with each other.
I've never led a group this far, by the grace of the Lord. It's very exciting for me, personally.
It's not over. The best has yet to come. Now, just need to stay humble and focus on consolidating and strengthening the next level.
So Lord, here we go with Your Grace!
I find myself, smiling and gleeing my way to work.
Last night, I felt a never before openness in my G12 group (Not that last time not open), but really, a deeper connection and deeper transparency. I find that my G12 group has become more closely knitted this year.
Reason? We fought together (praying for one another), sweat together, eat together, sleep together (like real cell-mates), bathe together (for some of us...haha), and definitely, cry together.
We are more aware of each other's weaknesses and strengths, and also, clearer in terms of alignment in values. It's not just me enforcing anymore, it's the entire tribe in one voice.
We are stronger than ever. We've never been this strong. Yet our hearts, evermore warm and connected with each other.
I've never led a group this far, by the grace of the Lord. It's very exciting for me, personally.
It's not over. The best has yet to come. Now, just need to stay humble and focus on consolidating and strengthening the next level.
So Lord, here we go with Your Grace!
Wednesday 31 October 2007
The Vision of the Government of 12
It's been 5 years since going into the G12 vision, but I thought it very important that we again, re-visit and understand what this vision is all about.
Some may say "Oh, it's like Jesus, find 12 disciples, then help them find 12 disciples" Not wrong, not far from the truth.. but let's take it deeper- Find this 12 disciples and help them to find 12 disciples for what? What's the purpose of finding these lives?
"So that they experience God's love!" Says some... "So that Christ may be know!" Says others. Also not wrong, not far from the truth. But let's also take it deeper - Experience His love and preach Christ is for? Why do we do that?
So that "HIS KINGDOM COME, HIS WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN" Mathew 6:10
The vision of G12 is one that causes restoration - for us to God (Personal), for us to people (Reconciliation with the Church of God), for us with our families(Restoration in the Family. Why? Because when we live out Mathew 6:10, His Kingdom is in us. Then naturally, restoration with God, man, in homes will occur.
How then do we truly allow His Kingdom to be at work in us? What is the process? Let's look at what happens at Encounter. We first:
1. Go to the Cross (Crossing), to recognize what Jesus has done for us
2. Understand the Father's Love for us
3. Allow God to break us through the Peniel Experience (We recognize our flesh and ask God to break us free from Spirit of Flesh, to Move only to Please the Holy Spirit)
4. Receive in obedience, the Joy of Forgiveness (as we Forgive others)
5. Engage in Spiritual Warfare, and break Generational Curses
6. Bath and Allow the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
7. Embrace the G12 Vision - Mathew 6:10
Are you living in this Vision? Or are you looking like you are, by finding your 12, but still, not in total reconciliation with God (because of sin and pride etc)? Do you often find yourself struggling with fleshly thoughts? Worse, constantly living for yourselves and your own Dreams, which honestly, is no way close to God's Vision as mentioned in Mathew 6:10.
If God visits me face to face now, and I were to interview Him "Lord, what's your dream for me?" Do you think His answer is this "Joyce, wherever you are, look out to establish My Kingdom. Look to reconcile one more person to me, restore one more family to me. Do not say to me 'Father, make me a successful singer, then I will influence others to know you through that position of influence.' I see through that Joyce. That will be tying your selfish desire and mask it to make it look like fulfilling My calling and doing Me a favour. I do not need favours from you. I want you to be Faithful. Be broken, let Me dictate, and let Me use you. If I ask you to just serve those poor fatherless children, restore them to Me, restore them such that they will grow to have Godly Families, then do it."
This was God's answer to me, back in 2000. I think when you have a Peniel Experience with the King, it's "no horse run". He sees you through, and no matter how you can justify to yourself, your leader, your spouse etc, you cannot justify that with the Lord. He knows.
Are you running in the Vision? Do you see the Vision of People Restoring to Christ, then Redeeming their past for the Glory of the Lord? As they also rise up to Restore others to Christ, do you see an army for the Lord rising? Do you see a counter culture to the world, that surely, is a culture of the King? Can you see Nations, Businesses, Education, Entertainment, filled with people restored and walking as G12 leaders, thereby resulting in "His Kingdom come, His will be done"?
I do. It's the Year of Victory. It's not over yet. Let's strengthen the 144 level to see and live the G12 Vision!
Some may say "Oh, it's like Jesus, find 12 disciples, then help them find 12 disciples" Not wrong, not far from the truth.. but let's take it deeper- Find this 12 disciples and help them to find 12 disciples for what? What's the purpose of finding these lives?
"So that they experience God's love!" Says some... "So that Christ may be know!" Says others. Also not wrong, not far from the truth. But let's also take it deeper - Experience His love and preach Christ is for? Why do we do that?
So that "HIS KINGDOM COME, HIS WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN" Mathew 6:10
The vision of G12 is one that causes restoration - for us to God (Personal), for us to people (Reconciliation with the Church of God), for us with our families(Restoration in the Family. Why? Because when we live out Mathew 6:10, His Kingdom is in us. Then naturally, restoration with God, man, in homes will occur.
How then do we truly allow His Kingdom to be at work in us? What is the process? Let's look at what happens at Encounter. We first:
1. Go to the Cross (Crossing), to recognize what Jesus has done for us
2. Understand the Father's Love for us
3. Allow God to break us through the Peniel Experience (We recognize our flesh and ask God to break us free from Spirit of Flesh, to Move only to Please the Holy Spirit)
4. Receive in obedience, the Joy of Forgiveness (as we Forgive others)
5. Engage in Spiritual Warfare, and break Generational Curses
6. Bath and Allow the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
7. Embrace the G12 Vision - Mathew 6:10
Are you living in this Vision? Or are you looking like you are, by finding your 12, but still, not in total reconciliation with God (because of sin and pride etc)? Do you often find yourself struggling with fleshly thoughts? Worse, constantly living for yourselves and your own Dreams, which honestly, is no way close to God's Vision as mentioned in Mathew 6:10.
If God visits me face to face now, and I were to interview Him "Lord, what's your dream for me?" Do you think His answer is this "Joyce, wherever you are, look out to establish My Kingdom. Look to reconcile one more person to me, restore one more family to me. Do not say to me 'Father, make me a successful singer, then I will influence others to know you through that position of influence.' I see through that Joyce. That will be tying your selfish desire and mask it to make it look like fulfilling My calling and doing Me a favour. I do not need favours from you. I want you to be Faithful. Be broken, let Me dictate, and let Me use you. If I ask you to just serve those poor fatherless children, restore them to Me, restore them such that they will grow to have Godly Families, then do it."
This was God's answer to me, back in 2000. I think when you have a Peniel Experience with the King, it's "no horse run". He sees you through, and no matter how you can justify to yourself, your leader, your spouse etc, you cannot justify that with the Lord. He knows.
Are you running in the Vision? Do you see the Vision of People Restoring to Christ, then Redeeming their past for the Glory of the Lord? As they also rise up to Restore others to Christ, do you see an army for the Lord rising? Do you see a counter culture to the world, that surely, is a culture of the King? Can you see Nations, Businesses, Education, Entertainment, filled with people restored and walking as G12 leaders, thereby resulting in "His Kingdom come, His will be done"?
I do. It's the Year of Victory. It's not over yet. Let's strengthen the 144 level to see and live the G12 Vision!
Sunday 2 September 2007
Pentecost
I got worried recently over some things I overheard in church.
One of them - "I found a better vision in another church" and "church service is all about whether or not I understand what the Pastor is preaching" and "if I do translation througout service, I won't receive from the Sermon"
So.... "I, Me, Myself"
Is church self serving? Or Christ serving?
Let's look at the book of Acts, the first church at the Pentecost. What do we see there?
1. We see an alignment in Vision and Purpose of the Church. (Christ Serving)
2. We see thanksgiving (Always thankful)
3. We see a constant reminder of what Jesus has done on the cross (Breaking bread)
4. We see Kingdom values taught passionately (Devoted to the teaching of word)
5. We see them choosing to be a blessing to others (Sharing whatever in need)
Lord, please come in your fire to discipline and preserve Your truths to those who truly seek you.
One of them - "I found a better vision in another church" and "church service is all about whether or not I understand what the Pastor is preaching" and "if I do translation througout service, I won't receive from the Sermon"
So.... "I, Me, Myself"
Is church self serving? Or Christ serving?
Let's look at the book of Acts, the first church at the Pentecost. What do we see there?
1. We see an alignment in Vision and Purpose of the Church. (Christ Serving)
2. We see thanksgiving (Always thankful)
3. We see a constant reminder of what Jesus has done on the cross (Breaking bread)
4. We see Kingdom values taught passionately (Devoted to the teaching of word)
5. We see them choosing to be a blessing to others (Sharing whatever in need)
Lord, please come in your fire to discipline and preserve Your truths to those who truly seek you.
Wednesday 8 August 2007
Thanksgiving - Answered 100K prayer
Just got a phone call from my Mum, after her checkup at the hospital. She had requested to be prayed that the Andrenal Glands (left of her liver) be functioning properly such that she does not need to go for operation in November.
"Girl, thanks to your prayers, Doctor say the abnormal hormones level came from the medication, not the Gland. Confirm don't need operation in November. Now just pray that the swelling of the Gland will disappear."
Lord! Thank you for answering prayers!
"Girl, thanks to your prayers, Doctor say the abnormal hormones level came from the medication, not the Gland. Confirm don't need operation in November. Now just pray that the swelling of the Gland will disappear."
Lord! Thank you for answering prayers!
Grace
When I was young, my teachers, even friends called me Grace. For some reason, even when I had my ballet exam, the British examiner, though reading my name from the script and also, I wore a name tag with the name "Joyce", she would call me "Grace, could you do a piroutte for me?" And I would know she's calling me and do it. I even had an admin asst write me a memo that reads "Grace, please call xxxxxxxxx".
When I was going for baptism, the Lord strangely, did not lead me to the name Grace, but Hope as in Romans 12:12.
Was wondering the other day, maybe the reason was because, He already reserved the name "Grace" for Vernon and Angelyn's darling daughter.
"Lord, thank you for Grace. Thank you that she will grow up strong in you, knowing You at an early age. Thank you that she will be able to know what is right and wrong, what is pure and destestable, what is noble and what is not, what is pure and what is not, and be able to choose the right path at every big and small junction of her life. Thank you that you will surround her with Godly friends and mentors, such that she will lead her life with great soberness, for You alone. Thank you that she will be a comfort and joy to everyone around her. Bless her Lord, In Jesus Name, Amen."
Thursday 2 August 2007
R&R slides for Shanghai Summer Camp
Here are the R&R photos as we are not allowed to post the camp details!
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Sharing - Claiming China for Christ
It was a great time going to China for the Summer Camp. I've frequent China since my student days (Student exchange) as well as work, but for the last 1.5 yrs this was the first time I return to the land of China.
I'm very proud to say that I am super at home in China. From getting cabs, to buying food, to going on the train, bringing people shopping, to dressing for the weather, I feel more at home than Singapore! (And I was tour guide to Yuling, Calyn and Inez for 2 days!)
The camp was a good time, connecting and influencing (hopefully) the China students! I enjoyed the laughter, the discussions on values of BGR, and testifying on how God was a huge part in my marriage to my husband. I miss them very much, they have in their own ways, brought me closer to myself.
Somehow, my spirit changed since going China this time. I'm more sober, at rest, and more joyful!
The time of R&R with the Charlie Angels - Yuling, Calyn and Inez was also great fun! We talked, laughed, did stupid things... and ya... my room mate Yuling, was very great to share alot of laughter with (Hey sorry about the 3am incident..hahaha...) and Calyns' High C-ness... really like go tour package with her... and Inez's "you know I know what no one knows..."
To me, China is now a place of refreshing, a place of testimonies of Christ, a place of fellowshipping. I proclaim that over the land. Thank you Lord for this trip! Bless this nation!
I'm very proud to say that I am super at home in China. From getting cabs, to buying food, to going on the train, bringing people shopping, to dressing for the weather, I feel more at home than Singapore! (And I was tour guide to Yuling, Calyn and Inez for 2 days!)
The camp was a good time, connecting and influencing (hopefully) the China students! I enjoyed the laughter, the discussions on values of BGR, and testifying on how God was a huge part in my marriage to my husband. I miss them very much, they have in their own ways, brought me closer to myself.
Somehow, my spirit changed since going China this time. I'm more sober, at rest, and more joyful!
The time of R&R with the Charlie Angels - Yuling, Calyn and Inez was also great fun! We talked, laughed, did stupid things... and ya... my room mate Yuling, was very great to share alot of laughter with (Hey sorry about the 3am incident..hahaha...) and Calyns' High C-ness... really like go tour package with her... and Inez's "you know I know what no one knows..."
To me, China is now a place of refreshing, a place of testimonies of Christ, a place of fellowshipping. I proclaim that over the land. Thank you Lord for this trip! Bless this nation!
Friday 13 July 2007
My 5th 100K blessing!
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us." 1 John 4:16
I went home on 10 July 2007, wanting to catch dinner with my mother before heading to TCT for Summer Camp briefing. For some reason, my mother was constantly on the phone and I could not seem to get some time catching up with her. Sitting alone in front of the TV, all I could do was pray and proclaim blessings in my parents' house. I also prayed that the Lord would intervene and cut short her phone calls so I could speak with her.
The time grew near to 7pm, when I should be setting off to TCT. As I proceeded to my mum's room, I found her just off the phone, and she greeted me saying "Sit down, I want to talk with you!"
I did, and the next thing I know, she was sharing about her eczema healing and tennis elbow pain decreasing due to the "chanting" she does every night. Immediately, I asked "What chanting?" She answered "Oh, the prayer you taught me to pray 1 month ago? I would recite it over and over every night. I asked Jesus to heal my pain..."
Wow.. my Mum should be the warrior man! Not the receiver! Anyways, she immediately proceeded with "Oh, I need one more miracle - help me pray and ask Jesus to heal me, so that I don't need to go for surgery in November!"
"Sure, I answered." And started writing down the details on her surgery to pray against it. As my mother shared, she started telling me "You know, pray to Jesus much better. Your eldest aunt gave me this tailsman to burn and drink... Yucks.. I didn't.. I've been keeping them in the drawer." Shaken, I said to my mother "Oh, you want me to get rid of them for you?" My mother said "Yes, you take and burn them lah.... "
The next thing I know, I was getting rid of 50 to 60 over tailsman (Yes... the kind you see on TV? Yellow colour paper with red brush inks words...) I was denouncing and cutting off every curse/ blessing and source of it, and neutralising it's power with the Blood of Christ.
Point is, I was so blew away by God's work in my mother's life. Not just her faith in the prayers, but also, her eagerness to get rid of the tailsman. I am so thankful that over 60 tailsman was given to her, and she trusted none of it! Wow! This is the time! The time of mighty visitation of the Holy Spirit!
Revival is really here!!!
P.S: Do pray with me for my mother k? Thanks!
I went home on 10 July 2007, wanting to catch dinner with my mother before heading to TCT for Summer Camp briefing. For some reason, my mother was constantly on the phone and I could not seem to get some time catching up with her. Sitting alone in front of the TV, all I could do was pray and proclaim blessings in my parents' house. I also prayed that the Lord would intervene and cut short her phone calls so I could speak with her.
The time grew near to 7pm, when I should be setting off to TCT. As I proceeded to my mum's room, I found her just off the phone, and she greeted me saying "Sit down, I want to talk with you!"
I did, and the next thing I know, she was sharing about her eczema healing and tennis elbow pain decreasing due to the "chanting" she does every night. Immediately, I asked "What chanting?" She answered "Oh, the prayer you taught me to pray 1 month ago? I would recite it over and over every night. I asked Jesus to heal my pain..."
Wow.. my Mum should be the warrior man! Not the receiver! Anyways, she immediately proceeded with "Oh, I need one more miracle - help me pray and ask Jesus to heal me, so that I don't need to go for surgery in November!"
"Sure, I answered." And started writing down the details on her surgery to pray against it. As my mother shared, she started telling me "You know, pray to Jesus much better. Your eldest aunt gave me this tailsman to burn and drink... Yucks.. I didn't.. I've been keeping them in the drawer." Shaken, I said to my mother "Oh, you want me to get rid of them for you?" My mother said "Yes, you take and burn them lah.... "
The next thing I know, I was getting rid of 50 to 60 over tailsman (Yes... the kind you see on TV? Yellow colour paper with red brush inks words...) I was denouncing and cutting off every curse/ blessing and source of it, and neutralising it's power with the Blood of Christ.
Point is, I was so blew away by God's work in my mother's life. Not just her faith in the prayers, but also, her eagerness to get rid of the tailsman. I am so thankful that over 60 tailsman was given to her, and she trusted none of it! Wow! This is the time! The time of mighty visitation of the Holy Spirit!
Revival is really here!!!
P.S: Do pray with me for my mother k? Thanks!
Tuesday 10 July 2007
Looking Far - Proclaiming your Way to Victory
"Your sons will take the place of your Fathers; you will make them Princes throughout the land. I will perpetuate your memory throughout all generations; therefore the nations will praise you forever and ever." Psalm 45:16-17
This was the verse the Lord had given my husband and myself, 6 months before we wedded on 11 Nov 2006. It speaks of the promise of the Lord to us that:
In May 2007, a checkup with a Gynae in Mount Elizabeth revealed bad news for me, as the doctor uncovered a 5cm big cyst in my left ovary. Worse, he could not determine if it were malignant. Blood was drawn and sent for testing to determine if it was possibly cancerous.
Shaken by the news, my husband and I went home, and started sending out SOS messages to the family of God, to get them to pray. Honestly, the full impact of the news had not hit us yet, and we weren't quite sure how to respond to a news like this. "Is this the will of God？What is it You are doing, Lord?"
Night after night, we pondered as we sought the Lord. We prayed "Lord, if this is Your will, we surrender to You and trust that Your Glory will be shown through this. We trust You. You are too wise and good to us, Lord, we owe our lives to you in the first place...You can do as You please with it..." Tears, intercession poured through our hearts. It was painful, but with every prayer, there was more peace and more release.
Then came one night, 2 weeks after the checkup with the gynae, when my heart broke in the times of prayer. I sensed the Lord asking "What do you want, Joyce?" and in uncontrollable sobbing, I cried "Father, I want to have children!"
At that point, both my husband and I hugged together, and with the power of the cross, proclaimed Psalm 45:16-17 "Lord, You said, we will have Sons!" I felt strength reviving my bones and my heart. I felt Faith arising.
The process of surrendering brought me to the end of myself and led me to tapped on the Lord's power available on the cross. I found amazing strength to pray and proclaim His word in my life. I started to be able to envision a report that says "No cancer". I started to vision myself lying on the examination table, looking at the 3D scan screen, and seeing my left ovary cleared, with the cyst gone. I also visioned the cyst breaking and removed from my body.
Every vision, was translated into proclaimation, which tapped on the power of the Cross. I was moving something into being - from the supernatural, into the natural!
On 9 July 2007, I returned back to the Gynae for the checkup. Coolly, the doctor reported "Good news, the cyst is gone. Your ovaries and womb are all cleared. Also, the report is good. Everything is normal, no cancer. If you are planning to start to have children, there should be no problem. Just give my assistant a call when you are pregnant so that I can see you."
"Hallelujah! I've been praying!"I shouted. Both my husband and I nearly tearing as we were so touched by the work of the Lord.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the season of looking far in the Vision, as well as the Season of the 100K blessings and miracles. The Lord had been preparing me and my husband, such that we learnt to:
This was the verse the Lord had given my husband and myself, 6 months before we wedded on 11 Nov 2006. It speaks of the promise of the Lord to us that:
- We will have offsprings (继承人）
- They will have God's Anointing and Authority
- Generations (Nations) will be blessed through our union
In May 2007, a checkup with a Gynae in Mount Elizabeth revealed bad news for me, as the doctor uncovered a 5cm big cyst in my left ovary. Worse, he could not determine if it were malignant. Blood was drawn and sent for testing to determine if it was possibly cancerous.
Shaken by the news, my husband and I went home, and started sending out SOS messages to the family of God, to get them to pray. Honestly, the full impact of the news had not hit us yet, and we weren't quite sure how to respond to a news like this. "Is this the will of God？What is it You are doing, Lord?"
Night after night, we pondered as we sought the Lord. We prayed "Lord, if this is Your will, we surrender to You and trust that Your Glory will be shown through this. We trust You. You are too wise and good to us, Lord, we owe our lives to you in the first place...You can do as You please with it..." Tears, intercession poured through our hearts. It was painful, but with every prayer, there was more peace and more release.
Then came one night, 2 weeks after the checkup with the gynae, when my heart broke in the times of prayer. I sensed the Lord asking "What do you want, Joyce?" and in uncontrollable sobbing, I cried "Father, I want to have children!"
At that point, both my husband and I hugged together, and with the power of the cross, proclaimed Psalm 45:16-17 "Lord, You said, we will have Sons!" I felt strength reviving my bones and my heart. I felt Faith arising.
The process of surrendering brought me to the end of myself and led me to tapped on the Lord's power available on the cross. I found amazing strength to pray and proclaim His word in my life. I started to be able to envision a report that says "No cancer". I started to vision myself lying on the examination table, looking at the 3D scan screen, and seeing my left ovary cleared, with the cyst gone. I also visioned the cyst breaking and removed from my body.
Every vision, was translated into proclaimation, which tapped on the power of the Cross. I was moving something into being - from the supernatural, into the natural!
On 9 July 2007, I returned back to the Gynae for the checkup. Coolly, the doctor reported "Good news, the cyst is gone. Your ovaries and womb are all cleared. Also, the report is good. Everything is normal, no cancer. If you are planning to start to have children, there should be no problem. Just give my assistant a call when you are pregnant so that I can see you."
"Hallelujah! I've been praying!"I shouted. Both my husband and I nearly tearing as we were so touched by the work of the Lord.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is the season of looking far in the Vision, as well as the Season of the 100K blessings and miracles. The Lord had been preparing me and my husband, such that we learnt to:
- Surrender in Obedience (Come to the end of ourselves, tap on power of Cross)
- Vision in God's Paradigm (Literally seeing it in our minds)
- Proclaim the Vision into Being (With persistent, daily prayers)
Monday 9 July 2007
My 1st 100K blessing!
"It is more blessed to give, than to receive" Acts 20:35
On 8 July 2007, day 1 of the 100K blessing, I hopped onto the cab from Expo to my mother's place after service. The Lord opened the door, and I found the chance to speak with the driver on the 100K blessing.
" 免费的吗？这样好啊？" (Is it free? So good?) Was his first response. "我拜观音的，可以吗？" (I worship idols, can receive the blessing?)Was his second response. "你跟你的神讲我是Ｕｎｃｌｅ 蔡，驾ｔａｘｉ ｎｕｍｂｅｒ ＳＨＡ ＸＸＸＸ，不然他不懂我是谁。” (You must tell your God I am Uncle Cai that drives taxi number SHA XXXX, if not He doesn't know which Uncle Cai) Was his third response. "我如果晚上开始睡得好我会再打电话给你，叫你帮我祷告别的东西." (If your prayer works and I start to sleep better at night, I will call you and ask you to pray for other things in my life) Was his final response.
Well, my take away from this, was that this man had more faith in my God than I had! He was already pulling strings for his 2nd miracle. Also, he was more determined to give me specific information so that God knows which "Uncle Cai" I was talking about.
God, you are so amazing!!! I am now sooooo excited to bless people!!!
On 8 July 2007, day 1 of the 100K blessing, I hopped onto the cab from Expo to my mother's place after service. The Lord opened the door, and I found the chance to speak with the driver on the 100K blessing.
" 免费的吗？这样好啊？" (Is it free? So good?) Was his first response. "我拜观音的，可以吗？" (I worship idols, can receive the blessing?)Was his second response. "你跟你的神讲我是Ｕｎｃｌｅ 蔡，驾ｔａｘｉ ｎｕｍｂｅｒ ＳＨＡ ＸＸＸＸ，不然他不懂我是谁。” (You must tell your God I am Uncle Cai that drives taxi number SHA XXXX, if not He doesn't know which Uncle Cai) Was his third response. "我如果晚上开始睡得好我会再打电话给你，叫你帮我祷告别的东西." (If your prayer works and I start to sleep better at night, I will call you and ask you to pray for other things in my life) Was his final response.
Well, my take away from this, was that this man had more faith in my God than I had! He was already pulling strings for his 2nd miracle. Also, he was more determined to give me specific information so that God knows which "Uncle Cai" I was talking about.
God, you are so amazing!!! I am now sooooo excited to bless people!!!
Saturday 30 June 2007
Looking Far - Knowing God's purposes for your life!
Eccesiates 3:14 "And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose in this is that people should fear him."
The story was told of a modern missionary of our times that waited promptly before the Lord for Him to reveal to him who God's choice of wife was. Many good ladies, who feared the Lord had shown interest in him, but he continued to wait for the Lord to show him. Finally, after the long wait, the Lord revealed to him who his wife was, at a missionary conference.
Concurrently, the Lord revealed to the lady, that this man was to be her husband. After the brief meeting at the conference, in a span of 3 weeks, both were engaged to be married.
After the engagement, this man had to return to Afghanistan to continue to Lord's work there, and while he was away, the lady went for a checkup and realised that she will never be able to conceive a child.
It was devastating news, and the lady, out of love for the man, decided and sent news that she will not marry him.
As faith believing Christians, many of us will choose, if in the position of the man, to pray and believe that God will heal the lady. The man did, but in one of the prayer sessions, he paused and asked the Lord a critical quesion. A question I believe that came out of his fear for the Lord. He asked the Lord "Lord, please reveal what Your plans are to me"
Did the Lord answer the prayer? You sure bet. He said "My son, My purpose is that you demonstrate your love for this woman, as a testimony to the world, of how I love the church. Even if this woman cannot give you a child that you so desire, you are to love her nonetheless; just as I love the church nonetheless."
The man arise, obeyed, and married the woman. Both have been instrumental in feeding thousands of poor around this part of the world. It's been 20 years, and they remain childless.
Many a times, when faced with situations, we do not pause and seek His will out of fear of Him. Instead of asking "What Lord?", we ask "Why Lord?"
"Why" causes us to go down the path of seeking the reason/power to change the situation. "What" causes us to tap on His supernatural understanding to know His will and flow with it. "Why" does not bear fruits. "What" does.
The story that I told above, is a true story of a great man and woman I had the privilege of knowing through my previous work. Spiritual children, should anything happen to us, we would like you to never ask "Why" but to rise up to ask God "What". We would like you to look far in the vision, and seek Him.
The story was told of a modern missionary of our times that waited promptly before the Lord for Him to reveal to him who God's choice of wife was. Many good ladies, who feared the Lord had shown interest in him, but he continued to wait for the Lord to show him. Finally, after the long wait, the Lord revealed to him who his wife was, at a missionary conference.
Concurrently, the Lord revealed to the lady, that this man was to be her husband. After the brief meeting at the conference, in a span of 3 weeks, both were engaged to be married.
After the engagement, this man had to return to Afghanistan to continue to Lord's work there, and while he was away, the lady went for a checkup and realised that she will never be able to conceive a child.
It was devastating news, and the lady, out of love for the man, decided and sent news that she will not marry him.
As faith believing Christians, many of us will choose, if in the position of the man, to pray and believe that God will heal the lady. The man did, but in one of the prayer sessions, he paused and asked the Lord a critical quesion. A question I believe that came out of his fear for the Lord. He asked the Lord "Lord, please reveal what Your plans are to me"
Did the Lord answer the prayer? You sure bet. He said "My son, My purpose is that you demonstrate your love for this woman, as a testimony to the world, of how I love the church. Even if this woman cannot give you a child that you so desire, you are to love her nonetheless; just as I love the church nonetheless."
The man arise, obeyed, and married the woman. Both have been instrumental in feeding thousands of poor around this part of the world. It's been 20 years, and they remain childless.
Many a times, when faced with situations, we do not pause and seek His will out of fear of Him. Instead of asking "What Lord?", we ask "Why Lord?"
"Why" causes us to go down the path of seeking the reason/power to change the situation. "What" causes us to tap on His supernatural understanding to know His will and flow with it. "Why" does not bear fruits. "What" does.
The story that I told above, is a true story of a great man and woman I had the privilege of knowing through my previous work. Spiritual children, should anything happen to us, we would like you to never ask "Why" but to rise up to ask God "What". We would like you to look far in the vision, and seek Him.
Thursday 28 June 2007
Looking Far - Connecting with "Drinking Deep"
Jeremiah 17:7-8 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, He will be planted like a tree by the water..."
I've always been a "dreams" person. I recall growing up, Secondary School days, dreaming of becoming a world class ballerina or a superstar singer in Taiwan. (It's another story altogether, about Hope's journeys on the dreams mentioned). Point that I want to share, is that alot of times, our dreams and visions (looking far) reveals our values (going deep).
Give an illustration - I once told a very Godly pastor that I dreamt of opening up an orphanage in China, by myself doing "God's work". The pastor was very sharp to have pointed that what is of greater value, is to serve the Church, such that in playing my role in the larger community, God's hands can move in a greater way to bless the nations. Nothing wrong with my dream, nothing against serving the Church, but what the pastor pointed out, was a drastic value difference.
Then, my values were "what I can do, what I can accomplish" vs "who can I serve, what roles can I play in the larger part of God's kingdoms". My view was small then, thinking all about my talents, my passions... and me. The other view, requires you to see God's kingdom, God's community, God's instruments. Different views, though both in essence are serving the poor.
Therein my point, that alot of times, the reasons that we cannot see God's perspectives (or vision), is because we are stuck on the "I, me and myself" value. We cannot have a greater vision of and for the Lord, because all we harp on, are the values that reads "That's not me, I'm not like that.." or "That's what I want to do, that's my strength" etc.
Don't misquote me, I am not against passionate pursuits and personality traits that God has created. My whole point is this:
In order to become a huge tree (vision), we need to have deep roots (values).
Then what you will see, will become clearer and clearer, when your values are more and more Christ-like. :)
I've always been a "dreams" person. I recall growing up, Secondary School days, dreaming of becoming a world class ballerina or a superstar singer in Taiwan. (It's another story altogether, about Hope's journeys on the dreams mentioned). Point that I want to share, is that alot of times, our dreams and visions (looking far) reveals our values (going deep).
Give an illustration - I once told a very Godly pastor that I dreamt of opening up an orphanage in China, by myself doing "God's work". The pastor was very sharp to have pointed that what is of greater value, is to serve the Church, such that in playing my role in the larger community, God's hands can move in a greater way to bless the nations. Nothing wrong with my dream, nothing against serving the Church, but what the pastor pointed out, was a drastic value difference.
Then, my values were "what I can do, what I can accomplish" vs "who can I serve, what roles can I play in the larger part of God's kingdoms". My view was small then, thinking all about my talents, my passions... and me. The other view, requires you to see God's kingdom, God's community, God's instruments. Different views, though both in essence are serving the poor.
Therein my point, that alot of times, the reasons that we cannot see God's perspectives (or vision), is because we are stuck on the "I, me and myself" value. We cannot have a greater vision of and for the Lord, because all we harp on, are the values that reads "That's not me, I'm not like that.." or "That's what I want to do, that's my strength" etc.
Don't misquote me, I am not against passionate pursuits and personality traits that God has created. My whole point is this:
In order to become a huge tree (vision), we need to have deep roots (values).
Then what you will see, will become clearer and clearer, when your values are more and more Christ-like. :)
Tuesday 15 May 2007
Looking Far - Investing in the Next Generation
Psalm 71:18 "Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who come."
I love this verse from the bible. It encompassed all that I uphold and believed in. If I had any strength at all, I'd like to delare the power to the next generation. It speaks of my desire, my passion, my faith and desperation in the Spirit towards the Lord to use me for His purposes for the future generations.
When I see a person, I see potential. I see weakness, I see the sin, the strife, and the pain. Yet, I also see the grace of God, His goodness and sometimes, when God wants me to walk through with this person, I see the probable journeys, the misses, the falls, the conflicts, the angers, the wrestles he'll have with me or the Lord.
The Lord has also taught me to see with regards to myself. I used to be awfully bothered by what people think and say of me, but of recent, I've learnt to set the course straight before the Lord. I come before Him and know clearly "Lord, I want you to say - I've been faithful." Seeing that for myself have set me free from many traps and snares that otherwise, could have gotten me.
In every youth and young adult that the Lord has placed in my life, from when I started my ministry 10 years ago, He's trained me to see who this person will become in accordance to the will of God. I will see this person marrying a man/woman of God, breaking through, his/her entire Spirit changed and also, on his/her marriage day, declare to the world that God is so good is his/her life. I hold on to the power of the vision dearly, and pray God surface and deal with every single sin and hindrance of his/her life till the full potential/Glory of God for this person comes to pass.
Some people say an eye for detail needs to be trained. Yes, it's great to have that eye for detail for certain jobs.But ask me, I would rather ask the Lord to continously, give me an eye to see what He sees. What He sees of me, of the world, of the people around me. No deception for me, Lord. I want to see!
I love this verse from the bible. It encompassed all that I uphold and believed in. If I had any strength at all, I'd like to delare the power to the next generation. It speaks of my desire, my passion, my faith and desperation in the Spirit towards the Lord to use me for His purposes for the future generations.
When I see a person, I see potential. I see weakness, I see the sin, the strife, and the pain. Yet, I also see the grace of God, His goodness and sometimes, when God wants me to walk through with this person, I see the probable journeys, the misses, the falls, the conflicts, the angers, the wrestles he'll have with me or the Lord.
The Lord has also taught me to see with regards to myself. I used to be awfully bothered by what people think and say of me, but of recent, I've learnt to set the course straight before the Lord. I come before Him and know clearly "Lord, I want you to say - I've been faithful." Seeing that for myself have set me free from many traps and snares that otherwise, could have gotten me.
In every youth and young adult that the Lord has placed in my life, from when I started my ministry 10 years ago, He's trained me to see who this person will become in accordance to the will of God. I will see this person marrying a man/woman of God, breaking through, his/her entire Spirit changed and also, on his/her marriage day, declare to the world that God is so good is his/her life. I hold on to the power of the vision dearly, and pray God surface and deal with every single sin and hindrance of his/her life till the full potential/Glory of God for this person comes to pass.
Some people say an eye for detail needs to be trained. Yes, it's great to have that eye for detail for certain jobs.But ask me, I would rather ask the Lord to continously, give me an eye to see what He sees. What He sees of me, of the world, of the people around me. No deception for me, Lord. I want to see!
Tuesday 20 March 2007
Identify & Equip Your 12
By: Pastor Claudia Castellanos
A leader’s success or failure is determined by the company they keep, I can testify that this is a fact. Those who form part of a G12 group have the ability to empower or destroy us. Some individuals will never meet their goals in spite of the fact that we invest time in them. When we evaluate how we are doing with our goals we discover that these ones have detained the entire group’s growth,
Although everyone who is under a ministry receives the same teaching, some grow rapidly while others may have numerous arguments against them which impede them from fulfilling their call. Every pastor desires their leaders to be successful, but there are some that grow a rapid rate while others in the group stay stagnate. For this reason you must continually be asking yourself: Do I have a strategy that will ensure that my disciples will be successful? Are my disciples experiencing true growth? Are they helping me carry the ministry load or are they simply spectators?
Henry Ford, the renowned American businessman, once said: “You can take my plants and burn down my buildings. But give me my staff and my business will resume to function in perfect working order.” Church is founded on leadership, church life is dependant on how equipped we are as leaders. If you desire to have a great congregation, if you want to have an ample vision you need many leaders and the pastor must dedicate themselves to that specific goal – that is the key.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s success as a great political leader was due to the fact that he devoted himself to know his men’s needs, he then proceeded to do everything in his power to help them attain what they wanted. This is the reason why his army was faithful to the end. Your primary purpose and great challenge as a leader of a G12 group (the first thing that you must do) is to personally get to know your disciples needs. If they are going through family crisis you must counsel them, if they are dealing with childhood traumas minister inner healing and deliverance to them. If necessary, help them meet their financial needs. Whatever they need, you must be willing and available to help them meet it. The majority of them are in dire need of a word of faith and hope; once they receive that word it becomes the saving grace for their lives. As you are conforming your G12 group it is vital that you be a leader with vision. Everyone that walks into a church has a sleuth of problems, no one is perfect but we are to walk them through the perfecting process which is the main objective in their formation.
When you are forming your team you must do as Michelangelo did. While he was sculpting his masterpiece David (IN SPANISH IT SAYS MOISES WHICH IS INCORRECT) someone asked him how he did it, and his response was: “The sculpture was always in the stone, all I had to do was carve it” He had envisioned and seen more than a mere piece of rock. Something similar is what must occur when the Lord brings those individuals that are to be part of our group, we should not focus on the bitterness, pain, need, lack or the countless problems they have – we must see them through the eyes of faith as the great servants of God that they will one day become that are Holy Spirit filled and will enrich God’s work.
You must also ask the Lord to bring you disciples that have a right spirit and servant’s heart that will be loyal at all times and have a heart than can be molded and that they have integrity.
The night before Jesus chose His twelve disciples, He spent the entire night in prayer, and He then proceeded to integrate them as part of His team. The best way for you to complete your G12 group is by first moving God’s hand in prayer, so that He will be the one to bring them to us and that He also opens our spiritual eyes so that we will be able to identify them. This will enable us to be assured that the time we dedicate to them will be a profitable investment which will produce a great harvest in ministry.
A leader’s success or failure is determined by the company they keep, I can testify that this is a fact. Those who form part of a G12 group have the ability to empower or destroy us. Some individuals will never meet their goals in spite of the fact that we invest time in them. When we evaluate how we are doing with our goals we discover that these ones have detained the entire group’s growth,
Although everyone who is under a ministry receives the same teaching, some grow rapidly while others may have numerous arguments against them which impede them from fulfilling their call. Every pastor desires their leaders to be successful, but there are some that grow a rapid rate while others in the group stay stagnate. For this reason you must continually be asking yourself: Do I have a strategy that will ensure that my disciples will be successful? Are my disciples experiencing true growth? Are they helping me carry the ministry load or are they simply spectators?
Henry Ford, the renowned American businessman, once said: “You can take my plants and burn down my buildings. But give me my staff and my business will resume to function in perfect working order.” Church is founded on leadership, church life is dependant on how equipped we are as leaders. If you desire to have a great congregation, if you want to have an ample vision you need many leaders and the pastor must dedicate themselves to that specific goal – that is the key.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s success as a great political leader was due to the fact that he devoted himself to know his men’s needs, he then proceeded to do everything in his power to help them attain what they wanted. This is the reason why his army was faithful to the end. Your primary purpose and great challenge as a leader of a G12 group (the first thing that you must do) is to personally get to know your disciples needs. If they are going through family crisis you must counsel them, if they are dealing with childhood traumas minister inner healing and deliverance to them. If necessary, help them meet their financial needs. Whatever they need, you must be willing and available to help them meet it. The majority of them are in dire need of a word of faith and hope; once they receive that word it becomes the saving grace for their lives. As you are conforming your G12 group it is vital that you be a leader with vision. Everyone that walks into a church has a sleuth of problems, no one is perfect but we are to walk them through the perfecting process which is the main objective in their formation.
When you are forming your team you must do as Michelangelo did. While he was sculpting his masterpiece David (IN SPANISH IT SAYS MOISES WHICH IS INCORRECT) someone asked him how he did it, and his response was: “The sculpture was always in the stone, all I had to do was carve it” He had envisioned and seen more than a mere piece of rock. Something similar is what must occur when the Lord brings those individuals that are to be part of our group, we should not focus on the bitterness, pain, need, lack or the countless problems they have – we must see them through the eyes of faith as the great servants of God that they will one day become that are Holy Spirit filled and will enrich God’s work.
You must also ask the Lord to bring you disciples that have a right spirit and servant’s heart that will be loyal at all times and have a heart than can be molded and that they have integrity.
The night before Jesus chose His twelve disciples, He spent the entire night in prayer, and He then proceeded to integrate them as part of His team. The best way for you to complete your G12 group is by first moving God’s hand in prayer, so that He will be the one to bring them to us and that He also opens our spiritual eyes so that we will be able to identify them. This will enable us to be assured that the time we dedicate to them will be a profitable investment which will produce a great harvest in ministry.
Wednesday 14 March 2007
Joyce Hope's Sharing - The Battle with the Flesh
I'm very thankful that God's training method for my ministry is really, using my own life's battles. My own desperate need to be set free, drove me to God.
Growing up in a slightly dysfunctional family (emotionally), I've always been familiar with anger. Situations that I prayed against (I knew God young, and I also knew His will is for me to have a peaceful family filled with His love) kept occuring again and again. I was always the one that was at the brunt of things yet nobody listened to me. I was helpless and the whole situation spinned out of control. I grew angry, and because I wanted the situation to go my way, I was desperate to have something in my hands that I could control the situation with.
I told God "If You don't answer my prayer, I'm going to backslide!" That's when another flesh grew too - Wrath (Punishment, wanting the other person to pay for my anger)
Later on, in another occassion, I told my ex-BF "If you don't get back with me, I'll slash my wrist before your eyes now!" (That explains the 2 scars on the back of my left wrist)
God has since shown me grace, I've learnt to repent and daily, crucify myself and walk in victory in His cross. But of late, this flesh started to come back again. (Clue: Brunt of it is my husband!) All when I began to teach on "The Adversary".
I can emphathise with myself, and say that its my background, family and past that resulted in this flesh more difficult to overcome. I can also give myself excuses that its' cos I'm teaching on this topic, this Flesh enemy is giving me problems to distract me. I think these are reasonable and to much extent, real reasons.
But I've learnt, in battles, no mercy should be shown to the enemy. Sincerity, transparency are all good virtues to show in relationships. (And accountability) But with the enemy? No. Only the truth sets us free. Only crucifying the flesh and appropriating by faith Jesus's work on the cross consistently and daily, gives us continual, moments by moments victory.
There will be some flesh that are so deep, it seems, it's harder to battle. Don't let your knowledge of your past get the better of you. Truth is- It's the truth that will set you free. Jesus commanded us to "Lay down your life, and carry the cross daily" Laying down = Crucifying your flesh. And Carrying the Cross = Claiming the Victory of the Cross. That's all you need to do. After all, everything was already done on the cross. This battle is definitely won!
Growing up in a slightly dysfunctional family (emotionally), I've always been familiar with anger. Situations that I prayed against (I knew God young, and I also knew His will is for me to have a peaceful family filled with His love) kept occuring again and again. I was always the one that was at the brunt of things yet nobody listened to me. I was helpless and the whole situation spinned out of control. I grew angry, and because I wanted the situation to go my way, I was desperate to have something in my hands that I could control the situation with.
I told God "If You don't answer my prayer, I'm going to backslide!" That's when another flesh grew too - Wrath (Punishment, wanting the other person to pay for my anger)
Later on, in another occassion, I told my ex-BF "If you don't get back with me, I'll slash my wrist before your eyes now!" (That explains the 2 scars on the back of my left wrist)
God has since shown me grace, I've learnt to repent and daily, crucify myself and walk in victory in His cross. But of late, this flesh started to come back again. (Clue: Brunt of it is my husband!) All when I began to teach on "The Adversary".
I can emphathise with myself, and say that its my background, family and past that resulted in this flesh more difficult to overcome. I can also give myself excuses that its' cos I'm teaching on this topic, this Flesh enemy is giving me problems to distract me. I think these are reasonable and to much extent, real reasons.
But I've learnt, in battles, no mercy should be shown to the enemy. Sincerity, transparency are all good virtues to show in relationships. (And accountability) But with the enemy? No. Only the truth sets us free. Only crucifying the flesh and appropriating by faith Jesus's work on the cross consistently and daily, gives us continual, moments by moments victory.
There will be some flesh that are so deep, it seems, it's harder to battle. Don't let your knowledge of your past get the better of you. Truth is- It's the truth that will set you free. Jesus commanded us to "Lay down your life, and carry the cross daily" Laying down = Crucifying your flesh. And Carrying the Cross = Claiming the Victory of the Cross. That's all you need to do. After all, everything was already done on the cross. This battle is definitely won!
Tuesday 6 March 2007
Drink Deep- From Sinful Flesh to Fruits of the Spirit!
Romans 7:15-25
Paul, the great apostle of modern church times, confessed the following (The Living Bible)
"I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I don't want to - what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I can't help myself, because I'm no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things.
I know I am rotten through and through as far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't, and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. Now if I am doing what I don't want to, it is plain where the trouble is: still still has me in it's evil grasp.
It seems to be a fact of life when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love to do God's will so far as my new nature is concerned; but there is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is sitll wiithin me. In my mind, I want to be God's willing servant but instead, I find myself enslaved to sin.
So you see how it is: my new life tells me to do right, but the old nature that is still inside me loves to sin. Oh what a terrible predicament I'm in! Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly lower nature? Thank God! It has been done in Jesus Christ! He has set me free."
If I where to tell you this was taken from the Diary of anyone of my disciples, would you believe it? I'm sure you would. It is the Christians that are really following Christ, not the Pagans or the half -hearted Christians, that experience the war of of their flesh against the Spirit. It is the Christians who understand the extent of their sinfulness (the sinful nature), that understand the extend of what it means for God to die on the cross. These are sober-minded people, who know that apart from the Cross, everything that they build upon is meaningless. They do not lust after the things of the world, nor strife in pride, to build upon their flesh. They live, minding their business and doing the work of God, with full awareness of the war against their flesh, claiming the victory of the Cross in their lives.
God can only use a man that is filled with the Spirit. And order to be filled, we need to take up the cross daily, and wage war against our very flesh. Many times, our greatest adversary is not Satan, but our old nature! Let's take this whole season to go deep - Crucifying the Flesh, and Move in the Spirit!
Paul, the great apostle of modern church times, confessed the following (The Living Bible)
"I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't. I do what I don't want to - what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I can't help myself, because I'm no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things.
I know I am rotten through and through as far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't, and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway. Now if I am doing what I don't want to, it is plain where the trouble is: still still has me in it's evil grasp.
It seems to be a fact of life when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love to do God's will so far as my new nature is concerned; but there is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is sitll wiithin me. In my mind, I want to be God's willing servant but instead, I find myself enslaved to sin.
So you see how it is: my new life tells me to do right, but the old nature that is still inside me loves to sin. Oh what a terrible predicament I'm in! Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly lower nature? Thank God! It has been done in Jesus Christ! He has set me free."
If I where to tell you this was taken from the Diary of anyone of my disciples, would you believe it? I'm sure you would. It is the Christians that are really following Christ, not the Pagans or the half -hearted Christians, that experience the war of of their flesh against the Spirit. It is the Christians who understand the extent of their sinfulness (the sinful nature), that understand the extend of what it means for God to die on the cross. These are sober-minded people, who know that apart from the Cross, everything that they build upon is meaningless. They do not lust after the things of the world, nor strife in pride, to build upon their flesh. They live, minding their business and doing the work of God, with full awareness of the war against their flesh, claiming the victory of the Cross in their lives.
God can only use a man that is filled with the Spirit. And order to be filled, we need to take up the cross daily, and wage war against our very flesh. Many times, our greatest adversary is not Satan, but our old nature! Let's take this whole season to go deep - Crucifying the Flesh, and Move in the Spirit!
Thursday 22 February 2007
Joyce Hope's Sharing- Before He can use us Powerfully, He will test us Deeply
It's been an interesting near 2 months, since Senior Pastor, under the Lord's leadership, led the church into a season of "Going Deep". I've been conscious, and faithfully praying for the Lord to renew and teach me, through every situation and every circumstance.
And Lo and Behold, since the beginning of the year, many things have happened. I was hospitalised with scares here and there on my health; I see many imperfections and discouraging things in my own sheep (Just being real here) I found myself discouraged, exhausted, spent.
That drove me to seek the Lord.
In my quite moments with the Lord, I saw this vision. My father eats "Quaker Oatmeal", and they come in tin cans (Like your Nestle Milk) as well as packets, which you can refill into the tin cans. Whenever the time comes for Dad to refill the tin, he'll pour a quarter into the tin can, then shake the tin to let the oats settle, then pour in some more, then shake and hit the tin again. The process repeats till the whole packet goes into the tin- filled to the brim, and compact. Growing up, I've helped Dad fill the tin a couple of times, I've learnt that you need to be "merciless" in shaking and hitting the tin, to let the oats settle, so that you can pour more in. No shake, no oats!
Hebrews 12:26-27
God will shake, whatever that can be shaken, be prepared, He will shake it. Why? Like the Quaker Oats illustration, shaking helps to bring the oats nearer to the base of the tin. Parallel with humans, shaking brings us closer to our foundations - Christ.
I find myself asking this question of late - "Is Christ sufficient for me?" I pray constantly, daily that I can say, with full conviction what Smith Wigglesworth said "I have all, when I have Jesus."
Is God shaking you of late? Have you drawn closer to your foundation? Or are you resisting the shake?
Before He can use us Powerfully, He will test us Deeply!
And Lo and Behold, since the beginning of the year, many things have happened. I was hospitalised with scares here and there on my health; I see many imperfections and discouraging things in my own sheep (Just being real here) I found myself discouraged, exhausted, spent.
That drove me to seek the Lord.
In my quite moments with the Lord, I saw this vision. My father eats "Quaker Oatmeal", and they come in tin cans (Like your Nestle Milk) as well as packets, which you can refill into the tin cans. Whenever the time comes for Dad to refill the tin, he'll pour a quarter into the tin can, then shake the tin to let the oats settle, then pour in some more, then shake and hit the tin again. The process repeats till the whole packet goes into the tin- filled to the brim, and compact. Growing up, I've helped Dad fill the tin a couple of times, I've learnt that you need to be "merciless" in shaking and hitting the tin, to let the oats settle, so that you can pour more in. No shake, no oats!
Hebrews 12:26-27
God will shake, whatever that can be shaken, be prepared, He will shake it. Why? Like the Quaker Oats illustration, shaking helps to bring the oats nearer to the base of the tin. Parallel with humans, shaking brings us closer to our foundations - Christ.
I find myself asking this question of late - "Is Christ sufficient for me?" I pray constantly, daily that I can say, with full conviction what Smith Wigglesworth said "I have all, when I have Jesus."
Is God shaking you of late? Have you drawn closer to your foundation? Or are you resisting the shake?
Before He can use us Powerfully, He will test us Deeply!
Wednesday 14 February 2007
Drink Deep- From Deceitfulness to being Contrite
Numbers 22
Balak, the King of Moab had a threat - God's chosen people, Israel. After seeing what Israel had done to the Amorites, Balak decided he needed God to be on the Moab side. But since he had no relationship with God (Moabs are Baal worshippers), he sought Balaam, God's prophet to curse Israel.
I don't know what was in Balaam's mind that he actually had to sought God if he should do it. If someone told me "I will give you money and honour if you come to me, and help me curse FC," I think without a doubt, I ask say to the person "Shut up, Satan!"
Interestingly, the very "Spiritual" act of Balaam to seek the Lord is actually a deceitful act of his heart. He wanted the honour. He wanted the money. He fed on the need that he was wanted by a King. Hence, he went to seek the Lord on something, that clearly, was a "NO" from the Lord.
Is God silly? Can God be mocked? Doesn't the Lord know that Balaam was trying to "pull a fast one on God?" Certainly, God knows!
God knows, and in his wisdom, wanted to teach Balaam, as well as Balak a lesson. Notice, he allowed Balaam to go to Balak, yet was angry with Balaam that he was going.
Contradiction? No. God knew that unless He allowed Balaam's deceitful desires to be acted out and let him taste the bad fruit, Balaam will not learn the lesson. The deceitfulness will still be in Balaam, and he will still be blinded to think that he was being right by "seeking the Lord."
Notice that from v22, God had wanted to strike Balaam dead. Even his donkeys saw the angel of the Lord, yet Balaam was so driven by all the fame he will get in Moab that he was totally blinded! His donkey wanted to protect him, and sought to turn away from the angel, yet Balaam kept striking the donkey (3 times) to get the donkey on way to Moab. Finally, the Lord, pleased with the donkey, extended grace to Balaam. God opended the eyes of Balaam and he repented.
Does this strike a chord with you? Alot of times, people "seek God" on whether or not they should do something, that clearly, will displease the Lord. They rationalize in their hearts that it would not matter, and looked only to the benefits that they'll get, not whether or not it was against the nature of God. They have the audacity to ask God to bless them, or even ask at all.
Where is the Fear of the Lord? God is loving, but He will not be mocked. Why do we procrastinate to do what is pleasing before His eyes? Because we have desires in our hearts that are not 100% desires of Him!
Clearly, when our hearts are not 100% desiring the Lord, let's not kid ourselves - we're not. Let's not pretend to "Seek the Lord" on outcomes on such matters, but be clear-minded, repenting before God for our heart conditions.
God was even more pleased with a Donkey than Balaam! Repent from Deceitfulness, a Contrite heart is all He desires!
Balak, the King of Moab had a threat - God's chosen people, Israel. After seeing what Israel had done to the Amorites, Balak decided he needed God to be on the Moab side. But since he had no relationship with God (Moabs are Baal worshippers), he sought Balaam, God's prophet to curse Israel.
I don't know what was in Balaam's mind that he actually had to sought God if he should do it. If someone told me "I will give you money and honour if you come to me, and help me curse FC," I think without a doubt, I ask say to the person "Shut up, Satan!"
Interestingly, the very "Spiritual" act of Balaam to seek the Lord is actually a deceitful act of his heart. He wanted the honour. He wanted the money. He fed on the need that he was wanted by a King. Hence, he went to seek the Lord on something, that clearly, was a "NO" from the Lord.
Is God silly? Can God be mocked? Doesn't the Lord know that Balaam was trying to "pull a fast one on God?" Certainly, God knows!
God knows, and in his wisdom, wanted to teach Balaam, as well as Balak a lesson. Notice, he allowed Balaam to go to Balak, yet was angry with Balaam that he was going.
Contradiction? No. God knew that unless He allowed Balaam's deceitful desires to be acted out and let him taste the bad fruit, Balaam will not learn the lesson. The deceitfulness will still be in Balaam, and he will still be blinded to think that he was being right by "seeking the Lord."
Notice that from v22, God had wanted to strike Balaam dead. Even his donkeys saw the angel of the Lord, yet Balaam was so driven by all the fame he will get in Moab that he was totally blinded! His donkey wanted to protect him, and sought to turn away from the angel, yet Balaam kept striking the donkey (3 times) to get the donkey on way to Moab. Finally, the Lord, pleased with the donkey, extended grace to Balaam. God opended the eyes of Balaam and he repented.
Does this strike a chord with you? Alot of times, people "seek God" on whether or not they should do something, that clearly, will displease the Lord. They rationalize in their hearts that it would not matter, and looked only to the benefits that they'll get, not whether or not it was against the nature of God. They have the audacity to ask God to bless them, or even ask at all.
Where is the Fear of the Lord? God is loving, but He will not be mocked. Why do we procrastinate to do what is pleasing before His eyes? Because we have desires in our hearts that are not 100% desires of Him!
Clearly, when our hearts are not 100% desiring the Lord, let's not kid ourselves - we're not. Let's not pretend to "Seek the Lord" on outcomes on such matters, but be clear-minded, repenting before God for our heart conditions.
God was even more pleased with a Donkey than Balaam! Repent from Deceitfulness, a Contrite heart is all He desires!
Saturday 3 February 2007
Drink Deep- From Seedlings to Being Rooted
Mark 4:16-17, Eph 3:16-18
Many a times, we've met believers, still in bondage over an area in their lives say this - "You don't understand. I've tried to pray, I've tried to worship, I've even tried to read the word, but nothing helped!" or, some would say - "You know, I've prayed and asked God for this, but He didn't do it!"
Salvation belongs to God. And we'll always rejoice in Faith when one person gives his/her life to Jesus through the sinners prayer. But very often, when a severe disappointment or seemingly unanswered prayer occurs, they become offended with God, and want to have little to do with Him.
Notice what the Lord Jesus says in Mark 4:16- 17
"Who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arise for the word's sake, immediately they are offended"
Believers, who chose to interpret that God did not come through for them, hold certain beliefs:
Many a times, we've met believers, still in bondage over an area in their lives say this - "You don't understand. I've tried to pray, I've tried to worship, I've even tried to read the word, but nothing helped!" or, some would say - "You know, I've prayed and asked God for this, but He didn't do it!"
Salvation belongs to God. And we'll always rejoice in Faith when one person gives his/her life to Jesus through the sinners prayer. But very often, when a severe disappointment or seemingly unanswered prayer occurs, they become offended with God, and want to have little to do with Him.
Notice what the Lord Jesus says in Mark 4:16- 17
"Who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arise for the word's sake, immediately they are offended"
Believers, who chose to interpret that God did not come through for them, hold certain beliefs:
- "What's important to me is that I get what I want (healing, set free, success etc.) God must give me what I want."
- "God doesn't seem to care about my feelings through this, He must don't love me."
Why do people chose to be so quickly offended with God? Because as said in Mark 4, they were not rooted. Rooted in what you will ask? Ephesians 3:16-18 - To be rooted and grounded in the Love of God.
Love of God, is a knowledge that comes from knowing and seeking His character, His nature. We need to study and know that God is love; there is no selfishness or evil in Him. His nature is to give, not to take. His nature is to forgive, not to punish. His nature is to discipline so as to become like Him, not to hurt us because He doesn't care about us.
Are you rooted in God's love? Ask God for a fresh revelation of His love everyday of your life. You'll be amazed. Instead of just asking for the healing, the success, the setting free. Ask God to show you His love. Receive it with Faith.
Friday 26 January 2007
Drink Deep- From Unforgiveness to Being Right w God!
Mathew 24:10-13, Luke 17:4, Proverbs 18:19, 2 Cor 10:4-5
Once we are wronged, we are faced with the opportunity to make a decision to forgive - to release that person from their wrongdoing. This requires an act of the will, usually in the face of some very real and intense emotions of hurt, disappointment and anger. However, after we made the choice to forgive, many a times, residual emotions of bitterness, anger, resentment and hatred folllows.
These residual emotions are strongholds. Strongholds create set patterns of reasoning through which all incoming information is processed. Although first erected for protection, they become a source of torment and distortion because they war against the knowing or knowledge of God.
When we filter everything through past hurts, rejections and experiences, we find it impossible to believe God. We cannot believe He means what He says. We doubt His goodness and faithfulness since we judge Him by the standards set by man in our lives. But God is not man! He cannot lie, His ways are not like ours, and His thoughts are not ours.
How to walk right with the Lord to truly forgive and tear down strongholds of offenses and residual emotions? The Lord teaches us in Luke 17:4
"if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying 'I repent', you shall forgive him."
But what did the disciples response to this seemingly impossible command? "Lord, increase our faith!".
Indeed, tearing down strongholds and forgiving a person requires Faith. Luke 17:6 "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ' Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea." Indeed, uprooting offenses, unforgiveness and residual emotions is an act of Faith, that requires the will, obedience and prayer.
What are the steps then, to experience true freedom and being right with God?
Over time, despite my "wise" rationalizations, my situtaions grew tackier and more perilous, with this person time and time again, attacking and offending me. I began to be seriously misunderstood by those around me, and worse, I felt God not answering my prayers to "make my enemies suffer". I felt that there was a wall between me and God.
In time, when the Lord showed me the root of the issue, the Lord challenged me to exercise Faith to the extend of blessing this person. I began not only to declare to forgive this person, but to pray that this person's ministry increase larger by the day, his walk with God will be so intimate etc (Began to pray for him the prayers I normally pray for myself) I began to exercise Faith that God is in control, and I am not a victim of any person, or any system.
Over time, I was set free. Emotions of anger, bitterness, fear left me. I was right with God and the next time I saw this person, no matter what he did, I could interpret them in Faith, not through strongholds.
I was free, I was right with God.
What's your wall between you and God? Drink Deep - Move with Faith from Unforgiveness to being right with God!
Once we are wronged, we are faced with the opportunity to make a decision to forgive - to release that person from their wrongdoing. This requires an act of the will, usually in the face of some very real and intense emotions of hurt, disappointment and anger. However, after we made the choice to forgive, many a times, residual emotions of bitterness, anger, resentment and hatred folllows.
These residual emotions are strongholds. Strongholds create set patterns of reasoning through which all incoming information is processed. Although first erected for protection, they become a source of torment and distortion because they war against the knowing or knowledge of God.
When we filter everything through past hurts, rejections and experiences, we find it impossible to believe God. We cannot believe He means what He says. We doubt His goodness and faithfulness since we judge Him by the standards set by man in our lives. But God is not man! He cannot lie, His ways are not like ours, and His thoughts are not ours.
How to walk right with the Lord to truly forgive and tear down strongholds of offenses and residual emotions? The Lord teaches us in Luke 17:4
"if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying 'I repent', you shall forgive him."
But what did the disciples response to this seemingly impossible command? "Lord, increase our faith!".
Indeed, tearing down strongholds and forgiving a person requires Faith. Luke 17:6 "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ' Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea." Indeed, uprooting offenses, unforgiveness and residual emotions is an act of Faith, that requires the will, obedience and prayer.
What are the steps then, to experience true freedom and being right with God?
- Declare to forgive the person.
- Exercise Obedience by praying that God will reward you for obeying Him
- Excerise Faith in God by praying that God will bless the person (Pray for the Lord to bless him in the way you want Him to bless you.)
Over time, despite my "wise" rationalizations, my situtaions grew tackier and more perilous, with this person time and time again, attacking and offending me. I began to be seriously misunderstood by those around me, and worse, I felt God not answering my prayers to "make my enemies suffer". I felt that there was a wall between me and God.
In time, when the Lord showed me the root of the issue, the Lord challenged me to exercise Faith to the extend of blessing this person. I began not only to declare to forgive this person, but to pray that this person's ministry increase larger by the day, his walk with God will be so intimate etc (Began to pray for him the prayers I normally pray for myself) I began to exercise Faith that God is in control, and I am not a victim of any person, or any system.
Over time, I was set free. Emotions of anger, bitterness, fear left me. I was right with God and the next time I saw this person, no matter what he did, I could interpret them in Faith, not through strongholds.
I was free, I was right with God.
What's your wall between you and God? Drink Deep - Move with Faith from Unforgiveness to being right with God!
Tuesday 23 January 2007
Drink Deep- From Hopeless to Purpose Driven!
Luke 22: 54-62, John 21
Peter was sure it's all over. He had told the Lord he will never deny Him, but right at the final moments of Jesus' life, he had deny he knew Jesus 3 times. Peter wasn't even there at the Crucifixion. Bitter, utterly feeling a failure, convinced he had let Jesus down, he went back to being a fisherman.
I can imagine Peter replaying the images again and again in his mind. Right till the Last Supper, Jesus's eyes that always looked as though He could see through him; Jesus's voice that always spoke with such truth, love and authority kept ringing in Peter's mind. Yet, every image, every memory of Jesus led Peter to remember what he did, when he said for the last time "I don't know him."
It was painful. Peter was sure he would never be forgiven. Instead of being deep in the hope of the resurrection of the Lord, he was deep in the shame of failure.
Hopelessness, results in the following:
Jesus:
Peter was sure it's all over. He had told the Lord he will never deny Him, but right at the final moments of Jesus' life, he had deny he knew Jesus 3 times. Peter wasn't even there at the Crucifixion. Bitter, utterly feeling a failure, convinced he had let Jesus down, he went back to being a fisherman.
I can imagine Peter replaying the images again and again in his mind. Right till the Last Supper, Jesus's eyes that always looked as though He could see through him; Jesus's voice that always spoke with such truth, love and authority kept ringing in Peter's mind. Yet, every image, every memory of Jesus led Peter to remember what he did, when he said for the last time "I don't know him."
It was painful. Peter was sure he would never be forgiven. Instead of being deep in the hope of the resurrection of the Lord, he was deep in the shame of failure.
Hopelessness, results in the following:
- Resignation - we abandon ourselves to defeat.
- Exalts our sin over the Cross of Calvary - we see what we have done more powerful than the work of the Jesus on the cross.
- Loss of Purpose - we lose our vision, our destiny is clouded by the events of the past.
Jesus:
- Intervened in Peter's life - Peter had given up hope, and went back to his old ways. Jesus had not, and sought after Peter, going to meet him where he was, at the Sea.
- Revealed Himself to Peter after the Resurrection - Jesus appeared to the disciples to show them He was more powerful than everything that happened at the cross.
- Restore and Charge Peter for the Gospel Mission - Jesus charged Peter to "Tend His Sheep".
Can you see Jesus standing next to Peter, saying "It's not over, Peter." And it's not over for you, either. You may have failed God miserably. For years, you may have lived your life in a way that denied you belonged to Jesus. As a result, you think God has given up on you. That is a lie! No matter what has happened, don't interpret it in a manner that God has abandoned you. God has NEVER changed His mind about you.
Your past doesn't determine your future - but how you respond to your past does. Do you see Jesus? He is standing at the Sea/ shores of your life. He hasn't left. Allow the Holy Spirit to breathe in you again, a fresh vision for your future. Let Him re-establish your worth and your value.
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
His holy word says that regardless of what anyone has done to us, or what we have done, we are His glory, His prized possession, His ultimate satisfaction. Drink Deep! Move from hopelessness to being Purpose Driven!
Series on Going Deep in the Holy Spirit
Hi all,
In this series, let us GO DEEP in the Holy Spirit, as called by Ps Khong. Let's come to seek and know the Holy Spirit, embracing Him and allowing Him to have full reign in our lives, our minds, our finances, our health, our emotions, our relationships as well as our view on God and ourselves.
May I ask of you to follow this prayer, as we allow the Holy Spirit to move in us this season
"Holy Spirit, You are God. You are the answer to every stronghold, every pain, every hurt, every wall that separates me from You, and every wall that separates me and man. You alone are the answer to every strive, and every Flesh in me. I want to walk in the Supernatural, I want to move in Your Power for Your Glory. Move in me Lord. Surface every offense, pride, selfish ambition and cause me to repent and embrace Your truth, so that I can walk free. In Jesus name, Amen."
In this series, let us GO DEEP in the Holy Spirit, as called by Ps Khong. Let's come to seek and know the Holy Spirit, embracing Him and allowing Him to have full reign in our lives, our minds, our finances, our health, our emotions, our relationships as well as our view on God and ourselves.
May I ask of you to follow this prayer, as we allow the Holy Spirit to move in us this season
"Holy Spirit, You are God. You are the answer to every stronghold, every pain, every hurt, every wall that separates me from You, and every wall that separates me and man. You alone are the answer to every strive, and every Flesh in me. I want to walk in the Supernatural, I want to move in Your Power for Your Glory. Move in me Lord. Surface every offense, pride, selfish ambition and cause me to repent and embrace Your truth, so that I can walk free. In Jesus name, Amen."
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