I heard Pastor Prince's sermon 'Speaking God's Language of Faith' a few times because it is really such a fantastic sermon. But today when I heard it again, this message jumped at me.
You might have heard it before. Sometimes people say that faith is like this: when you believe or confess long enough, the thing that you desired which didn't exist will eventually materialise. Pastor Prince explained it like this. Actually it is not that the thing you desired never existed. The fact that you cannot see it with your physical eyes doesn't mean that it didn't exist.
The truth is that long before we believe or confess it, God had already seen the reality come to pass in our lives. For example, long before Abraham had a child, God already saw him as a father of many nations. God lives outside of time. He saw the future in Abraham if it has already happened. It heartens me to know that when God sees me, He sees me as a happy mother of children at home long before I even had that desire.
So, when we believe and confess God's promise for us, faith is actually about seeing reality from God's perspectives. We are agreeing with what God is doing in our lives and rejoicing in faith before we see the physical manifestation. Pastor Prince also mentioned that when the manifestation comes, we are not as excited as before. The reason is that some time ago, we have already rejoiced and celebrated the victory in faith. That is really so true.
Today, I would like challenge you to start seeing yourself as how God sees you - prosperous, healthy, strong, blessed, highly favoured and deeply loved!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Speaking to Your Mountain
Many of us want to see the desired results in our lives but how many of us are speaking what we want to see? I just want to quote an example in which I spoke to my mountain and saw the results manifest.
The completion date (the day we collect the keys) for our new home is on 1 Dec. Prior to that, we were expecting to receive a letter of approval from Central Provident Fund (CPF) to confirm the use of funds in our ordinary accounts to pay for part of our condo downpayment. The use of CPF funds is very critical because we need to 'cough up' this amount equivalent in cash if this does not materialise. Of course I checked all the necessary conditions and even called up CPF Board to confirm we could use this money, after setting aside some Minimum Sum in our accounts.
I remembered opening our letterbox a few times expecting to see the CPF letter but the letter haven't arrived. Surprisingly, I was not disappointed. I just declared that 'The CPF Board has approved our request and our letter is on the way.' Each time I didn't see the letter, I would declare that it is on the way. As the completion date neared, I could have panicked, called CPF Board and worried about whether our request would be approved. But I didn't. I just spoke to my situation.
True enough, last Friday, the letter arrived! Praise the Lord! I was of course not surprised to see the letter because I had expected it to come all the while! But I was certainly relieved. I didn't even doubt the contents of the letter before I opened it. I assumed it would be approved and of course it was approved!
The interesting thing was another letter came along with this. It was not what I had expected though. This is a letter from Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to confirm that the caveat had been lodged on our new property, so that others could not lay claim to it. This letter was also important but I wasn't expecting it. But thank God it all came within the same day! I am really excited about the possession of our condo because it is just next week! Counting down to the momentous event!
The completion date (the day we collect the keys) for our new home is on 1 Dec. Prior to that, we were expecting to receive a letter of approval from Central Provident Fund (CPF) to confirm the use of funds in our ordinary accounts to pay for part of our condo downpayment. The use of CPF funds is very critical because we need to 'cough up' this amount equivalent in cash if this does not materialise. Of course I checked all the necessary conditions and even called up CPF Board to confirm we could use this money, after setting aside some Minimum Sum in our accounts.
I remembered opening our letterbox a few times expecting to see the CPF letter but the letter haven't arrived. Surprisingly, I was not disappointed. I just declared that 'The CPF Board has approved our request and our letter is on the way.' Each time I didn't see the letter, I would declare that it is on the way. As the completion date neared, I could have panicked, called CPF Board and worried about whether our request would be approved. But I didn't. I just spoke to my situation.
True enough, last Friday, the letter arrived! Praise the Lord! I was of course not surprised to see the letter because I had expected it to come all the while! But I was certainly relieved. I didn't even doubt the contents of the letter before I opened it. I assumed it would be approved and of course it was approved!
The interesting thing was another letter came along with this. It was not what I had expected though. This is a letter from Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to confirm that the caveat had been lodged on our new property, so that others could not lay claim to it. This letter was also important but I wasn't expecting it. But thank God it all came within the same day! I am really excited about the possession of our condo because it is just next week! Counting down to the momentous event!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
What Has Faith Got To Do With Lego
I am so excited to share from this book 'The Spirit of Faith' by Mark Hankins. I learnt about a very powerful spiritual principle that I needed to share with all.
The subtitle of this passage is 'Lego Bible Building Blocks'. In Mark 11:23, Jesus said 'Whoever says to this mountain, be removed and be cast into the seas, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.' Notice that Jesus said 'believe' once but he mentioned 'says' three times. We would have to pay three times more attention on the saying part than the believing part. The speaking part is vital to faith.
In Mark 11:23, Jesus used three different Greek words to explain the speaking part of faith. The first 'says' is the Greek word 'epo', which means command. It shows the authority of the believer. The second reference to 'says' was the Greek word 'laleo' which means to be bold and speak out with your own voice. The third reference to speaking is the Greek word 'lego' which means a systematic set discourse (conversation).
With reference to the Lego sets that contain building blocks for children to construct according to the diagram on the box, Jesus was in effect saying 'I am giving you a lego set of building blocks that you can use to frame your world according to the picture I have given to you in the Word of God.'
Oh to me, this is very exciting because this is a chance for me to re-construct my world according to what God says about me - healthy, strong, prosperous, fruitful, blessed and favoured. I can frame my future by putting the Word of God in my mouth. When I confess that I am the happy mother of children at home, I am actually framing my future to the picture that God has for me.
You have to recognise that your circumstances do not frame your future. Your words and confession actually shape and determine what you are and what you will become. Remember: epo, laleo, lego. So, what do you want to say about your future?
The subtitle of this passage is 'Lego Bible Building Blocks'. In Mark 11:23, Jesus said 'Whoever says to this mountain, be removed and be cast into the seas, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.' Notice that Jesus said 'believe' once but he mentioned 'says' three times. We would have to pay three times more attention on the saying part than the believing part. The speaking part is vital to faith.
In Mark 11:23, Jesus used three different Greek words to explain the speaking part of faith. The first 'says' is the Greek word 'epo', which means command. It shows the authority of the believer. The second reference to 'says' was the Greek word 'laleo' which means to be bold and speak out with your own voice. The third reference to speaking is the Greek word 'lego' which means a systematic set discourse (conversation).
With reference to the Lego sets that contain building blocks for children to construct according to the diagram on the box, Jesus was in effect saying 'I am giving you a lego set of building blocks that you can use to frame your world according to the picture I have given to you in the Word of God.'
Oh to me, this is very exciting because this is a chance for me to re-construct my world according to what God says about me - healthy, strong, prosperous, fruitful, blessed and favoured. I can frame my future by putting the Word of God in my mouth. When I confess that I am the happy mother of children at home, I am actually framing my future to the picture that God has for me.
You have to recognise that your circumstances do not frame your future. Your words and confession actually shape and determine what you are and what you will become. Remember: epo, laleo, lego. So, what do you want to say about your future?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Joshua my beloved son
As a parent, there are so many examples we can draw from our feelings towards our children that reflect our heavenly Father's love and pride towards us. There are also instances when I see Joshua react to my love for him that causes me to reflect on how I respond to my Abba Father's love.
Recently we went to the 'Parent Teacher Conference' to hear what the teachers have to say about Joshua. Thank God it was a glowing positive report about how Joshua is learning very well and that he is one of the more outstanding boys in his class. His teachers say that now he can read on his own and is able to do the worksheets well. The English teacher says that usually the girls are more advanced in their learning but Joshua seems to be not lagging behind. She has a higher expectation of Joshua because she feels that Joshua has potential and can be pushed to do better.
The Chinese teacher says that Joshua is also good in his Chinese but since the Chinese characters are more complicated, he needs more time to learn to recognise the characters. Then we asked about his conduct in school. We were actually more concerned whether he is respectful towards his teachers and friends. The teachers said Joshua is quite respectful to them and he is not rude in anyway. We were relieved because sometimes he was rude to us.
My hubby said the main takeaway from this feedback session was that his teachers really loved Joshua and believed in him. Thank God for loving and believing teachers! I know that makes all the difference in Joshua's learning experiences. It is also God's answer to my prayers, that God will place loving teachers who believe in Joshua.
Usually I shy away from talking about my son because I don't want to be seen as bragging. But the fact is that as a mother, I am truly proud of my son and I don't hesitate to tell him I am proud of him. Not only that, I also will speak well of Joshua in front of others rather than putting him down in an attempt to be modest. In the same manner, I believe my Daddy God is always proud of me as His beloved child and He never fails to brag about what I have done to the angels. He is always pleased with me and whenever He talks about me, I put a smile on His face, just like how thinking and talking about Joshua puts a smile on my face.
Last night I bought a book on Thomas for Joshua. He has asked for this book a few times already. I told him I will buy it for him when I see it. So when I bought it, I can't wait to present the gift to him and to see the look of joy on his face. You should see how happy he was! He really loved the book and kept showing it off to his cousin and his uncle. He said 'You see, my mummy buy this book for me!'
At one point, I was a bit uncomfortable about him showing off but the Holy Spirit spoke to me: 'A child does not know how to show off. He is just being honest about how elated he is regarding the love that his mum has showered on him.' At that moment I wondered how many of us are really comfortable to tell others about the Father's love for us and about the gifts (blessings) that He has showered upon us. This is not the time to be shy but to boast and shout about the love of the Father towards us. Yes, the motive is to cause others to also desire to experience the same closeness and love between me and my heavenly Father.
Recently we went to the 'Parent Teacher Conference' to hear what the teachers have to say about Joshua. Thank God it was a glowing positive report about how Joshua is learning very well and that he is one of the more outstanding boys in his class. His teachers say that now he can read on his own and is able to do the worksheets well. The English teacher says that usually the girls are more advanced in their learning but Joshua seems to be not lagging behind. She has a higher expectation of Joshua because she feels that Joshua has potential and can be pushed to do better.
The Chinese teacher says that Joshua is also good in his Chinese but since the Chinese characters are more complicated, he needs more time to learn to recognise the characters. Then we asked about his conduct in school. We were actually more concerned whether he is respectful towards his teachers and friends. The teachers said Joshua is quite respectful to them and he is not rude in anyway. We were relieved because sometimes he was rude to us.
My hubby said the main takeaway from this feedback session was that his teachers really loved Joshua and believed in him. Thank God for loving and believing teachers! I know that makes all the difference in Joshua's learning experiences. It is also God's answer to my prayers, that God will place loving teachers who believe in Joshua.
Usually I shy away from talking about my son because I don't want to be seen as bragging. But the fact is that as a mother, I am truly proud of my son and I don't hesitate to tell him I am proud of him. Not only that, I also will speak well of Joshua in front of others rather than putting him down in an attempt to be modest. In the same manner, I believe my Daddy God is always proud of me as His beloved child and He never fails to brag about what I have done to the angels. He is always pleased with me and whenever He talks about me, I put a smile on His face, just like how thinking and talking about Joshua puts a smile on my face.
Last night I bought a book on Thomas for Joshua. He has asked for this book a few times already. I told him I will buy it for him when I see it. So when I bought it, I can't wait to present the gift to him and to see the look of joy on his face. You should see how happy he was! He really loved the book and kept showing it off to his cousin and his uncle. He said 'You see, my mummy buy this book for me!'
At one point, I was a bit uncomfortable about him showing off but the Holy Spirit spoke to me: 'A child does not know how to show off. He is just being honest about how elated he is regarding the love that his mum has showered on him.' At that moment I wondered how many of us are really comfortable to tell others about the Father's love for us and about the gifts (blessings) that He has showered upon us. This is not the time to be shy but to boast and shout about the love of the Father towards us. Yes, the motive is to cause others to also desire to experience the same closeness and love between me and my heavenly Father.
Monday, November 15, 2010
God is a God of Acceleration!
Some time ago I asked God what happens after restoration. Because I believed that in 2010, God has restored all that was lost in previous years and He has repaid me all the years that the locusts had eaten. Then I asked him, now what God? What happens next?
God revealed to me that transition time connotes God’s work of restoration (for me, I was in transition for the past 2 years). And transformation time connotes God’s work of acceleration. This analogy of a plane on the runway came to me.
A plane has to travel a distance on the runway for some time before taking off (that is like transition, because this process only takes a while). It needs to accelerate but once it reaches a certain speed, the aerodynamic forces will lift up the plane into the air (that is acceleration). In the same manner, in order for us to soar like eagles, God would accelerate what He is doing in our lives.
When we near the end of our runway (end of our transition period), we suddenly find ourselves being lifted by His Spirit and then we soar. It is effortless because there is a certain momentum built up already. Like the eagles, they can fly long and high in the sky because they are not flapping their wings all the time. They could discern the thermal currents and ride on such currents, hence minimising their efforts to fly. We should learn to be like the eagles, to discern the work of the Holy Spirit and then to cooperate with God when there is a flow.
The key is that when we near the end of the runway, we cannot afford to shrink back or to go into reverse gear or we would crash. We may not have it all together yet but when God brings us to that point, we just soar! Amen! All glory to God!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Restoration for marriages
I have a very dear uncle whom I loved very much and I looked up to him as a role model since young. He was always encouraging me to do well in my studies and would reward me with gifts and cash when I had good grades in school. He was always generous towards me. Actually my parents were not so concerned about how I do in school but my uncle was. He believed in the best in me and always told me that I could earn 'big' money in future and give my parents a better life. My family was very poor then.
Little did he know that the seed he sowed in me many years ago actually bloomed and blossomed. Today I grew up to be exactly what he had expected me to. I was the first in the entire family to have completed a university education and brought pride to my parents. I thank God that I had such a loving uncle who believed so much in me when even my parents didn't seem to care so much in the past.
Many years later, he and his wife had some challenges in their marriage. They were on the verge of a divorce. It turned out that he had made some mistakes again and again. Now his wife was very disappointed with him. But thank God that both of them are believers and that my auntie is touched by God's grace. Even how trying it was for her, she never gave up on this marriage. I really admire her for her love and dedication for my uncle. The road towards restoration is not easy and sometimes they still struggle. I know my uncle is also trying his best to turn around. I thank God that it is not by his own efforts but by God's grace. That will take the pressure off self-performance.
But I truly believe that God's work of restoration in their family is complete because of the finished work in Christ. In my eyes, I still see my uncle as the loving and compassionate one. No matter what mistakes he has done, he will still be respected by me. Even if no one believes in him, I still will. And I believe my faith that God will fully restore their marriage will cause a beam of light to pierce through unbelief all the way up to heaven and the anointing will follow the line of faith back to earth to release the power of God! I know that God will turn the ashes into beauty and this family will emerge stronger and closer to the Lord! They would be a great testimony and blessing to many others who could be going through the same struggles! Amen!
Little did he know that the seed he sowed in me many years ago actually bloomed and blossomed. Today I grew up to be exactly what he had expected me to. I was the first in the entire family to have completed a university education and brought pride to my parents. I thank God that I had such a loving uncle who believed so much in me when even my parents didn't seem to care so much in the past.
Many years later, he and his wife had some challenges in their marriage. They were on the verge of a divorce. It turned out that he had made some mistakes again and again. Now his wife was very disappointed with him. But thank God that both of them are believers and that my auntie is touched by God's grace. Even how trying it was for her, she never gave up on this marriage. I really admire her for her love and dedication for my uncle. The road towards restoration is not easy and sometimes they still struggle. I know my uncle is also trying his best to turn around. I thank God that it is not by his own efforts but by God's grace. That will take the pressure off self-performance.
But I truly believe that God's work of restoration in their family is complete because of the finished work in Christ. In my eyes, I still see my uncle as the loving and compassionate one. No matter what mistakes he has done, he will still be respected by me. Even if no one believes in him, I still will. And I believe my faith that God will fully restore their marriage will cause a beam of light to pierce through unbelief all the way up to heaven and the anointing will follow the line of faith back to earth to release the power of God! I know that God will turn the ashes into beauty and this family will emerge stronger and closer to the Lord! They would be a great testimony and blessing to many others who could be going through the same struggles! Amen!
Putting action behind my faith
I just had dinner with two of my colleagues, one of whom is leaving by end Nov. She didn't intend to leave so soon but God opened a way for her. She got a phone call by the prospective employer who eventually offered her a job. She was not even looking for a job but she was head-hunted! The offer was so good that she could forego her bonus and even a possible promotion within our company. God is so good. When He moves, He moves really fast!
During dinner, I made a few statements which I didn't even realise. I said something like I will leave this company with another baby and my colleague asked if I am pregnant. I said maybe and then I said yes, I have it! I own it! I am pregnant! Then later on we talked about having dinner again sometime in the future. I said we should get together before I give birth, if not, I will be too busy to come out and have dinner. Another colleague then commented that I spoke like I am already pregnant.
It's amazing...sometimes I also don't know why I said certain things but it came to pass. There are 2 occasions which happened. First time was my boss and my staff asked me when I am leaving this company because I was talking about it for some time. At that time I felt pressured to give a date but then I told them I would leave by end of this year, definitely before the company moves to a new office in Jan 2011. I don't know why I said that but it happened. I am really leaving after the year-end bonus.
The other time was when I told Joshua (my son) after my 3 weeks long leave in July that mummy would definitely be back to take care of you in a few months' time. So, I wasn't sad to go back to work because I knew it would be temporary. At that time I didn't know that I will decide to tender in Oct but I said what I wanted to see. And it came to pass.
There is another time that I spoke something and I am still waiting to see it come to pass. Whenever I celebrated Joshua's birthday (in early Aug), I would pine for another baby. Because I thought, oh another year has passed and Joshua's age gap with his sibling is getting wider. But this year, I was joyful when I celebrated his 4th birthday because I told my hubby this would be the last year we are celebrating as 3 persons in the family. Next year, when we celebrate his birthday, there would be 4 of us!
And as I was coming home, I suddenly had this sense that I would give birth by July next year, just before Joshua's birthday. That would confirm what I spoke about celebrating his birthday as a family of four. I am not glorifying myself here. All I am saying is I put action behind what I believe. Remember Jesus told the blind man in Matt 9:29 'according to your faith let it be to you.' In other words, you are what you believe. If I can believe, all things are possible to me. I don't even know why I have the boldness to pen this down but I felt that my faith level is on high. And God wants me to pen this down. All glory be to God! When it finally came to pass, then all would know that it is all God and not me! Amen!
During dinner, I made a few statements which I didn't even realise. I said something like I will leave this company with another baby and my colleague asked if I am pregnant. I said maybe and then I said yes, I have it! I own it! I am pregnant! Then later on we talked about having dinner again sometime in the future. I said we should get together before I give birth, if not, I will be too busy to come out and have dinner. Another colleague then commented that I spoke like I am already pregnant.
It's amazing...sometimes I also don't know why I said certain things but it came to pass. There are 2 occasions which happened. First time was my boss and my staff asked me when I am leaving this company because I was talking about it for some time. At that time I felt pressured to give a date but then I told them I would leave by end of this year, definitely before the company moves to a new office in Jan 2011. I don't know why I said that but it happened. I am really leaving after the year-end bonus.
The other time was when I told Joshua (my son) after my 3 weeks long leave in July that mummy would definitely be back to take care of you in a few months' time. So, I wasn't sad to go back to work because I knew it would be temporary. At that time I didn't know that I will decide to tender in Oct but I said what I wanted to see. And it came to pass.
There is another time that I spoke something and I am still waiting to see it come to pass. Whenever I celebrated Joshua's birthday (in early Aug), I would pine for another baby. Because I thought, oh another year has passed and Joshua's age gap with his sibling is getting wider. But this year, I was joyful when I celebrated his 4th birthday because I told my hubby this would be the last year we are celebrating as 3 persons in the family. Next year, when we celebrate his birthday, there would be 4 of us!
And as I was coming home, I suddenly had this sense that I would give birth by July next year, just before Joshua's birthday. That would confirm what I spoke about celebrating his birthday as a family of four. I am not glorifying myself here. All I am saying is I put action behind what I believe. Remember Jesus told the blind man in Matt 9:29 'according to your faith let it be to you.' In other words, you are what you believe. If I can believe, all things are possible to me. I don't even know why I have the boldness to pen this down but I felt that my faith level is on high. And God wants me to pen this down. All glory be to God! When it finally came to pass, then all would know that it is all God and not me! Amen!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Blessings from my dad
Some time ago I had this desire of being blessed by my dad. In the bible, there was a story (Genesis 27:27-29) about how Isaac wanted to bless his eldest son, Esau before he pass on. Rebekah the mother heard about it and asked the younger son Jacob to impose as Esau to obtain the father's blessings instead. So when Esau came back from his hunt, he asked his father to bless him but it was too late. Isaac said he has blessed Jacob and the blessing is irreversible. The rest is history - indeed Jacob (Israel) is blessed and cannot be cursed.
I always thought that such blessings from fathers could only be obtained before they passed on. But it is not true. The Jewish fathers still lay hands on their children everyday, to bless them. Recently I heard a sister from my care group share about she was estranged from her dad and finally reconciled with him after he became a believer. Now they could talk to each other like friends in the coffeeshop. Then one day she asked her dad to lay hands on her and bless her because she said the blessing of a father is very powerful. Her dad laughed but eventually he did bless her.
Yesterday I was talking about this to my parents and I boldly asked my dad to lay hands on my head and bless me. Thank God he agreed and he even told me to write down the prayer of blessing for me. I was thinking wow, I could have a blank cheque to request for my own blessings! I wrote down what I wanted God to bless me with. Most importantly, I wanted my dad to bless me with fruitfulness and for me to have another baby soon. I knew that when my baby manifest, my dad would also have a part in this blessing because he prayed for me.
When my dad laid hands on me, I could feel the strong anointing. When he spoke, it was like one of spiritual authority, very much like how my previous Pastor prayed for me. It was amazing! After he blessed me, I was moved to tears and I hugged him. It is really wonderful to have my father's blessings on my life spoken verbally over me. I literally felt like a princess, feeling so loved!
What was significant about this act of my dad blessing me was that he used to be so against Christianity and persecuted me for going church 15 years ago. How he was saved was another miracle story altogether. I can see how my dad was totally transformed by the love of Christ, so much so that he could take the position of the head of household to bless his children. All glory to God!
I always thought that such blessings from fathers could only be obtained before they passed on. But it is not true. The Jewish fathers still lay hands on their children everyday, to bless them. Recently I heard a sister from my care group share about she was estranged from her dad and finally reconciled with him after he became a believer. Now they could talk to each other like friends in the coffeeshop. Then one day she asked her dad to lay hands on her and bless her because she said the blessing of a father is very powerful. Her dad laughed but eventually he did bless her.
Yesterday I was talking about this to my parents and I boldly asked my dad to lay hands on my head and bless me. Thank God he agreed and he even told me to write down the prayer of blessing for me. I was thinking wow, I could have a blank cheque to request for my own blessings! I wrote down what I wanted God to bless me with. Most importantly, I wanted my dad to bless me with fruitfulness and for me to have another baby soon. I knew that when my baby manifest, my dad would also have a part in this blessing because he prayed for me.
When my dad laid hands on me, I could feel the strong anointing. When he spoke, it was like one of spiritual authority, very much like how my previous Pastor prayed for me. It was amazing! After he blessed me, I was moved to tears and I hugged him. It is really wonderful to have my father's blessings on my life spoken verbally over me. I literally felt like a princess, feeling so loved!
What was significant about this act of my dad blessing me was that he used to be so against Christianity and persecuted me for going church 15 years ago. How he was saved was another miracle story altogether. I can see how my dad was totally transformed by the love of Christ, so much so that he could take the position of the head of household to bless his children. All glory to God!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Signs of God's goodness
Have you ever waited for a promise to manifest in your life and sometimes gotten all weary waiting for it? Maybe you have waited for a long time and then you start to waver and ask if God's promise for you is ever coming to pass or whether you even heard Him correctly in the first place? God is merciful and He never fails to provide signs along the way to confirm you are on the right track and your breakthrough is coming.
During Christmas service at the Indoor Stadium last year, Pastor Prince asked the congregation to think of 3 wishes for the coming year. He said the anointing of the Lord is very strong and he encouraged us to bring these 3 wishes to the Lord. After he prayed for all of us, he said 'Your miracle is already conceived. In the months to come, the manifestation will be clear.' I prayed for 3 things: our 2nd baby, a condo and my writing ministry.
Through the course of 2010, I already saw two of my prayers come to pass. By God's grace, we bought our condo in Sep 2010 and in Oct 2010, I made a decision to be a stay home mum so that I can take care of my kids and write my book. God also gave me greater clarity on my writing ministry and though I had not started on my book, I am already blogging (which is great fun!)
I told God that even though we are nearing the end of 2010, I still believe that I will see the manifestation of my baby before the end of the year. Because I believe it is in this year that all my wishes would manifest as I heard Pastor clearly said 'in the months to come', not in the years to come. Besides, two out of three prayers came to pass. So why not this one?
I was thinking about this on last Sunday service again. Then as I was reading the Solid Rock magazine by our church, I saw this testimony by a brother. He said 'For those of us who brought 3 wishes to the Lord on that Christmas service last year, I just want to encourage you that God has heard your prayers.'
He went on to share that he prayed for a closer relationship with God, a child and a job (he just resigned). Within 2 months, his wife was pregnant despite the fact that they were in their forties. Then in Aug 2010, he found a job in Qatar which was much better than the last job. Wow, it was amazing because he had struggled about finding a job and sometimes felt he could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. But he chose to believe that God will make a way when there seems to be no way.
Then one day, a phone call and an email changed everything. He concluded by saying that sometimes things seemed impossible but all things are possible with God. God answered all of his wishes within this year! Hallelujah! This was clearly a sign of God's goodness to tell me that it would be done to me according to what I can believe!
During Christmas service at the Indoor Stadium last year, Pastor Prince asked the congregation to think of 3 wishes for the coming year. He said the anointing of the Lord is very strong and he encouraged us to bring these 3 wishes to the Lord. After he prayed for all of us, he said 'Your miracle is already conceived. In the months to come, the manifestation will be clear.' I prayed for 3 things: our 2nd baby, a condo and my writing ministry.
Through the course of 2010, I already saw two of my prayers come to pass. By God's grace, we bought our condo in Sep 2010 and in Oct 2010, I made a decision to be a stay home mum so that I can take care of my kids and write my book. God also gave me greater clarity on my writing ministry and though I had not started on my book, I am already blogging (which is great fun!)
I told God that even though we are nearing the end of 2010, I still believe that I will see the manifestation of my baby before the end of the year. Because I believe it is in this year that all my wishes would manifest as I heard Pastor clearly said 'in the months to come', not in the years to come. Besides, two out of three prayers came to pass. So why not this one?
I was thinking about this on last Sunday service again. Then as I was reading the Solid Rock magazine by our church, I saw this testimony by a brother. He said 'For those of us who brought 3 wishes to the Lord on that Christmas service last year, I just want to encourage you that God has heard your prayers.'
He went on to share that he prayed for a closer relationship with God, a child and a job (he just resigned). Within 2 months, his wife was pregnant despite the fact that they were in their forties. Then in Aug 2010, he found a job in Qatar which was much better than the last job. Wow, it was amazing because he had struggled about finding a job and sometimes felt he could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. But he chose to believe that God will make a way when there seems to be no way.
Then one day, a phone call and an email changed everything. He concluded by saying that sometimes things seemed impossible but all things are possible with God. God answered all of his wishes within this year! Hallelujah! This was clearly a sign of God's goodness to tell me that it would be done to me according to what I can believe!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Baggage Draggers
Everyone of us has baggage. It could be an offence, a betrayal, an unfair situation which results in anger, doubt or bitterness. Either way, such baggage is like junk. This past week had been tough for me because I had to deal with the issues of my work which I had handed over to another dept after the re-organisation.
I guess I felt indignant because I was not treated right. I had to keep casting my cares to the Lord. I had to drop those burdens. I had to tell myself to forgive those colleagues who treated me not so kindly. I struggled a lot about forgiving them. It was tough because many of them are my friends, my sisters in Christ. But I told God I don't want all these baggage to be dragged into the next season of my life. I don't want to be a baggage dragger. I made a decision. I prayed for them instead. I asked God to bless them richly in their lives. The love that the Holy Spirit shed in my heart was the only way to help me forgive them.
Actually I can choose not to care about many of the projects so much since I have decided to leave this company. But a part of me just want to do my best to have a good closure. Again I need to remind myself it is not by my own strength that I close this chapter well. It has to be God's strength because He who started a good work in me will bring it to completion until the day of Christ (Phil 1:6).
I told myself that I am still going to leave this place with my head lifted high. I know I may have made mistakes or not done a good work in handing over my projects. Anyone from the old regime would have known that it was the best I could do in those times. Anyway, many of those who criticise my work don't even have a solution in the first place! So when we took the ball and ran, we got the flax! I told myself God can turn those unfair situations around. People may have hurt me and done me wrong but I will leave it up to God. I trust that my Daddy God will not only make my wrongs right, He will repay double for all these trouble. I ask that God will give me the grace to see me through the remaining 2 months in this place. I shall go out in peace and be led forth in joy! Amen!
I guess I felt indignant because I was not treated right. I had to keep casting my cares to the Lord. I had to drop those burdens. I had to tell myself to forgive those colleagues who treated me not so kindly. I struggled a lot about forgiving them. It was tough because many of them are my friends, my sisters in Christ. But I told God I don't want all these baggage to be dragged into the next season of my life. I don't want to be a baggage dragger. I made a decision. I prayed for them instead. I asked God to bless them richly in their lives. The love that the Holy Spirit shed in my heart was the only way to help me forgive them.
Actually I can choose not to care about many of the projects so much since I have decided to leave this company. But a part of me just want to do my best to have a good closure. Again I need to remind myself it is not by my own strength that I close this chapter well. It has to be God's strength because He who started a good work in me will bring it to completion until the day of Christ (Phil 1:6).
I told myself that I am still going to leave this place with my head lifted high. I know I may have made mistakes or not done a good work in handing over my projects. Anyone from the old regime would have known that it was the best I could do in those times. Anyway, many of those who criticise my work don't even have a solution in the first place! So when we took the ball and ran, we got the flax! I told myself God can turn those unfair situations around. People may have hurt me and done me wrong but I will leave it up to God. I trust that my Daddy God will not only make my wrongs right, He will repay double for all these trouble. I ask that God will give me the grace to see me through the remaining 2 months in this place. I shall go out in peace and be led forth in joy! Amen!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
When God Ran
Have you ever felt that sometimes God wants you to do something quickly? Like when He told us to obey, not only is our response important, the speed in which we respond is also very important. Many times we may not know why God has a sense of urgency to move things but we trust that He has our best interests. We may have been waiting for a long time and then God says to move on.
Recently I experienced this sense of urgency that God wants us to quickly move into our new home at Rio Vista and for my 2nd baby to be conceived. Even though I felt the urgency in late Sep, the manifestation of my pregnancy has not appeared yet. However, despite the natural circumstances, deep in my heart, I still believed that the time to conceive is NOW. Yesterday I asked God to confirm that what I had sensed is true.
Thank God He confirmed it in Pastor Prince's devotional today - When God Ran (http://www.newcreation.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=25&Itemid=47) This passage talked about how God is usually cool and composed. The only time He was in a hurry and ran was when He saw the prodigal son who was still a long way from home. I have never read any passage that says God is in a hurry. Those that I read was about how God has a perfect timing for everything, which is true. But this passage is different. The Father was in a hurry because He wants to reinstate our authority as sons of the Most High God, a position we had lost when Adam fell. So if the Father appears to be in a hurry, it is only because He is in a hurry to assure you of your position as His precious child and entitle you of all the blessings He has in store for you!
In my case, God is telling me that there is an urgency because He is eager to put back into my hands the authority to invoke Jesus' Name so that I can walk in dominion every single day. He is teaching me to invoke the Name of Jesus to command my body to conceive, to line itself up with the Word of God. In His mercy, He also reminded me in Luke 18:27 and Matthew 9:23 that all things are possible with God and if I can believe, anything is possible. What I didn't know was that God my Father was teaching me to keep the spirit of faith high to receive this miracle and to do 3 times more speaking than believing that I am pregnant. God couldn't wait to bless me with my heart's desire (my 2nd baby) and many other good things. He couldn't wait to see the look of joy on my face when these promises manifest. That is why He is in a hurry to bring this to pass. Wow! What a revelation! Praise God for such assuring confirmation!
Recently I experienced this sense of urgency that God wants us to quickly move into our new home at Rio Vista and for my 2nd baby to be conceived. Even though I felt the urgency in late Sep, the manifestation of my pregnancy has not appeared yet. However, despite the natural circumstances, deep in my heart, I still believed that the time to conceive is NOW. Yesterday I asked God to confirm that what I had sensed is true.
Thank God He confirmed it in Pastor Prince's devotional today - When God Ran (http://www.newcreation.org.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=25&Itemid=47) This passage talked about how God is usually cool and composed. The only time He was in a hurry and ran was when He saw the prodigal son who was still a long way from home. I have never read any passage that says God is in a hurry. Those that I read was about how God has a perfect timing for everything, which is true. But this passage is different. The Father was in a hurry because He wants to reinstate our authority as sons of the Most High God, a position we had lost when Adam fell. So if the Father appears to be in a hurry, it is only because He is in a hurry to assure you of your position as His precious child and entitle you of all the blessings He has in store for you!
In my case, God is telling me that there is an urgency because He is eager to put back into my hands the authority to invoke Jesus' Name so that I can walk in dominion every single day. He is teaching me to invoke the Name of Jesus to command my body to conceive, to line itself up with the Word of God. In His mercy, He also reminded me in Luke 18:27 and Matthew 9:23 that all things are possible with God and if I can believe, anything is possible. What I didn't know was that God my Father was teaching me to keep the spirit of faith high to receive this miracle and to do 3 times more speaking than believing that I am pregnant. God couldn't wait to bless me with my heart's desire (my 2nd baby) and many other good things. He couldn't wait to see the look of joy on my face when these promises manifest. That is why He is in a hurry to bring this to pass. Wow! What a revelation! Praise God for such assuring confirmation!
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