Moving on to Kungfu Panda 2, the story opened with the background of Lord Shen (peacock) and Po, the Kungfu Panda's past. Actually did you wonder why there were no other pandas featured in the first movie? I did and I think that's what makes Po so special. In the sequel, a certain soothsayer had foretold that a panda will rise up to destroy the evil Lord Shen. Hence what this Lord Shen did was to exterminate all the pandas so that this prophecy would not come true. It was out of desperation that Po's mother left him in a basket of turnips so that Po could live. We could see that even from his birth, Po was destined to defeat the evil Lord Shen. We are like Po, whom God had set us apart even before we were born. We have a divine destiny and the bloodline of a champion.
However, this truth was not revealed to Po and it bothered him a lot, so much so that it affected his ability to fulfill his destiny. He had glimpses of the past and they were like nightmares to him. He kept thinking that his natural parents abandoned him because they didn't love him. And that thought kept him in bondage. When he finally confronted Lord Shen, the evil peacock told him that his parents left him because they hated him. It caused him to be defeated by the cannon balls. But this did not kill him. He was saved by the soothsayer who then told him the truth that his parents love him but they had to leave him so that he could survive. Po was shaken by his tragic past but the soothsayer told him that he cannot choose his past but he can choose his future. Po had to let his past go and move forward in his destiny. And of course in the end, Po defeated Lord Shen.
In the same way, we may not have a glorious past but our future is not determined by our past. Understand that throughout life, we will always have forces opposing us, trying to keep us from becoming all that God created us to be. And many times, the adversities, the unfair situations are the results of the devil's efforts, trying to discourage us and deceive us into giving up our dreams. There will come a point when God will tell you that you have dwelt long enough on that mountain and you need to move on. In Isaiah 43:18-19, God says 'Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it springs forth: shall you not know it?' Decide to leave the past and keep moving forward, with a hope that God is doing something new in your life.
There was another instant when Po and the Furious Five were running away from the cross fire at the burning pagoda, tigress said something that was of significance to me. They were trying to escape from the bottom of the pagoda but the archers were aiming their bows at them. They seemed to be trapped. Then tigress said 'Hurry up, let's go up. The only way out is up.' For me, I had heard God telling me this before. When I was distracted and pressured by the attacks and the trials, I cried out to God for mercy. God told me in similar terms that the only way out is up. He meant that I needed to look up to Jesus, to look to the finished work on the cross and He will cause my spirit to soar above all these distractions and entanglements. When you find yourself in similar situations, remember your answer is to look up to Jesus.
Kungfu Panda is truly a fantastic movie and it spurs me on to move towards the divine destiny God had prepared for me. What about you?
Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Kungfu Panda
I just watched Kungfu Panda 2 with Heng and Joshua. It was a fantastic movie...I felt that it was even better than the first one. Anyway I would not go into details of the movie but I just like to share some revelations from the two Kungfu Panda movies. For those of you who have watched the movies, you would probably identify better with what I am saying.
In the first movie, Po, the Panda woke up from his dream of fighting the bad guys with the Furious Five (tigress, monkey, praying mantis, crane and snake). He always had a desire for the kungfu world but his dad, a goose wanted him to take over his noodle stall. (so guys, if you have a recurring dream, it may be God speaking to you about your divine destiny!)
But he did not give up his dream. He went to participate in the ceremony that was held so that the great Master Oogway (turtle) could choose the Dragon Warrior. This Warrior will be entrusted with the great power found in the Dragon Scroll. And of course, he was chosen as the Dragon Warrior though he was the least likely candidate, comparing with the Furious Five. This is really like God's ways - choosing the foolish things to shame the wise, ha ha! But Master Oogway chose Po because his heart was pure, unlike the ambitious Tai Lung (leopard).
I remember that Master Oogway told Master Shifu the one he chose as the Dragon Warrior will bring peace not only to the valley but also to Master Shifu. At that time, Master Shifu did not understand what he meant but at the end, he really found peace. He was guilty of training and putting too much hope on Tai Lung who in turn coveted the Dragon Scroll and nearly destroyed the village. So Master Shifu had him imprisoned for 20 years but he managed to escape and exact revenge. In the end when the Po destroyed Tai Lung, peace finally prevailed. Master Shifu also found peace. How true is this of God's words to us. Many times we don't understand what God is saying but when we look back, we realise that God is addressing our hearts.
Lastly (and this is the best part) when Master Shifu finally handed over the precious Dragon Scroll to Po, it was an anti-climax because there was simply nothing in the Scroll, no secret manual or power. Nothing except the reflection of Po. Po was disappointed and thought the whole thing was a joke but Master Oogway was far wiser than anyone thought.
Upon coming back home and talking to his goose dad, his dad mentioned that actually the secret recipe to the delicious noodle soup is....no secret ingredient! He said you just have to believe the soup is special! Immediately Po realised that there is no secret manual in the Dragon Scroll. All he had to do is to believe that he is special and he is truly the Dragon Warrior! Master Oogway could see how special Po was and that the potential within him just needed to be unlocked. This is just like how our heavenly Father sees us - special and destined to do great things. However, until and unless we see ourselves special, we could never unlock the God-given potential within us. We simply need to believe what God said about us.
Isn't it amazing? Such a simple story but yet so many deep truths are hidden in the movie! I simply loved the movie and hence, I went for the sequel...(to be continued)
In the first movie, Po, the Panda woke up from his dream of fighting the bad guys with the Furious Five (tigress, monkey, praying mantis, crane and snake). He always had a desire for the kungfu world but his dad, a goose wanted him to take over his noodle stall. (so guys, if you have a recurring dream, it may be God speaking to you about your divine destiny!)
But he did not give up his dream. He went to participate in the ceremony that was held so that the great Master Oogway (turtle) could choose the Dragon Warrior. This Warrior will be entrusted with the great power found in the Dragon Scroll. And of course, he was chosen as the Dragon Warrior though he was the least likely candidate, comparing with the Furious Five. This is really like God's ways - choosing the foolish things to shame the wise, ha ha! But Master Oogway chose Po because his heart was pure, unlike the ambitious Tai Lung (leopard).
I remember that Master Oogway told Master Shifu the one he chose as the Dragon Warrior will bring peace not only to the valley but also to Master Shifu. At that time, Master Shifu did not understand what he meant but at the end, he really found peace. He was guilty of training and putting too much hope on Tai Lung who in turn coveted the Dragon Scroll and nearly destroyed the village. So Master Shifu had him imprisoned for 20 years but he managed to escape and exact revenge. In the end when the Po destroyed Tai Lung, peace finally prevailed. Master Shifu also found peace. How true is this of God's words to us. Many times we don't understand what God is saying but when we look back, we realise that God is addressing our hearts.
Lastly (and this is the best part) when Master Shifu finally handed over the precious Dragon Scroll to Po, it was an anti-climax because there was simply nothing in the Scroll, no secret manual or power. Nothing except the reflection of Po. Po was disappointed and thought the whole thing was a joke but Master Oogway was far wiser than anyone thought.
Upon coming back home and talking to his goose dad, his dad mentioned that actually the secret recipe to the delicious noodle soup is....no secret ingredient! He said you just have to believe the soup is special! Immediately Po realised that there is no secret manual in the Dragon Scroll. All he had to do is to believe that he is special and he is truly the Dragon Warrior! Master Oogway could see how special Po was and that the potential within him just needed to be unlocked. This is just like how our heavenly Father sees us - special and destined to do great things. However, until and unless we see ourselves special, we could never unlock the God-given potential within us. We simply need to believe what God said about us.
Isn't it amazing? Such a simple story but yet so many deep truths are hidden in the movie! I simply loved the movie and hence, I went for the sequel...(to be continued)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
God's Assurance of Answered Prayers
During the holiday on Tuesday, our family went to the beach for a picnic around evening time. This idea was suggested by our dear son. It was really an enjoyable experience. Heng cooked Chinese food and we packed the food there to eat dinner. The evening breeze was cooling and Joshua enjoyed playing by the beach, building sandcastles and collecting seawater in his pail.
At one point I walked out to the sea shore but not near enough to where the waves were splashing on the sand. Suddenly I had a thought. I was believing God for a miracle, for an answered prayer in my life. I knew God could do the impossible. I asked God if I could have His assurance of answered prayer. I said 'God, I know You can do the impossible by making the waves splash my feet though I was a distance away from the shoreline.' And so I waited, believing that God would bring the waves to my feet. Even though it took quite a while, I wasn't about to give up. I enjoyed the sea breeze and looking at the waves while waiting.
Even though it might be low tide now, I knew that high tide would come. It would surely come. All I needed was for God to create a huge wave to bring the seawater to my feet. I got excited when I saw a big ship moving away from the port in the far horizon. I knew the ship would create ripples large enough for the waves to come near me. Though it stiill took a little while more, the waves really did get bigger.
There was one time that the waves actually came so close like 1cm away. I got even more excited because I knew that it was a sign that the waves were coming to me very soon. True enough, just one or two more minutes later, the waves were huge enough and splashed all over my feet! It was such a wonderful experience and I praised the Lord with a loud voice! And God is so good. He brought the waves to my feet not once but three times!
God knew what was the question in my heart earlier and not only answered it with His Word, He also gave me this simple experience by the beach to confirm that He is a God who can do the impossible! Hence this time round, I am going to stand firm on His Word because He has spoken so clearly. His Word in my life will always cause the circumstances to line up with His promises. Praise the Lord!
At one point I walked out to the sea shore but not near enough to where the waves were splashing on the sand. Suddenly I had a thought. I was believing God for a miracle, for an answered prayer in my life. I knew God could do the impossible. I asked God if I could have His assurance of answered prayer. I said 'God, I know You can do the impossible by making the waves splash my feet though I was a distance away from the shoreline.' And so I waited, believing that God would bring the waves to my feet. Even though it took quite a while, I wasn't about to give up. I enjoyed the sea breeze and looking at the waves while waiting.
Even though it might be low tide now, I knew that high tide would come. It would surely come. All I needed was for God to create a huge wave to bring the seawater to my feet. I got excited when I saw a big ship moving away from the port in the far horizon. I knew the ship would create ripples large enough for the waves to come near me. Though it stiill took a little while more, the waves really did get bigger.
There was one time that the waves actually came so close like 1cm away. I got even more excited because I knew that it was a sign that the waves were coming to me very soon. True enough, just one or two more minutes later, the waves were huge enough and splashed all over my feet! It was such a wonderful experience and I praised the Lord with a loud voice! And God is so good. He brought the waves to my feet not once but three times!
God knew what was the question in my heart earlier and not only answered it with His Word, He also gave me this simple experience by the beach to confirm that He is a God who can do the impossible! Hence this time round, I am going to stand firm on His Word because He has spoken so clearly. His Word in my life will always cause the circumstances to line up with His promises. Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Real Estate
Today I read something that is so powerful that I had to share. I was reading Jerry Savelle's article on 'Doors No Man Can Shut!' He was talking about expecting the favour of God on our life. Most of us are not aware of the benefits which Jesus bought for us at Calvary. Psalm 103:2 says 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not His benefits.' One of such benefits of walking in the favour of God is financial abundance.
Pastor Prince always says that when there is a famine, there is a transfer of wealth going on. Isaiah 60:5 says 'the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you'. Favour produces wealth. One of the ways that this wealth would manifest is in the area of real estate. Deut 8:7 says 'For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills.'
When we are purchasing a piece of property, we need God's favour because God will open the right doors and let us have a good price. More importantly, when a Christian has the title deed to a piece of property, it enforces the devil's defeat in the spiritual realm. The devil thinks he owns the earth but when a member of the Body of Christ purchases real estate, he gets the title deed to a piece of the earth. And that reminds the devil that 'The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof' (Psalm 24:1). It enforces the fact that in the spirit realm, the devil does not own the earth like he thinks he does.
My friends, God wants to prosper us. Prosperity is not a dirty word. When we are blessed with financial abundance, then we can be a blessing to others. God blessed us to be a blessing. We are living in harvest times and supporting the ministry of spreading the gospel during harvest times can be an expensive investment. But God has already equipped and supplied His people with all the resources we need to spread the good news. The question is: are you ready to receive His supply to do His work?
Pastor Prince always says that when there is a famine, there is a transfer of wealth going on. Isaiah 60:5 says 'the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you'. Favour produces wealth. One of the ways that this wealth would manifest is in the area of real estate. Deut 8:7 says 'For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills.'
When we are purchasing a piece of property, we need God's favour because God will open the right doors and let us have a good price. More importantly, when a Christian has the title deed to a piece of property, it enforces the devil's defeat in the spiritual realm. The devil thinks he owns the earth but when a member of the Body of Christ purchases real estate, he gets the title deed to a piece of the earth. And that reminds the devil that 'The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof' (Psalm 24:1). It enforces the fact that in the spirit realm, the devil does not own the earth like he thinks he does.
My friends, God wants to prosper us. Prosperity is not a dirty word. When we are blessed with financial abundance, then we can be a blessing to others. God blessed us to be a blessing. We are living in harvest times and supporting the ministry of spreading the gospel during harvest times can be an expensive investment. But God has already equipped and supplied His people with all the resources we need to spread the good news. The question is: are you ready to receive His supply to do His work?
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Faith-starters
I am sure you have heard of fire-starters. What about faith-starters? It is a term God showed me just yesterday. Well, faith-starters function the same way that fire-starters do. They help to 'jump-start' believers' faith and fan it into flames. You see, God is such a merciful God and He has a thousand ways to help you receive that miracle that you need. Perhaps you have been believing for healing for years but the physical manifestation has not come yet. It really doesn't matter how long you have waited. God knows and He always sends help on the way. One of such help is faith-starters.
Faith-starters can be a person or an incident that actually help to boost your faith. God always meets us at the level of our faith and He never condemns us even if we have little faith. Because even when we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim 2:13). Despite that, God always desires for us to have faith in His Word because He knows when we have faith as small as a mustard seed, this faith will grow and bear fruit. When that time comes, we will have the faith to exercise the authority given to us, to command our physical circumstances to line up with the Word of God.
But not many believers are able to operate on that level of faith for them to just stand on the Word of God to see their miracle come to pass. Especially when a long time has passed and believers became weary in waiting, even doubting if they had heard God correctly in the first place. That's the time God sends faith-starters to give their faith a booster jab. For example, in 2005, my faith was not high enough to be convinced of God's Word that I will conceive and give birth to a child. God sent a woman of God, a missionary to pray for us. When she laid hands on my womb and I felt the anointing of God on me (so strong that I begin to fall back), that experience did help to boost my faith to receive this child (Joshua) that God had already given.
This time round, while I was again looking out for such faith-starters, God is teaching me to operate on a higher level of faith because He is a progressive God. It wasn't easy but by God's grace, I have reached a level that I don't need faith-starters anymore. I have learnt to appropriate His promises just by standing on His Word and calling things that are not as though they existed (Rom 4:27). Having shown me how to claim my miracle based on His Word, God now wants me to be a faith-starter. He wants me to go on to help others 'jump-start' their faith to fulfill all the desires and pursue the dreams that God has put in their hearts. Whether it is healing or giving to God's ministry 'big-time' or a life-partner or a wayward child, nothing is impossible for our God.
So dear friends, do you need a faith-starter or are you a faith-starter?
Faith-starters can be a person or an incident that actually help to boost your faith. God always meets us at the level of our faith and He never condemns us even if we have little faith. Because even when we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself (2 Tim 2:13). Despite that, God always desires for us to have faith in His Word because He knows when we have faith as small as a mustard seed, this faith will grow and bear fruit. When that time comes, we will have the faith to exercise the authority given to us, to command our physical circumstances to line up with the Word of God.
But not many believers are able to operate on that level of faith for them to just stand on the Word of God to see their miracle come to pass. Especially when a long time has passed and believers became weary in waiting, even doubting if they had heard God correctly in the first place. That's the time God sends faith-starters to give their faith a booster jab. For example, in 2005, my faith was not high enough to be convinced of God's Word that I will conceive and give birth to a child. God sent a woman of God, a missionary to pray for us. When she laid hands on my womb and I felt the anointing of God on me (so strong that I begin to fall back), that experience did help to boost my faith to receive this child (Joshua) that God had already given.
This time round, while I was again looking out for such faith-starters, God is teaching me to operate on a higher level of faith because He is a progressive God. It wasn't easy but by God's grace, I have reached a level that I don't need faith-starters anymore. I have learnt to appropriate His promises just by standing on His Word and calling things that are not as though they existed (Rom 4:27). Having shown me how to claim my miracle based on His Word, God now wants me to be a faith-starter. He wants me to go on to help others 'jump-start' their faith to fulfill all the desires and pursue the dreams that God has put in their hearts. Whether it is healing or giving to God's ministry 'big-time' or a life-partner or a wayward child, nothing is impossible for our God.
So dear friends, do you need a faith-starter or are you a faith-starter?
Monday, May 2, 2011
Right Place and Right Time
Recently I had this desire to buy more plates that are of the Corelle brand. Previously we had bought some Corelle bowls and plates but I realised that we did not have enough plates. Especially when we host dinners, it makes a lot of difference when you serve the food on kitchenware that are of the same design. Well, I guess it's just me. I am particular about appearances as I do feel that the kitchenware and utensils add to the favour of the taste and the whole dining experience.
On Wednesday, Heng and I were shopping at Robinsons that had a 25% discount on most items for cardholders. I was excited and I quickly went up to the kitchenware section. I was a little disappointed when I could not find the type of plate that I wanted to buy. It would be a good deal. Anyway, I told Heng that we could shop at John Little in another location as there could be a sale going on. When we went there, there was no sale and though I could find the plates, they cost $10.50 each. Well, I had to give it a miss because it was really not value for money. I thought to myself - I will wait.
On Saturday, we went grocery shopping at Tampines mall. There was a sale going on in this departmental store called BHG (Be Here for Good Times). I told Heng that we could check out the Corelle plates to see if there was any discount. Well, when we reached there, I had a pleasant surprise. The kitchenware was already discounted (each plate cost only $8.40) and yet there was another 15% discount off the sale price! Hence in total, there was a discount of 32% on those plates and I paid only $7.15 each! Of course I bought more than I wanted! It was such value for money!
I really thank God for the good bargains...only He could place us at the right place and the right time (and this wasn't the first time). Well those two earlier disappointments at Robinsons and John Little actually set me up for a bigger blessing. No wonder the bible said 'All things work for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose!' All glory to God!
On Wednesday, Heng and I were shopping at Robinsons that had a 25% discount on most items for cardholders. I was excited and I quickly went up to the kitchenware section. I was a little disappointed when I could not find the type of plate that I wanted to buy. It would be a good deal. Anyway, I told Heng that we could shop at John Little in another location as there could be a sale going on. When we went there, there was no sale and though I could find the plates, they cost $10.50 each. Well, I had to give it a miss because it was really not value for money. I thought to myself - I will wait.
On Saturday, we went grocery shopping at Tampines mall. There was a sale going on in this departmental store called BHG (Be Here for Good Times). I told Heng that we could check out the Corelle plates to see if there was any discount. Well, when we reached there, I had a pleasant surprise. The kitchenware was already discounted (each plate cost only $8.40) and yet there was another 15% discount off the sale price! Hence in total, there was a discount of 32% on those plates and I paid only $7.15 each! Of course I bought more than I wanted! It was such value for money!
I really thank God for the good bargains...only He could place us at the right place and the right time (and this wasn't the first time). Well those two earlier disappointments at Robinsons and John Little actually set me up for a bigger blessing. No wonder the bible said 'All things work for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose!' All glory to God!
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