I am blogging in response to a comment posted by a brother-in-Christ on my previous post 'Tithing'. Firstly, I agree with him that whatever we do (e.g. giving), we should do it with love in our hearts and with a spirit of willingness. We do it because we love the Lord and honor Him.
However, I would like to address some of the points with excerpts of a sermon (Benefits of Tithing) preached by Pastor Joseph Prince. Firstly, let’s look at the audience which God is addressing in Malachi 3:10 where He talks about tithing. In Malachi 3:1-5, God talks about the coming messenger (Jesus) but He is referring to the second coming of Christ, not the first coming. Hence, in the context of tithing, God is clearly addressing our generation, not people of the Old Testament.
Secondly, in Malachi 3:9, God says that ‘You are cursed with a curse’ but it is not God who is cursing us for we know that since Adam fell, the earth or the ground is cursed (Genesis 3:17). As believers, we are not under the curse because Christ has redeemed us from the curse. However, the things we receive from the ground (e.g. our wages) are tainted with a curse. But God is good. He wants to bless the entire income that we receive. Romans 11:16 says that ‘If the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy.’ So when we bring our firstfruits of our income, God blesses the entire income.
In New Creation Church, I know that my brothers and sisters do tithe. We are not paying our tithes but we are bringing our tithes to the Lord. We are taught that the firstfruits belong to the Lord, yet He will not force us to tithe. For us, it is not a commandment because tithing is not under law. In fact, long before the law was given, Abraham already tithed to Melchizedek (a type of Christ) in Genesis 14:18-20. God wants us to willingly bring the firstfruits to Him for afterall, it is the Lord who gives us the power to obtain wealth (Deut 8:18)
Lastly, Hebrews 7:8 says ‘Here mortal men receive tithes, but there He (Christ) receives them, of whom it is witnessed that He lives.’ When we tithe, Jesus receives our tithes through our church and Jesus shows Himself alive in our lives. The tithes witness the blessings of God which is so evident to people around us. The result is like Malachi 3:12 ‘And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land.’ Indeed, people call us blessed.
In the final analysis, whether we tithe or not is really between us and the Lord. But I write this to the benefit of my brothers and sisters in Christ in the hope that they will too be richly blessed in understanding the principle of tithing.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tithing
Now that I stay home, I have more time to monitor our monthly household expenses and I like to find ways to cut costs. For example, I had the desire to find out whether we should pay off our car mortgage next year. Then at least we do not need to be concerned about the monthly car mortgage payment and we could save some money on the interest. God is really so good. He never fails to provide for us even as I stay home. You know, even as we still give tithes to God, we never find ourselves in a position of lack. We always have abundance, so much so that we still can pay off our car loan. It is really amazing!
Tithing activates the blessing of God in our finances. When we tithe, we are giving back to God what already belongs to Him. The bible says that the firstfruits belong to Him. When God tells us to tithe, He is not asking that we repay Him (for we could never repay this debt of love). He is not taking away our money but on the contrary, He is setting us up for a blessing. He is looking for an inroad to our lives to bless us financially. But first, He needs us to take that step of faith to 'part' with our money.
No wonder God said in Malachi 3:10 'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house (church) and try Me in this: If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessings there will not be room enough to receive it.' Wow! Do you see God's heart? His intention was to bless us all along. This was the only place in the bible that I know God challenges us to test Him in tithing. Not only that, when we tithe, God promises to rebuke the devil and command him to keep his hands off our finances! (Malachi 3:11)
I remember I used to struggle a lot in the area of tithing. I could obey God in many things but when it came to money, it was really a challenge to me. It was not as if I needed the 10% but I just found it hard to part with it. I thought God could do without my tithes since He is already so rich. Well, later when I finally realised how much He has given us (His only begotten Son), my heart was so full of gratitude for Him. In the first place, everything that I have came from God (including my income), yet He is only asking for the 10% of my income...so why should I withhold my tithe anymore?
Little did I know that when I tithe, God blessed me exceedingly more than what I can imagine. The ways of God are always different from the ways of the world. It is a much higher way, a supernatural way. Praise the Lord!
Tithing activates the blessing of God in our finances. When we tithe, we are giving back to God what already belongs to Him. The bible says that the firstfruits belong to Him. When God tells us to tithe, He is not asking that we repay Him (for we could never repay this debt of love). He is not taking away our money but on the contrary, He is setting us up for a blessing. He is looking for an inroad to our lives to bless us financially. But first, He needs us to take that step of faith to 'part' with our money.
No wonder God said in Malachi 3:10 'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house (church) and try Me in this: If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessings there will not be room enough to receive it.' Wow! Do you see God's heart? His intention was to bless us all along. This was the only place in the bible that I know God challenges us to test Him in tithing. Not only that, when we tithe, God promises to rebuke the devil and command him to keep his hands off our finances! (Malachi 3:11)
I remember I used to struggle a lot in the area of tithing. I could obey God in many things but when it came to money, it was really a challenge to me. It was not as if I needed the 10% but I just found it hard to part with it. I thought God could do without my tithes since He is already so rich. Well, later when I finally realised how much He has given us (His only begotten Son), my heart was so full of gratitude for Him. In the first place, everything that I have came from God (including my income), yet He is only asking for the 10% of my income...so why should I withhold my tithe anymore?
Little did I know that when I tithe, God blessed me exceedingly more than what I can imagine. The ways of God are always different from the ways of the world. It is a much higher way, a supernatural way. Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Combating Inflation
Yesterday I was reading the newspapers and it was reported that Singapore's inflation rate had hit a high of 5%. This was mainly due to the higher costs of accommodation and transport in the city. In my mind I was thinking, even if we had a pay increment of 5% every year (which was the norm), the real increase in our salaries would be wiped by the effects of inflation!
But I really thank God that as children of the Most High God, we are not confined to this economy. We don't have to be concerned with higher costs of living or inflation. Because our God provides abundantly and exceedingly for us. We live above this economy. Our finances are not dependent on the treasures of this world; our riches are according to the storehouse of heaven. Hallelujah! Imagine the streets of heaven are made of pure gold!
God really places us at the right place at the right time. For example, He led us to trade in our old sedan car for a 7-seater car in 2009. We had no intention to buy a new car but God impressed upon my hubby to get a bigger car for a bigger family. At that time, the prices of new cars were relatively low because the prices for Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) were very low. For the benefit of my overseas readers, Singapore has a quota system to regulate the number of vehicles on the road by issuing such COEs. So if you want to own a car, you not only have to pay for the price of the car, you also have to pay for the entitlement to own that car.
Who would have thought that in just 2 years, the price of COEs had shot up so much? At that time, we paid just about $10,000 for our COE but now, just for the COE of our 7-seater type of car, one has to pay $70,000! Can you imagine, we did not even pay that much for our car back in 2009? Our car cost us only $60,000! If we didn't change our car back then, I don't think we would want to buy a new car now...it is just too expensive.
No one would have forseen such things except God. He is the one who directs our paths in everything we do. Henceforth, we always seek the Lord in any decision especially major ones like buying car or home. We want to be sensitive to God's prompting because we don't want to miss out on God's best for us. And when He tells us to do something, we step out in faith, knowing that He always blesses us. Wow! That is the kind of God we serve! As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)
But I really thank God that as children of the Most High God, we are not confined to this economy. We don't have to be concerned with higher costs of living or inflation. Because our God provides abundantly and exceedingly for us. We live above this economy. Our finances are not dependent on the treasures of this world; our riches are according to the storehouse of heaven. Hallelujah! Imagine the streets of heaven are made of pure gold!
God really places us at the right place at the right time. For example, He led us to trade in our old sedan car for a 7-seater car in 2009. We had no intention to buy a new car but God impressed upon my hubby to get a bigger car for a bigger family. At that time, the prices of new cars were relatively low because the prices for Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) were very low. For the benefit of my overseas readers, Singapore has a quota system to regulate the number of vehicles on the road by issuing such COEs. So if you want to own a car, you not only have to pay for the price of the car, you also have to pay for the entitlement to own that car.
Who would have thought that in just 2 years, the price of COEs had shot up so much? At that time, we paid just about $10,000 for our COE but now, just for the COE of our 7-seater type of car, one has to pay $70,000! Can you imagine, we did not even pay that much for our car back in 2009? Our car cost us only $60,000! If we didn't change our car back then, I don't think we would want to buy a new car now...it is just too expensive.
No one would have forseen such things except God. He is the one who directs our paths in everything we do. Henceforth, we always seek the Lord in any decision especially major ones like buying car or home. We want to be sensitive to God's prompting because we don't want to miss out on God's best for us. And when He tells us to do something, we step out in faith, knowing that He always blesses us. Wow! That is the kind of God we serve! As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)
Praying for your children's health
Today I just wanted to share my experience with those mothers with young children. Children are a gift from God and they are given to us to enjoy. However, the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy but Christ came to give us life more abundantly. It is God's will for all of us to enjoy good health. Exodus 23:25 says 'You shall worship the Lord your God and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take away sickness away from the midst of you.'
But the reality is that sometimes our babies or small children fall sick quite often. As mothers, it can be very tiring to take care of them when they are sick and sometimes we end up falling sick after they recover. Then the virus would spread to them again and the vicious cycle starts. At times, it would seem that there is no end to it. I can identify with the feelings of helplessness because I went through it. Yet it really doesn't help me when parents around me tell me that this is part and parcel of parenting. Almost as if I would feel much better if I accept such sicknesses as a norm and move on.
I refused to take in what people tell me, no matter how much I respect them. I go to the Word of God. When I found Exodus 23:25, I was elated! Because God has shown me His will very clearly. We don't have to live the way Gentiles live. We are children of the Most High God and there is a higher way to live. God wants us to live in victory over sicknesses because of what Jesus has done on the cross.
So I told myself I am not about to be daunted by what I see. No doubt after this revelation, sometimes Joshua still fell sick and I also fell sick. I refused to be discouraged and give up on God's promise about healing and walking in divine health. I know God was building up my faith. Each time we fell sick, I would confess God's supernatural healing and we really recovered faster.
Over the years, God taught me to operate on a higher faith level - to walk in divine health. I came to a point when I see the symptoms of the sickness (flu or sore throat) coming on me or Joshua and I would pray and bind the spirit of infirmity in the Name of Jesus. I would lay hands on Joshua and pray for the sickness to depart from his body in the Name of Jesus. Sometime the manifestation of the healing came after a few days but I noticed recently that the healing has been coming forth sooner than before.
For example early this month, Joshua was sent home from school because the teachers noticed two uclers in his mouth and they were not sure if it was Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Joshua had suffered much under that disease last year and I was quite tramatised by it. However, this time, the Word takes precedence over the fears in my heart and I can confess that I have dominion over this sickness, not the other way round. I command the symptoms to leave his body in the Name of Jesus. I say HFMD, you have to bow down to the Name of Jesus. I thank God that by the end of the day, his ulcers really disappeared and he could go back to school the next day.
One important thing I learnt was that after you believed and confessed God's word, stop looking at the natural. Stop checking on the symptoms once in while. I know it is difficult to focus on the Word when your baby is screaming or in pain. Yet, we can tell ourselves that the natural circumstances will have to line up according to God's Word eventually. This too shall pass.
I like to encourage mothers to search the scriptures on what God has to say about healing and to exercise your faith by laying hands on your child when they are sick. Even if they should take medication, we can also confess that with this medicine, God will grant my child supernatural healing. You may need to persevere on God's word before you see results but I can assure you that the results will surely come. God's Word will not return to Him void (Isa 55:11).
Afterall, it is His will for you to enjoy days of heaven on earth but how could we enjoy parenting when our children are not healthy and strong most of the time?
But the reality is that sometimes our babies or small children fall sick quite often. As mothers, it can be very tiring to take care of them when they are sick and sometimes we end up falling sick after they recover. Then the virus would spread to them again and the vicious cycle starts. At times, it would seem that there is no end to it. I can identify with the feelings of helplessness because I went through it. Yet it really doesn't help me when parents around me tell me that this is part and parcel of parenting. Almost as if I would feel much better if I accept such sicknesses as a norm and move on.
I refused to take in what people tell me, no matter how much I respect them. I go to the Word of God. When I found Exodus 23:25, I was elated! Because God has shown me His will very clearly. We don't have to live the way Gentiles live. We are children of the Most High God and there is a higher way to live. God wants us to live in victory over sicknesses because of what Jesus has done on the cross.
So I told myself I am not about to be daunted by what I see. No doubt after this revelation, sometimes Joshua still fell sick and I also fell sick. I refused to be discouraged and give up on God's promise about healing and walking in divine health. I know God was building up my faith. Each time we fell sick, I would confess God's supernatural healing and we really recovered faster.
Over the years, God taught me to operate on a higher faith level - to walk in divine health. I came to a point when I see the symptoms of the sickness (flu or sore throat) coming on me or Joshua and I would pray and bind the spirit of infirmity in the Name of Jesus. I would lay hands on Joshua and pray for the sickness to depart from his body in the Name of Jesus. Sometime the manifestation of the healing came after a few days but I noticed recently that the healing has been coming forth sooner than before.
For example early this month, Joshua was sent home from school because the teachers noticed two uclers in his mouth and they were not sure if it was Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Joshua had suffered much under that disease last year and I was quite tramatised by it. However, this time, the Word takes precedence over the fears in my heart and I can confess that I have dominion over this sickness, not the other way round. I command the symptoms to leave his body in the Name of Jesus. I say HFMD, you have to bow down to the Name of Jesus. I thank God that by the end of the day, his ulcers really disappeared and he could go back to school the next day.
One important thing I learnt was that after you believed and confessed God's word, stop looking at the natural. Stop checking on the symptoms once in while. I know it is difficult to focus on the Word when your baby is screaming or in pain. Yet, we can tell ourselves that the natural circumstances will have to line up according to God's Word eventually. This too shall pass.
I like to encourage mothers to search the scriptures on what God has to say about healing and to exercise your faith by laying hands on your child when they are sick. Even if they should take medication, we can also confess that with this medicine, God will grant my child supernatural healing. You may need to persevere on God's word before you see results but I can assure you that the results will surely come. God's Word will not return to Him void (Isa 55:11).
Afterall, it is His will for you to enjoy days of heaven on earth but how could we enjoy parenting when our children are not healthy and strong most of the time?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Future Generation of Believers
Bible says in Isaiah 54:13 'All your children will be taught by the Lord and great shall be the peace of your children.' A few years ago, the Lord has already shown me this verse and I believe it. That was when Joshua was very small. Today I am beginning to see the manifestation of this promise in Joshua's life. It is really amazing that Joshua has a spirit of wisdom and understanding beyond his age. (He is only five years old). I believe that he is taught by the Lord otherwise I really don't know where he could have picked up those ideas.
Last night I was chatting with Joshua before bedtime. I told him I would like my life to be a love letter from God. I want people to see Jesus when they see my life. Joshua asked how do people see Jesus in my life. I explained that because Jesus lives in me, people will see Jesus in my life. As Christ is, so am I in this world. Joshua replied that Jesus also lives in him and in all the children in Sunday School. I told him that his generation will be one that will rise up and do great things for the Lord in future. Then he asked 'How about the people in other countries who do not know Jesus?' I was taken aback when I heard that. He actually has a heart for the lost!
I told him 'So God will send you all to these people to tell them about Jesus.' Joshua exclaimed 'I know! You can take the bible to them and tell them about the stories in the bible. Then they will come to know Jesus.' I thought he was saying he and his future generation will evangelise about Jesus but that was not what he meant. He was referring to me! So I asked him 'How about you?' Joshua replied 'You tell them about Jesus. I sit there and listen.' Wow! What a profound statement! I asked Joshua where did he learn all these from - sunday school or childcare centre? He said 'God taught me that.'
Our children are actually watching what we do. Just like how Jesus did everything because He saw His Father do it! In fact, as God calls us into ministry work again, I realised that this time it will impact Joshua's life because he is seeing how mummy and daddy minister to people. He is at the age he could understand what is going on. Now he watches his parents and emulate our example; in future he will do like we do and at that time, we will watch him. Wow! What a revelation! This young generation is truly blessed by God! I really feel so privileged to be able to partner God in bringing up these precious children of God!
Last night I was chatting with Joshua before bedtime. I told him I would like my life to be a love letter from God. I want people to see Jesus when they see my life. Joshua asked how do people see Jesus in my life. I explained that because Jesus lives in me, people will see Jesus in my life. As Christ is, so am I in this world. Joshua replied that Jesus also lives in him and in all the children in Sunday School. I told him that his generation will be one that will rise up and do great things for the Lord in future. Then he asked 'How about the people in other countries who do not know Jesus?' I was taken aback when I heard that. He actually has a heart for the lost!
I told him 'So God will send you all to these people to tell them about Jesus.' Joshua exclaimed 'I know! You can take the bible to them and tell them about the stories in the bible. Then they will come to know Jesus.' I thought he was saying he and his future generation will evangelise about Jesus but that was not what he meant. He was referring to me! So I asked him 'How about you?' Joshua replied 'You tell them about Jesus. I sit there and listen.' Wow! What a profound statement! I asked Joshua where did he learn all these from - sunday school or childcare centre? He said 'God taught me that.'
Our children are actually watching what we do. Just like how Jesus did everything because He saw His Father do it! In fact, as God calls us into ministry work again, I realised that this time it will impact Joshua's life because he is seeing how mummy and daddy minister to people. He is at the age he could understand what is going on. Now he watches his parents and emulate our example; in future he will do like we do and at that time, we will watch him. Wow! What a revelation! This young generation is truly blessed by God! I really feel so privileged to be able to partner God in bringing up these precious children of God!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Seven Holy Feasts of Israel (Part III)
The final edition of the last two feasts of Israel is detailed as follows:
When I read the feasts of Israel and how Jesus came to fulfil every one of them in the precise timing, I caught a glimpse of how much God loved Israel. He did all these to prove to the Jews that Jesus is truly their Messiah. Although the Jews may not see this truth now, the bible says that one day, all Israel will see Jesus as their Messiah and they will cry out 'Lord Lord!'. In that day, all Israel will be saved! Let's continue to keep Israel in prayers!
Feasts of the Jews | In Relation to Jesus |
1. Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur (Lev 23:27) · Occurs 10 days after the Feast of Trumpets · Happens around Sep or Oct every year · Most solemn day when the High Priest will enter the Holy of Holies to seek atonement for himself and the Israelites every year · Four elements of this feast: Holy convocation (gathering before the Lord), prayer & fasting, offerings and prohibition from labour (as it is a Sabbath of rest) | · As the high priest of the Old Testament entered the Holy of Holies with the blood of sacrificial animals, Jesus entered heaven itself to appear on our behalf in front of the Father (Hebrews 9:11,12). · This ritual was an annual reminder that perfect and permanent atonement had not yet been made; but Jesus, through His very own blood, accomplished eternal redemption for His people (Hebrews 9:12). |
2. Feast of Tabernacles or Booths (Lev 23:24) · Occurs five days after the Day of Atonement · Happens around Sep or Oct every year · An 8-day feast which starts on Sabbath and ends on Sabbath · The Jews lived in booths during the 8 days, taking choice fruit from the trees, leafy branches and rejoice before the Lord, remembering how their God took care of them during the wilderness where they lived in tents or booths · On the final day of the feast, the high priest of Israel would descend from the Temple Mount, filled a pitcher from Pool of Siloam and pour the water out of the pitcher onto the altar, asking God to provide them with the early rains for the crops. | · John wrote: "In the last day (eighth day), that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37-38). The Son of God was saying in the clearest possible way that He alone was the source of life and blessing; that He could meet every need of the human heart · This feast speaks of Christ's millennial Kingdom - of a new beginning without the ravages of the curse of sin. Tabernacles speak of the day when the Son of God will dwell among men, wipe away every tear and bring in the ‘Golden Age’ that men have dreamed of |
When I read the feasts of Israel and how Jesus came to fulfil every one of them in the precise timing, I caught a glimpse of how much God loved Israel. He did all these to prove to the Jews that Jesus is truly their Messiah. Although the Jews may not see this truth now, the bible says that one day, all Israel will see Jesus as their Messiah and they will cry out 'Lord Lord!'. In that day, all Israel will be saved! Let's continue to keep Israel in prayers!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Seven Holy Feasts of Israel (Part II)
Now back to the topic of celebration and the feasts of Israel. In this blog post, I will touch on the next three feasts: Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Pentecosts/Weeks and Feast of Trumpets.
Feasts of the Jews | In Relation to Jesus |
3. Feast of Firstfruits (Lev 23:10) · Occurs on the 2nd day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread · Barley, which is the first crop to be planted in winter, is now beginning to ripen for its spring harvest. The first sheaf or firstfruits of the harvest is subsequently cut, and presented to the Lord. The Lord's acceptance of the firstfruits is a pledge on His part of a full harvest to come | · Firstfruits speak of the Lord's triumphant resurrection; death simply could not hold her foe. On the third day (Easter Day), Jesus rose victoriously from the grave. · Jesus was the first to be resurrected from death and the grave, never to die again. He alone is the "Firstfruits." When we believe in Him, we will be like Him, resurrected and never to taste death again. |
4. Feast of Pentecost/Weeks (Lev 23:16) · Occurs 50 days after Firstfruits · Happens usually in May or June every year · Festival of joy and thanksgiving celebrating the completion of the harvest season (last of the spring feasts) · 2nd major feast in which all Jewish males were required to attend (the other two being Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles). · The Jews had to bring not the firstfruits of the wheat but two loaves of bread, to be used as a wave offering to the Lord · The feast was concluded by the eating of communal meals to which the poor, the stranger, and the Levites were invited. | · A symbolic festival which pointed to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church. The Son of God arose from the grave on Firstfruits. He then spent 40 days with His disciples in post-resurrection ministry · After 40 days, He ascended to heaven but told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit (helper) to come on them. They then waited for 10 more days before the Holy Spirit descended on them · Although it was not specifically mentioned, this feast could have also coincided with the day that Moses received the Law at Mt Sinai |
5. Feast of Trumpets (Lev 23:24) · Occurs on the 1st day of the seventh month of Jewish (religious) calendar · Also known as Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish civil new year · Happens around late Aug or Sep every year · The first of the fall feasts · The celebration consisted of a time of rest, "an offering made by fire," and the blowing of the trumpets (ram horns) | · The interval of time between the last of the spring feasts (Pentecost) and the first of the fall feasts (Trumpets) corresponds to the present Church Age. We are presently living between Israel's fourth and fifth feasts. · The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost started the Church Age; and Trumpets, which will signal Christ's second coming to rapture the Church and judge the wicked, will end the Church Age |
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Responding to the leading of the Holy Spirit
I had this desire to lay hands and pray for the sick a couple of months ago. The desire was very strong during one Sunday service I attended. I saw a man in wheelchair and he had tubes in his nose. When I saw him, I was filled with the compassion of Jesus. I knew God wanted me to lay hands on him and pray for him. God had already healed him and his healing manifestation would come forth soon.
However, I did not step out to pray for him because of my fears and concerns 'What if I prayed and nothing happens? Is it appropriate for me, just a lay person to go forth and pray for him? Would it disrupt the order of the church since there are pastors and leaders who can pray for the sick?' And so, I left the service without responding to the prompting of the Lord. But I really felt that I had passed up an opportunity to be a blessing to that man. It may not mean a lot to me but the man may be waiting for a touch from God. God so loved him and told me that he really does not need to be in that condition for another moment because Christ had already healed him.
And so, I told God 'Lord, the next time you call me to lay hands and pray for the sick, I will immediately step out in faith!' I was waiting and watching for such opportunities for about 2 months. Then God 'activated' me last Sunday. We were in the church service when I saw a lady with something that looked like mumps on her left cheek. She was alone but she seemed quite distracted, walking in and out of the service. When I saw her, I knew God wanted me to lay hands on her and pray for her. Then her mumps will disappear. I told God 'Lord, if it's really your will, You create the right opportunity for me to pray for her, please!'
Before the service ended, I saw her walking out of church and I thought 'Oh no! How do I find her?' All this while I didn't share with Heng but he actually suggested that we leave earlier that day. Usually we will wait for Pastor's benediction before we leave. And so, God arranged for me to 'spot' this lady at the place where we pick Joshua up after Sunday school. When I saw her, I was so happy because I thought I had lost her! I don't know when I will ever see her again so I mustered up my courage to step forward to ask her about her condition.
She said there is a lump on her left cheek and it has been many years. Even the doctors could not tell her what it was. I told her 'It's ok. We don't need to know what it is. We just need to know it has a name and every name has to bow down at the Name of Jesus.' Then I laid my hands on her cheek and prayed for her. After praying I opened my eyes and saw there were tears in her eyes. I told her that her manifestation will come very soon and when she has fully recovered, she will know that Jesus has healed her. At that time, she will give glory and praise to Jesus, her Healer. Before I left, I felt such great love for her, I hugged her and told her 'God loves you.'
Wow! What an amazing experience! It was really a breakthrough for me because once I had taken the first step, I knew it really was not so daunting to step out in faith after all! God will give me the words and most importantly, I don't need to worry if the healing takes place. Afterall, it is God who heals, not me! I just step out in faith to what He calls me to...that's my part! I really thank God for this opportunity. It meant so much to me. It was like a burden released! I was quite regretful that I did not step out to pray for the man but God gave me a second chance!
So, dear friends, if the Lord prompts you to do something...like give a friend a call or send an sms, don't wait. Just act on His prompting. It may not mean much to you but you never know how much it will mean to the other person. After you have stepped out in faith, you will know how great a blessing you have been and both of you will give glory to the Lord!
However, I did not step out to pray for him because of my fears and concerns 'What if I prayed and nothing happens? Is it appropriate for me, just a lay person to go forth and pray for him? Would it disrupt the order of the church since there are pastors and leaders who can pray for the sick?' And so, I left the service without responding to the prompting of the Lord. But I really felt that I had passed up an opportunity to be a blessing to that man. It may not mean a lot to me but the man may be waiting for a touch from God. God so loved him and told me that he really does not need to be in that condition for another moment because Christ had already healed him.
And so, I told God 'Lord, the next time you call me to lay hands and pray for the sick, I will immediately step out in faith!' I was waiting and watching for such opportunities for about 2 months. Then God 'activated' me last Sunday. We were in the church service when I saw a lady with something that looked like mumps on her left cheek. She was alone but she seemed quite distracted, walking in and out of the service. When I saw her, I knew God wanted me to lay hands on her and pray for her. Then her mumps will disappear. I told God 'Lord, if it's really your will, You create the right opportunity for me to pray for her, please!'
Before the service ended, I saw her walking out of church and I thought 'Oh no! How do I find her?' All this while I didn't share with Heng but he actually suggested that we leave earlier that day. Usually we will wait for Pastor's benediction before we leave. And so, God arranged for me to 'spot' this lady at the place where we pick Joshua up after Sunday school. When I saw her, I was so happy because I thought I had lost her! I don't know when I will ever see her again so I mustered up my courage to step forward to ask her about her condition.
She said there is a lump on her left cheek and it has been many years. Even the doctors could not tell her what it was. I told her 'It's ok. We don't need to know what it is. We just need to know it has a name and every name has to bow down at the Name of Jesus.' Then I laid my hands on her cheek and prayed for her. After praying I opened my eyes and saw there were tears in her eyes. I told her that her manifestation will come very soon and when she has fully recovered, she will know that Jesus has healed her. At that time, she will give glory and praise to Jesus, her Healer. Before I left, I felt such great love for her, I hugged her and told her 'God loves you.'
Wow! What an amazing experience! It was really a breakthrough for me because once I had taken the first step, I knew it really was not so daunting to step out in faith after all! God will give me the words and most importantly, I don't need to worry if the healing takes place. Afterall, it is God who heals, not me! I just step out in faith to what He calls me to...that's my part! I really thank God for this opportunity. It meant so much to me. It was like a burden released! I was quite regretful that I did not step out to pray for the man but God gave me a second chance!
So, dear friends, if the Lord prompts you to do something...like give a friend a call or send an sms, don't wait. Just act on His prompting. It may not mean much to you but you never know how much it will mean to the other person. After you have stepped out in faith, you will know how great a blessing you have been and both of you will give glory to the Lord!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Seven Holy Feasts of Israel (Part I)
Recently I was prompted by the Lord to start celebrating. Essentially the message from Him was very clear - to start rejoicing, praising Him and celebrating before I see the manifestation of my pregnancy. I was really excited about this message because I know from experience, when God called me to celebrate, it was for a very good reason. But this requires faith because usually people celebrate after God brought His promise to pass in their life. Somehow, God wants me to take the step of faith to just celebrate first before He brings it to pass. Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:7 'We live by faith, not by sight.'
That's exactly what I am going to do. I am going to party, celebrate, sing, dance and rejoice for what the Lord is going to do for me. I was led to find out about the feasts of Israel because that would tell me why the Jews celebrate and how they celebrate it. In the past, I would not even want to learn about such feasts because they are too complex and irrelevant to me. In fact, I even find them boring. But when I researched on these feasts and saw the relation to Jesus, I was in awe! When I shared with Heng, he told me: This is such a revelation and I must share on my blog. So I shall attempt to make this simple and easy to understand.
Feasts are regular religious celebrations remembering God's great acts of salvation in the history of His people. As mentioned in the title, there are seven holy feasts of Israel. I will touch on two of them in this blog post as they are mainly feasts concerning the Passover. The source of my research is mainly from http://www.christcenteredmall.com/teachings/feasts/index.htm
That's exactly what I am going to do. I am going to party, celebrate, sing, dance and rejoice for what the Lord is going to do for me. I was led to find out about the feasts of Israel because that would tell me why the Jews celebrate and how they celebrate it. In the past, I would not even want to learn about such feasts because they are too complex and irrelevant to me. In fact, I even find them boring. But when I researched on these feasts and saw the relation to Jesus, I was in awe! When I shared with Heng, he told me: This is such a revelation and I must share on my blog. So I shall attempt to make this simple and easy to understand.
Feasts are regular religious celebrations remembering God's great acts of salvation in the history of His people. As mentioned in the title, there are seven holy feasts of Israel. I will touch on two of them in this blog post as they are mainly feasts concerning the Passover. The source of my research is mainly from http://www.christcenteredmall.com/teachings/feasts/index.htm
Feasts of the Jews | In Relation to Jesus |
1. Feast of Passover (Lev 23:5) · First of the seven feasts · Start of Jewish New Year (religious) · Happens in Mar or Apr every year · As a memorial of how God brought the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt · The Jews eat 3 types of food during the Passover night: lamb (signifying the sacrifice), matzah (unleavened bread, signifying the purity of the sacrifice) and bitter herbs (signifying the suffering of the lamb). | · Jesus was crucified on the day of Passover (this event coincides with our Good Friday) · He and His disciples ate a Passover meal together on the eve of His death. During this meal Jesus said, "This is my body," and "this cup is the new testament in my blood" · All of those lambs sacrificed down in Egypt (one per household) pointed to the one true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). |
2. Feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev 23:6) · This Feast lasts seven days and occurs right after the Feast of Passover. · Happens in Mar or Apr every year · Only unleavened bread is eaten during this feast, reflecting the fact that the Israelites had no time to put leaven in their bread before their hasty departure from Egypt · The Jews sprinkle leavened (yeast) bread crumbs throughout the house and then subsequently sweep them all up and collectively burn them outside. · They do this because leaven symbolises sin and they are to rid their lives of sin. | · After His crucifixion, Jesus was then buried in a newly hewn tomb donated by Joseph of Arimathea. However, unlike all other corpses, the body of Jesus (Yeshua) would not decay in the grave. God the Father would not "allow His Holy One (His Son Jesus) to see corruption (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:27). · The Feast of Unleavened Bread proclaims that Christ's physical body would not experience the ravages of death while in the grave; for He was sanctified (set apart) by God the Father |
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Avin's God
Do you know how is my God like to me? He is a God of pure goodness, a God who loves me so much that He sent Heaven's Best to die for me. Great in might, powerful, holy and yet merciful, compassionate and gracious. What a combination!
Like our children will never be able to fathom our love for them, we too can never truly fathom His great love for us. A love that can endure nonsense from us and still find us lovely.
Yesterday I was bathing while Joshua was changing into his clothes after he bathed. He was banging loudly at the bathroom door calling for help. I quickly opened the door, thinking what had happened. It turned out that he did not know how to flip over his underwear (which was inside out). He was getting frustrated and tears were in his eyes when he said 'Mummy, look at this!' So I took it from him and told him it's ok, no need to cry.
This incident caused me to think about my behaviour with my God. Isn't it interesting that sometimes I am also like that? Making a big fuss over a small matter? Crying for something so trivial? Nothing really of life and death matter...yet in my God's eyes, nothing is small matter to Him as long as it bothered me.
Recently I didn't know why I got so stressed out and worried about an issue that I just lost focus of His Word and I got all depressed and moody. Yet it wasn't even anything major...we were walking in the midst of God's rich blessings. I was so ashamed of my behaviour. I thought I was a woman of faith yet why couldn't I trust God on this issue?
My God was so good...He understood that I am but only human and had limited strength. He not only did not condemn me, He encouraged me. He told me how precious I am to Him and that I take up a very special place in His heart. He stored up every single tear that I cried because whenever I cried, His heart literally broke. He said He will breakthrough all of heaven just to reach me when I cry out to Him. He cannot bear to see me cry. He will do anything to wipe away my tears and grant me joy in place of my tears.
I am reminded of how Jesus wept when He saw the rest crying over Lazarus' death (John 11:35). He was so moved by compassion that He wept even though He knew Lazarus would be resurrected shortly and everything would be all right. Jesus was fully human when He cried, yet He was fully God when He resurrected Lazarus. I am so touched by my Jesus, who in all His great power and might, can feel how I feel but more importantly, He has the power to bring me out of my situation. He has the power to deliver me. Oh, how great is my God!
Mr friends, how is your God like to you?
Like our children will never be able to fathom our love for them, we too can never truly fathom His great love for us. A love that can endure nonsense from us and still find us lovely.
Yesterday I was bathing while Joshua was changing into his clothes after he bathed. He was banging loudly at the bathroom door calling for help. I quickly opened the door, thinking what had happened. It turned out that he did not know how to flip over his underwear (which was inside out). He was getting frustrated and tears were in his eyes when he said 'Mummy, look at this!' So I took it from him and told him it's ok, no need to cry.
This incident caused me to think about my behaviour with my God. Isn't it interesting that sometimes I am also like that? Making a big fuss over a small matter? Crying for something so trivial? Nothing really of life and death matter...yet in my God's eyes, nothing is small matter to Him as long as it bothered me.
Recently I didn't know why I got so stressed out and worried about an issue that I just lost focus of His Word and I got all depressed and moody. Yet it wasn't even anything major...we were walking in the midst of God's rich blessings. I was so ashamed of my behaviour. I thought I was a woman of faith yet why couldn't I trust God on this issue?
My God was so good...He understood that I am but only human and had limited strength. He not only did not condemn me, He encouraged me. He told me how precious I am to Him and that I take up a very special place in His heart. He stored up every single tear that I cried because whenever I cried, His heart literally broke. He said He will breakthrough all of heaven just to reach me when I cry out to Him. He cannot bear to see me cry. He will do anything to wipe away my tears and grant me joy in place of my tears.
I am reminded of how Jesus wept when He saw the rest crying over Lazarus' death (John 11:35). He was so moved by compassion that He wept even though He knew Lazarus would be resurrected shortly and everything would be all right. Jesus was fully human when He cried, yet He was fully God when He resurrected Lazarus. I am so touched by my Jesus, who in all His great power and might, can feel how I feel but more importantly, He has the power to bring me out of my situation. He has the power to deliver me. Oh, how great is my God!
Mr friends, how is your God like to you?
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