| Tuesday, November 30, 2004 |
| To worship u only. |
Title: The Cost of IdolatryAuthor: Warren WiersbeRead Psalm 135:13-21
Some things in the Bible are so important that God repeats them. The last verses in Psalm 135 parallel Psalm 115. These two psalms describe the dead idols of other nations. The psalmist says, "The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths. Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them" (vv. 15-18). Here we see the folly of idolatry--worshiping silver and gold, the work of men's hands. But that's going on today, isn't it? Many people worship the works of their hands.How do you know what you are worshiping? The thing you work for, sacrifice for and live for is your god. For some people, it's money. For others, it's possessions. With still others, it's ambition or people. The psalmist shows us how foolish this is. Idols have mouths, yet they can't make promises. But our God speaks to us, and He gives us promises in His Word. Idols have eyes, but they cannot see. They offer no protection. But "the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous" (Ps. 34:15). God's eyes are watching us every moment of the day. He never goes to sleep. He cares for His children. Idols have ears, but they cannot hear your prayers. If you talk to an idol, you are talking to yourself. But God's ears are open to our cries. He says, "Call to Me, and I will answer you" (Jer. 33:3).The saddest thing about idolatry is that we become like the god we worship. "Those who make them are like them, so is everyone who trusts in them" (v. 18). But if we worship the true and living God, we become like Him. We are transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.* * *Be careful what you worship. Satan wants you to substitute many idols for the Lord. Place no gods before Him; worship Him only. Today, get rid of any idols that might prevent your worship of the Lord.
Mel's thoughts...Through today's devotions, it really healped me to know whether i am truly worshiping GOd.
1) WHat are the things i work for, live for, sacrifice for?
2) Looking at myself, what do i reflect? DO i reflect GOD, or some other things?
The evil one is really cunning, He noes that he is unable to get us believers to think that GOd is dead.. hence the only way he can "kill" us slowly is by allowing other idols to sneak into our lives.. The evil one is definitely not so stupid, hence the idols that creep in are really subtle ones. That even we ourselves may not acknowledge them as idols and we may not even be able to recognise why that paricular thing will compete with God for our hearts. Sometimes, it may even be our rights that have become our idols.. and it is also our rights that will stand in the way of us becoming more like Him.
I remember when i was first asked to do HIs work in Bukit View GB.. i realised that i had to dye my hair black.. at that moment.. i struggled...because it was sth i really like, and had in a way become part of my identity and significane (well i only noe this when i am asked to lay it down). I reasoned that it was no sin to have colour hair,etc... but well.. i think beyond the coloured hair.. it was my rights i have to lay down. Will i lay down my rights to build His Kingdom.. what are all these sacrifices compare with what he has sacrificed?I have now laid down my rights.. i heard that the sch prinicipal has changed.. well i may be able to have my coloured hair again, this i dun noe.. but i noe God isn't a joy killer.. He jus wans me to be fully alligned to HIm.. and when i lay down things.. He may ironically see my changed heart and return it back or return me with sth greater (such as more of His presence).
I may continue struggling in areas.. but i gotta keep dying to myself.For some of us.. we may struggle with giving up things in our life... and to us we feel that we gotta give up things to prove our love for God. BUt that is only half right.. cos the real equation is.. when u love GOd, you will be ever so willing to lay down anything that may hinder your growth, ur intimacy with Him. *note that the word here is "may", 'cos we wun want to take any risk. Yes.. in the midst of giving up, it's not easy, cos it's dying to ourselves.. but at the end of it, there will be greater joy and greater excitement, from growth in HIm. Growth is what makes the whole christian journey exciting, not the music, not jus the fellowship, this may be secondary. But growth.. cos when u stop growing, u will decay and you will smell real bad.
|
posted by raethelamb @ 5:32 AM  |
|
|
|
| Monday, November 29, 2004 |
| i am the apple of God's eye.... |
I always feel that God treats me so special.. My dad says that God is especially nice to me, when i share my testimonies to him. :) Oh.. another thanksgiving.. finally got shampoo..cheap and good.. now feel that my hair very clean.. (ooppss.. digress)
Remember the other time when Pastor BC prayed, and prophesised over me, she said, "GOd always answers your prayer because, to HIm, you are someone who serves and do things for HIm with no strings attached.. Hence, when u pray, He hears and answers".
Though this was realised 3 years ago.. it is still an encouragement to me and something that touches me alot. GOd, I love you... i wan to be that apple of your eye.
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 7:24 AM |
|
|
|
|
| GOd is so good (hallelujah!!) |
*sings* GOd is so good (hallelujah), GOd is so good (hallelujah), God is so good, He's so good to ME (melissa)!!! Hee.. so happy.. Got thanksgiving... I always feel so special.. especially to GOd.. thank you Lord. that even prayers that are unintentional, you use it to bless me.
I recall, a few weeks ago, i was jus telling YH that i liked flip phones, but what a waste, Nokia doesn't have any flip phones (then) and i am so used to using them... He then asked me to tell him which i like. but i din cos i said, no point, no money plus i was only interested i nokia.. GUess what.. my mum got a free phone.. cos she realise that my plan already 3 years.. and by extending plan, it comes with a free phone. The phone i got was a NOkia flip phone and it even has my fav song and it's my favourite colour......jus realised.. wow..isn't GOD JUS WONDERFUL.... one of the latest model.. hee... if my mum realised that i cld extend my plan, by 2 years, i might not have gotten this flip. Initially my mum and i were saying, i could have renewed it a year ago.. so*loo gi*.. but i now i noe why... it's cos, God wana use it to bless me now... He really sees the BIG picture and sees ahead of us.. *amen.
Also.. my parents actually asked me to go learn driving with YH and offered to pay.. it's like they (my dad in particular) said i was blur and it's good tat got pple look after me..hmm.. so happy 'cos at least they trust that the brown monkey can take care of me.. which means they trust in my foresight and the r/s.. haha.. plus the fear of not having money to learn also settle liao.. today... really had a good time out with my parents.. tho' still got paper.. the time spent was worth it..:) Honour ur parents and these are the stuff u get (hp..etc.) but that shouldn't be our motivation to honour them.. : )
Anther thanksiving.. for this year.. i realised that i did not had to go through as much "begging" to get my missions fund in... money jus kept in.. really happy for those pple who gave.. not jus cos i got the money..(hee.. tho's partly, but me not so $$minded) but happy cos i see a growth in them.. esp the pple in cell.. i noe as the are able to give.. it's a growth.. that as they give to missions, they aren't jus blessing me, but the ministry of God.. and i noe God will bless them greatly too.. (yeah.. but i noe they give not becos of getting GOd's blessing).. so thanks alot dears..
Happy too.. cos.. lately have been recieving alot of prayers, that have sustained me.. thanks.. will write bout it again.. hee.. i am a happy.. and contented girl. God help me stay contented always.. help me to always have a heart of thanksgiving.. :)
P.S. Was just thinking if i had specified the phone i wanted, God would have probably given the specific one to me... aiyah.. wasted !!! :P
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 6:10 AM |
|
|
|
| Thursday, November 25, 2004 |
| To fulfill another's dream... |
Title: The Next Best ThingAuthor: Warren Wiersbe
Read Psalm 132:1-10
What is the consuming ambition of your life? What is the dream that fills your mind and heart? King David's dream was to build a temple for the Lord. He tells us about it in this psalm. I wish more people had this same wonderful ambition--to be builders, not destroyers.
During much of his life, David was a soldier. He defended Israel from her enemies and brought about peace in the land. But then he wanted to turn from battling to building. He wanted to exchange the sword for a trowel. He said, "I am not going to have any sleep until I find a place for God to dwell."
But God did not allow David to fulfill this high and holy ambition. Solomon, his son, built the temple instead. David was disappointed at first but then said, "If this is the will of God, I'll accept it." Then he did the most wonderful thing: he helped the next generation build the temple. David provided the plans and millions of dollars in gold, silver, precious stones, bronze and iron.
We may not fulfill all of our plans and ambitions, but we can do the next best thing. If God doesn't let us accomplish our goals, let's help somebody else meet his goals. Let's pay the bill. Let's give our wisdom. Let's encourage. We can't do everything, but we can do something.
* * *
If your dreams are not fulfilled in the will of God, help fulfill someone else's dreams by sharing your talents and resources. When you're concerned more with God's glory and not with who gets the credit, He can use you in more ways to accomplish His purposes. Let God use you in the ways He sees best.
HOw difficult it is to be fulfilling the dreams of others instead of your own.. I think that Lord is telling me something above building His house, but to help fellow sisters and brothers fulfill their dreams.. G12 vision is indeed a wonderful vision, but wiht the tribal identity... people may jus become to focused on building their own network, then we gotta relly think if we are building our house or God's house. I remember in one of the Leader's meeting, the Lord showed me a relevation, He told me that in order for me to see unity in my subzone, it is not for me to do it by my own human efforts, but He says, untill Pastor Debra's 12 is one, then that unity will flow downwards... Then i had a burden to see Pastor's 12 become united.. but over time, that went to the back of my mind.
When i see every leader putting their attention in building their own spiritual families.. it makes me wan to jus do that.. but perhaps God is asking me to do sth else.. to help others fulfill their dreams.. to not build my house. Lord i pray you will remind me of your word today. SHow me the steps to take, and when u show i pray, i will obey!
Studying is getting kinda dry and aimless... Lord, give me new passion to study again..
commit tomorrow's paper into ur hands.!
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 4:44 AM |
|
|
|
| Wednesday, November 24, 2004 |
| A weaned Child-Submit!! |
Title: A Method for MaturityAuthor: Warren Wiersbe
Read Psalm 131:1-3:
Psalm 131A song of ascents. Of David. 1 My heart is not proud, O LORD , my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. 2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.
One day King David was walking through the palace, and he heard a child crying. What was going on? The child was being weaned. The mother was saying, "Now, my child, you are growing up, and it is time for you to be weaned." The child was saying, "You don't love me; you hate me. If you loved me, you wouldn't do this." Then David went to his desk, got his pen and wrote Psalm 131.
The problem with too many of us is that we have grown old without growing up--we still need to be weaned. The weaning process is important. God's goal for your life is maturity, and His method for maturity is weaning. He has to wean us away from things we think are important.
How do you convince a child that he doesn't want to be attached to his mother for the rest of his life? Love him? Yes! But he must grow up, step out and be a man. And so it is with us. God has to wean us away from the things of the world, from the cheap toys that we hold on to. He wants to give us the best, and His desire in weaning is our submission. The weaned child of Psalm 131 was not losing; he was gaining. He was moving out into a larger life. Likewise, God has to take things away from our lives, not because they are bad, but because they are keeping us from the best.
The next time you whimper and cry because God takes something away from you, remember: He might be weaning you. He might be saying, "Get closer to me. Step out into a life of maturity and let's go together."
* * *
God wants His children to grow into mature believers and eventually to become like His Son. When He decides to wean you from something in your life, be an obedient child. Let Him prepare you and develop you for what He has in store for you.
weaned, wean·ing, weans -
To accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling.
To detach from that to which one is strongly habituated or devoted
Dear Lord, I do not know in what aspect are you weaning me.. but Lord i pray you will help me to submit.. though in those times, i may only be able to see from my own narrow perspective.. i pray that your word today will remind me to see from your broader perspective.. But i pray that even if i can't see from your point of view, that you will still help me to submit, 'cos submitting is to obey even when i disagree.. but i pray that Lord, you will let me hear your voice clearly, gimme comfirmation and assurance of ur direction, i ask.
I pray also that as a spiritual parent, you help me desire greater maturity from ur children. That Lord, i will wean them, dare to strip them off their comfort items, that even if i become their source of comfort, that i will bear to wean myself from them. That even if they say "mum, u dun love me.. why aren't you there when i need you?".. that Lord, i will not waver.. i 'll not seek to please them and i will not fear how they see me, but I pray that i will dare to let go, dare to discipline.and that i wun even see their dependence on me as my security and affirmation as a leader, but that i will seek affirmation from you.. and above all that i will draw them to you and not to me. Search my heart Lord.. and test me. Finally i pray that the pple will submit to you and to me(when u speak thru me). Thank you Lord.
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 9:10 AM |
|
|
|
| Monday, November 22, 2004 |
| my day's bread |
Title: Plows of PainAuthor: Warren Wiersbe
Read Psalm 129:1-8
Verse 3 is a vivid description of personal suffering: "The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long." Many other pictures of personal suffering are found in the Word of God: going through the storm, going through the furnace, going through a battle and carrying a burden. Why would the psalmist use plowing as a picture of personal suffering?
For one thing, he felt as if people were treating him like dirt. They were saying, "You're just like a dirty field, and we're going to plow right up this field, and we don't care how you feel." If we live for Jesus, we can expect people to treat us the way they treated Him. They treated Him like dirt.
The central truth in this picture is that plowing is preparation for a harvest. When people are treating you like dirt, when the plows of criticism and accusation dig in your back, remember: God is preparing you for a harvest. What kind of a harvest? That depends on the kind of seed you plant. If you plant seeds of revenge and hatred and malice, saying, "I'll get even with them someday," the harvest will be bitter. But if you plant the seeds of the Word of God, letting love and peace and patience reign in your heart, you can say with the psalmist that the Lord is righteous--He will resolve this problem. Then the harvest will be one of blessing, as in verse 8: "The blessing of the Lord be upon you; we bless you in the name of the Lord!"
* * *
If you want a harvest in your life, you must plow, plant and water. When people treat you like dirt, when the trials of life go right through your life like a plow, get ready for the harvest. God has a harvest of blessing for you today, so remember to plant the right seed.
SOmeone ever told me, the greatest weapon to accusations is humilty... God help me to remember that when i am accused, it's ok to say sorry, help me to plant the right seed... For the meek shall inherit the kingdom of GOd.. though i may feel vulnerable and injustified or even feel less..Lord strengthen me.. and be my defender..
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 8:37 AM |
|
|
|
|
| Today |
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 8:37 AM |
|
|
|
|
| My first paper!! : ) |
TOday was my first paper... hmm.. though made a few silly mistakes, still wana thank GOd for bringing me thru'. WHen i felt nervous, I would jus think of where God is gonna place me years down the road, i will then realise that my life is not jus about this exam.. and that really brought peace into my heart... Before we went in to the exam hall, J, V and me prayed.. i felt prompted to pray individual prayers for 'em. When i ended the prayer, J actualli asked if she could pray for me.. i was really glad.. glad to hear her pray, gld to see her speaking to GOd. I guess i need to settle certain things within myself and be able to love her wholeheartedly again. I was blinded to the fact that J actualli shows alot of physical affection to me (like out her arm round mine,etc), i have neglected that that cld be her love language and since it isn't mine, i jus felt that the friendship no longer mattered. Y remarked that J was more touchy with me and it made me think. Thank God for revealing, Lord help me to trust and love her with your love.
Went tution.. was late, and actualli forgot to tell K.. when i called him, the boy actually said, he saw a pic of me in his mind under stress.. haha... so cute huh.. cld it be vision? :P When i met him, asked him if he was still praying and he confessed that he hasn't.. haha... guess children will struggle with time with God too.
When i was on my way home, ZL called me, i tot sth happened in his family, so i returned the call when i got home. I thank God for blessing me with this brother.. His faith really encourages me... for now, his dad made him promise not to go church cos of having to stay back a year.. however when he tok to me, he jus sound so certain that God has a reason for even allowing him to stay back and he was so confident that he will not compromise his walk with God. He has also been updating himself with the Subzone matters and he knew what happened on sat. I am really touched by the gestures of this bro, he actually said he was prompted to call me.. and he called jus to find out how i am. He was even able to identify with me on feeling the burden of the fellow believers.. i am really blessed by him, cos in the midst of his struggles, he still cared for the family in christ, he still care for his fellow cell friends, tho' he may not be a leader, i noe he too wans to build the house of the Lord, before his own. Even if today as i serve and only manage to reap this one brother who loves God, i jus feel that it's worth it. I must remember to keep this brother in prayer.. this brother who told me that he wants to be different to be someone who can express love to his father and go against social norms. God i pray you will continue to use him and prepare him even now, for ur ministry ahead. Thank you brother, tho' u aren't here physically with us, u are here spiritually with us and it means so much to me, that support, makes me noe that i am not fighting the race alone. THanks!
The weekend has been tough... many things took place.. din give me a chance to come before you God...i need to hear from u.. lead me as i lead ur pple.. annoint me, so that 5 mins that i spend with ur children now, will be even better than hours i used to spend, jus cos i am annointed and used by you.i thank you that u gave me strength to hold on, even tho' at times it seem tempting to jus lose a little temper, give up jus a little... i noe Lord u have sustained me.
1Corinthians 13:4-13:
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Love really isn't easy... especially love is not self seeking, love is trust, protects, hmm... guess everything else...Most of the time when relationships/friendships sour or face conflict, it's most of the time cos pple go in wanting to recieve rather than give. If all of us go into a r/s giving.. it will be so different. Help me to give as You give!
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 7:27 AM |
|
|
|
| Saturday, November 20, 2004 |
| Serena-my beloved friend |
Thank God for Mel!
It was a good catch up time with Mel... actually i always treasure the little chats we have, cos' we seldom meet nowadays. Listening to each other's problems, listening to the works tt God is doing in our lives now. (oh we boy watched too. hahahaa with the limited no. of guys there.. yeah there wasnt much to watch. but quite fun. haha) I'm always encouraged by her. Her faithfulness to God, her ability to see the positive side of everything and everyone ard her, her compassion for the people. And I am reminded again tt God is soverign in every one of our lives, so many things that happen between us, taught us how to trust God, taught us tt GOd has a lesson for us in every trial. Thank God for you my dear. =)
My best friend. Thanks Mel. Thanks for choosing to love me when I am so unlovely. Thank you for sharing Jesus with me. It was the best thing that could happen to me. When everyone ard you questioned your actions, you did not let what they say affect the friendship. U believe in me and saw me as how Jesus would see me. When I was mean to you and said many things just to hurt you and spite you, you did not bear any grudge towards me. Instead, you loved me. And up till today, you were always there beside me when I need a friend, a shoulder to cry on, a companion, a listening ear. Thank you for being all of that to me. I love you!
Thanks Serena for your appreciation.. feel really honoured to be mentioned by you in your blog. Looking at what we have gone thru' from the first day i know you.. i can only say that i treasure all the memories and i treasure you! As i see how God has changed you and worked in ur life.. till this day, you serving Him faithfully.. it really encourages me to continue serving.. thanks for spurring me on.. thanks for ur encouragement... I know that the Lord will use u to build a next generation who loves Him.. :)
Keep spurring each other on yeah! :)
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 6:33 AM |
|
|
|
|
| To sow with tears and reap with joy.... |
Today's message spoke to me... " TO be double minded is when u delay in building the house of GOd and is distracted with building your own house", like what Pastor mentioned, i felt discouraged, that as much as i want to see God's kingdom built, as i look at the lives in the SZ, i just felt that the SZ is not a vessel ready to serve GOd. That many are still concerned about their own live, own agendas, that many are not willing to lay their rights down, to walk the narrow path of obedience. WHy would God allow pple to come into the SZ, if the SZ is not cleaned up, is not lovin Him, wun the new believers follow the wrong ways. I thank GOd for the lives that have returned to Him... and i want to believe for more, I want to believe that it is still possible for every live, every person to return to GOd.
It feels terrible that you can't do anything to control pple's decisions to choose GOd... It feels terrible to see pple not knowing GOd as He is and surrendering their all to HIM. i really hope i could do more... i really hope i can touch their lives more.. i really hope i can do som much so much more... but i am limited. But i know God is unlimited. I knoe He loves each one of them. I pray that they like the prodigal son, will make a decision to turn back to the father.. 'cos like the father of the prodigal son, GOd loves us so much such that He gave us free will to choose.. and it's only when the son decides to turn back, when the son takes that step back to the Father that the Father ran to the son and embrace him. SOmetimes, "it takes love to even Let Go" and for this season this is the relevation that GOd has given me.
I cried as i tok to the subzone... i really dun like to cry, 'cos i dun wan pple to take pity on me or be moved by my tears, but i want the conviction of the HOly Spirit... I dun hope that the pple will think i am using my tears to "blackmail" them.. but i jus wan them to get things right with God, i jus want them to know how God feels. But i cried 'cos i felt helpless... i cried 'cos i know GOd is upset too and that He like the Father of the prodigal Son is waiting for all His children to turn back to HIm.
I made a stand... for them to decide, though part of me is afraid that they will choose to leave, I want to let go, cos i love them.. and after they have struggled enough and wana return, i hope that i can welcome them back..
Spoke to the leaders... it's back to the basics:
to serve you got have the basic requirements-
Faithfulness/faith
Availability
Submissiveness
Teachability.
I gave em a choice, to follow singlemindedly to serve or to not serve. I wana trust in GOd's providence... that even of all of em choose not to serve, " as for me and my household, we will serve the LOrd. God i will still serve you.. even if i may not feel the best, even when all thinks fail, even when i feel inadquate, i will serve. 'cos you chose me and you said" If you love me, feed my lamb, take care of my sheep and feed my sheep". even if there are no leaders who will follow, i know that GOd you will provide.
Just like you LOrd, i hope to see a generation who will not compromise, who are singleminded for you, who are steadfast in their love for you. WHo love you and love the people around, who are not inward. Lord, i commit all of us into ur hands.. : ) GOd, there's ust so much to say... but you know all that i wan to tell you... Speak GOd, move GOD!!!Sustain me Lord! Thank you Lord. : )
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 6:12 AM |
|
|
|
| Thursday, November 18, 2004 |
| Thoughts of the day!! |
Daily Devotional
Prayer, Praise & Promises Daily DevotionalWarren Wiersbe walks us through the Psalms - updated daily
Title: Reap in JoyAuthor: Warren Wiersbe
Read Psalm 126:1-6
Did you know that each one of us is a sower? Each of us today is sowing seed that will produce a harvest. Some people are sowing to the flesh. Paul tells us in Galatians 6:8 that those who sow to the flesh will reap corruption. Some are sowing discord among the brethren. Some are sowing lies. Psalm 126 tells us to be careful what and how we sow, because we're the ones who will reap the harvest.
Notice what the psalmist says: "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (vv. 5,6). God's people weep as they sow, but they will reap in joy. As a Christian, you are to sow the seed of the Word of God by sowing good deeds, truth and His love. You plant the seed that produces the fruit of the Spirit--love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Life is often serious and difficult. That may cause us to sow with tears, but we will reap in joy. Non-Christians are not like that. The Devil's crowd goes out and sows with laughter. Oh, they have a good time. But when the harvest comes, they will reap in sorrow.
Each of us has a decision to make: Are we going to get pleasures now or wait until the harvest of the Holy Spirit? "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7). In fact, we will reap more than what we've sown, because seed multiplies.
* * *
If today you are living for the pleasures of sin, the harvest will bring weeping. But if you're living for the will of God, the harvest will bring joy. What kind of harvest will you have? Ask God to help you sow the seeds that will bring His fruit in your life and in the lives of others.
I remember the time that the Lord showed me " Sow in tears and reap with joy." If i dun remember wrongly, it was the sermon by Pastor Hee Guan. (the impromptu one). It's about the dreams of Joseph. I jus remember that it was the day the my leaders all responded, Nadine, Yiting , Regina... If i dun remember wrongly, i was quite upset with them about some issues, about their respnsiveness to me and their pple.
I really felt happy when i see them responding to the altar call, to me, it represents humility and i am always glad that leaders remain vulnerable and responsive towards the Lord, to be like a child. This is what i always hope for my leaders, that they will remain dependant on the Lord, fatihful and having faith, available to be used by HIm, submissive to HIs voice and calling, teachable. I have seen leaders in church, leaders leading big tribes, moving in gifts, doing great things for the Lord fell away, jus because, they have not guarded their lives and kept to the basics... I really dun hope that i will be like that.. and my leaders too... it pains me to see them far fromGOd, not giving their all to Him. Lord i Pray that me, the leaders the entire subzone, will be pple who sow in tears and reap with joy. That GOd, we'll sow into your kingdom and not ours. watch over us.. and guide us.
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 8:17 AM |
|
|
|
| Wednesday, November 17, 2004 |
| devotion and some updates!! : ) |
1) Isaiah28:23-29: "God has a purpose in our heartaches.The Savior always knows what's best;We learn so many precious lessonsIn every sorrow, trial, and test. —Jarvis
When you trust in God, pain is an opportunity for progress."
2) Read Psalm 125:1-5
"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever" (v. 2). We don't have to know much about geography to understand what the psalmist is saying. It's a declaration we can believe and put to work in our own lives today. God is compared to many things in the Bible. For example, "our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29). Or, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1). Here the psalmist says God is like the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. That was the most special city to God and the Jewish people, and it still is. And when the psalmist looked at the mountains surrounding the city, he said, "That's the way God is."
How is God like a mountain?
First, a mountain has stability. When the psalmist was a little boy, he saw the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. When he became a young man, those mountains were still there. When he grew older, the mountains were there, and the mountains are still there today. Likewise with God. He is stable, dependable. He doesn't change. God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8).
Second, a mountain offers security. God surrounds and guards us. He is like Mount Zion to us. Verse 1 says, "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion." In other words, God can make you to be like a mountain also--stable and secure because He is your Refuge and Strength.
Therefore, we should trust Him. Those who trust in the Lord have stability and security. They have all they ever will need. "Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts" (v. 4).
* * *
The next time you need a refuge, remember that God has a special way of caring for His people. The strength and security God gives His people is solid and unchanging. Trust Him
MY thoughts:
Looking at the Love Passage, it says that Love is trust, i often identified this as the part that i struggle most with... yes, trust. I find it hard to trust in pple i am close with, at times, i think, will this reflect and affect my trust in God. What is trust... from my both devotion above.. i feel that the Lord is really asking me to trust in Him and His pple. Trust is believing that GOd has plans to welfare you, regardless of all present circumstance, trust is being vulnerable and real, not being afraid of being betrayed.Trust is letting down all guards. Trust.
I can trust in God as he is stable and gives me security. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. ALso he loves me and will protect me.
God, show me how to trust in pple, esp those closest to me, so that i can trust u fully too..
Help me be someone whom pple can trust in too. A person who is stable and gives security. You say in your word that as i trust in you, i will be like Mount ZIon. SO the equation is simple:
Trust in YOu/pple=ME becomes like MOunt Zion=pple can trust in me.
:)
Today, went out with VOnnie.... Hmm... guess the both of us make a good combi for destressing(note that i dun call it slacking). Yep... we got a premium seat, in JE library, though we din really do much work, the chatting and walking ard, makes the studying path much less lonely. Yeah!!
Maybe the fearful part about studying is whether we are studying enough and correctly. God help me to be confident in the things i have read, no matter how much or how little. Help me to be contented not complacent with what i have studied, help me to give thanks, help me to look to You. TO trust in you Lord even in this area of studies. Sometimes pple ard seem to have more confidence than even myself that u will provide for me in my studies, Lord, help me to have that faith in you.
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 8:21 AM |
|
|
|
| Monday, November 08, 2004 |
| Devotion today . :) |
Title: Sacrificing SleepAuthor: Warren Wiersbe
Read Psalm 119:145-152
'Psalm 119q Qoph 145 I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD , and I will obey your decrees. 146 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. 147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. 148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises. 149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD , according to your laws. 150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. 151 Yet you are near, O LORD , and all your commands are true. 152 Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever. '
Would you rather have the Word of God than sleep? Don't misunderstand me. We need sleep. In fact, the Bible makes it clear that God expects us to take care of our bodies, and sleep is part of that care. But the psalmist says that he would rather have the Word of God than sleep. "I rise before the dawning of the morning, and cry for help; I hope in Your word. My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word" (vv. 147,148).
Imagine being married to a person who gets up early in the morning to cry out to God and hope in His Word. Then late at night he's still awake, reading and meditating on the Scriptures.
Jesus also was up early in the morning, praying and meditating on the Word. And on the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus, Moses and Elijah were discussing Christ's plan to die in Jerusalem. Peter, James and John were there, but they were asleep (Luke 9:32). They slept through perhaps the greatest Bible conference ever held on earth!
I'm afraid some of us have done the same thing. We've slept through the blessing. For God to bless us through His Word, we have to start each day with it. Do you set your alarm clock early enough in the morning to read the Bible? Sure, that extra half hour in bed would be pleasant. But like the psalmist, we need to say, "I'm going to anticipate the dawning of the morning. I want to spend time with God and meditate in His Word."
* * *
Sacrificing sleep to meditate in the Word of God is not a loss; it's an investment in your spiritual life. The Bible contains blessings you can use the rest of the day. Let it be the key that opens and locks your day.
Sigh... entry cldn't get save, neva mind, shan't give up.. yeah.. sleeping is sth really impt to me.. hmm.. maybe shld try sacrificing part of it.. wld be worth it if can hear from Him... Wow.. can't imagine the person i marry will actually meditate on the Word upon arising and turning in... wil be so HAPPY.. *hinthint... BUt most imptly, gotta be that kind of a person first.
|
| posted by raethelamb @ 8:22 AM |
|
|
|
|
| About Me |
|
![]()
Name: raethelamb
Home: Singapore
About Me:
See my complete profile
|
| Previous Post |
|
| Archives |
|
|
| Shoutbox |
|
| Links |
www.fcbc.org.sg
www.daddypoohbear.blogspot.com
www.biblegateway.com
|
| Powered by |
 |
|
