LiBeRTy iN tRuTH

Today's Worth It!

2007-10-15T21:31:00.000+08:00

What makes your day count?

I know my day counts when I touched someone's life - even just for a brief moment...

- to bring a smile to a colleague's face
- to walk a friend a short distance
- to have lunch with the less desired
- to be flexible in my time so I can pause for one in need
- to find words of encouragement to cheer a needy soul
- to call a flustered friend to extend comfort
- to pray for and with another and everything seems better

All in all, this is so I might "boast" in the Lord. Rom 15:17 (NKJV) says:

Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God.

Simply put: So I am proud of what I have done for God in Christ Jesus (NCV). #nelle#

Are You Counting Days Or Making Them Count?

2007-09-29T14:36:00.000+08:00

It has been an interesting week. The impact of it started on Tuesday during the leaders' meeting. There was no preaching of the word but God's voice was clear. In the atmosphere of faith and seeking, God was speaking much - to all present, I believe. One of the key things He spoke to me about was Revelation 3:7-13. It occured to me only then and there that this is the 1 message of the 7 to the churches that was affirmative. The rest were warnings.

The church of Philadelphia was deemed a faithful church by God. The words of the Spirit were as follows:

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 13 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’

Have you lost sight of your purpose in life? Have you lost sight of the reason for your salvation? Not just so you could go to heaven and sing endless praises to the King of kings, my friend but that you would first learn to worship and serve Him in this time and go to the ends of the earth with the message of the Lord. God will open doors that no man can shut. And what He shuts, no man shall open. Everything is in His hands. We are then to keep His word - what He says to do, as we hear, we act - and uphold His name. Our perseverance; our will to hold on to what the Lord has entrusted us would lead us to the reward of the crown of life. And as we overcome, we shall partake of the glory of the New Jerusalem whose pillars are conquerors in Christ during their lifetime on earth.

Our progress in life can be simplified to just 3 areas of measurement:

1. the Great Commandment - our relationship with God and mankind
2. the Great Commission - our call and response to advancing the Gospel
3. the Cultural Mandate - our influence and impact on society

Corresponding to each of the above, I was reminded of the lives of Elisha, of Esther and of Daniel respectively.

Unlike the other prophets, Elisha pressed in for God's presence, plans, purposes and so moved in God's power. He unrelentlessly followed after his mentor and teacher. Nothing could stop him, not even when Elijah said "Stop. God has called me to move on. You cant follow me." He clung to Elijah and followed wherever he went until God took Elijah away where he could not follow. This is how we should be pursuing God and the leaders He place before us through the seasons of our spiritual growth.

Esther on the other hand was prepared for and granted favour in the palace. Life became luxurious and so comfortable that she actually forgot about the outside world and had little connectivity with the people in it. When Mordecai (representing the Holy Spirit) came to update her of the happenings, her first response was, "There's nothing I can do." Life was good and so she went into self-preservation mode until Mordecai reminded her of her identity - she was one of the Jews. The predicament on them would not preclude her. She could intercede and be a vessel to save the entire people group or perish with them. She arose in courage, turning to the Lord in fasting and prayer, then moved with great favour and influence in the presence of the king. Like Esther, we need to recognise that we are appointed for our time and are instruments in the hands of God. Our salvation is not only of ourselves and immediate family members and loved ones only but for the people of our kind and generation! We have a GREAT commission - from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria and to the ends of the earth!

Finally, Daniel is the perfect testimony of a sheep amongst wolves. His lay profession and ungodly band of colleagues did not stop him from living a life of holiness and separation unto the Lord. He was a statement of greatness, full of wisdom, faith and trust in the Lord. His commitment was unwavering. His fidelity to the Most High was not dependent on whether others around him believed in God or not. He was steadfast in his knowledge and conviction of who his God was. As such, he was able to exercise the discernment and gifts of the Holy Spirit in the marketplace. He was so impactful that he arose to a position of great influence and changed the spiritual atmosphere where he was. He was so successful that his bosses, king Nebuchadnezzar and king Darius, both could not deny his God. They believed in Him.

These are 3 individuals amongst many who left legacies with benefits that lasted beyond their lifetimes. Their faithfulness to God brought fruitfulness for the hundreds and thousands of generations after. 1 thing they all had in common: they did not count the days of their lives but they made the days of their lives count. What is the difference?

Are you looking forward to weekends to enjoy/relax while dreading the thought of another Monday? Worse yet, does your heart start sinking by the time Sunday afternoon/evening comes because you cant bear to go through the next 5 days at work? How miserable we can get sometimes! All because we are counting our days... sub/unconsciously anticipating for the day that we would call it quits on this earth. Friends, let us look up to those who have gone before us. Elisha, Esther and Daniel have gone before us to show us it can be done.

Instead of standing still in the pretext of trying to ascertain the purpose and calling of our life, we can simply live each day in close partnership with the Holy Spirit. Surely then we will begin to see as our days would count for something. How could I be so sure? What God builds always stands. Let's press in... #nelle#

Shine JESUS Shine!

2007-09-17T12:21:00.000+08:00

Eversince I graduated from SOT and started work, I have had to establish an order and discipline of seeking God and feeding on His word daily. After two months of trial and error, and sheer perseverance, I found something that worked. Since, Mon-Fri mornings would begin with about an hour of devotional and bible reading as I took my simple breakfast and coffee. Saturday mornings are my times of unrushed solitude with God and week after week, God has been faithful to comfort me with His tangible presence, teaching me the things that perplex me.

About 3 weeks back, there was a saturday that I awoke late, and as a result, threw my routine off course. It's not the first time but this time, I ruined the day with a mind hung up on spending time with the Lord but a heart that is afar off. I realised a burden weighing upon me just because I missed a morning of solitude. And I thought to myself, "This isnt what a victorious Christian life should be. I should be joyful. Why am I heavy-laden just because I didnt have my time of connectivity with the Lord this morning as usual?" And the scary thing was, I couldnt bring myself to do anything else. So I was in a state of mindless praying in tongues. This bothered me.

The following day, I was led to purchase a book by Steve McVey (don't know him prior to this) on Grace Walk. And unlike my typical reading style (to start from page 1), I flipped the book and opened to this chapter called: All I Need Is Love. That was the beginning of an increased understanding of God's grace in our lives. The author wrote about Christian performance vs relationship. We are raised and trained in a culture of performance/goal-orientation so much that it spills over to our Christian life. But God is after relationship - a connectivity of our heart first that would then lead us to do His business as He leads. Yet many of us seek to please Him with the impressive list of things that we do, none of which is going to make God love us more. Neither is He going to love us any less if we missed and fell short of 1 thing or 2! But we fail to grasp this...

The grace of God is His love that gives us the space to respond to the call unto Himself. When we choose a wrong response, His grace is sufficient to give us a 2nd chance, and another, and another. Yet we do not take for granted the God of 2nd chances. Because of an awakening to His amazing grace, I learn to not take Him and the people/things/opportunities He has given me for granted. Because of an awakening to His amazing grace, I am motivated to want to draw near to Him even more and ask Him to guide me in every little way, and not compartmentalise my life as in the past, spiritual life is spiritual life, the rest of life is the rest of life. No it doesnt work that way. I know yet I live that way. But by His grace, I have come to realise it.

The greatest realisation is that the fruit of an abiding relationship in Christ is Christ Himself manifesting through me. Gal 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." The new identity is the Christ in me, not former me who is dead and passed away. And then I realised what it truly means to "SHINE FOR JESUS." It really means SHINE forTH JESUS.

The word "for" could mean do something to/towards another; or on behalf of. Both expressions place a strong focus on the self. And people are hooked on what they can do for Jesus; what they have done for Jesus; how they have and will conduct themselves to be a good testimony for Jesus. So much of the I is emphasised when it is clear in John 3:30 that, "He must increase but I must decrease." God doesnt need us to give Him a helping hand to show Himself real and strong! Rather, the ultimate goal of our Christian life is to be more and more like Christ; to be transformed into the image of God as God has intended for us from the beginning. By that, when we have a strong relationship with the True Vine, His character, nature and life will flow out of our being. That is when we realise we do not have to remain the way that we are but let the potential, the seed of God in us develop. By this, we shall be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8)! Shine FORTH Jesus, my friend! #nelle#

Life Without Limits

2007-09-10T12:02:00.000+08:00

What does it mean to live a life without limits? Look at this unique individual who has a life without limbs and you might come to understand.

Nic Vujicic was in Singapore to share how he overcame his physical limitation and also to spread the message of hope for a life without limits.

No hands, no legs but a "drumstick" (as he calls his little left foot with 2 toes) yet he has done so much and lived so well, no different (if not more!) than what an average "normal" person would do. He swims, he types, he works, he has a cause to live for and he enjoys life!!

He bears a spirit of joy that is contagious; he carries in him a strength that seems unfallible; he exudes a charisma that draws people to himself. He has so little yet so much!! He is a miracle!!

It taught me one thing very clearly: our significance is not in what we have but what we believe and how we use the little we have to build ourselves up.

The heart and soul of a person is not expressed in the ouput of his hands or in where his legs can go but in the spirit of his being. That is, the convictions of his life.

Nic Vujicic is proof that disability is not an outward condition but an inward state of mind. He is a walking testimony of one living in absolute freedom in Christ although his circumstances could have bound him to disappointments, hurts and failures! Let us not be held captive by our inner fears, guilt and memories of past failures.

THERE IS SOMETHING MORE because with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! #nelle#

It's Time To Get Out-NOW!

2007-08-25T19:12:00.000+08:00

Has it ever occurred to you how the great men and women of God could preach and cause hearts to stir? Of course it's the Holy Spirit who brings the conviction to hearts of the people but how is God able to use them? I mean, they are icons of lives transformed, testimonies of what God can do to and with those who believed in Him WHOLEHEARTEDLY!

Well, they ALL had a TIME when there was nothing; when they saw nothing but simply heard the voice of God calling and decided to take their chance to step out in FAITH. Yes, they all had a time of small beginnings... From small to significant!

Joyce Meyer is a classic example. Click here to hear her proclamation. Jesus is outside of the boat! Where are you?!!

Time to take your chance!! (2Kings7:3-4) Stop all the analysis and end your paralysis! ARISE! #nelle#

P.S. In case you haven't realised, faith is built in the course of the doing, not thinking!

To Whom Do You Look To?

2007-08-24T13:36:00.000+08:00

We hear it so often, "It's so difficult to be a good Christian. I'm tired. I want to give up." At one point or another, everyone (I dare say) goes through a time of doubt. It could last for a split second, a few moments, a couple of days, some months, donkey years.... All because we didnt meet up to someone's expectations of the "perfect and good" Christian or because someone didnt meet up to our expectations of the "perfect and good" Christian.

The word of God says we are His workmanship; we are jars of clay; we are still in the making. Where on earth did we get the notion that we're perfect after Salvation, and demand perfection of others (dont tell me you dont :P)? We claim others impose their unbearable standards upon us that we cannot meet up to (or dont even attempt to stretch ourselves to grow and arise to) yet we condemn them and tell the world how they disappoint and disillusion us of what Christians are about when they "fail" to do what we think they "ought to". Sorry, but could you show me where in the bible God said the saved would be perfect creatures in Christ? My bible tells me the saved are NEW creatures in Christ. And the new comes with consciousness to dump the things of old as we are renewed in our minds and ways as God's word reveals. Yes, we're still CRACKED pots. Are we on the same page?

Let's not make life difficult for ourselves and others. Often, we are our own stumbling blocks, not others. When we choose not to seek God for ourselves, when we want to take the easy way out, hoping to encounter God in/through others (hello, man is not God), we end up in a spiralling-down of our faith in God.

The invitation and command have always been to look up to God and God only. Only Jesus is the perfect Man. Fix your eyes on the right Person. #nelle#

God-Sized Calling!

2007-01-19T18:08:00.000+08:00

[extracts from IF YOU WANT TO WALK ON WATER, YOU'VE GOT TO STEP OUT OF THE BOAT]

A calling is something you discover, not something you choose. The word vocation comes from the Latin word for voice. Discovering it involves very careful listening. The whole idea of calling is that there is a Call-er and a call-ee.

You are I are the call-ees and God is the Call-er. God equips the worker and assigns the work.

Frederick Buechner wrote that calling is "the place where your deep gladness meets the word's deep need." It is not heard to figure out were the world's deep need is. It is everywhere! What turns out to be more difficult than you might expect is discovering where your deep galdness lies. What work bring syou job? For what do you have desire and passion - for these, too, are gifts from God. This is why giftedness i about more than just talents - it includes passion. As Arthur Miller says, "It's the lifeblood of a person, the song that her heart longs to sing, the race that his legs were born to run... There's an electricity associated with giftedness. Give a person the chance, and he'll jolt you."

That does not mean that following a calling always brings feelings of enjoyment. Often it means the gritty resolution to bear with a hard task when it would be easier to quit. But even this yields a certain satisfaction when I know I have been skilled and fitted by God for the task. But I must be ruthlessly honest about my deep gladness.

People sometimes romanticize the notion of vocation. Receiving a calling from God is not the same thing as falling into your dream career. A dream career generally promises wealth, power, status, security, and great benefits. A calling is often a different story.

As a rule, the people (e.g. Moses, Jonah, Jeremiah) whom we read about in Scripture who were called by God felt quite inadequate. When God called Abraham to leave home, or Gideon to lead an army, or Esther to defy the king, or Mary to give birth to the Messiah, their initial response was never: Yes, I'm up to that challenge. I think I can handle that.

The first response to a God-sized calling is generally fear. Henry Blackaby writes,

Some people say, "God will never ask me to do something I can't do. I have come to the place in my life that, if the assignment I sense God is giving me is soemthing that I know I can handle, I know it is probably not from God. The kind of assignments God gives in the Bible are always God-sized. They are always behyond what people can do, because He wants to demonstrate His nature, His strenght, His provision and His kindness to His people and to a watching world. This is the only way the world will come to know Him.

This doesn't mean that God calls us in a way that violates our "raw material." Where God calls, God gifts.
A career may end with retirement and lots of "toys." A calling isn't over until the day you die. The rewards of a career may be quite visible, but they are temporary. The significance of a calling lasts for eternity. A career can be disrupted by any number of events - but not a calling. When God calls people, He enables them to fulfill ther callings even in the most unlikely circumstances.

[Chapter 3 Discerning The Call. John Ortberg.]

Psalm 118

2007-01-17T22:04:00.000+08:00

Praise to God for His Everlasting Mercy

1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

2 Let Israel now say, “His mercy endures forever.”
3 Let the house of Aaron now say, “His mercy endures forever.”
4 Let those who fear the LORD now say, “His mercy endures forever.”

5 I called on the LORD in distress;
The LORD answered me and set me in a broad place.
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me
7 The LORD is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.

8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations surrounded me,
But in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
11 They surrounded me, Yes, they surrounded me;
But in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12 They surrounded me like bees;
They were quenched like a fire of thorns;
For in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
13 You pushed me violently, that I might fall,
But the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous;
The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted;
The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
17 I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely,
But He has not given me over to death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness;
I will go through them, And I will praise the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD,
Through which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise You, For You have answered me,
And have become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD, And He has given us light;
Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will praise You;
You are my God, I will exalt You.
29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
_________________________

The things of life can easily choke up one's mind and if we're not guarded, discouragement can seep into our soul and depression sink in. Life with God doesn't guarantee us a bed of roses but it does assure us of a way out! As Don Moen writes:

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength
For each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today

Psalm 118 of the eternal Word of God is our surety that God will make a way, for His mercies endures forever... Halleluyah!

#nelle#

Victorious Living!

2007-01-16T15:08:00.000+08:00

1 Thessalonians 5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

The 2nd coming of Christ will catch the world by surprise. The bible warns us not to be deceived by the false cries of safety for it is the calm before the end. As children of God, we do not fear. As sons and daughters of the Light, let us not slumber. Instead, we are to:

1. be watchful and sober;
2. put on the breastplate of faith and love; and
3. guard our minds with the knowledge of God's salvation through Christ.
4. be expectant of the glorious end after which we would have fellowship with the Trinity for eternity!

This is the guarantee of God to those who love and diligently seek Him.

By generalising the context of this verses for daily living, there are 3 basic principles (3 A's) we can apply to our lives right away:

1. Be ALERT!
Do not fall into complacency in anything you do. Be sensitive to undercurrents so as to be responsive when issues surface (reminder: 11 characteristics of the new S.I.N.G.A.P.O.R.E.A.N.).

2. Be ARMED!
We do not wrestle against flesh and blood but principalities and powers. Our primary protection is the armour of God (Eph 6:10-18).

3. Be ASSURED! (and ASTOUNDED!)
Expect a resounding outcome! God will always show up for His namesake to bring light into the situation. We just need to stay close to Him and listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit through the path, however winding.

The NEW S.I.N.G.A.P.O.R.E.A.N.

2007-01-15T10:17:00.000+08:00

The ugly Singaporean is one who is:

1. kaypo - he is interested in the latest, hottest ongoings of his neighbour/colleagues/friends (existing and the long lost ones) and goes around regurgitating them to willing listeners, recounting the lives of others like a soap opera (wait wait, havent finish...);

2. kiasu - he sets his eyes on what you have that he doesnt and makes sure he gets more/better that what you possess; he also works just-enough for his dollar (don't be stupid! why do more?? this is not my job.); and

3. kiasi - he is afraid to stand up for what he believes in and simply goes where the wind blows (what principles? not worth a cent. don't be smart-alec and invite trouble lah!).

But thank God for Christ - the anchor of our hope! Yes, there is HOPE! You can be renewed in your mind to be transformed, as larva (that does nothing else but eat) to a butterfly (beautiful and free in spirit), into the NEW S.I.N.G.A.P.O.R.E.A.N. (sermon Jan14, 2007). That is, one who is:

1. Socially-responsible - this is about making decisions and taking actions that would enhance the general welfare of our environment (further read: Wikipedia) e.g. volunteering activities in the neighbourhood districts; participating in corporate philantrophic/charitable activities etc.

2. Innovative - we are created in the image of our Father in Heaven and so aer empowered with creative abilities. Dare to dream and make dreams real...

3. Nett Giver - we are receiving something from someone or the government all the time. Let's make it a point to be a blessing i.e. to give more than we would receive.

4. Globalised - widen our horizons through travel, reading of books and papers, watching of documentaries, being aware and alert of things going on around us and around the world!

5. Advanced - there's never a time we stop learning. Everything is on the move and so progressing. Those who do not progress and are resistant to learning will find themselves living as modern cavemen, disconnected from the world in which they live.

6. Problem-solver - Knowledge in available in abundance. Having knowledge and not knowing how to apply them is emptiness. See a problem and solve it, not ignore it. The fact that you saw it indicates that you have seen beyond others and so have the potential to breakthrough it!

7. Opportunity-seeking - Watch for the gaps to fill; that's where new products and services may be created!

8. Resilient - Perseverance or the ability to bounce back is what differentiates a winner from a loser. Everyone meets with obstacles but it is he who overcomes them in spite of the odds that grows and gains!

9. Educated - The importance of education cannot be undermined. It is both about increasing know-how and expanding one's mental capabilities. Things may be theoretical but you can't den that ideals set the mark of perfection for us to work towards!

10. Adaptable - Flexibility is key! Routine is necessary to establish the core activities/life but it is flexibility that is required to emerge through new situations and circumstances.

11. Nation-conscious - Like it or not, we are all part of a larger identity. Just as the letters of the alphabets are meaningless on their own, no man is an island. Our purpose is realised when we are part of a family, a school, a corporation, an industry, a church, a country! There's a place we all fit into from birth through death.

The fabric of society is made of an amalgation of individual beliefs and practices. In order for us to penetrate the marketplace, we have to influence our societal and corporate cultures. This entails asserting our belief system in our place of work, neighbourhood, schools and families! The betterment of our culture is dependent on the progressive (and positive) changes that we experience individually in our own belief systems. There is a symbiotic relationship between us and our environment/social infrastructure that we cannot deny or shun away from.

The cultural mandate from God says that we are to "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth." The kind of input determines the kind of output. For the cycle of fruitfulness and multiplication to be continuous, it is evident that we are to fill the earth with what is positive and good!

God's blessing over us was never meant to be an end but a means. We are not called to be mere receivers of God's blessings but rather, are appointed as channels for the blessings of God to flow through! The new S.I.N.G.A.P.O.R.E.A.N. is one who would sows and reaps for the good of self and others.

2 Corinthians 8:13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, 15 as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." #nelle#

ALL Employed!

2007-01-07T15:11:00.000+08:00

Rare as this is (for me at least!), I was awoken at about 3am last night with eyes wide open, mind fully alert, but having nothing to see to. So I asked the Lord if there was something I needed to do and was directed to check my handphone. In it was this message:

Reinhard Bonnke says that Christ did not die to give people a career but to save the lost! Time is running out fast.

My mind started churning. Thoughts started running, "What is it, Lord? I know You didn't die just so we could have a good career and yes, the lost in the marketplace needs to be saved. But what exactly are You trying to tell me?" And as I pondered on this statement, this came to me hard and deep:

There is no unemployment in My kingdom. Everyone in My house is gainfully employed if only they would walk with me. Then, they would know just where to be and when/how to do what.

There should be no such word as UNEMPLOYMENT in the vocabulary of a Christian!

This coincided with today's sermon in church about our calling to the mandate of developing and shaping the culture of our societies! We cannot bring God into our areas of work by talking Christianny and shunning away from the issues of life or "darkness of pop culture" but rather, we are sent out as lambs amongst wolves (Luke 10:3) for the harvest is great and sadly, the labourers are few (Luke 10:2)! But NOW! God has revealed: EVERYONE CAN BE ENGAGED by Him! And this means, IT IS TIME that you and I arise!

Yes, YOU ARE AN AGENT OF GOD! A winning agent gets about his/her way with a good representation of his/her product and services. Yet so many times, I have heard Christians in the marketplace make claims that God is their Boss (particularly when things are not going well and they needed to justify their righteous actions!). They would insist that everything they do, they do unto the Lord who knows that their conscience is clear (really?) so if others are not able to accept it, it's just too bad; God save them! And guess what? When a good agent of God tries to share Christ with a non-believer colleague who has observed this all, it is not unusual to see a face of contempt. Why? Cos there is/was/are/were (baa-baa-)black sheep! in their very midst. This is the unfortunate impact of religiosity; of legalism.

How could we turn the world right side up for Jesus if we were not part of it? If we can only stand and look into the world (high and lofty), then there is absolutely no chance that we make a difference in it. To effect changes, we have to be a part of the entire system AND be received/perceived positively.
This does not mean that we do as the world does. The bible is clear that we are to be in the world but not of the world. So the question is: WWJD? Yes, what would Jesus do? Ask Him! You have the Holy Spirit in you so you can seek God and ask for wisdom and guidance!

We need to realise this: the best you know how may not be the best for the situation. Instead of simply being headstrong and insistent in upholding your "principles/values," (I'm not suggesting you don't BUT!) we must be open and sensitive to the Holy Spirit as God might have another way to assert what is fair and right. God is Boss. Right? Right... Then when was the last time you asked your Boss what is going on and proceeded with His counsel??

We are engaged by God to bring order to every strata and aspect of society. But engagement without empowerment is lame! Until we tap into the power of Christ, we can do nothing to reconcile everything in Him. Paul says in Ephesians 1:10-12 that:

10 in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

It all started with Him. It shall all end in Him. And there is an inheritance in Christ. What is it? Everything that God has given Him is ours! But it will only be made known and available to us in the time that He purposes and for the particular work that He wills. Then, as we step out of the boat and act in accordance to His revealed counsel, the work is established and we give glory where glory is due! When we first trusted in Him, and the mysteries He unfolds comes to pass, we know that all the praise and all the glory are His! There is not an ounce of credit we can rob God of because everything is for Him, through Him and to Him! We are at best privileged vessels through which He works.

Open your ears and listen to the testimonies around you. It usually goes like this, "I thank God that when I did XXX, He blessed me greatly. By His grace, I achieved YYY and so got my desired ZZZ." This is the first level of seeing God's hand working in your life: by HINDSIGHT! But friends, there is a HIGHER way! To see God's hand move by FORESIGHT!! And this is possible only if we are pressing in to God continually, seeking His wise counsel for everything (big and small), trusting His voice (loud and soft), and simply obeying; keeping focussed on Jesus at every point of the action!

It is just like Peter walking on water as recorded in Matthew 14:

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

Peter did very well when he stepped out of the boat, eyes completely fixed on Jesus! It can be the same for us!

Has God given you a plan and said to you, "I am with you, do not be afraid" ? And you, instead of stepping out spent the time seeking confirmation (upon confirmationS)? But God is good. He is patient. His word remains as one, "Come." Then, finally, you took your step forward and miracles happen! You see (read: know experientially) that what God has spoken is true (duh!!). And the testimony becomes, "God is awesome!! I could do YYY the way I did only because God showed me XXX and it was the precise solution for that situation. So I thank God for a WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR in Jesus without whom attaining ZZZ would not be possible. Glory to my Lord God Almighty!!"

Would you like to see Jesus going BEFORE you in all that you do? Yes, that is THE way because Jesus said, "Follow me." I repeat, He said: F.O.L.L.O.W. Me, not CHEONG BEFORE Me! Amen?
Only when we take the place of a follower of Christ, then we can be effectively engaged as God's employee (contemporary word for "servant" in the bible - must talk pop)! #nelle#

Thoughts From The Book Of Jeremiah

2007-01-05T12:05:00.000+08:00

Jeremiah 7:23 But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’

This verse defines the God-man relationship. God knows and is in control of all. So He should do the telling and us, the doing. Yet often, we forget and instead tell God what to do, when and how. Excuse me, are you Mr. God?

Jeremiah 17:7 “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Is your trust and hope in the LORD? If yes, then blessed are you! For even in the most dire of circumstance, you will have divine wisdom and creativity, courage and strength to do your utmost. And God will cause the increase. The fruit of your work is consequential!

Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

In Old Testament times, God is apart from His people. Even the great men of God like Moses and Elijah could only see the back of God or the back of His hand. The Law was given to guide their ways and they had only their own strength to depend on to attain it. But thank God for His new covenant! Through the birth and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ Jesus, we have a higher way; we experience the saving grace of God. His deposits His Spirit in us. In this way, God has written His Law in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is God in us. How could we not meet God face to face every day?

Jeremiah 45:4 ... ‘Thus says the LORD: “Behold, what I have built I will break down, and what I have planted I will pluck up, that is, this whole land. 5 And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,” says the LORD. “But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.”

Does God not want us to have a good life and valuable possessions? Is He against wealth and money? Certainly not! The point is that we are not to be absorbed by the yearnings for a life life of wealth and luxury. The point is not to seek it; to run after it; to pursue it, thereby missing the whole point of life: to discover and fulfil the purpose that God has for you. As Matthew 6:33 puts it, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Yes, when your live is in Christ, and Christ in you, you inherit the God kind of life. Thus, this divine life becomes as a prize to you. Wherever you go, God is with you. When you obey God, all will go well with you.

#nelle#

As I Promised: A Land Of Milk & Honey!

2007-01-04T22:57:00.000+08:00

Genesis 9

1 So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth ... 7 ... Bring forth abundantly in the earth and multiply in it.” 8 Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: 9 “And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you..."

God made his first covenant with mankind to Noah and his sons. The covenant was made not just with mankind but every living creature!!! When God protects, He protects not just you but all that He gives you and so belongs to you!!

Genesis 12
1 Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4 So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him...

Then came a second promise made to Abram who became the beginning of a chosen nation! God spoke clearly of a chosen land; a chosen people that He would establish through Abraham.

Numbers 13

1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.”3 So Moses sent them from the Wilderness of Paran according to the command of the LORD, all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel... 17 Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, 18 and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; 19 whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; 20 whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

God is true to His word! Generations after, we see Moses delivering the children of Israel from the hands of a hard-hearted Pharaoh. But this first generation of Israelites failed to trust and obey God. Thus, a new generation was raised. Then, God was ready to establish His word. The LORD spoke clearly to Moses to send out the leaders to check out the land of Canaan, as He had promised Abraham. This command was given while they were still circling in the wilderness. In an environment of barrenness, God revealed to them His choice land. Yes, ESPECIALLY FOR THEM! All the spying was merely for the leaders to see it for themselves. And I believe, a major part of it was to instill faith in them so that they might return to influence their respective tribes with their zest and lead them to reach out and acquire the land.

In fact, God was so encouraging! He instructed Moses to go about this land investigations when the land was in its "season of the first ripe grapes." It was a time when they would surely see the good of the land! It was but a confirmation to God's word that He had a promise land - a haven on earth - awaiting them!

27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.” 30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”

And indeed, the reports were affirmative! It was a land that "truly flows with milk and honey" and they had its fruit in hand as proof of its goodness! The next step is clear, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." YES! The time has come - FINALLY! But no... we've got some leaders (no, actually, it was MOST leaders!) who were so bounded up in their wilderness mindset!

31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

And how did these wet blankets perceive this piece of haven? "Oh, the land is good, no doubt but... but... but... we are not strong enough. They are stronger than we." Really? What are the people like? "... giants...; and we were like grasshoppers... in our own sight, and so we were... in their sight."

Did you get that? Who saw who as grasshoppers?? How you see yourself and so project of yourself is what others would perceive of you.

Now, God had said that Canaan IS the promise land... that that was THE land FOR THEM! And guess what these grasshoppers (in their own sight!) said, "It's a good land but no lah... let's just stay here in this wilderness. It's safe here... why risk fighting the giants and losing...?"

Can you see how ridiculous this sounds and is??? They'd rather play-it-safe all their life! Oh, how kia-si! The wilderness mindset is a play-it-safe mindset. It is a don't-change-what-is-still-working-ok-although-not-fantastic mentality. It is a i'm-not-good-enough-for-what-you-have-for-me perspective! It's a when-there's-enough-to-get-by-don't-bother-working-hard-for-more lifestyle. What a let-down!

What areas of your life are you having this wilderness mindset?? What does God say of those barren arenas of your life? What is His vision; His choice decision for you in those respects?

When the best is yours to possess because your Almighty God has said so, my dear friend, please... don't deny the grace! It is His gift of love; His blessing of abundance. Stand by what God says. If it's for you, go get it!! Get it?!?!? #nelle#

Shine!

2007-01-02T12:55:00.000+08:00

The Light Of Christ's Gospel
[2 Corinthians 4:1-6]

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

Our default ministry as a servant of God is to spread the Gospel! There is no better person to this ministry than you for we have received the mercy of God. Freely you receive so freely give (Matthew 10:8). The experiential knowledge of the grace of God that brought you out of darkness into the Light shall be the force that propels you forward so others might know of His goodness and grace of salvation too! What we have is for good! When God gave, He gave wholeheartedly, without a shadow of doubt or turning (James 1:17).

Most of us received salvation because someone(s) shared to us the Good news. They knew and assumed responsibilities for the ministry of advancing the Gospel. And so it shall be the same for us. The good things that we learn, receive, hear and see our spiritual family do, do and the peace of God will be with us (Philippians 4:19). Further more, James 4:17 clearly states:

Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

We have the knowledge of good and evil and surely, we cannot help but do what is good, exercising what the word of God says!

2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

Having the Word of God does not make us perfect overnight. There is a process by which we turn away from the ungodly thoughts and ways of our "previous" lives. God will teach us His ways and as we walk in it, the power and truth of God’s word would be revealed in our lives by and by. The changes in this ongoing process of sanctification would be evident to people around us thereby causing a stirring in their conscience. You shall be like a Timothy, sent out to remind others of the ways of Jesus (1Corinthians 4:17). This is lifestyle evangelism! By our words and ways, we reveal who God is and what pleases Him. And so my prayer is as Romans 15:6 says:

that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

In all that we are and do, we be and do to exalt the name of Jesus. As Paul says here, “we do not preach ourselves but Christ the Lord.” We merely serve to bring the Word to the world that the veil of deception held by the Devil would be lifted in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:14)!

A bondservant is one bound to service without wages. A servant is one who is subject to the beck and call of his master. As a bondservant for Jesus, a slave of Christ, we are to do as God wills; as God sees fit for us to live each day. By this, we present ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord. “Not my will but yours be done, Lord!” Jesus says:

“Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)

“But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:6-8)

“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few… Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves…” (Luke 10:2-3)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

From Genesis 1, we know that:

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day" and the darkness "night."

This is the account of creation. So it is the same in the creation of our new life in Christ. It is only God who can command light to shine out of darkness. It is only God who can save and it pleases Him to do so! There are times that we would wonder if it is God’s will to save our family and friends. We pray for their salvation, we reach out, we share what God is speaking to us and nothing happens as far as our naked eye can see. But let us be reminded that as new creations in Christ, there is a new dimension of life and vision open to us: the spiritual. So “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2Cor4:18). Hence, we are to “speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1Cor2:13). And where would we find the things spiritual to compare with? In communion with the Holy Spirit and the unfailing word of God!

Our part is to make known the knowledge of salvation to man. The Holy Spirit will bring the conviction to the hearts. It will not be by persuasion of words so we need not be over-zealous, stepping into the boundaries of what is not ours to do. It is God who causes the increase. Have faith in God! For Jesus says in John 10:27-29, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.”

When God created light, He saw that it was good and so separated the light from the darkness. Similarly, God has set us apart from the darkness of the world as the light of the world and Christ has said that we are sent into the world just as He is (John 17) to declare and demonstrate the love of God.

You bear the light of Christ’s Gospel. Hand it out. Shine! #nelle#

From The Wilderness To The Wondrous!

2007-01-01T03:50:00.000+08:00

Halleluyah! 2007 is here! Fresh visions and new hopes must be founded on the right attitude. Let it begin here:

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Powerful verse! A promise of something great and wondrous! But it requires something of us...

The bible is explicit that God is ABLE to do:
(a) EXCEEDINGLY & ABUNDANTLY
(b) ABOVE ALL that we ask or think

Oh, how we love to claim and confess this verse! That God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or can imagine! A picture of great achievements and high hopes...

H.O.P.E. What is hope? Let's see... Hope is a confident expectation of things yet to come. But there is also another kind of hope called FAT hope which means: wishful thinking! It is an airy-fairy mindset that expects everything without having to do anything!

Confident expectations come with a condition: It is according to the power that works in us. What is this power? And how does it work in us?

As Christians, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. He is our Source and Potential for greater works. Yet we know that not all Christians lead a victorious life. Even with this seed of God's power in us, Christians can be quite powerless. Why so? The bible is clear: the magnitude of exceeding abundance is proportionate to the power that works in us.

Evidently, the reason has got to do with whether the power in us is working or not? If so, how much? If not, how to get it powered up? Romans 12 presents a list behaviours for Christians of which verse 11-12 says, "not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer..."

Prayer is communication with the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 says:

But as it is written:“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

In order to have exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ever ask or imagine, we have to set apart time for communion with the Lord!

Self-evaluation and 360-degree feedback can help us identify our strengths. The results of our work and an overview of the kinds of awards/accolades we have attained are demonstrative of our distinctive (what we're exceptionally good at). But it is only through the fellowship with the Holy Spirit that we can receive a rhema. And a word in season from heaven is what would take us out of the wilderness into the promise land, the wondrous!

Divine revelation is our gateway to a victorious lifestyle. The measure with which we spend time with the Holy Spirit is the measure with which we would be able to discern the will of God and be empowered to realise it!

We can choose to be safe in our plans and be sorry for the thousand and one things we wanted to do but never had the guts or "right time" to do. Or, we can decide to be in the safe hands of our Lord Jesus Christ and be soaring on eagle wings!

Safe and sorry or safe and soaring, it is a personal choice. The difference is who takes centerstage: you or God.

It is the Lord's counsel that stands firm in spite of circumstance. What God purposes would surely come to pass. Until we seek Him and step out as the Spirit leads, the power in us is curbed. That is why Romans 8:14 says:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are (mature) sons of God.

All it takes is a step of faith but you say, "I am afraid... I have no faith. What if I heard wrong?" But what if you heard right? Until you have tried it, nothing can be proven. Even if it were the slightest of impressions, dare to do it for Psalm 121:3 encourages us as follows:

He will not let your foot slip — he who watches over you will not slumber.

The world says: No risk, no gain. The word of God says: No faith, no gain. There is no guarantee that everything we do would turn out right but there is absolute guarantee that should things go wrong, your Lord God would lift you up on His Hands so steady and strong. He does not slumber... So move it!

Begin the year strong in the Lord and undoubtedly, you shall end it stronger in Him for the end is always more glorious than the beginning! Halleluyah! Have a FANTABULOUS year ahead! #nelle#

Charlotte's Web: A Question Of Love

2006-12-31T02:34:00.000+08:00

Recently, this question of “What is Love?” has been bothering me. Any deed without love profits the doer nothing (1 Cor 13) though God can still use the outcome to His purpose. This led me to ponder – “Am I doing anything without love?” To my surprise, the answer is “Yes and in many things.”

So, what is exactly love? I asked.

Being a logical thinker, I tried to find a logical answer for the above question. An answer that will explain everything in few words, an answer that anyone who read it will understand instantly. Just like the definition for terms used in our textbooks.

Alas, I could not find the answer... until I caught Charlotte's Web.

It is amazing that how the movie moved my heart. Everything in the show is so simple yet it is an amazing story of friendship and love.

Charlotte and Wilbur. Both see each other in a way that others do not see. Charlotte's promise. A promise that comprise of trust and love. The journey that Charlotte and Wilbur shared. A journey that friends lay their lives for one another.

A beautiful story. Charlotte and Wilbur may be just fiction characters but I truly believe that this story of friendship can happen in our lives.

"Don't be naive, you can't find such friend in the world today."

"The story is fiction and meant for little children! You can't take that for real!"

Well, at the very least, I have such a love and friendship from God.

Charlotte and Wilbur.
God and me.

Charlotte’s promise to Wilbur.
God’s covenant with me.

Charlotte sees Wilbur in the way people do not see.
God sees me in the way that even I myself do not see.

Charlotte goes all the way, even to the competition despite her expectancy condition, for Wilbur to make sure he wins the prize. God goes all the way for me, even to the cross, to be a way to life.

This story is about friendship, is about love. What God has done on the cross is the demostration of His love.

Now I see what love is - love is not something words can describe; it is more than some emotional spike feeling. It is a motivation behind our action. If I pray without love, the action of praying is nothing. If I give without love, the act of giving is nothing. How does a heart turn cold? When the thing you do, you do it without love.

If Charlotte has not love, she will not have gone to this far to risk her life for a friend and Wilbur most probably will not live to see the snow. She need not keep her promise, if it is without love.

If God has not love, He will not have gone to this far to put His life down and most probably I will not see life as what it meant to be. He need not keep any covenant, if He is not Love.

Aren't all these actions inspired by love?

I thank God that He has revealed to me how cold I have been. Giving, but not loving. Praying but without love. I think it is part of the lesson I have to learn – doing things in love; reminding myself the motivation behind things.

Let every prayer we pray, be prayers with love in our heart; Let every act of giving, be givings out of the love in us; Let the gospel we share, be shared in love for others.

After all, the ability to feel is what differentiates a man from a robot... Let us love.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." #min#

Charlotte's Web: Revealing What The World Cannot See

2006-12-30T11:02:00.000+08:00

Charlotte: Salutations!
Wilbur: Salu-what?
Charlotte: Salutations is my fancy way of saying hello!

I'm not a movie freak and hardly make it to 2-3 movies a year! Honestly, I didn't even know what I was going to watch till I met SM just 30mins before showtime! That's how interested I am with the reel world! But I must say, this is SOME STORY! Oh, I love it! Here's why:

Out of the compassion of one child, Fern, is the lease of life to an innocent Wilbur. She made a pig her pet! Can you beat that?! She dared to be different. She reached out for what she believed. She stood up for the unwanted; cared for it and loved it with all her heart.

Wilbur grasped her love, chasing about the school bus that very first day when he was deposited at Zukerman's farm. When he couldn't catch up, he did not fear. He knew that he knew that he knew that Fern would return for him. He trusted in her love for him and went about making friends, with confidence.

The geese, the sheep, the horse, the cows, the rat, they were all cautious of his friendliness. They had been living together in that barn, each minding their own business. There had been no life in the farm till then. Wilbur came with a different spirit: a free spirit, and introduced the colour of life to these self-respecting creatures. Boy, did he have fun! Playing in the rain; skidding in the mud; unwavering in his getting-to-know efforts.

All these while, Charlotte, up at the corner of the entrance way, was observing it all. She was disdained by the gang but Wilbur made her his friend. He saw in her a beauty that no one else in the farm did. She saw in him a purity and strength of character that others did not. She saw beyond what the naked eye can see, "Terrific is not what you do but who you are." This was the hallmark of the promise of FRIENDship.

Who is a friend? From the relationship between Wilbur and Charlotte, a friend is one who:

1. sees the real you before others do
2. unveils the you that others cannot see
3. hears and shares your cares and concerns
4. stands by you to cheer you on and problem-solve
5. sticks by you to the end

"Trust me, Wilbur. People are very gullible. They'll believe anything they see in print."

And this was exactly what Charlotte did. She weaved his character using what she has, her web, so that the world might know who he is. Right to the very end, she was with him at the County Fair, doing what she knew would be her last deed for her friend. Even Templeton, the self-seeking rat, could not help himself by then but to chip in his bit to save Wilbur's life. He combed the Fair for words, adjectives that Charlotte could choose from that best described Wilbur's personal quality. The snippet of paper writes: humble Glory... Remarkable...

"It's got to be REMARKABLE!" I thought. Here's the twist. Charlotte chose to spin HUMBLE. This was the truth. This was what she saw most of her friend. Wilbur's response, "Is that really me?" This speaks volumes for Charlotte's perceptive choice of word. Again, the people were drawn to this miracle. The miracle of an unseen spelling-spider whose work pointed to a pig that could not speak for itself. The outcome: Wilbur was crowned winner and there was glory to the Zukerman farm.

In the meanwhile, Charlotte, who was expecting, laid her eggs and was weak to the point of death. Wilbur was grieved but stood up to his promise of friendship. He could not save Charlotte from death but he did all he could to protect her sac. He wanted her spiderlings to know of her goodness and greatness.

The mark of true friendship couldn't be denied and it went beyond the bonds of two. The entire farm was moved to chip in to see that Charlotte's 514 eggs were safe till they hatched. And the day came, every one of them floating upward into the air, "weeeeeeeee...............eeeeeeee........." Even the horse who could not bear to face Charlotte for her "creepy" look embraced the little ones, against his fear for spiders. He too began to appreciate their beauty because of the beauty he saw in Charlotte!

Only 3 of 514 stayed remained in the farm: Joy, Aranea and Nellie.
1. Joy = Joy (self-explanatory!)
2. Aranea = Spider web (latin)
3. Nellie = Friendly charmer

This is testimony of the work and personality of one that led to a heritage and future for many thereafter. This is the power of one. What was unwelcomed for the longest of times became much loved for all times. Not only did Charlotte save a friend, by her who she is and what she did, she made an impact for her kind. She was the icon of unselfish and everlasting love. Her faithfulness towards Wilbur was the epitome of a true friendship: a covenant relationship.

It all began because she chose to believe in Wilbur. She saw beyond his appearance into his heart and nature. She revealed what the world could not naturally see. How does this speak to you of your relationship with God? Your relationship with man, in particular, the not-so-easy-to-love ones? #nelle#

__________________

Check out these links for more about Charlotte's Web:
1. The Official Trailer and more Trailers: (1) and (2)
2. Some Commentaries: (1) and (2)
3. Quotes Quiz: Who Said What?

The Resurrected Life: Made Alive In Christ

2006-12-02T19:05:00.000+08:00

(Ephesians 2:1-10, NIV)

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

He first loved us that by grace through faith, we are saved. The act of receiving Christ into our hearts is the beginning of new dimension of life. From the realms of our body and mind that deals with sensory feelings, emotions and intellect, the realm of the spirit is open to us from within. What was dead (the spirit man in us) comes alive! By the Holy Spirit, we learn to submit and rise above the lusts of the world, the "cravings of our sinful nature." Though we are not made perfect in that moment, a process of perfecting rolls into action.

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

We are saved by faith to serve in faith. Saving faith is the gift of salvation demarking our change in position from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light; from sons of the world to sons of God. This gift we have in the very instant that we choose to accept Christ into our hearts. Serving faith is the process of persevering in holiness; the working of our salvation. With the position comes responsibilities and a different code of conduct. It is seeking, understanding and following God's Word and appointed ways. In both, we are sustained by the abundant grace of God for He has chosen us and not us who chose Him. Therefore, no one can boast.

10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

We are not saved by works but FOR works. You are a person of significance. God has shaped and worked in you to be the person that can fulfill His plan for you. He had prepared for you the There is something that fits your life-in-the-spirit hand in glove; something that you are called to do uniquely. God has thought of you, created, formed and shaped you to be a man/woman with a destiny of greatness!

The greatest quest of our lives is thus to find this calling and to respond to it! The purpose of life is to discover the things that which God has prepared for you to live in and out. Until we what is uniquely us, we live life amiss. A voice inside us tells us, "Everything's good but still... something's missing..."

Building God's House

2006-10-13T15:50:00.000+08:00

Having role models in life is helpful in giving us a clear vision and direction of progressing ourselves forward and upward. It is the same in the things of God. The bible is full of testimonies of great men and women of God whom we can look to and take after. King David is one such. In fact, he is an exceptional one amongst them.

The bible says that King David is a man after God's own heart. 1 Chronicles 28 depicts his earnest desire to build a dwelling place for the ark of God. So he set apart much gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and all kinds of precious stones from his personal treasury to do so. But God expressed that it was to be his son, Solomon, who is to build this house, not him. At that time, Solomon was very young and thus to King David, inexperienced. Therefore, he gathered the tribes of Israel and shared to them his vision and God's will, presenting to them the opportunity to build this house of God together.

1 Chronicles 29:9 says that with a loyal heart, they willing offered to the LORD and so the day came when King David gathered with the people of Israel to present to God their willing offering. His prayer that very day exhibits his heart for God and His house. There are 3 things that we can learn from him:

1. Acknowledgement - God is the Source of everything we have.
1 Chronicles 29:16 O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own.

Everything begins with God. All that we have, all that is our possession is really God's. Out of the abundance He has given, we can give.

2. Attitude - Our willingness to give to God is demonstrative of the uprightness of our hearts.
1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You.

2 Cor 8:12 tells us that there must first be a willing mind before we give from what we have. The heart of giving expresses the extent of love and generosity. Giving resentfully nullifies the very intent and purpose of giving.

3. Affection - It is our unwavering faithfulness and focus on an individual and cause that would see us to the end.
1 Chronicles 29:18 O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the intent of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and fix their heart toward You. 19 And give my son Solomon a loyal heart to keep Your commandments and Your testimonies and Your statutes, to do all these things, and to build the temple for which I have made provision.

It is interesting that king David prayed for a heart fixed on God after the offerings were gathered. Should it not be prayed prior? Matt 6:21 is the answer: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Without an eternal heart of loyalty towards God, we can never see the things of the kingdom to completion; we would never be able to finish the race.

Building God a house is no small feat. King David rightfully puts it as such, "the work is great, because the temple is not for man but for the LORD God." (1 Chro 29:1) Get this straight once and for all. The house of God is for the people of God to gather (no doubt... but!) to exalt Him! It is all about Him! There is no place for shabby offerings or irreverent attitudes towards the things of God. Greatness can only be achieved through single-minded belief, zeal and actions. The kind of seed we plant determine the kind of fruit we get.

King David not only lived out God's purpose for him in his generation, he made an impact in the following generation wtih the extravagant giving out of his personal treasury. His affection was on the house of God and so he made significant provisions for it even though God specified that it was his son Solomon who would have the priviledge to build Him the house. But he did not relent in his pursuit for God and the things of God. He challenged the people of Israel to give likewise. 1 Chro 29:3, "Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the LORD?" Through this, we obtain precious insight to king David's inner thoughts: every giving is an act of consecration to the LORD God. It is demonstrating to God that what you have and own are set apart for Him, that you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matt 6:33)!

My friend, are you willing to consecrate yourself this day to the LORD? #nelle#

Revival Begins With Me!

2006-10-12T19:17:00.000+08:00

What happens when revival comes?

"Revival is not when the churches exchange members, but when the Holy Spirit changes lives."

"You hear of people talking about these communications, and about their dealings with God and with the Lord Jesus Christ, the realisations of his presence, the manifestations of his love; of being almost overwhelmed by a sense of the nearness of the Lord Jesus Christ, of being filled with a sense of God’s glory and of his love."

"Revival is a going of God among His people, and an awareness of God laying hold of the community...moving men and women who until then had no concern for spiritual things, to seek after God."

The end result of revival is, "a community saturated with God."

The singular theme that runs through these quotes about revival is that the lives of individuals are changed and there is great intimacy with God. Revival begins with you and i! It begins in the house of God!

Revival comes from the church to the world; from the inside to the outside; from our hearts to our hands; from our inner response towards God to our outward conduct for God; from one to many...

To me, there’s no verse other than James 4:8 that gives clearer instruction on how to attain revival.

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

How have we sinned? In what ways have we been double-minded?

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Sin is rebelling God's will; disobeying what God has spoken into our hearts; turning away from what the Holy Spirit is teaching and how He is guiding us.

Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

The perpetual question for all believers is: Is God first or not? Is God the only or not? If He is not, then we have not been single-minded in our pursuit of God. Then we have been double-minded, desiring a relationship with God yet unable to resist the lures of of the world.

How then might we cleanse our hands and purify our hearts? By ourselves, we cannot do these. What is the remedy? James says: “DRAW NEAR TO GOD and He will draw near to you.” This is the key to revival.

There are 3 W’s for drawing near to God:

1. Worship
Please, this is NOT a sing-along! Never! Christian music isn't about nice melodies and cool beats. They are the product of those who have met God in their private worship closet. There is an outflow of fresh revelations of who God is e.g. His presence: holiness and majesty; His power: His greatness has no boundaries.

2. Word
Excuse me! The bible is not a reading of history, literature or prophecies. The Holy Spirit is in us to illuminate the Word. Where there is new understanding of a verse, a passage, our entire being is nourished! This has an impact on our prayer life too! Unless we know God's word, unless we know God's will, we can pray amiss and nothing is changed in our lives. But we are called to victorious living! We can be conquerors of circumstances by receiving a word of knowledge or wisdom from the Lord!

3. Works
This is NOT about busy-ness, my friends. *Ouch!* Doing this and that, even if it were church-work, does not glorify nor please God unless they are the very things you know He wants you to do. By the general word of God (gk. logos) or by His spoken word (gk. rhema), we can distinguish the good works from the dead ones. One thing is for sure. Revival will bring renewed commitment to the Great Commission. People would seek to live out the Word e.g. involvement in ministries, evangelism and missions.

When we see God face to face in worship and in His word, there would surely be faith. And Acts 15:9 says that it is by faith that our hearts are purified. Our hands would also be cleansed as we eliminate dead works and press in the good works defined by God. Such undivided focus on God leaves no room for double-mindedness.

But you say, "I am very dry. Where do I start? How do I begin?"

Do you remember what it was like when you first came to the Lord? Did you know how to worship? Did you know how to find Him in His word? Did you know what were the good works? The truth is we don't but we do it anyhow. Just get moving! Lift your hands and turn your heart and mind to Him. Read His word and ask for the Holy Spirit for understanding. Serve with a willing heart filled with expectancy and joy. Just do it! Because when you draw near to God, then only, He would draw near to you.

Until we are individually revived, we cannot see corporate or national revival. Revival begins with you and I, my friend. It is going back to basics. It is returning to our first love and works. There is where God is.

Position Yourself For Divine Healing

2006-10-10T03:31:00.000+08:00

Have you said the sinner's prayer and believe with all your heart and mind that you are saved? Yes? Then you probably have had the priviledge and joy to proclaim to a new convert, "You are saved!" Yet, could you say with the same assurance to the sick after a prayer for healing, "You are healed in Jesus name!" Your answer is probably a "No." Why so? Perhaps the physical condition is too evident to ignore. Perhaps the tangible feeling of pain is so unbearable people are consumed by it. Whichever the case, it is a distraction from focussing on the healing power of the Lord! Never doubt that God can and wants to heal.

John 5:3-15 is set in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate where the pool of Bethesda is, there is multitudes of sick - blind, lame, paralised - waiting by the pool for the stirring of the water. At a certain time, the angel would come to stir the water and whoever is the first to get in would be healed of whatever disease he had.

Question: Why must the angel stir the water? The angel could have just waved his wand and bring healing to any single person at any one time. Why stir the water?

This passage teaches us 4 essentials to positioning ourselves for healing: H.E.A.L. That is:

1. A H eart that is stirred - as the water is being stirred, the blind listened, the lame and paralysed watched, all waiting for the moment that the angel would cease stirring.

2. An E xpectation of faith - as they listened/watched intently for the last stir, their hearts are filled with faith of being the first to make the way into the pool.

3. A concrete A ction to appropriate healing - against the oddes, as they head for the pool, they assume an proactive position to seize their healing.

However, only 1 person could be healed at any one such time. Praise God for Jesus Christ for when Christ came, the tradition of man (1 stirring, 1 healing) was broken! That day, while someone was healed in the pool of Bethesda, Jesus raised the paralytic with the infirmity of 38 years to his feet! This was a man who had yearned for healing and strived to obtain it time and again. And Jesus saw his heart that had been stirring, his great expectations of faith for healing and his conscientious attempts towards healing (John 5:6)!

And mind you, this is a man who did not know who Jesus was! It occurred on Sabbath day and the religious Jews were offended by the sight of the healed paralytic walking about with his mat in hand.

John 5:12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was...

He was not a believer of Christ! God has sent His word to heal us (Ps 107:20) and Jesus is the Word in flesh (John 1:14). God wants to heal EVERYONE and for some, the salvation of the soul follows after an encounter with Christ the Healer. This paralytic man is a classic example:

John 5:14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” 15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

Jesus revealed Himself to him subsequent to his healing and taught him to keep his healing by:

4. A L ife of righteousness - the wages of sin is death and so to maintain health and well-being, there must be a lifestyle of righteousness. Sin will separate us from God and thus, His blessings upon us.

1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Jesus has come to tear down the works of the devil. A life turned to God is a life that will be restored for God and God only, is the giver of life and life abundantly. #nelle#

I Will Boast In Him Alone

2006-09-20T17:35:00.000+08:00

Jer 9:23 Thus says the LORD: “ Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD.

The bible tells us that there are wise men, men of mighty strength and men of riches. However, we are not to take pride in our wisdom, strength and wealth. Instead, we are to take pride in knowing and understanding God - the very Source of your abilities, gifts and talents.

Knowing our Source also means a revelation of the very purpose and use of what you have and possess.

God speaks of Himself in verse 24 as One who exercises lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness. These speak of His grace, mercy and giving respectively.

By His grace, we have what we have and can do what we can do.
By His mercy, we are sustained through ups and downs of life even when we failed to obey and sinned in being a good steward of our talents and abilities.
By His giving, we are able to have a right standing before Him (righteousness of God: Rom 5:17) as the blood of Christ has cleansed away all our sins and forgiveness is ours to keep.

Great is our God! Great is His grace, mercy and giving. Only in Him, we can boast. Only in Him, we can come to the knowledge and revelation of where, when and how to make the most and best use of what we are endowed with and own. All the goodness that we have and experience each day arise from Him.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

What are the good and perfect gifts? Good gifts are those that give us pleasure, that makes us smile with joy. It could be our fitness of health, our growing career, our strong family relationships and friendships etc. Perfect gifts are those that make us whole. They are exactly what we need when we need them. These make us leap with heart of thankfulness and exceeding joy as it is in itself a miracle to you in that time!

This verse further describes God as One with whom there is:

no variation i.e. no changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His grace and mercy is always upon us when we turn to Him with a sincere and contrite heart.
no shadow of turning i.e. when He decides to give, He is not double-minded! He gives freely and abundantly with no thought of retreating that which He has purposed to give.

We need to learn to recognize and acknowledge the good and perfect gifts that God has given us. Then only can we give thanks where thanks is due. Then only we can check our attitudes and ways in regard to our giving and responses to the Lord:

Has it been good? (Heb11:6)
Has it been perfect? (1Sam15:22)
Has it been firm and strong? (1Tim6:18)
Has it been in word and deed? (Jas1:12,22)

I will boast in the Lord, my God! #nelle#

Secret Place

2006-09-17T22:55:00.000+08:00

LORD OF MY LIFE I LOVE YOU
LORD OF MY DAYS I TRUST IN YOU
LIVING BENEATH THE SHELTER OF YOUR WINGS MY HEART'S SAFE

WHEN I AM LOST YOU FIND ME
WHEN I'M IN NEED YOU SHELTER ME
LORD OF MY LIFE YOU ARE MY SECRET PLACE

CLOTHE ME IN YOUR PRESENCE LORD DRAW ME NEAR TO YOU
ALL MY HEART I LONG TO GIVE TO YOU
LIVING TO BE NEAR YOU LORD I LONG TO SEE YOUR FACE LORD FOREVER YOU'RE MY SECRET PLACE

YOU'RE MY PEACE YOU'RE MY REST YOU'RE MY SECRET PLACE
______________

How is God my secret place? How can God be the secret place? He is no place... He is HIM, isnt He? A being...

Everytime we talk about going into our secret place to seek God, we think of a place away from distraction; a place away from family and friends, often somewhere quiet, even deserted!

Then how could this songwriter have known God as his SECRET PLACE i.e. the secret place = God?

The secret place is more than (literally) a place. The presence of God in and over us that forms a covering; an environment is like a "place". Because it is invisible to the physical eye, it is secret! WoW!

This is reinforced in the 1st line of verse 2 which says: CLOTHE ME IN YOUR PRESENCE LORD.

Halleluyah! GOD = MY SECRET PLACE = THE HOVERING PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN AND AROUND ME that no one can see but only I know... sSshhHh.... #nelle#

Getting Our A.C.T. Right

2006-09-11T13:33:00.000+08:00

Having a balanced life is something that everybody strives for. There are numerous books and resources in the marketplace that teach us on how to get a life! Yet how many can confess that they have attained it? Is it an idealism? Is it an altruism?!

I believe that the answer is in Luke 18:27.

"The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

That is, we got to do it God's way! God is an omnipotent God. He could have done everything He wants to do instantly. Yet we know, God doesnt work in that way. He takes His time, doesnt He?! C'mon! He made it clear from the onset. He created the heavens and the earth over 6 days when He could very well have done it is 6 nano-seconds! But what about us?

Every so often, we all struggle to keep up with our (ever-increasing) activities, commitments and obligations. Then comes a day when we draw to our near-breaking point when everything cries out for your attention all at once. And you feel that it is all beyond your capacity now. You want to drop everything. Or at the every least, something's gotta give. Yes, you think, "Something's gotta give... something's gotta give... something's gotta give..."

You are determined to take stock of your life. You want to make plans for adjustments. You go into solitude and start laying out all the pieces of life that is making a demand on you. As you list out all the things that you have been engaged in, highlighting those you have profound responsibility for and cannot let go of, you try to organise them in categories and look out for the major themes of your life at this juncture. You shift them around in an attempt to fit them all in and once again, you conclude, "Something's gotta give..." But what? Life seems to be crushing down on you. We are not made to juggle through life!

Try juggling balls for an extended period of time in the air. However much of an expert you are, would you not come to a point of blurred vision? Then you stop smiling as you juggle. That is when you cease to make a positive impact on people and in things around you. You feel weary. You begin to withdraw from the crowd. You cannot recall when/why/how you got started with this juggling. You lose vision of the necessity to keep it going. You cry out, "What is the point?!!!!!"

None.

An is an act. There is a beginning. There is an end. Balls cannot be kept perpetually airbound. They must land at some point. And you decide again then and there what to leave down, and what to pick up for the next act.

There are many chapters to one life. A main theme or two would run through all the chapters but the rest would very much come and go with the seasons of life. What are the balls that are due for landing? Give the following a go and see if it might help you get your new A.C.T. together this time:

Acknowledge your limitations [Mark 13:48b The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.] There is a capacity for what your physical body and mind can take in a given time. Doing a notch above what we think/know we can handle is good. That is a stretch. Stretching oneself is necessary to grow one's capacity but also, stretch with wisdom - in progression. God is not a God of extremities.

Clarify your priorities [Habakkuk 2:2 Then the LORD answered me and said: “ Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.] Most things are permissable but not all of them are good. Discern the works that for the prevailing season. Do not deny your innate inclinations. Be honest about the desires of your heart and look to the Holy Spirit for guidance to discern that which are the good works. Eliminate the dead works. Do not labour in vain.

Turn to God for His trusted counsel [Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever,The plans of His heart to all generations.] God's words never return to Him void. Walk under the protection of God. This means being at the right place at the right time with the right people armed with the right resources for the right work. Where is His land of living for you at this juncture of life? In that promise land is where His grace is, always sufficient... more than you ask for or need. Everything is birthed in and through prayers.

... "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." [Philippians 4:7]

God was never spread too thin. God was purposeful in creating the universe. He took time to create and everything was good. No man is greater than his master. Is it not evident that we are to work with purpose and labour over our designs through a course of time? It's never too late to get your A.C.T. together. God bless you. #nelle#

Bad Day?

2006-08-19T17:12:00.000+08:00

I had a really bad day at work. The moment I step into the office, case and case of weird problems started coming in from all directions. Even the water pipe suddenly decided to “retire” (burst) causing the entire work area to be flooded with water.

Outcome? Non-stop problem solving for the next 12 hours. By the time I can finally knock off, I wasn’t in my best mood. Anger and frustration remain in me.
“Why can’t these people do their part and stop giving me problems?”
“Why can’t I knock off on time? Instead I had to stay late for work. Today is Friday!”
“Why must I help to correct the problems that are created by others?”

On the way home, I decided to buy myself some satays as a form of encouragement. Walking towards the satay stall, there was this lady staring at me from a distance. I noticed her swollen legs and her “China” hairstyle. Didn’t pay much attention, I walked past her.

“Miss, can you buy me bread?”

Almost immediately, this thought came to me “Another cheat!” Ignoring her, I continue walking towards the satay stall.

Taking another few steps, I decided to stop. Turning towards her, I said flatly
“I will not give you any cash”
“But I can buy you bread.”

Her face suddenly brightens. She pointed and ran to the nearby bread shop. Excitedly picked a loaf of bread and she looked at me with a wide smile on her face.

Suddenly I’m loss of words. She really meant bread, not cash money from me.

I went to the cashier and paid for 2 loaves of bread.

“You can take one more loaf of bread.”

“Really?! Thank you! Thank you!”

Actually, I should thank you, dear lady. You have softened my heart and open my eyes to see how blessed am I. You have reminded me that I have forgotten to give thanks to God for all the blessings He has pour into my life.

Seeing her off, anger and frustration left me. The satays were no longer needed. #min#

Deuteronomy 8:3 (New International Version)
3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

L.i.f.E.?

2006-07-14T17:36:00.000+08:00

I was searching for the meaning of life and when I came to Christ, that nagging question within me was quietened. But the difference was, I had the peace of not knowing what the ultimately purpose of my life was. It was a matter of a split second. How could that be?

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Jesus is the life. On hindsight, when I accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour, I had met life and so the question was answered with His person!

John 10:9-11 Jesus said "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

Jesus came to die for those who are dead in their sins. No amount of good deeds can assure us a place in heaven. No magnitude of good intent of the heart can keep us from death and hell. All that we do profit us nothing because it is only through the works of the cross by Jesus, that we may be redeemed. It is the great exchange: sickness for health; poverty for prosperity; death for life beginning from the point of salvation through to eternity. #nelle#

A Chasing Of The Wind?

2006-07-08T14:15:00.000+08:00

Quotable quote by Proust: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes."

So you feel like you've been going in circles in your relationship with certain individual(s), specific situations, or perhaps life on the whole! And you think changing landscapes - a new workplace, a new country of work, a new role etc. - would turn things around. I was there once.

Just around the age of 25, I thought, "Singapore is boring. I got to be out there somewhere experiencing life and living it to the fullest!" For clarity sake, I wasnt in a ditch then. In fact, I liked my job at that time; was surrounded by great people and everything was going real smooth yet, something felt missing...

I wondered, "Is this all there is to life? Is this what the rest of my life would be like? Sure, I can go on like that but it seems so... pointless! What's this all for and about?" I shared these thoughts with a few close friends but no one understood what I was feeling nor could they comprehend why I was thinking such. The older folks however would comment, "Why are you thinking this thought at such a young age? Now that Im coming to my 50s am I beginning to question this." No one had a constructive response to my query.

Since no one could advise me any better, I depended on my own "wisdom". I got all geared up, applying for employment overseas; counting my costs and ended up joining a world-reknown firm that has extremely strong cross-geographic mobility programs. Literally, the world is my opportunity! My prospects were good but the role didnt turn out the way I thought it to be.

14 months down the road, a fresh opportunity arose and in the new place of work, something unexpected happened - I came to know the Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. The conversion to Christianity brought me to an inward realisation that I had been chasing after the wind. Overnight, Singapore became the best place to be in this season of my life. How is it possible?

The truth about a life worth living; a life of excitement and discovery is NOT in a new landscape. Yes, I know the truth can hurt, folks but the truth liberates! Let me reiterate the quote by Proust: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes."

To have new eyes means to have a new (or rather, change of) heart. So the secret to a life worth living is in the renewing of our mind; a fresh pair of eyes; a heart re-ignited by our original passion. It is believing, seeing and achieveing an infallible vision! My eyes are fixed on Jesus. He is my life-adventurer leader and the firm establisher of my visions, dreams and hopes!

How can I be so sure? Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) spells it very clearly for me (and for you, really!) and God's words never return to Him void:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

You too can be a receiver of this promise by coming to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. #nelle#

Who Do I Listen To? What Should I Do?!

2006-07-07T13:07:00.000+08:00

A story went as such...

An old man, a little boy, and a donkey were heading towards a faraway city. As they started off on their journey, after awhile, both the old man and the little boy got tired. So they both rode on the donkey at the same time.

As they passed the first village, people were looking at them with consternation, whispering to each other, "Look at how cruel that man and boy is, both riding the poor donkey, how tired that donkey must be". The old man felt ashamed, so he got down from the donkey and let the little boy ride on the donkey.

As they passed the second village, people were looking at them angrily, whispering to each other, "Look how disrespectful that boy is, riding on the donkey while the poor old man walked all this way on his own tired feet". Not wanting people to think ill of the little boy, the old man trade places, so that he rode on the donkey while the little boy walked on foot.

As they passed the third village, people were looking at them and frowned, whispering to each other, "Look how irresponsible that old man is, riding on the donkey while the poor little boy walked all this way on his tired little feet". Having gotten enough of the villagers' criticisms, both the old man and the little boy walked on their own, with their donkey following behind them.

Their walk was long, their shoes became torn and worn, their clothes dusty and dirty. Both looked very tired and are about to pass out at any moment. When they finally reached the city, people were looking and laughing at them and smirking, whispering to each other, "Look at the two foolish beggars, they have a donkey and yet do not ride it..instead of riding the donkey to save themselves some energy, they are suffering because of their foolishness."

Someone's bound to have something to say about everything, anything you do. The way to handle feedback is not to simply follow it. It is to assess the feedback and view it as a new piece of information that was outside of your initial considerations. What validity and relevance does it have for what you are looking to achieve?

Do not be swayed by words of just anybody but be moved by words of wisdom. The source of information and it's practicality to you and your situation is what counts to the reliability of words that are worthy of your further thoughts.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Ecclesiastes 9:13 Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.

#nelle#

Ten Commandments

2006-06-24T22:59:00.000+08:00

Whenever I read Exodus 20, the "You shall not" in the Ten Commandments are always sound so serious and stern to me. Because of the “You shall” and “You shall not”, I tend to imagine God as a stern and serious old man with white hairs when He gave Moses and the Israelites the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. So in my creative imagination, God in Exodus 20 become one that “You step my toe, I punch your nose”.

I believe I’m not the only one that has this feeling towards the Ten Commandments. Perhaps God was amused by my creative imagination and so recently, I met someone who shared with me a very interesting perspective of Ten Commandments: the Ten Commandments are Ten Promises!

We all know deep in our hearts that we are not able to keep the Ten Commandments. In our lifetime, there will be times that we would fail to uphold the commandments set by the Almighty God for all men sinned. However, what we cannot achieve in our strength is what we can do when we are complete in Christ. Consider this – on the day when we are called back to our heavenly home, the Ten Commandants become:

We will not have other gods – one and only God;
We will not make for ourselves idol – our eyes are always on Him;
We will not misuse the name of the LORD – we bow at His holy name;
We will keep Sabbath day - every day is holy day;
We will definitely honor our Father and one another – worshipping Him forever;
We will not murder – there is no hatred, only LOVE;
We will not commit adultery – we are His holy one;
We will not steal – why steal when we have everything?;
We will not give false testimony – only light, no darkness;
We will not covet our neighbor's house – LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.

So, isn’t the Ten Commandants = Ten Promises from God? Amen, Hallelujah!

Oh, by the way, God is not a stern and serious old man with white hairs (told you that's my imagination). God is a lovely, beautiful and gracious God. He is always ready to bless, teach and forgive us. At the same time, He is the King of kings, Lord of lords (the all-powerful one). See the difference between my imagination and truth? So next time, don't overly-endorse your imagination! God bless you! #min#

2 Peter 1

2006-06-19T12:37:00.000+08:00

Greeting the Faithful

1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Fruitful Growth in the Faith

5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Peter’s Approaching Death

12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.

The Trustworthy Prophetic Word

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Is It Worth All The Labour?

2006-06-14T20:33:00.000+08:00

Man was created with glory. Glory speaks of a light; a shine that is of exceptional brightness; of premium quality. Christ was fully man but far from common. As we walk with Him, our character is molded. We become more and more like Christ. That is, we come to bear the attributes of God.

And our nature determines our works. Paul heeds us in Romans 16:19 to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Yet so very often, we hear people say, "It's ok that you did not do it. God sees your heart. He understands..." In this age of grace, there is a danger for this to imply an elimination of the need for us to do good works. Is this biblical? Does grace eliminate the need for works?

1 Corinthians 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
1 Corinthias 3:14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

While God knows us by our heart, it does not eliminate the requirement for good works. They are those that will survive the fire of God. Only God’s purposes and works endure forever. That is to say, unless we labour in the things of God, investing and sowing where God’s heart is, we labour in vain. This is further reinforced in 1 Corinthians 15:58 which encourages us to "... stand firm. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain."

Clearly, our reward in heaven is certain but it is also conditional upon our efforts in building God’s house. Let us not to be deceived to think that faith only can save, for James 2:20 says "faith without works is dead." #nelle#

What Kinda Axe Do You Have On Hand?

2006-06-05T12:40:00.000+08:00

EMERGE 2006 is an annual conference for the youths at City Harvest Church. It is a time of recreation, rededication and renewal. And this year is no exception! It was a resounding success with thousands of our very own CHC youths and delegates from around Asia and the America, and the invited guest performers were a remarkable hit with the youths! And the messages at the close of each day was power-packed.

The opening message was drawn from 2 Kings 6:1-7 which states:

1 The company of the prophets said to Elisha, "Look, the place where we meet with you is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan, where each of us can get a pole; and let us build a place there for us to live." And he said, "Go." 3 Then one of them said, "Won't you please come with your servants?" "I will," Elisha replied. 4 And he went with them. They went to the Jordan and began to cut down trees. 5 As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron axhead fell into the water. "Oh, my lord," he cried out, "it was borrowed!" 6 The man of God asked, "Where did it fall?" When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron float. 7 "Lift it out," he said. Then the man reached out his hand and took it.

In short, this speaks of how very often, we think that what we have is too small, too little (v1) and eager for more. This is good but we must recognise that our destinies cannot be built on great ideas and hype alone (v2) because if it were so, then the outcome would be an anticlimax (v4). Thank God You are His child! And being amidst a company of the over-zealous (v3), filled with the Holy Spirit, you can be the one solution-provider; the lighthouse to shine the path and focus of people back to God Almighty again (v6-7).

The lessons from this borrowed axe (v5) are:
1. We cannot live on borrow methods and experiences - no borrowed axehead please!
2. To engage the people and the world in what you do, you need to have a cutting edge - dull blades cant do, pal!
3. Everything we have and do must be build on our spiritual life - no axe head = Holy Spirit, no Word, no power of God!
4. Your lifestyle sets the direction of the path that you walk - a loose axe head signifies a loose lifestyle or morality that leads to destruction. Keep away!
5. Live in faith, not fear - a cracked handle gives you the jitters when you swing the axe - without faith, you cannot please God.
6. It takes effort and strength to make an impact with your swing - do not be limited by a shortened handle (comfort zone!) and do only that which is convenient only. Step out; step up!
7. The Spirit of God can empower you to achieve heights beyond your talent, capability and good ideas - when you are weak, He is strong; depend on God.

What parts of your axe needs a change? [nelle]

Superiority In Christ

2006-06-01T11:05:00.000+08:00

Acts 11:7 But the voice answered me again from heaven, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."

The word common is descriptive of that which is:
1. Not distinguished by superior or noteworthy characteristics; average e.g. the common man, the common cold.
2. Of no special quality; standard: common procedure.
3. Of mediocre or inferior quality; lacking refinement; second-rate.

Many would be able to associate themselves with this description. You think, "I'm just average. Sure, there're a couple of things that I do pretty well but on the whole, I'm just ok. Nothing special..."

Brother/Sister, you need a renewal in your mind! Let me be clear about this. I am not suggesting that we are to think ourselves to be great and be puffed up in our head, thereby putting others down and living our lives with our noses up in the air (watch your step lest you fall, dear!). I am not referring to being boastful. That is repulsive. What I am saying is you are no longer just you.

In case you did not realise or have yet to grasp the reality, the truth is that the day you came to the Lord, you are more than you. Yes, there's more than you in you. Hence, life is no longer "me, myself, and I." It is no longer all about you.

Did you read that? It is written, "What God has cleansed you must not call common."

What does that mean for you and I? Let us look at some passages:

1. You are a new creation in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2. You are to be imitators of God, walking in love so you might inherit all that's in the Kingdom of Christ and God.
Ephesians 5:1-7 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.

3. You are a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master.
2 Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

4. You are God's sanctuary.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Can you identify with these? They speak of your new identity in Christ.

The day you were led into salvation, and gave your heart to Jesus, the gift of the Holy Spirit was deposited in you. That is why there begins to be a glaring confrontation of the common things that you have been doing all your life just like the boy/girl next door. What used to be alright becomes a problem "overnight" because they go against the purity and holiness that is the nature of God.

1 John 1:17 says But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

When areas of uour lives surface as no longer acceptable, the decision is yours to forsake the common things of the past so you might be the permanent dwelling place of the Spirit of God. You have been called to be His and you are chosen for the good work. Would you be faithful to see it to completion?

Your God is a God of omniscience and omnipotence. If He knows everything and can do everything, He is the epitome of excellence. You are called His child. As He is, so you are. By you alone, you are weak. Yet in Him, you can say, "I am strong."

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Live a live of victory; of superiority in Christ. No longer are you called common. #nelle#

Building A Spirit Of Community

2006-05-31T14:03:00.000+08:00

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

Everyone has a different need, a different focus, a different set of inner thoughts that are either positively or negatively geared towards life and work in general.

What binds people together is the spirit of love and oneness. That means having a commonly understood vision and core values system; watching out for one another to ensure alignment; assessing things at a collective, not individualistic, level.

When people get together with zest and energy towards a common goal, it is evident to all. Similarly, a mindset of divisiveness would reveal itself unconsciously because as a man thinketh, so he is. Your words, your conduct would surely tell you away. And those who seek to divide would consequently find themselves walking down loneliness lane.

Let me reiterate: your actions are the outward proof of your thoughts.

What does your current behaviour at work, at home and with friends reveal of your inner being? Guard your heart and mind. Keep it simple, keep it pure. Unless you do so and and think beyond yourself, and learn to be sensitive and genuinely caring of others, you would not have a safe environment to live and breathe in.

So warn the unruly (including yourself), comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak and be patient with all...

This isnt idealism. It's all up to you. #nelle#

The Da Vinci Code & Me

2006-05-29T12:59:00.000+08:00

There's been great commotion around the Da Vinci Code in recent weeks. And the commotion aroused is primarily within the community of Christ. Christians, and less so the pagans, are being shaken. Why? The reason is simple. This book seeks to confuse and we cannot be confused unless we already have prior knowledge or information about something and now, new pieces of information (inaccurate ones in this instance!) come along to contradict what we already know.

The fact is that Dan Brown is a very skilled author and so the whole FICTION is very enticing. The confusion comes because he mixes truth with falsehood. From the perspective of a believer in Christ, there are basically 2 aspects to address the issue:

1. Know the Source of the bible
Over the centuries of human history, there are countless attempts in popular culture as well as political scene to fight the truth of the Gospel. This is the anti-christ spirit that the bible speaks about. Persecution of the church has been spoken about and it is not surprising at all. The question for each of us becomes, "do you really believe that the Holy Bible is God-inspired?"

This you can answer by:

(1) your personal encounters with God. This is something that is experienced and what is experienced is the truth and cannot be taken away. You know it and people involved in that encounter with you would know it. It is an undeniable occurrence regardless of what people say thereafter and you know it best.

(2) through scientific evidences. Even by the standard of measurement of the world, that is through archaelogical examinations (as all other historical texts and information has gone through in the academic world), the Bible has withstood the tests and in fact is found to be of far higher accuracy and consistency than any historical material ever existed in mankind. And this is by conclusion of non-believers. Why? Because the truth is the truth whether one believes in it or not.

2. Understand the main points of contention in the Da Vinci Code
There are talks by various churches and Christian organisations that are organised to address the claims of this book.

A good resource to guide us to refuting the half-truths (or rather falsehoods!) is the audio sermon called "Jesus and the Da Vinci Code" by Pastor Mark Conner of City Life Church, Melbourne which can be purchased online at http://www.attributes.com.sg/.

Also, Pastor Kong Hee of City Harvest Church, Singapore did address the mindset by which we are to approach this. You can watch this sermon entitled "Daniel among the Babylonians" at http://www.chc.org.sg/english/video_sermons/index.cfm or go to http://www.davincicode.org.sg/index.php to read/hear about the views of other Spirit-filled pastors in Singapore.

Further, a handy reference to deciphering facts from fiction may be downloaded by clicking here. For more info, you can also explore http://www.rbc.org/been_thinking_about/06/01/05.aspx

There is a need for us to be discerning in what we allow ourselves to be exposed to. When we come across something that shakes our faith, abandon the material, seek God and pray for a renewal of your mind and a greater measure of faith. It is not about being ignorant or closed up but we have to be careful not to do things that would stumble ourselves or others.

However, with maturity in Christ, and having been illuminated in our minds with the right context and information (from trusted Christian leaders and other Christians sources) and you know in the heart of hearts that you are fully aligned to God, then we are free to hold the ground as Daniel did, being of the Spirit of God in spite of being amongst those who practise alternative spirits.

This way, the end outcome can only be one: our faith in God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, would be strengthened! Halleluyah! Remember, whenever in doubt, seek for the answers within a trusted Christian community. Do not look to the world because one thing is for sure: the truth is where God is - in His Church, His kingdom, not out there somewhere. So build up and be amongst a sound Christian fellowship so that you can stand strong in the world without having to be of it. Amen? #nelle#

Tumbler

2006-05-28T22:47:00.000+08:00

"What is special about a tumbler?"

I guess this is probably one question that even a primary school kid would be able to answer right: A tumbler never falls! Yes, a tumbler always stands upright. The characteristic of a tumbler is well described in its Chinese name: Bu Tao Wong.

It is interesting to observe a tumbler. Have you ever asked yourself why it is able to stand upright all the time, even after blows and blows of hits?

It is the weight within that keeps it "unbeatable".

This weight is the centre of gravity of the tumbler. As long as the weight is in the correct position, the tumbler will not be "overcomed". Even if you forcefully press it down, the tumbler is always ready to spring up and stand upright again, however slight or major the force of attack is!

This same logic of the tumbler is applicable to our lives.

Like a tumbler, we face different trials and tests everyday in life. Hurting words, rejection, work pressure, office politics etc…these are blows and blows of hits on us. If we want to be "unbeatable" like a tumbler, we need the weight in our life. Not only the weight is needed, it must be heavy and must be at the right place – the centre position.

To me, this represents our walk with Lord. The Lord is the weight of our lives. The one who holds everything in place for us and He will enable us to overcome all tests and trials. He didn’t promise to remove all tests and trials, but He promise to see us through all circumstances. Question is, "have we put Him in the correct position of our lives?" Or have we put other things such as career, money or ourselves at the centre of our life while the Lord is push to either the left/right side of our life?

Just imagine a tumbler with its weight slant toward the left side, what will happen? It will fall even without any force applied!

While many are still searching for their "weight" in life (and we are called to tell them the weight of life is God!), we who have found ours. We merely need to remember to put Him in the right place! But it does not come naturally because we are so used to putting ourselves in the central position of our lives. Yet it is possible because this weight comes with light and it will remind us if we have misaligned. Once we are aligned, troubles go out of sight.

Therefore, keep the word of the Lord in your heart and whenever you can’t find your balance and everything seems to fall apart, proclaim His words and correct your alignment. For it is His Word, not ours, that holds the centre of gravity of our lives! #min#

It's Not About Me

2006-05-27T22:33:00.000+08:00

Have you had times when you spoke something and it went deep into the heart of your listener? Now that is when you need to ask yourself, "Was it me? Or was it... more than me?"

This morning, while chatting over breakfast with a friend, I was gripped with sudden emotion as I uttered a response to her situation. After we parted, she sent me an sms that confirmed that the Spirit of God was at work.

It was then that I was reminded of an incident last Sunday with another friend where I myself was WOW!-ed by what come out of my mouth. It dawned on me that these instances are classic examples of what it means to be supernaturally natural and naturally supernatural! Praise God! My prayer has been answered!!!

Earlier on this year, I prayed that I might grow to be supernaturally natural and naturally supernatural in my journey with the Lord. I want to walk in the light of God and shine that light into the lives and circumstances of people.

I had imagined it to be consciously directing my thoughts to God and having conscientious discussions with God in my head as I speak to the person, so that I might give the person a rhema word from Him. But today, I learn that it isnt quite that way.

My lessons learnt today are that:
1. natural means N.A.T.U.R.A.L. - It just happens!
2. the Holy Spirit inspires the word not because of who I am and what I can do for Him but because of who He is and that He wants to deliver a message that would turn people into His grace and love.

I thank God for using me as His mouthpiece and showing me that in spite of ourselves, He speaks to and through us because He is who He is - our Father in Heaven whose tender heart and loving hands are constantly outstretched toward us, ever-eager to plant a guiding word and extend a partnering hand to carry forth His message. #nelle#

A Time Of Intensity

2006-05-21T21:25:00.000+08:00

Revelation 7 The Great Multitude in White Robes

9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"

13 Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?" 14 I answered, "Sir, you know." And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.

16 Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
_________________

The time of the end is drawing very near. Then, it shall be that we would go where Christ is. Jesus has said in John 14:2-3 that "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Revelation 7:16-17 gives us a vivid description of what that time would be like. But it is conditional on verse 14 which speaks specically of those "who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

We know we are to be conquerors in Christ. We confess it. But when faced with trials, we lose vision of it. I believe that those trials referred herein are to situations that calls for our loyalty, faithfulness and obedience to God. And those tribulations, the times when we have to die to our flesh and yield our will to God's.

I sense in my spirit that God is hastening His work in and through all of us. This means that the period of testing would be "consolidated." We would experience or might already be experiencing trials and tribulations within a short period of time. That is, the rate of our trials woud be intensified. Why? Time is running out!

Do not be disheartened. Instead, recognise that the reward at the end of this intensity is more than worth it. Know that you are not alone in your trials for if it is what God has called you to bear, He is with you and will come through it with you.

So do not plead for the trials and tribulations to be taken away from you. Rather, let it be unto you as God has said unto Paul:

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

And let us be like Paul who is able to "take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." This is maturity in Christ.

Matthew 9:26 says, "With God, all things are possible." I pray that we will all rise up speedily and firmly into the next spiritual level. #nelle#

yaBA daBA bLah bl@h bLah...

2006-05-11T23:46:00.000+08:00

Da Vinci Code is in. So is Sai Baba. Both have one thing in common: they mix their own glorifying "truths" with the Truth of God. Thus, the majority of people are confused (without realising) and being strayed away from reality. Specific to Sai Baba, there is this little book by Margaret Tottle-Smith which was written with guidance from the man himself.

Pardon me for such a remark. Though it was meant to be educational about who Baba is and why he is to be worshiped, I found it most hilarious. Main claims were as follows:

1. Saibaba is the father of Jesus. Jesus is the lamb, and Baba is the sound that lambs make, implying the identity.
2. Sai Baba is the God-man, the Cosmic Christ. He is able to and has done many amazing miracles.
3. Sai Baba has a "Baba Lord's Prayer" and also a list of 10 commandments.

It was glaring that Sai Baba made unending references to Jesus. Now, all cases of truth can only be ascertained if both sides of the story tally. Otherwise, the party with the most concrete proof of evidence wins. So before you jump on the Baba wagon, go check out the Bible for any concurring information. But knowing most of you, you wouldnt. You shun away from the Bible. Why? Ask yourself and find it out for your own good. Now should you not get that far, let me impress upon you a couple of straightforward comments:

#1 Why does Sai Baba relate to Jesus throughout the writing of who he is, what he does and what he teaches? Why compare? Why Jesus and not any other gods?

Some say all religions are the same. They point to the same god ultimately, just that they are called differently. If all gods were the same, their origin, purposes, teachings and works would be identical yet they are not. Therefore, by logic, they are all different however similar they seem to be.

Modern society fights hard against piracy. What is piracy fighting against? Imitation of the real stuff. Imitation items today are of such high quality they look no different to the real stuff to an any average guy/girl-next-door that the majority of us are! The devil is in the details... Without examining and knowing what is real, you cannot tell what is false. Same with Baba (black sheep?!). We need to lend authority and credibility from a higher being only if we are weak and not as established in our cause and reputation.

#2 The universal proverb says, "Like Father, Like Son", and not the other way around.

Before Christ, there was God the Father who revealed Himself to specific people as the Old Testament details. Father first, then son. Heaven and earth was created then Jesus came to walk on this earth slighly over 2000 years ago. Because of the creative work of the Father, the son could come and reveal Himself to man.

Clearly, the son takes and comes after the father. Why would Baba, claiming to be "Jesus' father" NOT reference himself to the God the Father but Jesus the Son? And why would Baba come after Christ if he were the father and all fathers come ahead of their sons?

Sure, Baba does signs and wonders. So did the sorcerers and witchcrafts men in the times of Elijah until the final showdown in which Elijah won (1 Kings 18) because only his miracles were God-enabled. And God is Supreme above all. Remember, apart from God, no one has dared claim that he is omnipotent.

As Jesus has forewarned, in the end times which is the era we are now in, there would be many (not of God) who would be performing signs and wonders (Revelation 13:13-14) and even make "fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men." They are able to do so because of the supernatural powers they possess by spirits but ungodly ones. There is only one Ultimate Supernatural Power that would outlast all else to the last days of this earth.

If Baba (or any miracle-making "prophet" or "god-man" for that matter) and Jesus were synonymous, then his life would be as the Bible says because the life of Christ was detailed in the Bible. Unless there is consistency in their life to Christ, it is falsehood. That is the litmus test.

#3 Baba's Lord's Prayer and 10 commandments are different to the Lord's Prayer that Jesus has taught for thousands of years, and the 10 commandments that God the Father taught His chosen nation light years ago.

It has been established that the bible is the soundest and most accurate recordings in and of human history by archeological standards. That is, archeologists, objective third parties, have affirmed the truth of the bible. If Baba were the father of Jesus, how contradictory it is that his prayer is different to his son's. And more interesting yet, the most important commandment throughout biblical history was made the last in Baba's 10 commandments. What is the implication? Read his list of 9 commandments before the last one. It tells you to rely on yourself not to do this and that. That is, it is filled with the spirit of independence from God which totally warps the perfect reconciliatory relationship to God that the Bible teaches us.

So if Baba were God the Father, then he is a very incompetent and confused man. What reliability and goodness can there be in incompetence and confusion? There is only chaos which is precisely the point of such a book and personality. To distract the world from the only truth but making himself like the truth. Do not be deceived!

The Bible clearly teaches us that:
1. "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind."
2. those who seek shall find.
3. Jesus said that, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Seek the truth and the truth shall be found by you. And if the truth leads to Christ, then it is clear what choice you have to make.

Because you have read this far, I know you are a seeker of truth. So I pray that as you open your heart to seek what is real, you will find and accept it, and not be hindered by deception that arise from the influences of the demonic.

Man is not God. Do not put any human on a pedestal. One move of God to cease the breath of life and there goes the man. So do not think that a man greater in skills, abilities or amazing wonders than you is god. He is not.

Get it? Sleep on it. It will come to you. #nelle#

Change Of Mind; Change In Life!

2006-05-07T20:05:00.000+08:00

Isaiah 55
6 Seek the LORD while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;

Let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,For He will abundantly pardon.
8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there, But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

The bible is candid in expressing that God's ways are different to ours. They are higher than ours! The difference in ways lie in the difference in thoughts. We can think idle thoughts or have ideas that lead to nothing. But God thinks a thought, sets a direction and the matter comes to pass. The process of being born again is to be spiritually awakened. Our spirit man can live and breathe only when fed by the things of God; the manna from God. When we seek God and hold fast in our hearts and minds, the spoken word of God for our lives and situations, and act in accordance to what we hear from the Spirit of God, we bring to pass God's will for the incident and the time.

Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

As we fill our minds with the mind of God, we walk in what is good and acceptable to God. As we focus our mind on God's thoughts and way, we step into a life that exemplifies the perfect will of God. Halleluyah! #nelle#

So You Think You're Smart And Have It All?!

2006-04-17T18:21:00.000+08:00

From schooling days, individuals who are socially less adaptable seem to have an affinity towards me. Since being out in the workforce, this phase of life seemed to have gone past until the week of Easter. Lately, over 2 consecutive days, I found myself being the focus of two such individuals. And I was reminded that nothing has changed: I still attract "odd characters". But what is awesome about this recent experience is God revealed to me, a precious lesson.

The lesson was drawn of the 1st individual I met a day before easter while helping out at the Easter celebrations for Children's Church. There were a group of 23 children mostly aged between 7 to 11 that 3 of us had to receive from a student care center in the East. I checked with the teachers if there were any of them that required special watching over and was told that amongst them was an intellectually-challenged child named Chris (not her real name). I observed her from afar and she seemed generally fine, and I left it at that.

While awaiting for the buse, we mingled with the children, getting to know them alittle. It was fun! Children have this straightforwardness; this purity; this ability to just speak what's in their hearts that make conversations so candid and endearing. I was chatting with a group of them, then standing over to watch as their teachers inspected and instructed them.

Just as we were about to board the bus, Chris came up to me, holding my right forearm, saying, "I sit with you in the bus ok?" I was taken aback, thinking, "Oh no... how do I handle her, a special needs child...?" From thereon, she clung on to me: through the bus ride, after we got off the bus, during the Easter program, through the return way.

What happened during the Easter drama bothered me. The children were told that those who were able to answer questions relating to the Easter drama would stand to win a prize. Since the announcement, she was reiterating one of the following a4 requests every 15 seconds, mostly the 1st one:

1. "You must help me with the questions ok? I want to win the prize."
2. "Later you sit with me in the bus ok? I dont want to sit with teacher."
3. "When got party? I want presents..."
4. "Can I hug the bee (a mascot) later?"

Now, I almost lost my cool. While I patiently told her to pay attention to the drama etc., I was boiling on the inside. I felt like a hypocrite and this disturbed me even after we got them back to the care center and all went well. The agitation I felt on the inside and my outward demeanour was too contradictory! The hypocrisy was so apparent I felt like I was outside of myself and looking at a very fake me.

I kept pondering on this incident and 3 days after, God opened my eyes as follows:

"Just as Chris has looked to you, to rely on your intellect, your wisdom to answer the questions, to seek food and comfort, you have depended on me for the same."

The way that Chris wanted my attention and needed my assurance is the way I cling to God. As she was to me, I am to God! Revelation..... and how revolutionary!! I never thought or saw myself as needy but I truly am!! The intellectual disparity between me and Chris, is many times more so between me and God who is ALL-WISE and ALL-LOVING; who in spite of my incapabilities and inadequacies envelops me with His being.

Thank God that He is longsuffering, and loving and patient to infinity! So as God is to me, I shall be to the "lesser" (defined from a societal point of view). As I have received from God, I can give of Him toward the people I meet.

God is awesome, isnt he? Every experience is a stepping stone; another grasp at His infinite wisdom and taste of his all-encompassing nature. #nelle#

Our Goal Is Eternity

2006-03-31T18:35:00.000+08:00

Read the promise of Christ in John 14!!

1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

-> Jesus tells us NOT to be troubled. Why? Because we are on His mind and He is making necessary preparations for us to be where He is. And where's that? Eternity! A realm of God where we will be provided for. The rooms are many and there's one for each of us! How could it be? Everyone of us? Yes, everyone who trusts in God and trusts in Christs Jesus!

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going."

-> But some say, "if only I lived in the time of Christ and knew Him personally. How do I know that Jesus has included me?" Romans 3:4 reminds us that God is not a man that He should lie! Jesus said that He has gone to prepare a place for us and so He would! In fact, He also guaranteed that He would come back to take us to where He is! But perhaps, like Thomas, you might doubt and say:

5 "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 6 Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

-> Did you hear that? If this is not clear enough, Jesus also said in John 10:11 that He is the good shepherd who gives life for His sheep! He does not mince His words but is explicit to instruct that...

7 "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."

-> How could we doubt? How could we not trust that our everlasting future has been taken care of and we are to focus on bringing glory to God in this life, so as to be assessed worthy of the place that has been prepared. Romans 10:17 says that "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God."

If God has promised, it is just for us to believe and accept it. Our trust in His word does not increase the credibility and validity of the spoken word of God. It stands true regardless because it is the truth. However, our attitude towads the promises of God determines the security of life we have in Christ! As is expressed in Psalm 146:

3 Do not put your trust in princes, Nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. 4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish. 5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, 6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever

Amen and Halleluyah! God is good! #nelle#

Amazing Love That Leads To Everlasting Bliss

2005-10-11T14:07:00.000+08:00

Amazed by Jared Anderson
2005 Integrity’s Praise! Music/BMI

You dance over me
While I am unaware
You sing all around me
But I never hear the sound

(Chorus) Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
And how You love me

You paint the morning sky
With miracles in mind
My hope will always stand
For You hold me in Your hand

(Chorus)

How deep
How wide
How great is Your love for me
______________________________

Would you die for someone you do not know? Would you die for someone you know and deeply love?

I know I wouldn’t die for someone I do not know. I am not sure I would die for someone I know even if I loved him/her. I want to say yes I would but the truth is, I am not sure I would. That’s what makes the work of the cross so amazing… Jesus had no qualms dying for all, trusting in the Lord that the death would woo His people back to eternity. In fact, Jesus came with an unwavering focus that the purpose of His time on earth is to serve His people, even unto death, that those who realise the magnitude of His love and willing sacrifice would turn to Him with unfaltering commitment.

He formed us before He created the heavens and the earth.
He knew us before we were delivered in flesh and blood.
He is full of love for all His creations.
He is torn by the separation with His created ones.
He finds a way to reconnect and reclaim His lost loved ones.
He sent His son; His only beloved son...

Who came in the form of man.
Who lived the goodness and ordeals of life as we do.
Who had to learn God’s word and ways as we have to.
Who was tested and persisted throughout trials and tribulations.
Who held fast to the grace and wisdom of God to the end.
Who held fast to the love of God for His people.
Who served the needs of the people to the point of death.

All-embracing is He...
His heart ever-tender to all who are open to Him.
All-patient is He...
His hands awaiting to reach out to those who call out to Him.
All-righteous is He...
He sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for our causes.

The day will come when He will judge; when we would be held accountable for this life we live. Being images of God, we are everlasting beings. Our after-life could be everlasting dread, or everlasting bliss.

Each day is a choice: on which path would you take an additional step?

He Is Everything You Ask For & All You Need

2005-10-06T13:39:00.000+08:00

Psalm 43

1 Vindicate me, O God,
and plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
rescue me from deceitful and wicked men.

God, my Rescuer!

2 You are God my stronghold.
Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?

God, my Stronghold!

3 Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.

God, my Light and Truth!

4 Then will I go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God.

God, my Joy and Delight!

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

God, my Hope!

God is everything! And as Philippians 4:4-5 reasons for us: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." It is clear that we are to rejoice, regardless of circumstance. How can that be, you think? We all have our up's and down's, obstacles and challenges. Sure we do and that's when we can decide to exercise our knowledge of who God is and encounter Him, or not. If...

o Omnipresence means He is everywhere, then wherever you are, all it takes is to acknowledge Him!
o Omnisience means everything He knows, then what's there to hide from One who sees it all and searches the heart of man?
o Omnipotence means He has unlimited power, then you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!

All it takes is for you to step into your position as a child of God. Take authority in Him and be victorious in all you do. If God is for you, who can be against you?

Jeremiah 29:7 tells us to "...seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Whatever !@(*!# place you are now in, there is a reason; there is a learning; there is a victory waiting to be won. It is so that you might might straighten out what was left unfinished as Titus 1:5 puts it. But it's hard work. It requires incessant prayers. And it will be worth it because prayer changes things!

All the strength, courage, hope, ideas, resources you need can be found in your God, who is many things and can be all things to you. If only you call upon Him. What are you in dire need of from God today? Which nature of God would you look and call out to?

o Rescuer? His arms are never too short to salvage you from your situation. His loving hands always extends to all who seek and love Him. His compassion is for all.
o Stronghold? He is your fortress, your refuge and He will protect you by His expansive and caring wings.
o Light and Truth? He is your absolute courage and conscience. A yes is a yes and a no, a no. There is no in between when it comes to integrity.
o Joy and Delight? He is your everlasting comfort, encourager and cheerleader. Everything happens for the good of those who love Him.
o Hope? He is your compass and director of your future. He never lets your past determine your future. Trust in Him and keep walking. You are never in anything alone. He will never abandon you.

Storing Up Treasures That Lasts

2005-09-09T20:11:00.000+08:00

That which is important to us, we pursue single-mindedly. They constitute the treasures of our life and reflect what is dear to us.

For many, it is a natural instinct seek for fame and prestige, material wealth and possessions. This is the nature of man - seeking the "good" life. In heaven, it is quite different. God is concern about character. The treasures of heaven clearly show us what is important to God. Compare and contrast:

Treasures of this earth vs Treasures of heaven
Fame vs Faithfulness
Fortune vs Wisdom
Car vs Integrity
Career vs Tenacity
Credit Cards vs Generosity
Condo vs Humility
Romance vs Love

Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

What is your response when people say, "All that talk about righteous living is good and I know it's important. But c'mon, we live in a real world. We got to be realistic. No money, no happy." ? The pressures of the life on this earth is real. But is God and things of the spiritual world not real?

What is not visible to our eyes is as real as what is seen. What is not visible to our eyes is everlasting but what is seen is temporal. It is a decision we each have to make, to labour in the things unseen or that which is material. Which precedes and determines the other? The following would clarify:

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Store up treasures that lasts...

Step Out Of Your Boat

2005-09-02T12:46:00.000+08:00

Matthew 14:22-29 tells us:

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance[a] from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

"Come," he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
_______________

While we are comfy in our little boat, Jesus has already gone ahead of us. Outside of the boat is where He is. And where He is, there are the miracles, blessing and promises.

Would you get out of your boat, act on the remma word/impressions you received and follow Jesus; OR would you just cruise along in your comfort zone and be separated from God and His perfect plan for you?

Now's the time to make a decision. Remember, God speaks in a still small voice and He is consistent. If He has spoken, His words will not return to Him void. Whatever you have heard, that is your assigned part in His divine plan. How privileged you are! God needn't use man to achieve His purposes yet He chose to do so in order that we may know and enjoy Him and His ways.

And not forgetting what Jesus tells us in John 3:5-7

"I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
______________

Being born again in Spirit requires conscientious and continuous renewal of our minds and our ways. Would you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to God's higher ways? What have you been hearing from God all this time? Is there something He has placed in your heart that you have not stepped out and done? What are you hearing right now? What impressions are being stirred in you this moment? How would you respond?

Believe And Receive

2005-08-15T18:05:00.000+08:00

What you believe, you can achieve. To achieve, you must first receive. Receive what, you ask?

The act of believing is a building up of confidence/expectancy of things to come. It is a sense of assurance of what will be or what I call, faith.

Faith comes from hearing; hearing of the good that would come. Yes, there is greater things/days in life yet seen and will be witnessed by you and I.

"I believe in you!" really means "I have confidence that you can achieve greatness/excellence." The person to whom this is spoken to most likely, would be strengthened in mind, and his/her spirits would soar to be/do more than what is conceivable today. A seed of inspiration is being planted and those who claim (aka receive) it would birth in their mind's eye, a fresh vision of bigger/better things/days ahead. Faith grows and drives the individual towards the vision in sight.

Faith is seeing in one's mind that which can be, then acting on the belief and so bring about the greatness and goodness of life. Focused action begets desired results. Visions can only be fulfilled when lived out. Walking in faith is thus living life with the most positive attitude we know how thereby creating an environment of expectancy for the greater things of life and so enable victorious living!

Blessed are those whose hearts are filled with faith of the goodness of life!

This Is A Self-Seeking World

2005-08-11T16:23:00.000+08:00

*SCREAM* This is so unfair! I did so much and this is what I got in return?! What have I done to deserve this? What right do they have to do this to me? This is not what I deserve!! *SHOUT*

Oh, you must hear these great cries all the time; cries of self-entitlement! At one point in time or another, you and I have made such remarks ourselves too. This is because we are bred in a self-seeking environment.

People render assistance for or contribute out of a purposeful intent to gain personally from the giving. It is an exchange for an individual benefit. Many make "strategic" plans and take "calculated" steps to achieve specific desires. And when the expected return does not materialise, anger sets in.

We justify our cause(s) to death: we glamourise our cause(s), then curse the world for the unfair and unsound order of things that hindered the attainment of our hearts' desires. This tension is all because we did not get what we covet for. The time, effort, plans put in have failed to reap the outcome we anticipated and so yearned.

We ask ourselves, "what have I not done right? What have I not tried hard enough at? How could I have gotten it?" etc. etc. See the true intent behind the noble act? We live in a self-seeking world.

Would you join the bandwagon and be a self-seeker or would you hop off it and be an activist who would make a difference to re-shape this world? Then, life would be about seeking to give rather than take; seeking first to understand and not crave first to be understood; seeking to listen rather than impose your views?

What is a different attitude that you could adopt and influence the people around you into so as to neutralise this global surge of self-gratification?

It is Well with My Soul

2005-07-31T19:14:00.000+08:00

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Chorus
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

(Chorus)

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

(Chorus)

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul

(Chorus)

Sow & Reap

2005-07-30T18:47:00.000+08:00

We all know that we reap what we sow. Yes, plant a good deed, and you will be rewarded. Act on a negative thought and you would end up in a vicious cycle of undesired events. This law works because there is a consequence to every action we undertake.

But did you know that to live a life of greatness, we are to sow TOWARDS that which we want to reap, unrestrained by what we now have? You are what you attract. Think big and you would be surrounded by people who think big. Act big and you would be in a circle of courageous people who act on their dreams and goals.

Conversely, if you behaved a miser, counting every single penny with everyone around you, you are influencing them to be miserly towards you too. Because you reap what you sow. Sow a penny, reap a penny. Sow generously and you would reap generously.

So you want generous friends, then be generous towards your friends. Treat them well and they too will be likewise. What do you want in your life that you do not have? Sow to it and reap it! First be, then things will become.

Purpose & Potential

2005-07-24T17:54:00.000+08:00

There is an emptiness that fills the heart of many that is masked as boredom with the regular rhythm of life. This emptiness that pricks the heart of many may be filled by a singular decision. Yet many lack the determination and openness to seek out that which can fill that gap in their hearts, attributing it to the mundanity of life.

Close friends saw me as one who is very focussed and clear about what I want to do. From graduation till now, my focus remains unmoved. I am still in the profession of my choice; passionate about what I do. Not that my path at work had been smoothsailing but because I strongly believed in what I do for the impact it has and can create in the life of others and myself.

In spite of this clarity, there were times strong consciousness of a void in my life. I questioned hard if that was all life was about. Much as I enjoyed what I did, I could not believe that life would be about doing what I do for decades. What does it contribute to at the end of the day? It seemed meaningless. I asked people around and no one had an answer for me. In fact, it was discouraging that no one thought about that. They said, "you think too much. Only middle aged people think that."

I had no answer for years. Only in early 2004 was I brought to the truth. Life's not a routine at all. It's not meant to be just lived out and *poof!* our body decays and we disappear into nothingness. Not like that at all! Life comes ALIVE! only when:

(1) you discover the primary purpose for your existence; and

(2) you act on the keen desire to maximize the purpose of your living.

A purpose-driven life begins with identifying one's Source of life. What is the source that gives you your breath of life? You exist for a specific reason. Would you not want to find out what it is?

No medium, fortune-teller, psychic or tarot card reader can tell you that. I am confident to say so because I have tried that. Instead, I would suggest that you look around you for those who have an assurance of what their life is about. Ask them about the source of their confidence and meaning of life. With an open heart, listen to what they share. I guarantee you that you too shall find the answer.

To maximise the purpose of your living is to uncover and unleash the potential in you for the primary cause of your existence. It would involve a constant stretching out of your comfort zone (self-imposed limit of capacity) to increase the effectiveness and use of your talents, skills and knowledge. Enhance on your strengths and a better person you will become. Be open to correction and greatness shall follow as you seek to operate in excellence.

Live LIFE! Experience it well!

Focus Forward

2005-06-23T00:12:00.000+08:00

[A]: Past. Present. Future. What we experienced in our past; the decisions we made in the past; the routes we took in the past, has brought us to our present. Our past forms our present. What forms our future?

{B}: Our present. What we choose to do now determines what comes in the days ahead.

A: Logically so, yet many are bounded by what has gone on in their past, their future becomes a replica or continuation of their past.

Failures are not fatal. Lessons from our trials and errors develop and strengthen us. This is necessary so we might mature. Set your eye on your goal. Persevere. Waver not on your vision: what you believe in, and set out to achieve.

Be observant. Seek wisdom of those around you. Listen. Watch. Reflect. Improvise upon lessons learnt and seek to be/get better time after time.

Success is a journey. Keep walking... Keep walking... Keep walking...

Money: The Root Of All Evil... Or Not?!

2005-06-21T00:05:00.000+08:00

It's been said, "Money is the root of all evil." Yet as you ponder, just how true can it be?

Money is inanimate and so is unable to cause harm. The root of evil can therefore not be money but the one who possess the money. It is the individual in possession of money who could:

1. destroy or restore others;
2. condescend or build up others;
3. indulge in self or contribute to the needy;
4. brag of one's wealth or spread one's joy by giving to others; and
5. the list goes on!

Life is not fair. We are each gifted differently and so have differing abilities to earn. Yet there can be a form of equality amongst humankind as those financially stronger mature in gracious giving, and learn to support the less fortunate ones.

Blessing comes from not just receiving, but also in giving. Be a giver. Possess money. Do not let money possess you.

LiBeRTy iN tRuTH

2005-06-20T17:19:00.000+08:00

There is so much clutter in today's world. Just what is trash and what is for real?

LiBeRTy iN tRuTH is a column dedicated to sharing the truths of life as they are being discovered along the Fabulous Five's path of a purpose-driven life.

Join us in our walk in truth. Cheers to purposeful-living!

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More About "Fabulous Five"

Who are the 'Fab5'?
Ah-B, Ah-Min, Ah-Nelle, Jedi and Iris.

What are the 'Fab5' about?
5 seekers of truth;
5 believers of living out the truth; and
5 enthusiasts in spreading the truth.