341 Blessed Be Your Name - M. Redman/B. Redman
This morning in Sunday School David Langerfeld mentioned that there are too many “microwave Christians.” We want everything fast:
Fast spiritual growth
Fast answers to prayer
Fast solutions to our problems
But God doesn’t work on our schedule. David mentioned that Moses never got to enter the Promised Land during his lifetime. Because of his sin, God told him he would see the land but he would not enter it with his people. So he saw the land from Mt. Pisgah and soon thereafter he died. Now run the clock forward 1400 years. When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain in Galilee, who shows up by his side? Moses and Elijah. So Moses made it to the Promised Land after all. Just not the way he expected.
Our prayers will not all be answered before we die. That may be a disheartening fact until we remember that God is not bound by time the way we are. We see a tiny sliver of reality. God see the big picture, and he knows how all the details of what we call the past, present and the future interlock in a perfect tapestry of divine design. So while we pray in the present, God is already at work in the future, and sometimes the answer comes after we are in heaven with the Lord. But what may seem “late” to us is right on time in God’s schedule.
Microwave Christians get impatient with God when he doesn’t run the universe to fit their schedule. But he has already shown in creation that the things that endure take time to grow. Flowers bloom today and wither tomorrow, but mighty redwood trees takes centuries to reach maturity. In the 18th century William Cowper caught this truth in a hymn called God Moves in a Mysterious Way. The last three verses remind us not to judge God by human standards:
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
Just as Moses finally saw the Promised Land, we too will finally see many answers to our prayers. Some we will see on earth; others we will see in heaven. When the time has fully come, whether on earth or in heaven, “he will make it plain,” and we will see that his plans have worked out for our good and his glory. Be patient, child of God, and do not rush the Lord. He won’t be rushed, and if we try, an upset stomach may be the reward for our impatience with the Almighty.
July 31, 2007
Becoming Entirely His
Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing —James 1:4
Many of us appear to be all right in general, but there are still some areas in which we are careless and lazy; it is not a matter of sin, but the remnants of our carnal life that tend to make us careless. Carelessness is an insult to the Holy Spirit. We should have no carelessness about us either in the way we worship God, or even in the way we eat and drink.
Not only must our relationship to God be right, but the outward expression of that relationship must also be right. Ultimately, God will allow nothing to escape; every detail of our lives is under His scrutiny. God will bring us back in countless ways to the same point over and over again. And He never tires of bringing us back to that one point until we learn the lesson, because His purpose is to produce the finished product. It may be a problem arising from our impulsive nature, but again and again, with the most persistent patience, God has brought us back to that one particular point. Or the problem may be our idle and wandering thinking, or our independent nature and self-interest. Through this process, God is trying to impress upon us the one thing that is not entirely right in our lives.
We have been having a wonderful time in our studies over the revealed truth of God’s redemption, and our hearts are perfect toward Him. And His wonderful work in us makes us know that overall we are right with Him. "Let patience have its perfect work . . . ." The Holy Spirit speaking through James said, "Now let your patience become a finished product." Beware of becoming careless over the small details of life and saying, "Oh, that will have to do for now." Whatever it may be, God will point it out with persistence until we become entirely His.
Aiyo.. Sick again.. High fever on and off for days.. Persistent cough for weeks..
I was afraid I might have gotten dengue when I broke out in rashes. So I went to see doc just now. Had to have a blood test. So painful when the needle went in.... But I thank God it is not dengue.
However, the condition is not any better. Bacterial inflammation of the respiratory system, whatever that means. 2 days MC. Doctor wants me to try out some antibiotics but if I do not get better, I have to get a chest scan next week.. Sounds scary..
But these few days, I think there is one lesson God is trying to teach me: to give thanks to God in ALL things, even if it doesn't make sense. I was reading Corrie Ten Boom's biography. God taught her to thank God under ALL circumstances. She even thanked God for the fleas when she was in the Nazi camp. Plus a few more incidents, I know God is teaching me this lesson. I will just do my part in praising and trusting Him and He will do the rest. So Lord, I thank You for my infirmity. I thank You for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corin 12:10
Isn't he just so adorable???!!!!
July 28, 2007
God’s Purpose or Mine?
He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side . . . —Mark 6:45
We tend to think that if Jesus Christ compels us to do something and we are obedient to Him, He will lead us to great success. We should never have the thought that our dreams of success are God’s purpose for us. In fact, His purpose may be exactly the opposite. We have the idea that God is leading us toward a particular end or a desired goal, but He is not. The question of whether or not we arrive at a particular goal is of little importance, and reaching it becomes merely an episode along the way. What we see as only the process of reaching a particular end, God sees as the goal itself.
What is my vision of God’s purpose for me? Whatever it may be, His purpose is for me to depend on Him and on His power now. If I can stay calm, faithful, and unconfused while in the middle of the turmoil of life, the goal of the purpose of God is being accomplished in me. God is not working toward a particular finish— His purpose is the process itself. What He desires for me is that I see "Him walking on the sea" with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see "Him walking on the sea" ( Mark 6:49 ). It is the process, not the outcome, that is glorifying to God.
God’s training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for sometime in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself.
God’s purpose is to enable me to see that He can walk on the storms of my life right now. If we have a further goal in mind, we are not paying enough attention to the present time. However, if we realize that moment-by-moment obedience is the goal, then each moment as it comes is precious.
Had to go back to school this evening for Full-dress Rehearsal for Official Opening of Upgraded School Premises. Was a bit upset initially when I couldn't go for prayer meeting, cos I was excited about the wave God is going to bring to C4. But things turned out well in the end..
I was told last minute that I, along with 3 other colleagues, had to escort the Guests-of-Honour up the stage when required. Was kind of taken aback cos this is the first time I am doing this. What if I trip and fall? Worse still, what if I fall on the guest-of-honour???? But thankfully today was only full dress rehearsal, my colleagues stood in for the guests of honour. So not so intimidating. But I dunno about next week....
But all in all, although there were a few hiccups here and there, it was a wonderful experience. And the kids!! They were wonderful! It was a musical. They danced, sang and performed so well! Especially the Wushu one, it was so grand and professional. I love it. Everything looked so professional. I was so proud of my students!
Will put up the photos next week for the Grand Opening, when everything is official and final. Oh ya, I have to wear Cheongsam. Will I look fat or will I look good?Worse still, will I fall on the guests of honour in my Cheongsam?! I will keep you posted!!
Something I learnt today...
It is always when we are alone, with no one by our side, that our mind runs wild. Our deepest fears surfaced, our greatest doubts reminded... We start to be engulfed by things we thought we had abolished from our minds...
But a simple statement I made to an SMS opened my eyes. "Although there are times when I feel alone or seem alone, I'm never alone." I can talk to my Best Friend and I can afford to be brutally honest with Him cos my problems or fears can never hurt Him...
My heart's cry reflected in this song...
Hosanna - Hillsongs 'Saviour King"
Verse 1
I see the King of Glory
Coming down the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes, the whole earth shakes
I see His love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing, the people sing
Chorus
Hosanna, Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Verse 2
I see a generation
Rising up to take the place
With selfless faith, with selfless faith
I see a new revival
Staring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees
Bridge
Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what is Yours
Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity
Hosanna
Read this in my sister's blog:
Amen to that. I've experienced times without Him and though it was a clear sky, an even bigger and uglier storm came some time later and I had to struggle to trust in Him. Hence, I rather go through storms with Him now, where I can rely on Him, than go through a bigger storm later without Him.
I read this today and I am going to use the following to help me make decisions in life...
"If I can’t take the name of Jesus and stamp it on what I’m about to do, say, or where I am about to go without embarrassment or apology, then its best to back off. It’s not worth it, whatever it is. If you and I have the nature of Christ living in us then it doesn’t make sense for either of us to do something that isn’t consistent with His nature. So, if we can’t stamp His name all over the decision we’re about to make, then we should not do it."
I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why:
I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me, and by grace I'm on His team.
He is all-wise and powerful. Jesus is His name;
Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same.
My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end;
His presence is my comfort; He is my dearest Friend.
When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go.
When circumstances threaten to rob me of my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease.
When my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control;
He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul.
The great "I AM" is with me. My life is in His hand.
The "Son of the Lord" is my hope. It's in His strength I stand.
I refuse to be defeated. My eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me, As through this life I trod.
I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God I'm resting in His love.
I give God thanks in everything. My eyes are on His face;
The battle's His, the victory mine; He'll help me win the race.
Saw this poem in the newspaper today by a Secondary School 2 student, Genevieve Narciso, from Fairfield Methodist Secondary School.
keeps me safe from the world of tough situations
which forces you to lay down and curl
My little sanctuary
keeps me warm and tight
from the hollering winds to the depths of the night
My little sanctuary
keeps me sheltered and protected
when bad times uncover and when I feel so dejected
My little sanctuary
a good place to cry
when the world shuts in front of you and makes you want to die
My little sanctuary
Oh gracious place to be
My little sanctuary
is Jesus;
the Man who died for you and me!
Hmm.. What a wonderful poem from a teenager. It goes to show that although growing up is not easy, teenagers can still thirst and hunger for God! What a joy to hear that!
[But a little amendment I would like to make to the poem. Jesus is not a little sanctuary. He is a sanctuary with no borders. He is mighty to save!]
Jing Er, remember this date - 22nd July 2007...
"Lord, I know... I know I will become what You said I will be. I really know...
I pray for boldness to step out of my comfort zone and my past! You have surrounded me with a shield of protection. I can and I will!!"
I find it hard to believe.. My cough has lasted more than 2 weeks.
Initially, it was just ordinary cough; wet cough, dry cough, I had both.
But the past two days, it got worse. Dry cough. But I couldn't breathe after each cough. I gasp for breath. I feel as if my air passage is blocked. At night, it is worse. Cos of that breathlessness, I have a choking feeling and hence, I vomit. I feel sick and breathless all the time.
Today, I went to the doctor. She is a good doctor, based on past experiences. She said it is cos of phlegm that I feel this way. But I told her all my coughs are dry cough. Then she said something that stunned me. The phlegm is not in my throat, it is in my lungs..
Then she gave me an oxygen mask and ask me to breathe into it for 15 minutes. I was stunned. First time using oxygen mask. She explained to me later that that will help clear my air passage and reduce the phlegm.
Now, I do feel less breathless. Less, but not entirely dun have. But throat has phlegm. Disgusting feeling. Hopefully, it means I am on the road to recovery..
This has taught me a lesson. Air is very important to humans. I experienced the horrible feeling of not being able to breathe and let air in. The lesson I learn: Lord, You are the air I breathe. I can't live without You.
Nothing beats the feeling of knowing I did the right thing today...
More of such days, Abba Father, I pray!
Isaiah 55:6-11
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way
and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
July 16, 2007
The Concept of Divine Control
. . . how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! —Matthew 7:11Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct in this passage for those people who have His Spirit. He urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God’s control over everything, which means that a disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.
Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, "My heavenly Father knows all about this!" This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise. Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but now you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle: God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry?
Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him. At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; He will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not. Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing. Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him. Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural. "Ask, and it will be given to you . . ." (Matthew 7:7 ).
Childhood
There are not many things you can remember vividly from your childhood. But there are some moments you will definitely remember till the day you leave this world.
All these memories, I can still see them clearly when I close my eyes now... Moments like; getting my PSLE results, getting caned by my mum when I lied to her that remedial lesson was still on but in fact I stayed back in school to play with my friends; getting beaten on the hand by my Chinese teacher when I forgot to get my parents to sign my spelling book...
And of course, how can I forget the moment where I, in my kindergarten years, was locked in the toilet in church and a male adult had to climb from the next cubicle to mine to 'save' me.
His face is still clearly etched in my memory. The look on his face when he carried me out of that cubicle. That look that said 'You are safe now.. Dun cry anymore...'.
He left church a few years later. And today, he came back to our church to preach. The moment I saw him, I knew. I knew he was the one who saved me from the toilet. [Sounds weird saying this.. ha...] But of course, I didn't tell him that I remember him for that...
And today, something he said left a very deep impression on me, which I believe I will remember for life as well.. He said, "God cares about you, and there is nothing you can do about it."
Isn't it amazingly true? God cares about me, whether I like it or not. I am safe now, in His mighty hands. I can stop crying now.....
NDP Preview
Today, I had my first time. First time to the NDP.. Ha... And it is at Marina Bay. I took my class Pri 5/8 from Red Swastika School. It was great, I must say... Some of the effects were fantastic. But there were parts where it was really boring. But all in all, it was a great show to see.
Here are the pictures...
Sad... I couldn't get Grace and Irene to take photos with me yesterday. So, I have decided to post the photos we took in Bangkok and Phuket.. To show you my lovely NIE buddies...
[A note to the gers: Hey gers, thank you so much for cheering me up in this trip. You know what I am talking about.. I love ya..]
This is our luggage on the first day...
This is our luggage on the last day.. Hahaha... Well, 5 gers in the shopping land of Bangkok, we were fortunate not to exceed the baggage limit..
This is our room for our first 3 days in Bangkok.. This place was so homely! Love it!
This is the hotel we stayed for our 2 day-stay in Phuket.. It was huge and romantic...
This is our hotel on our last night in Bangkok. The room was enormous and the view breathtaking. We stayed on the 50th floor.
Photos of us shopping... [My fav pastime!!]
Photos of us eating... [Grace's and Samatha's fav pastime!!]
Photos of us having fun... [OUR fav pastime!!]
