Everything for a purpose

Since we know that things happen for a purpose, we should look to recognise the reason for it, to learn and to grow rather than to see it merely as your destiny and be resigned to your fate. So therefore Seek God fervently and Inquire of Him everyday. Ask Him What is the ends to this?

I guess this could be the reason why God teaches us not to lean on our own understanding. (You know how sometimes we can get so discouraged and disappointed..?) Afterall, maybe our puny little brains (which we only use 10% of it) might just be a LITTLE INCAPABLE of understanding the INFINITE ways of God, you figure?

So, lean not on your own understanding. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Amen!

God encourages

God is merciful. Amen.

This began all the way back in September during Children's Day big day (Children's Day). Being performers especially, we are to carry forth the anointing. It is most important during this period that we consecrate ourselves, keeping ourselves pure for the Lord. With greater Visibility (being creative leaders and all), comes greater accountability and responsibility.

With every big day, all the more we need a breakthrough!
Standing on stage during rehearsals, I experienced spiritual attacks on my mind. Past bondage came back to taunt me, and I was haunted by mental images that sprung up in my mind ever so often. Everytime it came, I did the only thing I knew how- Pray.
Feeling disturbed, I prayed for deliverance at home. I asked for forgiveness and I prayed for comfort and encouragement, for I was feeling unworthy.

God, being a good and merciful God, showed up the very next day to encourage me!
Whilst doing my makeup, exited lil' Madeline bounced up to me to show me an sms that said,
"Lingual and Madeline, sister Sandy would like to hear you out for an audition for a part in the Xmas drama today."
As I saw that I leapt for joy!!!! In fact, I was shivering with excitement as I ate my food..!! Christmas drama audition? Christmas drama? The most important event of the year? Christmas? Me? Lingual? God? You could use me? You could? WOW!!! I felt deeply comforted by God and I couldn't stop thanking Him for the opportunity!!!

Part II
Continuing with my prayers every night, I got a call-back audition, and following the call-back audition, sister Sandy called me one night to say that they wanna use a guy for the role instead but the role of Mary was still open and asked me to go down to try for it the next day. Mary?! I couldn't believe it in my heart? In fact, I was questioning within myself if I was even suitable for it, since I figured I look slightly young to fit the role of a mother. But yes, that was my carnal mind thinking..
Beyond the role, I somehow knew there be a message behind it. "Let it be to me according to Your word" That night, I tried to look in my bible for the story of Mary, but somehow I missed Luke 1 & 2, so I went online to search instead, and here's what I found:

She was beloved of God. He saw in Mary a woman who was after his own heart.
Do you have that same longing; are you looking for his return? Does God find favor in you? Do you become one with him in sweet intimate fellowship? Just imagine the encounter Mary had with the angel ringing out his salutation of "Hail!" Mary must have been caught off guard with surprise - or was she? Certainly she was filled with a lot of mixed emotions, but could it be she was in communion with God in prayer at the entrance of the angel appearing in her room?

What has your response been to the Lord when he has found favor with you? When he has given you a higher calling? Did you follow through with the directions the Lord gave to you or plodded, questioned and mucked your way through? Dear sweet Mary's response of, "Behold the maid servant of the Lord! Let it be unto me according to your word" is so precious to me. Oh! Sisters, her response should rock the very foundation of our souls!

That was it! I too had found favor with God! And I want to have the same response! The same willing response. "Let it be to me, according to Your purpose. I want to walk in Your perfect will", I prayed..

On the day of the audition (whilst walking on the road), I asked God, "God, what is my role, what do You want me to be?" As it was drizzling, I walked under the trees hoping to be shielded from the rain, and I felt God pointing to me that I am to be a tree- To provide shelter to those who seek it, and to be fruitful.."

Part III:
You know how some people serve a purpose in your life? They come, they go. They teach you things, they leave a message behind. And that was what I felt the 'Mary' role was about. It came in to tell me something. To share with me the story of a young woman who was willing, faithful and full of faith. It was also here that the verse, "Nothing is impossible with God" took on a deeper meaning.

Part IV:
I didn't do too well for the audition tho', so as I was walking outta the audition, I kept thinking about how I could've improvised the scene differently. But knowing what's done cannot be undone, and that audition's over, I just consoled myself that everything happens for a reason. The lines rang in my head so much, I started singing it and made it into a song, which I call MY Consolation song:

Everything has its purpose
Everything has its way
And if you just walk in His will
Everything will be ok

Don't you worry about a thing
All you have to do is pray
Just think about His promises
Everything will be ok

Have faith Have faith
That's what the bible says
Have faith Have faith
He loves you all the same
Have faith Have faith
Just trust Him anyway
Have faith Have faith
Everything will be ok

Oh and finally...
"hi lingual good news ... we've decided tt you'll act as chloe for xmas. rehs start this sunday at 630pm at jw. see u there."
Yippeee Yippeee Yeahh Yeahh!! Praise God!!!
Excitement surrounds me again.. and I tremble with joy...

----
By the way, I do have a song to remember God's goodness to me, for His encouragment..
It's named, "My God, My Love & My Lord"

You believed in me
Encouraged me when I pray
You lift me up when skies are grey
I thank You Lord for Your grace
I thank You Lord for each day

I remember that day
You came to me and You said
You’re here with me everyday
Lord You soothe my heart and I can say
I love to be in your warm embrace

I need You God
I want You God
You’re my God, my Love and My Lord
You’re here to stay
You’re with me everyday
I thank You Lord for Your Grace

I love You more with each day~


Hallelujah! God is good!

Change to a bigger frying pan!

On Sunday, Pastor Carl-Gustaf preached on Faith: that will break your borders and give you beyond your wildest dreams (even if your wallet/ circumstances don't seem to allow it). Don't let your mind limit your dreams or thoughts on what you can do.

As the preaching ended, as we stood up to worship God, I was hit by a voice that started ringing in my head, "I want to goto Bible School, I want to goto Bible School, I want to go to Bible School!.." In fact, it was so loud, it was overwhelming, and tears welled up in my eyes. So fast, so sudden, I had to calm myself down and reply mentally, "yes yes.. I heard you..!" before the tears would stop.

I believe this is a dream from God. I dunno how this is going to be fulfilled but I will not inhibit the thought, the dream, of going to bible school next year. Because I am going and I am going and I am going. My faith is taking me there!

Every morning

Get up every morning and say by faith, "Oh, I love You, Father, with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength! And I love my neighbor as myself today because that pleases You and I love You!"

"Sacrifice your time"

Last night during my quiet time prayer, I asked God what He would like me to sacrifice to Him.

I then heard Him in an instant, "Sacrifice your time."

>>Yes God, I will bear that in mind too..

I really pray that I will not merely listen to His word, but that I will learn to apply His principles into my life too:

James 1:22-25
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

Unfulfilled vows

On Friday service, pastor Ulf talked about hindrances to reaching our destiny, and one of them was Unfulfilled Vows/ Promises to God.

Not wanting to live life with a broken promise to God, I asked Him, "God, is there anything that I've promised You and not yet fulfilled? I pray O'God that You will remind me, so I can keep to my word and mean what I say. I pray O'Lord that my ways may well-pleasing in Your sight."

A few days later, God answered me.

"Remember what you said to me as you were walking towards Club street that night? You said you wanted to be serious with me, and that you would show me that you were serious with me." : )

I write this down, cos I need to bear this in mind.

Heart of worship

I confessed before God that I have not been dilligent in my walk with Him.

In church last Sunday, while worshipping God, God gave me a vision. I saw a girl kneeling before God in her lamp-lit room. That girl was me. Then, that image started zooming out till I could see her thru the window and the entire apartment block soon came into full-view. But God wasn't just looking at her praying. He was looking right into her heart. There, I felt that God was teaching me how to pray. He said, "Quieten your soul." (Because I had told Him that I am usually very distracted and my mind is always wandering.)

Ever since that vision, I feel it's become easier to come before Him especially when I know He is watching and looking into my heart.

God is looking for true worshippers.

Now, whenever I feel distracted, I would just quieten my mind so that I can focus better, and I feel it is helping..

Mercy Forgiveness

One day, I decided to re-confess to God of my sins, for I was ashamed of myself. I confessed of my fallen nature and I sought His forgiveness once again. I was remorseful and I prayed for the Lord to speak to me as He only can, as He will, as He always has.

After prayers, I picked up my bible and God showed me the first verse which said, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak, For He will speak peace.” I got excited as that was my prayer to God! ..that I wanted to hear Him speak!

I then leaned my heart and listened all the more intently to what He had to say:

HE PROMISES TO READILY FORGIVE YOU

“For You Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.” (Psalm 86:5)

The bible notes then wrote about the prodigal son: it said Jesus told this story to give us a picture of just how ready God is to forgive us. He’s like that dad standing on the porch, looking down the road for you-running toward you when He sees you coming. He doesn’t forgive you because He has to. He forgives you because, like that dad, He loves you and what He wants more than anything else is to have you home with Him.

Praise God.

I thank God for His grace. His mercy endures forever. Indeed.

I feel so relieved knowing I can be cleansed and forgiven in His righteousness. His grace is more than sufficient for me! Amen!

God's word gives strength

We are on a 3-day beverage-only fast. Yesterday on her way to our J7 rehearsal, June (our songleader) asked God for a message to give us, and during prayer, June reminded us that we are spirit beings and that we should not look at the surface. On the surface, circumstances may be as such, situations may be as such.. Our body may be weak on the outside, but we should always look on the inside. Because externally, we have a body, but internally it is the spirit that lives inside of us. So we should never look at things on the surface, but to look inwards to the spirit and walk in the supernatural. How apt.
She also reminded us that all things sown in faith into the kingdom of God is never in vain. The Lord sees and will reward us accordingly.
She is right. No matter what happens on the outside, I must understand that I am a spirit being merely living in my own body. I should not be letting my body control me, nor look at things in the natural. No matter how tired I may be, I should press in, press on, for all things sown in faith into the Kingdom of God will never be in vain :)

This morning, I read 1 Peter 4:

Therefore since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enouh time in the ast, doing what pagans chosse to do - living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray.

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength that God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus CHrist. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Moments before this, I was feeling slightly weak from the fasting. Then I received an email from a friend. Feeling encouraged by the message, "It's faith that moves the hand of God" and we could "pray our VICTORY in!!!", I thought I'd blog about last night. As I was copying and typing from the bible, I felt God's presence come upon me as strength seeped into my body.. I feel very much rejuvenated and refreshed now. I no longer feel physically weak, completely unlike this morning! Indeed, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! God's word strength; gives life! I have victory in Christ Jesus. Amen and Hallelujah! :D

Not without sacrifices

During fellowship on Tuesday, whilst playing one of those sharing games, it was brought to my attention that I had come this far not without sacrifices, and that I am where I am through the choices I made. I found this puzzling yet amazing for this had come from someone I never had any close contact with. But he is right, there were sacrifices and choices.
I believe it could be God's way of telling me to keep on keeping on; to persevere.

Romans 6:
17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It also reminded me of a card I picked up:
"All humans on earth have the ability to choose what they want to become but unfortunately, many do not realise this. They allow events and circumstances to dictate and place them in their present status in life. Many have convictions on what is considered a good life yet they fail to Commit themselves to take appropriate actions. As a result, they are kept away from their desired goals.

You must take charge, control the condition of your mind-set and have the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Carry out your commitments consciously and consistently in order to bring them to the conclusions that you rightly desire and deserve."

At times, I feel tired, sometimes, I feel like giving up and slide back into the world. But God is reminding me, I have come thus far..

I guess in every race and every walk, encouragements can help motivate us along the way. Indeed, we have been set free, why should anyone want to slide back to the bondage of the flesh, having been set free. Why would I? That would be ridiculous wouldn't it?

I thank God for motivating me. Thank you Lord.

God never fails to speak to me

I truly am very grateful to God for never failing to speak to me no matter what circumstances it may be..

Situation #1:
I had not gone home one night. Hence, failed to do my quiet time. In addition to that, the next night, as I was feeling very tired, I almost wanted to forego my quiet time again. However, I did it anyways in the end. And as I was reading my daily devotional for the night that I had missed, God said..

"Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion..." Heb. 3:7-8

"(a) Warning against negligence Heb. 2:1-4

(b) Warning against sloth. (5:11-6:20) Sloth means laziness. You will find that the Bible warns more against laziness than drunkenness. When you become spiritually sluggish, you lose your ability to hear the voice of God so as to accurately discern spiritual matters.

If we keep rejecting the gentle prompting of the Lord to change, we can move into a place where there is no more room for repentance.
Let us walk in the fear of God, knowing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."


As I read the above, I was both guilty and afraid, for indeed, God, was speaking to me about my problem. Then I proceeded to read the night's devotional and God said..

"Our inner soul yearns for communion with God. If that longing is not satisfied by communion with our heavenly Father, it will feast on any compelling counterfeit.

God is good. Jesus sympathizes with your many weaknesses and understands the pressures of life that you go through every single day. His throne is a throne of grace, not a throne of judgement."


He showed me that we can come to Him in all things, and I thank God for His grace. We should never forsake Him. He is faithful and His mercy endures forever.


Situation #2:
One of my friends' in dire financial straits so a group of us decided to fast for a breakthrough. Admittedly, I was feeling slightly lethargic. On the morning of my fasting, God encouraged me with Hebrews 10:24-25:
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

Indeed, we are a team and there should be greater unity in our spirit.
I thank God for His word, for out of His word flows rivers of living water. His word is treasure. His word brings life.

Pastor Eileen told us tonight, that in warfare (attack), everything has to be tripled; the soldiers, the ammunition..
I truly must be prepared. There is no time to lose and I must have greater urgency in my spirit. Holy Spirit, help me :)

Don't lose momentum

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Cor 6:9

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Gal 6:9

On the topic of sowing and reaping, Pastor Eileen says, that we are not to lose our momentum; we will receive our reward if we do not lose heart.
In line with what I’d prayed for a few weeks ago, I thought that I had been rather inconsistent in my spirituality, so I prayed that I’d be more steadfast in my spiritual walk with God, and surprisingly, a day later in a combined zone meeting in church, Pastor Derek prayed that all of us would be steadfast Christians. Strange cos "steadfast" isn’t an adjective my church typically use. But not so strange when you know that it is God who has heard your prayers : )

Peace

Last night at cell group, God said in my heart, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

And subsequently during overnight prayer meeting, Pastor Tan said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will rule and reign in your heart. Do not worry”

This morning, the Daily Bread (July 9 2005) talked about being careful with our thoughts and not worry about life’s necessities. (Matthew 6:25-34)

Gee… God musta really heard the fear and anxiety in my heart.. and God I hear you too. Indeed I will learn to put my trust in You, and depend on You more. My faith is in You.

F.A.I.T.H: Forsaking All I Trust Him.

Ministry meeting

Ministry meeting last night was awesome, and Pastor Tan prayed for J7!
How it happened and what happened thrilled me greatly, and I’ve got several revelations.

1. Pastor asked J7 on stage to pray for us
2. He prayed that we would all treasure where we are, and what we have for the Lord
3. To use our talents for His glory
4. Not to be distracted by the things of the world
5. He prophesied that we will stay not only in Children Church but will also go out into the missionfields.

#1 The very act of going up on stage to be prayed upon meant something to me. We were VISIBLE. In a previous discipleship session with Pastor Eileen, she called us leaders, and mentioned that as leaders, as you go up, you become more visible, and you also have lesser options. As one become more visible, there is greater accountability and responsibilities.

#2 I thank God for where I am, I must say that my spiritual route has been amazing. Especially with J7 being my very first ministry, which is one of the most exciting place I can ever imagine myself to be; Being under Pastor Eileen’s discipleship; Sister Susan personally guiding me after my salvation; Everything so far has been such a blessing! I thank God for His grace and mercy.
*(For those who do not know about J7, it is like an equivalent of the Australian kid group Hi-5! Each member has had to go through 2 rigorous rounds of auditions and amongst many talented youths, specially handpicked by pastor and her team)

#4 It’s hard to make a stand, but God called us to be different and to be set apart for His glory. I must remember that.

#5 During church service last Sunday, we were shown a church video. In it, there were footages of our church members on mission trips. I dunno what happened to me then, but I was immensely touched, something in my heart said I must be there, and I will be there. I knew it was my spirit speaking so I immediately answered God and said, Yes Lord, I hear you. I will go where you want me to be. And I want to be on the missionfield. And Pastor Tan’s prophecy just confirmed what my spirit spoke to me in my heart.

I will always remember Pastor Eileen’s revelation in Acts 6: Seven Chosen To Serve “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business”
She sent us (J7) this sms before,“We must watch our lives to ensure that we keep ourselves pure and spiritual. We need to set ourselves apart and sanctify ourselves.”

I must always remember to treasure where I am and what I have in the Lord. Thank you God for all Your blessings, and I pray that God You will help me keep my focus on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

shackles of perversion

On Wed I prayed to God about shackles of perversion, He then spoke to me in my Daily Devotional the next morning (30 Jun) in Colossians 3

5Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Legalism

On Tuesday night, I prayed to God about legalism, and this is what He said to me in my Daily Devotional the next morning (29 Jun): Colossians 2:20-23
Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations-- "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," which all concern things which perish with the using--according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

I also realised the entire Colossians 2 was dedicated to the topic of Legalism, how timely can it be? : )

Phil 4:6-7

bible memory verse #2:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7)

Amen.

Feeling secure

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not
parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek
its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil. (1 Cor 13:4,5)
A wise mom once said, "Take it as a compliment that other girls think
your guy is great, too." Be secure enough to acknowledge their good
taste. If your relationship is about love, then jealousy can't be part
of it. Paul spends this whole chapter defining love. He is clear to
point out that true love is not jealous. Somehow we've confused this
and begun to think that if you love someone, you're supposed to act
jealous and possessive. Love is about serving, selflessness and
caring. Arrogance and jealousy are for the insecure. Have faith in
Jesus. He will bring the perfect mate for you. Learning to love and
trust someone means that you don't have to worry about who he talks
to, or who he's in the same room with. If your guy isn't trustworthy,
then he's definitely not the one for you. Don't even start a romantic
relationship with him. Start making friendships instead of dating.
That way you can spend time with different people until you find one
who lines up with your beliefs and values, the one you can have fun
with, the one you love, the one you trust completely. The possibility
of boyfriends and girlfriends will come and go. Don't give in to the
"gotta have a date" mentality. Commit to having holy courtships and
let God bring the one He has chosen for you. When it's really about
love, jealousy will lose out and trust will win.

Inside my beloved bible, the above spoke to me : )

Prayers work

Prayers do work. God is faithful. Keep praying and meditate on His promises.

(17 june 2005)

He will not let you go. He loves you.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Not by chance

This must be told since nothing happens by chance, but that said, it never failed to amaze me still.

On Sunday 19 June, the sermon at my best friend's church was on the perfect will of God. So along that line of thoughts, she was wondering if she should still be as adamant on switching her line of work, cos’ looking back, one can't help but acknowledge that she has been very blessed. All the chances and lessons she received seemed to prepare her for her current job. Though it's never been her dream to be doing what she's doing, let's just say she enjoys her work, and many would die to be in her position. So, she thought maybe this job was God's will, so she shouldn't change it, since it does appear that He's more than led her here..

On Tuesday morning, I was doing my daily bible-reading. That morning's reading was Eph 4.. As I flipped thru the pages, I stopped at Eph 2 to look at the footnotes beneath:

Promise: He Promises To Have A Plan For You.

For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10)

"Most days just seem to go by like every other day. Same old stuff. Same old everything. Blah blah blah. One day runs into another one. You close your eyes and wake up to do it all over again. Doesn't seem like much of a plan, does it?

Maybe not. But God has an exciting plan for your life - a plan that will give you purpose and fulfillment beyond your wildest dreams. Following God's plan takes what He's planned for you to do. You don't just accidentally fulfil what He's planned for you to do. You've got to seek God and ask Him to reveal His plan to you and to give you understanding about how you can fulfil it. Then, you've got to determine to make every day count for Him and for His plan.

Pay attention to every decision you face - even the ones that seem so insignificant. Take seriously every person you meet - even the ones you don't like. Embrace every situation you find yourself in - even the ones that seem to make no sense at all. They're shaping you, moulding you, preparing you for the next decision, the next person, the next situation.

Lose yourself in doing what God wants with every aspect of your life. Live your life in light of His plan!"

Upon reading the above, I immediately checked my Daily Devotional. Guess what? Sunday morning's bible-reading was EPHESIANS 2. I hadn't read the (above) footnotes earlier cos’ I'd used a different bible that day. But look, God speaks, and I always find it so amazing whenever Q&A situations like that happen. God can speak right to our hearts and answer our questions specifically. Just never stop asking, seeking, knocking. I love God. He is my Only God, my love, my Lord.