How many of us will even think of singing in times of trouble? Others may very well think we are crazy if we do so. But in Psalm 108, David was in great trouble, being surrounded by enemies and he chose to sing praises to God, instead of complaining or dwelling in fears. He used songs and musical instruments to lift up his faith in God. He focused on the great love of God and His faithfulness. David sang of God's promises of deliverance to those He loved and was lifted up, out of doubts and fears, to trust God to give him victory.
We can tell our hearts to be steadfast, like David did (v.1). We can determine within our hearts that God is worthy of praise and so praise Him whether we feel like it or not. Our knowledge of God's goodness can help us to overcome our negative emotions. They will fall in line if we focus on the Lord, not ourselves nor our circumstances. The more we speak of God's goodness as a reality, the more easily we shall trust Him and we shall begin to see signs of his goodness again in our lives. Glory be to God!
Showing posts with label Christian Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian Life. Show all posts
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Enjoy Life!
God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:10-13
When we are going through tough times, it is hard to see any beauty in it. But often in hind-sight, we can appreciate the beauty God wants to bring out of it. God is All-powerful and we must believe He can bring good out of every situation as He has promised in Romans 8:28. May God open our eyes to see the good that He is working out in our lives so that we can always be thankful to Him. There is life beyond the grave and even those who claim that there is no God, have fears in their hearts during their dying moments, knowing deep within themselves that they are going to meet their Maker. Indeed there are many things in life which we do not understand but we can always choose to trust in the goodness and wisdom of God. So,let us enjoy all the things God has given us - food and drinks and job - and be satisfied!!!
When we are going through tough times, it is hard to see any beauty in it. But often in hind-sight, we can appreciate the beauty God wants to bring out of it. God is All-powerful and we must believe He can bring good out of every situation as He has promised in Romans 8:28. May God open our eyes to see the good that He is working out in our lives so that we can always be thankful to Him. There is life beyond the grave and even those who claim that there is no God, have fears in their hearts during their dying moments, knowing deep within themselves that they are going to meet their Maker. Indeed there are many things in life which we do not understand but we can always choose to trust in the goodness and wisdom of God. So,let us enjoy all the things God has given us - food and drinks and job - and be satisfied!!!
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
O the brevity of life!
Someone once said that if one is diagnosed with cancer, it is like one is given a death sentence. Is it true? There is the worry that after going through the whole regiment of medical treatment, the cancer cells may be lurking somewhere in the body, waiting to strike you again, just when you think the worst if over.
But I have been thinking about this and this thought keeps recurring in my mind. All of us, even those of us who are healthy, do not know if we will still be alive tomorrow. Any accident can occur any time and at any place and one's life on earth is over and one has to meet His Maker, whether one is ready or not.
Ecclesiastes 12:6,7 says : Remember God - before the silver cord is severed or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well and the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
This passage has a special place in my heart. A few years ago, I was talking to a 80-year old Indian man at a dinner function and he told me that his prayer to God in his old age is that God will not mind if he forgets about God and just leisurely pursue some hobbies. That night, God turned my attention to the above passage and I was struck by God's answer to what that man said. God says,"No, you shall not forget about me in your old age. In fact, as your life winds down, you must REMEMBER ME because you are going to return to me." I wrote out this passage and gave it to that old gentleman the next morning and he was so awed by God's answer.
A close friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and has gone through a mastectomy to remove the affected breast. Then she was given chemotherapy. Two days later, she suddenly felt dizzy and became unconscious. An ambulance was called to take her to the hospital. The doctors said that she had a very rare reaction to one of the drugs given in the chemotherapy. After 20 hours, she regained consciousness and she is ever so thankful to God for giving her a second chance to live. I just spoke to her on the phone and she told me that we must appreciate that we are alive today. She has discovered that focusing on the fact that her life is in God's hand helps her to cope with her fears, anxieties and depression. Here is a fine example of a dear sister choosing to trust God with her life and refusing to be overwhelmed with fears and depression during this time of sickness. She has decided to be thankful to God for the life she now has and is glad that God has strenghtened her to be able to serve her family again.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.Ecclesiastes 9:10
But I have been thinking about this and this thought keeps recurring in my mind. All of us, even those of us who are healthy, do not know if we will still be alive tomorrow. Any accident can occur any time and at any place and one's life on earth is over and one has to meet His Maker, whether one is ready or not.
Ecclesiastes 12:6,7 says : Remember God - before the silver cord is severed or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well and the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
This passage has a special place in my heart. A few years ago, I was talking to a 80-year old Indian man at a dinner function and he told me that his prayer to God in his old age is that God will not mind if he forgets about God and just leisurely pursue some hobbies. That night, God turned my attention to the above passage and I was struck by God's answer to what that man said. God says,"No, you shall not forget about me in your old age. In fact, as your life winds down, you must REMEMBER ME because you are going to return to me." I wrote out this passage and gave it to that old gentleman the next morning and he was so awed by God's answer.
A close friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and has gone through a mastectomy to remove the affected breast. Then she was given chemotherapy. Two days later, she suddenly felt dizzy and became unconscious. An ambulance was called to take her to the hospital. The doctors said that she had a very rare reaction to one of the drugs given in the chemotherapy. After 20 hours, she regained consciousness and she is ever so thankful to God for giving her a second chance to live. I just spoke to her on the phone and she told me that we must appreciate that we are alive today. She has discovered that focusing on the fact that her life is in God's hand helps her to cope with her fears, anxieties and depression. Here is a fine example of a dear sister choosing to trust God with her life and refusing to be overwhelmed with fears and depression during this time of sickness. She has decided to be thankful to God for the life she now has and is glad that God has strenghtened her to be able to serve her family again.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.Ecclesiastes 9:10
Monday, 5 November 2007
Eternally Grateful
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
All my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
And heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
And crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
He made known His ways to His people.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve,
For as high as the heavens are above the earth
So great is His love for those whoe fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103
O Lord God, I am so awed by all You have done for me! I really do not deserve all the kindness You have been showing to me. Indeed I can testify that you constantly satisfy my desires with good things. You have given me a wonderful husband and four lovely children. You have supplied me with a comfortable home and enough finances for my children's education. You give me plenty of time to do things I enjoy, especially because you have supplied me with a good domestic helper. You have placed into my life many caring friends whom I can laugh and cry with. You have indeed blessed my life so much that I am etenally indebted to You. I give you my heart in return. Take me, I am Yours.
All my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
And heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
And crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
He made known His ways to His people.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve,
For as high as the heavens are above the earth
So great is His love for those whoe fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103
O Lord God, I am so awed by all You have done for me! I really do not deserve all the kindness You have been showing to me. Indeed I can testify that you constantly satisfy my desires with good things. You have given me a wonderful husband and four lovely children. You have supplied me with a comfortable home and enough finances for my children's education. You give me plenty of time to do things I enjoy, especially because you have supplied me with a good domestic helper. You have placed into my life many caring friends whom I can laugh and cry with. You have indeed blessed my life so much that I am etenally indebted to You. I give you my heart in return. Take me, I am Yours.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Prayer of rededication
Dearest Lord God,
Today is the first day of November 2007 and I thank you for the beginning of a new month. I recommit myself to serving You whole-heartedly throughout this month. I want to submit my will to Your will and I surrender all my rights to You. All I have is Yours, use them as You please. I want to seek Your heart - to know and feel your heartaches and pains as well as your joys and pleasures.
The reading of Psalm 100 today encourages me to shout for joy to You, Lord and worship You with gladness. I am to come before You with joyful songs. Lord, please sustain my joy in You, even when my hormonal levels are abnormal or when I am tired. I want to know that You are GOD - in control of all, throughout my experiences today and everyday. I am so glad that I am Yours because You made me! Thank You for being so good to me and for loving me so faithfully and unendingly.
Today is the first day of November 2007 and I thank you for the beginning of a new month. I recommit myself to serving You whole-heartedly throughout this month. I want to submit my will to Your will and I surrender all my rights to You. All I have is Yours, use them as You please. I want to seek Your heart - to know and feel your heartaches and pains as well as your joys and pleasures.
The reading of Psalm 100 today encourages me to shout for joy to You, Lord and worship You with gladness. I am to come before You with joyful songs. Lord, please sustain my joy in You, even when my hormonal levels are abnormal or when I am tired. I want to know that You are GOD - in control of all, throughout my experiences today and everyday. I am so glad that I am Yours because You made me! Thank You for being so good to me and for loving me so faithfully and unendingly.
Friday, 26 October 2007
Spiritual Formation Group
I was part of a spiritual formation group which was formed 5 years ago. There are 4 of us in that group and we spent a few months together, meeting once every two weeks with the aim of encouraging each other in developing spiritual disciplines in our lives. We had the loveliest time as we studied the Bible, shared, cried and prayed together, with a book on spiritual formation as our guide.
When we completed all the topics on spiritual formation in that book, we decided not to meet regularly any more because of other commitments to our various churches. Two of us started new spiritual formation groups with other ladies in our churches.
The original group of 4 met again today for lunch. We have not met as a group for two years and it was really wonderful to catch up on how each of us is growing in the Lord and what are some of the struggles in our lives. There have been joys and sorrows, triumphs and heartaches. I shared about how happy I am now, after going through months of fatigue and low esteem. I also shared about my new volunteer work with Salvation Army and patients at Sarawak General Hospital. Another sister encouraged us with reports of how God ministered to her through a prayer retreat and then told her to organize two other prayer retreats in her church. Lives have been transformed during the prayer retreats as they encountered God at a deeper dimension.
Others also shared about concerns in their church life which they want us to pray about. So we ended with a time of praying for God to intervene and bring breakthroughs in the difficult situations that we talked about.
It was altogether an uplifting time for all of us. I hope I do not have to wait another two years before we get to meet again!
When we completed all the topics on spiritual formation in that book, we decided not to meet regularly any more because of other commitments to our various churches. Two of us started new spiritual formation groups with other ladies in our churches.
The original group of 4 met again today for lunch. We have not met as a group for two years and it was really wonderful to catch up on how each of us is growing in the Lord and what are some of the struggles in our lives. There have been joys and sorrows, triumphs and heartaches. I shared about how happy I am now, after going through months of fatigue and low esteem. I also shared about my new volunteer work with Salvation Army and patients at Sarawak General Hospital. Another sister encouraged us with reports of how God ministered to her through a prayer retreat and then told her to organize two other prayer retreats in her church. Lives have been transformed during the prayer retreats as they encountered God at a deeper dimension.
Others also shared about concerns in their church life which they want us to pray about. So we ended with a time of praying for God to intervene and bring breakthroughs in the difficult situations that we talked about.
It was altogether an uplifting time for all of us. I hope I do not have to wait another two years before we get to meet again!
Sunday, 21 October 2007
Coping with Mother-in-law
My mother-in-law stays with us and sometimes it is very trying! Just this morning, at 5 am , she told me she had severe pain in her back and that she cannot move her neck. Her facial expression was full of anguish and she kept saying how excruciating her pain was. She said she has not slept all night because of her pain. I volunteered to wake my husband up to see to her (he is an orthopaedic surgeon). But she told me to wait till he woke up on his own.
As soon as the alarm went off and my husband stirred, I told him about his mother. Immediately after he saw her, he knew the pain was due to her old problem of backache which was a result of normal wear and tear. He told her that but she did not believe him at first and insisted that he examine her. I told my husband to oblige her because I knew she needed the human touch and some compassion. So he touched the bones on her back and gave her the same diagnosis. He also told her to take the pain-killer which he had supplied her. Amazingly, she coped with her pain much better even before she took any pain-kiiler!!!
Later, I asked my husband if her pain was severe. He said that it should not be very severe. With this knowledge, I can feel more at peace if I do not give too much attention to her backache and if I do not believe her when she says that she is dying due to the pain.
Actually I am less alarmed this time around because of a previous episode when I had to send her to the emergency room of a hospital because she told me she could not breathe and that she was very sick. After a whole battery of tests, she was diagnosed with lung infection and sent home with antibiotics. The amazing thing is that even before my mother-in-law took any of the antibiotics, she was perfectly well again and she was breathing normally again! I have learnt to take what she says with a pinch of salt.
As I think through this, I think that people like my mother-in-law are probably very insecure and sometimes they have to feign sickness or exaggerate their pain so as to get the attention they need and to feel that others care about them. My prayer is that God will fill me with His unconditional love for my mother-in-law and to show love and concern often enough that she does not need to feign any sickness to get attention. My human nature wants to turn away and let her be and not be fooled by her pretences. But I must allow God to touch her with His love through my acts of kindness towards her. God must increase and I must decrease!
As soon as the alarm went off and my husband stirred, I told him about his mother. Immediately after he saw her, he knew the pain was due to her old problem of backache which was a result of normal wear and tear. He told her that but she did not believe him at first and insisted that he examine her. I told my husband to oblige her because I knew she needed the human touch and some compassion. So he touched the bones on her back and gave her the same diagnosis. He also told her to take the pain-killer which he had supplied her. Amazingly, she coped with her pain much better even before she took any pain-kiiler!!!
Later, I asked my husband if her pain was severe. He said that it should not be very severe. With this knowledge, I can feel more at peace if I do not give too much attention to her backache and if I do not believe her when she says that she is dying due to the pain.
Actually I am less alarmed this time around because of a previous episode when I had to send her to the emergency room of a hospital because she told me she could not breathe and that she was very sick. After a whole battery of tests, she was diagnosed with lung infection and sent home with antibiotics. The amazing thing is that even before my mother-in-law took any of the antibiotics, she was perfectly well again and she was breathing normally again! I have learnt to take what she says with a pinch of salt.
As I think through this, I think that people like my mother-in-law are probably very insecure and sometimes they have to feign sickness or exaggerate their pain so as to get the attention they need and to feel that others care about them. My prayer is that God will fill me with His unconditional love for my mother-in-law and to show love and concern often enough that she does not need to feign any sickness to get attention. My human nature wants to turn away and let her be and not be fooled by her pretences. But I must allow God to touch her with His love through my acts of kindness towards her. God must increase and I must decrease!
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
A Persian Proverb
There is a Persian proverb which goes like this :
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child; teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him.
These four groups of people are everywhere around us and we need discerment to know who to shun, teach, awaken or follow. We need to read character with skill and accuracy.
James encourages any of us who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). We should also go the Word of God, for "His commands make me wiser than my enemies", and it gives us insight and understanding if we meditate on it and obey it(Psalm 119:98-100).
Jesus urges us to pursue the discerment or interpretation of the present times and the wisdom to think of what to do before it is too late (Lk.12:54-57).
We have received the Spirit of God so that we may understand what God has freely given us (1Cor2:12). God has given us the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:16). Let us learn to use it regularly!!!
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child; teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him.
These four groups of people are everywhere around us and we need discerment to know who to shun, teach, awaken or follow. We need to read character with skill and accuracy.
James encourages any of us who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). We should also go the Word of God, for "His commands make me wiser than my enemies", and it gives us insight and understanding if we meditate on it and obey it(Psalm 119:98-100).
Jesus urges us to pursue the discerment or interpretation of the present times and the wisdom to think of what to do before it is too late (Lk.12:54-57).
We have received the Spirit of God so that we may understand what God has freely given us (1Cor2:12). God has given us the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:16). Let us learn to use it regularly!!!
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Hari Raya
It is Hari Raya Aidilfitri ! Over the last few days, my husband and I went to the open houses of our Muslim friends and colleagues. It was a wonderful occasion to meet up with friends. For some of them, we see them only once a year at this time of the year. It is good to renew our friendship ties and catch up on what is happening in each other's lives. The food we were served were very good : lemang, rendang, nasi kerabu, kuih lapis, cheese cake, cookies, etc. Yummy!!!
I wonder how many Christians make it a point to visit our Muslim friends during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It is very kind of them to invite us to their open houses and we must be kind enough to visit them. Moreover, it is a very natural way to build bridges and it helps us to better understand one another. It is an opportunity for us to enter their homes and see their families and their way of life. Through our conversations, we can also learn of any needs in the family and we can offer to help them in some way. Several years ago, my husband and I visited a colleague of mine during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and found out that she has a severely handicapped brother whom my husband was able to help later at the Sarawak General Hospital.
This year, during the Hari Raya visitations, we found out that one of our friends is going to Korea for a year to train in a sub-specialty. His wife and children will not be going with him because his wife cannot leave her dental practice here. With this in mind, we hope we can help them in some ways when the husband is away in Korea. Another colleague has a very talented wife who has painted lovely pictures but was not able to sell them even though she has held exhibitions. I hope to help introduce her batik paintings to my friends who may want to purchase them.
May the love of our Lord Jesus flow through us as we show that we care for others!!!
I wonder how many Christians make it a point to visit our Muslim friends during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It is very kind of them to invite us to their open houses and we must be kind enough to visit them. Moreover, it is a very natural way to build bridges and it helps us to better understand one another. It is an opportunity for us to enter their homes and see their families and their way of life. Through our conversations, we can also learn of any needs in the family and we can offer to help them in some way. Several years ago, my husband and I visited a colleague of mine during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and found out that she has a severely handicapped brother whom my husband was able to help later at the Sarawak General Hospital.
This year, during the Hari Raya visitations, we found out that one of our friends is going to Korea for a year to train in a sub-specialty. His wife and children will not be going with him because his wife cannot leave her dental practice here. With this in mind, we hope we can help them in some ways when the husband is away in Korea. Another colleague has a very talented wife who has painted lovely pictures but was not able to sell them even though she has held exhibitions. I hope to help introduce her batik paintings to my friends who may want to purchase them.
May the love of our Lord Jesus flow through us as we show that we care for others!!!
Friday, 12 October 2007
God knows us better than we know ourselves!
Last night my home fellowship met and we had a very encouraging bible study on the first six verses of Psalm 139.
The Lord declares that He has searched us, He has dug deep into us and He knows us. He knows all about our routine daily activities - sitting and rising - even things we do not think about when we do them. Sometimes we get so bored with our routine life that we want to quit it if possible. But often we just have to carry on, especially as a bread-winner for a family. Even jobs at the highest level, as Chief Executive Officer, as an astronaut, or as a surgeon with a sub-specialty which only he has in the whole of Borneo, there are still mundane daily things that need to be done. Our Comfort is that God knows them all and He will be with us in each and every thing we do, no matter how many times we have to do it all over again.
God perceives our thoughts from afar. He even understands the motive behind our every thought!!!Sometimes we ourselves do not know why we have a certain thought, but God knows why.
Our Lord is familiar with all our ways. We will not surprise Him in any way for He is so well acquainted with the way we do things. After all, He created us, didn't He?
Before we even speak a word, God already knows it completely. For those of us who are tongue-tight, it is comforting to know that God knows each word we are going to say and even the effects it will have on the listeners. So, relax! For those of us who talk so much and talk so fast that sometimes we do not even know what we have just said, remember that God knows!
Our Lord God hems us in, behind and before. He is all around us, protecting us thoroughly. He knows our past and our future and His hand of blessings and protection is upon us. How secured we are in the ever-present, ever-knowing God!!!
Isn't such knowledge simply too wonderful!!!
The Lord declares that He has searched us, He has dug deep into us and He knows us. He knows all about our routine daily activities - sitting and rising - even things we do not think about when we do them. Sometimes we get so bored with our routine life that we want to quit it if possible. But often we just have to carry on, especially as a bread-winner for a family. Even jobs at the highest level, as Chief Executive Officer, as an astronaut, or as a surgeon with a sub-specialty which only he has in the whole of Borneo, there are still mundane daily things that need to be done. Our Comfort is that God knows them all and He will be with us in each and every thing we do, no matter how many times we have to do it all over again.
God perceives our thoughts from afar. He even understands the motive behind our every thought!!!Sometimes we ourselves do not know why we have a certain thought, but God knows why.
Our Lord is familiar with all our ways. We will not surprise Him in any way for He is so well acquainted with the way we do things. After all, He created us, didn't He?
Before we even speak a word, God already knows it completely. For those of us who are tongue-tight, it is comforting to know that God knows each word we are going to say and even the effects it will have on the listeners. So, relax! For those of us who talk so much and talk so fast that sometimes we do not even know what we have just said, remember that God knows!
Our Lord God hems us in, behind and before. He is all around us, protecting us thoroughly. He knows our past and our future and His hand of blessings and protection is upon us. How secured we are in the ever-present, ever-knowing God!!!
Isn't such knowledge simply too wonderful!!!
Sunday, 7 October 2007
Care Group
My husband and I belong to a Care Group, consisting of about ten families. Yesterday we had a most unusual meeting.
One of the ten families invited us to their home to meet up with the British boyfriend of one of the daughters. He was visiting Malaysia for the first time. We had a lovely evening chatting with this special Briton, asking him all sorts of questions, not to interrogate him, but just to get to know him better, so that as a care group, we can pray more intelligently for them as they seek God regarding their future together. Very often, we pray together for the children in our families as their welfare is of utmost importance to the parents. So, in this case, we are setting the precedence of meeting the special persons in the lives of our chilldren as a care group, to show our care and concern. After some time of fellowship and refreshment, we prayed for God's guidance and blessings on the two of them. It was a wonderful time together!
We are already planning to meet the next one from another family. How excting!!!! Just hope that the boyfriend or girlfriend will not get cold feet!
One of the ten families invited us to their home to meet up with the British boyfriend of one of the daughters. He was visiting Malaysia for the first time. We had a lovely evening chatting with this special Briton, asking him all sorts of questions, not to interrogate him, but just to get to know him better, so that as a care group, we can pray more intelligently for them as they seek God regarding their future together. Very often, we pray together for the children in our families as their welfare is of utmost importance to the parents. So, in this case, we are setting the precedence of meeting the special persons in the lives of our chilldren as a care group, to show our care and concern. After some time of fellowship and refreshment, we prayed for God's guidance and blessings on the two of them. It was a wonderful time together!
We are already planning to meet the next one from another family. How excting!!!! Just hope that the boyfriend or girlfriend will not get cold feet!
Sunday, 30 September 2007
Better than a miracle
Better Than a Miracle by Joyce C.
God is in the miracle business, every day, blessing us in so many ways wherein we aren't even looking. In fact, we are so ungrateful that, if one leg is in pain, we don't thank Him for the one that isn't. We invite Satan to extend suffering, with words like, "I may never be able to walk again." If our healing isn't instant, do we conclude that God must have stopped doing miracles? If God does do miracles, perhaps we decide it must be for someone else.According to your faith be it unto you. If you don't believe God heals, He won't. If you believe that miracles were only for beginning the new church age, you're missing out on blessings. Scripture was written as an example, not a history lesson. In all the ways God loved people of old, He wants to love us, too.
There are many gifts of healing, not just one, with diversity and differences in operation. After all, Jesus wasn't the only gift God gave ... and a gift is free. God heals all that will receive and that includes you, too.
We might see a physically blind man. But, God may see the spiritually blind heart. To give that man spiritual sight is worth far more. In fact, his spiritual sight, along with his physical infirmity, just might open more doors of opportunity to minister, as people are in awe of all he has to share, in spite of that handicap. In fact, one non-functioning sense could heighten all his other senses for true greatness.
Another could be physically lame; an outward show of one's inner desire to minister, but often faltering. Teach that person to spiritually walk, following none other than God, and they will be able to physically walk. As is often the case, heal the inner man and the outward one will function correctly ~ regardless of x-rays.
Then, there are those whose outward condition is in no way reflective of their inner needs. In such, a more immediate miracle may be in order. However, for those who don't give a hang about God, the real need of their heart is salvation.One child was diagnosed ADD, in error. As it turned out, one eye sees far sighted and the other sees near sighted. Also, there was construction going on in the next room. It was such a distraction that all their testing was off. Children are often labeled learning disabled when, in fact, they are extremely gifted.
If your hip won't stay in place, check out your shoes. It could just be that you've worn down a heal, setting everything else off balance. It may be the side effects of your medication that is wreaking havoc.Look and live. Find the source of the problem. Sometimes, it's external. Get that corrected and see what wonders God will do. And, when you don't know the source, ask God. Seek and you will find. Knock and that door will be opened.Jesus healed everyone that came to Him. There was no manner of disease that He couldn't do. Even in Paul's case, grace always has a point of redemption. And, didn't Jesus tell us that we can do the works He did and even more? He wasn't kidding. And, God replaces missing parts, too, sometimes even without transplants!
If you are not free, it isn't the truth. If it isn't the truth, it is a lie. And, if it is a lie, it was planted by Satan to keep us from our rightful inheritance. We can know this because truth always sets you free.
So, what can be even Better Than a Miracle?
Consider this ...For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Co. 4:15-18
When you receive a miracle of healing, that is an awesome testimony!However, when it is for your sake that your healing comes over time, that becomes a testimony, too. You spend at least some of that time growing in your relationship with God ... that is, unless you don't believe God heals. God makes your trial a blessing, as God is plenty capable of turning whatever Satan does into something good. You become a forerunner, learning how to overcome, wherein you, then, have a testimony to help others find their rightful place with God, too, and that blesses you even more!Also, as is often the case, people, from all walks of life, have discovered the ability to serve via the internet ~ as their bodies haven't allowed them other options to serve. If they had been physically healthy, would they have, otherwise, ever dreamed to minister to hundreds, thousands, and hundred thousands?
In some cases, blooming where you are planted is the most loving option God can offer. But, again, grace always has a point of redemption. When you finally know your importance in ministry, as a child of God, and are ready to serve, just as vigorously, without your physical or spiritual thorn, Satan has lost his power over you and it's time for your healing. Praise God!Not only that but, those who've suffered with Christ will also be glorified with Him!!!God sees and feels your every hurt. There is nothing that touches your heart which does not touch the heart of God. Though, He also knows it is only for a season.
Sometimes, we view those with physical infirmities as weak, sinful, etc.; not realizing these are often God's chosen. In such case, God has granted these a time of spiritual growth. He does not see them as week or sickly, at all. In fact, He is so very proud, knowing that these are His true warriors; ones that didn't give up on Him no matter what.
And, what you also may not realize is that, in addition to all the other lives you touch, every time you choose God in spite of all that ails ~ you are earning glory for all eternity! God looks upon the heart and, when you realize your rewards, you'll finally 'know' it really was worth it all!!!Though, not even Jesus could be all that He was yet going to be until certain things were accomplished.But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Luke 12:50
Always, God does the healing and, often, via Jesus. There are choices we can make in the process of overcoming. But, none-the-less, God calls the rest to do our part.If you want to see God's great army turning this land into something Better Than a Miracle, consider what God said.Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6***
© 2004 by Joyce C. LockJoyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations
God is in the miracle business, every day, blessing us in so many ways wherein we aren't even looking. In fact, we are so ungrateful that, if one leg is in pain, we don't thank Him for the one that isn't. We invite Satan to extend suffering, with words like, "I may never be able to walk again." If our healing isn't instant, do we conclude that God must have stopped doing miracles? If God does do miracles, perhaps we decide it must be for someone else.According to your faith be it unto you. If you don't believe God heals, He won't. If you believe that miracles were only for beginning the new church age, you're missing out on blessings. Scripture was written as an example, not a history lesson. In all the ways God loved people of old, He wants to love us, too.
There are many gifts of healing, not just one, with diversity and differences in operation. After all, Jesus wasn't the only gift God gave ... and a gift is free. God heals all that will receive and that includes you, too.
We might see a physically blind man. But, God may see the spiritually blind heart. To give that man spiritual sight is worth far more. In fact, his spiritual sight, along with his physical infirmity, just might open more doors of opportunity to minister, as people are in awe of all he has to share, in spite of that handicap. In fact, one non-functioning sense could heighten all his other senses for true greatness.
Another could be physically lame; an outward show of one's inner desire to minister, but often faltering. Teach that person to spiritually walk, following none other than God, and they will be able to physically walk. As is often the case, heal the inner man and the outward one will function correctly ~ regardless of x-rays.
Then, there are those whose outward condition is in no way reflective of their inner needs. In such, a more immediate miracle may be in order. However, for those who don't give a hang about God, the real need of their heart is salvation.One child was diagnosed ADD, in error. As it turned out, one eye sees far sighted and the other sees near sighted. Also, there was construction going on in the next room. It was such a distraction that all their testing was off. Children are often labeled learning disabled when, in fact, they are extremely gifted.
If your hip won't stay in place, check out your shoes. It could just be that you've worn down a heal, setting everything else off balance. It may be the side effects of your medication that is wreaking havoc.Look and live. Find the source of the problem. Sometimes, it's external. Get that corrected and see what wonders God will do. And, when you don't know the source, ask God. Seek and you will find. Knock and that door will be opened.Jesus healed everyone that came to Him. There was no manner of disease that He couldn't do. Even in Paul's case, grace always has a point of redemption. And, didn't Jesus tell us that we can do the works He did and even more? He wasn't kidding. And, God replaces missing parts, too, sometimes even without transplants!
If you are not free, it isn't the truth. If it isn't the truth, it is a lie. And, if it is a lie, it was planted by Satan to keep us from our rightful inheritance. We can know this because truth always sets you free.
So, what can be even Better Than a Miracle?
Consider this ...For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Co. 4:15-18
When you receive a miracle of healing, that is an awesome testimony!However, when it is for your sake that your healing comes over time, that becomes a testimony, too. You spend at least some of that time growing in your relationship with God ... that is, unless you don't believe God heals. God makes your trial a blessing, as God is plenty capable of turning whatever Satan does into something good. You become a forerunner, learning how to overcome, wherein you, then, have a testimony to help others find their rightful place with God, too, and that blesses you even more!Also, as is often the case, people, from all walks of life, have discovered the ability to serve via the internet ~ as their bodies haven't allowed them other options to serve. If they had been physically healthy, would they have, otherwise, ever dreamed to minister to hundreds, thousands, and hundred thousands?
In some cases, blooming where you are planted is the most loving option God can offer. But, again, grace always has a point of redemption. When you finally know your importance in ministry, as a child of God, and are ready to serve, just as vigorously, without your physical or spiritual thorn, Satan has lost his power over you and it's time for your healing. Praise God!Not only that but, those who've suffered with Christ will also be glorified with Him!!!God sees and feels your every hurt. There is nothing that touches your heart which does not touch the heart of God. Though, He also knows it is only for a season.
Sometimes, we view those with physical infirmities as weak, sinful, etc.; not realizing these are often God's chosen. In such case, God has granted these a time of spiritual growth. He does not see them as week or sickly, at all. In fact, He is so very proud, knowing that these are His true warriors; ones that didn't give up on Him no matter what.
And, what you also may not realize is that, in addition to all the other lives you touch, every time you choose God in spite of all that ails ~ you are earning glory for all eternity! God looks upon the heart and, when you realize your rewards, you'll finally 'know' it really was worth it all!!!Though, not even Jesus could be all that He was yet going to be until certain things were accomplished.But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Luke 12:50
Always, God does the healing and, often, via Jesus. There are choices we can make in the process of overcoming. But, none-the-less, God calls the rest to do our part.If you want to see God's great army turning this land into something Better Than a Miracle, consider what God said.Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6***
© 2004 by Joyce C. LockJoyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations
Praise God at all times!
Imagine that you cannot move any muscle of yours. You cannot walk, sit up, talk, swallow or smile or do anything else except to lie down on the bed all day long. In this kind of existence, do you think you can praise God at all?
Well, yesterday I was with Balang Lasong and he is living like I described above for the past year. He has a sickness which causes muscle distrophy and over the past few years, his disabilities slowly increased until the present state. I was with a group of church members who visited him to have Holy Communion with him. I really admire the way Balang and his family has continued to trust the Lord as Balang's phsical condition deteriorated. He had been coming to the church services as long as he could, even in a wheel chair. When he could not sit in his wheel chair anymore, he stopped worshipping God at the church with us. But he was always very glad when we went to his home to have Holy Communion with him. His faith in God is truly admirable!
He and his family is a present-day example of David who in Psalm 34 wrote of extoling God at all times, even when he had to pretend to be insane while he was fearing for his life and in the midst of enemies who could chop off his head if they wanted to. David was in trouble and he was indeed overwhelmed with fears but he was able to surrender his fears to God and then he testified how God delivered him from all his fears. Through it all, he was able to praise God for God is Sovereignly in control of all things, even when he did not understand why God allowed certain things to happen to him.
When I have to go through the fiery test of my faith, may I be found to be extoling God at all times, trusting him faithfully and surrendering all to His loving care.
Well, yesterday I was with Balang Lasong and he is living like I described above for the past year. He has a sickness which causes muscle distrophy and over the past few years, his disabilities slowly increased until the present state. I was with a group of church members who visited him to have Holy Communion with him. I really admire the way Balang and his family has continued to trust the Lord as Balang's phsical condition deteriorated. He had been coming to the church services as long as he could, even in a wheel chair. When he could not sit in his wheel chair anymore, he stopped worshipping God at the church with us. But he was always very glad when we went to his home to have Holy Communion with him. His faith in God is truly admirable!
He and his family is a present-day example of David who in Psalm 34 wrote of extoling God at all times, even when he had to pretend to be insane while he was fearing for his life and in the midst of enemies who could chop off his head if they wanted to. David was in trouble and he was indeed overwhelmed with fears but he was able to surrender his fears to God and then he testified how God delivered him from all his fears. Through it all, he was able to praise God for God is Sovereignly in control of all things, even when he did not understand why God allowed certain things to happen to him.
When I have to go through the fiery test of my faith, may I be found to be extoling God at all times, trusting him faithfully and surrendering all to His loving care.
Purity
Dear Lord,
Fill me with a love for You that surpasses my love for anything or anyone else. Help me to respect and revere Your laws and understand that they are there for my benefit. May I clearly see that when Your laws are disobeyed, life doesn't work. Hide Your Word in my heart so that there is no attraction to sin. I pray that I will run away from evil, impurity, from unholy thoughts, words, and deeds, and that I will be drawn toward whatever is pure and holy. Let Christ be formed in me and cause me to seek the power of Your Holy Spirit to enable me to do what is right.
You have said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matt 5:8). May a desire for holiness that comes from a pure heart be reflected in all that I do. Let it be manifested in my appearance as well.
Where I have strayed from the path of holiness, bring me to repentance and work Your cleansing power in my heart and life. Give me understanding that to live in purity brings wholeness and blessing, and that the greatest reward for it is seeing You.
Amen.
Fill me with a love for You that surpasses my love for anything or anyone else. Help me to respect and revere Your laws and understand that they are there for my benefit. May I clearly see that when Your laws are disobeyed, life doesn't work. Hide Your Word in my heart so that there is no attraction to sin. I pray that I will run away from evil, impurity, from unholy thoughts, words, and deeds, and that I will be drawn toward whatever is pure and holy. Let Christ be formed in me and cause me to seek the power of Your Holy Spirit to enable me to do what is right.
You have said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matt 5:8). May a desire for holiness that comes from a pure heart be reflected in all that I do. Let it be manifested in my appearance as well.
Where I have strayed from the path of holiness, bring me to repentance and work Your cleansing power in my heart and life. Give me understanding that to live in purity brings wholeness and blessing, and that the greatest reward for it is seeing You.
Amen.
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