Who loves you baby?

I used to think if I could just love God more, I would...save more souls, spend more time in prayer, hear His voice more often, do great and mighty deeds, etc. That I can't and don't do these things could only mean I didn't love Him enough. Why else would I rather play Posh Boutique (thanks for the download Kay!) than read Psalms? Or watch CSI instead of crying out to God? And what kind of Christian is that anyway?!

Inevitably I would feel condemned and since I'm feeling so unholy, I might as well continue watching CSI because how can I meet with the King of Kings now that He knows my first choice was not Him but Grissom and his team?!

But recently, I got a new point of view from Pastor Joseph Prince's sermon series and I'm just blown away.

Remember when Jesus said the first and greatest commandment in the Law is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Does anyone realise that this commandment is from the Law and we could never live up to the Law? It was given to show us precisely that fact. Which means, try as we may, we could never love God with ALL our heart, ALL our soul and ALL our mind. Sure it's easy to think you can on Sunday but what's your love tank on Wednesday or Thursday?

Our love is bouncier than a yo-yo but God's love isn't. It's consistent as the day He made us, the day He sent His son to die for our sins, the day He reached down and drew us near to Him. So why do we focus on that which is not constant instead of that which is eternally unchanging?

When you start focusing on how much God loves you, when you really take the time to meditate on the magnitude of that love...you will want to spend time with Him, save souls, do great and mighty deeds. But we could never create that genuine desire when we focus on our love for Him because who knows what's going to be TV tonight?! I'm not saying we don't love God madly. I'm saying we need to love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

I hope this some how helps you feel less crappy and more aware that you are God's beloved for whom He sent His only son to die for - yes, even the you who prefers to learn about finger-printing technology than heavenly truths. It's really more profound when you hear Pastor Prince say it.

Fresh Fire seminar

Yours truly was ecstatic about the AOG prayer seminar held last week because the main speaker was Susan Tang.

I knew of Susan Tang through the books she wrote. To me, she has been a great mentor. I remember the first Susan-Tang book that I bought – Increasing in the Experiential Knowledge of God – having ministered to me greatly. From then on, my spiritual journey has been accompanied by almost all her books.

Susan Tang has always given me the impression that she is a very thin woman. Pardon my ignorance because I had never seen her before – not in pictures, and definitely, not in person – until last week. She is a very presentable lady who carries herself well.

And I had always have this impression that she was a very serious and stern pastor. Well, no, she was funny!

Susan Tang moves in the apostolic anointing and runs a “station of life” in Lahad Datu. You can check out her website at http://www.station-of-life.org/ from which you can even download some of her books.

And for the benefit of those who missed the prayer seminar, here’s the gist of what was taught.

Warning to the Ephesian church (and us)

Most of us are familiar with God’s admonition to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-17.

It is basically about this church (or us) being very successful and powerful in the eyes of men. Perhaps one that is fast-growing, with big congregation, beautiful buildings, active in ministries and good works… you know, whatever that denotes a “successful” church or a “highly spiritual” person.

But the Lord sees that church as fallen because she has left her first love, and unless she repents and returns to the first works, the Lord would come and “remove her lampstand from its place”.

If the church loses the “light”, how can she see? Similarly, if the “light” is taken away from us, how then can we see?

That explains why some people are moving in the “dark anointing” as in some of the so-called prophets of old (if not mistaken, in the book of Ezekiel – sorry, I didn’t note this down) who preached about peace and prosperity when disaster is looming.

Return to the first works

To know what the “first works” are, we have to go back to the Book of Ephesians to understand how it was in the initial stage. In this book many a time, the words – works, workings and workmanship – are mentioned.

Paul spoke of the works the Lord has done in his life, and that he is the Lord’s workmanship, and his life is marked with the continuous workings of God.

The first works are the continuous work of God in our lives. We have to allow the Lord to work in us first before we “work out” or serve.

Prevailing in His Presence

Going back to the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus asked His disciples to keep watch. Oh, the disappointment of the Lord when they failed to keep watch for just one hour, and this heartache of the Lord continues through the generations even as we have not “kept watch and pray”.

We need to learn how to prevail in His presence. Regardless of whether or not we “feel” His presence (our feelings have nothing to do with it).

Prayer is also not about the words we use. Some of the most powerful prayers contain just one word, and that one word could carry so many words in it.

We especially need to pray for Malaysia. God uses our prayer to shape a nation. The politicians have no power to control a nation; only those who pray, the pray-ers, have. But we need to first be a watchman before we become an intercessor. We therefore need to keep abreast of what’s happening around us.

A New Malaysia

Malaysia has entered a new exciting era, with the opposition making major inroads into the parliament. We also see disunity among our “neighbours”.

While some may regard the new developments in the Malaysian political scene as signals of instability, we should see it as a divine intervention which will ultimately lead to the glory of the Lord. Doors of opportunities to minister and spur the growth of the Lord’s kingdom are wide open.

We need to pray for our “neighbours” that Jesus would raise up this generation as believers of the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the Lord would do just that. History is unfolding before our eyes.

But don’t just sit back and watch. Let’s get involved – let’s put our hands to the plough and not turn back.

How does God speak?

God speaks to us all the time through....

...answered prayers
Some weeks back I was praying about the long-term sustainability of my career. Freelancing allows great flexibility but there's also little certainty and poor cash flow. Amazingly, within 1 week I confirmed 2 projects that ensured I had fixed income for the next 3-6 months. Plus it was more than what I was making in my last full-time job!

...His word
About a month back I was dealing with a scary client who gave me nightmares. In my anxiousness God impressed Roman 8:15a in my heart :"For you did not inherit a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear but the Spirit of sonship." I was instantly reminded that being a child of God comes with authority and there's no need for fear if we walk right in the Lord.

...the prompting of His Spirit
Simple story. My sister buzzed me one day on Messenger and the moment the window popped up, the Holy Spirit told me she had a prayer request. And she did! It felt a bit like magic. Haha.

...His peace
Every Christian can definitely testify to a moment when God's peace calms the storm within. We should never take it for granted because the world searches desperately for some measure of peace but can't find it yet God gives it to us generously. Jesus said in John 14:27 "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."

...His creation
Psalms 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

This post is in response to yesterday's cell lesson on 'Listening to God'. Posted by Elaine.

Divine Humour

Who said God doesn't have a sense of humour?! Last Friday David did ice-breaker for the first time. During the week he had already ominously warned Maddie that he was going to be 'chan yan' (cruel). Okay...well, bring it on!

It was a classic 'boys' ice-breaker - all about punishment. Everybody had to draw a card and the one who gets the joker card will have to pick a forfeit (from folded pieces of paper), which ranged from having your legs waxed to smelling dirty socks...erm, now you know how David's mind works!

God proved that He is one funny Divine Fella when David drew the joker two times in a row! His forfeit? The first was to wear a teeny rubber band over his head and then let Kay snap the rubber band against his forehead! The second was the dreaded leg waxing! (The day after he claimed he lost some strength due to his Samson-like loss)

You have to be there to appreciate how hilarious it was! Maybe someone should have told David the game master doesn't have to play the game...

Esther and Mordecai's testimonies

My first attempt

My very first blog entry, thought I share with you what I’ve learned from the Book of Esther. I have been truly blessed by our recent journey in reading, understanding and meditating on the Book of Joshua both in cell and in church. Follow on was the “People of venture” series embarked by the church for cell’s sharing every Friday and also during service on Saturday.

God has truly blessed me with the book of Joshua and Esther. The recent “step out of the boat incident” of getting involved in preparation for sharing on Esther over Saturday and Youth services, God has used to engrave deeper understanding of him in and his working in our lives. Yes, yes I didn’t preach (“phew”) during the services however, I definitely have gained and learned much from the preparation and as I listened to God through Kim-Ann, Karen and Ps Julie.

Selfishness and Selflessness

I can’t forget Victor’s facilitation of the word on Esther three Fridays ago. One thing he shared and highlighted which sticks to me till today and I believe forever was the key difference between Haman and Esther lives.

Haman the Agagite who worked up the rank and became 2nd to King Persia “King Ahasuerus or King Xerxes”, he had so much but was still not contented and wanted more power. He wanted people including Mordecai to bow down to him. He was selfish, not contented and was greedy for power, in the end he lost his life. A selfish life leads to death.

Esther = selflessness = life

Whilst Esther after much comtemplation was willing to risk her life to try to save her people “the Jews” from annihilation (instigated by Haman by the way). Esther said in Esther 4 :16b “If I perish, I perish”. She was willing to sacrifice her life for people. Esther was selfless, just like Jesus, and at the end she has life (her life was spared despite breaching protocol). In addition, she saved Mordecai and all Jews in Persion from being eliminated. Mind you, Esther’s life was not only spared, she remains to be Queen of Persia and found favor from the King. Wow, what more can we ask for?

What does this tells us ?
Selfishness leads to death
Selflessness leads to life

And the above became more apparent as a scripture in the new testament came to my mind. Matthew 16 : 25 :For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Esther was willing to lose her life to be obedience to God and avail her life as a vessel for God to use to fulfill his purposes, in this case to deliver her people.

Book of Joshua – Israelites entered and conquered the promise land; how did they land up in Babylon for Daniel and in Persia for Esther?

A little background on how the Jews landed in a foreign land or in Persia in this case. Remember in the book of Joshua, the Israelites finally entered the promise land / Canaanland. Under the leading of Joshua, each tribe in all 12 was allotted their portion of land. So what happened, how did the Israelites land up in foreign lands with no more possessions and in most cases being minorities and ruled by foreign Kings.

This is just a very basic history, pls correct me if I am wrong or incomplete. Thereafter, Israelites requested for a King, hence we had King Saul, King David, King Solomon…etc…. of course in the midst of it the Israelites separated into two Kingdom – Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom (Kingdom of Judah, in which this is where the Jews originated). Of course, Israelites continue to sin against God, including King Solomon, whom allowed foreign Gods to be brought into the Kingdom. Hence, because of continued disobedience among the Israelites, God allowed them to be defeated and fall into the hands of the Assyrians and Babylonians. So the Assyrians attacked the Northern Kingdom and subsequently the Babylonians attacked the Kingdom of Judah. Of course we know when God is not on our side, both Kingdoms were defeated and the Israelites was exiled, deported and assimilated among the Assyrians and Babylon (for Kingdom of Judah).

Then you have people like Daniel, exiled to Babylon and Esther, in Persia (I think subsequently Babylonians were attacked by the Persians). That’s when reading Book of Daniel, he was deported there - working & ministered in the midst of the Babylonians.

There you have above some history…..super interesting right…

ESTHER AND MORDECAI’S TESTIMONIES
As for me, I realize the Book of Esther was Esther and Mordecai’s testimonies of God in their lives

The book of Esther testifies of how GOD
1) delivered the Jews from annihilation (destroyed completely, end of existence)
2) promoted Mordecai the Jew (was only a Jew staying among the Persians, a foreigner. He was probably only a minor official in the Persia Kingdom) second to King Ahasuerus. Mordecai was well received by his brethren and he seek the good of his people and spoke peace to all countrymen
3) appointed Esther the Jew as Queen, wife to King Ahasuerus. God used Esther to plead to the King against annihilation of the Jews. At the end, both Mordecai and Esther became the King’s two closest counsels (by the work of God). We have two Jews at the side of the Persia King, King Ahasuerus.

Point One – God of Esther, Mordecai & the Jews is our God too. God will do the same for us too

From the very testimonies above, God clearly reveals that he is into every detail of our lives, he will fashion everything to accomplish his purposes, which end-all works together for the Good of his people and those who proclaim he is God. This is the very same for you.

The God of Esther, Mordecai and the Jews is our God too. Our God is unchanging (“Yahweh”). God is the same yesterday (in the days of Esther), today (in our days) and tomorrow (in the days of our children).

If he will provide, protect, elevate Esther, Mordecai and the Jews many years ago (486-465 B.C.). Today, he will do the same for you, IN YOUR VERY SITUATION (no matter how tough, how challenging, how difficult, how big the odds are against you).


Point Two – God puts us in a position for a bigger reason than just for ourselves

Esther - From Jewish orphan to royal position. Can you imagine the grandeur of it from ordinary citizen life to be chosen among so many women and some of them Jews as well (chosen not just by the King but ultimately and actually by God). It’s a 360% change.

We are just like Esther - we are all born as ordinary people but by the grace of God, now redeemed and given a position as a Bride of Christ and child of God - Prince and Princesses of God, given a royal position by the grace of God.

The change from ordinary to royal was not without a purpose and for self-benefit only (Esther’s own benefit). Although there will be blessings that come with the elevation in position, especially for Esther’s case. The elevation of position has increased Esther’s level of influence for the accomplishment of the purposes of God, in actual fact for the protection of her own people.

For some of us God may promote us in the marketplace for a reason and “A time such as this”

Esther’s response to God, knowing her position and arising to her role, allowed God to effectively use her and :
a) Esther, Mordecai and the entire Jew nation within Persia were saved and spared from bloodshed, death, anhilianation…etc
b) Evil plotter (Haman) was killed
c) All others with evil/harmful intention were killed
d) Mordecai, the very man which raise Esther up in Godly manner, in the ways of the Lord and who himself lead a Godly life was promoted as a second man to the King (from a Jew staying in majority of Gentiles he became an influencial person in the Kingdom that rules an entire nation – both his own people and others)

Are you a Mordecai for someone like Esther? Mordecai’s role was as important as Esther’s role


Point Three - Knowing the position we are in and the role God has purposed us to take up and finally taking the role up

And just like Esther, you have a role to play in the position that God has blessed you, place you in and appointed you
– be it in your family, in your workplace, in your cell and in your church

There is something that God wants to do through you? What is it?
What position has God put you in and what role can you take up?
Know your position and role, & grow in it

For some, God is growing your area of influence? What are u doing about it?

Are you going to response like Esther?
Go, gather all the Jews, and fast for me, neither eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maid and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the King which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.


Point Four – Seek God first, do the business thereafter

How many a times we take things into our own hands, thinking we have control and is able to handle it. When this arises in our lives, when we become all in control, God at times will sent situation and circumstances into our lives to help us realise… HELLO… I’m God and you are NOT.

Haha, the above is not so applicable for Esther’s situation but just a thought that came. In this case, we must remember to pray and fast before we attempt anything…especially BIG things for God

The power of prayer and fasting.

Esther’s very first words to Mordecai in making supplication to the King for the Jews were “Go, gather all the Jews, and fast for me, neither eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maid and I will fast likewise”

Results of Esther, Mordecai and the Jews prayer and fasting (clearly the intervention of God is so apparent) :

a) Esther found favor in the King’s sight when she stood at the inner court, wanting to meet him. The King responded positively (allowed Esther to meet him) to Esther’s visit (despite not being called) and Esther found favor in the King’s eyes.

b) And the King said to her “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you – up to half the Kingdom”

When we seek God first, seeking his will and upholding a situation and event that we are facing, or upholding a task we are trying to accomplish – GOD will be there and at times changing protocol and the very situation which we see is impossible, he will make it possible.

POWER CONFERENCE NOTES - By Effie

POWER CONFERENCE: Rev Dr Bernard Blessings

Preparing For – the Greatest Manifestation of God’s Power on Earth (Power of the Holy Spirit)

A Covenant Relationship with God through Jesus Christ
As we commit our lives to Jesus, we can lay hands to heal the sick because the hand does not belong to us anymore, it’s Jesus’.
As we pray, we sound like Jesus in heaven J

We reap what we sow. If we reap what we’ve not sown, we’re stealing or borrowing.

When we face a problem, run to God, tell God (not another person – who also has problems) God is the solution.
How can you run away from problem and expect the problem to solve!
Don’t let the Devil know something which you’ve not talk to God!

God calls us for something He has already finished.

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.
Pray not to impress people, but to connect to our Saviour!

If you do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus/God, it will reflect in your relationship with others..

Double-minded men cannot expect they’ll receive anything from God.
People tend to put themselves into depression.
The JOY of the Lord, is our strength!
Every aspects of our lives, commit to God, take nothing for granted.
Not faith in faith/fate, but faith in Him J
Set the ONE who sets your free… Free! Let Him think thru your mind, walk thru your legs, see thru your eyes, communicate thru your mouth…

Those who’ve blessed you shall be blessed indeed. Those who’ve cursed you, shall be convicted through Jesus Christ.
Give thanks and rejoice in EVERY circumstances..

4 Enemies of Prayer:
a) Kitchen: excessive food
b) TV
c) Bed (true rest comes from the lifestyle of goodness, not long hours of sleep!)


Grant me a Humble Spirit
Prov 29:23 – A man’s pride brings him low, a humble man/woman retains honour.
Good pride = boast that God’s in me, what He’s done in me..
Bad pride = overestimation (or underestimation) of what God says I am

Humble spirit (meekness)
= submit yourself to God’s estimation
= agree with God what He’s saying
=Also to esteem other people are special to God

A humble person always seek to be a blessing to others… all the time!

If we pray “God, please use me!”, please expect you’ll be used by others…

We cannot have a local attitude and expect an international anointing.

To live an unpretentious and quiet life, no false impression about you.

To have a humble spirit, many times it requires/esteems heavier responsibilities, not running away from it..

Grant me a Sincere Heart
Do not judge others, if you don’t know fully about them
Do not put a fullstop to people you meet, but put a comma, because God is not done with them yet.

Grant me Clean Hands (Job 17:9 Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger)
We may not use our hands to kill, tongue kills.
Do not “kill” people that God raised. Build and edify them.

Grant us a Steward Heart
We don’t own our life, it’s God’s. So, we cannot take life. God wants us to use it to glorify Him.
Our time must be invested into God’s kingdom/ministries.
Our talents must be used for the furtherance of His kingdom.
Our lifestyle must be used to preach to others.

3 tests of faithfulness: with simple things, with temporary things, with other peoples’ things

Grant us an Excellent Spirit (Prov 22:29)
We have to give our best at all times.

Grant us a Generous Soul
Intellect, will and emotion that make a generous soul.
We cannot be blessed in the land that we’re cursed.
Don’t make harsh/stingy decisions.
Only if we give, God can fill our needs/wants.

Grant us a Grateful Heart (1Tim 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst)
In all things, give thanks!

Grant us a Merciful Heart
We aught to extend mercy, as Jesus do..

Grant us a Lifestyle Totally Dependent on God
Failure is a classroom for success.
Don’t give up if you fail, we have to persevere.
Only if you know what God has for you for your life, you’ll live differently..



Galatians 6: 7 – 10
( 7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers)

Causes for spiritual tiredness
1. Deception
Opposite (negative) picture in our mind what God intends/purpose/plan in our lives
Head/mind is the gateway to your heart (= the manufacturing shop), and then reflected in our tongue (the showroom)
So start thinking, memorizing, rehearsing God’s words – send them to our hearts and tongue!
Anything that’s not from God is temporary
Hang on God’s words

2. Delays
We’re thinking of our need being met, while God is thinking of His plan being fulfilled.

3. Diverson
Finish what you’ve started, don’t get diverted.

4. Dryness
Boring, routined…
God is squeezing you to get the juice out of you, to get a better taste of you J
But the harvest is on the way… don’t give up!


Zech 10:7 The Ephraimites will become like mighty men, and their hearts will be glad as with wine. Their children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the LORD

Being drunk in the spirit (not wine):
a) Bold, talking to everybody, sharing the gospel
b) Very generous
c) Don’t discriminate
d) Very united, loyal to their leaders
e) Consistent with what they do, very committed
f) Not involved by what’s on the outside, but by the inside
g) “walk by faith, not by sight”

Growing Pains Star Shines

For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, and have watched Growing Pains before, we'd surely remember Kirk Cameron who played Mike Seaver in the sitcom.

Click on the link below and you can get to watch 3 video clips... the first one is on his personal testimony; the second showing him on a street ministry of sort reaching out to some "thugs look-a-like", and the third is about God-tube :-)

An inspiring quote by Cameron: "I've never had the desire to leave mainstream Hollywood... and still don't think I have left mainstream Hollywood... but what I have done is I have rearranged my priorities."

http://potw.news.yahoo.com/s/potw/41/left-behind

May it inspire you...