A friend once asked me what is my passion in life. I paused for a moment and thought carefully before answering because it was the first time ever a question like this was posted to me. Then, I replied that 'singing is my passion in life.'
I love to sing. I will never get bored or tired of singing. Infact, I started singing since I was a kid when I was around 6 to 7 years old. I could remember those days when my dad used to play the piano and I would sing. My parents were infact surprised that as a child of that age, I was able to pitch the correct key and sang with the right timing. Since then, my dad knew that I've inherited the musical talent from him and most importantly, he never discouraged me from singing but instead he realised that it was a gift from God. His advice was not to take up singing as a career but as a hobby and a service to God.
As I grew older, my passion for singing never ceased. I realised that God has given me this talent and I am to make full use of it to serve Him. Back in those days while I was in Melaka and in my previous church in Subang, I served as a backup singer in church. My favourite time in church is during the worship session. Eventhough God has given me this talent of singing, I am always reminded by the purpose of being on stage. I've seen many people who are very talented being chosen to serve in the worship team in church just because they are skillful and experienced musicians or favor being seen on stage to gain popularity in church. Therefore, the urgency to check ourselves in our motives, our thoughts, our hearts and to question ourselves whether we are doing it to be recognised or being on stage or really to give thanks and glory to the Lord. There is a difference when we sing to be recognised or gain popularity and sing with our hearts in tune to God. When we sing for God, we take pride in the lyrics of the songs because they are our heartfelt prayers to God. Then we are able to worship God with a meaningful and worshipful heart. As a part of the worship team, I am reminded that I carry a big responsibility and represent the church to lead the congregation in worship. Remember....we are accountable to God in everything that we do!!
Singing and music is my passion. I will sing while driving or being held up in traffic jam on the road, I will sing in the shower, I will sing when I have nothing to do.....as you can see, my life is all about singing. Sometimes, after a stressful and tiring day at work, I would turn on the music and sing, sing, sing. Believe me.....music does heal the soul and calms us down. I once told a friend that we can even worship God by just listening and singing worship songs while driving on the road. No matter where we are, God does hear us.
I am definitely not a professional singer but I still and will always have the burning desire and passion to sing for Him. I would like to thank God for giving me this talent and I will continue to be passionate in singing to serve Him.
Showing posts with label Sharing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sharing. Show all posts
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Friday, May 4, 2007
Uphold Each Other In Prayer
Today, my dear sister and colleague, Winnie reminded me of the following:
wyinyin: pls do remind me of anything if u feel it is not right
Alice Cheong: about?
wyinyin: i want transparency between us cos we are suppose to rely on each other for prayers and all
wyinyin: cos i dunno when i'm doing right or wrong...but i need a reminder if things are not going according to God's will...anytime a sis or a bro in christ can uphold each other la
wyinyin: hope u know wht i mean la
wyinyin: cos i will b strict to u also ma. some ppl they dun like it...but if i know i am tht type who cant discipline myself most of the time , then i need ppl to remind me. even if i can...i may hv overlooked certain thing and befriend the World too much until I slowly move away from God
wyinyin: so prayer is so important for us...
wyinyin: pls do remind me of anything if u feel it is not right
Alice Cheong: about?
wyinyin: i want transparency between us cos we are suppose to rely on each other for prayers and all
wyinyin: cos i dunno when i'm doing right or wrong...but i need a reminder if things are not going according to God's will...anytime a sis or a bro in christ can uphold each other la
wyinyin: hope u know wht i mean la
wyinyin: cos i will b strict to u also ma. some ppl they dun like it...but if i know i am tht type who cant discipline myself most of the time , then i need ppl to remind me. even if i can...i may hv overlooked certain thing and befriend the World too much until I slowly move away from God
wyinyin: so prayer is so important for us...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
A Time For Everything
"He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiates 3:11)
Today, I receive the following encouragement sms from Ricky, a Christian brother:
"There is a time to serve Him. There is a time to rest and wait. God will lift you up for Him when the right time comes"
Human nature tends to want everything right now. Most of us get impatient and we're always in a hurry. When we pray for our dreams to come to pass, we want them to be fulfilled immediately. But we have to understand, God has an appointed time to answer our prayers and to bring our dreams to pass. And the truth is, no matter how badly we want it sooner, no matter how much we pray and plead with God, it’s not going to change His appointed time. It’s still going to happen on God’s timetable.
When we understand God’s timing, however, we won’t live all stressed out. We can relax knowing that God is in control, and at the perfect time He is going to make it happen. It may be next week, six months time, next year, or ten years from now. But whenever it is, we can rest assured that it will be in God’s perfect timing.
When we are trusting God, we can be at peace knowing that at the right time, God will keep His promise.
"I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him" (Ecclesiates 3:14)
Today, I receive the following encouragement sms from Ricky, a Christian brother:
"There is a time to serve Him. There is a time to rest and wait. God will lift you up for Him when the right time comes"
Human nature tends to want everything right now. Most of us get impatient and we're always in a hurry. When we pray for our dreams to come to pass, we want them to be fulfilled immediately. But we have to understand, God has an appointed time to answer our prayers and to bring our dreams to pass. And the truth is, no matter how badly we want it sooner, no matter how much we pray and plead with God, it’s not going to change His appointed time. It’s still going to happen on God’s timetable.
When we understand God’s timing, however, we won’t live all stressed out. We can relax knowing that God is in control, and at the perfect time He is going to make it happen. It may be next week, six months time, next year, or ten years from now. But whenever it is, we can rest assured that it will be in God’s perfect timing.
When we are trusting God, we can be at peace knowing that at the right time, God will keep His promise.
"I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him" (Ecclesiates 3:14)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Getting To The Heart Of The Matter
God tells us to guard our hearts above all else-above our lives, our faith, our relationships, our dreams or whatever else we hold dear. As the scripture states: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23)
Why is this important to God? The answer is in the word wellspring, which can also be interpreted as "source". The heart is the source of life. When God created us, He made our hearts central to our being-physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Physically, the heart is at the center of the circulatory system. It pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body. If the heart has trouble, the entire body is in danger of losing its life-giving flow of blood.
Spiritually, the heart is the place that the Holy Spirit dwells when we invite Him into our life. "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with the power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (Ephesians 3:16-17)
Emotionally, the heart leaps for joy when we delight in something or someone. It also aches when we experience disappointment or loss.
The heart is the core of all we are and experience in life, so when God says to guard it above all else, He is saying, "Protect the source of your life-the physical, spiritual and emotional source of your well-being." If your heart is not pure, neither will your thoughts, words and actions be pure. We need to be wise about the direction we allow our heart to go.
God didn't design our hearts to be completely satisfied in human relationships but only in relationship with Him. Once we get filled up with His love, we will be able to love others with integrity. When our relationships are healthy and appropriate, we can respect other people and protect their hearts as well. When God sees we are guarding our hearts, He will reward us with an even greater revelation of Himself and His extravagant love for us.
Why is this important to God? The answer is in the word wellspring, which can also be interpreted as "source". The heart is the source of life. When God created us, He made our hearts central to our being-physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Physically, the heart is at the center of the circulatory system. It pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body. If the heart has trouble, the entire body is in danger of losing its life-giving flow of blood.
Spiritually, the heart is the place that the Holy Spirit dwells when we invite Him into our life. "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with the power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (Ephesians 3:16-17)
Emotionally, the heart leaps for joy when we delight in something or someone. It also aches when we experience disappointment or loss.
The heart is the core of all we are and experience in life, so when God says to guard it above all else, He is saying, "Protect the source of your life-the physical, spiritual and emotional source of your well-being." If your heart is not pure, neither will your thoughts, words and actions be pure. We need to be wise about the direction we allow our heart to go.
God didn't design our hearts to be completely satisfied in human relationships but only in relationship with Him. Once we get filled up with His love, we will be able to love others with integrity. When our relationships are healthy and appropriate, we can respect other people and protect their hearts as well. When God sees we are guarding our hearts, He will reward us with an even greater revelation of Himself and His extravagant love for us.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Inner Beauty
I would like to thank one of my Christian friends for bringing up the issue pertaining to girls and beauty. He asked, "Is beauty really important to girls?"; "Do girls go for facial to take care of their skin or to impress other people especially guys?" His questions got me thinking for a while and because of that, I felt that it was important to share the significance of inner beauty especially to all my girl friends so that they will be blessed.
If a young woman is full of sexual and emotionally integrity, her thoughts, words, emotions and actions reflect an inner beauty and a sincere love for God, others and herself.
She does not need to dress sexily to seek male attention, but she'll dress fashionably and look sharp and maybe even appear sexy to a guy (like beauty, 'sexy' is in the eye of the beholder and some guys will think she looks sexy even when she dress modestly), but her motivation won't be self seeking or seductive. She will be able to present herself as an attractive young woman because she knows she represent God to others.
Jesus was saying that the law isn't what is important-love is. If she loves God, loves her neighbour and loves herself, then she can live far above any set of rules and regulations. When she lives by the spirit of love, her beauty will shine from the inside out.
God holds each of us accountable to do what we know to do. If she wants to be a young woman of sexual integrity, she may need to let go of some of her freedom in dressing, thoughts, speech and behaviour in order to serve the best interest of others out of love. Not only will God provide this knowledge of how to act with integrity, He will also honor her if she applies this knowledge and act with responsibility.
A young woman needs to look to God to satisfy her physical, mental, emotional or spiritual longings for the opposite sex according to God's plan and until they can be fulfilled in a marriage relationship. It simply means that she tries her best to guard her heart, mind and body against any compromise that threatens her sexual integrity. If she wants to be a young woman of sexual and emotional integrity, she must match her words, thoughts, actions and convictions with God's Word. When all four of these things agree with one another and align with the Word of God, she is acting with sexual and emotional integrity. But if one area is out of alignment with God's Word, she has compromised her sexual integrity, regardless of how far she has gone physically.
Physical beauty isn't going to last forever and that our primary focus shouldn't be on outward beauty. However, beauty comes from loving and serving God with a happy heart is a beauty that endures forever even when her figure has fallen south and wrinkles adorn her face. True beauty doesnt come from fresh makeup, the latest hairstyle or how she looks in a beautiful dress. Rather it radiates from the inside out, from a heart that delights in the Lord.
Promise from God:
1) Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised-Proverbs 31:30
2) Your beauty should not come from outward adournment, such as braided hair and wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.-1 Peter 3:3-5
If a young woman is full of sexual and emotionally integrity, her thoughts, words, emotions and actions reflect an inner beauty and a sincere love for God, others and herself.
She does not need to dress sexily to seek male attention, but she'll dress fashionably and look sharp and maybe even appear sexy to a guy (like beauty, 'sexy' is in the eye of the beholder and some guys will think she looks sexy even when she dress modestly), but her motivation won't be self seeking or seductive. She will be able to present herself as an attractive young woman because she knows she represent God to others.
Jesus was saying that the law isn't what is important-love is. If she loves God, loves her neighbour and loves herself, then she can live far above any set of rules and regulations. When she lives by the spirit of love, her beauty will shine from the inside out.
God holds each of us accountable to do what we know to do. If she wants to be a young woman of sexual integrity, she may need to let go of some of her freedom in dressing, thoughts, speech and behaviour in order to serve the best interest of others out of love. Not only will God provide this knowledge of how to act with integrity, He will also honor her if she applies this knowledge and act with responsibility.
A young woman needs to look to God to satisfy her physical, mental, emotional or spiritual longings for the opposite sex according to God's plan and until they can be fulfilled in a marriage relationship. It simply means that she tries her best to guard her heart, mind and body against any compromise that threatens her sexual integrity. If she wants to be a young woman of sexual and emotional integrity, she must match her words, thoughts, actions and convictions with God's Word. When all four of these things agree with one another and align with the Word of God, she is acting with sexual and emotional integrity. But if one area is out of alignment with God's Word, she has compromised her sexual integrity, regardless of how far she has gone physically.
Physical beauty isn't going to last forever and that our primary focus shouldn't be on outward beauty. However, beauty comes from loving and serving God with a happy heart is a beauty that endures forever even when her figure has fallen south and wrinkles adorn her face. True beauty doesnt come from fresh makeup, the latest hairstyle or how she looks in a beautiful dress. Rather it radiates from the inside out, from a heart that delights in the Lord.
Promise from God:
1) Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised-Proverbs 31:30
2) Your beauty should not come from outward adournment, such as braided hair and wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.-1 Peter 3:3-5
3) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. -Matthew 22:37-40
Friday, March 2, 2007
Does God Answers Our Prayer?
A few issues in my life happened recently and it has brought me closer to God through prayer, doing my quiet time and most importantly, by placing God first in my everyday routine.
Whenever we face problems or struggles in life, first we need to confess our sins, then give it all to God and He will lift up your burdens if you continue to trust in Him and obey His commands. God does not answer prayers immediately after we pray. When we pratice patience, exercise faith and wait upon Him, He hears our prayers if our hearts are right with Him and the willingness to obey with our actions. As the scripture says, " We can be confident that he wil listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will." (1 John 5:14). God answered my prayer after 2 months of consistent and persistent prayer.
Hannah prayed for a child and the Lord granted her what she asked. (1 Samuel 1:17) God answers every prayer in His way and in His time. Do not give up! Continue to pray and have faith in Him!!!
Sometimes, we find that God answers prayer by giving us not what we ask for but something better. "Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, my power works best in your weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
Promise from God: 1 Peter 3:12-The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and his ears are open to their prayers.
Whenever we face problems or struggles in life, first we need to confess our sins, then give it all to God and He will lift up your burdens if you continue to trust in Him and obey His commands. God does not answer prayers immediately after we pray. When we pratice patience, exercise faith and wait upon Him, He hears our prayers if our hearts are right with Him and the willingness to obey with our actions. As the scripture says, " We can be confident that he wil listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will." (1 John 5:14). God answered my prayer after 2 months of consistent and persistent prayer.
Hannah prayed for a child and the Lord granted her what she asked. (1 Samuel 1:17) God answers every prayer in His way and in His time. Do not give up! Continue to pray and have faith in Him!!!
Sometimes, we find that God answers prayer by giving us not what we ask for but something better. "Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, my power works best in your weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
Promise from God: 1 Peter 3:12-The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and his ears are open to their prayers.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Faith
Hebrews 11:6-And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
An unexpected incident happened in church recently. I believe God has a purpose for what that has happened. We always learn but seldom practise.Through this incident, God gave me a situation to exercise my faith. How we respond to situation indicates our maturity.
We must understand one's struggle and choose to forgive. After all, we all make mistakes from time to time. God is teaching me a lesson in forgiveness, love and conquering emotions. With this, I learned to guard my heart and emotion.
Faith is not just believing in the existence of God but also believing that God's ways are better than our own ways. I believe everything will work out well in our lives if we continue to have faith in God and obey Him.
Hebrews 11:39-40 - These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
An unexpected incident happened in church recently. I believe God has a purpose for what that has happened. We always learn but seldom practise.Through this incident, God gave me a situation to exercise my faith. How we respond to situation indicates our maturity.
We must understand one's struggle and choose to forgive. After all, we all make mistakes from time to time. God is teaching me a lesson in forgiveness, love and conquering emotions. With this, I learned to guard my heart and emotion.
Faith is not just believing in the existence of God but also believing that God's ways are better than our own ways. I believe everything will work out well in our lives if we continue to have faith in God and obey Him.
Hebrews 11:39-40 - These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Friday, February 23, 2007
The Heart of Worship
" Surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes" (Romans 6:13)
The heart of worship is surrender. True worship-bringing God pleasure happens when you give yourself completely to God. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1).
Trusting God is an essential ingredient to surrender. You won't surrender to God unless you trust Him, but you can't trust Him until you know Him better. Fear keeps us from surrendering, but love casts out all fear. The more you realize how much God loves you, the easier surrender becomes. When we completely surrender ourselves to Jesus, we discover that he is not a tyrant, but a savior; not a boss, but a brother; not a dictator, but a friend.
You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God completely to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda and control the situation. You let go and let God work. The Bible says, "Surrender yourself to the Lord and wait patiently for Him" (Psalm 37:7)
The blessing of surrender:
1) We experience peace (Job 22:21)
2) We experience freedom (Romans 6:17)
3) We experience God's power in our lives
Surrender doesn't weaken you; it strengthens you. Surrender is not the best way to live; it is the only way to live. Nothing else works. All other approaches lead to frustration, disappointment and self-destruction. You cannot fulfill God's purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans. If God is going to do His deepest work in you, it will begin with this. So give it all to God: your past regrets, present problems, future ambitions, fears, dreams, hurts etc.
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). We must make it a daily habit to surrender and resurrender our lives.
Now is the time to surrender-to God's grace, love and wisdom.
The heart of worship is surrender. True worship-bringing God pleasure happens when you give yourself completely to God. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1).
Trusting God is an essential ingredient to surrender. You won't surrender to God unless you trust Him, but you can't trust Him until you know Him better. Fear keeps us from surrendering, but love casts out all fear. The more you realize how much God loves you, the easier surrender becomes. When we completely surrender ourselves to Jesus, we discover that he is not a tyrant, but a savior; not a boss, but a brother; not a dictator, but a friend.
You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God completely to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda and control the situation. You let go and let God work. The Bible says, "Surrender yourself to the Lord and wait patiently for Him" (Psalm 37:7)
The blessing of surrender:
1) We experience peace (Job 22:21)
2) We experience freedom (Romans 6:17)
3) We experience God's power in our lives
Surrender doesn't weaken you; it strengthens you. Surrender is not the best way to live; it is the only way to live. Nothing else works. All other approaches lead to frustration, disappointment and self-destruction. You cannot fulfill God's purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans. If God is going to do His deepest work in you, it will begin with this. So give it all to God: your past regrets, present problems, future ambitions, fears, dreams, hurts etc.
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). We must make it a daily habit to surrender and resurrender our lives.
Now is the time to surrender-to God's grace, love and wisdom.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Desires of Our Heart
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4)
When we place God first in our lives, He will give us the desires of our hearts
When we walk closely and our hearts are right with Him, we feel peace and know that the decisions in life we make are the right ones.
God knows our deepest needs, worries, present problems, hurts, desires and questions of our hearts. When we fully surrender all these to Him, we experience peace, freedom and God's power in our lives. He will in return bless us and give us what we ask for.
When we place God first in our lives, He will give us the desires of our hearts
When we walk closely and our hearts are right with Him, we feel peace and know that the decisions in life we make are the right ones.
God knows our deepest needs, worries, present problems, hurts, desires and questions of our hearts. When we fully surrender all these to Him, we experience peace, freedom and God's power in our lives. He will in return bless us and give us what we ask for.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Love
Life is all about love. Often we act as if relationships are something to be squeezed into our schedule. We talk about making time for people in our lives. That gives the impression that relationships are just a part of our lives along with many other tasks. But God says relationships are what life is all about.
Jesus summarized what matters most to God in 2 statements: love God and love people. He said, " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. Amd the second is like it: "Love your neighbour as yourself." (Matthew 22: 37-39)
Love should be our top priority, primary objective and greatest ambition. Love is not a good part of our life; it's the most important part. The Bible says, "Let love be your greatest aim." (1` Corinthians 14:1)
Love will last forever. Another reason God tells us to make love our top priority is that is is eternal: "These three things continue forever: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Love leaves a legacy. How we treat other people, not our wealth or accomplishments, is the most enduring impact we can leave on earth. It's not what you do but how much love you put into it that matters most.
The best expression of love is time. When we give someone our time, we are giving them a portion of our life that we will never get back. Our time is our life. It is not enough just to say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless. "My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action." (1 John 3:18) Relationships takes time and effort and the best way to spell love is "T-I-M-E."
The essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves. Whenever you give your time, you are making a sacrifice, and sacrifice is the essence of love. Jesus modeled this: " Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave Himself to God as a sacrifice tot ake away your sins." (Ephesians 5:2)
In summary, love means giving up-yielding my preferences, comfort, goals, security, money, energy or time for the benefit of someone else. The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.
Jesus summarized what matters most to God in 2 statements: love God and love people. He said, " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. Amd the second is like it: "Love your neighbour as yourself." (Matthew 22: 37-39)
Love should be our top priority, primary objective and greatest ambition. Love is not a good part of our life; it's the most important part. The Bible says, "Let love be your greatest aim." (1` Corinthians 14:1)
Love will last forever. Another reason God tells us to make love our top priority is that is is eternal: "These three things continue forever: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Love leaves a legacy. How we treat other people, not our wealth or accomplishments, is the most enduring impact we can leave on earth. It's not what you do but how much love you put into it that matters most.
The best expression of love is time. When we give someone our time, we are giving them a portion of our life that we will never get back. Our time is our life. It is not enough just to say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them. Words alone are worthless. "My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action." (1 John 3:18) Relationships takes time and effort and the best way to spell love is "T-I-M-E."
The essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves. Whenever you give your time, you are making a sacrifice, and sacrifice is the essence of love. Jesus modeled this: " Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave Himself to God as a sacrifice tot ake away your sins." (Ephesians 5:2)
In summary, love means giving up-yielding my preferences, comfort, goals, security, money, energy or time for the benefit of someone else. The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
How Did God Use A Problem To Bring Good Into Your Life?
God will use all your troubles in His plan for your life if you let Him.
How did God use your pain or sadness?
1) Did He fill you with empathy for others?
2) Did He draw you closer to Him?
3) Did He teach you to obey Him?
4) Did you learn to trust God and let Him help you?
5) Did someone else ask you about your strong faith during trials?
6) Did it cause you to bond with someone more closely?
I believe the answers are yes to all the questions mentioned above. God will use our heartache, whatever its cause to build our character, draw us closer to Him and make us pliable tools for His purposes. He will call on each of us from time to time to go through something, so we can better minister to others.
Scripture to ponder:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28)
Dear Lord, I know that in all things you work for the good of those who love you, those who have been called according to your purpose. Today I thank you for how you planned, in advance, to turn all my crisis and problems into good and that you have made that promise to all Christians. It gives me enormous hope. Help me always remember that you are my compassionate and caring Father. I give all my hurt and troubles to you to put to good use. Amen.
How did God use your pain or sadness?
1) Did He fill you with empathy for others?
2) Did He draw you closer to Him?
3) Did He teach you to obey Him?
4) Did you learn to trust God and let Him help you?
5) Did someone else ask you about your strong faith during trials?
6) Did it cause you to bond with someone more closely?
I believe the answers are yes to all the questions mentioned above. God will use our heartache, whatever its cause to build our character, draw us closer to Him and make us pliable tools for His purposes. He will call on each of us from time to time to go through something, so we can better minister to others.
Scripture to ponder:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28)
Dear Lord, I know that in all things you work for the good of those who love you, those who have been called according to your purpose. Today I thank you for how you planned, in advance, to turn all my crisis and problems into good and that you have made that promise to all Christians. It gives me enormous hope. Help me always remember that you are my compassionate and caring Father. I give all my hurt and troubles to you to put to good use. Amen.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Embracing the New Year 2007
20 days after the new year. A new journey begins. I feel that time flies really fast and 2006 marched on so quickly like as if everything had happened yesterday. Usually one will start the new year afresh and awake to take on the new challenges and changes of the new year. Most of us will ask ourselves, what will 2007 hold for me and what are the new year resolutions that I need to make? Questions such as "can I do this?" when the truth is "do I want to do this?" leave us to find out our own answers. Its at times like this that knowing God's purpose in our lives become essential and only then, can we embrace change with an open heart.
Towards the end of 2006 got me thinking what will year 2007 hold for me?......Will I face new challenges and trials in life? What are my new year resolutions? Will it be a meaningful year for me? Will it be a year full of blessings? What do I want to do differently this year? Will it be a year that I will find someone special in my life? And so on.
While I was finding the answers to all these questions, I was reminded by a powerful scripture passage in the bible that says: " For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. " (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
This powerful verse has impacted me and it somehow changed my views and perception about planning my own life. I realised I should have practice on relying on the Lord as much as I should have but instead, I was being too self centered and trying to figure out what is best for my life. I have always wanted this and that but I've never known what God wants for me. So, I have chosen to live this year trusting God and knowing what He has planned for me. It is not easy because new challenges have already started. It can be hurtful and sad at times and it sometimes lead me to question God why is this happening to me. If God had planned it in such a way, why did He let it happened? These challenges made me realised that God is teaching me to be patient and He wants me to learn from these experiences so that I am able to grow not only in spiritual maturity, but also to continue to seek and trust in Him. God's plans are always good. Unknown plans can be frightening, but when the plans belong to God, I can be rest assured that I can expect something marvelous.
So, I have decided to live this year knowing what is God's will for my life, learning to trust and wait upon Him as I walk the journey with Him day by day. Sometimes the best way to know God's will is to let go and let God have His wonderful way. I may learn more about His will for me as I allow Him to work out His will in my life. I understand that I would need to make some drastic changes in my life. I pray that He will continue to show me the right Godly change to embrace and helping me to grow as a woman after God's own heart.
Towards the end of 2006 got me thinking what will year 2007 hold for me?......Will I face new challenges and trials in life? What are my new year resolutions? Will it be a meaningful year for me? Will it be a year full of blessings? What do I want to do differently this year? Will it be a year that I will find someone special in my life? And so on.
While I was finding the answers to all these questions, I was reminded by a powerful scripture passage in the bible that says: " For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. " (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
This powerful verse has impacted me and it somehow changed my views and perception about planning my own life. I realised I should have practice on relying on the Lord as much as I should have but instead, I was being too self centered and trying to figure out what is best for my life. I have always wanted this and that but I've never known what God wants for me. So, I have chosen to live this year trusting God and knowing what He has planned for me. It is not easy because new challenges have already started. It can be hurtful and sad at times and it sometimes lead me to question God why is this happening to me. If God had planned it in such a way, why did He let it happened? These challenges made me realised that God is teaching me to be patient and He wants me to learn from these experiences so that I am able to grow not only in spiritual maturity, but also to continue to seek and trust in Him. God's plans are always good. Unknown plans can be frightening, but when the plans belong to God, I can be rest assured that I can expect something marvelous.
So, I have decided to live this year knowing what is God's will for my life, learning to trust and wait upon Him as I walk the journey with Him day by day. Sometimes the best way to know God's will is to let go and let God have His wonderful way. I may learn more about His will for me as I allow Him to work out His will in my life. I understand that I would need to make some drastic changes in my life. I pray that He will continue to show me the right Godly change to embrace and helping me to grow as a woman after God's own heart.
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